What's the best rifle for foxing? How should you choose?
Guns for pest control
Rats, squirrels, rabbits, corvids …. Obviously pests need controlling to keep the balance right but which guns for pest control are most effective? Which should you be using? Of course, it depends on your skill, the quarry you’re after … and our experts have written several articles on the subject which you can read right here. We’ve pieces on controlling rabbits with FAC air rifles and look at the right rifles for crow control to mention just two.
Whether you’re looking for a shotgun, an air rifle or a .17 HMR – we’ve reviewed your key choices, listing the pros and cons of each.
Both new and second-hand guns are covered and there is some useful advice on ammunition too.
Browse through our articles and our expert writers give the benefit of their experience on what works best for different locations, the time of day and the time of year.
We’re always updating this section with new advice – so it’s worth referring back when you’ve a query.
Shooting crows with rifles
Crow shooting isn't just for those who possess a shotgun. Bruce Potts investigates the relative merits of centrefires and rimfires for a safe and humane despatch
Cartridges and calibres for pest control
Wondering what is the best calibre for foxes? Rabbits? There are so many different species of pests – you can’t band together a rabbit and a fox – that you can’t have a single calibre for them all. So instead I am going to take a look at the various…
Here’s why you should consider getting an FAC air rifle
A firearms certificate air rifle – known as an FAC air rifle – is over 12 ftlb in power meaning that the owner needs to have a Firearms Certificate to own one. If you’re already a conventional air rifle user and considering upgrading to something bigger you might be wondering…
How to use an air rifle for pest control
What do you do when grey squirrels, rats and corvids are robbing nests of eggs? You get out the airgun - and you lay in wait, as Mat Manning explains
10 PCP air rifles from £430 to under £1000
We’ve looked around for some cheap PCP air rifles that still do the job, for budgets of up to £500 and under £1000. Once you’ve bought the airgun you’ll be able to enjoy relatively cheap and accurate shooting, whether you’re a target shooter or need to do some pest control.…
.22lr rimfire bolt-action rifles reviewed
Jason Harris looks at the four best .22 rimfire bolt-action rifles on the market
We pick out some of the best airguns around
On the hunt for something new. Looking at air rifles? We’ve rounded up some of the best airguns around . Weihrauch HW100 K, HW100 TK Length: 96cm Weight: 3.3kg with moderator What it offers: A beautifully finished pre-charged air rifle that is rugged in build but with a refined performance.…
Controlling rabbits with firearms certificated air rifles (FAC)
So you need to carry out some rabbit control. But what’s the best way to do it? That will depend on: Local habitat Use of land Neighbouring land So there’s unlikely to be just one way to control rabbits – there should be a variety of methods at play. In…
Is it time to change our mind about pump-action shotguns?
We British are a traditional bunch. Only in recent years have we finally accepted the presence of over-and-under shotguns on driven shoots. If you turned up at a shoot with a semi-auto or pump-action you would probably be asked to leave because it is considered somewhat unsporting to use three…
Subsonic .22LR ammunition – what’s the best type for your rifle?
Six types of .22LR rimfire subsonic ammunition from varying manufacturers are tested to ascertain accuracy and stopping power at normal vermin ranges
Airgun laws and security requirements you need to know
Air rifles: New guidance to prevent under-18s accessing airguns could mean a £1,000 fine if you fail to secure your air rifle properly.
Rifles for pest control
I have been spending money this month and invested in two rifles for pest control. A gamekeeper’s work is never done and in the constant battle against pests and predators, I need all the tools that I can muster. New guns To this end, I managed to pick up a…
Hatsan’s FieldHunter pump-action shotgun has proven popular
Hatsan's FieldHunter pump-action shotgun proves a hit: Originally launched in the UK back in 2005, Hatsan Arms entry-level FieldHunter pump-action shotgun has proved a huge hit.
Why is it illegal to use my pump-action gun wildfowling?
Wildfowling: I own an 8 shot pump action, which I use for pest control. I know it is illegal to use it wildfowling, but I don't know why?
What are the best guns and ammo for shooting grey squirrels?
Squirrels offer the opportunity to match a variety of guns and techiques — it all depends on the squirrelling, says Bruce Potts
What’s best for pest control – a spring-powered or pre-charged airgun?
Q: I’d like to buy an air rifle for controlling rabbits and grey squirrels in our garden but I don’t really want a pre-charged model because I can’t be bothered with the hassle and expense of using charging gear. I’ve been told that spring-powered airguns are less accurate – are…
How to buy a decent shotgun for under £500
If you're looking to buy a cheap shotgun, make sure you read this guide first
10 top airguns for pest control
Modern airgun shooters are spoilt for choice when it comes to air rifles for pest control. Daystate Red Wolf RRP: From £1,899.99 This British gun is far from cheap but it’s one of the finest pre-charged airguns in the world and its performance more than justifies its price tag.…
Which pellet is best for my air rifle?
With the extensive range of airgun pellets now available, how can I find out which would be the most suitable for my air rifle?