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Posted: 7/30/2015 8:22:11 AM EDT
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So I am looking at getting a spring, or piston, 22 air rifle. We live within city limits, so I must dispatch of skunks with an air rifle(sheriff recommended). I read though the 10 million word thread. That helped me decide on the spring gun and caliber. However, I looked at the cost of the RWS 34, and that scared me away a bit. I am not looking for another hobby, I have too many as it is an not enough time to spend on them as it is. Along those lines, I really do not want a project gun that requires a ton of work to get to work. From the positive reviews, I was originally thinking about the Benjamin Trail NP. Seems to be an okay gun, crappy trigger, but should work for killing skunks. I am a bit fearful it will lead me to want more air guns, but I am not sure how the neighbors will take to me shooting air guns in the back yard anyway. I back up to rail road tracks, but we have no fences. Which is another reason I do not want to make a large investment in something that might not get much use. How far can a 22 pellet shoot? From what I've read you want to be within 20 yards or so for hunting, but how far does the pellet go before dropping? If the neighbors throw a fit, is the 22 too big/loud to shoot in a basement?
Anything I am missing? Or other 22 options I should look at? Thank you, Sean |
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Check these out the XS-25 is a pretty good copy of the RWS 34.
http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/index.php?route=product/category&path=59 The Ruger Air Hawks I believe are also rebranded XS-25s I have a RWS48 and a Ruger both .177 cal. and with a few tweaks and the right pellet the Ruger is not far off in performance. |
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First, the maximum range of a .22 pellet is going to be north of 450 yards. It is rather easy to build a good backstop that will stop pellets---much easier than building one for powder burners. The guns you are looking at, will shoot through 3/4" thick plywood, so you need some dirt, or other media to stop the pellet.
As far as the lethal distance of a pellet on a smallish skunk (they vary in size a bit depending on region) could be close to 100 yards. However, the real determining factor on this is can you place the pellet in the kill zone reliably. Consider this for trajectory: With a JSB exact that weighs 15.9 grains (a really good pellet for your use) at only 600 ft/s that is sighted in at 35 yards with a 1.75" scope height you will get the following trajectory: At about 9.5 yards, you will be at your near zero. The pellet will climb to just under an inch above line of sight at 22 yards. The pellet will drop about 1" below the line of sight at 41 yards. A skunk between 3 yards and 41 yards will be within a good kill zone trajectory of two inches. If your rifle shoots at 700 ft/s with this pellet your sight in distance increases to 42 yards, and extends the range to 48 yards to stay within this 2" kill zone. The other thing with this is that your near zero is right at 11 yards or 10 meters which is the standard indoor shooting distance with airguns. Now, whether the rifle and shooter can hold withing this circle, is a bit different matter. How precise is the total system. The RWS 34 is going to be more precise out of the box than the Nitro Piston, in general. There are exceptional Nitro Pistons, along with mediocre 34s, that will flip the precision. But, for a betting man, the chance of better performance goes to the RWS. All of these are going to be rather quiet, as the pellet strike makes about as much sound. Your perception, since your ear is right next to the piston and spring, is that of something much louder. However, if you listen to the shot from someone as far away as 10 feet, it is not all that loud. Basement shooting is quite good practice. |
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Quoted:
Check these out the XS-25 is a pretty good copy of the RWS 34. http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/index.php?route=product/category&path=59 The Ruger Air Hawks I believe are also rebranded XS-25s I have a RWS48 and a Ruger both .177 cal. and with a few tweaks and the right pellet the Ruger is not far off in performance. That looks like a great option. any experiance with flying dragon? Is it worth the 100 for the full tune, or should I just get the standard rifle and get shooting? ArimoDave: Wow, 450 yards is much farther than I would have thought! and going through 3/4 plywood is amazing! I knew this wouldn't be a "toy" but that is over and above! Also, you seem very knowledgeable on trajectories. This will be my first experience with "hunting" too. But to be humane I thought it would be best to learn the rifle first. Thanks for putting me at ease about basement shooting. would be nice to learn/practice in doors while there is snow on the ground. |
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The thing about trajectories is not that remarkable if you know my secret. It is a free downloadable program that is designed with pellets in mind. There is quite a database of different pellets. The program not only gives trajectory in inches or centimeters, but does it in MOA, milradians, and clicks. It does the same with windage.
The user can input different parameters all the way from scope height, and velocity, to atmospheric conditions. The program is called Chairgun Pro and is available here: Chairgun Pro |
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You do realize that if it isn't a brain shot, they have a way of getting even with you regardless of the shot being fatal.
A lung shot will not prevent the skunk from spraying. You have to put the lights out on the spot. That means a T-shot into the face, or a brain pan shot from the top, side, or back. Don't attempt the back unless you know you will connect. In the Field Target Games, the metaphorical line that divides easy from difficult, starts at about 1" at 40 yards for springers. Learn the anatomy of his head. Learn to shoot within 1" at your stalking distance using field support positions, and only then should you attempt a shot on a skunk near your home. |
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