Any Pellet Gunners here?

[kcflhrc]

Looking at getting a pellet gun for all these **** Sparrows and Starlings. Looking at the Gamo Swarm Maxxim in either 177 or 22. Any thoughts on what to get for under $200?

Thanks

 

[oldballs]

For just sparrows and starlings, I'd get a 177 calib.........never had a gammo.

 

[oosik]

Never HEARD of a gammo. I've got a Sheridan Blue Streak in 5mm = 20 caliber. Its over 50 years old and still shoots good. A bit of a PITA finding ammo.

You must be a true Optimus - - around here any sparrows or starlings are simply passing thru. Probably on their way to your location........

I will get a flock of starlings that - on first glance - look to have hundreds of birds in the flock. They will all land in one of my large Ponderosa pines and completely fill the tree.

If I were of a mind to reduce their numbers - 12 gauge shot gun with either #6 or #7.5 shot.

 

[blackdog2086]

I'll be following this thread as I'm also in the market. My problems have fur rather than feathers (chipmunks and squirrels) and can be pretty destructive. I have holes all over my yard and they dig up and chew on my wife's plants. The chipmunks ate a large piece of door trim in order to gain access to my garage.

I know I want a pump rather than a compressed air canister, but not sure whether to go .177 or .22. I really like the RWS brand but they're a bit on the pricey side.

 

[Ford850]

That looks like a decent one. I would get the 22 caliber so it's a little more stable when windy. The 22 will also give you more punch if you need it for longer distances or for an occasional red squirrel.

 

[rhunt]

Go 22, you won't be sorry. Bob

 

[MarkF48]

I picked up a Benjamin Trail NP XL .22 cal for squirrels and chipmunks. Once the scope is sited in and using a pellet that gets good groupings its been pretty consistent taking down the furry menaces.

Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle

 

[oosik]

There must be a valid reason everybody is wanting to use a pellet gun over a normal 22 with scope. What is it - your location is not right for the 22 or the noise.

 

[newbury]

There must be a valid reason everybody is wanting to use a pellet gun over a normal 22 with scope. What is it - your location is not right for the 22 or the noise.

Law - from the wiki

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives states that:

The term "firearm" is defined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. Section 921(a)(3), to include "(A) any weapon (including a starter gun), which will, or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon...." Based on Section 921(a)(3), air guns, because they use compressed air and not an explosive to expel a projectile, do not constitute firearms under Federal law unless they are manufactured with the frames or receivers of an actual firearm. Accordingly, the domestic sale and possession of air guns is normally unregulated under the Federal firearms laws enforced by ATF.[31]

 

[oosik]

Ah - Ha So what you are saying is that where you live - you can not fire a firearm as defined by federal law.

On the other side of the fence - if I need help from my nearest neighbor - its a four and a half mile drive to his yard.

I've had fun with some old dynamite on my property - years ago - nobody noticed a dam thing.