Air rifle for pest control

[saffadave]

Hi guys

I'm new on this forum - looking for some advice on what would be good enough for pest control in our garden. When we moved in, the pests didn't dare enter and we had a nice bird population here - suspect the previous owner's sons did a lil light control.

Now pests are moving back in, and other birds moving out and the balance of nature needs re balancing.

Can you guys who know all this stuff point me in the right direction..?

Rgds
Dave

[Andrew]

The usage of an air gun in a built up area falls under the firearms control act and can get you into hot water so we dont advise it. If however you are on a farm and have relevant permission as well as keen knowledge of protected species then it is a different matter.

What does your budget look like?

[Andrew]

Welcome btw Dave

[Sniperdad]

I assume you dont live in town, and that you are ok shooting in your garden.

the best rig for pestcontroll around the house a Air Arms S410 that you can buy from Importer on this forum, make sure you get a silencer.

A scope with at least 16 magnification will serve you well, like a leapers scope. Guido sells them.

The best pellets will be AA 452.-again at Importer.

[Andrew]

What Sniperdad is saying is spot on but as I said, it would help to know what sort of budget you have in mind. This will help us to allocate the correct equipment for the price range.

[Andrew]

For the benefit of newer members, content needs to be devoid of hunting pics, you did not know but now you do, thanks.

[saffadave]

Hi guys

Andrew - comments noted.
Sniperdad - just what was required! You've got to love it when someone can give you such a clear baseline to start from. Thanks man.

Let me get some prices, and then we can start massaging my needs towards my budget!!

Thanks
Dave

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by saffadave

Hi guys

Andrew - comments noted.
Sniperdad - just what was required! You've got to love it when someone can give you such a clear baseline to start from. Thanks man.

Let me get some prices, and then we can start massaging my needs towards my budget!!

Thanks
Dave

That baseline is well over 12k. If this is not to your liking then check back here with us. Try also to work out how much you would like to spend because there are many options that are cheaper and we really need that info to help you.

[Sniperdad]

Check the for sale section for 2nd hand options. Imo theres little diffs between a new a 2nd hand PCP, unless it has obviously been pulled through the you know what.

[neto]

Originally Posted by Andrew

The usage of an air gun in a built up area falls under the firearms control act and can get you into hot water so we dont advise it. If however you are on a farm and have relevant permission as well as keen knowledge of protected species then it is a different matter.

What does your budget look like?

The firearms control act says you are not allowed to shoot in built up area "without good reason". This makes it open to just about anything. According to the dangerous weapon act to participate in sport, even if not belonging to any club, could be an exception. Pest control sounds like a "good reason". IMO especially target practice is an excellent reason - that is the raison d'etre for the air rifle, one could argue.

One of the leading sentences of the control act states that air rifles are not recognized as "fire arms". That is probably why they are dealt with under "dangerous weapons", like knob kieries, knives, pocket knives, etc.

I want to see the law do something with their own confused bit of legal writing in those two acts combined ...