claypop Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 I,m considering buying a small shotgun for rat control. Has anyone had experience with .22 shot smoothbores? Quite hard to find but there are some interesting guns such as converted Armi Jeagers etc. Just wondered if this calibre had enough punch & range (up to 20 yds)? 410s are more common but I like to be different! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 I'd opt for the .410 every time. I've not tried a .22 smoothbore, but having used a 9mm smoothbore many a time, you'd find the added punch of a .410 much more useful. And .410 cartridges are fairly easy to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellier0437 Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 i've got a .410 and a 9mm and really the 9mm is not much good past 10yds. i can only imagine tyhe range of a .22. i have hit rats with the 9mm at 10 yds and they role around and then get up and run away the .410 is the smallest i would go if i were you, the cartridges are cheaper and you could get a moderator to quieten it down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 I would use a .410 with some 2" cartridges if you are worried about power levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Thanks for the replies! Had a look at a BSA .22 bolt action today at my local RFD's shop - looks & feels like a .22 rimmy. He told me he has fired it in the shop with .22 shot (not a big shop either) so I think I,ll go for the .410 as my garden is an acre! Cheers................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roughshot Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 I had a Harrington and Richardson single shot 410 great tool for rats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellier0437 Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 the .410 really is an underated cartridge, it is really amazing what it can do, short range rats, (and foxes with right cartridge), medium range rabbits, pigeons, squirrels, etc.... i have even seen someone using one for driven pheasant. on top of all that, it's lightweight and quiet. i end up using mine more than the 12g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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