Shotgun for coyotes

[JB10]

I want to look into getting a shotgun for coyotes. I would like to know experience people have had with barrel lengths. I read a lot say 28 inch is what you want. I would like shorter for transporting and maneuverability. A lot of the terrain i hunt in is thick desert and when they come in its quick. Most shots wont be passed 50 yards. Would a 20-22 inch barrel have a decent pattern to be effective? What are your experiences?

 

[swimster]

I use a 26 inch improved modified choke and WW Varmint X BBs we hunt a lot of cedar thickets it works well out to 40 yds.

 

[snert]

With screw in chokes barrel length should not matter. Pick whatever you like for length and put a dead coyote choke on it, run heavy-shot. BOOM

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Barrel length isn't going to determine the pattern, with interchangeable choke shotgun barrels. You have to test, the choke/load combination that works best. Noting pellet impact in relation to aiming point is also important.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Not an AVID, Coyote hunter with, a Shotgun, but I have Killed 5 or, 6 of them, with my 28" Beretta A- 303, 12 ga. semi-auto W/ Modified Choke and a Heavy load of, copper #5's, while Chukar Hunting ( being lucky enough to spot them first, and pursing my lips in a loud "Kissing Note", accounted for 2, this way ).
The rest were shot "on purpose" calling them in with, my Long Range, 1 3/8 ounce, FAST ( 1,275+ FPS ), Goose Loads with, Copper plated, #2's and BB's, that, worked great, out to 50-55 yards for me, when calling them in at our spot, near Town. You must Remember that, "Gravity" works on Shotgun Pellets at, Distance and hold, a bit high, past,.. 30 yards ! Pattern and KNOW your Gun, ( Practice as various, Distances ! ).
Great Fun, to watch, the Dust and Fur, "Fly" !

 

[jds holler]

I have smote many of them with my 26" Wingmaster with full choke and #4 buck. Longest shot ever was 65 yards. If they are running away from you at that range, don't expect them to stop.

For calling in brushy country I love the shotgun thing. jd

 

[JB10]

This weekend called in 3 within 30 yards at good speed. Thankfully a friend had his shotgun ready. This has happened many times but first time we had a shotgun and it paid off. Its hard to get them running with a rifle at that range and then they run into cover. Many times we are lucky and they stop for just a split second and we get them with rifles. Closest has been 18 yards with a rifle.

 

[jds holler]

Every now and again I like to show off this pic of one that I dumped with a 20 ga. load of quail shot at about 20 yards. Called him up from about 200 yards by kissing the back of my hand. 7/8 oz. of #8's rolled him pretty good. They don't taste as good as quail though. jd

 

[Tommie]

Barrel length has zero impact on patterning - despite what all the old timers taught us. Longer barrels swing more smoothly. Shorter barrels swing faster. Use what works best for your shooting style.

 

[pdhntr]

Short barrels will work, but you must choke them to be effective.

I use a Carlsons Coyote choke, and Remington number 4 buck in 12 gauge, 3 inch loads. (41 pellets).

Jim

 

[AWS]

Whatever your most comfortable with, I regularly hunt with different shotguns from 21" pump to 29" combo guns.

1 oz NP BB's out of my 16ga drilling.

 

[JB10]

Thanks for the replies. Ill start looking for a shorter barrel beater shotgun!

 

[nockhunter]

Try some of the Federal flight control wad loads "if you can find them" the Buck shot loads hold tight at longer distance than you would think.

Mike

 

[JB10]

Try some of the Federal flight control wad loads "if you can find them" the Buck shot loads hold tight at longer distance than you would think.

Mike

Ill look for some. I ordered up some hornady coyote loads and should be here next week. Found a cheepy pump shotgun that will also be here next week. Then get to try it out!!.

 

[Treerat-sniper]

Last one I got with a scattergun was a 22" barrel mossberg 20 ga turkey special. Turkey load did the trick.

 

[snert]

Every now and again I like to show off this pic of one that I dumped with a 20 ga. load of quail shot at about 20 yards. Called him up from about 200 yards by kissing the back of my hand. 7/8 oz. of #8's rolled him pretty good. They don't taste as good as quail though. jd

View attachment 1294510

good to see you JD

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I've used my M1 super90 many times. 20" barrel. With Hornady Dead Coyote I've dropped them all the way out at 60 yds using the right choke as well. I've seen no depreciable difference shooting them with it vs a 28" SBE and the super90 is much easier to tote and maneuver like you want.

 

[JB10]

I found a 18.5 inch that should be better to carry. Ill try the improved and modified chokes to see whats best.

 

[Tommie]

Pellet deformation is a real thing and squashed pellets tend to fly randomly. You may find that an improved or even straight cylinder choke works best. It’s always a good practice to shoot test patterns at the maximum realistic distance you plan to shoot. Look for gaping holes in the pattern.

 

[AckleymanII]

After using a variety of shotguns, I prefer the Gas operated, 12Ga, Choke tubes, and at the top of my list are two:

Beretta 390 with a 26" barrel
Beretta 391 with a 28" Kick off system in the butt stock. Both of these shotguns take a LOT of the punishment out of 3" mag loads with 41 pellets of #4 Buckshot.

I had several short barrel 870's and 1100's and they went down the road after feeling the concussion and dreading pulling the trigger on a needed follow up shot.

Everyone has their own learning curve, likes, and dislikes. What ever you do, pattern your shotgun for the distances you shoot in your terrain.

Consult these two sources for excellent data on reloading buckshot:

Shotshell reloading supplies, components, & accessories: Ballistic Products

There is a guy that is the PO Ackley of reloading for shot guns, and this is an understatement. His simple loading techniques are clearly demonstrated and patterns are demonstrated: Bubba Round Tee on You Tube. Get ready for a serious education on reloading buckshot, slugs, and round ball combo's with "Wade" Bubba Round Tree.

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