This has probably been discussed before and apologies if it has -- I can do a search. But if anyone is willing to entertain me or re-entertain the subject matter, I am looking for an air rifle for an older colleague for pest busting but he will not want to deal with cocking a break barrel or lever cocking rifle or have to deal with PCP. Should I consider pump or CO2 for him? .22 cal presumably? Will these humanely dispatch small pests? Thanks for any suggestions.
Small Rodents Air Rifle For Older Folks
- Thread starter LB1444
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I would suggest a Umarex 850 m2 that runs on co2. I have the older model and it's lightweight, accurate, can be made to be near silent with an added on silencer and roughly 200 shots per 88 gram co2 cartridge. Made in Germany for added piece of mind. I prefer 177 (I Have both 177 and 22). You can get the 2x12 gram co2 adapter too if you are wanting to use cheaper 12 gram co2 cartridges instead.
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Or if you want to buy American the 2260 rifle is nice. The 2400KT is a build your own type of gun and is an excellent choice as well.
Both of these guns run on co2 carts and both are easily and widely modified with loads of aftermarket parts available. They both would be good for squirrel sized pests out to 35+ yards stock and near double that if properly modified.
https://www.crosman.com/heritage-2260-22
https://www.crosman.com/custom-shop/?base=2400ktb
From what I have read the 850 is a decent gun but the large 88 gram co2 cart makes it very spendy to shoot and should you have a mishap there goes 12-$15 every time. So, as mentioned above, the 12 gr adapter is a good idea.
Both of these guns run on co2 carts and both are easily and widely modified with loads of aftermarket parts available. They both would be good for squirrel sized pests out to 35+ yards stock and near double that if properly modified.
https://www.crosman.com/heritage-2260-22
https://www.crosman.com/custom-shop/?base=2400ktb
From what I have read the 850 is a decent gun but the large 88 gram co2 cart makes it very spendy to shoot and should you have a mishap there goes 12-$15 every time. So, as mentioned above, the 12 gr adapter is a good idea.
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Has the fellow tried a easy cocking springer? My HW 30 is so nice so simple and for what he wants to do ideal . Unless he’s near death he should have no trouble cocking and shooting that gun. Urban pro at Airguns of Arizona just can’t go wrong. Nothing wrong with what’s been suggested . I just think if he tried the right springer he might like that better.
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Reading this and coming from someone that doesn’t care for CO2 guns, it was the first thing came to mind. However, I would still have him research the HW30 as it’s so easy to cock and shoot.
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Guys, thanks so much for this. This feedback is exactly what I am looking for. Plus, maybe I will by a couple and keep what he doesn't like. 
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Hammerli 850 magnum . CO2 plenty accurate and power to 25 yards up to squirrels maybe 30 yards. Plenty of shots on 88g cartridge . Can also be converted to using 2 12 g co2 cartridges with adapter.
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I have a .22cal Crosman custom 2400 KT with an 18" barrel, carbine stock, and a cheap red dot on top and a TKO silencer. It has killed rats and pigeons out to 25 yards with no problem (humane, single shot). I think when I bought it I paid under $100, but that was with the Crosman "free shipping Friday" deal. I don't know if that's still available, but the gun can shoot very well out to 25 yards (probably further, if needed).
If he goes with CO2, be sure to tell him to watch the outside temperature, as the velocity will drop with colder temps (this is true for all CO2 rifles, pistols, carbines).
I also bought a .22cal Diana Chaser setup, and I had to do some work on the leade for the barrel. Once I cleaned that up, the rifle started to shoot well, and it's a repeater!
Good luck!
If he goes with CO2, be sure to tell him to watch the outside temperature, as the velocity will drop with colder temps (this is true for all CO2 rifles, pistols, carbines).
I also bought a .22cal Diana Chaser setup, and I had to do some work on the leade for the barrel. Once I cleaned that up, the rifle started to shoot well, and it's a repeater!
Good luck!
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Beeman QB 2 1085
Will take care of those pests.
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_Model_1085_QB_II_CO2_Repeater_Air_Rifle/4850
I like the QB 78 its wood stock $99
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_QB78_Deluxe_CO2_Air_Rifle/4120
Will take care of those pests.
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_Model_1085_QB_II_CO2_Repeater_Air_Rifle/4850
I like the QB 78 its wood stock $99
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_QB78_Deluxe_CO2_Air_Rifle/4120
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Xisico x60c tuned by the legendary Mike mellick at flyingdragonairrifles.org to my knowledge it is the most powerful 22 cal co2 rifle out there after he does a power tune. The rifle is a little over 100 and I'm not sure how much a full tune is. I know he will power tune it for less that a full tune which includes polishing trigger mech, recrowning and generally just pouring magic airgun gravy into it. I sent him an email asking how much to do that tune. I'll let you know when I find out. Anyway its important to go to archer airguns and get the co2 end cap from him..... It's the only flaw of the gun. That end cap is a pain. It's the same as the umarex fusion. Good luck
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Have three of Mike's rifles. He will not sell you a bad one. Always a great choice at a good price. Really can't go wrong there.
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Another vote for the 850, the same can be said for a souped up QB78. Impossible to go wrong with them.
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