Hunting coyotes is one of the many exciting and challenging aspects of the sport.
They’re called varmints by some, but the coyote has a place in hunting culture as a predator because they are larger and more elusive than other targets such as groundhogs or raccoons.
Although anytime we spot a coyote, it becomes fair game for our guns and rifles, predator hunting, mainly specializing in coyotes, has recently grown in popularity.
The truth is, coyotes aren’t easy to hunt. It often seems like they’re trying to make themselves an elusive target by hiding among brush, running down the side of a mountain, or even climbing up a tree in some cases.
The key to stopping a wily coyote in its tracks before it has time to think is knowing how to use your rifle as an effective weapon against them effectively.
In that case, many factors come into play even with the best rifles on the market. So we want to focus here on what kind of rifles and ammunition work best, specifically when dealing with coyotes, and how investing in the right gear can be vital to taking care of business when it comes down to whatever firearm you choose.
Here we have noted the best coyote hunting rifles for the precision you need when hunting coyotes.
Best high-end Coyote Rifles – Reviews & Recommendations for 2023
- Browning X-Bolt Pro Bolt-Action Rifle with Carbon Fiber Stock
- Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle with A-TACS AU Camo
- Savage 110 Ultralite Bolt-Action Centerfire Rifle
- Christensen Arms Ridgeline Bolt-Action Rifle
- Savage Renegauge Field Semi-Auto Shotgun
- Winchester SXP Waterfowl Hunter Pump-Action Shotgun
- Traditions Buckstalker XT Muzzleloader Rifle with Synthetic Stock
- Rossi Gallery Pump-Action Rimfire Rifle
- Savage Arms Stevens 320 Field Grade Combo Pump-Action Shotgun
- Charles Daly 301 Pump-Action Shotgun
Editor’ Choice: Browning X-Bolt Pro Bolt-Action Rifle with Carbon Fiber Stock
Browning has launched the X-Bolt Pro Carbon Fiber Stock hunting rifle, an innovative hunting rifle with a very light carbon fiber wrap stock. This new model in their X-Bolt Pro family sports first-class technical features and is available in 5 calibers ranging from .243 Win to .30-06.
The Browning X-Bolt Pro Carbon Fluted Cerakote Threaded is now 7% lighter thanks to its new carbon fiber stock wrapped around a high-density foam core. Even though it’s a narrower design, the X-Bolt Pro Carbon Fluted Cerakote is even more accurate due to its increased structural rigidity.
The X-Bolt Pro Carbon Fluted Cerakote is available in five calibers, .243Win, .270 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor with 22″/560mm barrel, and .308Win and .30-06 with 21″/530mm barrel. The magazine capacity is four rounds with a standard action and three rounds with a Magnum action.
Specs
- Action: bedded short action X-Bolt, stainless steel, Cerakote finish
- Barrel: stainless steel, spiral-fluted, Cerakote finish
- Muzzle: threaded (5/8-inch x 24) with Recoil Hawg brake installed (included thread protector)
- Capacity: 3-shot rotary magazine (3+1)
- Stock: foam-filled carbon fiber with Cerakote accents
- Scope Mounting: X-pattern 4-screw mounting front and rear
Pros
- Detachable rotary magazine
- Smooth and seamless transition to stock l
- crisp, short 60-degree bolt throw for rapid cycling
Cons
- Not accurate enough
Runner-up: Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle with A-TACS AU Camo
The X-Bolt provides stability to help maintain barrel consistency. The muzzle is carefully reamed with an available crown and utilizes three separate springs that allow for a clean, crisp pull.
The X-Lock scope mounts are unique, utilizing four screws instead of two, one at either side of the scope base, which clips around the scope tube, and two more at the top plus bottom corners that fit into corresponding holes on the stock’s forend.
The stock on this shotgun has a patented built-in gel cushion to deflect felt recoil and muzzle climb, so your hands, face, and eyes are exposed to reduced shock and stress. The bolt lock button works in conjunction with the drop-down safety to provide an additional layer of security during the unloading of the chamber.
