Shooting Rats at about 70 feet.

[BML]

An estate has been built at the bottom of my back garden by speculators so I can no longer shoot Rats with a .22 rifle and I thought I would try an air rifle but I discovered that they had changed out of all recognition since I bought my first air rifle over 60 years ago and I need some advice.
I think that there are o different types but please correct me if I'm wrong:
1. The break barrel.
2. The BSA type where one uses a leaver connected to the rifle and pull it down to charge it. I forget the real name.
3. Rifles one pumps up with a hand pump and I know not the correct name.
4. Rifles one charges with a small gas container.
5. Rifles one charges with a large container of gas.
There may be many others that I know nothing about such as single shot and multi shot and I would appreciate a proper description of the range available.
I would like to practice marksmanship without a telescopic sight as well as shoot rats that run about my garden so what type of air rifle would suite such a purchase?

 

[plinker]

3 and 5 would likely be the same rifle with different filling methods. Pump or large air container. The gas being compressed air (sometimes nitrogen) Called a pcp. Pre charged pneumatic. 4 would likely refer to a cartridge pellet gun with co2 small canisters. If you have a short distance and want open sights you may want to look at a discovery pcp. It is entry level. Or you can go airgun crazy like the rest of us and spend a small fortune. Often the gun that suits your need also depends on taste. The pcp's are more expensive but more accurate without a learned holding skill. If you have an audience near by and want stealth, you might consider noise suppression. Which can be found on pcp's but not really on springers #1 or 2 break barrels or lever cocking. 
A bait station with adequate back stop would also be useful in your scenario. 

 

[Alan]

I don't know how long a shot you have to make, but a Benjamin 392 (.22 caliber) or 397 (.177 caliber) might be in order. Both sell for under $200, and if you find a sale, on Amazon, for as little as $160.

Venders here can supply adapters for both, and LDCs for both, making them very quiet indeed. Scope mounts are also available, as are scopes.

I used my 397 this afternoon, and with just 5 pumps it easily dispatched a squirrel at about 20 yards. It has an TKO22 attached, and a hand clap makes more noise. Just the thing for back yard use even if you have ear sensitive neighbors.