Whats the best air rifle for hunting small game for under 拢150?

I got the Crosman Ratcatcher the other day, very good but am looking for something with a bit more range and too ditch the horrible Co2.



I mess around doing some garden targets but really spend more time hunting small game like Rabbits Rats and any small birds.



ThanksWhats the best air rifle for hunting small game for under 拢150?
For under 150 GBP, I don't know that there is a much better option than what you have. If you simply want a reasonably accurate, reasonably powerful, spring-piston airgun (to get away from co2), you could get a Cometa 220 for around 130-135 GBP. Power is going to be about the same (8-10 ft-lbs of muzzle energy). Ditto on muzzle velocity (500-550 fps depending on pellet weight). Will it take small game or pigeons? Yes. At least if you keep the range close, say 20 meters*, and limit yourself to head-shots. Is it the best choice for a hunting springer for under 150 GBP? Probably. Its certainly head %26amp; shoulders above the SMK B-series guns...



The biggest concern I have with the Cometa is that its not a "full power" (IE 11-12 ft-lbs of muzzle energy) gun. Unfortunately I don't know of any of those from reputable makers for under 150 GBP. BSA has the Meteor Mk 7 and the Comet for around 170 GBP. Cometa has the Cometa 300 for around 175 GBP. Gamo has the Shadow for 160 GBP... So there are options that won't cost much more. If you buy a used spring-piston gun from someone who's looking to buy a better gun, you might be able to find a good full power gun for under 150 GBP... The extra power is going to result in at least an extra 10 meters effective range, which is why I encourage you to get a full power gun.



*The reason I mentioned limited range is because of the minimum energy levels needed. Rabbit requires around 5 ft-lbs of impact energy.(1) Technically even the Cometa 220 can deliver that to around 22-25 meters. However the trajectory will vary over 3-4 centimeters at 22-25 meters. Since a rabbits or pigeons vitals are only around 2.2 cm you'll need to work out a range chart and practice your range estimation if you want to shoot beyond 20 meters. A full power airgun on the other hand will deliver 5 ft-lbs of impact energy out to 40 meters (with the proper pellet). And the trajectory will be much flatter. You'll see the same 3-4 cm trajectory over 40 meters with a 4.5mm, full power gun. Honestly though, odds are good that accuracy constraints will limit the full power gun's range advantage to 10 meters (for a total effective range of 30 meters) since you have to be able to keep all your shots in an area about 2-3 cm in diameter...
I would highly recommend a S/H Weihrauch HW35



UK - Airgun sales

http://www.guntraker.co.uk

Search for rifles by make, model, price, location, etc



I have seen a number of HW35's in or around your price range in the past 6 months, but have not checked recently.Whats the best air rifle for hunting small game for under 拢150?
http://www.guntrader.co.uk/GunsForSale/D鈥?/a>





Follow this link. If this price is correct and some BS wind up it will be the best 拢100 you've ever spent. Good luck.



Tempted to buy it for my boy.Whats the best air rifle for hunting small game for under 拢150?
none. Just use a 30/06. Blow those suckers away.