Grouse with an air pistol

JoshuaWorrell

JoshuaWorrell

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I am hearing from some fellow hunters they are using a co2 pellet pistol and kill grouse during hunting season instead of the trusted shotgun.
Has anyone on here tried this and been successful?
Is it legal to carry in Ontario? Being under 500fps that is. But is it considered two firearms in the eyes of the ministry?
Thanks!
 
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Check with your provincial regulations, here in B.C they view it as handgun hunting and is prohibited, also co2 pistols are very weak power wise and even head shots wouldn't work well. If I was to take a grouse with a air pistol the best choice would be the pump up Crossman 1377 or .22 counterpart. They would have the power and accuracy to pull off effective head shots.
 
Wow great advice ! I guess all the grouse I shot with my custom 2240 C02 gun were a hallucination! Set at 495fps........................ one to head you are dead.Alberta
 
bibatoad said:
I said best choice.
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. The 1377/2240 type platforms and similar at the only things that are going to work. They’re bulky, and not as handy as the little crappy tire co2 bb pistols, but the wee ones lack power. However, there’s a few draw backs. Ten loud clacking pumps per shot is pretty annoying, but the CO2 variant loses points for significant power loss when temperatures are cold.

Your best bet is a Hammond game getter ( http://www3.telus.net/gamegetter/ ) or whip up some mouse farts ( https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...rt-recipes?p=12129034&viewfull=1#post12129034 )
 
Years ago we extensively tested various .177 air pistols for grouse on our annual moose hunts. Head shots worked fine if you and your equipment were capable, body shots almost always resulted in a lost bird.
 
I'm not sure about the legality in terms of hunting but given the 500 fps restriction, upping the caliber is the logical way to go. Here is an example of a custom build pushing 45 grain .30 JSB pellets at around 480 fps giving you around three times the energy of your typical .22 pistol:

 
Any 2240 with a 10" barrel change and cleaning up the gas ports easily makes 500fps and with an adjustable velocity screw can be set to 495fps and locked in place.With an added carbine stock and or scope headshots are a breeze.In cold weather inside a coat with a shoulder holster works or in carbine form a handwarmer with elastics around the co2 tube good for hours.In and out of a vehicle for ditch sweeping temp don't matter.I had a 2289 pump 14" carbine built but I may be needing a better barrel as it's throwing shots also set at 495 with a 14.3gr dome.Pumping is a pain when encountering more than one grouse.
 
Why not move up to a "Antique" handgun . In Ontario it is legal to hunt small game with this . Yes I have that
from the M.N. R in Black & White . Also air guns under 500 f/s are allowed too , 4 small game in Ont.
Of course no Restricted or prohib handguns are allowed 4 hunting.
 
mbogo3 said:
Cost and obscure calibers that require a lot of brass mangling to make ammo for.
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mbogo3 ,,,,, I menton the Antique Hg. only because some already have them & did not know there were legal for small game
in Ont. Yes ,,,, starting from scratch is expensive . .455 Webley ammo. is available for as low as $1. / shot.
 
cooey43 said:
mbogo3 ,,,,, I menton the Antique Hg. only because some already have them & did not know there were legal for small game
in Ont. Yes ,,,, starting from scratch is expensive . .455 Webley ammo. is available for as low as $1. / shot.
Click to expand...

Shooting a grouse with a 455? There would be two explosions, gun going off then bird into oblivion..
 
Another option would be the older Crosman 150s.. They shoot just above 400 FPS, maybe pushing 420 fps, with 2 settings. Hi and Low. But they are much more compact than the 2240.

I bought one to throw on the tractor, and pest while I mow.

But the Diana Chaser in 22 cal is about 450 FPS, it can be multi shot ( purchase a mag separate ) has a alum breech, and scope rails. Now it's a little bulky. Costs just a bit more than a 2240. But saves you having to buy a longer barrel, breech etc. not a bad deal for 130$. Plus has co2 storage under.
 
Ive used my walther nighthawk to cleanly take grouse in northern ontario. Body shot they flap like crazy but generally die at the side of the trail. With the compensator wrapped by my off hand its extremely quiet. More of a puff and hiss than anything. I dont use it in the cold though
 
I too have taken full advantage of using my under 500 ft/sec .177 Webley Tempest or my older LP2 Walther air pistols for head/neck shots on grouse in Ontario. The Tempest was small enough to fit in my coat pocket and allowed me on several occasions to take double or triple grouse from my moose or deer watch. Funny when you shot one that flaps a bit how quite often another one or two would show up to see what the commotion was about. Challenging but fun and absolutely legal in Ontario. It is even printed in the current regulation summary.
 
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