CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Casual target shooting and lite critter control (squirrel, possum, starlings etc) Am leaning towards the .177 but want to hear pros & cons
.22 or .177
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So long as the critters are no larger than those you mentioned a .177 should do fine. The .177 is a bit more accurate, a flatter trajectory and a wider range of pellets to choose from.
If the selection of guns and pellets was wider I'd choose a .20.
If the selection of guns and pellets was wider I'd choose a .20.
Milton
US Veteran
I have a .177 German spring-air gun and it will launch quality pellets at 800FPS and do what you want fine enough.The newer guns exceed this velocity by quite a bit and most will hit an aspirin tablet at 30 to 40 feet all day.
venomballistics
Member
Im partial to the larger drillings as they seem to put a little more of that lovin feelin' into what your shooting at
zercool,
About 10 years ago a possum got into our house.
My wife came running out of the bedroom claiming that a huge rat was gnawing on the bed post.
Three H&N flat nosed match pellets dispatched him. If I could have angled for a head shot it would have been over quicker. The pellets completely exited the body, hit the wall and fell to the floor leaving no damage.
About 10 years ago a possum got into our house.
My wife came running out of the bedroom claiming that a huge rat was gnawing on the bed post.
Three H&N flat nosed match pellets dispatched him. If I could have angled for a head shot it would have been over quicker. The pellets completely exited the body, hit the wall and fell to the floor leaving no damage.
I own a Beeman import (German Mfg) .177 barrel break spring action that's on permanent loan to my brother it seems
. It's from probably 15yrs ago,,maybe a bit more.
The advertised velocity was about 700fps. The newest stuff out there will do alot better.
But, with that rifle, taking small stuff with it was/is no problem. Keep the distances within reason, use premium pellets and go for perfect shot placement.
I like the barrel cocking spring action guns as opposed to the pump-up pneumatics,,but everyone has their own particular favorites. I've owned a couple of the pump-pneumatics and lost interest in shooting them after the cardio workout needed to charge them up.
I'd go for the .177 over the .22 for the velocity an better trajectory. The .20cal would be a good compromise. Wasn't common except for the Sheriden when I was into it, maybe they are now.
My best (lucky!
) shot was a pidgeon on a X-way overpass bridge understructure from a canoe at about 50yrds. He fell a long way to the water..
I've also got a Walther LP53 pistol, cal .177, but that's strictly target in my opinion. Velocity isn't enough for small game,,perhaps starlings and such. Come to think of it,,I haven't received that loaner back either....
The advertised velocity was about 700fps. The newest stuff out there will do alot better.
But, with that rifle, taking small stuff with it was/is no problem. Keep the distances within reason, use premium pellets and go for perfect shot placement.
I like the barrel cocking spring action guns as opposed to the pump-up pneumatics,,but everyone has their own particular favorites. I've owned a couple of the pump-pneumatics and lost interest in shooting them after the cardio workout needed to charge them up.
I'd go for the .177 over the .22 for the velocity an better trajectory. The .20cal would be a good compromise. Wasn't common except for the Sheriden when I was into it, maybe they are now.
My best (lucky!
I've also got a Walther LP53 pistol, cal .177, but that's strictly target in my opinion. Velocity isn't enough for small game,,perhaps starlings and such. Come to think of it,,I haven't received that loaner back either....
Indiana George
US Veteran
Cajunlawyer,
In my opinion, 'possums are about the limit for .177. However, I have taken racoons on two different occasions with mine. An animal that large takes a very well placed shot.
Here are three airgun forums that can be a wealth of information:
www.network54.com/Forum/79537/
www.straightshooters.com
www.airgunadvice.com
Just don't make the mistake of referring to them as "BB Guns!" LOL!!! Those guys are serious and will eat ya alive!
In my opinion, 'possums are about the limit for .177. However, I have taken racoons on two different occasions with mine. An animal that large takes a very well placed shot.
Here are three airgun forums that can be a wealth of information:
www.network54.com/Forum/79537/
www.straightshooters.com
www.airgunadvice.com
Just don't make the mistake of referring to them as "BB Guns!" LOL!!! Those guys are serious and will eat ya alive!
Indiana George
US Veteran
You're absolutely right, Iggy.
A friend of mine practices by shooting bees off of his wife's flowers at 10-15 yards. I'm not that good of a shot and Debra the Flower Gardener would have my arse!
venomballistics
Member
way back there in history I did the water filled pop can test between two pump up pellet guns in 177 and 22 cal. With a slight energy advantage going to the 177, the 22 still made the better can opener by virtue of the larger bore and heavier projectile.
these are your choices for the most part with off the shelf air rifles.
If you are willing to go the custom route, you can sling 308, 357 45 and 50 cal with killolicious results on large game.
personally I think a custom 308 would be a real gem to add to an arsenal. not too big for the small stuff yet capable of taking care of a good handful of the larger stuff, while being good usefull fun in between.
these are your choices for the most part with off the shelf air rifles.
If you are willing to go the custom route, you can sling 308, 357 45 and 50 cal with killolicious results on large game.
personally I think a custom 308 would be a real gem to add to an arsenal. not too big for the small stuff yet capable of taking care of a good handful of the larger stuff, while being good usefull fun in between.
Beeman R-1 in 5mm (.20 cal).
http://www.beeman.com/r1.htm
Invest in one. You can thank me later.
-Jim
http://www.beeman.com/r1.htm
Invest in one. You can thank me later.
-Jim
socal s&w
Member
You do know that there is also a .25 cal out there too? It's supposed to have great knock-down power.
I have read though that the .20 cal has the best accuracy with very good knock-down power overall, even better than .177 cal.
Beeman makes at least 6 different pellets in .20 and I believe that there are still several manufacturers making them.
I have read though that the .20 cal has the best accuracy with very good knock-down power overall, even better than .177 cal.
Beeman makes at least 6 different pellets in .20 and I believe that there are still several manufacturers making them.
2000Z-71
Member
I've escalated the war on pigeons, I now use .22 short HP's in an S&W Model 17.
Roose Hurro
Member
Hermann
Member
For casual target shooting I´d prefer .22 (cheap).
For critter control I like my .22 Magnum - instant death!
For critter control I like my .22 Magnum - instant death!
44forever
Member
I was looking through a Cabella's catalog last night and saw some .22 pellets at almost $.10 each???? Cheaper to use rimfire!!
I use a IZH 46M, air pistol, which is about 450 fps, and a RWS break barrel air rifle, bot in .177. The IZH is a match grade, but very inexpensive for it's use,and takes a back seat to none in the accuracy category. I have taken rabbits with it. The RWS rifle is rated at 1000 fps, but I haven't chrono'd it. I have no doubt it would take up to a raccoon.
OP
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
That's cool
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