SKS 7.62x39 for Varmint Control

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rixguns

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I have a P-17 Mauser action 30.06 which I am currently using for big-varmint control (aggressive coyotes) around our small horse ranch. I am considering purchasing an SKS 7.62x39 because I feel the 30.06 is a bit of overkill for my purpose. Any opinions positive or negative about the SKS would be appreciated. I am rather new at buying hunting firearms.
 
The SKS is not a long range gun and not the most accurate thing around. You would be better off with a smaller faster round, I like the 6.5x55mm mauser and you can get very accurate military guns here. The SKS with the 7.62x39mm round is still overkill on coyotes but if all you want is them dead then why not assuming you are not shooting at long ranges.
 
I would stick with your 06, The sks is not realy a varmin gun, rough trigger, not the best accuracy(not on all, but most). Although in a bolt gun the 7.62X39mm would make a decent varmin gun. The CZ527, if you can get a hold of one would do nicely.

Do you reload? Maby some reduced loads in your 30-06 would be better?
 
Maby he is woried about the shot doing more damage after its passed through the yote? I have loaded up some 100 grain .312" Hornday hp xtp(made for pistols) in 7.62X54R... and if you want to see a bullet compleatly explode on contact... that would be the one to use.
 
Everyone should own an SKS. :D Buy one, try it out on a few yotes and if it does not fit your bill, you will still have a fun plinker! Just don't expect any miracles at 200 yrds + :p
 
Definetely pick up an SKS regardless, but I think you'll be disappointed with it's coyote-blasting abilities. Your .30-06 is almost guaranteed to be more accurate, especially at distances over 100 yards. The ballistics speak for themselves;
.30-06 125 grain Super X soft point
7.62x39mm 123 grain Super X soft point

The SKS would, however, be awesome for slinging lots of lead at something fairly close, within 50-60 yards like Nats said. It'll completely ventilate a coyote no problem at that range.

If I had to have a predator control gun I'd go for something in .223, like a Stevens 200 or a single-shot NEF Survivor. Throw a cheap 3-9 scope on it, keep a box or two of ammo in the glove box of the truck and stow the rifle behind the seat. See the "truck gun" thread for more good ideas (Here) :D
 
With the SKS, the bayonet is much more accurate than the rifle but it's hard to run up on a coyote. Try one of those H&R/NEF rifles in .223 (Approx$300). You won't have many predators coming around after that.
 
the problem with the sks would be finding ammo you can leagly use. all the surplus stuff is FMJ which you can't hunt with.
 
scott said:
the problem with the sks would be finding ammo you can leagly use. all the surplus stuff is FMJ which you can't hunt with.
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well legaly your not hunting, its pest control.

But using FMJ on yotes is not a good ideal as the FMJ will zip through the yote doing little damage, reducing the chances of a clean kill. Also the buller will keep zipping along till it hist something more substantial.

My opinion get something better suited or reload some light varmit bullets for your 30-06
 
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