Female looking to eradicate coyotes

[Guitarbanae]

I’m still weighing my options. Here is a short list of some of the lighter/smaller guns I’m considering.
What’s the general consensus, are these still woefully underpowered for shooting a coyote at 20 ft or less?
If so, then I'll reconsider.

Hatsan FlashPup QE .25 ( $355 / 40 fpe / 86 dec / 7 lbs / 32 inches )
Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical Carbine .25 ( $530 / 50 fpe / 90.9 dec / 5.8 lbs / 36.5 inches )
JTS Airacuda Max .30 ( $510 / 71.28 fpe / 93 dec / 7.99 lbs / 41.5 inches )

Would a HAWKE Vantage 2-7x32 Riflescope be a good choice since I’m shooting at closer range?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on types of ammo to use, if I were picking one of these guns?

 

[non3]

I’m still weighing my options. Here is a short list of some of the lighter/smaller guns I’m considering.
What’s the general consensus, are these still woefully underpowered for shooting a coyote at 20 ft or less?
If so, then I'll reconsider.

Hatsan FlashPup QE .25 ( $355 / 40 fpe / 86 dec / 7 lbs / 32 inches )
Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical Carbine .25 ( $530 / 50 fpe / 90.9 dec / 5.8 lbs / 36.5 inches )
JTS Airacuda Max .30 ( $510 / 71.28 fpe / 93 dec / 7.99 lbs / 41.5 inches )

Would a HAWKE Vantage 2-7x32 Riflescope be a good choice since I’m shooting at closer range?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on types of ammo to use, if I were picking one of these guns?

Try what you have first. It will cause them enough pain to go away.

You said you had a Maxxim, I assume Gamo Maxxim which is a powerful springer.
Aim for their butt a few times.
I doubt they will come back.

If they come back then spend the money for something that can kill them, with a good aim and the right ammo, and the right distance.
You need to know what you are doing.
Killing coyotes with an airgun is for advanced shooters.
Not so easy!

 

[Guitarbanae]

Try what you have first. It will cause them enough pain to go away.

You said you had a Maxxim, I assume Gamo Maxxim which is a powerful springer.
Aim for their butt a few times.
I doubt they will come back.

If they come back then spend the money for something that can kill them, with a good aim and the right ammo, and the right distance.
You need to know what you are doing.
Killing coyotes with an airgun is for advanced shooters.
Not so easy!

Yes, it is a Gamo Maxxim gen 2.

It would realistically take awhile before I would be able to use an airgun if I purchased one right now. I'd have to wait for it to be shipped, get the thing filled with air, mount and sight the scope, and go to my parents house where I could do some target practice before attempting anything meaningful on a coyote.

Realistically, if it comes back soon and presents the opportunity for a good shot with my Maxxim, I may have to go that route--like you say, if only to deter them.

I do realize this is an airgun forum, HOWEVER, I wonder if maybe a Henry H001Y (Youth model) would be a better suited option? Smaller gun/easier handling.

What I'm finding is that if paired with CCI Quiet-22 (.22 LR) ammo and a red dot, I may have an easier go of it. The fpe would still be around 45 but it would be a 70ish decibel shot and the red dot would probably make aiming at close range easier. Thoughts?

 

[Playingdead]

Yes, it is a Gamo Maxxim gen 2.

It would realistically take awhile before I would be able to use an airgun if I purchased one right now. I'd have to wait for it to be shipped, get the thing filled with air, mount and sight the scope, and go to my parents house where I could do some target practice before attempting anything meaningful on a coyote.

Realistically, if it comes back soon and presents the opportunity for a good shot with my Maxxim, I may have to go that route--like you say, if only to deter them.

I do realize this is an airgun forum, HOWEVER, I wonder if maybe a Henry H001Y (Youth model) would be a better suited option? Smaller gun/easier handling.

What I'm finding is that if paired with CCI Quiet-22 (.22 LR) ammo and a red dot, I may have an easier go of it. The fpe would still be around 45 but it would be a 70ish decibel shot and the red dot would probably make aiming at close range easier. Thoughts?

