Air Rifle thread
22 April 2009, 09:19 AM
#31
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The actual kill zone on a pigeon is actually quite small (head & neck).
If you hit anywhere else it'll most likely fly off a short distance in pain.
I recommend that you set up a range in your garden (similar to that at which you are shooting pests). Once when can reliably get 10 out of 10 shots inside a 10p piece should you even start to think about shooting beasties.
If you are going to shoot 1.77, you should get a heavy shot to give more impact. I use "exact heavy" by diablo. Tins of 500 were about £10.
If you hit anywhere else it'll most likely fly off a short distance in pain.
I recommend that you set up a range in your garden (similar to that at which you are shooting pests). Once when can reliably get 10 out of 10 shots inside a 10p piece should you even start to think about shooting beasties.
If you are going to shoot 1.77, you should get a heavy shot to give more impact. I use "exact heavy" by diablo. Tins of 500 were about £10.
)
22 April 2009, 11:05 AM
#35
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Can a "legal" (without a license) air rifle (sub 12lbs/ft) take out a rabbit properly? We have hundreds of them here and some are mixy afflicted and need culling.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
22 April 2009, 11:17 AM
#37
Can a "legal" (without a license) air rifle (sub 12lbs/ft) take out a rabbit properly? We have hundreds of them here and some are mixy afflicted and need culling.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
Dont Worry Les, i am going to do this properly. I am getting some rabbit target practice at the weekend
Looks like i will be armed tomorrow if all works out well
22 April 2009, 11:20 AM
#38
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Sarah - not the rabbits (fine to shoot them) - it's the pressure the rifle exerts. If over 12lbs/ft, you need a firearms license. Most get as close as possible without exceeding it.
Mredge - WTF is that?! Makes a Barrett look compact!
Mredge - WTF is that?! Makes a Barrett look compact!
22 April 2009, 11:31 AM
#42
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Can a "legal" (without a license) air rifle (sub 12lbs/ft) take out a rabbit properly? We have hundreds of them here and some are mixy afflicted and need culling.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
Not sure if I have the time or inclination to go down the "gun license" route.
Don't know much about air rifles but am an experienced range shot from Army training.
Yes, easily.
Just know your own limitaions and put the practice in. As a general rule of thumb, its reccomended by the press not to excede 40 yards, but thats down to rifle / you. I will quite happily take 50 yard shots if I feel 100% comfortable with it.
However in real life, stop when you can't group 10 pellets in side a 1/2 - 3/4" ring.
My rifle will group sub 1/2" at 60!!! Under hunting conditions I can't, so I don't.
22 April 2009, 11:37 AM
#43
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Simon - done several APWTs and always got good results but that's with an SA80 and LMG not an air rifle! Used to shoot air rifles and was a good shot but that was a while ago. My eyesight is now slightly worse!
Cheers though - happy to take out rabbits but not torture them.
Cheers though - happy to take out rabbits but not torture them.
22 April 2009, 11:45 AM
#44
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Stay with what the MOD taught you and you'll be fine. I prefer head shots on things like bunnies, cos the range is close enough to do it. Its also effective and instant.
Unlike the SUSAT though, zero your scope dead on.
Unlike the SUSAT though, zero your scope dead on.
22 April 2009, 11:49 AM
#45
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We had "people" to zero our rifles in our APWTs - looking back that's actually pretty sad!
Now the next question (sorry!) - are there any good brands that don't cost silly money? Gamo seem good value but might well be pants?
Now the next question (sorry!) - are there any good brands that don't cost silly money? Gamo seem good value but might well be pants?
22 April 2009, 12:26 PM
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I'm sure there will be people local to you who would love to come and shoot your rabbits. Ask around your village, I know i'd jump at the chance if I was down your way. Saves you messing about if you've not got the time
22 April 2009, 12:39 PM
#50
I thought that outbreaks of the Mitzy rabbit disease thing had to be reported so they can all be killed humanely. I found one a few years ago, its eyes were revolting and all gooey, i took it to the vets and they put it down. I even wrapped it up in my coat so it was comfy 
22 April 2009, 12:45 PM
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22 April 2009, 01:10 PM
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I thought that outbreaks of the Mitzy rabbit disease thing had to be reported so they can all be killed humanely. I found one a few years ago, its eyes were revolting and all gooey, i took it to the vets and they put it down. I even wrapped it up in my coat so it was comfy
22 April 2009, 01:15 PM
#56
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22 April 2009, 01:20 PM
#57
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PCP rifles are the best, i use a .22 BSA T-10. With pidgeons a pellets to the back of the head ussually works. with rabbits always go for a head shot as sometimes they can run off with a lump of lead in their body.
22 April 2009, 02:40 PM
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Pigeon's do the same as chickens with head / neck shots.
They run around & flap despite being brain dead / having a broken neck - not for long mind, but still not nice.
They run around & flap despite being brain dead / having a broken neck - not for long mind, but still not nice.