Author Topic: Truck Gun Advice (Read 1652 times)

Dinny · « **on:** January 22, 2012, 06:00:07 AM »

Here's my dilemma...

I was hunting coyotes this morning in tight cover with my Rem 870 12ga loaded with Hevi Shot's Dead Coyote "T" load. I didn't call any coyotes after about an hour so I started backing out of the area. I noticed some noise coming from the other side of the creek and saw a hog poke it's head out of the tall weeds. It must have seen me because all it did was lower itself back down as if it was hiding. I took a few steps closer to the creek and let a shot loose. Knowing that I had a heavy load and a super full choke, I thought I would anchor it from 25yds. Wrong! That hog got up real fast and high-tailed it away. My 870 has rifle sights installed onto the rib so I am certain I had a good bead on the hog.

It seems every time I bring a shotgun all I see is coyotes at 100+ yards and every time I bring a rifle all I see it ducks and hogs at 25yds away. I could probably alleviate my problems by bringing a variety of ammo or by having a truck gun handy.

Right now my Maxi, 45-70 and 30-30 barrels are all off to see the riflesmith for modifications. The .356's receiver is off to H&R for fitting of a new 7mm-08 barrel. All that leaves me with is my .45LC Handi rifle with a 335gr CP load that is very accurate out to 100yds. So I think that will be my truck gun until I get my 30-30 back.

Now I just need a little advice. Will I be better off with synthetic stocks and iron sights if I intend to keep it in the truck all the time? Would a straight grip lam stock be faster handling?

Thanks, Dinny

gendoc · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:37:40 AM »

dinny, you know what i use as my tractor/combine/truck/airboat shooter....

not your average 45/410.......... she's got more tricks than halloween

bulletstuffer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:43:23 AM »

Hi Dinny

A 14 inch 45 70 contender is a nice light back up gun that is easy to carry and is very capable of 100 yard shots. A 44 mag revolver would also be good. Back up is always good IMO.

Still using that Redding tool you sold me a long time ago and loving it

Thank you for your service!

Bulletstuffer

[size=78%] [/size]

Dinny · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:51:03 AM »

John,
I like that Survivor stock and dot sight, that has my wheels spinning now.

BStuffer,
I'm not too sure I want to stray away from a handy Handi, but if I do, a revolver will be a likely choice. Thanks for your appreciation!

Thanks, Dinny

gendoc · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:56:05 AM »

dinny, thatsa tamer stock with tha 410 shell holder.
just right for tha 45colt and.........??

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:56:37 AM »

Your 870 with a variety of ammo should do for you.
Standard slugs launch out of my 870 fine for a 100 yard shot.
OO buck and slugs for the Hogs.
What about a 357 mag pistol? My 686 makes hits out to 150 yards easily (on steel and clay, have not had the chance to use it on game- Yet). I do have a sillohuette front sight on mine but with a little practice I can do similar things with my M29. What about a short rrifle like a T/C in 223 or 30-30 with a 10 to 14" barrel.
Another option is a Combo gun like the Savage Stack barrels in 12 over 223. Or a valment stack barrel in 12 over 308 or 30-06.
I have been thinking of either a CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62X39 or a Handi in 30-30 as a truck gun. My Ruger No3 in 45-70 is too pretty to live in a truck.

tacklebury · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:57:26 AM »

The .45 Colt is a great round for a truck gun. It will take pretty much anything with the right ammo. Just carry a few 200 gr. RNFP's for plinking loaded with your trailboss powder and a few 250 gr. XTP over 10 gr. Unique which is great for deer or 2 legged varmints and a few with 300 gr. XTP Magnums with 21gr. Reloader7. I guarantee you won't have any issues taking anything else. hehe I played with my loads and got them to where all of them use the same sight settings but at different ranges. My 200 gr. are zero at 25 yards, the 250 gr. XTP at 50 and the 300 gr. at 100 yards. All are at least minute of deer with the std. irons. I'm going to put a Skinner Handi peep on my carbine this year if all goes as planned and hope to be able to just use a hex wrench to loosen the vertical adjustment and go a certain amount of clicks to get to each load. Lots of fun though even if you pick one and stick with it. For a good do all, I'd try to get ahold of the 240gr. XTP Magnums with 22 gr. Reloader7 which is killer in the carbine and doesn't drop as fast as the 300gr, but they are difficult to find in stock. Still penetrates through a piggy though and doesn't over-expand.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2012, 07:06:21 AM »

