Looking for a new Deer Tracking Gun....

[txhunter90]

Needing some help on deciding on a deer tracking gun.

Usually dispatching animals within 50 yards in brush.

Not interested in a hand pistol

Needs:

Lighter the better

More Compact the better

Plenty of knock down in brush.


From looking there are alot of good calibers. I have thought about a few guns which would be the Keltec sub 2000 Gen 3 in 9mm, the SW FPC in 9mm, Short light 6.8 SPC AR Pistol, Lever Action 30-30 with a 16" barrel.

I have also looked at buying a gun and shooting sub sonic out of them as some of the velocity is close to a pistol round used. I have steered away from the pistol rounds because I have .223 and ..30 Cal suppressors.

Open to all opinions on calibers and brands. Wanting to hear the Green screen and see what would work well in my situation.

[Twist]

Depends on what you want to spend, and maybe other things. Such as possible pending court actions.

I hear an AR pistol in 10mm, such as a CMMG Banshee might do well though.

[fish4food]

New Ruger made Marlin 336 in 30-30, or 1894 in 44 mag.

I’ve seen a few of the stainless big loop models out and listed with 16” barrels.

[txhunter90]

Depends on what you want to spend, and maybe other things. Such as possible pending court actions.

I hear an AR pistol in 10mm, such as a CMMG Banshee might do well though.

I will be doing everything with in the scope of the law.......... But I will look into it for using as intended as a pistol.



Bear creak has a couple cheap ones I thought about trying as well..

[McClain]

You must track a lot of wounded animals to need a dedicated firearm for this! Based on your descriptions, this is what comes to my mind. Not sure if they come with a threaded barrel, but a CVA SCOUT V2 PISTOL in a 300 black out should fit your bill I would think. It has a 11.5” barrel, it’s compact and light weight, and you could fit a small fixed power scope or red dot. Could use your 30 cal suppressor if desired. Might even be able to find or build a holster for cross chest carry or maybe even across the back with over the shoulder draw. 300 blackout should have plenty of knockdown at 50 yards, maybe even subsonic with the right ammo. Just my 2c worth.

[Bucknaked]

Knock down… hmmmm….

[AntlerCollector]

A 30-30. I’ve got one cut down for kids to shoot. A short one like that would be perfect for what you want.

[Deer Tracks]

.357 lever action is hard to beat though I’ve used an integrally suppressed .308 with subsonics when the situation calls something suppressed. You want a projectile that’s not going to pass through the deer and potentially hit your dog. For .357 I use hornady defense rounds.

[Fishndude]

A well known deer tracker buddy of mine uses a Ruger Model 77 in .44 mag

[muddydog]

Radical Ar15 in 300 blk.

[Monark]

Thurty Thurty with a 357 on my hip. Sounds like a coach gun SxS 12 gauge with buckshot may work for you also.

[Voodoo]

If you are going short barrel just get a 44 mag. The new Ruger or Rossi Stainless/laminate 16” 30-30 are ok but I personally think the 44 does better in a short barrel on game animals. I’ve seen Remington 180 gr 44’s surpass 16” 30-30 velocities.

I would look at the Henry Big Boy Carbine or even the S&W 1854

I’ve used so many calibers at short range and my opinion is the 44 hits harder in actual use, ballistic numbers be darned.

I like a levergun with light rail and XS Ghost rings for this kind of duty, camp gun, truck gun.

[TX03RUBI]

I’ve never heard the words knock down and 9mm used in the same sentence.

[TX03RUBI]

Another vote for a 16” lever gun. Preferably 357 or 44 variety. Warm loaded 357 out of a 16” barrel is pretty da*n stout.

[youngbuck1]

May be overkill, but I love my 45-70 guide rifle. Super compact and packs a punch. Just be sure to hold it good and tight if you have a scope on it… ask me how I know lol