One for the Gun Club...
Discussion
Wondering if those who shoot can help me out with an idea I've had for my old man's Christmas present.
He's recently moved to rural Suffolk, and has really embraced the country life (he grew up there). His garden backs onto an estate (unfenced) and he gets pheasants, deer, foxes etc. coming in looking for an easy meal. He recently bought an old telescope in a local auction, and keeps it pointed down the garden looking for the local wildlife.
He has mentioned that he used to be in the Shooting Team at school (as was I), and would love to have another air rifle to practice with now that his garden is big enough. I was wondering if there was an air rifle that would also double up as a game bagger - netting him the occasional pheasant or partridge?
He's also keen to get rid of the local rat population, they're a bit too big for the cat (he's going for the field mice) and they keep breaking into the bins.
So, is there a gun/rifle thingy out there which would be powerful enough to bring down a pheasant, and not require a licence?
If not, can someone recommend a cheap, easy to use "starter kit" with a target etc. to set up in the garden?
He's recently moved to rural Suffolk, and has really embraced the country life (he grew up there). His garden backs onto an estate (unfenced) and he gets pheasants, deer, foxes etc. coming in looking for an easy meal. He recently bought an old telescope in a local auction, and keeps it pointed down the garden looking for the local wildlife.
He has mentioned that he used to be in the Shooting Team at school (as was I), and would love to have another air rifle to practice with now that his garden is big enough. I was wondering if there was an air rifle that would also double up as a game bagger - netting him the occasional pheasant or partridge?
He's also keen to get rid of the local rat population, they're a bit too big for the cat (he's going for the field mice) and they keep breaking into the bins.
So, is there a gun/rifle thingy out there which would be powerful enough to bring down a pheasant, and not require a licence?
If not, can someone recommend a cheap, easy to use "starter kit" with a target etc. to set up in the garden?
Soovy said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Soovy said:
Does he have a shotgun certificate?
Nope, no sort of licensing whatsoever. I presume you don't need one for an air rifle?Doubt you'd humanely kill a pheasant with one. You'd give it a headache though.
How much are we talking for a decent target rifle though? Are they still spring powered, I seem to recall some people using new ones with compressed gas cylinders just as I was leaving school...
HereBeMonsters said:
Soovy said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Soovy said:
Does he have a shotgun certificate?
Nope, no sort of licensing whatsoever. I presume you don't need one for an air rifle?Doubt you'd humanely kill a pheasant with one. You'd give it a headache though.
How much are we talking for a decent target rifle though? Are they still spring powered, I seem to recall some people using new ones with compressed gas cylinders just as I was leaving school...
I use mine for pigeons/rabbits/rats etc.
you're talking a good few hundred quid for a good rifle. I would personally go for a gas ram rifle as pre charge is too much of a piss about to recharge and springs weaken.
Gas rams do run down on power but after years. mine has been standing for 3 years without recharge and had it tested last week it was 0.5lb/ft down from its full capacity.
ETA in fact body shots would prob take out a peasant, i've shot through pigeons before (that kills them) at the height of a full grown pine tree (30-40ft)
Edited by WorAl on Monday 30th November 16:37
There's no air rifle I'm aware of that will bring down game of that variety - although there's always somebody somewhere that has a rifle that can 
Game is really shotgun territory, maybe .22LR if they're on the ground obviously..!
For rats, small birds etc then any decent springer will be fine - and if it's the kind of garden you describe, then a decent air rifle would be a joy to use.
Game is really shotgun territory, maybe .22LR if they're on the ground obviously..!
For rats, small birds etc then any decent springer will be fine - and if it's the kind of garden you describe, then a decent air rifle would be a joy to use.
Good website
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/...
http://www.shootingtimes.co.uk/
ETA this is what you want for those pesky rats
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/...
http://www.shootingtimes.co.uk/
ETA this is what you want for those pesky rats
Edited by WorAl on Monday 30th November 16:49
WorAl said:
Cheers for that. This link is very handy: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/commun...
I got one of the cheap .22 chinese air rifles to deal with rats in my garden. Has proved to be ok to be honest. Some decent pellets made a big difference, although I still get the odd random shot out of the group (have set a couple of targets up as well - for relaxation after work).
Mine was free, but new I think they are about £30.
Mine was free, but new I think they are about £30.
most gun smiths will stock a range of airrifles also - they certainly do round here..
gas ram would be the way to go, you will kill a pheasant/rabbit/pigeon at around 25/30ft with a good quality gas ram rifle..
look for a BSA or similar spec, worth spending a bit of money to get a decent one..! The cheaper chinese s
te guns will cause damage but no kill..
Good luck
if he fancies getting a shotgun licence, a gun and shooting some clays in North Suffolk drop me a line as have deep links with the North Suffolk Wild fowlers
HTH
Mike
gas ram would be the way to go, you will kill a pheasant/rabbit/pigeon at around 25/30ft with a good quality gas ram rifle..
look for a BSA or similar spec, worth spending a bit of money to get a decent one..! The cheaper chinese s
te guns will cause damage but no kill..Good luck
if he fancies getting a shotgun licence, a gun and shooting some clays in North Suffolk drop me a line as have deep links with the North Suffolk Wild fowlers
HTH
Mike
iggletiggle said:
if he fancies getting a shotgun licence, a gun and shooting some clays in North Suffolk drop me a line as have deep links with the North Suffolk Wild fowlers
I'm sure he would love to give it a go. He's in Burgate, which is very North Suffolk, near-ish to Diss.Cheers for all the advice people. I think based on that so far I'm looking for a decent spring ram powered rifle, probably a .22 calibre. Is there such a thing as a second hand market for these things?
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