calling all hunters: dealing with an air rifle- Grafic content

[silkiechicken]

My brother drops coons down in one shot with an airrifle. It is an old one, .22, 1000+FPS. He goes straight for the head from about 30 yards around the side of the house... or from his bedroom window.

There are powerful air guns, but the common ones you see aren't really powerful enough for one shot kills on something coon sized. That's probably because high powered accurate hunting air rifles cost way more than an equivalent .22 rifle.

 

[cptbahama]

I've seen several mention .22 shotshells. This is absolutely ludicrous. A .22 shotshell is far from an effective choice for a raccoon at any distance.

 

[Stingrayg4]

Quote:
I suggested them to eliminate the possibility of a ricochet. I have to respectfully disagree with you on your assessment of their ability to drop a raccoon. Wouldn't be a one shot solution but would work if you were close enough.

-S

 

[pharr389]

I have this air rifle. It has been very effective removing bothersome squirrels from the property and even some larger predators. I believe with a raccoon, a well placed head shot would be sufficient to kill it. These rifles are suprisingly powerful but the range isn't so great that the pellet would do any unitentional damage.
This rifle works well for me. SHOOT SAFE!

link http://www.pyramydair.com/p/crosman-quest-1000x-kit.shtml

 

[cooper38]

The .22 is your bet weapon for the job of protecting the hen house, but if you have neighbors around you it is out of the question. If you can use a .22 I highly recomend getting one. There are many different options on ammo avaliable for it (stay away from any shotshell type ammo unless you have a shotgun). A pellet gun may be your best bet for dispatching varmits, but stay away from the "walmart" type pellet guns. Get a pellet gun that shoots over 1000fps (fet per second) like a Gamo or like brand (www.gamousa.com), and match it with the pellet that is designed for what you want it to do. Find a local gun shop or hunting supply store and pick their brain for info, bet they can answer all your questions and set you up with whatever you need. Just remember when you have to kill a animal it must be done as quickly and humanley as possible, and with the proper weapon this can be done.

 

[pharr389]

Quote:
Excellent advice, well said !

 

[patvetzal]

Not for shooting a wandering coon, but disposing of one in a trap, I would definitely use 22 shotshells, with the end of the barrel about 4" (or less) away from its head. Failing that 22 subsonic shells fired down thru the top of the head or into the brain from the rear but watch what is beyond the critter, just in case. Even better would be 38 or 44 caliber shotshells from a handgun...at the same range.

 

[no1hilbily]

depending on the air rifle how well it works get a good spring air one that the barrels breaks open to cock and load it will work better
if the animal is down put barrel behind ear will be over fast

 

[chickiepie]

For what its worth...We just had a skunk roaming around during the afternoon, and of course, I was freaked out that it was rabid. I called Fish and Game and they said that it is a myth that nocturnal animals seen roaming during the day are rabid. He said that skunks and other nocturnal animals will come out for a meal, which apparently the raccoon was looking for in your case.

 

[cooper38]

That would be the only scenario a shotshell would be feasible. Past 5 feet they are useless. They do not have the velocity or ability to penetrate at distances past point blank.