Author Topic: Need advice with varmit rifle (Read 669 times)

Border Patrol · « **on:** April 25, 2005, 08:00:41 PM »

Hi all. I'm looking to get a new varmit rifle as my current one isn't cutting it. I have a 66 powermaster which has been a nice first rifle, but it doesn't have the power for a humane kill. I had to kill a pigeon with a knife today that didn't die from a neck shot, and that made my mind up to get a new rifle (Messy nasty business killing with a knife).

I am looking to spend under $100 including scope + mount. Pellets I already have.

I'm primarily going to be killing birds and would like to be able to kill up to crow sized birds (crows + rock doves are the main targets). I will also be shooting at fur (small-medium sized rabbits). I will test all my pellet options but I am leaning towards hollow points to avoid over penetration and to deliver max shock.

My normal range will be around 20 yards but I would like to be able to shoot and kill out to 35-40.

What rifles would you recommend? I have looked at the Tech Force line and liked what I have seen. Will they have the power for what I wish to you them for?

Thanks
-- Matt

mjfa · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:13:54 AM »

I would put together some more dough. :wink:

Border Patrol · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2005, 08:08:47 AM »

I can spend more cash if needed. I'd like to stay somewhat inexpensive however.

Does anyone know the ft/lbs of the Tech Force 34 in .177 and in .22?

mjfa · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2005, 08:25:01 AM »

I don't know for sure, but based on the advertised velocities it should be around 12 fpe for .177 and 14 fpe for .22

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2005, 09:57:22 AM »

I would say some of the Tech force rifles would be fine.they are vastly underated and of course for the guys that have the expensive guns they tend to look down on them. But then what else is new a lot of folks that can afford better stuff look down on the cheaper stuff but hey if it works that is what counts. Nothing I love better than to take my Romanain 69 22 or a Milsurp centerfire and shoot rings around a guy with a expensive rifle that does not know how to shoot. :grin:

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2005, 10:10:46 AM »

Quote from: Border Patrol

I can spend more cash if needed. I'd like to stay somewhat inexpensive however.

Does anyone know the ft/lbs of the Tech Force 34 in .177 and in .22?

The Tech Force M34 should give you the following energy levels using Beeman Crow Magnum pellets(the very best hollow point pellets going).

850 fps in a .177 = 8.8 gr. Crow Magnum pellet - 14 fpe.
650 fps in a .22 = 18.20 gr. Crow magnum pellet - 17 fpe.

A air rifle approved scope and mounts will set you back almost the $100.00(or more) you first stated as your budget. I will not vouch for the Tech Force scope as I have never used one and I wont go by hear say. One thing I might add is when bird hunting/killing(pest control) you might try using wad cutter target type pellets. That flat nose imparts more shock to a birds system thus giving you quicker/surer kills. Also you will most likely get your best accuracy under 25 yards using them. Beyond that I would stick with the Crow Magnums. That's what we do. Lawdog

ed1921 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2005, 05:41:25 AM »

Next time I would use a follow up/kill shot for any animal wounded.
The first thing I do when shooting an animal w/ an air gun is reload/recock for a follow up if needed.
Crows especially need to be followed up on or to try to shoot some that come squawking around after the first one is shot.
A decent springer w/ a scope should work well.
I like .22 for rabbits, but .177 for birds will work.
I've never tried HP pellets. I've always used pointed or domed pellets & found the work fine. Penetration is what I always felt killed cleanly with pellets.