This bolt system is 60 degrees allowing you time to interact with the gun without having the scope interfere. And finally, it comes with an all-new detachable rotary magazine which gets rid of pesky belt slippage.
Specs
- Barrel: Steel
- Caliber: 6.5 PRC
- Capacity: 3
- Stock: Composite
- Scope capacity: Yes
Pros
- All new four screw systems.
- Bolt unlock button for added security
- 60° bolt life for fast cycling
- Durable and lightweight.
Cons
- The trigger is a little heavier
Best Value For Money: Savage 110 Ultralite Bolt-Action Centerfire Rifle
Equipped with Savage’s famous AccuTrigger and AccuStock system, the shooter can adjust the trigger-pull weight and the stock comb height and length of pull, making it one form-fitting firearm.
The Savage 110 is available in two great cartridges, popular among coyote hunters: .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington. We all know that a higher muzzle velocity helps maximize downrange energy, something you want when hunting coyotes!
Specs
- Cartridge or Gauge: .280 Ackley Improved
- Finish: Carbon Fiber Wrapped
- Color: Gray/Black
- Action: Bolt
- Barrel Length: 22″
- Round Capacity: 4
- Gun Weight: 5.85 lbs.
Pros
- Consistent and accurate
- Lightweight barrel
- Easily user-adjustable trigger
- Detachable box magazine
Cons
- Needs more refinement
Alternative 1: Christensen Arms Ridgeline Bolt-Action Rifle
This Utah-based manufacturer of high-performance rifles is designed using aerospace materials and processes. The Ridgeline is a lightweight carbon-fiber barrel that offers users impressive overall hunting performance and is much more accessible to carry than traditional heavy barrels.
The carbon fiber barrel is designed to aid the shooter in reducing the reaction time of the lag time between trigger pull and round release. It also guarantees high accuracy. The barrel lining is 416R stainless steel button rifled, stress relieved, and hand lapped with a bore tolerance of plus-minus 0.0001 inches for guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy.
To further enhance accuracy, the barrel is free-floated, and each barrel chamber is CNC machined using match-grade reamers by Christensen. Then it’s finished with a threaded muzzle that includes a stainless steel radial brake, which can be removed and replaced with a stainless steel thread protector.
Specs
- Calibre: .300 Win. Mag.
- Magazine capacity: 3 rounds
- Barrel length: 26″
- Overall length: 48″
- Length of pull: 13.6″
- Drop at comb: 1.2″
- Drop at heel: 1″
- Weight: 6.7 lb
- Rate of Twist: 1-10″
Pros
- Outstanding overall accuracy
- Extremely lightweight
- Better and improved heat dispersion
- Stock is available in two color schemes: black with grey webbing or green with black and tan.
Cons
- The carbon-fiber barrel is for conventional
- No accommodation for a front attachment point.
Alternative 2: Savage Renegauge Field Semi-Auto Shotgun
The Savage Renegauge semi-auto shotgun represents an advancement in modern-day gun design and function. Its gas system and shooter-friendly features have opened the industry to a whole new era of firearm development. It also features a threaded barrel, which adds convenience for mounting attachments like flashlights or scopes.
The Renegauge is a fast-shooting, smooth-cycling shotgun that generates mildly pleasant recoil. There are no interchangeable pistons to mess with (or lose) or O-rings, and consistent bolt speed significantly reduces wear on the system.
The Savage produces substantially less recoil than competing semi-auto shotguns, and it consistently cycles everything from light target loads to magnum waterfowl loads without manual adjustment. Due to this reason, the Renegauge has become the weapon of choice for many shooters in its class.
Specs
- Operation: Gas-operated semi-auto shotgun
- Chamber: 3 in.
