What is the best spring rifle for ratting?

[rabbitwrecker]

If theres more than one I will just take the biggest? Is that a sound tactic?

Take the one that presents a clean safe shot first...

[NewPaul]

Take the one that presents a clean safe shot first...

^^^sound advice^^^

[Carlleyland]

Your right of course Rabbit, if its not a clear shot I wont be taking it hence why I was asking about .25

[rabbitwrecker]

Your right of course Rabbit, if its not a clear shot I wont be taking it hence why I was asking about .25

To sum things up. You have spotted a rat/rats at the bottom of your garden, range about 15 yards? You own a Meteor/Osprey/HW77 - all more than capable of switching off ratty? You're justifiably concerned about collateral damage from over-penetration? The presence of said rat/rats justifies the purchase of a dedicated rat-buster? You fancy a dabble with .25 calibre and the Hatsan is within budget? How am I doing so far?

If you want the .25 Hatsan because you simply want a .25 Hatsan, then buy one and enjoy it - but looking at the safety aspect in an urban/suburban environment at 15 yards, having less power would make a lot more sense than a buying into a larger calibre. Your .22 Meteor at 8-9 ft/lbs would be an excellent choice for the job. If you wanted a suitable new gun for the job, save a little more and buy an HW30s - around 8 ft/lbs in .22, very accurate, very quiet, easy to cock, awesome trigger, top quality and you will still have a lot of fun using it long after Mr Ratty is stuffed and sitting in your trophy room...

[Carlleyland]

Spot on Rabbit. I think your right about the power, I had not given that much thought as I was more concerned about killing the damned thing outright. It seems 8 foot pound will do it so I have a Meteor that I can use. As for the stuffed rat in the living room LOL bloody hell no. How do you dispose of the body? Wrap it up and bin it bury it? I have never dealt with a dead rat before though I know not to touch it

[Blackrider]

Think we've all put the "gun issue" to bed but unless Ive missed it on the Thread", what scope do you intend to use ?

I used either a Simmons 4x40 WTC or a Simmons 1.5-5x20 WTC, both were excellent but others may differ ?
I never needed much magnification and mostly shot at only 1.5 to 3 mag !

[rabbitwrecker]

How do you dispose of the body? Wrap it up and bin it bury it? I have never dealt with a dead rat before though I know not to touch it

Any that get shot at the farm go straight into the incinerator...

[QUIGLEY]

At a range of 15yrds a good red dot takes a bit of beating. Something like a Hawke RD30.
I used to roll the dead rat up in an old carpet, put it in the boot of a car and push the car over the edge of a water filled quarry. But the bin is a bit easier I found.
Edd.

[lensman57]

Spot on Rabbit. I think your right about the power, I had not given that much thought as I was more concerned about killing the damned thing outright. It seems 8 foot pound will do it so I have a Meteor that I can use. As for the stuffed rat in the living room LOL bloody hell no. How do you dispose of the body? Wrap it up and bin it bury it? I have never dealt with a dead rat before though I know not to touch it

At 15 Yards you could probably use a flathead pellet. A lot of impact, minimal penetration. It is a lot safer than using a Diablo type pellet.

A.G

[Carlleyland]

Thanks for the tips Chaps, I think I will use a red dot, I have a Gammo one spare, I will set this up this weekend. The bait was taken so unless a cat likes chocolate spread he is still around
Thanks again....

[TonyL]

Excellent.

Keep baiting the greedy vermin toe-rag and get him all nice and comfy and SO looking forward to his ill-gotten nosh and then BANG!!

As a few of the chaps have said, get plenty of practice in with the target set up at the ambush point. Nice tight, repeatable groups is what you want. Then, as Pauly had said re the nerves up above, because you know you've put the practice in at that shooting point, you've removed that variable. It's one thing less to worry about and instill confidence. Stay relaxed, believe in your abilities and remember the all-important follow through.

[Blackrider]

Think we'd all like to know how you get on Carl, seems we have taken an interest in your little Roland issue !

[magnummike]

Don't think you will get a 635 Mag for £150 more of a collector's rifle these days . If you fancy getting a new rifle you can't go wrong with a 30s in .22 they do around 8 ftlbs and with Hobbies would make a good ratting rifle I got one last year £130 delivered from Holland

[TonyL]

How's Roland getting on with his nice free meals?

Getting nice and comfy?



We're all waiting to hear the news.......

[rabbitwrecker]

We're all waiting to hear the news.......

Ditto, been following this thread with baited breath. __________ (Sorry)...