recommendations for a firearm (ranch-use)

A .303 is more than sufficent, a 22 short or long in the brain will do the job.

astobaja, A 22 will put down anything you've got on your farm.

Diver? Jeez! Did I miss something here? Astro was talking about putting down a pet, not going to war with someone.

Well actually, I really like my Mauser 8mm and Mauser 7x57.
Talk about reach-out -and-touch-someone !!

And then there's the wife's Winchester Defender shotgun and a few more toys.

I hope I never have to use them for anything but game and targets.

If it's legal

Astro,
From what you're saying, I assume you don't hunt. That's your prerogative, but you may want to consider some scenarios other than just putting down one of your own animals. Such as; protecting them if threatened or attacked by a cougar, coyotes or a pack of wild dogs. There may also be a need to dispatch a rabid animal without getting too close. For this you need a good rifle, with or without a scope. If the army says it's ok, go for it. A .303 is certainly adequate for any critter in Baja including the two-legged variety. It does have a little kick but not as much as a 30.06. I'm surprised about the army selling surplus weapons to civilians. You might pick up a bargain. The problem then becomes obtaining ammo for it. Can you get it from the army? Even if so, do you really want full-jacketed bullets for animals?* You will not find this caliber available from civilian sources. Again I'm very surprised. Mexican citizens who belong to authorized hunting clubs are allowed to own a variety of weapons, but usually are prohibited from owning any caliber that has ever been used by the military of any nation. (even if no longer in use, eliminating my favorite deer rifle- a 1918 Swedish Mauser in 6.5 MM) Therefore, most hunt club members in Mexico who hunt deer or other large game go for a .243 or a .270, strictly civilian calibers and ammo available thru authorized channels. The .243 is a sweet shooter, very little recoil, and adequate for anything up to White Tails. The .270 has a little more punch for Mule Deer but it's mostly a matter of personal choice. A light shotgun, even a .410, is good for rattlers. (back in NC, when I was mowing high weeds etc., I preferred to keep a .38 revolver loaded with "rat shot" in my hip pocket) I wouldn't take the AK suggestion too seriously Actually, I have a Russian made SKS, tricked out with folding stock, and a knockoff Norinco MAK 90, both with "cuerno de chivo" banana clips. But I'm not loco enough to take either one to Mexico!

*Military ammo is "full jacketed", the lead bullet entirely encased in copper or other hard metal and designed to go all the way thru a human being. The theory behind this is that it is preferable to wound rather than kill, because the wounded enemy then becomes a burden on resources, requiring other personnel to rescue and care for him. Hunting ammo is either all lead or partially jacketed with hollow point and designed to spread on penetration, produce immediate hydroshock and kill as quickly as possible.

I thought the rule was no caliber that has ever been used by the Mexican Military. I do know 7mm Mauser is not allowed.

A 12 Guage shotgun with slugs, buckshot, and bird shot WILL handle any problem in North and South America that is less than 80 meters away.

Id ask Old El Commandante to lone me one of them G-3's the Soldados are carrying.

.22 needs help on large animals

Americans owning guns?

Your gun issue

Hi, Steve C. and I will be down at the Meling Ranch next week. Hope to see you then. Maybe we can give you some real life ranch info and stories then. Please say Hi to your wife.