Rabbits

[Brue]

Hi, was hoping if someone here could give me some advice on killing rabbits.In the last few months the number of rabbits on our land has gone from a couple to lots.

I have 3 acres and a theoben MFR - can anyone tell me if a 12ft/lb air rifle is suitable for killing rabbits - and if they are what is the max distance for a head shot.

Also, is it likely for me to be able to get a FAC license for my rapid with only 3 acres of land (does it need to be a bigger area)?

Sorry if these are basic questions, butI don't have much experience.

Thanks for any help,

[rhysduk]

Hi Brue.
A 12ft/lbs rifle is more than adequate for killing the bunny's. A shot behind the eye will bring it down.

[snock]

To be perfectly honest, I would have thought that someone whose spent £800 on a gun would've known that.

I often hear this question on the BBS, and I often think that the posters needs to understand the difference between accuracy of the gun, accuracy of the shooter and power.

Any decent rifle which produces 10.5 - 11.9 ftlb will have sufficient power to kill a rabbit out to ranges far beyond those which are sensible to shoot at. Accuracy being the controlling factor.

Any decent rifle will give a greater level of accuracy that the shooter can provide. The errors only ever come from the weakest link in the chain; the shooter.

If you stick to those ranges which you can comfortably put all you shots into an inch group, from all the stances you'd use, then that is the maximum range which you should take shots out to. FAC rifles will not help you achieve accuracy, it'll just make you as inaccurate as before but at a longer distance.

3 acres of ground should be sufficient for the use of an FAC rated airgun provided there are no footpaths/gardens etc, but you'd be far and away better off asking your local Firearms Enquiry Officer.

Best of luck.
Pete.

[Brue]

Thanks for the replies guys...much appreciated.

[bstrdmissed]

Originally Posted by snock

To be perfectly honest, I would have thought that someone whose spent £800 on a gun would've known that.

I often hear this question on the BBS, and I often think that the posters needs to understand the difference between accuracy of the gun, accuracy of the shooter and power.

Any decent rifle which produces 10.5 - 11.9 ftlb will have sufficient power to kill a rabbit out to ranges far beyond those which are sensible to shoot at. Accuracy being the controlling factor.

Any decent rifle will give a greater level of accuracy that the shooter can provide. The errors only ever come from the weakest link in the chain; the shooter.

If you stick to those ranges which you can comfortably put all you shots into an inch group, from all the stances you'd use, then that is the maximum range which you should take shots out to. FAC rifles will not help you achieve accuracy, it'll just make you as inaccurate as before but at a longer distance.

3 acres of ground should be sufficient for the use of an FAC rated airgun provided there are no footpaths/gardens etc, but you'd be far and away better off asking your local Firearms Enquiry Officer.

Best of luck.
Pete.

Wise words Pete.

[Lez325]

I agree - apart from the FAC bit- footpaths make no difference I have the M5 motorway running across one of my shoots and a Council Right of way and its been cleared for up to .308 - I shoot 17 HMR on there most evenings- its down to the shooter to ensure he;s aware of any footpaths roads etc and shoot safely

Les