Air rifle

[boumaticboy]

Quick question. Have a problem with pigeons in milking parlour. Was considering an air rifle. Prob is I know little about guns. How much do I need to spend and what do I need to look out for. Am going to a reputable gun shop but don’t want to look completely stupid. Thanks

 

[Wellytrack]

Long time since I’ve played with them but I think the max legal was 12lbs/foot pressure, but they do go much higher.

Lever charge or break barrel, some are precharge.

https://www.forelockandload.com/product/theoben-22-rapid-7-pre-charged-pneumatic-air-rifle-r-h-s-h/

 

[Ffermer Bach]

I got a spring operated air rifle (Weihrauch HW80K with a 3 to 9 x 40 scope)., really pleased with it, the only problem is my aim! Oh and it was .22

the 3 to 9 is the magnification of the sight, and the 40 is how wide it is (wider lets in more light and better in poor lighting conditions).

I am sure the air operated guns are better than the spring ones, and probably .177 is better than .22

All air rifles are limited to 12 ftLbs of energy, otherwise they are a firearm.

 

[boumaticboy]

Where do you get the pre charged ones re filled or how many shots do you get out of a canister

 

[Gone Shooting]

Pre-charge like an air arms are brilliant - only problem is you would really need a divers bottle to re-charge. But once bought you will have another hobby ! Personally i prefer the .177 along with youngest son but the other prefers his .22 If you only want one for odd stuff then a spring one will be fine.

 

[boumaticboy]

Bit like how long is a piece of string but how much to spend? Don’t want a glorified cap gun but hard to justify spending a fortune. Is second hand an option?

 

[Dry Rot]

Have a problem with pigeons in milking parlour

Unless milking parlours have changed since my day, you don't want anything too powerful or you will be adding extra ventilation through the roof. Break barrel would surely suit your job and using a 'scope at short range (inside?) will add parallax. Tell the dealer what you want and plead poverty is what I'd do!

 

[davidroberts30]

Spring Air Rifles | Just Air Guns - UK's Largest Online Air Gun Shop
any of these are more than enough for the job

 

[britt]

Pre charged are a lot more expensive and then you have the hassle of a cylinder.
For what you want a spring powered is cheaper and simpler. A .22 will hit pigeons harder than a.177 and less likely to put holes in roofs (less pressure at point of impact).

 

[BBC]

The Field has just done a feature on air guns with a guide on the various types and suggestions on what to buy.

Airgun guide. What to shoot and what to buy. - The Field

Buying your first air rifle, or looking for a replacement? Read our comprehensive airgun guide for top tips on which gun to buy and what pellets to use.

www.thefield.co.uk

Top 10 airguns for use in the field - The Field

Banish the bunnies with one of these top 10 airguns. Pneumatic or spring loaded - take your pick from our recommendations.

www.thefield.co.uk

 

[Castle Farm]

Get a 177 Springer. They are more accurate than a 22.

 

[Wilksy]

A 177 shoots flat meaning the lighter pellet will hit a zero at at any distance out to 25yrds a .22 pellet is heavier has a curve and drops quicker so it will hit zero at maybe 10yrds and 30yrds but in between you aim high of your target, both are sub 12 lbs and capable of killing pigeons but a flat headed 22 pellet is less likely to cause roof damage, but I prefer to shoot them on the i beams just to be sure

 

[Kidds]

The argument between 177 and 22 will go on as long as there are air rifles, either will do what you want perfectly well.
A good second hand spring powered gun either break barrel or lever will do. Stick to known brands and you will be fine, Air Arms, Weirauch or BSA. Usually lots of second hand available and very good value.

 

[Wilksy]

Above is spot on, I'd add springer or under lever is noisy compared to a multi shot pcp but as also said above multi shot pcp is expensive and requires an air source, that said I can shoot five or six off a beam before the the rest know what is happening, you can even miss and get a second or third chance with daft ferals

 

[Kidds]

Also, you don’t need a divers bottle with a precharged, you can buy a stirrup pump type thing for circa £100. That makes you puffed out!

 

[TheTallGuy]

Also, you don’t need a divers bottle with a precharged, you can buy a stirrup pump type thing for circa £100. That makes you puffed out!

I have a .22 PCP with a double acting stirrup pump - only ever go down to 50% (~100 shots) before recharging & it's only a couple of minutes light to moderate effort to recharge. Only problem is it is a fair weight so takes practice to shoot free hand. I've busted bunnies, rats & winged vermin with no problem.

 

[tr250]

Quick question. Have a problem with pigeons in milking parlour. Was considering an air rifle. Prob is I know little about guns. How much do I need to spend and what do I need to look out for. Am going to a reputable gun shop but don’t want to look completely stupid. Thanks

Do you not know a neighbor or mate that’s got one job will be sorted in a few mins. They are bleddy expensive because any old Tom dick or Harry can buy them.

 

[Lofty1984]

If it’s only for knocking Stuff off in a shed don’t bother with telescopic sights just get one with tidy open sights shot plenty of stuff in my younger days with open sights

 

[Dry Rot]

When you see the dealer (or maybe someone on line can tell you) ask about the special pellets used by pest controllers, specially where toxic lead flying about could cause damage to livestock or your milk. I think there are pellets made out of sugar or other digestables for use in ware houses. Might be something more suitable for pigeons out there. There are plastic pellets as well. Someone will know!

 

[kill]

Quick question. Have a problem with pigeons in milking parlour. Was considering an air rifle. Prob is I know little about guns. How much do I need to spend and what do I need to look out for. Am going to a reputable gun shop but don’t want to look completely stupid. Thanks

Ever seen the film “The Karate Kid?” and remember the scene “Wax on and Wax off?
Ex neighbour use to do similar with the light switch when pigeons roasted in his milking parlour and it was very easy to get the ingredients for pigeon pie afterwards apparently