Need Air Rifle Advice

self | 5/13/12 | RightOnline

[RightOnline]

Good day, fellow FReepers. I've come to the single best source of information/recommendations online....especially for advice on anything gun-related.

Short version: I'm going to purchase an air rifle (aka "pellet gun"). Darned squirrels here have simply gotten out of hand, and it's time to take 'em out. Heaven knows I've tried everything else; little vandals simply don't take a hint.

I've done a fair amount of research and, so far, I seem to have settled upon the Benjamin Marauder. Pricey, but reviews of this gun are stellar.

Here are my questions, since I've never owned an air rifle:

1. What caliber would you recommend for picking off squirrels? I've been leaning toward their .25 cal, but is that overkill for squirrel dispatching? Should I opt for the .22 instead?

2. They sell (a VERY pricey) hand pump for this gun....but what's the best way to fill one of these beasties with compressed air? Keeping a scuba tank around, by the way, won't happen....so any recommendations besides that.

3. Scopes: "Leapers" brand scopes seem to be popular with air rifle aficionados. What say you?

Also note that I don't necessarily plan on using this for "hunting" or target shooting; it will be intended almost solely for ridding my yard and immediate environs of marauding squirrelage.

Thank you in advance for your advice and recommendations!

[GBA]

Sounds good. You may have given them another sale. I think I want one, too!

[RetiredNavy]

Go AirForce. Also pretty pricey, but also very flexible. Can change barrels in about 5 min to shoot different calibers. Has a very quiet option, basically a short barrel with a shroud that acts as a “silencer”. For squirrels, get the condor in .22, basically has the ballistics of a .22 long. is just as loud though. Accuracy in mine is less than .24 in. at 25 yards.

Don’t bother with all the extra crap they sell for it, just add an airgun scope and let ‘er rip.

There is one option you should buy, the CO2 adapter. With it you can either go full power with a full air tank (included), or attach the adapter with a CO2 tank and shoot at 2/3 power for hundreds of shots.

Spend the money for the 3000 psi pump.