When I head out to rny traps, I take either my KelTec PMR30 or my Ruger 57. Both have proven to be adequate for the job. I got to wondering which one would be the best in case I am attacked by a juice jug full of water at 20 yards. So I set it up and discovered that, given a choice, I'd go with the 57. It tore the target jug wide open and tossed it into the air 10-15 feet! The PMR30 punched a couple of nice, neat holes but did not do the ripping job on the jug.
I hear you on the rim-lock issue. I've been very fortunate with my PMR; all these years (10-12 of them) and I have never had a rim-lock. I'm careful and patient when I reload my magazines, and follow the KelTec suggested approach in the owner's manual. Having said all the, my carry pistol is a center-fire revolver.
Man, Juice jugs are a nuisance, but it's the watermelons that you've got to watch out for. For those, I prefer to carry my 45/70. Opens up a heck of a wound channel. No chance of just wounding one. A wounded watermelon is worse than a wounded and cornered boar!
They are extremely Territorial and immediately respond with aggression. Ever had to climb a scrub oak when you unexpected got charged by one while walking to your blind?! I have...
It got so bad at our place that we started targeting them. Traps were ineffective so we tried a couple of different baits. Unlike the YouTube videos, Mentos weren't very effective on this species of Jugs and their little 6-pack liters.
By dumb luck after a hot day doing pre-season lease-work, we hit gold! They really respond to Calling!!! They don't discriminate...Any Pop-Top Can. It doesn't matter whether it is a beer (domestic or foreign), Coke or Pepsi, Dr Pepper or Mr Pibb, Rootbeer or Cream Soda, Grape or Orange, Big Red or Mountain Dew. Hell, I bet Tab would cause a feeding frenzy. All it takes is that clean, crisp sound of the pull tab "POP" followed by the whine of aluminum tearing free. MAGIC!!!
Took a box of these out and tried them on a couple of attack jujs. They definitely beat them up more thoroughly than the 40 grainers that I used on the initial test. Thanks for the suggestion!