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High power pellet guns

3K views 29 replies 20 participants last post by  GreaseMonkey 
#1 ·
This is an area I know little about. I am thinking of getting one for woodchucks in the yard and other pest. I have a few .22's but am thinking this is something new to put in the arsenal, and ammo is more readily available. So what do I new to know? What brand and caliber do I want for 10-50 yard kills on woodchucks?
 
#2 ·
http://www.amazon.com/Gamo-Big-Cat-...=1372714379&sr=8-1&keywords=gamo+big+cat+1400
This one kills squirrels very easily and is a simple pump one. I think I made a large dent in the tree rat population in lansing with this bad boy. It may be a bit small for woodchucks unless you get a head shot.

I've heard this one is awesome but don't have any first hand experience with it. The caliber ans fps should be good. I think any higher caliber and fps you would need an air tank.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-Nitro...d=1372714536&sr=1-3&keywords=Crosman+Benjamin
 
#3 ·
One thing I've found by looking at these at Cabela's is that most of the Gamo's and $100-200 range ones have rolled barrels. If you are looking at 800+ fps rifles that seems sketchy. I got a RMS Meistershutze from airguns of arizona. Supposed to go 1100 fps, it is a break barrel and has a sound suppressor and a 3-9x scope. When I lived at 4200 ft above sea level i tried 5 different pellets and could only get 850 fps. I haven't chrono'd it yet since moving to MI but expect a little better closer to sea level. I got a .177 but would have liked to get a .22 if I was to do it over again.
 
#7 ·
Just remember silenced airguns (have a suppressor) are illegal in MI. They are also considered firearms in MI, only smooth-bore BB guns are not considered firearms. You also supposed to get a varmint hunting license.
 
#12 ·
Not a big deal really if you're a good shot OR have a large caliber gun. Anyone who thinks today's pellet guns aren't serious is a fool...

What it boils down to is how much do you want to spend? The new precharged pneumatic guns that are on the market are great in that they provide multi-shot magazines/are far easier on scopes, but they're big money to get started with.

Any gun that has a break-barrel can be less accurate than one with a solid connection, and you can get air leakage at the joint. Spring guns are very hard on optics (vibrations) - make sure if you purchase one you get a scope specifically for air rifles or you'll trash a scope after a few hundred rounds.

If you're serious about it, I'd look at something like an RWS 34 or 48 in .22. I wouldn't consider a .177 for what you want to do...not enough energy IMO
 
#10 ·
If it's and air rifle, they are considered firearms, and can get you in trouble if you live in the city. Friend of mine shot at a raccoon, to scare it out of the yard. Neighbors complained to the cops and he almost got ticketed for discharging a firearm in city limits.
 
#23 ·
I would also go with a .22 for larger rodents. I bought a .177, can't remember brand, a few years ago for dispatching red squirrels, and then ran into a raccoon problem. A well placed shot with a .177 will take them out of a tree, but you might have to take a couple shots to put them out of their misery. Now I wish I would have ponied up a few more $$'s and went bigger. Also make sure you buy the correct ammo for 'hunting'.
 
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