MACK133
New member
Hi! this is my first post on the forum and I want to start by asking a question. Two nights ago I went night hunting for the first time (ended up getting an opossum at 9 paces) by simply walking through the woods shining a spotlight in trees and finally trying to squeak up some coyotes. I was using my brother's 20 gauge, which was less than ideal (heavy, innaccurate, etc). I only used it because I don't have a predator gun of my own.
In bed that night, dreams of .223's and .20's and .22-250's filled my head. After doing some research, I looked at all manners of calibers, actions, loads, fur damage, targets, and guns. Eventually, I settled on a Remington 700 in .17 FB. Then, on a custom built .17 Predator. Then a custom .22-250. Finally, someone mentioned bringing a 12 gauge and a long-range caliber. "Good idea!", I thought. But I didn't feel like lugging two guns around, and a friend isn't always an option.
Because of this, I looked at combo guns and drillings. I have since settled on a (I say that alot LOL!) Baikal MP94 in 12 Gauge/.223 Rem. I've read up on it and discovered it has an odd scope mount and can be hard to scope, not to mention the scope shattering recoil of a 12 gauge.
Anyways, I want to know how people have their rifle/shotgun combos setup specifically for night hunting coyotes, foxes, and bobcats (as well as the curious raccoon and opossum that decides to stare at me for too long from across the field).
I live in PA so shots won't be longer than 100 yards, with most under 50 yards. I will be calling or sitting over bait anywhere from 10:00PM to 3:00AM. Remember, no hunting from trucks so texas-style pickup stands aren't allowed.
What I am asking is how are your guns setup specifically for night hunting predators (model, caliber, scope, thermal, NV, suppressor, flashlight, laser, stock, trigger, etc). Include all specs, and most important, pics!
In bed that night, dreams of .223's and .20's and .22-250's filled my head. After doing some research, I looked at all manners of calibers, actions, loads, fur damage, targets, and guns. Eventually, I settled on a Remington 700 in .17 FB. Then, on a custom built .17 Predator. Then a custom .22-250. Finally, someone mentioned bringing a 12 gauge and a long-range caliber. "Good idea!", I thought. But I didn't feel like lugging two guns around, and a friend isn't always an option.
Because of this, I looked at combo guns and drillings. I have since settled on a (I say that alot LOL!) Baikal MP94 in 12 Gauge/.223 Rem. I've read up on it and discovered it has an odd scope mount and can be hard to scope, not to mention the scope shattering recoil of a 12 gauge.
Anyways, I want to know how people have their rifle/shotgun combos setup specifically for night hunting coyotes, foxes, and bobcats (as well as the curious raccoon and opossum that decides to stare at me for too long from across the field).
I live in PA so shots won't be longer than 100 yards, with most under 50 yards. I will be calling or sitting over bait anywhere from 10:00PM to 3:00AM. Remember, no hunting from trucks so texas-style pickup stands aren't allowed.
What I am asking is how are your guns setup specifically for night hunting predators (model, caliber, scope, thermal, NV, suppressor, flashlight, laser, stock, trigger, etc). Include all specs, and most important, pics!