Help picking gun for lion hunt
- Thread starter musky01
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Jesse lackey
New member
I'm no pro, but I saw a lion shot 3 times in the chest with a .45 long colt, and didn't slow him down. He jumped and ran. The next time in a tree he was shot with a .44 mag, and tipped over backwards.
OldTurtle
Moderator - Deceased
From everything I've read by some guys that have killed several Mt Lions,,, You don't really need a 'big bore' firearm, but you had better be proficient with what you do have...
I was told that a .223 rifle was plenty for general hunting and in that vein, and with my background, a .357 magnum for a back up would be more than plenty..as long as the placement was good..I've carried one and shot one for years, so it's in my comfort level..
I'd much rather have a skin rug with a sizable hole in it than wounds around my neck and body...
I was told that a .223 rifle was plenty for general hunting and in that vein, and with my background, a .357 magnum for a back up would be more than plenty..as long as the placement was good..I've carried one and shot one for years, so it's in my comfort level..
I'd much rather have a skin rug with a sizable hole in it than wounds around my neck and body...
Duane@ssu
New member
Jason, hasa world of experience. THe reason for small cal. ,is so the cat dies in the tree. With big bores, lots of time the bullet goes strait thru, doing little damage.
I personally like small,(.22, .22 mag, .22 hornet, .204, .223) They all kill lions just fine with a good shot.
I personally like small,(.22, .22 mag, .22 hornet, .204, .223) They all kill lions just fine with a good shot.
Fellas, the problem with a big gun "IMO" is you knock the lion out of the tree. When he hits the ground he comes to life. Works well if your training young dogs but you can shoot them with a .22 and they will die in the tree. When they hit the ground their dead.
Either way, you are gonna end up with a dead lion. Placement of the shot is the key with any caliber.
I wouldn't worry about getting mauled by a mountain lion...they have had plenty of chances to maul my fat butt and have always chose to run. Even to the extent of running over the top of three people in a little mine shaft. And that was after being shot with a 9mm 3 times. He actually shot at it 11 times but the adrenaline factor kicks in when they are commin at you...lol
P.S. I know that you can't shoot them in nevada with a .22 Maybe someone from Colorado can inform us on the regs.
take care, jason
Either way, you are gonna end up with a dead lion. Placement of the shot is the key with any caliber.
I wouldn't worry about getting mauled by a mountain lion...they have had plenty of chances to maul my fat butt and have always chose to run. Even to the extent of running over the top of three people in a little mine shaft. And that was after being shot with a 9mm 3 times. He actually shot at it 11 times but the adrenaline factor kicks in when they are commin at you...lol
P.S. I know that you can't shoot them in nevada with a .22 Maybe someone from Colorado can inform us on the regs.
take care, jason
midwestkid
Member
Not changing the topic but have you guys ever had a lion get hung up in the tree after it was shot and killed? If so what do you do climb up after it?
Taylor Christian
New member
Shake the tree
Wackmaster
New member
The way I understand the Colorado regs are you have to use a center fire. It used to be .24 cal or bigger but it was changed in the last couple years to say any center fire.
CacheCreek
New member
I've seen bears, lions, and bobcats hung up in trees where someone had to climb up and pull them out.
Like Poser, I too prefer smaller calibers, there's less hide damage plus most hunters tend to shoot better with them. Some of the worst kills I've experienced is with hunters using big bore pistols where they made an inadequate shot and the lion bails. There is no question the louder bang of a big bore pistol is more apt to put a lion in motion, so it is critical you make the first shot count.
So, if your set on using a 629 I would definately recommend the longer barrel because it will be more accurate.....then shoot it like you only had 1 bullet left.
Like Poser, I too prefer smaller calibers, there's less hide damage plus most hunters tend to shoot better with them. Some of the worst kills I've experienced is with hunters using big bore pistols where they made an inadequate shot and the lion bails. There is no question the louder bang of a big bore pistol is more apt to put a lion in motion, so it is critical you make the first shot count.
So, if your set on using a 629 I would definately recommend the longer barrel because it will be more accurate.....then shoot it like you only had 1 bullet left.
FullCryHounds
New member
.22s are illegal to use in CO. for lions. You must use a centerfire caliber. Please do NOT use a 2.5 or 4 inch gun in any caliber for a lion. Way too short of a barrel. Most shots will be less then 20 yards but some can be over 50 yards away.
For any of my hunters that want to use my gun, I give them a Tompson Contender, either .223 or 30-30 with a sixteen inch barrel. Open sight or scope, thier choice.
This setup is small enough you can put it in your pack but long enough barrel for any situation you come accross.
For any of my hunters that want to use my gun, I give them a Tompson Contender, either .223 or 30-30 with a sixteen inch barrel. Open sight or scope, thier choice.
This setup is small enough you can put it in your pack but long enough barrel for any situation you come accross.