Am considering using my 20 cal for a kill gun on the trap line. Cheaper than the .22
Would this be considered humane on beaver sized animals?
Thoughts.
Spike
Would this be considered humane on beaver sized animals?
Thoughts.
Spike
Scope or no?
- Thread starter Spikefrb
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Questionable I would say. Shot placement will be critical for a humane kill at a reasonable distance.
Cheaper?
Patrick
Cheaper?
Patrick
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Yes. Don't know where you're at, but in No California .22 shells are getting hard to come by and the price has Quadrupled in the last few years.
Spikefrb
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I'm in CO. and have no problem obtaining ay caliber pellet or slug. Who/how are you purchasing your ammo?
Patrick
Patrick
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If I understand you, these animals will be trapped so you'll be putting the barrel into their eye or ear socket (contact) and firing?
I can't imagine .20 cal being cheaper than .22 unless you're making them yourself. I don't think I could find .20 cal if I wanted it.
I can't imagine .20 cal being cheaper than .22 unless you're making them yourself. I don't think I could find .20 cal if I wanted it.
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In basspro soithwest Florida yesterday. 70% of the pellet racks were empty and of the 30% in stock there were 2 options in .22 the rest were .177
Pretty grim
Pretty grim
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Yes a Predator Metalmag in the back of the head should work well.
I’d still prefer a 22LR but if you can’t get it then a pointed .20 pellet and point blank range should be humane.
So the question is can you find pointed .20 pellets and how powerful is your .20 airgun?
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If the animals are trapped an air powered penetrating bolt gun may be a viable option to humanely put them down. It would probably be best to pin them down by the neck before dispatching them. I’m curious as to what sort of traps you’re using that isn’t killing them if in fact you are talking about beavers.
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I don't know about your area, but most of the pellets I see in retail outlets aren't worth buying anyway. AOA and Pyramyd have pellets in stock. Their inventory isn't complete by any means, but I just looked, and between those two sources, I see most of what I usually buy.
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Assuming you are right on the critter, the air rifle could kill humanely. But, from what little I know of trapping, the kill weapon is likely to see some rough use, to which I would rather subject an inexpensive .22 RF than any air rifle I own. And if using solid bullets, it would not be harmful to the pelt, and would have considerably more power. The firearm just seems better suited to this task than an air rifle, just my opinion.
And regarding your title question, I see no need for a scope.
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I think I’d rather use a hard wood club than a pellet gun. The club won’t wreck the fur and will certainly dispatch the critters.
A .20 pellet is pretty small, the heavy one is only 15.89 grains.
If you could find a used TalonP it would definitely be enough power plus it’s a .25 caliber and a pistol, at point blank it would probably be similar to a .22 rim fire.
A .20 pellet is pretty small, the heavy one is only 15.89 grains.
If you could find a used TalonP it would definitely be enough power plus it’s a .25 caliber and a pistol, at point blank it would probably be similar to a .22 rim fire.
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Point blank? Yea that's a no for scope unless you want to shoot them before they see you.
if they are trapped, we used to get out the welding gloves to hold down said critter and a knife through the heart is all it takes.
if they are trapped, we used to get out the welding gloves to hold down said critter and a knife through the heart is all it takes.Upvote 0
No reason for a scope. .22lr revolver 6 shooter. Cheap, easy to carry, and clean. That would be my choice.
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Think op is referring to .20 cal pellets VS .22 cal LR ? yes that would be cheaper to shoot and possibly quieter.
Gangster style to the head at close range (2 Foot ) should do it .
Thinking about this ,i do not know the anatomy of a beaver scull , might take 2 shots ?
Gangster style to the head at close range (2 Foot ) should do it .
Thinking about this ,i do not know the anatomy of a beaver scull , might take 2 shots ?
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That will work fine, no scope needed for these close up shots. When using foothold traps for beaver, setting up with drowning cables or rods eliminates the need for dispatch 99 percent of the time but there will be times when drowning slides get plugged . I have used 177 r9 on coyotes ( heart lung ) shot placement and it works well. They are trapped and shot from 5 feet or so. Now when long chaining or snaring beaver , you will need a means for dispatch. Glad to hear that you trap. I’ll be setting up a a few today and I’ll have a helper tomorrow ( grandson)
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An old neighbor of mine borrowed my P-rod to dispatch a Marmot in a live trap. I wasn't there but I assume point blank range from just outside of the trap. Also assume a head shot. It would have been loaded with 14 grain H&N FTT shooting around 13 FPE at the muzzle.
For what it is worth.
For what it is worth.
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I use to trap a few years back.. I used my air rifle to kill them (coon, coyote, fox) At damn near point blank range a 22 cal spring rifle was perfect.. done the jod quite well... But to be honest it got to be cumbersome lugging it around.. went back to an old 22 PB pistol. Nobody hardly traps around here much.. furs got to be worthless to sell... I know few dudes that will still trap, tan there hides and use the fur and what not for their own personal stuff...
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No more online ordering and having shipped. Have to purchase in person at FFL...and show ID.
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