Dinny, I think that 45 LC would make a Handi truck gun. It's 20" right? I would use syn stocks myself and ifn you can see em, open sights. I'm growing interest in a peep sight if I can see em or a small red dot.
I bet if you had that 45LC you'd be makin bacon right now

Glad you are seeing some HOGS

Dinny · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2012, 07:14:51 AM »

Quote from: bigvarmnt on January 22, 2012, 07:06:21 AM

Dinny, I think that 45 LC would make a Handi truck gun. It's 20" right? I would use syn stocks myself and ifn you can see em, open sights. I'm growing interest in a peep sight if I can see em or a small red dot.
I bet if you had that 45LC you'd be makin bacon right now
Glad you are seeing some HOGS

My 45LC does have a 20" bbl, but when it was coated, I had the sight slots filled. So a dot sight may be the better option. I have a synthetic stock set to put on there. You're right about the makin' bacon part. I even grabbed a 00 buck shot shell this morning and put it back on the safe when I realized it wasn't what I was looking for...

The camera is going out today and in March (when I get back from Ft Polk) the bait station will be put to good use.

Thanks, Dinny

Dinny · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2012, 07:21:19 AM »

It was recommended locally that I start carrying my 30-06 bolt gun or load heavier bullets into my .243 bolt gun. Either of those options would work, but aren't nearly as much fun as a Handi!

I have some RL7 but haven't tried any in my LC yet. So many ideas, so little time...

Maybe I outta just start shooting coyotes with my 45LC and carry it as a primary. That would leave a mark on 'em.

Thanks, Dinny

bulletstuffer · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2012, 07:22:31 AM »

Thanks Dinny,

I was trying to help solve the I'm in the woods and have the wrong gun with me dilemma

Bulletstuffer

rdlange · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2012, 07:30:41 AM »

Like someone said... stuff a few slugs in your pocket for the hogs. Or put one of those tactical speed loaders on the side of the receiver.

Dinny · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:04:43 AM »

Quote from: rdlange on January 22, 2012, 07:30:41 AM

Like someone said... stuff a few slugs in your pocket for the hogs. Or put one of those tactical speed loaders on the side of the receiver.

I thought about that, but then I run into the whole choke tube issue. I guess I could just use an improved cylinder for everything, but the coyotes gotta be pretty close for that.

Thanks, Dinny

demented · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:13:31 AM »

What choke are you using? I've ran too many Foster type slugs thru my 870's extended full choke tube to count. Will my barrel eventually blow up? Dunno, but so far its holding up OK. Whether I'd feel the same with a flush fit tube, I'm not so sure.....

gendoc · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:24:45 AM »

inspection of your choke tube can tell you more than we can..............

Yak Angler · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2012, 09:03:26 AM »

Dinny I think a shotgun is still your best bet as an all around gun, im still perfecting my 20 gauge handi for this purpose and am getting close to ideal on my project now. Rifles restrict you to only shooting basically stationary game. as you mentioned you could have shot opportunities at ducks, deer,hogs or coyotes. Your 870 with and extended modified or full choke tube rated for steel shot will fill all your needs. Coyotes, hogs and deer to 100 yards using slugs or buck shot and what ever non-tox waterfowl load you prefer for ducks.

