doing my homework before I buy

[glassman]

I'm new to air guns. I'm looking for an inexpensive, quiet and accurate rifle that is simple to operate and maintain. I want to use it for pest control....mainly rabbits and ground hogs. Am I wrong in thinking a .22 will have more hit than a .177? Is a gas piston better than a spring? A pcp may be in my future but I need to walk before I can run. I've researched a few rifles on the net and right now, I am leaning towards the Ruger targis hunter made by Umarex.

 

[Alex Clayton]

FAR from expert here but when this latest panic hit I finally bought a PCP. The one Sig puts their name on that has an AR look and feel to it. .22, 30 round semi. Damn thing is a TON of cheap fun. Little outlay in front buying the gun and a Pump. I bought an electric pump to fill the bottle. Too old and lazy to use the hand ones. Have had it going on a couple years or so now and its still a lot of damn fun.

 

[Paul Alan]

Daisy 880 not loud, very Accurate for Small game..It has a rifle barrel.. Only use pellets, I use Daisy .177 flat nose..

 

[dh1633pm]

I got a Gamo Swarm. First thing the magazine broke. Not as accurate as others I have owned. I did get over 20 chipmunks and a couple pigeons with it last year. Works when I need it. Quiet enough.

 

[3Crows]

If you must have a break barrel perhaps this one:

https://www.airgundepot.com/crosman-vantage-air-rifle.html

I had one but gave it away. It shot good, decent accuracy for a break barrel. The recoil was not obnoxious.

Here is an on line calculator, enter the fps and the projectile weight and it gives you the fpe. Ignore the box side with exaggerated velocity claims using PBA pellets.

https://www.pyramydair.com/widgets/

Yes a .22 generally will have less velocity than a .177 but the pellet is heavier, energy will be higher than a .177.

Better yet get a .25 PCP, if you eventually want a PCP then get a PCP. I have two Benjamin Marauder .25s and of the four PCPs I have they function perfectly, came fully charged and ready to go, are USA made and the .25 is accurate and runs about 44 fpe out of the box. Supposedly in a few months JTS Airguns will release a (China origin) rifle that appears to be very nice in the prototypes shown around and priced under $425.

For an energy comparison .22LR CCI Quiet Segmented runs about 45 fpe. So the .25 caliber Marauder (or similar rifle) is on the same level at mid 40s in fpe. And similar effect on undesirable critters.

https://www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfire/cci/quiet-22_segmented_hp/6-970.html

BTW, the CCI Quiet is more quiet than a typical break barrel and about the same as a PCP air rifle.

Some folks including me like the Gamo Urban .22 PCP. They run under $300 when in stock. Built in the UK and have a BSA barrel and are very accurate. Mine makes about .25 fpe. I use it on house sparrows, pigeons and other similar pests. I used it to take some squirrels in season.

3C

 

[d2wing]

A few years ago I bought a GAMO gas spring break barrel for that purpose and it was horrible. I then bought a QB78 .22 CO2 rifle and liked it. They are now sold as Beemans 78's. The seals went bad . I learned that using Pell oil can prevent the seal problem so you might want to consider one. They also make a low power PCP version. The advantage of CO2 and PCP is that they shoot like a normal rifle. CO2 is lower in power.
You can get more power than a CO2 in a portable package with a springer or gas breakbarrel. I recently bought a Hatsan Airtract that doesn't recoil too badly and has decent short range accuracy and power. I also bought a Hatsan 95 .22 cal breakbarrel. It is more powerful and seems accurate. It has an anti recoil system so it doesn't recoil too badly. But it requires prett good cocking effert. I bought it for $100 on Hatsans page as refurbished. Less for the Airtract also refurbished.
Those are cheap options. If you want a good springair get a RW30S or the Beeman R7 version of the same thing. I have one on order. About $350 depending on where you get it.
A couple more expense Spring air guns are the TW200, and the Diana 54 recoiless. They are very accurate and have little recoil but very expensive.
But at those prices I would consider a PCP. I don't have one but they are great from what I hear.
Yes I would get a .22 over a .177 as they have more energy. for killing pests over bird size. Gas or spring depends. They say gas or smoother and you can on some vary the pressure. But they can leak. Spring are simpler. I went spring.
The Ruger is probably ok. Probably rebranded Chinese. I had a Winchester brand from Walmart is it was ok. Maybe made in the same factory. Some do not have a working anti beartrap device so be careful.
PCP are great in low recoil, plenty of power, accurate plus you can get repeaters. The drawback to me is the pump and expense.. No problem for some.

 

[3Crows]

Fired from a mid 40 fpe .25 caliber PCP these H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme pellets have similar devastating effect upon varmints and undesirables as the CCI Segmented Quiet. Very effective at DRT. Good for keeping your yard safe for democracy:

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/...ellets-25-cal-28-24-grains-hollowpoint?p=1391

I prefer JSB for accuracy but the H&N kick squirrel tail and kill possibly rabid raccoons and leprosy ridden armadillos with good authority. They also turn pigeons and starlings inside out!

3C

 

[glassman]

Thanks for your comments guys. It seems that the more I look into it, the more difficult the decision becomes. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. Since I want the air gun for pest control, I may just stick to my trusty 10/22 with sub sonic loads to get the job done.

 

[Septicdeath]

You don't need a PCP. There are plenty of good spring guns that will fit your pesting bill. Paul mentioned the 880. Good rifle. You might also check out a Hatsan Edge or Hatsan 95. Both proven guns.

There is no reason to buy a PCP.

Thanks for your comments guys. It seems that the more I look into it, the more difficult the decision becomes. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. Since I want the air gun for pest control, I may just stick to my trusty 10/22 with sub sonic loads to get the job done.

 

[d2wing]

LOL. There is a saying in sales, don't try to change someone's mind. Sorry for not making it easier for you. If you want the Ruger, buy it and see how you like it. Then you have a point of reference. For birds I would go .177, anything bigger I would go .22. But high power air rifles are loud. But if you keep it under 1000 FPS the sound won't carry as much. Good luck whatever you do.

 

[d2wing]

You don't need a PCP. There are plenty of good spring guns that will fit your pesting bill. Paul mentioned the 880. Good rifle. You might also check out a Hatsan Edge or Hatsan 95. Both proven guns.

There is no reason to buy a PCP.

I have a Hatsan 95, for the money it is pretty good. It has antirecoil system and fairly accurate and powerful. I also have a Hatsan Airtract that is cheaper and a littler easier to cock. You can buy reburbished models direct from Hatsan cheap and fast shipping.

 

[Alex Clayton]

Thanks for your comments guys. It seems that the more I look into it, the more difficult the decision becomes. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. Since I want the air gun for pest control, I may just stick to my trusty 10/22 with sub sonic loads to get the job done.

If its legal to use a .22 where you live that CCI Quiet ammo works fantastic. The stuff is VERY low noise. Stuff works great in my Semi pistols. Just does not cycle the bolt enough to jam. So I can manually cycle them and they are super accurate in the two pistols I tried them in. In a rifle they are very nice for pest control.

 

[3Crows]

If its legal to use a .22 where you live that CCI Quiet ammo works fantastic. The stuff is VERY low noise. Stuff works great in my Semi pistols. Just does not cycle the bolt enough to jam. So I can manually cycle them and they are super accurate in the two pistols I tried them in. In a rifle they are very nice for pest control.

There is a semi-auto version of the Quiet that will cycle actions. It is a little more vigorous load but still very soft and quiet.

3C

 

[Laphroaig]

The best deals out there are the used Daisy 853's sold by the CMP. Everybody I know has one, including me, and use them heavily for a winter air gun league. Never heard a complaint and people started buying and using them over 10 years ago. Scroll down to the bottom of the page:

https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/sporter-air-rifles/

Totally self contained (1 pump), accurate, and scopeable with .22 dovetail rings. $125 + shipping, so if it doesn't fit your bill you're not out much and you will have experienced a good solid air rifle for your trouble.

 

[LonewolfMcquade]

RWS makes good rifles, very accurate & not too loud. Mine's an RWS DIANA 48 in .22 cal fixed barrel-side cocking . Loves the polymer tip Predator pellets.

 

[Remington1911]

Thanks for your comments guys. It seems that the more I look into it, the more difficult the decision becomes. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. Since I want the air gun for pest control, I may just stick to my trusty 10/22 with sub sonic loads to get the job done.

This is what I would suggest.

IMHO ground hog, not ground squirrel but ground hog is a good sized animal, stays close to the ground, and even if they stand up there is not much there. They are also built a bit thick. I think a 177 is out, 22 is marginal, 25 getting closer, 30 and up...ok now we are talking.

Spring guns in general are a very different shooting experience over your 1022....as in VERY. And if you think your 22 is picky about ammo just wait till you dive into the airgun world.

All that is not saying that a 177 will not kill a ground hog, it will, it is also true that a 1022 will kill a deer, it will. But is it ethical?

Do you have anyone around you that is "into" airguns, trust me those people are very keen to get new people hooked on this side of the shooting sports.

 

[ASRELLL]

Over the years I've often used shot guns with buckshot for groundhogs at family members farms. Agreed that something larger that a .22 is a good idea. If you are looking for a very accurate and quiet air gun, the Benjamin Marauder
is an excellent choice. You can shoot Co2 or compressed air. You get 30-40 rounds with one fill of C02. Compressed air gives more power, with more noise and fewer shots per fill. I have the gen 1 .22 and the gen 2 .25. Racoons are a menace in our neighborhood and the .25 drops them in their tracks with a head shot. The Marauder shrouds have baffles in them so they have a built in suppressor. Marauders are not cheap but are an excellent buy when you look at other PCPs costing twice as much. The higher the caliber the louder it gets. I put a Donny FL on my 25. The neighbors don't hear anything.

 

[matttric]

I'm new to air guns. I'm looking for an inexpensive, quiet and accurate rifle that is simple to operate and maintain. I want to use it for pest control....mainly rabbits and ground hogs. Am I wrong in thinking a .22 will have more hit than a .177? Is a gas piston better than a spring? A pcp may be in my future but I need to walk before I can run. I've researched a few rifles on the net and right now, I am leaning towards the Ruger targis hunter made by Umarex.

I realize I’m a few months late to this thread, but if you haven’t already “pulled the trigger” on one, I would recommend getting a PCP rifle. “Buy once, cry once,” it will easily take out the small game you’re discussing with one shot, and they aren’t much different from a standard air rifle. I found a high pressure pump on Amazon for $75, and as long as I don’t let my gun run empty, it’s not that difficult to refill.

 

[Seedy Character]

I BOUGHT the Ruger

Accurate, hard hitting, fairly quiet.
Broke in less than 200 shots.

Bought a Walther and it is awesome. Squirrels at 25 yards are DRT. too easy.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I bought a Fargo airshotgun. I should sleeve it for a smaller rifle barrel for RB

 

[tallpaul]

This is what I would suggest.

IMHO ground hog, not ground squirrel but ground hog is a good sized animal, stays close to the ground, and even if they stand up there is not much there. They are also built a bit thick. I think a 177 is out, 22 is marginal, 25 getting closer, 30 and up...ok now we are talking.

Spring guns in general are a very different shooting experience over your 1022....as in VERY. And if you think your 22 is picky about ammo just wait till you dive into the airgun world.

All that is not saying that a 177 will not kill a ground hog, it will, it is also true that a 1022 will kill a deer, it will. But is it ethical?

Do you have anyone around you that is "into" airguns, trust me those people are very keen to get new people hooked on this side of the shooting sports.

well I have killed close to 200 plus groundhogs with a .22 benjamin marauder anda gamo urban .22 and I believe 1made it back into the hole and 99.9 percent were one shot kills from 10 yards to 65 yards... 2 neighbors bought the .22 marauders n have harvested many a groundhog with theirs... So I believe you are a bit mistaken with your performance assumptions.... I would not call it marginal out of a decent pcp... heck the neighbor got one with a .22 ruger impact break barrel he borrowed from me at 20 yards

 

[Remington1911]

View attachment 1089291


well I have killed close to 200 plus groundhogs with a .22 benjamin marauder anda gamo urban .22 and I believe 1made it back into the hole and 99.9 percent were one shot kills from 10 yards to 65 yards... 2 neighbors bought the .22 marauders n have harvested many a groundhog with theirs... So I believe you are a bit mistaken with your performance assumptions.... I would not call it marginal out of a decent pcp... heck the neighbor got one with a .22 ruger impact break barrel he borrowed from me at 20 yards

Being able to do it and being ethical to do it are two very different things, we all know the story of the Eskimo woman that killed a bear with a 22 rimfire.

What kind of gun the pellet comes out of means nothing, it is the speed of the pellet. PCP means nothing.

 

[tallpaul]

Being able to do it and being ethical to do it are two very different things, we all know the story of the Eskimo woman that killed a bear with a 22 rimfire.

What kind of gun the pellet comes out of means nothing, it is the speed of the pellet. PCP means nothing.

well if ya have 200 pus with only one getting back in the hole it is pretty ethical... but i dont take bad shots and I do my best... the pellets are 900 fps at muzzle... you need accuracy as well as the power... not just speed etc...

 

[jmohme]

Like most of us here, I started out as a kid with spring, then pump, and finally CO2. I had a blast with all three and even still have a Crosman pump.
later I wanted something for pesting that would not disturb the neighbors and got a springer. I don't even remember the brand, but it was quite powerful enough but otherwise, pretty uninspiring. It ended up in a closet somewhere and almost turned me off of air guns.

2 or 3 years past and I stumbled across an airgun at Academy that had a picture of a hand pump on the box. I had read many times about PCP air guns, but like you, figured they might be too much for a person with no experience.
This one was an Umarex Origin, was priced right ad came with everything one needed except an optic.
I bough it and have been hooked ever since.

A lot of words, just to say that my recommendation is a PCP.
There are lots of choices to fit almost any need.

 

[.308 Norma]

Am I wrong in thinking a .22 will have more hit than a .177?

Not wrong. However, you do have to consider the speed of the projectile right along with its diameter and weight. My .177 Daisy BB gun doesn't have as much "hit" as my .22 Benjaman pellet rifle. And neither of them has as much "hit" as my .20 Sheridan "Blue Streak" pellet rifle.
We don't have ground hogs around here, but we do have their slightly larger cousins - rock chucks (Yellow Belly Marmots), and while I've taken a few cottontails, and some tree squirrels with both my .22 Benjamin and my .20 Sheridan pellet rifles, I'd never shoot a rock chuck with either of them. That would be inhumane - they'd die a slow, agonizing death.