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel Lengths: 24, 26, or 28 inches
- Capacity: 4+1 (2 3/4 in)
- Receiver Finish: Matte Black
- Receiver Material: Aluminum
- Length of Pull: 14.25 to 15.07 in
- Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
- Weight: 7.75-8 lbs
- Barrel Finish: Melonite
- Overall Length: 45.5 to 49.5 in
Pros
- Uses lightweight polymer inserts
- Faster target acquisition
- Can be operated with or without gloves
Cons
- Design needs improvement
Best budget Coyote Rifles
We have already ranked our best choices. However, you are a beginner and just dipping your feet in the water of coyote hunting, here are some budget-friendly options that won’t break your bank.
Editor’s Choice: Winchester SXP Waterfowl Hunter Pump-Action Shotgun
Winchester SX3 Waterfowl Hunter Realtree Max-5 12ga 3.5in Pump Shotgun with Speed Pump Technology – The Winchester SX3 Waterfowl Hunter features Realtree Max-4 camo pattern finish and is equipped to resist the elements with a rigid chrome-plated chamber and bore, synthetic stock, and matte black chrome on the bolt.
Specs
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber : 3-1/2in
- Capacity: 4+1
- Barrel length: 26in
- Finish: Realtree Max-5 Camo
- Stock: Inflex Technology Recoil Pad
- Choke: Invector-Plus Flush: F, M, IC
- Weight: 6.9lbs
- Action: Pump
Pros
- Textured gripping surfaces give a non-slip grip
- Dense and even optimum shot patterns
- Wear and corrosion resistance
- Low recoil that is away from your cheeks
Cons
- Better options in the market
Runner-up: Traditions Buckstalker XT Muzzleloader Rifle with Synthetic Stock
Traditions have gone through the tried and true Buckstalker series and improved to make it more accurate, lighter, and easier to handle. While being remarkably strong and reliable at a sturdy 50 caliber, the Traditions XT rifle allows you to maneuver easily according to your situation, whether by muzzleloading in dense brush or long shots across fields with ease.
In addition, this rifle comes equipped with a Bendix style hammer for breech-loading and the Accelerator Breech Plug, which removes in three turns without any tools. This gun is excellent because its impressive features have been upgraded from the previous Buckstalker models!
Specs
- Cartridge or Gauge: .28 Nosler
- Finish: Cerakote Carbon Gray Elite
- Color: Natural Finish Carbon Fiber
- Action: Bolt
- Barrel Length: 26″
- Hand: Right
- Round Capacity: 3 + 1
- Gun Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz.
Pros
- Lightweight, yet accurate and strong
- Dual safety system
- Easy loading
- Built to travel and easy to carry
Cons
- Accuracy can be better
Best value for money: Rossi Gallery Pump-Action Rimfire Rifle
The Rossi Gallery is a pump-action rifle created after the original gallery guns of the late 1890s. This gun is chambered for .22 LR rounds and features a polished black, 18-inch barrel and a 15 round capacity tube magazine. Thanks to its accuracy, it is fun to shoot and can be used to target, attack, plink, or even hunt small game animals like raccoons.
Specs
- Type: Rimfire
- Metal Finish: Polished
- Product weight: 84 ounces
- Product Type: Rimfire
- Product Length (in.): 36
- Front sight: Buckhorn
- Style: Hunting
- Magazine capacity: 15
- Barrel length (in.): 18
- Rear sight: Buckhorn
- Caliber: .22 LR
Pros
- Easy to see the dovetailed front sight
- Trigger pull is very consistent
- Cross-bolt safety system
Cons
- The receiver is made out of poor quality material
- Customer service is not satisfactory
Alternative 1: Savage Arms Stevens 320 Field Grade Combo Pump-Action Shotgun
From the range to your home, the Savage Arms Stevens 320 Field Grade Pump-Action Shotgun is ideal for protection and hunting needs. With 28″ vent rib barrels, this shotgun can handle everything from upland birds to waterfowl.
