Small Predator Defense

Wasn't sure exactly how to title this thread, but here goes. Last night we had a raccoon clawing at our screens trying to get into our living room. He was acting aggressive and wasn't scared of our flashlights on high beam and he didn't seem to mind us yelling and stomping at him. My wife suspects he was rabid, he kept making a screeching sound while ambling around our yard. I grabbed the only practical gun I have for this, a Henry 22 lr, and I had to put at least 5 or 6 rounds into it before killing it. I felt really shitty about it not being a clean kill, but I don't know how else I couldve connected when it's dark and I'm at a distance shooting something flailing around. Should I look into a shotgun for situations like this? I didn't want the little guy to suffer, I just couldn't risk him getting ahold of my pets.

 

A shotgun would probably be the best choice, but a carefully placed .22 shot to the head should have been sufficient. The shotgun has another advantage--limited range to avoid possible damage behind the target.

 

I must've missed just below, his jaw was mangled but it was the best shot I could make without getting close to him. I might go try some shotguns and see how they feel, used to love the 20 gauge I used when hunting with my father. I'm hoping this isn't a reoccurring issue but I'm worried if there was one there might be another.

 

Dont buy a shotgun just yet. Spend some time at the range first. If it is at night have the wife hold the flashlight while you aim in and take the shot. I don't have raccoons but we do get some big pack rats and rattle snakes in the back yard. I live in a rural subdivision so shooting a 22l is out of the question. I do however have an air rifle that I use on the pack rats and rattle snakes. Top of the head for snakes and behind the ear for the rats.
Here's one from last week. I used a bb gun on this guy. The air riffle would have been over kill.

 

Yea I definitely had too much adrenaline going. I'll try and practice more though a shotgun might work well for a one and done approach. I got the 22 for small game hunting so I can preserve the pelts but with a potentially infected animal I won't risk it. We bagged the guy in a heavy duty plastic bag and buried with rocks over top to discourage something digging him up and catching whatever he had

 

I enjoy killing varmints with a .22...not really inhumane unless you gut shoot it...headshot and its dead instantly....just does the funky chicken dance for a few

 

my first choice is my 17M2

quiet & quick

 

I think the .22 is the right weapon in your situation with proper ammo. If you didn't already, buy some hollow-point stingers. They will take care of it. If I picture the situation correctly a shotgun would do quite a bit of damage to your house. I have a small .22 revolver that I've used to pick off rats, snunks, squirrels, etc. You can quickly followup with another shot if you weren't satisfied with the first hit. Also you have to understand that when shooting small animals sometimes the nervous system causes them to flip around after they are dispatched. Remember the saying "ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off". I promise the chicken without a head is dead.

 

AR-15 with a night scope for varmints outside and its dark lol.I think a 22lr is suitable for your needs just practice and remember to control your breathing for a precise shot.

 

.22lr is fine for the job. I've shot many coons with .22 shorts, and they work fine too. If it's dark and you can't see the head well, just put a couple in the chest. It will die quickly. Get close. Rabid animals usually don't even know you are there. I've never seen one attack like on TV. I usually just put the barrel a few inches from the head and pull the trigger. Doesn't require much skill.

Skunks are what I hate killing. Getting close for a good kill, but not sprayed. Fun stuff.

 

Which .22 round did you use?

We use plain Jane Remington golds to head shot hogs for the butcher. Drops them like they were pole-axed.

I think you missed. I would be patching a small .22 diameter hole in my screen door today if I were you. I have a box of CCI QUIETS for just the occasion.

 

Taurus Judge