For bigger pests like raccoons and possums. What calibers and fps should I be look for to reliably put one of these down? Not trying to cause any suffering, but want something thatll put um down right away.
Believe me, if didn't live in the suburbs, I'd just grabbed the 10/22 and been done with it long ago.A real gun....
Some of these pellet guns are pushing 900 - 1200 fps. I'd like to hear experiences of body shots with these velocity. I'd imagine it'd be similar to connecting with a body shot on a human with a 308, 270, etcBut, I have a .22 air rifle that might almost make a dent in a possum or ****, with the right heavy pointed pellet.
The trick would be shot placement. Not sure a body shot will work. Or even penetrate a fat **** at any distance.
Unfortunately, I live in the suburbs, any type of firearm is out of the question. mine and my neighbors property are separated by a wall, nothing more, and the pests are typically on top of the wall.Foir low noise pest control which puts down the critters for keep, without disturbing the neighbors, I light-load a .38 Special 148-grain lead HBWC, flush seated and taper crimped into the case with ONE GRAIN of Bullseye or Titegroup, and single-load these in my .357 lever-action rifle, or use a single-shot break-open rifle I had purpose-built as a light walking around garden gun.
The heavy, flat-nosed .38 wadcutter puts down even larger critters for keeps and in a 24" rifle barrel is hardly louder than an air rifle. Velocity is about 450 fps. Fired from a 6" revolver this load produces about 300 fps, about the minimum which will exit the barrel. It is louder, but you can shoot without ear protection and the report is like firing a cap pistol.
VERY important to start with a CLEAN, lightly oiled, then wiped barrel which is "slick" and to use only SOFT lead, lubricated bullets. Keep a knock-out rod handy until you have confirmed that these minimum "Cat Sneeze" loads will exit the barrel of your gun.
I use a fired .22 Short case as a dip measure.
...Heh, yes, amen to the 'use an actual Firearm', but there Are times when you do / will need to put something down, and NOT want the noise (and/or 'position revealing muzzle flash') post-target penetration-concerns, and (in some cases..) 'local Ordinances' ie: inside City limits, etc..... want something thatll put um down right away.
I see what your saying, but my concern is exclusively over penetration which will, without a doubt happen, with a firearm of any caliber. In my case, I see the them on top of the walls and never on the ground where the dirt will negate on any chances of ricochet. Noise thankfully is something I dont have to worry about, just the neighbors actually seeing the gun.It all depends on your local laws, and your neighbors who may turn you in.
There was a guy who used an air soft gun that shoots plastic BBs about 400fps shooting at rubber ducks in his back yard and got caught and arrested in New Jersey (for example).
At my house, the key is: don't get caught.
I had a rabbit destroying my garden about 5 years ago. I almost hit it from the third floor with a arrow from a compound bow. I scared it so badly it decided to go bother my libtard Neighbors instead. Never saw it again.
If you can sight the animal in from about 3 feet inside your house you may get away with shooting it in your area, if you use a pellet gun. But keep in mind most pellet gun are not completely silent.
.22 would be the minimum in my opinion but now days they have larger pellets that I would also consider.
Crossbow is worth considering also. Everything changes as to what's available and what's legal in your area. As well as how nosy your neighbor is.
Yeah I see myself ending up with a break action.A good nitro piston or springer rifle in either 177 or 22 will take most varmints with proper shot placement. While it may be an issue where you live a nice 22 BB cap will do nice work and is not loud.
This is true, wise suggestion.My son lives in a sub-division with 2-3 acre lots. Shooting a firearm is against association rules. On the other hand, a pellet gun is completely legal. This is a great reason to own an air gun.
But for Survival reasons.... one can buy a darn good air rifle for under $200 and a few thousand pellets for dollars. When all the ammunition runs out, someone with a pellet gun is still killing small game to eat and survive.
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