Rat Gun - FAC or 12 ft/lb

[rookyshot]

I need an air rifle for some ratting around farm barns, the range is going to be sub 25m in most cases.
Would you go to the trouble of processing a variation and getting an FAC rated air rifle or would you stick with a 12 ft/lb rifle as it's going to be close distance shooting?

In either case, FAC or 12 ft/lb what calibre would you recommend?

Lastly, I don't have any other needs for an air rifle, just to keep on top of the rats who are out smarting the traps.

Any feedback appreciated, thanks..

 

[nic531]

i use a sub 12 ft lbs and no hassle. i use 22 as that is what i had but changed to bisley pest control pellets as round nose were going straight through

 

[Rookandrabbit]

Hello Rookyshot I would stick with sub 12 ft/lb and if you wanted overkill get a cheap .25 for short range devastation if not try flat headed pellets such as Hobbys as they are excellent at close range in .177……..p.s. .177 is more forgiving in the dark, flatter trajectory. Easier range estimation.

 

[Smellydog]

What ever is wrong with going straight through I have no idea of.
I've been using a sud 12 177 springer and it's fine.

 

[Qwertyzmate]

I have an AirArms S410 in 12lb, .22

Don't need anything FAC for ratting.

Better to spend any surplus cash on a NV unit

 

[snake_2586]

I would stick to a cheapish .22 springer,

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I went out on a new permission last time (also my first time ratting) and managed 8 confirmed (with at least one more suspected but no carcass) with a HW97K in .177 and a red torch!

I think sub-12ftlbs is fine and my only regret is selling my HW100 PCP a few years back!

 

[rookyshot]

Sounds like a 12ft/lb could be the answer, will also save some cabinet space and variation paper work, thanks for the feedback so far from everyone..

 

[rookyshot]

I went out on a new permission last time (also my first time ratting) and managed 8 confirmed (with at least one more suspected but no carcass) with a HW97K in .177 and a red torch!

I think sub-12ftlbs is fine and my only regret is selling my HW100 PCP a few years back!

I'm feeling your pain @Dr. Strangelove I had a pellet on pellet accurate HW100 that I sold a few years ago, that would have been just the ticket for what I need now it might be time for another one..

 

[rookyshot]

What ever is wrong with going straight through I have no idea of.
I've been using a sud 12 177 springer and it's fine.View attachment 292521

@Smellydog is that a 12mm Pard on your springer, how do you find it for ratting?

 

[Scotty99]

At that range 12ftlbs air rifle in .22. I have a Weihrauch HW100 in .22 zeroed at 20 yards. Kills rats with headshots with almost boring monotony.

 

[shakey jake]

at 25 yards any decent air rifle will kill a rat. head shot if you want to recover each one, chest shot if you just want it dead. i favour pcp over springer but its a fair outlay.
it is good of people to do pest control for free

 

[enfieldspares]

12ft/lb as no FAC = a lot less faff! In Scotland as you've the faff anyway I'd say .25 and FAC.

 

[3595wilk]

Springer wise - Remington Express or push the boat out with a HW99 - either in .22

PCP get a second hall Kral, NP02 or NP03. You van get either in .25 too. Bit agricultural but solid, easy to work on and good shot count and the NP03 you can fill with a footpump easy enough.

I used a NP03 in .22 for ratting with a 3x9x40 Hawke AO and a 007 12mil. 60 useable shots between 11 ft lbs and 11.7. Cheap, reliable and lightweight. Knocked rats over out to 35 yards with ease.

 

[Smellydog]

@Smellydog is that a 12mm Pard on your springer, how do you find it for ratting?

No mate, a 12mm sytong 66.
I don't like the pards button layout. This is so simple and a little smaller.

 

[Danny Fireblade]

I used to do a lot of ratting a number of years ago and my tool of choice was an Air Arms S410. I still have this and if I ever need to do this again this will be my tool of choice again.

I also made a few videos of the control too.

 

[rookyshot]

No mate, a 12mm sytong 66.
I don't like the pards button layout. This is so simple and a little smaller.

I'll take a look at that..

 

[Smellydog]

I'll take a look at that..

I've used on the HMR out to 170 yards. Good little unit. Video and photos too.

 

[25 Sharps]

If you can get a variation fairly easily and have a number to deal with, get an FAC .22.

I rat quite regularly, 2 lads with sub 12s and me with my FAC .22. Zero need for range estimation shot placement less fussy (unless huge then a Texas heart shot really is a heart shot). A sub 12 works but an FAC works better, as in it will give you more opportunities. We have done several 100+ 3hr sessions and I always account for around 2/3rds of the bag for the above reasons.

Plus FAC air rifles secondhand are cheaper.

If a variation is is a PITA go sub 12 .22…..

Or get a moderated .410 for more fun

 

[KevC]

I need an air rifle for some ratting around farm barns, the range is going to be sub 25m in most cases.
Would you go to the trouble of processing a variation and getting an FAC rated air rifle or would you stick with a 12 ft/lb rifle as it's going to be close distance shooting?

In either case, FAC or 12 ft/lb what calibre would you recommend?

Lastly, I don't have any other needs for an air rifle, just to keep on top of the rats who are out smarting the traps.

Any feedback appreciated, thanks..

FAC springer in .22 if you can get a decent second hand one - PCP's are great if you are using them all the time but don't forget to factor in the cost of a dive bottle (stirrup pumps are hard work lol) Sub 12ft lbs will still work around 25m though.