Looking for inexpensive

fjparks · Apr 1, 2020

Yes, I did try searching for this since I assume it is a common question, but I must be doing something wrong since I didn't get any matches.

I'm looking for a pellet gun to control rabbits in suburban backyard, so I need it to be quiet.

Looking around it seems like single shot break barrel .22 compressed gas piston is better / quieter than spring type.

I'm considering the Benjamin NPs with SBD noise suppression.

It looks like they offer SBD on the; Trail, Stealth, Vaporizer, @ Rouge models. All of them look alike they have enough muzzle energy to kill rabbits at backyard ranges <20yds.

I would appreciate any feedback particularly as to which one would be the quietest.

I'm also interested in low light sighting. I was wondering if the open sites (Stealth does not have rear site) could be replaced with fiber optic sites?

Appreciate any input as to other low light optics.

Thanks,

James

JadedC · Apr 1, 2020

In general, most break barrels have a report that is similar to a nail gun going off. If you do want to get the lowest report you should search for a break barrel that is making around 12 fpe. The models you specified are more around the 15-17 fpe which would be more likely to draw attention. With proper shot placement, you should easily be able to drop a rabbit within your specified range. Another alternative that might be quieter could be a co2 rifle.

marflow · Apr 1, 2020

co2 isn't quieter but they can be made to be silent, a Hammerli 850 owner

survivor45 · Apr 1, 2020

I’d recommend something in .177 cal. It should be a little quieter and easier to shoot.
Lots of guys over in the UK shooting sub 12 foot pound .177 and taking rabbits. You just need to aim for the head. Which at 20 yards should be no problem. What would be ideal is if there was a member here who lived near you. And maybe they could let you try their guns. Maybe tell us what city in California you live in.

cea1960 · Apr 2, 2020

If your climate allows, a CO2 rifle like the 2260, or a carbine like the 2400KT with a TKO or Rocker1 mod on the end are quiet and deadly on rabbits and squirrels out to 30 yards.

DanielL · Apr 2, 2020

Keep in mind springers, especially more powerful ones are hold sensitive. You're going to need to shoot them a bit to figure it out. I like the Gamo Maxxim in .22. Holds 10 shots. Quieter than your average spring gun though as was mentioned no spring gun, gas or otherwise, will be as quiet as a PCP.

fjparks · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks for the response Daniel,

What is "hold sensitive"? Change in spring tension as the hold the cocked spring tension?

My understanding is that, as with any spring, you can't leave it under tension for a long time.

DanielL · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks for the response Daniel,

What is "hold sensitive"? Change in spring tension as the hold the cocked spring tension?

My understanding is that, as with any spring, you can't leave it under tension for a long time.

It means the gun moves about before the pellet leaves the barrel which can move the point of aim. You need to consistently hold the gun in what is called the "artillery hold" to get good repeatable accuracy. It is a technique that comes with practice.

There is no issue leaving air springs cocked. The are basically like the air springs that lift the tailgate of your hatchback.

fjparks · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks!

I looked around on the internet and the TKO supresson does look to make a big difference.

fjparks · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks for the info.

SO spring does not necessarily mean a steel spring, it can be a gas charge like the Benjamin NP guns.

I'm brand new to pellet guns

fjparks · Apr 2, 2020

I'm in Encinitas which is San Diego's north county.

Do you know of any pellet gun specific shooting clubs in my area?

JadedC · Apr 2, 2020

There is a group in Temecula called Temecula airgun club, which is relatively close to you. However, I think they are closed until further notice due to the whole outbreak.

DanielL · Apr 2, 2020

I set up a range in my backyard. Check out the plans on the internet for making an electrician’s putty backstop. Those are pretty quiet.

fjparks · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks everyone.

The PCP guns look like they would be the most fun to get into, but once you start getting everything you want the $ start to add up and I don't need another hobby

Are there CO2 guns that are magazine fed? (not semi-auto, just not having to load a pellet every shot)

DanielL · Apr 3, 2020

Thanks everyone.

The PCP guns look like they would be the most fun to get into, but once you start getting everything you want the $ start to add up and I don't need another hobby

That is why they are referred to as "the dark side."

fjparks · Apr 3, 2020

So, PCP guns are not hold sensitive?

profsrgary · Apr 4, 2020

PCP airguns are not hold sensitive like a springer however even a powder burner can have a poi change based on hold although much less. PCP's are fun but I think you will find many of us have both and still shoot our break barrels because of the added challenge. Springers have the double recoil which is a little tricky but I love shooting mine. Kinda like having a crossbow that takes no practice compared to a compound bow which requires practice. Love my crossbow but I still shoot the compound for pleasure.

RWSx3 · Apr 4, 2020

I went back and re-read and noticed NO budget mentioned.... that's alright but for someone NEW looking to get an air rifle for pest control, pcp may not be the way you want to go...unless you have some deep(er) pockets. Granted, many pcp rifles are usually whisper quiet, which works well in your situation, but you will need a pump or tank to refill the gun = extra $$.

I just bought a Wiehrauch HW30 .177 (Beeman R7) and let me tell you, this gun is the cats meow for close in back yard shooting, quiet and VERY accurate. It will take care of your rabbits,, no problem.

Gerry52 · Apr 5, 2020

fjparks, I just moved to Oceanside in December after 20 years in the Cardiff/ Encinitas area. Sorry I missed you (lol). After this Corona thing is over we should connect & you can try out some pcp's & hunt if you'd like. (I have 6 properties I get to do that on) Love turning newbies on to the thrill of pre-charged pneumatics. Careful though, they're addictive & wallet draining! PM me after we're released from house arrest. Gerry

Sureshot · Apr 9, 2020

I like weihrauch Springer's, good deals can be found in the classifieds.

Looking for inexpensive

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