Need suggestions for a good garage pistol

[sgruenhagen44]

I'd go with a 22lr for several reasons. If you do get into your worse case scenario you can likely end the attack with a non-immediately lethal shot(s) to the back 1/2 of the predator. That's likely as far from your dog as you'll be able to aim. It's not going to be a static target, and if by chance you did hit your dog, it's got the best chance of survival from any of the rounds previously recomended.

I agree. I was going to say aan old ruger 10/22. Although if I had a coyote latched onto my vizsla I think my steel toed work boots would be the best option. I would have a hard time opening fire on anything that is attached to my dog. Plus once the coyote retreats you could have up to 30 rounds in the mag and reach out and touch em!

[dleong]

Another vote for the Hi Point:

• Cheap - you won't feel bad if it accidentally finds its way to the bottom of a lake.
• Accurate (due to its blowback design) and mostly reliable.
• Looks like a cordless power drill, so it won't appear out of place or draw suspicion hanging on the pegboard of your garage workshop.

[xd ED]

I'd go with a 22lr for several reasons. If you do get into your worse case scenario you can likely end the attack with a non-immediately lethal shot(s) to the back 1/2 of the predator. That's likely as far from your dog as you'll be able to aim. It's not going to be a static target, and if by chance you did hit your dog, it's got the best chance of survival from any of the rounds previously recomended.

I agree. I was going to say aan old ruger 10/22. Although if I had a coyote latched onto my vizsla I think my steel toed work boots would be the best option. I would have a hard time opening fire on anything that is attached to my dog. Plus once the coyote retreats you could have up to 30 rounds in the mag and reach out and touch em!

I agree with using a boot if close enough. The yote would be pleading for one in the melon after that.

[Grandpa Rex]

I would hide whatever you choose in a silicone gun sock or an airtight container with a dessicant. That should reduce corrosion on whatever piece you choose.

[rugersol]

Recently, there has been an upsurge of coyotes and coons roaming the area

Pistol caliber carbine?

That was my initial thought. Perhaps $100 'er two too much, but IIRC someone recently bought a new Rossi? lever-action fer not a lot more than $400? If money's an issue, I'd opt fer the handi-rifle, next.

I wouldn't wanna shoot a pistol or a 12ga at anything tied up with with my dog ... not much past 30ft, anyhow.

... could also get a bigger dog?

[rugersol]

I would have a hard time opening fire on anything that is attached to my dog.

... didn't realize there was a 3rd page

Well said!

[arizona98tj]

I live in a very rural part of minnesota with no neighbors or kids. Just my wife and I and our rat terrier dog.

As a kid growing up in Minnesota, we had a rat terrier. Watched that terrier take a sizable chunk out of a madder than hell hereford cow that turned on me (we discovered later the cow didn't like kids). Dad had to call the vet to get her stitched up. Rat terriers are one heck of a little dog.

That being said, something used in stainless steel would help survive the neglect aspect you indicated was most probable. I would tend to agree that a .22LR or .22WMR rifle would work quite well. Easier to ensure the shot, regardless of distance, when compared to a handgun.

[Snowgun]

No shotguns guys. I'm thinking worst case scenario (god forbid) if a predator got ahold of my dog, I don't want to shoot my dog too. I want something that could accurately place a plate sized shot at 25 feet or so.

I think you are underestimating the accuracy potential of a shotgun with appropriate ammunition, and possibly overestimating your abilities with a pistol.

You should be able to hit a plate size target with a shotgun from 50 yards (150 feet) with slugs and up to 25 yards (75 feet) with quality buckshot... Think Federal Flight Control.

So, my point is that if you can't hit a plate size target at 25 feet (8 yards or so) with a long gun, I think you might have difficulties hitting a small, moving target, at 25 feet with a handgun.

+1 on a long gun vs a pistol for this usage, with a slugged up shotgun being ideal for all your parameters

[rugersol]

with a slugged up shotgun being ideal for all your parameters

Lotta extra recoil and ammo expense vs. a lever-action .357 or .44 ... probly better accuracy in the latter, too.

[rukwikenuf]

Am I the only one thinking a bigger dog is in order? Get yerself a lab mix from the pound, and he can take care of the yotes that may go for the little guy.
Plus, you'd save a life

[rugersol]

nope.

... could also get a bigger dog?

[Paul]

with a slugged up shotgun being ideal for all your parameters

Lotta extra recoil and ammo expense vs. a lever-action .357 or .44 ... probly better accuracy in the latter, too.

He said he is planning on shooting the gun once a year, so I doubt the ammo cost will kill him.

[grousemaster]

I'd opt for an AR with an Eotech or something....give them yotes hell!

[Snowgun]

with a slugged up shotgun being ideal for all your parameters

Lotta extra recoil and ammo expense vs. a lever-action .357 or .44 ... probly better accuracy in the latter, too.

At 25 feet? I think the accuracy difference is negligible with a decent shotty built for slugs at 25 YARDS, with front and rear sights. Bonus about the short range of the shotgun, he won't have to worry to much about ricochet or some farm house 500 yards away.

Plus low recoil slugs are no worse than a .44.

Finally, the slug is gonna ruin the coyotes' day more me thinks, no matter where you hit em.

[ammosponge]

something in 20 gauge or 410... i mean anything.