What would be the best choice for a coyote rifle?

[natedog]

I have an opportunity to go coyote hunting soon, and I need advice on selecting what rifle to bring.

1. Mini-14- Mine wears a 3x9x40mm scope. It shoots well enough for what I've been doing with it so far (plinking, shooting gongs, silhouttes). From the bench, my best group has been a little over 2".

2. K-31- This is my most accurate rifle. It shoots about 1 1/2" groups pretty consistently. For those that don't know, it's in 7.5 Swiss, so it's sorta like a hot .308.

3. Rimfires- I have a Ruger 10/22 and a Marlin 795, both scoped, the former with a 3x7 and the latter with a 4x. Should I not even consider a rimfire?

A little bit of other info, I'd be hunting in Central California, in an area with large expanses covered with rolling hills. My partner will be shooting a heavy barreled, scoped "varmint" style gun in .22-250.

 

[000Buck]

Rimfire is probably not a good idea unless you are getting headshots, ala Joe Pesci in Goodfellas.

 

[Cableman]

Probably the Mini 14 if you are in California, or the Mini 30 if you want a little more punch.

 

[Rupestris]

I'd have to agree with the Mini-14 recommendation.
The K31 wouldn't leave much of a pelt if that's what you are looking for. If it's just to reduce the numbers and you aren't looking for a wall hanger then the K31 will work fine.
If you'd like to use this opertunity to spend on a new rifle (and want to stay on the cheap side) look at a H&R/NEF Handi-Rifles in .243. You should be able to find one for well under $200

 

[Bob R]

I am presently in Montana on a job and brought rifles with me to help reduce the 'yote population. One of them is the K31 with a case of GP11 ammo. I think that will be my first choice. For the longer shots I am going to have a diopter setup on it. Should be as godd as anything out to a few hundred yds. But I plan on calling them in close and using my .41mag pistol as much as I can.

So, to answer the question, use the K31 with a sling and a good sitting position.

bob

 

[Art Eatman]

If you expect the majority of your shots to be within 200 or so yards, the Mini-14 will do just fine. And, your buddy's .22-250 will reach on out...

If you're any good at calling them in close, a shotgun will do.

Art

 

[Smoke]

Out of your choices I'd go for the Mini-14.

But if you're going to make a habit out of hunitng coyote's; I'd start watching the gunshops for a nice .223 or .22-250 bolt gun. Mini-14 is not noted for accuracy.

If you reload, try to find a .17 Remington - outstanding varmint round!

Smoke

 

[swifter]

As far as accuracy goes, get some 6" paper plates. as far as you can get a group inside one is your max range...
Please, no rimfires on Ol' wiley. he deserves more respect than that. And a cleaner death.

Tom