Totally agree with the .22lr route. The Henry is a good one, and don't forget about the 10/22. I have one I teach children with after they master a cricket I have. The link I provided is less money than the Henry and has the optic included.

While I love air guns, in your situation a rimfire would serve you best. If your state allows it get a suppressor. You then have a life long item.

 

[Hector J Medina G]

Sorry, if I offended. It didn’t occur to me that my wording would make you think I was directing that at you…I meant MY FATHER’S advice was the same, and others were agreeing with it.
I will look into your PitBull suggestion. Thank you.

Dear GB;

Sorry to have been absent for a while, went to shoot the FT Nationals in TX.
Apologies.

Anyway, in the meantime, I did do an interesting test:
I lent a DIANA Skyhawk to a very "Petite" friend of mine (she shoots at Palmyra PA with the FT crew).
She is really small and lightweight, though she is strong, as she operates a hunting dog kennel, LOL!.
She started shooting with a GAMO also.
The Skyhawk fit her very well.
It is short, light and the balance of the weight stays between both arms, so it is well suited to your case.

It is not available in any larger caliber, largest is 0.22" BUT, shooting the new expanding slugs or the Predator Pellets will make a 30 cal hole in anything that is more than 60% water (and that is most living tissue).

It's about mid-priced ($700), but it is a well made gun. It is NOT made in Germany, it is made in China under German supervision (yes, boots on the ground). So, there is a good warranty and service available.

The Avenge X Bullpup is quite more powerful, but for the distances you are contemplating, I would not pay much attention to power.
You ONLY need 600 fps and up Velocity at impact to expand a Baracuda Hunter/Hunter Extreme, and even less for the Predators and the AirMarksman Hex slugs.

Just something else to consider.
I know there are so many options today available that we often get into "Analysis Paralysis".
So, IF IT HELPS:

I can LEND you the Skyhawk in 0.22" (we need to discuss that); that will allow you to actually test something "in the field".

Drop me a PM if this would help, as there are more than a few things to consider.

Keep well and shoot straight!





HM

Keep well and

 

[Pumacarl]

I’m still weighing my options. Here is a short list of some of the lighter/smaller guns I’m considering.
What’s the general consensus, are these still woefully underpowered for shooting a coyote at 20 ft or less?
If so, then I'll reconsider.

Hatsan FlashPup QE .25 ( $355 / 40 fpe / 86 dec / 7 lbs / 32 inches )
Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical Carbine .25 ( $530 / 50 fpe / 90.9 dec / 5.8 lbs / 36.5 inches )
JTS Airacuda Max .30 ( $510 / 71.28 fpe / 93 dec / 7.99 lbs / 41.5 inches )

Would a HAWKE Vantage 2-7x32 Riflescope be a good choice since I’m shooting at closer range?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on types of ammo to use, if I were picking one of these guns?

Watch this video. It will help you to understand a coyote skull, and where to shoot it.

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[Guitarbanae]

Watch this video. It will help you to understand a coyote skull, and where to shoot it.

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Thank you SO MUCH for this vid. I was just looking for something that had a visual explanation and this helps clarify shot placement tremendously!

 

[Pumacarl]

Thank you SO MUCH for this vid. I was just looking for something that had a visual explanation and this helps clarify shot placement tremendously!

I like cats too. The cat in my avatar was saved by a very fast shooting me, three times from foxes. The coyotes that would come around at night were never stupid enough to give me a shot and would stay 100y away in the tree line.
Good luck!

 

[Guitarbanae]

Dear GB;

Sorry to have been absent for a while, went to shoot the FT Nationals in TX.
Apologies.

Anyway, in the meantime, I did do an interesting test:
I lent a DIANA Skyhawk to a very "Petite" friend of mine (she shoots at Palmyra PA with the FT crew).
She is really small and lightweight, though she is strong, as she operates a hunting dog kennel, LOL!.
She started shooting with a GAMO also.
The Skyhawk fit her very well.
It is short, light and the balance of the weight stays between both arms, so it is well suited to your case.

