Mini Carbines Rule…

[L.Leon]

As it applies to PCP pellet shooters, It’s understood that if going long, 70+ yards, on small pests? A good rifle or carbine is a wise choice. But how about sub 50/60 yards, sub 45 yards, or 5-10 yards? At those ranges, for small pests. Mini carbines like the Atomic XR, RAW Micro Hunter, Notos, Jets, and Prods, etc., rule. The mini carbines have adequate power, are light weight and easily manipulated. They are sweet to use in cramp spaces or around farm equipment, livestock, etc. When I first started going long with my rifles, out to 104 yards on pigeons. I got many back to back kills. But there were a few instances, were I had to trek out there to dispatch a wounded pigeon that had glided to adjacent trees. That I did not enjoy, so I started to hunt closer and my furthest shots on all pests were now about 60 yards with 95% of my kills being from 20-40 yards. So at that point my Bantam Sniper HR became “too big” and unnecessarily heavy for how I go after pests. The Atomic XR opened my eyes to what a small sweet PCP could do. Going forward for me it’s mini carbines all the way. I do love to plink long range out to 100 yards. But just don’t have the desired to shoot pests at longer ranges. Not when I can get closer. Another big plus to me is that it’s so easy to hand pump my Atomic XR, 45 strokes, from 110 BAR to 250 BAR for 33 shots at 725 fps. So I’m not a hostage to my SCBAs or compressor. I foresee more mini carbines in my gun safe…

 

[Jasonmc]

Good write up L.Leon...
In my area for what I hunt (squirrel) I'm within 30-40 yards possibly 50 at times.. I hunt on the farm in a very wooded area.. you very well may see a squirrel 70 or so yards ( in late fall/winter when the leaves are off) and it may look as if there is a clear shot but I can guarantee there isn't.. as we know it doesn't take much to toss a pellet off it's mark... Tiny limb, wind change that's hard to see that far and no tells to notice it.. so it isn't wise to try the shot and have a possible wounded animal. Besides part of the fun is getting in close...slow and steady, not being seen. My go to for about a year has been a RTI compact.. a bit heavy to pack around at times (single point sling is a wonderful thing) but I really like that rifle..
When I'm on my range shooting...heck ya I'm reaching out to 100-150yrds.. why not! Nothing to wound or hurt other than my pride when I pull a bad shot or two or three or....
I am definitely a slave to a tank and compressor.. you hand pumpers are real men...or possibly nuts

 

[UCChris]

Speaking my language! Every airgun rifle I've ever bought ends up getting a barrel chop to keep them as compact as possible. 3/4 of my PCP's are either a carbine or a bullpup and even the rifle has a barrel chop to 15". I've just never ran across a situation where I wanted to shoot much over 50 yards.

 

[Contndr35BB]

As it applies to PCP pellet shooters, It’s understood that if going long, 70+ yards, on small pests? A good rifle or carbine is a wise choice. But how about sub 50/60 yards, sub 45 yards, or 5-10 yards? At those ranges, for small pests. Mini carbines like the Atomic XR, RAW Micro Hunter, Notos, Jets, and Prods, etc., rule. The mini carbines have adequate power, are light weight and easily manipulated. They are sweet to use in cramp spaces or around farm equipment, livestock, etc. When I first started going long with my rifles, out to 104 yards on pigeons. I got many back to back kills. But there were a few instances, were I had to trek out there to dispatch a wounded pigeon that had glided to adjacent trees. That I did not enjoy, so I started to hunt closer and my furthest shots on all pests were now about 60 yards with 95% of my kills being from 20-40 yards. So at that point my Bantam Sniper HR became “too big” and unnecessarily heavy for how I go after pests. The Atomic XR opened my eyes to what a small sweet PCP could do. Going forward for me it’s mini carbines all the way. I do love to plink long range out to 100 yards. But just don’t have the desired to shoot pests at longer ranges. Not when I can get closer. Another big plus to me is that it’s so easy to hand pump my Atomic XR, 45 strokes, from 110 BAR to 250 BAR for 33 shots at 725 fps. So I’m not a hostage to my SCBAs or compressor. I foresee more mini carbines in my gun safe…

