Rabbit Air Rifle

AdamRoby

AdamRoby

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Location
Kirkland, Quebec
I have a Ruger .177 air rifle but it is sub 500 fps and therefore not legal to hunt with in Quebec. I'd like to find a .22 with enough fps to hunt mostly rabbit (hare, grouse, dove, partridge) in the upcoming season. Most of the sites seem to have dried up, not many options available.

I don't need anything fancy, but I would like a gas/nitro piston, synthetic stock, and light scope. I think break barrel is my best option because it is more reliable out in the woods (don't need to refill or have cartridges). I have no real set budget but I think $350 or under should get me something reasonable, that should last a while (I don't want to have to replace it next season because it lacks accuracy or power or is problematic).

The only one I found interesting so far is the Gamo Speedster G210X IGT Combo .22 Cal.

Seems to come with a rotary magazine that holds 10 pellets which is nice, with a backup magazine in the stock. No fumbling with pellets, especially out in the rain or cold days. There is no information or pictures of the scope, it just says it's a 4x32. I have some doubts but am willing to give it a try. It weighs 6 lbs, not terrible, I think my Ruger is over 8 lbs. I know a shotgun is a better option for small game like this but I like the challenge of a .22, plus being an air rifle I shouldn't disturb any neighbors when target practicing in the yard (4-acre lot).

There are cheaper options (some around 1/2 the price), but their pictures don't inspire me at all. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these, or would recommend I go for it, or avoid it based on their own experience?

Thanks,
Adam
 
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Hi again, Still after hunting with an airgun? I recall your April post about the Ruger since I have one of those too. I understand your 'quiet for the neighbors', but I'll tell you I have a 'nitro-piston' rifle in .177 and with medium-weight pellets it's still pretty loud, tho not as 'clanky' as a springer. You should try to find someone who has a Nitro rifle so you can see for yourself. Also, I'd look on 'airgun specific' forums to find out more about hunting rabbits with a pellet gun. I feel unless you get into the PCP guns with very high power, a .22 pellet @ 880 fps (if that is accurate) has about 100fps less power than a .22LR sub-sonic and is a poor choice for a rabbit unless you get realllyyy close. You may find other info on airgun sites, but remember that 880fps is what they say but they're not saying it's likely with light-alloy pellets which probably would not be a humane killing round. Please do more research before you go after that wascally wabbit.
 
Thanks for the reply, you are right, I am still after the same thing. I went with a buddy to a gun store about 1 1/2 hours away to check one out. The salesman told me that the noise level is not as quiet as I would expect, and actually dry fired it in the store. That thing was loud. Mind you we were indoors, but still, I was not expecting that much of a pop. He was trying to sell me on a Winchester Wildcat 22 LR rimfire, saying it would probably be around the same noise but would be a much more accurate rifle for hunting.

I left empty handed, with more questions than answers. I need to do more research. I have a 22LR but wasn't happy with the precision. While I was there I bought 5 packs of different rounds (double to quadruple the cheap priced ammo). I guess I'll try those first before investing in a new air or rimfire 22.
 
The salesman was giving good advice. If you weren’t happy with your 22 for accuracy reasons what are your shooting?? Gun,optic and load would be good info. Segmented subsonic rounds may fit your bill.
 
Gotcha. I remember reading that one. Unless there is something wrong with the rifle you have, I think you are best served to work the kinks out in that 802 and use it for your intended purpose. It’s kinda simple advice and maybe not what your looking for, but making sure you understand the fundamentals and have the chance to see your improvement on that platform. Spend this 350+ dollars on an optic for your rifle and give it a solid cleaning, start over on it. Maybe you will need to try a few suggestions from your other thread, but the 802’s are capable of at least close to MOA. I’ve had two roll through my hands, both did the job they were supposed to do.


(Same advice goes for air guns if your more interested in them, sell the 22 and buy a good optic and solid air gun to get going)
 
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