It is not available in any larger caliber, largest is 0.22" BUT, shooting the new expanding slugs or the Predator Pellets will make a 30 cal hole in anything that is more than 60% water (and that is most living tissue).

It's about mid-priced ($700), but it is a well made gun. It is NOT made in Germany, it is made in China under German supervision (yes, boots on the ground). So, there is a good warranty and service available.

The Avenge X Bullpup is quite more powerful, but for the distances you are contemplating, I would not pay much attention to power.
You ONLY need 600 fps and up Velocity at impact to expand a Baracuda Hunter/Hunter Extreme, and even less for the Predators and the AirMarksman Hex slugs.

Just something else to consider.
I know there are so many options today available that we often get into "Analysis Paralysis".
So, IF IT HELPS:

I can LEND you the Skyhawk in 0.22" (we need to discuss that); that will allow you to actually test something "in the field".

Drop me a PM if this would help, as there are more than a few things to consider.

Keep well and shoot straight!





HM

Keep well and

Hey there Hector.
For whatever weird reason, it will not allow me to direct message you.
It seems to think my message looks too spammy ?? (reply below)

---- Reply ----

No apology for any absence necessary. I'm glad you got some shooting time in.

I’m blown away by your offer of lending me the Skyhawk to try out.
I’ll be honest with you though—I’m super cautious about lending/borrowing to and from with other people.

If I had any experience with a pcp airgun to know what the heck I was doing, I might take you up on that offer. But as it is, I have never held, shot, or tried to fill one with air.

I wouldn’t want to mishandle or damage it in any way out of ignorance (and certainly not on purpose).
Not knowing the mechanics of a pcp air rifle, I would be too paranoid to borrow someone else’s gun.

I am also realizing that I would either have to do an awful lot of manual pumping or buy an expensive compressor if going the airgun route.

I had almost talked myself into going the route of a 10/22 with a 16.4” barrel, a sparrow 22 silencer, and CCI quiet semi-auto ammo with a sig sauer Romeo 5 red dot.

I know that you know air guns through and through, but are you also knowledgeable about 22LRs?

If so, does the aforementioned sound like a good setup, or would you recommend differently?

Thank you again for the generous offer, though. I really appreciate it.

 

[Madhatter]

A Ruger 10/22 would be louder than a bolt action .22 due to being a semi auto.

 

[Tunafish]

Let me preface this post by saying I am very new to the airgun world. I apologize in advance if I lack the correct terminology when writing or responding. For reference I am a smaller female and I live in an urban area. I have owned a maxxim gen 2 all of 2 weeks. I understand this gun is more suited to smaller pests (like raccoons) which is the reason it was originally purchased.

BUT lately I’m having a much bigger problem than the pesky raccoons.
Coyotes are showing up in my backyard (which has woods between me and the next street over) and are wreaking havoc on the feral cat colony I take care of. I understand that the Maxxim gen 2 is grossly underpowered for the task of dropping a coyote.
I am inside city limits so cannot shoot a real firearm without the cops showing up at my door.

I have been doing a bit of research online and think that getting a higher-powered PCP gun—I’m thinking minimum .30 caliber with heavier grain ammo is the way to go. I’d like to set the scene, so hopefully will get better advice based on my circumstances. I would be shooting (mostly I hope) from inside my house, out of a window that is probably 3 ft from ground level. The coyotes are coming fairly close to my house (and I’m bad at guessing) but would estimate within 15-30ft. I realize that at a closer range, I would probably need less power. However, I would rather have something that is overkill—that allows for a margin of error, since I am still a newb to shooting.

Let me throw out a few things I would like to see ideally in a gun.
Firstly, I am a smaller female so need something manageable (less heavy).
Obviously, being new to this, I need something that is pretty accurate and won’t drift when I take a shot. Preferably a gun that allows for multiple pellets/ammo without having to load between shots. Something that doesn’t make such a loud shot that it startles my neighbors (garden home community). Lastly, I would really like to keep my price range to $800ish or less. Does a gun exist that meets all or most of these criteria?
Also, I have zero knowledge about filling these guns up with air. Do they come pre-loaded? Would I need to find a local shop that can fill them or is there a hand pump/small compressor I can use myself? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give…and for having the patience to read all of that.

