nvairborne308
Well-Known Member
For the past two years, my dad has started trapping due to him being semi-retired. I went with him a few times last season and it got my heart pumping for coyotes. Since my dad taught me how to call coyotes a little over 20 years ago, I've done it off and on and with a variety of weapons. I've used a multitude of rifle platforms and calibers; to include my bird hunting shotguns.
I'm currently deployed in Afghnistan and it has opened my eyes to what is truly important in life...an amazing phenomena to be honest. I want to spend more time with my dad doing something that we truly enjoy together. So, I'm purchasing/having built the rifle for the job.
Now, before I continue I want to pre-empt your disgust in my choice by asking that you read the entire decision summary before passing judgement...then you may let the insults fly. Here it goes. I bought a used stainless Mini-14 and had it directly sent to Carl at ASI, Inc. He is putting on a stainless fluted .875 varmint barrel, 3.5# trigger and synthetic Bell&Carlson stock. All the metal will bead blasted to reduce the glare. Someday I'll paint it or have it painted...I'm too chicken to do it myself though. So, that'll be my next google search. Ok, so why not the AR. I've owned no less than 5 ARs in both .223 and .308. Accurate? Very. Reliable? For the most part. Here's the deal, I HATE CLEANING ARs! I've been in the military for 13 years, so I know all the tricks, including the shaving cream trick. The last AR I owned, I went to the range and shot maybe 20 rounds downrange. I came home and spent an hour cleaning the bolt/bolt carrier/chamber. I put it together and listed it for sale...cheap! I know there are piston variants out there, but I'm not interested in a carbine and they are just too new and do not have the accuracy of the DI ARs. Now, back to the mini. Carl guarantees 1 MOA and I know this to be true because its my second ASI Mini. I had to sell the first in a time of low income (another story for another forum). I like the heritage (M1,M14 based) of the action and I like its ease to clean. Essentially, I wanted a semi automatic rifle for coyotes, and I'm just done with the AR platform.
As for glass, I ordered the Nikon Coyote Special with the BDC reticle. I like Nikons enough but I really wanted to try out the circles reticle.
Ammo-wise, I ordered some Fiocchi 50 gr v-max. Hopefully its not too bad on the fur and my rifle shoots it well. If either of those pose a problem I'll have to search around for something that works. I don't reload yet, so it will have to be off the shelf stuff.
As for the bipod I bought a Vanguard Equalizer 2 because it folds, pans and tilts. I bought it sight unseen so we'll see how that works out.
I go home for R&R in about a month. I will spend about 45% of the time hunting/trapping with my dad, 50% of the time with my bird dog and 5% of the time with my girl...I'm sure she'll understand.
I'm currently deployed in Afghnistan and it has opened my eyes to what is truly important in life...an amazing phenomena to be honest. I want to spend more time with my dad doing something that we truly enjoy together. So, I'm purchasing/having built the rifle for the job.
Now, before I continue I want to pre-empt your disgust in my choice by asking that you read the entire decision summary before passing judgement...then you may let the insults fly. Here it goes. I bought a used stainless Mini-14 and had it directly sent to Carl at ASI, Inc. He is putting on a stainless fluted .875 varmint barrel, 3.5# trigger and synthetic Bell&Carlson stock. All the metal will bead blasted to reduce the glare. Someday I'll paint it or have it painted...I'm too chicken to do it myself though. So, that'll be my next google search. Ok, so why not the AR. I've owned no less than 5 ARs in both .223 and .308. Accurate? Very. Reliable? For the most part. Here's the deal, I HATE CLEANING ARs! I've been in the military for 13 years, so I know all the tricks, including the shaving cream trick. The last AR I owned, I went to the range and shot maybe 20 rounds downrange. I came home and spent an hour cleaning the bolt/bolt carrier/chamber. I put it together and listed it for sale...cheap! I know there are piston variants out there, but I'm not interested in a carbine and they are just too new and do not have the accuracy of the DI ARs. Now, back to the mini. Carl guarantees 1 MOA and I know this to be true because its my second ASI Mini. I had to sell the first in a time of low income (another story for another forum). I like the heritage (M1,M14 based) of the action and I like its ease to clean. Essentially, I wanted a semi automatic rifle for coyotes, and I'm just done with the AR platform.
As for glass, I ordered the Nikon Coyote Special with the BDC reticle. I like Nikons enough but I really wanted to try out the circles reticle.
Ammo-wise, I ordered some Fiocchi 50 gr v-max. Hopefully its not too bad on the fur and my rifle shoots it well. If either of those pose a problem I'll have to search around for something that works. I don't reload yet, so it will have to be off the shelf stuff.
As for the bipod I bought a Vanguard Equalizer 2 because it folds, pans and tilts. I bought it sight unseen so we'll see how that works out.
I go home for R&R in about a month. I will spend about 45% of the time hunting/trapping with my dad, 50% of the time with my bird dog and 5% of the time with my girl...I'm sure she'll understand.