Air Rifle Question

[i4gett]

Hey guys I am thinking about buying an Air Rifle. I've never owned one and don't know much about them. There are two that I am looking at right now. Either a Gamo Varmint Hunter or a Beeman SH1000 Hunter. Both in .177 caliber. I have a couple questions. First, is either gun better than the other? (Any pros and cons) Second, what kind of range would one of these guns be effective to? (Say for rabbits and other small game / varmints.) Third, how much noise does one make? (Are they relatively quiet)

[Auk1124]

A 1000 fps springer air gun isn't as quiet as you might think. Those springs are under a lot of tension and are kinda loud when they let off, but not as loud as a 22. Humane killing range with a .177 on something the size of a bunny in my opinion would only be 30 yards or so, maybe less unless you whack it in the head. A .22 air gun might be more effective as a bunny blaster.

Beemans have a pretty good reputation, Gamo not so good (lot of quality control complaints and accuracy disappointment) from what I've read.

[quackrstackr]

Ditto to what Auk said.

I've got a 1000 fps .177 Winchester and it's pretty loud. I've taken starlings, rabbits and squirrels out to around 35 yards with it. It's like anything else, shot placement makes a big difference. Maybe not so much on birds but on squirrels and rabbits it is still best to go for quick killing shots.

[trust me]

I'll chime in and say that I've always heard the .22 pellet is a much better game getter than the .177.

[Marmot_Militia]

trust me,
That debate still rages rampant on all airgun forums. It really comes down to foot-pounds of energy (fpe) PE=1/2MVV

They each have their strengths and weaknesses.

As mentioned before, shot placement is everything. Aim for the head!!!

MM