L.L. ,Good Morning ! I'm with you on the " little guns" being solid performers at the up close & personal distance . My pcp pesting started at 40-60 yrds w/ a Hatsan FlashPup & moved on to Avengers & Hatsan Factor RC ( all .22's ). But not until the farmer asked if I could shoot rats did I realize the benefit of the BullPup & a carbine like the Kral NP03. The FlashPup did ok , but it was a pain to recock in the confines of the chair blind and it was a bit overpowered for most of the " interior " work . The Kral w/ a 3D printed moderator is only 2" shorter than the Pup but w/ its adjustable stock , side lever ( biathalon style replacement ) & ATN LTV scope , and adjustable power it darn near seems perfect for 5-20 yrd rat & pigeon removal . Now w/ Winter weather , all ratting is inside the barn & most is in the cow barn feeding / bedding area. This makes for some delicate work along w/ the occasional "meet & greet " (cows) waiting for critters to come out of their hiding places for a quick stash & grab run for grain . I don't want to wish my time away , but looking forward to warm weather again to get back into the outside targeting work , where I can cover the building edges as the rats come out of the tunnels & move into the feed areas. The cows are fed then stroll back outside to pasture . This gives me the chance for a "backup man " to accompany me & cover more ground. Then I can bring out the big Factor & enjoy the 21 round magazine , cause at times I need that much ammo capacity ! Starting in June , my total ,as of last night is 275 rats . Never had this much fun ( w/ clothes on ) !

 

[beerthief]

my walk around is Edgun Leshi Classic .177 or .25 simple to change barrels , two set screws and slide other barrel in place .

 

[MikeVV]

I like short guns too,
The Airmaks Caiman, or if you dare the new Krait (I just recently got mine, NO LEAKAGE !), the Edgun, Lelya 2 is a nice short gun.

I'm in the process of cutting the barrel on a Weihrauch HW100K to make it more into a carbine length. Great gun, just way too long !

Mike

 

[Firewalker]

Might I add the AEA HP Carbine to the list? The folding stock makes it short, the BugBuster scope helps it go 50y and the semi-auto gives fast follow-up shots.

My EDC.

 

[Ranchibi]

Luis, very true about using carbines for pestting! Especially if moving about. I've taken my RAW out for ground squirrels and with the Gray OPS ARCA rail attached, it is a heavy outfit to be lugging around, also the Athlon Ares BTR is close to 30oz! I try to shoot without having to be mobile which can limit my shooting although I am able to stretch out further with it. I also have an ACCU-TAC and attach the leg extensions making it even heavier but It makes it easier to shoot from different positions. My Prod I do use for closer shots, MUCH more feasible for closer shots! Ha!

 

[SteveV]

Yep, gotta love a carbine

 

[Redtick12]

I would add the American Air Arms Evol .22 mini. Very close to the BRK Atomic in build, and dimensions, but with more power potential. I understand that more power is not always desired especially in close range pasting, I personally bought a BRK Ranger because I was looking for a lower powered small carbine. I just thought I would thought out the Evol mini as a similar option.

 

[Redtick12]

Yep, gotta love a carbine

View attachment 329800

My son would say you gotta love what’s in the background.

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

Love my little Ataman BP17 short and 25fpe powerful enough for the small critters

 

[UCChris]

My wife and I's carbine/bullpup. Mine is the left, tuned to just under 14 fpe. Wifey's is modded with a 20" barrel and puts out just under 17 fpe. Super fun guns! I'm finishing up modding my Diana Bandit into a super tiny carbine for my wife and that should be a really cool little gun.

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

View attachment 329803

My wife and I's carbines. Mine is the left, tuned to just under 14 fpe. Wifey's is modded with a 20" barrel and puts out just under 17 fpe. Super fun guns! I'm finishing up modding my Diana Bandit into a super tiny carbine for my wife and that should be a really cool little gun.

Those are some cool looking carbines

 

[UCChris]

Those are some cool looking carbines

Thank you sir!

 

[FelixS]

Yes, yes, yes! Small short guns are my favorite, great for close range and very fun to shoot. Let's not forget the DreamTac.

 

[UCChris]

Yes, yes, yes! Small short guns are my favorite, great for close range and very fun to shoot. Let's not forget the DreamTac.

View attachment 329816

That's a mean lookin' setup!

 

[EdinGa]

I have 5 minis already and I'm drooling over a Notos now. I'm sure a lot of you have seen it already, but this little .25 is one of my favorites.

 

[L.Leon]

Here is my proof of concept, though it was a light day, pest wise.

 

[L.Leon]

View attachment 329803

My wife and I's carbine/bullpup. Mine is the left, tuned to just under 14 fpe. Wifey's is modded with a 20" barrel and puts out just under 17 fpe. Super fun guns! I'm finishing up modding my Diana Bandit into a super tiny carbine for my wife and that should be a really cool little gun.

Boy! They sure look sweet…