We have an infestation of English Sparrows that swarm our suburban yard. I’ve got little use for invasive exotic species and figure they make decent targets. We’re outside the city limits so I’ll get that bit out of the way. If we were out in the country a 20 gauge with a light load of #9 would fix it in short order, but I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t win over the neighbors.
I’m looking for recommendations for an inexpensive (under $75) pellet rifle or pistol. It should be sufficiently accurate at 20 yards or less to hit a small and not particularly tough target. I have a Benjamin 392 that has been the end of many garden raiding squirrels but it is 1) too powerful for little birds and 2) not pumping correctly (a story for another post). Plus it’s an excuse to get a .177 rifle, right?
Most of my experience is with pumps, but I’m open to other options if quieter or of better quality. I grew up with the Crosman 760 to harass squirrels but generally think a rifled barrel would be better. The Daisy 880 sounds decent on paper but I’ve read they’re fairly fragile. The Crosman 1377 sounds interesting too. Probably others I’ve not thought of too. Any experience would be helpful here.
I’m looking for recommendations for an inexpensive (under $75) pellet rifle or pistol. It should be sufficiently accurate at 20 yards or less to hit a small and not particularly tough target. I have a Benjamin 392 that has been the end of many garden raiding squirrels but it is 1) too powerful for little birds and 2) not pumping correctly (a story for another post). Plus it’s an excuse to get a .177 rifle, right?
Most of my experience is with pumps, but I’m open to other options if quieter or of better quality. I grew up with the Crosman 760 to harass squirrels but generally think a rifled barrel would be better. The Daisy 880 sounds decent on paper but I’ve read they’re fairly fragile. The Crosman 1377 sounds interesting too. Probably others I’ve not thought of too. Any experience would be helpful here.
