how are you seeing the rats? using a torch or floodlights?
Hello everyone,
I'm a complete novice (at the moment) and am looking at getting an airgun initially to deal with some rats as a humane alternative to (slow) poisoning the poor buggers. Actually that is not entirely true as I used to shoot in a small pub league and have fancied getting a gun for some years.
Anyway, I know little about air guns except what I have read over the last few days.
I have set myself a budget of £200 (ish) and have looked at a couple of guns. First of all I was thinking of a BSA Meteor then oh I dunno been through lots of possibilities but am now thinking of a Gamo CFX because I've sort of decided I prefer an underlever rifle. Having then discovered this site I think Gamo's might not be favourites?
So, I'm sure this has been asked millions of times before but - what would people recommend I consider?
A couple of details which may or may not inform:
-I live in the middle of a large town, but with a big garden sloping up to a substantial wall.
-Live 'targets' are going to be around 10 metres away
-I won't be shooting any other animals except a family of rats (and would rather not be shooting them)
-I won't be aiming at the rats until I'm satisfied I will hit them.
Thanks - all advice will be gratefully received.
how are you seeing the rats? using a torch or floodlights?
The BSA Comet's a good alternative to the Gamo.
However....buy 2nd hand and get something better.
Go to your local club and have a go with some member's guns until you find one you like!
DON'T buy blind!!!
Good luck!
Waving at them from my front room window in the morning.Originally Posted by rfarn
They're pretty bold and only run off when my dog spots them and runs out barking. The dogs are the reason why any poison would have to be slow acting, apparently.
There's the gamo cfx in the private sales section with kit v few pellets through it for less than your budget, I have nowt to do with the ad and don't know the seller but I'd read your post then saw the ad
beyond rats, do you see yourself doing anything more?..target shooting at a local club or something?
Crunchy - thanks for that and will follow it up.
rfarn - hadn't thought about a gun club but would be interested. What sort of money are they? Anyone know of clubs in the Winchester area, or should I post a new thread? Or should I do a search? Guess a search would be a good idea.
You've got the Meon Valley club near Winchester, an excellent bunch of loonies.
Jonathan
Opinions differ; I actually like the CFX (got a .22 the wooden-stocked "royal" version) and a gasram-converted .22 Gamo Hunter 440 is my most-used rifle despite having a Webley Longbow and BSA Superstar as well.Having then discovered this site I think Gamo's might not be favourites?
Thats just how I started, but with a tuned ratcatcher meanwhile £3500.00 and an FAC ticket later.Originally Posted by 800jimbo
Regards Bob
Have PMd you re clubs near Winchester
Cheers for that.Originally Posted by leons
Just got to get a gun now...
Webley stingrays are lovely little guns. I had one and i really enjoyed shooting it. Or maybe a weihrauch hw99s, they're lovely too.
Break your backs and crack your oars men! If you wish to prevail.
Try going to the club before you buy a gun - it might help you discover which rifle suits youOriginally Posted by 800jimbo
definately....go to the club...its time well spent and you may even pick up a bargain or a hobby beyond rat splatting.
if i was ONLY going to do rats close, then i'd say a .22, but i think .177 offers more flexability if your tempted to knock down a few targets.
you'd probably get yourself a nice springer and scope for £200 thats suitable for the job...i wouldnt necessarily think about pcp for that.