The Perfect Coyote Rifle - 3
Finish, Optics and Suppressors
When we were satisfied with the performance of the rifle, we sent it to Controlled Chaos Firearms for Cerakote in Flat Dark Earth. The Seekins Precision rail was reinstalled and we settled on the Leupold VX-6 2-12X CDS Illuminated scope in lapped Leupold Mark 4 lightweight rings. My eyes are slightly cross dominant so I'm very conscious of field of view (FOV) for close shots. The six factor power range of the VX-6 gives tremendous FOV at 2X yet leaves plenty of magnification on the top end for the occasional long shot on a hung up coyote. Overall, the scope fits my application perfectly with a clear, bright sight picture.
A YHM-3300-ti suppressor sits at the Class III dealer awaiting a stamp approval. It will complete my "Perfect Coyote Rifle." My patience is getting tested as I wait for this finishing touch on the project.
The Proof and the Pudding
A new fur season, a new stand and a new rifle came together just over one minute into the set as Adult Cottontail from the Foxpro Shockwave drifted across the sage. A mature female burst onto the scene looking for breakfast. One shot, one coyote. Six minutes later a large male, probably her mate, is running through the sage from my right passing the caller and the first coyote by just ten yards. The morning sun was on him as he continued, seemingly ignoring my vocal barks and howls. Just as I think I may have to take the moving shot, he checks up and stops at 110 yards--one more bullet and one more coyote. Bullet performance was perfect. The bullets entered, fragmented and didn't exit. So far, so good!
The first nine coyotes fell to the first nine rounds from this rifle. Bullet performance of the 65 grain V-max from the .243AI has proven to be very easy on fur, producing few exits. And the 87 grain load is very decisive as a contest load but not fur friendly at all—also just what the doctor ordered.
Changes and Regrets?
Is it perfect?
There are very few things we would do differently on this project aside from the technical issues. But, in retrospect, if we were starting over there are some minor changes we would probably make. For a rifle used strictly for predator calling, we would go with a threaded barrel rather than the QD attachment for the suppressor. Though we'll use the suppressor on multiple rifles, the weight of the FH offsets much of the weight savings of the titanium suppressor. Along the same lines, I would also go with a slightly larger barrel contour and then flute it to bring the weight back down. Doing so would stiffen the barrel, better supporting the weight of the FH and suppressor. Not a deal breaker but we're talking "perfect" here. The last minor point would be using another flush mount cup with a stud adaptor instead of the bottom rear sling swivel stud on the McMillan stock. The adaptor could then be easily removed for a clean butt stock when using a rear bag at the bench.
Regrets? None!
So, with these "flaws", maybe this isn't the Perfect Coyote Rifle after all. Luckily, there is still one more spot in the safe with the rest of the "kids" should we decide to make another attempt. Until then, perfect or not, the coyotes of Southeast Oregon probably won't notice the difference!
Note: All loads in this article are deemed safe only in this rifle. Always reduce powder charges and work up slowly.
Tim Titus has been calling coyotes for 35 years. He lives in the coyote rich country of Southeast Oregon where he and his son spend their winters calling predators and their springs and early summers shooting varmints. Tim owns and operates No Off Season, an on-line predator and varmint hunting store and guiding business. You can check it out at No-Off-Season.com.
When we were satisfied with the performance of the rifle, we sent it to Controlled Chaos Firearms for Cerakote in Flat Dark Earth. The Seekins Precision rail was reinstalled and we settled on the Leupold VX-6 2-12X CDS Illuminated scope in lapped Leupold Mark 4 lightweight rings. My eyes are slightly cross dominant so I'm very conscious of field of view (FOV) for close shots. The six factor power range of the VX-6 gives tremendous FOV at 2X yet leaves plenty of magnification on the top end for the occasional long shot on a hung up coyote. Overall, the scope fits my application perfectly with a clear, bright sight picture.
A YHM-3300-ti suppressor sits at the Class III dealer awaiting a stamp approval. It will complete my "Perfect Coyote Rifle." My patience is getting tested as I wait for this finishing touch on the project.
The Proof and the Pudding
A new fur season, a new stand and a new rifle came together just over one minute into the set as Adult Cottontail from the Foxpro Shockwave drifted across the sage. A mature female burst onto the scene looking for breakfast. One shot, one coyote. Six minutes later a large male, probably her mate, is running through the sage from my right passing the caller and the first coyote by just ten yards. The morning sun was on him as he continued, seemingly ignoring my vocal barks and howls. Just as I think I may have to take the moving shot, he checks up and stops at 110 yards--one more bullet and one more coyote. Bullet performance was perfect. The bullets entered, fragmented and didn't exit. So far, so good!
The first nine coyotes fell to the first nine rounds from this rifle. Bullet performance of the 65 grain V-max from the .243AI has proven to be very easy on fur, producing few exits. And the 87 grain load is very decisive as a contest load but not fur friendly at all—also just what the doctor ordered.
Changes and Regrets?
Is it perfect?
There are very few things we would do differently on this project aside from the technical issues. But, in retrospect, if we were starting over there are some minor changes we would probably make. For a rifle used strictly for predator calling, we would go with a threaded barrel rather than the QD attachment for the suppressor. Though we'll use the suppressor on multiple rifles, the weight of the FH offsets much of the weight savings of the titanium suppressor. Along the same lines, I would also go with a slightly larger barrel contour and then flute it to bring the weight back down. Doing so would stiffen the barrel, better supporting the weight of the FH and suppressor. Not a deal breaker but we're talking "perfect" here. The last minor point would be using another flush mount cup with a stud adaptor instead of the bottom rear sling swivel stud on the McMillan stock. The adaptor could then be easily removed for a clean butt stock when using a rear bag at the bench.
Regrets? None!
So, with these "flaws", maybe this isn't the Perfect Coyote Rifle after all. Luckily, there is still one more spot in the safe with the rest of the "kids" should we decide to make another attempt. Until then, perfect or not, the coyotes of Southeast Oregon probably won't notice the difference!
Note: All loads in this article are deemed safe only in this rifle. Always reduce powder charges and work up slowly.
Tim Titus has been calling coyotes for 35 years. He lives in the coyote rich country of Southeast Oregon where he and his son spend their winters calling predators and their springs and early summers shooting varmints. Tim owns and operates No Off Season, an on-line predator and varmint hunting store and guiding business. You can check it out at No-Off-Season.com.
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