Rimfire or Air

L-R .22 's WMR, LR, Super Colbri, Short, Pellet, & .177 Pellet

Not too many years ago a rimfire would have always been my first choice for most small game and pest hunting, but things have changed.

For many years the price of common .22 rimfire ammunition increased very slowly. When I was a boy 50 rounds of .22 long rifle ammo was about $.75 and when I was middle age I could still find it for under a dollar. Yes! Those days are long gone.

Cost is a factor for most of us, and it's not only cost, it's also the availability. Although I don't shoot guns much anymore it distresses me to see store shelves with little or no rimfire ammunition on them.

So what are the advantages of a rimfire over an air gun. Ah! Actually not much if we compare the ordinary .22 long rifle to the better .22 caliber air guns.

• Tradition - some simply can't wrap their head around using an air gun.
• Simplicity - with a rimfire you load and fire while an air gun may require more of you.
• Versatility - guns chambered for the long rifle offers a wide variety of power levels, different velocities, bullet configurations, and even shot loads.
• The heavier .22 long rifle bullet is a little less likely to be blown off target by the wind.
• Power - the .22 long rifle is considerably more powerful than most air guns.
• Range - the .22 long rifle can sometimes be used at longer range than air rifles.

Do air guns offer anything over rimfire. Ah! Considerably More Sometimes!

• Pellets cost less than rimfire ammo and may be easier to find.
• If you shoot enough the savings in shooting cost may eventually pay for the air gun.
• Air guns are generally quieter and this sometimes allows shooting in more places.
• Air guns are somewhat less dangerous so you may gain access to more places to shoot or hunt.
• The best air guns can kill small game and pest further than a typical hunter is able to hit them.
A well placed pellet from a reasonably powerful air gun is deadly on small game.
Animals don't get any more dead because a more powerful round was used.

Real world, bottom line, or whatever you want to call it. I've shot a considerable amount of small game and pest with rimfires and pellets. Basically any well placed shot from a reasonably powerful round or pellet stops a critter and a poorly placed shot seldom does.

If you don't mind blowing up the animal a higher velocity more explosive round like a .22 Stinger, .22 mag., or a hot .17 caliber allows for more sloppy shooting than any pellet rifle. The ordinary .22 long rifle, not so much.

The air gun shooter may need to understand more about shooting and the limitations of his tools. He needs to pay attention to the details. He may need to spend more for a better quality gun and scope combination. Remember it's the gun which provides the power with air; not the cartridge.

I most often use a slingshot today, but if I wanted a gun for squirrels, rabbits, and small pest it would be a gas ram or pre-charged .22 caliber air gun with a 3x9 air gun scope. If I wanted a rimfire to take pest out at the maximum range, it would be the .17 Winchester Super Magnum.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy