Going from a .177 air rifle to a .22 - here's why.

[btefft]

Going from a .177 air rifle to a .22 - here's why.

I've decided to return my Ruger Blackhawk 177 Air Hawk air rifle to Sportsman's Guide and get a Gamo Whisper 22 cal instead.

Here's what helped me decide
http://www.brassfetcher.com/Brass Fetcher Evaluates 0.177 and 0.22 inch airguns.pdf

The Whisper is also about a pound lighter.

Plus, I've also read many, many rave reviews on the Whisper. I did read a few negative reviews, but they were in the minority

Hack

 

[RatDrall]

They didn't say the range that the gel test was conducted at.

I was pretty serious about airgun pest control when I was younger. I used an RWS Model 36 with a 3-9x40mm scope on an adjustable mount. It fired a .177 pellet at 900-1000 fps, depending on the pellet.

When dialed in for the particular pellet, I was dangerous for critters out past 50 yards if there was no wind. 25 yards was head shot range...for ground squirrels and woodchucks. I knew guys with spring-piston .22 airguns and they couldn't get nearly the range that I did. They also had issues with under penetration when shooting pests near their maximum range.

The .177 flies flatter and penetrates plenty enough to kill critters.

That said, I'd rather have a .22 Gamo than any Ruger airgun. Shoot some groups, and some critters, and give a review.

 

[arcticap]

I've seen some polymer barrel models on display. They might not have been the Whisper, but I believe that I'd prefer having a plain steel barrel.
I like my .22 at 800 fps for short range target shooting, but it won't shoot as flat as a .177 at greater distances. And I do notice that being lighter in weight, it produces more felt recoil than my heavier .177 rifle.
So that's a trade off.
It's my gut feeling that .22's may be a little more finicky about pellet preference. Being less expensive per pellet, the .177 is more economical to shoot and to experiment with a wide variety of different pellets.
But every model and individual tastes are different.
I hope that you enjoy what ever model that you end up with.

 

[7X57chilmau]

Alot's been written over the years on .177 vs .22 in airguns. In most applications, not much difference ultimately.

The .177 should be easier to shoot at range, with a flatter trajectory, but both are very "Loopy". Zero'd at 20yds, 70yds gives me 7" drop in my 900fps .177 with 8gr round noses)....

.22 does definately have its place for boney skulls (ghog, possum etc) at shorter ranges.

I've had success taking crow to 70 yds in .177.

In the end, ya just gotta hit'em right.

J

 

[rcmodel]

Dup threads running in Hunting and Non-Firing Weapons forums.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=452013

Boy!
I hate when that happens! :banghead:

rc

 

[btefft]

Dang, I didn't realize I did that.

Sorry
Hack