To my surprise - I want a gun

[ajaxlucy]

I've been in the same room with a handgun - once - and that's as much as I know about them, but I've been thinking about buying a gun. Two stray dogs got over my fence and attacked one of my sheep, and I'd like something that will persuade "visitors" like that to get out and stay out. I'm hoping for suggestions. Rifle? Pellet gun? BB gun? A limiting factor, aside from me being a gun ignoramus, is that I live in the city, with near neighbors and busy streets nearby. Something that would be seriously unpleasant to a dog and that had a short enough range not to kill passersby would be good. My FIL suggested a shotgun loaded with rock salt, but a friend said that would be so loud that the neighbors would be calling for a SWAT team. Any ideas?

[SteveD(TX)]

Air rifle or paintball gun.

[edcopp]

First I would suggest some training. Perhaps a local gun club or sporting goods store can piont you in the right direction for that.

Then get a real gun, no toys. A shotgun would be fine. Sometimes when you make a statement it is necessary to make some noise. Forget about the rock salt, unless you have some ice to melt. I would suggest #4 shot or larger. This is a no tolerance way to make a statement. You will also need a shovel

[busybee870]

I know what ya mean, I have a 20 gauge pump, I love it, the sound of the pump action makes me feel so powerful and confident .LOL Im saving up for a new 357 magnum. woo hoo had my eye on one for a while

[HalfpintHomestd]

If you decide to get a real gun check your local ordinances. It is typically illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits. It doesn't matter if you are on your own property or not. I'm not saying not to get a real gun I'm just saying know the laws so they don't confiscate the weapon and hit you with fines and/or worse.

[SteveD(TX)]

Originally Posted by edcopp

First I would suggest some training. Perhaps a local gun club or sporting goods store can piont you in the right direction for that.

Then get a real gun, no toys. A shotgun would be fine. Sometimes when you make a statement it is necessary to make some noise. Forget about the rock salt, unless you have some ice to melt. I would suggest #4 shot or larger. This is a no tolerance way to make a statement. You will also need a shovel

She lives in the city. I think she'd rather not go to jail.

Country - real shotgun or rifle.
City - air gun or paintball gun.

[Fire-Man]

EDITED TO ADD---No One try this--I was Told this was dangerous by a "Below" Poster---So The person that told me this---I am hoping is going to send me some links--So I can research -----LIGHT-LOADS can cause More Pressure Than HEAVY Loads!!



If you can find a person that Re-Loads shot gun shells--that lives in your area. He can adjust the powder in the shells so you want kill the dog---using bird shot. When I had my re-loader set-up I could reload a shell so weak the pellets would fall just a few feet from where I was standing or so STRONG I could-----Well I never went much over what was recommended (well I never blew up my gun). If you find a reloader--find out what size he reloads, pick up a used shot gun that size----have him to reload you some test shells----test them with soda cans at about the distance you feel you will need to shoot---Always make sure if YOU choose to do this-----You don't shoot the dog in the face----he will loose his eyes. I have even reloaded shells with rice instead of lead pellets. Rice will not travel very far with a normal load of powder. I am sure alot of people will down you on here for wanting to shoot/scare a dog-------Best thing to do is DO what you feel you need to do to protect your animals and Don't TELL Us About IT!! Randy

[Junkmanme]

novices should leave guns alone. get a slingshot.

[Bink]

Paintball. It should discourage the dog, plus it lets the owner know that Fido was somewhere he shouldn't.

[XLT]

yeah...like the police, or maybe the army (oh wait, are they different?)

What, civilians are allowed to own guns in this country???? How do I get out of here???!!!!

Gee Whiz...

[bgak47]

In your situation I'd really suggest the paintball gun. Your neighbors might still freak if they see you using it, but when the cops come you probably won't go to jail...for too long. :baby04:

[poorboy]

1377 crosman pump pistol about 5 pumps and a flat point pellet will give them notice to move on without doing serious damage to them..

[Dubai Vol]

Definitely an air-powered weapon. Pistol or rifle depends on at how long a range you need to be able to "reach out and touch" a miscreant.

I'm more of an "up close ansd personal" kind of guy. Think machete.

[james dilley]

Crossbow that will kill and be silent.

[ajaxlucy]

Thanks, people. I was thinking a pellet gun or paintball gun might be the way I need to go. If I had more land or more privacy, a shotgun or rifle would probably be my choice (yes, I'd absolutely get training). Around here, I can own a gun, but firing it in the back yard is frowned on. As Steve pointed out, I don't want to go to jail. As for the slingshot, believe me, if I thought it would work, I'd consider it, but I'm guessing it's not really practical.

As for being a novice, well, everybody is at some point in their lives, right?
I do have in-laws who are gun aficionados/collectors/hunters and who get together out where they can practice on their own shooting range, but their interest is more in target shooting, not pest control. I've already talked to two of my nearest neighbors who say they understand that I've gotta do what I've gotta do to protect my animals (they like my sheep). The bigger problem would probably be people driving down the road in front of my house, especially if it's daylight. They don't know I've got chickens and sheep and would just see me aiming at a puppy dog. So, quieter is better.

That said, should I just do a search for air/pellet/paintball guns? Any advantage to one over another?

[GrannySue_in_IL]

In your situation, I personally would want a shot-gun, but that's just me... Pellet gun isn't good on much bigger than a small dog or cat, and that at very close range - wouldn't want to be that close. HOWEVER - with a shotgun you will be in danger of hitting the sheep...

Not having experience with guns (AIM - but also other issues) is also a factor. If you don't want to chance killing the animals you are trying to protect, then a gun isn't the answer at all until you've worked with them.

DO please find someone who knows about guns or take a class in gun safety before purchasing... If you don't know anything about them, you'd be better off with some type of guard animal.

[Bearfootfarm]

Originally Posted by Fire-Man

If you can find a person that Re-Loads shot gun shells--that lives in your area. He can adjust the powder in the shells so you want kill the dog---using bird shot. When I had my re-loader set-up I could reload a shell so weak the pellets would fall just a few feet from where I was standing or so STRONG I could-----Well I never went much over what was recommended (well I never blew up my gun). If you find a reloader--find out what size he reloads, pick up a used shot gun that size----have him to reload you some test shells----test them with soda cans at about the distance you feel you will need to shoot---Always make sure if YOU choose to do this-----You don't shoot the dog in the face----he will loose his eyes. I have even reloaded shells with rice instead of lead pellets. Rice will not travel very far with a normal load of powder. I am sure alot of people will down you on here for wanting to shoot/scare a dog-------Best thing to do is DO what you feel you need to do to protect your animals and Don't TELL Us About IT!! Randy

Youre VERY LUCKY to still be alive. Foolish reloading practices can get you killed. And its even MORE foolish to recommend that someone else do it too.

A light powder charge can detonate and cause MORE pressure than a charge thats too strong. Plus, she already said she lives in the city so a real gun is NOT an option,except for self defense. Reloading is a SERIOUS hobby and SHOULD NOT be done by those who wont follow the rules

Youre ENTIRE post shows a serious lack of knowledge about reloading, gun safety, ballistics, and COMMON SENSE

[mightybooboo]

Paintball gets my vote.

BooBoo

[Hip_Shot_Hanna]

Originally Posted by mightybooboo

Paintball gets my vote.

BooBoo

Mine too - it stings the dog rather unpleasantly (seen the bruises on the folks who play?) but more importantly, it also leaves an identifying mark on the dog so the police can take action if the dog is found.

[SweetSarah]

I'm so happy for you! My husband, 2amndmntguy, is the expert on guns though so as soon as he gets home (from the shooting range, as a matter of fact) I'll refer him to your post.