What is the best spring rifle for ratting?

[Carlleyland]

Hi

I have a singular rat (I think) that stalks my composter, never seen more than one so I wonder what best to end him with? I have meteors, Ospreys and a 77 . I was thinking of resealing a Crosman Ratcatcher (appropriate name) but to fit a silencer and metal breach would be the same as a newish Hatsan in .25.

This brings me to my main point, if you lads were given this task would that rifle and calibre be the best choice? I ask because this is an opportunity to justify a new purchase , does anyone have any similar suggestions? My budget would be around £150

Thanks for any help....I dont want to trap or poison the poor guy just get rid of him quickly

[TonyL]

The .25 Hatsan you suggest would, I'm sure, perform the task admirably.

Having said that, any calibre would do the job, so maybe a .22? Thinking larger pellet choice and cheaper ammo......22 Hobbies are awesome on rats and cheap.

The .22 is more efficient, so you'd have a sweeter firing cycle for comparable muzzle energy figures.

As most ratting is conducted at shorter range, you really do have a big choice of rifles to go at; anything upwards of 8ft.lbs will be more than ample. Most of the Hatsans offer excellent value for money.

Must admit, this is one scenario where the stumpy little, quick handling Lightning would come into its own, though your stated budget would be pointing you towards a used one.

After all is said and done, though, if you're just fancying a .25 for the hell of it and some extra variety, go right ahead.

[Carlleyland]

Thanks for the information Tony...I have a few rifles that are .22. I have never shot a rat and did not want to wound it.

[TonyL]

For years, the .22 was the "go to" hunting calibre and is tried and tested on Roland and co., so worry ye not.

In my earlier days, I shot loads of them with a .22 Meteor. Power was never measured, maybe have a guess at 8 to 9 FT.lbs ish?? And countless other shooters will have taken many thousands of rats with lower powered rifles, the humble little Meteor taking a huge tally, I'd guess. At typical ratting ranges (up to 15 yards), even 7ft.lbs muzzle energy will be more than enough. Nail 'em in the head and they'll be cleanly killed. I'd still prefer flatheads or Hollowpoints, though.

But, as said above, if you fancy trying / owning a .25, go for it. The big calibre has many fans who love it for its "knockdown power". At 12ft.lbs, it's loopier trajectory may be a disadvantage at longer range, but at ratting range, no issue.

[Carlleyland]

Thanks again, I will try with an older .22 when the weather gets warmer. It will only be 15 metres at most...the Hatsan is definately on the cards for this just to be sure but I will keep an old meteor by the back door. This rat is pretty big and I have seen him during the day....he was first spotted 3 doors away!

[TonyL]

If you can, try and bait him to a certain spot where you'll get a clear shot and you have a safe background.

Bait him for a period of a few days, at the same time, so the little bugger gets all cock-sure of a freebie feast. Then sort him.

[cptman]

Thanks again, I will try with an older .22 when the weather gets warmer. It will only be 15 metres at most...the Hatsan is definately on the cards for this just to be sure but I will keep an old meteor by the back door. This rat is pretty big and I have seen him during the day....he was first spotted 3 doors away!

Your rat is probably actually several rats, (they tend to look the same) the rats seen in the day are usually lower in the rat heirachy, as the senior rats in the social order get to choose when the safest time forage for food which is usually in the evening.
If you are seeing rats during the daytime may mean you have a large colony residing near you as the rats lower in the pecking order are forced to feed during the more dangerous day light hours.
At least they should give you plenty of target practice!

[TORNADOS7]

I should think the '77' is more than capable of doing the job, having Meteors, Ospreys and a 77 at your disposal I think your gonna have a job to find summat for £150 to match that little lot, just a suggestion but why don't you take the 150 and get one of your other rifles tuned/overhauled/customised !...👍

[rhyslightnin]

I should think the '77' is more than capable of doing the job, having Meteors, Ospreys and a 77 at your disposal I think your gonna have a job to find summat for £150 to match that little lot, just a suggestion but why don't you take the 150 and get one of your other rifles tuned/overhauled/customised !...👍

This^^^^ get the 77 a spit n polish tune with some new guides an Volla!! Done.. Or spend it on a quality scope, one of the two

[NewPaul]

Carlleyland, I can see you're logged in ! Wots the latest on Roland ???

[lensman57]

Hi

I have a singular rat (I think) that stalks my composter, never seen more than one so I wonder what best to end him with? I have meteors, Ospreys and a 77 . I was thinking of resealing a Crosman Ratcatcher (appropriate name) but to fit a silencer and metal breach would be the same as a newish Hatsan in .25.

This brings me to my main point, if you lads were given this task would that rifle and calibre be the best choice? I ask because this is an opportunity to justify a new purchase , does anyone have any similar suggestions? My budget would be around £150

Thanks for any help....I dont want to trap or poison the poor guy just get rid of him quickly

Sell the lot but for the 77 and get yourself a PCP. If there was ever a use for a PCP rifle, ratting it is.

A.G

[Blackrider]

I suspect you have an "Alpha Male Roland" !
Too slow a pellet and he'll catch it in his teeth and blow it back at you !

[airsnyper]

i think the 77 is the most capable. why don't you spend the 150 on a tune.

[QUIGLEY]

I suspect you have an "Alpha Male Roland" !
Too slow a pellet and he'll catch it in his teeth and blow it back at you !

"That is why he needs to us a Phaser Jim. Anything else would be illogical"
Edd.

[Carlleyland]

What started out as a question about pest control is turning into self defence! Large rat populations...alpha rats...I think I will try to obtain a .25 and shoot from an upstairs window for my own safety!