Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 One of my permissions has a Riding Stable based on it, and rabbits are happily digging holes and scrapes everywhere. The landowner's wife has asked if I will pay attention to the training area, paddocks and around the stables, and reduce the rabbit population. Recently I have got my FAC and have both a .17hmr and a .22lr. Mostly I am shooting out in the open fields some distance from anyone and the hmr is proving very useful indeed. My question is, will I get away with using the .22lr around the stables, paddocks etc or will it be too noisy? It doesn't seem very noisy but then I might be used to it. I'd be grateful for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 11 minutes ago, Major Sharpe said: One of my permissions has a Riding Stable based on it, and rabbits are happily digging holes and scrapes everywhere. The landowner's wife has asked if I will pay attention to the training area, paddocks and around the stables, and reduce the rabbit population. Recently I have got my FAC and have both a .17hmr and a .22lr. Mostly I am shooting out in the open fields some distance from anyone and the hmr is proving very useful indeed. My question is, will I get away with using the .22lr around the stables, paddocks etc or will it be too noisy? It doesn't seem very noisy but then I might be used to it. I'd be grateful for your thoughts. Using a .22LR with subsonic ammunition and a moderator will make it very quiet. You'll probably hear more noise when the bullet strikes the rabbit. I use mine regulary within 10 mtrs of stables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisv Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 (edited) I've been asked to do the same as you around horses. Using a moderated 223 in the field with horses, they couldn't care less. They were even coming up and sniffing my boots. The next time they were in the stable and they went nuts. We were asked not to go again! They are such unpredictable beasts that you have to take each situation individually. I would think that a 22lr would be OK, but I'd prefer it if the horses could see where the noise was coming from. Edited February 15, 2019 by chrisv Spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 (edited) Would not of thought there would be a noise issue with the 22lr, I shoot a few rabbits in some large gardens but I use an air rifle, I can usually get within range as they are used to movement and people. Just to add .22LR do have tendency to ricochet, even off wet grass, but I guess you already know this. Edited February 15, 2019 by old'un Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 18 minutes ago, steve_b_wales said: Using a .22LR with subsonic ammunition and a moderator will make it very quiet. You'll probably hear more noise when the bullet strikes the rabbit. I use mine regulary within 10 mtrs of stables. It is a CZ 452 .22lr fitted with a Parker Hale mod. I want to use because of the range it will give me over an air rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 i used to shoot round horses, you will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 33 minutes ago, chrisv said: I've been asked to do the same as you around horses. Using a moderated 223 in the field with horses, they couldn't care less. They were even coming up and sniffing my boots. The next time they were in the stable and they went nuts. We were asked not to go again! They are such unpredictable beasts that you have to take each situation individually. I would think that a 22lr would be OK, but I'd prefer it if the horses could see where the noise was coming from. Yes all noted, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Then if range is your concern and you can get a good back stop, use the .22LR, as Steve said the sound from the bullet hitting the rabbit will be louder (subs) than the gun report. What sort of range are you shooting at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 33 minutes ago, old'un said: Would not of thought there would be a noise issue with the 22lr, I shoot a few rabbits in some large gardens but I use an air rifle, I can usually get within range as they are used to movement and people. Just to add .22LR do have tendency to ricochet, even off wet grass, but I guess you already know this. Yes I am aware, and I will consider this when horses are loose. Thank you. 5 minutes ago, mossy835 said: i used to shoot round horses, you will be fine. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 2 minutes ago, old'un said: Then if range is your concern and you can get a good back stop, use the .22LR, as Steve said the sound from the bullet hitting the rabbit will be louder (subs) than the gun report. What sort of range are you shooting at? When I used an air rifle last year they were sitting out at 60 yards plus, so I spent a lot of time trying to get closer. I did get a good few, but the .22lr would make the job easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will@don Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 30 minutes ago, Major Sharpe said: It is a CZ 452 .22lr fitted with a Parker Hale mod. I want to use because of the range it will give me over an air rifle. I have a CZ 455 with a sound moderator...gives a slight metallic ring but really very quiet...I found my local gun shop had several preowned moderators all for very reasonable prices so no need to break the bank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 18 minutes ago, Will@don said: I have a CZ 455 with a sound moderator...gives a slight metallic ring but really very quiet...I found my local gun shop had several preowned moderators all for very reasonable prices so no need to break the bank The Parker Hale mod seems to work quite well, but I just couldn't make up my mind if I was just used to the noise. I'm now thinking that the .22lr is worth trying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will@don Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 3 minutes ago, Major Sharpe said: The Parker Hale mod seems to work quite well, but I just couldn't make up my mind if I was just used to the noise. I'm now thinking that the .22lr is worth trying would be interested to hear how you get on and if the gigi's react... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 5 minutes ago, Will@don said: would be interested to hear how you get on and if the gigi's react... I will report back. I have to convince the landowners wife first. As I used an air rifle last time, I'm sure she will be expecting me to do the same thing, but I really want to give the .22 a go if I can get away with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 There was a pony next to my croft that got a bit edgy when i used the 22 with subs, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 The noise from a moderated 22LR using subs is not much louder than an air rifle, the sound of the bullet hitting the rabbit is louder, go for it you will be fine with the 22LR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 I have used a rimmie around horses and sheep, the biggest problem was the potential for 'Rick-o-shay' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 8 minutes ago, islandgun said: There was a pony next to my croft that got a bit edgy when i used the 22 with subs, Strange things horses, if they can see you they seem fine but if you are hiding behind something they get very spooky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 21 minutes ago, islandgun said: There was a pony next to my croft that got a bit edgy when i used the 22 with subs, Perhaps they hear differently to us ?😙😙 the noise is moderated at our level of hearing not the horses personaly found more of a problem with the owner than the horses 😟 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 53 minutes ago, old'un said: Strange things horses, if they can see you they seem fine but if you are hiding behind something they get very spooky. It definitely knew something was up 39 minutes ago, Old farrier said: Perhaps they hear differently to us ?😙😙 the noise is moderated at our level of hearing not the horses personaly found more of a problem with the owner than the horses 😟 This was my thinking, I wondered if it could hear the bullet in flight, they do have big old ears. The OP should try it and see, even if there is a problem they may get used to it over time or revert to the air rifle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 6 minutes ago, islandgun said: It definitely knew something was up This was my thinking, I wondered if it could hear the bullet in flight, they do have big old ears. The OP should try it and see, even if there is a problem they may get used to it over time or revert to the air rifle Found them less bothersome with a unmoderated 22 however it’s the damage they do whilst getting used to it that’s the problem 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 5 minutes ago, Old farrier said: Found them less bothersome with a unmoderated 22 however it’s the damage they do whilst getting used to it that’s the problem 🤔 Your first point would back up the theory of hearing the bullet in flight... probably.. Totally agree with your second point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Sharpe Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Thank you guys, I think its worth a chat with the landowner tomorrow. Maybe fire a shot and let them consider the noise aspect. Personally I think using it will be fine but.... you can never tell quite what they will think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbob Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 I’ve used a moderated 22 with subs around my dads dairy herd. The cows couldn’t have care less and wouldn’t leave me alone at one point lol. They cam right up to me sniffed around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 A farm I shoot on has horses, they don't seem bothered by PCP, shotgun, rimfire/centerfire (moderated) but go absolutely bonkers if I use a spring airgun. the horses can obviously hear something they don't like (must be the spring?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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