RWS 24 for squirrels?

[Jackal]

I am considering buying an RWS 24 in .177 because I want to be able to control the squirrel population without disturbing the neighbors.  I have two questions:  Does this rifle possess enough power, with an accurately placed shot, to cleanly kill a squirrel?  And second, is this rifle quiet enough to be used on a .25 acre without disturbing neighbors?  Thanks for any advice.

[VictorLouis]

I'll let those with the hunting experience let you know. However, my 24 Carbine is fast becoming my favorite springer. With 7.5 grain pellets, it clocks 550-560fps. So, the 4" longer barreled "rifle" might easily break 600fps with those same loads. :-)

[Dand]

Jackal I checked and straight shooters does not have the RWS 24 on their site these days but they have a bunch of others.  And I bet if you call them they could give you good info on how a 24 would perform.

[VictorLouis]

I asked Kevin from SS about the 24, and the HW30, in a thread on his forum. His response suggested they just prefer to not deal in the entry-level guns at the risk of customer dissatisfaction. However, I don't find EITHER one to be anything near what you might expect with a Gamo, or ....gasp...a Chinese springer. :shock:  :twisted:

Remember, I'm finding that I like the 24 MORE than this one.......

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=43343&sid=40755083ce75069b69f057008cc0c04e

[Lawdog]

Jackal,

I have taken many, many squirrels(both tree and ground) with air rifles and while the RWS 24 is a good "entry level" air rifles I don't believe it has the power to cleanly dispatch squirrels.  A squirrel can be a tough customer, even for a .22 long rifle.  In .177 caliber I would want at least 900 fps. but at that power it's going to fairly noisy.  For a good "quiet" air rifle to take out pest squirrels I would suggest the Sheridan pump in .20 caliber.  A bit more quiet than a springer or PCP rifle that has enough power to get the job done.  If you really want a springer rifle stay away from Gamo.  It could end up costing you more in the long run.  If you are on a budget and still want a good springer rifles go to http://www.compasseco.com/shop/products.html?maingroup=Tech%20Force%20Air%20Guns&secondgroup=Air%20Rifles and check out the Tech Force line they carry.  Lawdog
 

[Jackal]

Thanks, I have a higher powered Gamo and a pump I use for plinking.  Is the .20 or .22 cal Sheridan capable of taking a squirrel?  Thanks again

[Jackal]

Sorry that last post didn't quite make sense.  Is the .20 or the .22 cal better for taking squirrels?

[Lawdog]

Jackal,

Yes the larger caliber pellet rifles are better for taking small game.  They hit harder and make a bigger hole.  The .20 caliber is about the perfect caliber for hunting/target/plinking going today.  Also you may want to check your local game laws on using a pellet gun to take small game.  There are a few states that won't let you hunt anything with an air gun.  Some states mandate a certain size caliber that can be used in air guns for taking small game.  Lawdog
 

[Jackal]

Lawdog,

Thanks for the advice, I will probably go with the .22.  Any suggestions as to what a good scope would be, should I decide to get one?  I've considered a 4x or a 3-9x.  I've also considered a red dot but I don't have any experience with them.  Any suggestions would be helpful.  Thanks

[Lawdog]

Jackal,

The Burris R/A(rimfire/air rifle approved) and Leupold EFR are always good choices.  Although I don't own one I have heard good things about the Swift line of air rifles scopes.  Stay away from the Simmons Pro Air, any Tasco(junk before they went bankrupt and haven't gotten any better after Bushnell bought them out of bankruptcy) and any scope not rated as air rifle approved.  If you have any question whether or not a scope will work get in touch with the company and see if they will give you, IN WRITING, a warrantee/guarantee that their scope will stand up to the double recoil of “magnum” springer rifles.  If the company won’t do this then pass them by.  If you are on a budget try the BSA line of air rifle approved scopes, check them out at http://www.bsaoptics.com/productlist.asp?ID=11&Cat_Name=airrifle22.jpg&Cat_Code=AR&Cat_Type=RFAM and see them for yourself.  These are not the BSA scopes of just a couple of years ago.  Totally different.  The power of the scope is up to what you do.  I have large variable powered scopes(4-12X, 6-18X, even 6-24X) on my rifles.  I prefer the magnification( I want to be able to see if it is a tick or flea on a bunny at 40 yards) so I don’t use red-dot sights.  Tried a few different ones and all ended up in a drawer in my shop.  Lawdog
 

[duxman]

I have been shooting a Beeman .22 for the last 6 months or so. I don't have a bad thing to say. I turned on a couple of guys to a "real airgun" in bird camp last week. I think we went through two tins of pellets in about three days. We talked about stalking Grouse with it but stuck to the scatter guns. Everytime they heard a chatter outside the cabin, someone was off with gun in hand. Depending on what you spend I would say you can't go wrong with a .22 for squirrels. Some of the springers a bit noisy. But I'm sure if you call Airgun Express or any of the other big sellers they will hook you up with a nice rig. I've got an RX-2 with a Swift 4x12x40mm scope that I love. I'm lookin at buying a .25 cal next.

[longgun]

Lawdog quoted "These are not the BSA scopes of just a couple of years ago. Totally different. The power of the scope is up to what you do. I have large variable powered scopes(4-12X, 6-18X, even 6-24X) on my rifles"

I've been looking very hard lately at some of the BSA scopes, and sofar have resisted buying one of higher power variables.   I did buy a 4X12 airgun scope lately and am pleased with it.  However I'm looking at a 6-24 X 50  Catseye version.    In the scopes you have tried in the earlier post what version scopes are you talking about.  I see the Contender, platinum, and Huntsman all advertised.   I know ppl who have used straight 24x for silhouette shooting and are pleased with them.   Will the variable scopes change impact point as you change power?  I'm thinking I may put it on a high-power rifle ( something in the .260 calibre range).  Currently I'm using Weaver 16T scopes but am looking for a " bargain scope"  that has good repeatable settings when changing elevation and windage.......  What can you tell me here?   Don

[Lawdog]

longgun,

Will the variable scopes change impact point as you change power?

My son mounted the very same 6-24x 50mm Catseye on his wife's M70 Coyote in .25 WSSM and it doesn't change POI when changing powers.  Me, I would have mounted a BSA Contender Target/Hunting Scope 6-24X50mm A/O T.T. so I could have the finger adjustable windage & elevation knobs and the 1/8 MOA click adjustments.  Also the Contender comes with a sunshade(nice when on the range and fighting glare).  Lawdog