Hello

[Lez325]

Originally Posted by rsf

anyone have any views on the BSA Ultra ?

thanks

I have but they would delete my post- welcome to the Universe Fella

Les

[rsf]

I'm begining to see that people have very strong opinions about the different types of airguns.....I'll tread carefully from here on in...

[rsf]

like you i have just joined hope to get to know a few people and arrange a competition some time

I'm new to all this, so competitions might be a ways down the line...I'm looking to upgrade to a new rifle first and then practice alot before embarassing myself on a field target course.

[BillyBob]

I have FAC/Shotguns/Air rifles. Like most I cut my teeth with air rifles. It is good basic gun handling. But once you go FAC it's real tough to go back to airguns.
A .22 LR is a fantastically versitile weapon with a range of ammunition to suit all small vermin. I myself am looking for a FAC gas ram as I have it on my ticket and I like the Theoban Eliminator, but it will get very little use due to the .22LR. Sub-sonics are as cheap as pellets, and the rifle much lighter and cheaper in comparison.

[Lez325]

Originally Posted by rsf

I'm begining to see that people have very strong opinions about the different types of airguns.....I'll tread carefully from here on in...

No need - we're all friends on here

Les

[rsf]

Originally Posted by BillyBob

I have FAC/Shotguns/Air rifles. Like most I cut my teeth with air rifles. It is good basic gun handling. But once you go FAC it's real tough to go back to airguns.
A .22 LR is a fantastically versitile weapon with a range of ammunition to suit all small vermin. I myself am looking for a FAC gas ram as I have it on my ticket and I like the Theoban Eliminator, but it will get very little use due to the .22LR. Sub-sonics are as cheap as pellets, and the rifle much lighter and cheaper in comparison.

Ok, I have an old 12 g webley and scott 700 series s/s for shoots and a 12 g Beretta for clays. Great guns and they are alot of fun to use. I have however just moved to the countryside and now have to deal with the usual pests, rabbits, magpies , squirrels and lots of rats around the old stable. That is why I was thinking of an updated air rifle to deal with the pest control. I'm currently appling for my FAC so can get something powerful enough. I hadn't really thought of a .22 LR.

[BillyBob]

you should. key point is to ask for a little more than required as I did. To give them something to knock off, then they think they have won and beaten you down, what is known as a win win in the art of negotiation.
The problem with an FAC is that you must state the caliber required. I kept my options open and asked for .22/.25 air, .22LR .17HMR & .222. I got the lot.
You need good reason and a case to keep them all in. You live on a farm what more reason do you need? The air guns are good around buildings, but once you've used a .17HMR in the field you'll be smitten. 150YD kills. They do remove the need for stealth! But compensated by the skill of the accuracy 'you' need to apply to the weapon. I used to shoot 12ft/lbers around farm building with great effect. But never got away with the waiting game to get them in close. If you are around buildings only 12ft/lbs should be enough for a time, and essential for elevated shots. How big is the farm?

[rsf]

The farm is about 40 acres. Although the fields are away from the roads, and old stables and goose pens are near the road. So I was thinking to get an airgun so as not to over shoot. Most of the rats are in the goose pen where they live on a fine diet of grain from the hoppers. I have an old .22 break barrel maybe around 8 / 10 ft/pd now but it doesn't seem to stop the big rats, so was thinking of something more powerful. The old .22 airgun will be sufficient in the buildings, but like you I don't have the time to sit there half the night. I just want to be able to shoot the ones that run around the pen, which is a good 60 m long from end to end.

The idea of ' over subscribing ' on the FAC application was mentioned to me already, so I will definately take your advice on it. Thank you.

[BillyBob]

rats are tough! And if mobile, at a decent range head shots are not feasible. I'm looking for a .25 FAC rated AR, I guess that would be better at stopping them. No experience of it yet though. I'm sure if your hitting them they will be as good as dead, down their hole maybe. Your pellet choice may have a big influence on stopping them. Problem with a more powerful gun you may just blow holes through them. Power is nothing if you carn't transmit it to the victim.

[sme4969]

shoot rats at short range.good tip is too reverse you pellet it acts like a hollow point out too 25yrds