Ultrastu Posted January 7 Report Share Posted January 7 So new gun excuse fulfilled. I would choose a .177 pcp multi shot with a short barrel and light weight . And the top rail that will allow a low scope to be fitted (I'm thinking bsa ultra ) set the 1- 4 x 32 or 2- 7 x 32 scope around 1.4 inches above barrel and using cheap rws hobby at 835 fps (10.8 fpe ) zero at 25 yds this should give you a , shoot bang on rat head ,from 10 - 30 yds no holding off .often ratting is fast action so a quick bolt or side lever is good . This combo may give you the ability to add a nv scope on the back of the scope or swap out for a dedicated optic . All my bsa s really like the air arms match .177 flat heads even at fac power .(above 1000 fps they still hold a group at 25 yds ) that almost makes rats explode . Not as cheap as hobbys but work well . The h+n econ .177 flat heads are really good also . and very cheap . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 On 05/01/2025 at 19:38, Fisheruk said: Some may say that more power or a larger calibre is over kill. There’s no such thing as over kill. Dead is dead! I once shot a rat with a .308. You could tell that was overkill, it was dead all over the place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 35 minutes ago, London Best said: I once shot a rat with a .308. You could tell that was overkill, it was dead all over the place! At a thousand yards I hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Just now, TIGHTCHOKE said: At a thousand yards I hope. Nah! About 100. But…….it was running…….with a witness! Not saying I could do it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 14 minutes ago, London Best said: Nah! About 100. But…….it was running…….with a witness! Not saying I could do it again. Marvellous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedge Posted January 9 Report Share Posted January 9 On 05/01/2025 at 12:58, steve_b_wales said: Purely for rat shooting at ranges no more that 20 yards, what would be the best calibre? I've got a standard ..22 and a FAC one but thinking of getting a .177. For me, sub 12 ft/lb I prefer .177 as it shoots flatter over my preferred range. I use this more most things. Normally I would only consider .22/.25 if it was FAC. However - for rats at no more than 20 yards I would use a .22. No pellet drop issues and I find it just has more stopping power. Having shot rats with both .177 and .22, I find they disagree more with the larger calibre. Never had issues with over penetration or ricochets with either. Shot placement and backdrop help reduce that risk. As for pellets, I've always liked H&N in both calibres. It is personal choice and gun dependant as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonepark Posted January 9 Report Share Posted January 9 On 05/01/2025 at 12:58, steve_b_wales said: Purely for rat shooting at ranges no more that 20 yards, what would be the best calibre? I've got a standard ..22 and a FAC one but thinking of getting a .177. .25 all day long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted January 14 Report Share Posted January 14 On 08/01/2025 at 15:36, London Best said: Nah! About 100. But…….it was running…….with a witness! Not saying I could do it again. Why did the 🐀 need a witness ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 Hello, What did you decide on Steve ?? Did you get a 177 or 22 Air Rifle ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted January 15 Author Report Share Posted January 15 1 hour ago, oldypigeonpopper said: Hello, What did you decide on Steve ?? Did you get a 177 or 22 Air Rifle ?? Nothing at present. I may decide to use my FAC .22. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 4 hours ago, steve_b_wales said: Nothing at present. I may decide to use my FAC .22. Hello, Ok , Sounds fair with a good back stop, Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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