Only scenerio that makes sense to carry both a rifle and shotgun is if you have ligimate shots over 100yards on big game then you will need two truck guns

Dinny · « **Reply #16 on:** January 22, 2012, 01:02:21 PM »

I think I'm gonna start carrying a few Dixie Slugs Tri-Ball shells in my pocket. My choke constriction is .690" and about perfect for them. If that don't kill 'em, I don't know what will.

http://www.dixieslugs.com/products.html

Thanks, Dinny

Spanky · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2012, 01:54:21 PM »

Dinny,

I've got a Tamer stock if you want it for your truck gun. PM me your address and I'll send it out to you. I think I've got the shellholder for it somewhere too.
Let me know if you want it and it's all yours.

Spanky

bilmac · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2012, 02:29:50 PM »

My truck gun stays in there all the time. I keep it in a pick pocket. I haven't seen one on the market for years so the wife made that last two I have. It is just a tube of heavy material long enough to hold the gun It is screwed to the cab just below the window and the gun is slipped in. A gun that is as "slick as possible rides best and comes out the fastest. A lever gun or handi is better than a bolt gun, and iron sights better than scopes.

A handi rifle in whatever caliber works best for the situation is the cat's meow for me. In the summer the 357 barrel for plinking and shots of opportunity at varmints, during big game season the 243 barrel is attached. A big seller for the handi for me is that if it gets stolen, it is a $300 single shot. I reported a mini 14 stolen once and the cop I talked to was kind of upset when he found out the kind of gun it was. I can understand his concern, An effective combat rifle is now in the hands of the criminal element. {Turned out the gun wasn't stolen, I was in the process of moving and it was misplaced}

Jason F · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2012, 02:48:18 PM »

Tou guys are lucky to have them hogs running around your area they say they are spreading north i wish they would hurry so i could get more target practice and bacon

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2012, 02:56:22 PM »

While out on my walk and smoking a cigar I was thinking about this.
What about changing the barrel on your 870?
A new rifle sight 20 with screw in chokes. or a 26" rem choke and bolt some rifle sights on it.
Carry a couple chokes from rifled to extra full and match the choke to what you are doing.
The rifle sights will help with the yotes and the hogs and a couple sabot slugs and buck in the pocket for your walk in or out.
the simple unloading the gun and a choke change and restuff the gun and turn that 40 yard coyote gun into a 100 yard bacon maker. They make choke tube holders that fit on your belt or in your pack and holds the wrench.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2012, 02:56:54 PM »

Dinny,

Guess we all have to figure out what works best for our own self but IF I'm coyote hunting there is always a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt around my waist full of hard hitter loads. If I had one of them pretty little Handi carbines in .45 Colt, I'd find me a load that worked in it and my Ruger. Speaking of Handi carbines in .45 Colt, for beating the bushes I'd find a pallet wood stock set and put that on it when I didn't want to scar up my pretty walnut stock set. A red dot zeroed at 75 to 100 yards would have you set up real nice for close range coyotes or feral hogs requiring fast shots.

r/charles
aka shovelhead.45

Dinny · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2012, 03:43:25 PM »

Charles,
I have always wanted a 45LC Colt Anaconda. To me, it would be the perfect companion to my Handi, given it's strength. I've been contemplating post-deployment gift ideas, maybe this settles it.

Thanks, Dinny

keith44 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2012, 03:58:03 PM »

Hi Dinny,

Several years ago I was deer hunting with a traditional style muzzleloader. I was on the ground still hunting when a coyote ran past me at about 10 feet. The 'yote traveled 15 yards, stopped and laid down to watch something. When I fired, I lost sight of it, but knew where the yote had been. I walked straight there to a not quite dead coyote, with an empty gun. So since then all single shots are backed up with a revolver. So if you switch to carrying a Handi, bring a wheel gun for your hip, .38 SPCL would be minimum. Since you have a .45 Handi, a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt would get my vote.

