Posted on 05/23/2013 10:40:05 AM PDT by GraceG
My 22 has a 26in. barrel. Shooting CB caps, about all you hear is the firing pin strike. A lot quieter than any air rifle I’ve shot.
“Tree Rats = Squirrels, not actual rats...”
Ahhh, thanks for the clarification. In some Phoenix neighborhoods, they have “roof rats” which are just plain old rats that have taken to living in citrus trees. I figured tree rats were close relatives.
I had a Crosman Pumpmaster 760 years ago that was pretty good. Muzzle velocity is dependent on number of pumps but it was accurate with .177 pellets and will dipatch a rat handily.
I got this one for the very same problem. It has worked fine on all sorts of rodents and pigeons.
http://winchesterairrifles.com/Products/1100WS.aspx
I have had a RWS Model 45 single cock spring action pellet rifle since 1983. It shoots hollow point or pointed tip 177 caliber pellets at 1000 ft per sec. I have taken it to the golf course in my golf club bag and killed squirrels with it several times I still shoot it occasionally. It is just as powerful now as when I got it 31 years ago.
Your brother is thinking in terms of getting a diesel fuel explosion in the air rifle chamber, which I’d have to view as a bad idea. Spring air rifles do need a drop of light oil (not diesel fuel) in the chamber once in a while, but the idea is lubrication.
The Gamo Silent Cat is a very powerful airgun, and it can be used left eyed or right eyed.
It makes a noise if you are the shooter and less if you are away from the gun.
http://www.amazon.com/Gamo-Silent-Cat-Air-Rifle/dp/B0024XEXQS
If your varmits are out at night, remove the scope. Replace it with a laser sight from Walmart or Amazon for about $30-40. The laser sight is easy to install, center and to use. You just push the contact button with your non trigger hand and aim the red spot at the critter and fire your gun.
I have used the Centerpoint Tactical Compact Red Laser by CenterPoint for years with the same battery.
Before you go spending money on this idea, check your local ordinances. Most municipalities, and subdivisions in rural areas classify air rifles/BB guns as “firearms.” Accordingly, it’s illegal to discharge one within their boundaries.
Someone mentioned the Crossman .177... Here's a review of the Crossman .177 Phantom. I just sort of picked the first video evaluation that came up that also had lots of views. The guy acts a little goofy at first, but I think he did a pretty good job. Judging from his penetration test on a plank of wood, I think .177 will get the job done for you.
I've never fired a pellet gun, but I was surprised how loud a spring-operated one could be. Sounds as loud as a .22 to me. I don't know if that's a consideration for you. You mentioned you have neighbors nearby, so you might want to keep that in mind while watching some of the vids. Good luck and happy hunting!
“Tree Rats = Squirrels, not actual rats...”
WOW, I didn’t know BB guns were now considered to be firearms nowadays in the twisted liberal mind! When I was a kid, it seemed like every kid had one (in town, no less) and no matter where you looked on the weekend you’d likely see kids playing with them. I absolutely despise what liberals are doing to this country.
I agree with earlier poster. 50+ years of experience shows that inexpensive peanut butter, mixed with “raw” oatmeal in a 2:1 ratio, draws in red & grey squirrels & chipmunks.
The combination is sticky-enough that only very trap-wary rodents can lick or nibble it off the trap pan without dropping the doors.
- - -
May I suggest squirrel stew?
Good point about noise. In town, I would sometimes use a .22 with BB or CB caps instead of a high-powered air rifle because the .22 caps were quieter.
Benjamin Trail NP Nitro Piston Break Barrel Air Rifle 22 Caliber Realtree APG Synthetic Stock Matte Barrel with 3-9x 40mm Scope $239.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/349014/benjamin-trail-np-nitro-piston-break-barrel-air-rifle-22-caliber-realtree-apg-synthetic-stock-matte-barrel-with-3-9x-40mm-scope
I would have no preference between .22 and .177. At one time I was pretty strongly in favor of the .177. After doing some tests recently I have changed a little but not enough to prefer the .22.
The .22 does hit a bit harder. I have a model with both .177 and .22 barrels. I was shooting a steel box with both. The .177 put a pretty good dent in it but I was surprised that the .22 cracked the steel tho still not penetrating it.
The .177 does shoot flatter. The old 5mm Sheriden might have actuallty picked the best compromise.
Just get the one you want and it will do the job.
You should ask my neighbor how he feels about it. We lived in a subdivision within an area of the county zoned as “agricultural.” Local Sheriff took a dim view of his two sons plinking at empty cans with their BB guns in an open farm field across the road. That’s when he learned the county viewed BB guns as “firearms,” and discharging them anywhere in the county was illegal. Costly lesson.
Problem with a lot of the air rifles in the under $300 range is they are all made in China. Quality control is very spotty, and chances of getting a good barrel and action are a dice roll.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
