my .177 caliber


scout4

scout4

Scout
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Hey All. I'm not sure to what extent the air rifle is excepted here as good for bushcraft but figured I would post a little something. This is my Crosman .177 caliber airrifle, its a good shooter the scope really helps for the accuracy part alot. I found a tiny trigger adjustment screw just down behind the trigger and turned it in several turns and that made a difference for the trigger pull. This one shoots the heavier hollow point pellets very well, but I'm not so sure that tiny pellet would be all that effective on game aniamls the size of ground hogs, possums, raccoons, you know. I'd like to get the .22 caliber. Thanks! scout4
 

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Check your local game laws, it varies by state. Some states, like Texas, it is not legal to hunt any _game_ animal with an airgun. Others have more liberal rules.
It is possible to take squirrel and cottontail rabbits with the 177, and they are great for potting grasshoppers in the garden. :)

The 22 caliber gives a bit more energy, but not always much more penetration, at least in my experience.

Whether you hunt with one or not, they are a fantastic tool for practicing your marksmanship at very low cost, in places where you could not shoot a true rifle, and without disturbing the baby from its nap. :)
 
I have a .177 that shoots the heavier pellets at 1000+ fps. It's really good for squirrels and rabbits under 30 yards. Coons and groundhogs are a bit tougher in my experience. I would step up to 22 or 25 caliber. I honestly think that my .177 would take them with good head shots but I won't risk a glancing blow. Clean harvest or nothing for me.

I've been looking at the big bore airguns for a couple years but haven't pulled the trigger. I like the thought of a 45 caliber air rifle.
 
Thanks for replies! I'm not really an airrrifle hunter as of yet, although I've shot some stuff with the gun, and have a decent understanding of what the
.177 calber can do. But I can see a .22 caliber as a better game getter and therefore a better allround bushcraft type airgun. Thanks!
scout4
 
The only game I have taken with a .177 airgun was a red squirell.
I had to deliver a second finishing shot, but it was probably due to the pellets I used.
The first shot was with a pointed pellet that over penetrated without much damage, the second was a flat nose, which worked much better.
I would prefer to use my .22 for any airgun hunting I do in the future, but with the right pellets, there's nothing wrong with using a .177 for squirells IMO.
 
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Nice rifle. While air rifles may not be leagal for hunting, they make great survival rifles when rules may not apply. They are quiet and very capable of providing a meal. To make your rifle more accurate and a better shooter, check out the GRT3 trigger from Charliedatuna. Its a worth while drop in upgrade.
 
My grandfather headshot turkeys with an airgun for the last three years he hunted. Of course he could call 'em right in to his lap with a diaphram call. The man was part turkey I swear.
 
Bushwacker73 said:
To make your rifle more accurate and a better shooter, check out the GRT3 trigger from Charliedatuna. Its a worth while drop in upgrade.
Click to expand...

I second the trigger upgrade. Get Charlies or one from Air guns of
Arizona.

Charlies link;
http://charliedatuna.com/GRT-III%20Trigger%20New.htm

Air guns of Arizona;
http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/

Scroll down left side of page to "Custom Triggers" click on GTX

Both are very easy to install, you will think you are shooting
a different rifle.

Best money you can spend.
 
Pantucci said:
A .22 pellet will have more mass and generally pack a harder punch. Take a look at the Benjamin Trail NP, around 200 bucks, hits like a mule, is very accurate, and can throw a heavier pellet.
Click to expand...

These are fine rifles. They can be made much better as well
with the trigger upgrade mentioned above.
They use the newer technology gas pistons. Like found on the
hatchback on your vehicle.
They are shrouded also, makes them a little more quiet.
The .22 is about 30 bucks more, but worth it.
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_Trail_NP_Nitro_Piston_air_rifle_combo/2049#sSpec

Over penetration with the .177 is a real problem even with the
heavier diablo shaped pellets.

For hunting, try the Predator pellets. They are not hype, they work.
Hits hard like a wadcutter pellet does but has much better ballistics.
Very devastating, even more so in .20 and .22 cal
The energy is used up ripping and tearing instead of just passing
through.

But, like most air rifles. They have to shoot well in YOUR rifle.

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/Predator_177_Cal_8_0_Grains_Pointed_200ct/352

They do cost more, but they are not for paper punching,
strictly hunting.

Once you dope your scope, you can quickly make corrections for any
point of impact changes between your plinking pellets and the Predators.
Just dial in the clicks when you go hunting. Of course, it is well worth
the expense of a pellet to check point of impact after doing so.

Don't get caught up in the velocity hype. Pellets in all calibers usually
perform best when limited to the 850 to 950 feet per second range.



What has two thumbs and loves air rifles?








This guy. :dblthumb:
 
Thank you for the advice! I do appreciate it! For now I'm okay with the trigger thats in it. I'm saving up to get me a .22 caliber. Probably Crosman Optimus, comes with the scope an mounts for $110.oo from pyramyd air. Thanks! scout4
 
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