PCP airgun vs. a .22LR

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varhunter

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I'm considering buying a PCP airgun for pest control at a relatives place. Her land is in a fairly built up area where I feel like a shotgun or even a .22LR would be too powerful. The main target would be rabbits and maybe Eurasian collared doves but I haven't asked about the doves yet. I was curious since I have never shot a PCP airgun how they compare with a .22LR, and specifically one shooting sub sonic ammo for sound and things like ricochet and any other adverse things after the shot. I've been looking at the Hatsan Flash QE specifically in 25 cal as I bought a house a year ago and don't have a bunch of money to invest into it right now. I've watched a couple guys on youtube who use PCP's for pest control and, while they are using airguns that cost more than any of my firearms, they seem to be a great way to go. Any thoughts on the matter would be helpful. Thanks.
 
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I have no 25's but I have a 22 cal Tech Star PCP. I've killed lots of ground squirrels out at 55 yards + and it would do fine out to 100. They are not uber-quiet but a lot less than a 22 tats for sure.

I've shot several euro doves and BIG pigeons with no issue. Over the years I've killed lots of squirrels and rabbits with a Crossman 160 CO2 gun and it is shaded badly by the POCP.

Greg
 
The reason I'm thinking 25 cal is one of the youtube guys recommends it for rabbit as he thinks a .22 cal is too small to put them down instantly. Probably just his preference though.
 
I would say it's all preference. The pellet design has some part to play too. I grew up shooting 22 cal pellet guns. I've never felt wanting. I always prefer them over the 177's. Of course their are some hot 30 and 35 caliber guns too if you want to go after deer.

Greg
 
Pellet guns can be more accurate than most .22 powder guns.
.25's do have good knock down but .22 pellets come in extra heavies also.
Standard .22 pellets come in lights and heavies like 10.5 and 14.5 gr. You can get Eun Jins in about 27 gr that shoot good.
I am somewhat guessing on weights.
Cost per shot is good.
My .20 cal. pcp puts 5 shots into .329 @ 50 yds and is published so in airgun magazine by Jim Chapman. It will turn up to 1200 fps and has killed many rabbits, countless 1 shot kills on cats, raccons, doves, quail, and 1 coyote.
So don't underestimate the smaller caliber.
 
I had a .177 cal springer break barrel when I was younger and it's definitely not enough gun for rabbits. It had problems with squirrels, so I know I want at least a .22. Good to know about how powerful they can be with the right pellets. Now what about them for use in a fairly built up area compared to a .22LR shooting subsonic ammo? Any idea's on the safety aspect of ricochet's and things like that? Her neighbors don't like the rabbits either so I don't think I'll have any problems with them caring that I'm thinning the numbers but I also don't want to cause safety problems. I've looked around her property once already and she showed me a pretty confined area to shoot them in which should give me decent backstops with things like sheds and wood piles and wood fences.
 
The richocett factor from my experience is virtually nil. Shooting at a rabbit in the grass is not going to give you much issue. Plus remember the pellet weight is maybe half of your 22's. Shooting wadcutter type pellets or even slightly pointed they just don't go whanging off toward the horizon.

The thing about rabbits is they are really susceptible to shock. It takes little energy to kill them. I read a study once that mentions 4 fps is all they need. Their skin really is not nearly as tough as squirrel hide.

Greg
 
Well that's unexpected. I'd have figured that their bigger size would make them harder to kill than a squirrel. Thanks for the info guys. I think I need to pick me up a pellet gun one of these days.
 
Having shot both critters with shotguns exclusively where I grew up in Minnesota a squirrel takes a whole lot more of killing.

Greg
 
If a deer was as tough to kill as a squirrel you'd need a 50BMG to bring them down.

You might check out the Benjamin Marauder, they offer different calibers and shoot good. They are also repeaters.
 
I have a Benjamin nitro piston in 22 cal. and it kills squirrels very good. But I try hard for head shot.
 
I’ve owned a few high end pcp’s but ended up selling all of them except my old CZ S-20 Hunter .22. It’s only 20flbs+- but for squirrels and rabbits it’s hard to beat and easy to repair
 
I would love a marauder but I'm too poor for that right now especially since I'm starting from scratch with no air source or anything.
 
I've killed tons of varmints/small game with a .17, .20 and .22 caliber airguns. Accuracy is key. If you are on a budget, look at some of the better springers, like Diana, or Beeman (R7, R9).

With that being said, it does not take much to get into PCP guns, etc nowadays. You can always check with your local fire department and see if they have any decommissioned air tanks. As long as they are within date, any scuba shop will fill them. Add a valve/gauge/hose for $160 and you're good to go. Another option is picking up an old scuba tank off of Craigslist for cheap (check the date - my first one was pink and lasted for years).

Lastly, hit them right behind the eye and you will drop them every time. Remember, the folks in the UK have to use low powered airguns and they kill a lot of rabbits!
 
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Originally Posted By: varhunterI'm considering buying a PCP airgun for pest control at a relatives place. Her land is in a fairly built up area where I feel like a shotgun or even a .22LR would be too powerful. The main target would be rabbits and maybe Eurasian collared doves but I haven't asked about the doves yet. I was curious since I have never shot a PCP airgun how they compare with a .22LR, and specifically one shooting sub sonic ammo for sound and things like ricochet and any other adverse things after the shot. I've been looking at the Hatsan Flash QE specifically in 25 cal as I bought a house a year ago and don't have a bunch of money to invest into it right now. I've watched a couple guys on youtube who use PCP's for pest control and, while they are using airguns that cost more than any of my firearms, they seem to be a great way to go. Any thoughts on the matter would be helpful. Thanks.

I have a Hatsan BullBoss QE in .25 caliber and I think it would work well for you. I have mine set up with an Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x44. It's a tac driver and would have plenty of power for most small game. It's a shrouded barrel design and VERY quiet. $700 to $800 hundred for the rig. You would also need a scuba tank for charging. (shop the web....I have seen both at reduced prices)

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/en_bullboss.html

https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scopes-talos-btr-4-14x44-aplr-ffp-ir-mil/

They are powerful weapons at close range. Mine likes the Diabolo Exact King 25.39 grain pellets.

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/JSB_Match_Diabolo_Exact_King_25_Cal_25_39_Grains_Domed_350ct/720

MfF4X2N.jpg




Here ya go....Hatsan for $437 .

https://www.fieldsupply.com/hatsan-at44s-10-bull-boss-q-energy-pcp-rifle-blk-syn.html
 
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If you're on a limited budget, then have a look at the Benjamin/Crosman Fortitude in 22 cal. They go for around $300. I have more air rifles than I care to admit. Lol. PM me with any questions you may have. I love to talk airguns!
 
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I have a Benjamin 25 cal., it's pretty accurate to about 75 yrds, at least it is on Crows. Some pellets have passed right through the crows. One crow was ranged at 70 yards, had a complete pass through, crow flew about 15 yrds and dropped.

I have shot the Benjamin's and King Exact, both have good accuracy.
 


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