09-25-2015, 08:58 AM
Apoc Wrote: 2) deter people from farther away than a shotgun or handgun. I care less about the people dying - I just want them to go away.
Weeeeeeeell. Put some slugs in your shotgun and you've got a very effective "from further away than a handgun" weapon, though with low capacity and high recoil.
I'd probably look into either a 10/22 or the new savage .17hmr semi auto. If you do choose a 10/22, I highly recommend a lightweight "pencil" barrel that's threaded. Neither is very intimidating against 2 legged predators, but it's highly effective on small game.
For larger game, I know there's elk and mule deer out there, would I be remiss in recommending a PTR-91? .308WIN would make a great hunting rifle, they are pretty accurate, although hell on brass and with a stout recoil impulse. And of course only Ze Germans could make a stamped steel rifle heavy but whatever. Way out of your budget, but you could get into one of those brandy new for 850, definitely less used. And if it's good enough for Africa...
But if you have a nice semi auto shotgun (and you do) you can load with slugs for longer engagements if you have to. Less than ideal, but still effective. Therefore, in my opinion, the semi auto rimfire is what you're missing.
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