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…
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.
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?
Ruger American Target .22 LR laminate
To many people, a .22 rimfire is a necessity to control the rabbits or vermin around their farms or for a bit of informal target shooting. A good, honest, well-built rimfire does not have to be expensive but at the same time it does not have to be cheap and…
Rabbiting with a second-hand CZ BRNO rifle
A classic CZ BRNO Model 2 E-S rifle lives up to expectations when Tony Jackson takes on the burgeoning rabbit population of south Some
Thinking of buying a second-hand Tikka T3 Lite?
When the Tikka T3 Lite first appeared it took the market by storm. Finnish gunmaking company Sako had intended to produce a budget-priced rifle that shot well straight out of the box to meet the exacting demands of an increasingly sophisticated body of hunters. They succeeded where others had failed…
Top five PCP air rifles for under £700
Buying a precharged pneumatic airgun (PCP) isn’t cheap. First off there is the rifle, which will cost a few hundred pounds. Then there’s the scope plus the air bottle or pump and that’s going to be around £200. The good news is that after the initial outlay you’ll be set…
Brno Model 2
The second largest city in the Czech Republic is Brno. It is the home of the Zbrojovka Brno factory, which has been manufacturing goods as diverse as tractors and typewriters, as well as firearms, for over a century. Although the light-machine gun designed there in the 1930s and later produced…
Sauer 100 Pantera .308 stalking rifle
Designed as a compact, longer-range, fast-handling rifle, the Pantera — from Sauer’s Model 100 series — is equally good in the field. The manufacturer’s Model 100 rifles range from walnut-stocked classic to laminate, synthetic and camo-clad variants, but the one on test was the dual-role Pantera in .308 Win, which…
Six popular air rifles for under £500
One of the greatest appeals of airgun shooting is its affordability. For a few hundred pounds — and sometimes significantly less — you can pick up an air rifle that should give years of reliable service. With Christmas looming large on the horizon, it is likely more than a few…