It is equipped with an 18.5″ barrel; it features a Picatinny rail mount, perfect for adding a scope or other accessories handling close-range targets with ease.
Dual slide bars ensure smooth operation and reliable performance, while a black synthetic stock delivers durability in a lightweight package. The bottom loading five shell magazine provides convenience when adjusting rounds and capacity for different shooting scenarios.
Specs
- Cartridge or Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Finish: Matte Black
- Color: Black Synthetic
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length: 28″
- Hand: Right
- Round Capacity: 5 + 1
- Gun Weight: 7.4 lbs.
Pros
- Interchangeable barrels
- Lightweight, durable synthetic stock
Cons
- Broken or loose forearms reported by customers
Alternative 2: Charles Daly 301 Pump-Action Shotgun
Charles Daly 301 Pump-Action Shotgun is perfect for close-range maneuverability and extreme tactical shooting demands. It has an 18.5″ barrel with a heat shield. The black synthetic pistol grip in this shotgun offers sure-handed shooting control. The fixed fiber-optic front sight and the ghost-ring rear sight make aiming easier.
Specs
- Cartridge or Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Finish: Black
- Action: Pump
- Barrel Length : 18.5″
- Hand: Right
- Description: 3″ Chamber
- Round Capacity : 4 + 1
- Gun Weight: 5.00 lbs.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and easy to use
- Single-stage trigger system
- Checkered Synthetic Stock And Forend
- Manual Safety
- Automatic Extraction
Cons
- Quality and longevity issues
Coyote Caliber Guns FAQ
What is the best caliber for killing coyotes?
The .223 Remington is undoubtedly one of the best calibers for hunting predators such as coyotes.
However, you can also use the .22-250 Remington specifically designed to kill coyotes as it has the shooting ability, not to mention the accuracy. Besides these, you could also use other caliber shotguns, such as the 17 HMR or .243.
What are some of the different types of guns?
The guns you can use to hunt coyotes come in different shapes and sizes, not to mention different calibers. You have ARs, bolt rifles, shotguns, and rimfires of various types, using which you can hunt and kill coyotes.
However, if you are not looking to spend a hefty amount on a hunting rifle, there are several options. For instance, rifles like the Salvage Axis come in all sizes, including .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, and .243 Win. Besides this, you also have the Ruger American that comes in .22 centerfires. You are perfect for hunting coyotes, although you have the .243 Win, which can serve as the best solution.
Similarly, other options for hunting coyotes include the Howa 1500, which comes with a Hogue Overmolded stock. The Howa rifle has a compact design, making it easier to hold and handle. It features a 20-inch contour barrel, two-stage match trigger, and 13.87-inch pull length.
When is coyote hunting season?
You can hunt coyotes in almost all seasons, with a few exceptions from the beginning of October to March. The best time to hunt coyotes during these times would be right after sunrise on an opening day.
However, there may be variations. For instance, in New Jersey, the coyote hunting season begins on the fourth Saturday or before the last Friday of October and goes up to March 15. Also, it would be best to begin a half-hour before sunrise and call it a day a half-hour after sunset during the open hunting season.
However, during other times, while you should start a half-hour before sunrise, you should end a half-hour before sunset. So, while you can hunt coyotes during the week, do keep in mind that you cannot hunt coyotes on Sundays.
What are the reasons for coyote hunting?
There are several reasons to hunt coyotes. Some of the most common ones include:
#1 To keep livestock safe
Coyotes hunt calves, fawns, and other such livestock. So, by hunting them down, you can keep your livestock safe.
#2 Practice hunting
One of the most significant advantages of hunting coyotes is that it allows you to hone your skills as a hunter. Coyotes can be hard to hunt due to their speed and stealth. So, by hunting them down, you can become a better hunter.
#3 For fun
Hunting is a sport, and you can have a great time hunting coyotes.
#4 To earn money
By hunting coyotes and selling them or their skins, you can make some extra cash quickly.
