Would a decent air rifle kill a grey squirrel?
Discussion
My recommendation would be if budget is an issue always go for a second hand pre charged over a new spring gun. Pre charged air rifles are leagues ahead in terms of accuracy. And for a new shooter the total lack of recoil with a pre charged will make becoming an accurate ( and therefore humane ) shooter much easier.
I've shot literally hundreds of squirrels with my airgun. They are amongst the more unpleasant and destructuve vermin. Just because they are furry and cute to look at doesn't mean that they aren't lethal to small birds. They are avid nest robbers. Cats get the blame but IMO alot of the decline in garden bird populations relates to squirrels.
They really are arboreal rats with fluffy coats on.
I've shot literally hundreds of squirrels with my airgun. They are amongst the more unpleasant and destructuve vermin. Just because they are furry and cute to look at doesn't mean that they aren't lethal to small birds. They are avid nest robbers. Cats get the blame but IMO alot of the decline in garden bird populations relates to squirrels.
They really are arboreal rats with fluffy coats on.
They also do a lot of damage to trees.
Neighbours up the road from us have been trying to control their squirrel population with some success. They've barbecued some of the ones they've killed. Seems to have been mixed success from the culinary perspective.
We've got some in our loft which I'll have to deal with. And when the wife gets the veg patch going next year we'll have to do something to constrain the squirrels and rabbits. I imagine that'll be a mixture of physical barriers and culling.
Neighbours up the road from us have been trying to control their squirrel population with some success. They've barbecued some of the ones they've killed. Seems to have been mixed success from the culinary perspective.
We've got some in our loft which I'll have to deal with. And when the wife gets the veg patch going next year we'll have to do something to constrain the squirrels and rabbits. I imagine that'll be a mixture of physical barriers and culling.
Tyre Smoke said:
I'm appreciative of the moral argument really I am. But that isn't why I started this thread.
I think the question has been answered, .22 spring would appear to be the answer. I'll do some more research.
No real moral argument, you just need to competently and consistently get a 1" grouping at your desired range before starting to do your pest control. Id imagine you don't want to have injured squirrels running off, having a long agonising death in your neighbours garden.I think the question has been answered, .22 spring would appear to be the answer. I'll do some more research.
How can a squirrel be described as "stealing bird food" its not like there is a sign on the food that squirrels can read, saying "Birds Only", its just a source of food to them. Just get decent squirrel proof feeders.
If you are going to shoot them, you need to be sure you can kill quickly and humanely. My Dad uses a well maintained .22 Webley Exocet and pointed pellets for squirrels, effective range is no more than about 30 metres.
I have given up shooting squirrels and pigeons, you cannot make a meaningful dent in the population, especially with Woodies.
Plus firearms laws as the apply to air rifles are more strictly enforced these days, can you keep the pellet within your property? Are the neighbours going to see you and call the police saying you have a gun. TBH the potential hassle isn't worth it.
If you are going to shoot them, you need to be sure you can kill quickly and humanely. My Dad uses a well maintained .22 Webley Exocet and pointed pellets for squirrels, effective range is no more than about 30 metres.
I have given up shooting squirrels and pigeons, you cannot make a meaningful dent in the population, especially with Woodies.
Plus firearms laws as the apply to air rifles are more strictly enforced these days, can you keep the pellet within your property? Are the neighbours going to see you and call the police saying you have a gun. TBH the potential hassle isn't worth it.
Tyre Smoke said:
I'm appreciative of the moral argument really I am. But that isn't why I started this thread.
I think the question has been answered, .22 spring would appear to be the answer. I'll do some more research.
Expect to find quite a few going cheap in Scotland in the next few months. Air guns will require a licence here after December so I imagine quite a few will be trying to sell shortly.I think the question has been answered, .22 spring would appear to be the answer. I'll do some more research.
Alternatives are
1)get a licence
2)hand in to police to be destroyed
3)keep gun illegally and risk a firearms prosecution
Edited by vanordinaire on Wednesday 25th May 12:16
.22 on the legal limit and under 20 metres will kill IF you hit it in the head. Less than .177 will kill at closer ranges but again, only if you hit it cleanly in the head.
And remember a squirrels head is smaller than the fur covering it. You need to hit either the eye or just behind it.
Practice shooting a 2p at 25 metres first.
As already said a decent precharge with scope is the way to go albeit more expensive.
And remember a squirrels head is smaller than the fur covering it. You need to hit either the eye or just behind it.
Practice shooting a 2p at 25 metres first.
As already said a decent precharge with scope is the way to go albeit more expensive.
The problem with a .22 is that it is not a humane killer, the squirrel can be just maimed and spent several days in agony, however a good shot you are it will happen.
The BBC countryfile last Sunday showed a humane killer attached to a tree that lures them in to the bait and a small bolt is fired through the head, it then releases and self sets for the next one. Very effective, but not sure where you get one from.
The BBC countryfile last Sunday showed a humane killer attached to a tree that lures them in to the bait and a small bolt is fired through the head, it then releases and self sets for the next one. Very effective, but not sure where you get one from.
I used to shoot squirrels for my Nan because she had a similar problem. The bird table was about 8 yards away From the house and they died instantly.
A .22 air rifle with a decent scope is what you want. Then practise so you can consistently make head shots, I didn't used body shots.
If you do fluff the shot and injure it; keep an eye on it, reload and get out the door rapidly. It might well be nearby and you must kill it.
A .22 air rifle with a decent scope is what you want. Then practise so you can consistently make head shots, I didn't used body shots.
If you do fluff the shot and injure it; keep an eye on it, reload and get out the door rapidly. It might well be nearby and you must kill it.
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff