Need advice on a new squirrel killer

[medxam]

These tree rats are driving us crazy. I would prefer to use a .22 rifle or .410 shotgun but local politics and neighbors would probably have me put in jail. I need a powerful, accurate and reliable air rifle of some sort. I have tried a few of the cheapos without much success. What do you recommend. Scope is probably a necessity.

medxam

 

[medxam]

These tree rats are driving us crazy. I would prefer to use a .22 rifle or .410 shotgun but local politics and neighbors would probably have me put in jail. I need a powerful, accurate and reliable air rifle of some sort. I have tried a few of the cheapos without much success. What do you recommend. Scope is probably a necessity.

medxam

 

[gunsmith11]

I am thinking a .22 auto, with a suppressor would be a thought

 

[roarindan]

one word...........CAT !!!!

 

[GatorFarmer]

RWS makes fine, if expensive rifles. Relatively powerful air rifles aren't exactly quiet though, so be careful of noise issues. You may also need to be careful about killing game out of season.

 

[ingmansinc]

You may want to consider a live trap and release then in a woods a few miles away. Your county animal control might supply the trap. Tell them you have feral cats or raccoons.

 

[Indiana George]

www.straightshooters.com
Great guys to deal with.
Very good prices.

More info here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...500103904/m/12110718

 

[Joe in SC]

I have an RWS mod 45 in 177 that goes over a thousand fps with Gamo Raptor pellets. Something similar with a scope should solve your problems. My brother uses a Blue Streak in 20 cal. that does the job nicely at about half the price of my RWS. If you get a spring piston be sure the scope you pick is rated for air rifles as the recoil impulse of a spring piston will wreck a normal scope.

If I were looking for an air rifle again I would have to consider one of the new compressed air type that can be recharged by SCUBA tank or high pressure pump.

 

[idahostreams]

Great photo. I have shot quite a few ground squirrels with a .17 pellet gun and found it to be a poor killer even with a scope and very careful shot placement. I would get a .22 pellet gun if I were purchasing another one.

Julian

 

[idahostreams]

Oh yes, forgot about the scope. A cheap model made for .22 rf will not work. I have a three legged crosswire now and for a while the fourth leg was just hanging down. The proper scope may cost as much as a RWS.

Julian

 

[Ray]

Julian,I have a BSA 2-7 X 32 air rifle variable scope that stands quite well the recoil of a .177 Gamo 440 Hunter.However a .22 cal would be better for the mentioned critter.
Regards,Ray.

 

[MrPhil]

I have an RWS Panther 34 in 22. Very effective out to 25 yards against squirrels. I took a nutria at 10 yards with a head shot. Mine was a package deal, came with a 4X scope. $225 at a gun show.

 

[Thirties]

Use a .22lr rifle with Aguila Super Colibri ammo at ranges up to 10-12 yards.

Silent & effective.

 

[m1gunner]

Super Colobri out of a 10-22 is quieter than most high powered pellet guns. With a 3-9 power scope, will keep all hits inside a quarter at treetop range.

1 shot stops with head shots on tree rats.

Note, these are primer powered, no powder, and they will not cycle the action, you have to do it by hand.

 

[E Z MUNNY]

I have used a RWS model 54 with a Bushnell air rifle scope for years. Mine is .22 cal and one pump (side-lever) gives it around 900 fps. Extremely accurate and I am routinely able to get head shots on rabbits or squirrels from as far away as 75 yards. I wouldn't have anything else.
Starlings go down in a poof of feathers.

 

[gbrady]

CCI makes a .22 cb short and cb long that sound like slaping your hands together. Very good out to 25 yards

 

[dlstewart01]

I have a Ruger Air Hawk with 4X32 scope. It is rated at 1000 FPS and is dead on accurate. It has a very nice wood stock. The trigger is two stage and adjustable. It was a little over $100 including the scope.

Winchester 1000XS is also 1000 FPS and comes in a wood or synthetic stock. The price on it is $129 to $149.

Both of these are .177 and will take out samll animals.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Gamo Whisper. My neighbors are wondering where all the tree rats went.

 

[pred]

I will agree that the super colibri is WAAYYY quieter than an air rifle. Night and day difference,,,, But check your email for something from junkshopcafe.
I use this old Winchester 52 from inside my back window, And yes a headshot at 40-50 yards will dispatch a squirrel with the super Colibri's.

Peter

 

[Engineer1911]

CCI CB Caps in a .22 rifle can be shot indoors without any ear protection. Snapping your fingers is louder. Iron sights shoot to same POI from 10 feet to 25 yards. Don't ask how I know but head shots were instant death.