Recommendations for 1000fps Springer for Pest Control?

[X-man]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the market for a new air rifle. I'd prefer a .177cal, but would also look at a .22 cal. Prefer a spring model with a true MV of 1000 fps. I'm primarily interested in pest control with some plinking added into the mix. I'm looking for something in the $200-$300 range. Any recommendations would be appreciated. So far I've looked at the Gamo Hunter, seems decent enough and its available for a good price. What do you think? I haven't had a chance to shoot one yet!

[Lawdog]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the market for a new air rifle. I'd prefer a .177cal, but would also look at a .22 cal. Prefer a spring model with a true MV of 1000 fps. I'm primarily interested in pest control with some plinking added into the mix. I'm looking for something in the $200-$300 range. Any recommendations would be appreciated. So far I've looked at the Gamo Hunter, seems decent enough and its available for a good price. What do you think? I haven't had a chance to shoot one yet!

The problem is your budget and the fact to get a true 1,000 fps. .177 you are going to have to go to something like the RWS 350M.  Forget the Gamo 1250(the only Gamo that will come near the 1,000 fps mark) as it is a waste of money.  Remember even if it says it has 1,000 fps. it really isn't going to give you that much velocity.  Most very "springer rifle" manufactures pad their velocity ratings, many by a goodly amount.  Good luck in your search.  Lawdog
 

[mjfa]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the market for a new air rifle. I'd prefer a .177cal, but would also look at a .22 cal. Prefer a spring model with a true MV of 1000 fps. I'm primarily interested in pest control with some plinking added into the mix. I'm looking for something in the $200-$300 range. Any recommendations would be appreciated. So far I've looked at the Gamo Hunter, seems decent enough and its available for a good price. What do you think? I haven't had a chance to shoot one yet!

Why would you want a true 1000 fps springer?  It is going to be very hard, if possible at all, to shoot it accurately and a pain in the a$$ to cock it.  Also it will destroy most any scope.  For the $200-$300 budget your best bet is a new RWS 94, RWS 34 or a used R9.  They shoot great and may take almost any of airgun's game but at 14-18 fpe (most powerful of the three is the RWS 94).

[X-man]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies...I could probably up the cash limit if I could justify the extra bucks. Basically, I'd prefer a spring model for simply cost effectiveness. I live in the boonies, and finding C02 refill stations are a pain in the ass, plus just about every single air gun I've ever had that was gas operated, developed seal leaks and the damn seals/gaskets were almost impossible to find locally. As a result, I had to do the mailorder thing and wait forever! C02 powerlets are another matter, they're easily available, but a waste of money, when you consider I'll probably only be taking one or two shots at a time and then storing the rifle for several weeks at a time.

Cocking a 1000fps springer isn't a problem for me...I can bench 400lbs without breaking a sweat.

I want the rifle for shooting vermin/pests like rats, squirrels, etc...that try to nest in my barns, out buildings or bother my chicken coop without unduly worrying the neighbours. (we've had some city slicker types build/buy homes in the area...if you pulled out a .22 to kill a rat, they'd probably stroke out while trying to call the cops about the stone cold killer walking around his own property with an assault rifle!) :? I've killed rats and squirrels with my old Russian built Vostock crack barrel springer that is about 20 years old, but the spring is getting a little weak now, and it doesn't kill vermin as cleanly as it once did. I prefer a clean, humane kill, even if we're only talking about a rat!

I'd also like to use it for some informal target practice a few times a year. Nothing serious like competition, etc...

I chose .177 cal, but a .22 cal would work equally as well. With the heavier pellets, I guess it wouldn't need to meet that 1000fps benchmark as badly.

What can you guys recommend in this case? Thanks in advance! :-)

[farrerhaven]

If money is a problem check out the B22 chinese rifles.The .22 cal does 8xx fps and theB21 .177 does 1xxx fps.These are heavy rifles,nine pounds.They have a fixed barrel,adjustable triggers,and side-cocking actions.And they run around $150.00.Brian.

[Lawdog]

X-man,

Check out the Tech Force line of air rifles at Compasseco, Inc. at http://www.compasseco.com/shop/products.html?maingroup=Tech%20Force%20Air%20Guns&secondgroup=Air%20Rifles.  I own the following models - 25, 97, 99M and the 40 in springer rifles -  and can recommend them.  Power wise the top two are the 99M and the M40.  The Tech Force Model 40 is a clone of the Air Arms TX200 made in England.  The Tech Force Model 99M is a clone of the HW 97 made by Weihrauch in Germany(by the way I also own the HW 97 and the AA TX200).  Both are very accurate and powerful and will fill your wants/needs without breaking your wallet.  I prefer under levers and side cockers to barrel breakers(cockers) as they have a reputation for accuracy that they live up to.  I prefer .22 caliber for small game hunting but for pest control the .177 will get the job done, as long as you do your part.  Hope this helps you some.  Lawdog
 

[Ahab]

I shoot the Gamo .177 Shadow 1000 with the BSA scope. Out of the box we Chrono'd it at 892'fps. After polishing the bore with JB Bore paste we got 937'fps. It does 1 1/2" groups @ 30 yrds using Copperhead Wad-cutters and slightly larger with the domed. This is a heck of alot better than my Sheridan Silver Streak .22. I regularly cull the excess cottontails around my property with head shots. Have no problem cocking. For the money you can't go wrong.

[Questor]

Forget RWS products, they like like dogs on their velocity figures.  The guns are good, but they are notorious for inflated velocity claims.  That said, I am quite happy with the performance of my RWS 46, which shoots pellets at about 750fps. It's deadly on critters in .177 and it's quiet too.

[blasternaz]

Springers are OK, and one of the best in your price range is the RWS 45.  I've had one for 15 years and it does the trick on flying rats and those small steel things in the pellet trap.  The under/side lever guns will be more accurate, inherently, but they are not as easy to load, so balance your needs...  Given my location in So AZ, loading with gloves on is not an issue.  If it may be for you, barrel cockers may be best.  As to velocity, all air gun manufactures list "round number" readings, and few indeed tell you what weight pellet they used!  The 45 is "listed" at 1 K, but with my choice in pellets usually runs closer to 900.  The "Hobby" pellet is RWS;s lightest, and one I seldom use in stronger guns,  but usually play with them in my Russian side cocker or old pneumatic pistol, just for velocity reasons.  hth..

L. Mike

[mjfa]

Just received today Compasseco Season's Specials catalog where they have the Beeman R9 at $277

[Dand]

If you can find a used BSA Super Sport or similar it would make a good gun for your needs. BSA and Webly have offered some others but I can't remember the model names.  If they meet your price range, I'd expect them to be pretty good.

But I thought Canada had some pretty strict regulations on the power of air rifles.  Seems like some web sites have listed air rifles that can be sold to Canada were limited to less than 500 fps or so.

I don't have one but the Beeman R9 has a huge following. Its got a great trigger and very good accuracy.

[corbanzo]

I have a gamo shadow 1000, and it does shoot like above said, I have had it for just over two years, and can still kill a squirrel at 50 yards without a hitch.  I was knocking wood peckers of poles about 80 feet up from about 100 feet away to get rid of them for my gf's dad, pretty good stuff.  The scope is a problem though, since air rifle kick differently than firearms.  The scope went out of true, and pretty much wont go back, so it took a trip to the dumpster.  I got a new scope... another sort of cheap airgun scope, same thing.  I finally got a rifle scope, and it works.  Even after a couple of years it hasnt seemed to drop in velocity, though I've never chrono'd it.  Still kills stuff, makes me smile... damn small furry things.....