Posted on 01/12/2010 9:13:29 AM PST by Jewbacca
I have got squirrels all over my damn house, ruining flower beds, getting in the attic, etc. Some idiot introduced them (they are not native) to our town and they are going crazy with no natural predators.
I live in a city (suburb) where the discharge of firearms is rather disfavored.
My friends and neighbors have opted for the pellet gun approach --- some with the C02 pistol spray-and-pray approach --- some with the scoped rifled (nailed one myself at a friend's house at 30 yards).
I know squat about pellet guns, other than they come in .177 and .22.
Recomendations?
welllll...a .22 is really just a big cylindrical pellet...
True, but the holes in my neighbor’s house would be unneighborly.
.22 cal benjamin is awesome, but you cannot discharge pellet guns within city limits either. It is a violation of the law. If anyone reports you, police will come.
I use a .177 Gamo with field point pellets at ~1000 fps and it does work on squirrels out to 20-30 yards.
Since I am in a rural area, I often also use a smoothbore .22 (garden gun) with .22 shotshells. It’s louder than a pellet gun, but #12 shot will not travel more than 150 feet even if the gun is fired at a 30-40 degree angle.
Benjamin is a brand?
Understand re: the law. But they don’t go “bang,” ergo unlikely to be reported.
.177 or 22 are fine. I’ve had success with either. In my experience, .177 is easier to find around the stores.
http://www.pyramydair.com/
Also, check with your city laws, some places allow for varmit control. Serious. So it wouldn’t be a big deal if your in your yard shooting them. I dunno, if you doing your shooting out the window, etc.
I don't think there is a tremendous amount of difference among the various brands you can get at Walmart and other retailers.
I have a Crossman/Benjamin .22, but the .177 has much higher velocity (1000 fps versus 650 fps), so they are probably about equal for small varmints.
DCON works great.I use it here in the sticks
In your situation it is better to use rat traps baited with peanut butter. Nail them to a tree or leave them on the ground. Guaranteed success.
If any noise is an issue, remove a window screen and fire through the open window from 8-10 feet back inside the room, that will further dampen things, plus you will not be visible.
I have an RWS “Diana” .177 cal rifle. Very effective, though a little slow in the reloading department. Good muzzle velocity, especially with the newer “PBA” pellets.
I seem to do better with the iron sights than with the scope.
If you’re going after squirrels, this would be a good choice
Pay your $200.00 tax for a suppressor, and buy a Gemtech Outback II (www.gem-tech.com).
I kind of like the idea of putting those glue traps in strategic areas of the backyard...
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