Air Gun for Dispatching Raccoons?

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spiffwilkie

spiffwilkie

Songster
8 Years
Mar 22, 2011
93
5
101
Memphis, TN
I've come to find raccoons checking out my chicken coop at night over the last week, and I'm not too keen on that. I live in the city of Memphis, and am unable to discharge a firearm. Therefore, I would like to get an air gun that would be capable of taking out a raccoon at close range. I have a trap, and am planning on dispatching any of the critters that decide to take up residence in said trap.
I've been told that an ~1100 fps .22 with a 27 grain pellet should take care of the raccoon, no problem, but I wanted to run that past the chicken folks over here. Does anyone have experience taking out these masked demons with an air gun? Does anyone have a recommendation for a specific brand or model? Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks
 
I don't think an air rifle would do it. Honestly, a .22 rifle is as low as you could go.

Could you not just drive it out of city limits and do the deed?


Blessings-
Em
 
I've been told that an ~1100 fps .22 with a 27 grain pellet should take care of the raccoon, no problem

I imagine a pellet gun that meets that requirement will run you $400 or more, and is probably also illegal to discharge in the city limits.

I think your best option would be a "kill box".

Make a plywood box large enough to totally enclose the trap and use a hose to connect it to the exhaust pipe on your vehicle.

Many animal shelters use this method
I've shot lots of animals with pellet guns over the years, and they are not reliable killers, even at point blank range​
 
I agree, an air gun or pellet/bb gun will not do the trick (I have both) We use live traps and take them to the shelter for them to dispose of in a legal and humane way. It is more work, I know...but I can't bring myself to kill them. I have trapped 10 coons in the last 2 months. They can't get close to my chickens, but they do like the garden and dig in my compost bin!
barnie.gif


Everyone else has suggested to me to use a .22 I am in TN as well, your laws my be similar to mine, but I do live in the county. Our local animal control officer told me in person that we are NOT allowed to "haul them off" we could be trasporting a rabid animal to another location unknowingly. We are not allowed to kill them either do to the fact, if they do happen to have rabies, they need to be disposed of properly.
 
I have killed MANY coons and possums with my .22 caliber pellet gun. Get one that shoots 900+ FPS. They will run you $250 on up. A tac light with a pressure switch is a great addition for night shooting. Get an airgun specific scope, Beeman is a good mfg. PyramidAir.com is where you should start looking. Beeman or RWS are what you should buy. It won't be cheap, but it will last. My Webley is 10 years old and has taken over 700 barn pigeons, 100's of crows, 20+ coons, and as many possums. I go for head shots only. Beeman Silver Bear pellets.

This was about a 15 yard shot this morning.
0623110723.jpg
 
I've recently found raccoons running around my feed bin and I am worried that they might get into the chicken coop. I'll have to try the pellet gun thing, because I live JUST inside the city limits, and the police do not want me shooting animals with my firearms.
 
I'm with Dogfish on this one. I have a 30 year old Benjamin .22 caliber air rifle that will blow through a two by four board from 20 feet away. I cost my dad $300 in the late '70's. I could easily drop a raccoon with it. We are not talkin' about a Wal Mart Daisy or crossman here.
 
Quote:
Yup, definitely step up to an adult air rifle. This not a cheap Gamo, Daisy Red Ryder, or Crosman 760. A Sheridan Blue Streak in 5mm (.20 cal) is also workable. Some of teh higher end Gamo's are okay. Stay away from their gimick rifles, because they won't last.

I prefer the single "pump" spring air guns, as I can put shots down range more quickly and quieter than a multi-pump gun like a Sheridan or a Benjamin. Benjamin has come out with a precharged pneumatic in .22 cal for $380, including a pump, and you can use the large paintball CO2 cannisters as well. 900FPS in .22 cal, 1,000 fps in .177 cal. No pumping involved, just cycle the bolt like a bolt action rifle.

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/benjamin-discovery-air-dual-fuel-rifle.shtml

It has received very good reviews. I may get one of these some time.
 

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