I highly suggest a quality rifle which you control its power. I highly recommend the FX tactical 30 cal without bottle. This will keep the gun light and you will get 23 shots out of a fill and shoots 45g pellets and STACKS THEM! (Puts one on top of the other).
This gun is of average price range for a quality gun coming from one of the best gunmakers in the world.( or at least one of them)
I own one of these and I love it. I’m very experienced in air rifles. FX is the company I buy ALL MY GUNS FROM!
This weapon WILL SOLVE YOUR ISSUE GUARANTEED!

 

[Billm]

Hey there Hector.
For whatever weird reason, it will not allow me to direct message you.
It seems to think my message looks too spammy ?? (reply below)

---- Reply ----

No apology for any absence necessary. I'm glad you got some shooting time in.

I’m blown away by your offer of lending me the Skyhawk to try out.
I’ll be honest with you though—I’m super cautious about lending/borrowing to and from with other people.

If I had any experience with a pcp airgun to know what the heck I was doing, I might take you up on that offer. But as it is, I have never held, shot, or tried to fill one with air.

I wouldn’t want to mishandle or damage it in any way out of ignorance (and certainly not on purpose).
Not knowing the mechanics of a pcp air rifle, I would be too paranoid to borrow someone else’s gun.

I am also realizing that I would either have to do an awful lot of manual pumping or buy an expensive compressor if going the airgun route.

I had almost talked myself into going the route of a 10/22 with a 16.4” barrel, a sparrow 22 silencer, and CCI quiet semi-auto ammo with a sig sauer Romeo 5 red dot.

I know that you know air guns through and through, but are you also knowledgeable about 22LRs?

If so, does the aforementioned sound like a good setup, or would you recommend differently?

Thank you again for the generous offer, though. I really appreciate it.

With your lack of experience, you might consider the Umarex Komplete .25. It produces over 50fpe. You’re talking about a very short range that you plan shooting at. It is less expensive than any of the guns discussed. It is a PCP that uses Nitrogen cartridges for power. Both the rifle and the cartridges can be purchased at Walmart or off of Amazon or direct from Umarex. Buy it direct and I think you can get a HAM discount. You can buy the dual powered version or upgrade the standard one and use air a well. It’s very versatile $190 U.S. hard to beat.

Post in thread 'The Umarex Komplete Is The Most Versatile Air Rifle Ever!'

Jun 16, 2026

Elaine needs to hurry up and shoot the Komplete that she won. I really want to try it. I’ve already got the accessories for it.

• Billm

• 
• 
• 

 

[Danman]

With your lack of experience, you might consider the Umarex Komplete .25. It produces over 50fpe. You’re talking about a very short range that you plan shooting at. It is less expensive than any of the guns discussed. It is a PCP that uses Nitrogen cartridges for power. Both the rifle and the cartridges can be purchased at Walmart or off of Amazon or direct from Umarex. Buy it direct and I think you can get a HAM discount. You can buy the dual powered version or upgrade the standard one and use air a well. It’s very versatile $190 U.S. hard to beat.

Post in thread 'The Umarex Komplete Is The Most Versatile Air Rifle Ever!'

Jun 16, 2026

Elaine needs to hurry up and shoot the Komplete that she won. I really want to try it. I’ve already got the accessories for it.

• Billm

• 
• 
• 

100% what i was thinking of suggesting as well. Cheap, plenty powerful for a 20Y shot, multiple fill options with no compressor necessary. This, imo is what the Komplete was made for.

 

[Guitarbanae]

With your lack of experience, you might consider the Umarex Komplete .25. It produces over 50fpe. You’re talking about a very short range that you plan shooting at. It is less expensive than any of the guns discussed. It is a PCP that uses Nitrogen cartridges for power. Both the rifle and the cartridges can be purchased at Walmart or off of Amazon or direct from Umarex. Buy it direct and I think you can get a HAM discount. You can buy the dual powered version or upgrade the standard one and use air a well. It’s very versatile $190 U.S. hard to beat.