As for the 870, I shoot cylinder bore so I don't have to worry about changing chokes for different loads. Load your own and you can control the pattern better than with choke tubes. For tighter patterns use heavy shot cups (stiff) for the ultimate long range pattern get the shot cups that are not pre cut, or tape them so that it is harder to open.

tacklebury · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2012, 03:59:11 PM »

Well if you cannot find an Anaconda available, the Blackhawk .45 Colt/ .45 ACP has been a good companion for me. It'll take loads that'll make an Anaconda slither off to die me thinks too.

hehe

Dinny · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:02:07 PM »

Quote from: tacklebury on January 22, 2012, 03:59:11 PM

Well if you cannot find an Anaconda available, the Blackhawk .45 Colt/ .45 ACP has been a good companion for me. It'll take loads that'll make an Anaconda slither off to die me thinks too. hehe

I'm sure you're right. I'm just not a SA kinda guy. $:-\$

Thanks, Dinny

tacklebury · « **Reply #26 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:06:57 PM »

Quote from: -Dinny on January 22, 2012, 04:02:07 PM

Quote from: tacklebury on January 22, 2012, 03:59:11 PM
Well if you cannot find an Anaconda available, the Blackhawk .45 Colt/ .45 ACP has been a good companion for me. It'll take loads that'll make an Anaconda slither off to die me thinks too. hehe

I'm sure you're right. I'm just not a SA kinda guy. $:-\$

Thanks, Dinny

Ah, well there is also the Ruger .45LC Redhawk which is still being produced albeit smaller numbers. Could also do a .454 Alaskan and just use LC in it.

Good luck pickin' one. I just know Anaconda's tend to be about like hen's teeth or frog hairs these days.

Dinny · « **Reply #27 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:07:35 PM »

Quote from: keith44 on January 22, 2012, 03:58:03 PM

As for the 870, I shoot cylinder bore so I don't have to worry about changing chokes for different loads. Load your own and you can control the pattern better than with choke tubes. For tighter patterns use heavy shot cups (stiff) for the ultimate long range pattern get the shot cups that are not pre cut, or tape them so that it is harder to open.

Since I moved I have been unable to find my box of choke tubes. I have several Beretta, Winchoke, a Pattermaster and a few aftermarket turkey chokes in there. Once I find it, the imp cyl will likely be the top choice. From salt to slugs, that'll do.

Thanks, Dinny

streak · « **Reply #28 on:** January 22, 2012, 05:59:53 PM »

Quote from: -Dinny on January 22, 2012, 07:14:51 AM

Quote from: bigvarmnt on January 22, 2012, 07:06:21 AM
Dinny, I think that 45 LC would make a Handi truck gun. It's 20" right? I would use syn stocks myself and ifn you can see em, open sights. I'm growing interest in a peep sight if I can see em or a small red dot.
I bet if you had that 45LC you'd be makin bacon right now
Glad you are seeing some HOGS

My 45LC does have a 20" bbl, but when it was coated, I had the sight slots filled. So a dot sight may be the better option. I have a synthetic stock set to put on there. You're right about the makin' bacon part. I even grabbed a 00 buck shot shell this morning and put it back on the safe when I realized it wasn't what I was looking for...

The camera is going out today and in March (when I get back from Ft Polk) the bait station will be put to good use.

Thanks, Dinny

Dinny,
How long have you been at Ft. Polk?
I spent a couple summers there back in 1958-59. That would have been an ideal spot to have a truck gun!

On our night maneuvers many times we got the scare of our lives when we stumbled into a sounder of those "Pineyhill Rooters"! Sometimes it was the bigger feral hogs!! Always was a " Chinese fire drill" trying to get that squad back together after one of those encounters especially on a dark overcast night.
When I was real small youngster we lived in Leesville, Louisiana and my daddy worked on Ft. Polk for awhile. My choice of a truck gun where big hogs or similiar size animals might be encountered would as mentioned by others a good short barreled shotgun or a good lever action carbine in a big bore caliber.
Those big feral hogs sometimes take exception to being shot at and sometimes will seek out the source of the shot!

Dinny · « **Reply #29 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:07:21 PM »

Last year I went 4 or 5 times to train others. This year I'm heading down for a month of training myself. It'll be my luck that I run across a bunch of hogs and don't have anything to shoot them with except blanks.

Thanks, Dinny