Best gun for bunny bashing?

[Wobblebox]

Getting a fair amount of rabbit grazing this year so want to start thinning them out (before mixy does!) I have a shotgun but don't think it'll be suitable, i don't have my firearms (and don't want it), is there a powerful enough air rifle that would do the job?

...and not too dear either

 

[JD6920s]

Mossberg Hushpower 20 bore could work well for you.

http://www.gunmart.net/gun_review/hushpower_20_bore_mossberg/

 

[davidroberts30]

Get a 17hmr

@Badshot

 

[yellowbelly]

If you don't want a FAC the Daystate Harrier .22 ......good to about 40yds for rabbits. Very accurate.

The 10 shot mag is a bit flimsy - been through 2 here. Get a HD pump rather than a tank for re-charging.
Edit... A bit on the expensive side if compared to a .22lr - plenty s/h £150-200 but you'd need FAC.

 

[tr250]

.22 is gun for the job but need firearms. It's not hard to get if you have land and a reason to use it which you have and presume you haven't been a naughty boy as you have a shotgun licence

 

[MrNoo]

.22 is gun for the job but need firearms. It's not hard to get if you have land and a reason to use it which you have and presume you haven't been a naughty boy as you have a shotgun licence

+1

 

[Badshot]

Get a 17hmr

@Badshot

I agree entirely. But he needs fac for it. But if anyone is serious about bunny bashing, it really is the kiddy to have.

 

[roscoe erf]

@Robigus has just the gun for this

 

[davidroberts30]

I agree entirely. But he needs fac for it. But if anyone is serious about bunny bashing, it really is the kiddy to have.

And the firearms dept seem to favour the 17 over the 22 here for a first rifle

 

[Davey]

I just use an air rifle as I don't want the hassle of a FAC and it gives me a lot more flexibility. I've got a BSA R-10 MK2 in .177 flavor for when I want to spend a couple of hours on the job and then an old spinger I keep in the back of the Kubota on the off chance I see something.

I've no doubt a 'proper' rifle would be the way to go if you're really serious but the extra regulation, worry about getting a suitable backstop and the extra security needed when out and about with the gun & ammo puts me off for the little bit I do.

 

[KMA]

Don't know about Englandshire but up here you'd need an airgun licence just for an air rifle

Thinking of getting an air rifle added to my FAC and getting a more powerful air rifle

 

[Davey]

Don't know about Englandshire but up here you'd need an airgun licence just for an air rifle

I'm sure there are restrictions on age etc for shops selling them but there's no registration process as there is with shotguns or firearms. Possibly why there are undoubtedly more air rifles in a housing estate than a farming community.

 

[DaveJ]

Get a .17 HMR. By the time you've bought a good pre charged airgun and diver's bottle, it would probably work out cheaper. And as already pointed out, any airgun over 12ft/lb is FAC anyway in England & Wales so you need to get within 40 yards of the bunnies. Have you any mates with one and an open ticket? If so go out with them for a couple of nights. Guarantee you won't want anything else afterwards.

 

[joe soapy]

Hmr at sportsman new about £300 + vat.
Since my guns got lifted i have tried the bunnies with the pre charge. May be lack of skill on my part,
but it was a waste of time. If security is the issue just carry the bolt on your belt.
A 22 rimfire will do if cost of ammo is a problem, otherwise a HMR is the weapon of choice

 

[michael N123]

get a FAC you wont regret it

 

[Doing it for the kids]

12 bore plus quad bike.

Less risk of killing people near by, incredibly good fun

 

[carbonfibre farmer]

@adzy

 

[davidroberts30]

12 bore plus quad bike.

Less risk of killing people near by, incredibly good fun

with respect but thats bulls**t

 

[Grassman]

12 bore is poor for the job. One shot and all the rabbits disappear. A good pre charge air rifle and night vision is far more effective. Not cheap though.
Fac and a good rimfire rifle is best and cheap.

 

[JohnGalway]

Found shotgun good in the right conditions, as in very windy nights, with ground that had lots of little valleys big enough to hide a person and muffle sound.

Have HMR, hate it, probably best for the job. Find it loud and boring. Did I mention I don't like it?

Swapped my .22 for the HMR, best gun I ever owned, silly decision!

Air rifles require a license here in Ireland so wouldn't be popular.

My 2c.