I know the .22 has to be the most popular cartridge for poppin' coons out of a tree, but I have found that my preference is a cap and ball revolver. I have a Uberti copy of a Colt '51 Navy .36 caliber that will shoot just as accurately or better than most cartridge pistols. Years ago I learned the "secrets" of what it takes to get these things to shoot and I squirrel hunted alot with one. What I like the most is that it goes "kaboom" instead of "BANG!", and I can cut back on the powder, snap caps, or shoot wads instead of lead for blanks to train pups. I've started out two pups getting them used to shooting by snapping caps and then working up to full power loads. When it comes time to bring down the meat, a pure lead round ball is deadly... I aint had a coon get away yet after they was slapped by one of these, and surprisingly it don't tear em up too bad, you can eat right up to the hole