Post in thread 'The Umarex Komplete Is The Most Versatile Air Rifle Ever!'

Jun 16, 2026

Elaine needs to hurry up and shoot the Komplete that she won. I really want to try it. I’ve already got the accessories for it.

• Billm

• 
• 
• 

Winner winner chicken dinner!
This one sounds awfully tempting. Nitrogen cartridges eliminate the need for a compressor or pump. It sounds like it is powerful enough to do the job and can take a silencer—although may not need one. If I’m honest, I think I’m more comfortable with pellets than a mag of ammo anyway.
Other than being a tad heavier than I was hoping for—this sounds like the ticket. I will seriously consider this one. Any idea when the new one is supposed to drop?

 

[Billm]

Winner winner chicken dinner!
This one sounds awfully tempting. Nitrogen cartridges eliminate the need for a compressor or pump. It sounds like it is powerful enough to do the job and can take a silencer—although may not need one. If I’m honest, I think I’m more comfortable with pellets than a mag of ammo anyway.
Other than being a tad heavier than I was hoping for—this sounds like the ticket. I will seriously consider this one. Any idea when the new one is supposed to drop?

Komplete® NCR .25 Caliber Dual Power PCP or NitroAir Air Rifle

buy Komplete® NCR .25 Caliber Dual Power PCP or NitroAir Air Rifle online

www.umarexusa.com

 

[JimT66]

I appreciate everyone’s input. Let me clarify one thing that might have been overlooked. I’m shooting from a window 3 ft off the ground—while resting the barrel on a towel on the window ledge. This shouldn’t be a “vertical” shot. Directly behind me is a fairly steep sloped hill. See the attached pictures of my surroundings. Also, I also posted a video on YouTube of me walking the property for perspective.

My boyfriend knows my backyard pretty well (and often has to mow that hill lol), he doesn’t think the ammo would do anything but lodge in the hill behind the coyote. I would almost have to shoot at an upwards angle for it to go up the hill.

I love the cats…and they are very friendly towards me. Many here have echoed the same fatherly advice I’ve already gotten, “stop feeding them and they will go away”.
But I’m not going to do that. They have been fed regularly for 4 years. I’m not going to stop feeding them in hopes that they go away, along with the coyotes. That being said, it absolutely was my fault that raccoons started showing up, because food was being left out. I have since modified that behavior. All food and water is brought in before sunset now, and I have seen only the occasional raccoon show up and leave finding nothing. So that did help.

Unfortunately, the coyote did show up again last night. I am determined to get rid of this thing. You have to understand, from my perspective, this is like an intruder that has invaded my space and taken something from me—not just an animal but my peace of mind. I’m stressed out and cannot even get decent sleep knowing this thing is roaming my property. “He got to go!”

Here is the video link:

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Ok, you want to thin the Yotes out. I get it. Here in N.W. Bama, we got tons of them, and they are a major issue. They attack chicken coops, large dogs, small dogs (even while on the leash!), and barn cats. I personally don't give 2 hoots in Hades what anyone else says, I kill them on site. Head shots, lung , heart, and yes, gut shots. They have killed my chickens, not free range chickens either, by getting through my back fence, and breaking into my hen house. The have also killed a few of my barn cats. I have used everything from 17 hmr to 12 guage. Living in the country has its pluses. I have taken them with my Pinty .25 cal. Stykers, Avenger .25 Bullpup, Macavity .30 caliber,... Well, I have a wide variety. A good, new choice for you would be the JTS AirStryke Magnum. Pyramyd Air.has the .22 and .25 for .349.00.. In .22 with the JTS 29 or 30 grain slug (can't remember which it is in .22) it makes 50 ft lbs energy, and is a tac driver. It does plenty with the heavy .22 pellets as well, and will sure get rid of the coyotes. At the distance your shooting, your at point blank range anyway. Heavy .22 hollow points will be all you need. Then, you need a compressor. Walmart.com, search PCP compressor . stay away from the little ones with the separate box for connecting to your home wall sockets. Look more at the larger ones, that plug directly from the compressor to the wall plug...about $229.00 then get the 3 or 4 year extended warranty for another $39.00. And...get the large oil/water filter! Yes, extra $79.00, but, it will keep water outta your Pcp rifle! You don't want that at all. It will kill your regulator, and rust the guts outta your rifle. So, your looking at below 700.00 all in, including a decent red dot, since 99% of pcp's don't have iron sites. Ohhh, for another 40-50 dollars, you can get a great moderator from several reputable professional manufacturers, that will quiet the .22 or .25 right down, and if your gonna shoot from inside, it will be super quiet.
Here in Alabama, coyotes are a nuisance pest, open year round season. Just be careful. Take care of your cats, and watch where you walk outside after dark. They can and will attack people when hungry, much less sick.

