I live in southern michigan, and its not allowed to shoot rifles where I am at, however, I am looking to get a rifle for target, and small game shooting around our farm, I am trying to decide between a .17 a .22, or a .223. The .223 rifles are far larger bullets, just wondering what you would recommend. I dont want to attract too much attention, would a 223 be way too loud?
2007-05-03 06:13:24 · 18 answers · asked by Homeskillet 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
Depends on what kind of small game..
Rabbits, squirrels, cats - 22 or 17WMR
Coyotes .coons, possums 223 or 7.62x39
If you have a farm why are you worried about attracting attention? If it's your place shoot when, where and how much you like, shoot to a gully to stop the bullets so you don't hit the neighbors! If you are worried bout a slug traveling you may want to get a shotgun
2007-05-04 16:03:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The .223 will be way too loud, although it will greatly out preform the other two. The .17 and .22 are both loud but if you shot .22 shorts in a rifle it will sound life a bb gun. You will not have this option with the .17. To shoot the .22 shorts you will need a bolt action rifle and not a semi. A bolt action gun will suit your needs better anyway. They are inherently more accurate, easier to care for, and less expensive. If you are going to use it for hunting then you will need .22 long rifle or .22 magnum if you are shooting at extended ranges or wanting to use the magazine. The magazine will not load .22 shorts without bending the feed ramps. Hope this helps.
2007-05-03 06:37:13 · answer #2 · answered by Art I 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.22 is the way to go. The .223 is not designed to fit the type of shooting you are describing. You'll notice it is basically the same caliber, but the bigger casing allows for more powder and greater firing pressure, which gives you increased muzzle velocity, longer range, and more "punch". You don't need any of that, and if noise is your concern, though this isn't the loudest rifle you could fire, it is still louder than the rest. A .22 is a great all around rifle for the purposes you have described. Ammo is cheap too. I'd definitely get a nice little .22. You don't even need anything fancy with it.
2007-05-03 08:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by Jimi L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The .223 would be louder than the other 2. I would suggest a .22 for small game and target shooting. The best thing you could do would be to go to a good gun shop and talk to someone there.
2007-05-03 06:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by thspinbass 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlike most of these other guys, I do not like the .223.
For what you want to do, a .22 LR is best to fill the bill.
My favorite rifle is a Marlin Golden Model 39-A lever action .22 LR. It has killed a train load of small game over the years.
Another good choice would be the Ruger 10-22, one of the best semi-autos on the market.
2007-05-03 17:33:40 · answer #5 · answered by Doc Hudson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the others all suggest .22 cal rifles but you might want to seriously consider the .17 cal. I own a CZ .17 hmr and would not trade it for any .22. The hmr is important because it is the magnum version of the .17. With the .17 hmr you greatly increase your range compared to the .22. I have shot small game from 125 yards with no problem. A .22 can shoot pretty far but not nearly as flat and fast as the .17 hmr.
2007-05-03 09:51:47 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff U 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others. A .22 is a good choice for target and for use on the farm. We use one for coyotes and dogs in our cattle. Another rifle that isn't too loud or powerful is a .22-250 sport rifle, that was the first gun I learned to hunt with. Now I shoot a high-powered 7mm magnum, sounds like a canon, I don't think you would need that.
2007-05-03 07:23:59 · answer #7 · answered by user u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love my .223, but man is it LOUD! Sounds to me like the .22 is the way to go. They are fun, easy to use, very quiet, and incredibly accurate once you get the hang of shooting. I am going to pick up a new one soon because I can expend 10 times as much ammo at the range for the same cost.
2007-05-03 07:19:17 · answer #8 · answered by Redcap the Druid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would buy a cheap 22 to target practice with. And at the same time I would buy a shotgun to hunt small game with. You can probably buy the two for what you would pay for the 223.
2007-05-03 06:34:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you mean for small game. If you mean squirrels, and rabbits, then get a .22 or a .17, they are very inexpensive and are great for little game, and for shooting for fun. a .223 is a high powered rifle, adn will kill coyotes, and is highly overpowered for anything under a Fox. yes, it would be too lud and too high powered for target shootin. tyhat bullet will go for miles.
2007-05-03 10:20:41 · answer #10 · answered by Aaron 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