Help choosing a pest control rifle.

The best advice will also be based upon the range you will likely have to your pests. A .177 rifle can easily fulfill your criteria, even up to pigeons, starlings, rats, rabbits, and squirrels. For somewhat larger pests/game (e.g. raccoon, opossum, crows) a .22 is usually a better bet unless you have mastery of your shot placement - delivery of ft-lbs of energy is the key in any ethical pesting. The .22 is a little more forgiving since it typically carries more downrange energy to the target; on the other hand, the higher the caliber the more "loopiness" you get in the shot. Knowing your shooting terrain by distance, obstacles, sound tolerance, and such can make or break a rifle choice.

Many folks here on the forum are moving towards even higher calibers for hunting (.25 and .30 are becoming more common) but shooting those larger projectiles from a spring gun can be tricky since the fps of the pellet (or slug... yeah, slugs!) is slower. Some dedicated pesters will not use .25 or higher calibers since the perception is that the pest/prey has more time to hear the shot and duck the impact. YMMV.

Inside of 30 yards a Diana 34 is a great break-barrel rifle in your price range, and the Weihrauch HW30 is also highly praised (though less potent at longer ranges). You may get the suggestion to spend more for a high-end gun ("buy once, cry once") but I don't live by that axiom. I like working with mid-range guns that can be stunningly accurate and easy to shoot with just a little work using common garage tools and good lubricants. Crosman is my cup of tea for shooting and has many guns in the price range you state. Be careful not to get an over-powered gun as that will play merry hob with your accuracy, but don't be afraid of American made either. Oh, and YouTube is your friend! Find a gun model (or 10!) you find interesting and begin checking YT for reviews and other videos of that/those model(s).

In my opinion if you want a gun you will be happy with your going to have to spend a few bucks. Most decently accurate springers beyond 20 yards start near $300.00 W/O scope. If you like to shoot,plink,target and hunt do yourself a favor and buy Quality...HW, RWS ,etc. I'm sure you will get alot of good advice on here to look into.

I would say the Nitro Piston rifles by Benjamin Crosman are pretty fine units. I have 4 of them and one has been shot literally thousands of times with never a hiccup. 

This should get you psyched up!!

FX Streamline 22



https://youtu.be/NjtXeOLJY6M

This should get you psyched up!!

FX Streamline 22

https://youtu.be/NjtXeOLJY6M

Click to expand...

Bob you are a bad influence! 50yrds 22 streamline 

"Good" is completely up to each individual's assessment; and, there are several categories (break barrel, PCP, and Under lever/side lever) that each contain some great options. 



As already stated, determine your "need" and combine that with your wants (price, accuracy, components, mfg origin, etc.) and limits (scoped or not, weight constraints, safety concerns, etc). This is typically a very friendly forum that offers excellent yet varied opinions (from people who seem to have just way too many guns [how will I ever catch up ]. 



Lastly, the range of your intended shots must play a large roll in the decision making process. Typically, the longer the range needed, the more moolah one must shell out; but, as I've learned, there's satisfactory compromises to be had (along with cost, weight, components, accessories). 



Look forward to hearing what you decide to do.



Enjoy!

.22 is not needed.

Nor is a rifle...per se.

I suggest a 1720T in .177.

This pistol will drop any sparrow it sees and if you must have a rifle, it can be outfitted to look and feel like one.

Side note: My hunting partner in Kansas has devistated the cowbird population with his IZH46M...

My 1720T puts out just short of 12fpe and is deadly accurate:

+1 for the Benjamin NP. Im sure there are several other guns that are equal in quality for the same money. I am very new to this too. I've been shooting and hunting with rifles and pistols for over 30 years. But, I am just getting into the airgun hobby within the past few months.

My Benjamin shoots 20 shots in a dime size hole at 25 yards, with just the cheap trigger mod and the right pellets. I know there are much better guns out there but I am very pleased with this nitro piston ($140 on amazon)

There is so much to enjoy about air gunning. I shoot more and shoot more often. Range, wind, pellet weight and shooting form are critical. I know I will be a better shot with my powder burners but have no desire to shoot them when I can grab a tin of pellets and shoot as much as I want in an evening for less than $5.

Good luck with you decision!

if you live a warm climate may i suggest a .177 2400KT from Crosman's Custom Shop. lightweight, quiet with a moderator, and very accurate out to 25 yards

if you'll be shooting in a cold climate, either an HW30 or HW50 in .177. both are lightweight, easy to cock, very accurate out to, and depending on your skills, past 40 yards.

all the above can be scoped.

BobO

That is one "Target Rich" environment!

Oh yeah, it's my first and favorite permission. And the largest variety of pest birds and animals.

It should be busy again in another month. Woodchucks and skunks should be out by then.