 

[JimT66]

I’m still weighing my options. Here is a short list of some of the lighter/smaller guns I’m considering.
What’s the general consensus, are these still woefully underpowered for shooting a coyote at 20 ft or less?
If so, then I'll reconsider.

Hatsan FlashPup QE .25 ( $355 / 40 fpe / 86 dec / 7 lbs / 32 inches )
Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical Carbine .25 ( $530 / 50 fpe / 90.9 dec / 5.8 lbs / 36.5 inches )
JTS Airacuda Max .30 ( $510 / 71.28 fpe / 93 dec / 7.99 lbs / 41.5 inches )

Would a HAWKE Vantage 2-7x32 Riflescope be a good choice since I’m shooting at closer range?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on types of ammo to use, if I were picking one of these guns?

Hades pellets in .25. Way to many of the "hunting specialty pellets" are inaccurate crap.

 

[JimT66]

Yes, it is a Gamo Maxxim gen 2.

It would realistically take awhile before I would be able to use an airgun if I purchased one right now. I'd have to wait for it to be shipped, get the thing filled with air, mount and sight the scope, and go to my parents house where I could do some target practice before attempting anything meaningful on a coyote.

Realistically, if it comes back soon and presents the opportunity for a good shot with my Maxxim, I may have to go that route--like you say, if only to deter them.

I do realize this is an airgun forum, HOWEVER, I wonder if maybe a Henry H001Y (Youth model) would be a better suited option? Smaller gun/easier handling.

What I'm finding is that if paired with CCI Quiet-22 (.22 LR) ammo and a red dot, I may have an easier go of it. The fpe would still be around 45 but it would be a 70ish decibel shot and the red dot would probably make aiming at close range easier. Thoughts?

Your right. Would be cheaper, and simpler for you. Lot less equipment to get as well. I'm all for getting more people down the PCP rabbit hole with the rest of us nuts though, so I'm a little biased.

 

[Guitarbanae]

Hey there Jim. I’m in North Central Bama. Thank you for the suggestions. I’ll do some research on those. This may be a newb question, but will most suppressors fit either a pcp or firearm (assuming they are the same caliber)? Also, what are these reputable suppressors that you mention in the $40-50 range? One of the cheaper ones I’m seeing is $296+ (the Sparrow .22). Thanks!

 

[mrage]

Hey there Jim. I’m in North Central Bama. Thank you for the suggestions. I’ll do some research on those. This may be a newb question, but will most suppressors fit either a pcp or firearm (assuming they are the same caliber)? Also, what are these reputable suppressors that you mention in the $40-50 range? One of the cheaper ones I’m seeing is $296+ (the Sparrow .22). Thanks!

No, different thread pattern ( for a reason). Even though I've commented on your "situation" , I'll add what I know about the JTS "Magnum". I had one briefly a month or so ago. I returned it , it wasn't my cup of tea ,so to speak.
The accuracy was there , if you could get past the trigger. It was a .25 and w/o a moderator it was LOUD ! I did take a Ghog with it while testing ammo in a barn yard. The trigger was my complaint because I'm a trigger snob and I have guns ( costing way more $ ) that have spoiled me. It will take a good moderator to be quiet. As for as value , I think it hits the mark. The .30 has a different barrel thread pattern. Hope you find a solution.