While I’m the first to admit that a shotgun is usually the best option for controlling corvids over open ground, there are plenty of times when using an airgun for pest control is a more appropriate choice. The former will usually help you to make the necessary big bags when…
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? What should you be using? Of course, it depends on your skill and the quarry you’re after. We’ve pieces on controlling rabbits with FAC air rifles and 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 to suit guns for pest control too.
Remember to keep up to date with the latest rules on pest control and general licences so that you stay within the law.
Daystate Red Wolf
Three air rifles for pest control
Daystate Red Wolf. Mat Manning says: “This British gun is far from cheap but it’s one of the finest pre-charged airguns in the world.”
Weihrauch HW100 KT. A tough tough, solidly constructed pre-charged airgun with a reputation for exceptional accuracy.
Hatsan Breaker 900X. Extremely inexpensive, the Turkish-made Hatsan Breaker is well made and powerful and accurate enough to tackle small pests out to around 25m
The Thompson Center Contender carbine in .17HMR cartridge is great for hooded crows, and is a good all-round vermin tool
Three rifles for pest control
.20 BR Sako rifle. Bruce Potts describes it as: ” a serious tool for crow shooting.”
Thompson Center Contender carbine: “A good all-round vermin tool” says Bruce Potts.
Anschutz .17HMR. Perfect for everyday vermin control
The Hatsan Escort .22 rimfire is a cheap, accurate and lightweight vermin gun, which is ideally suited for pest control
Pump-action shotguns for pest control
A three-shot pump-action is a good and reliable alternative to a semi-auto and you could use it for general pest control.
Remington Fieldmaster Pump .22LR. Bruce Potts describes it as: “A classic vermin control tool.”
Remington Fieldmaster Pump .22R
A word about calibres and ammunition
It’s crucial that you choose the right calibre and ammunition for the type of pest control you are undertaking. This useful diagram will help you.
Best air rifles for under £500: what made the list?
One of the greatest appeals of airgun shooting is its affordability. For a few hundred pounds you can pick up an air rifle that should give years of reliable service. Many Guns start their shooting career with an air rifle and garden airgunning has been a popular pastime during the…
Tikka T1x UPR .22 LR
Since its introduction three years ago, the rimfire version of Tikka’s centrefire T3x, the T1x, has been a huge success. This is partly due to the price point but more importantly due to its consistent accuracy and dependability. Now the T1x has undergone a makeover with the Tikka T1x UPR…
Airguns and summer squirrel shooting
Come the summer months when the trees are in leaf you’re likely to find squirrel shooting with an air rifle rather trickier than in winter on bare branches. The dense foliage covering the tree canopy can make greys almost invisible. So what’s to be done about it? How can you…
Haenel Jaeger 10 synthetic Sporter
Bruce Potts tested the Haenel Jaeger 10 synthetic Sporter back in 2017. In April 2021 Charles Smith Jones revisited the gun for Sporting Gun magazine. He described it as: “a rifle of high quality that remains sensibly priced even when new. Haenel rifles are robust, well made, a pleasure to…
This is the kit you’ll need for going out foxing
When it comes to equipment for foxing, there’s so much conflicting advice around that I thought it would make sense to look at what’s actually used out in the field. In this enterprise I have chosen to focus on four experienced fox shooters, including me, Paul, my usual shooting partner,…
Bergara B-14R .22 rimfire
I really appreciate an accurate .22 rimfire. A popular rifle for vermin control, it deserves to have a bit of thought and money spent on it. Bergara makes superb barrels as well as complete rifles, and has recently branched out into the rimfire market. The Spanish firm is usually known…
Anschütz Model 1761 .22 rimfire
Our verdict on the Anschütz Model 1761 .22 rimfire The 1761 is designed for work. Its Sporter styling and compact credentials suggest its work is primarily vermin, but its match target rifle pedigree also shines through. Styling-wise, Anschütz has opted for function over aesthetics for the Anschütz Model 1761 .22…
Wiehrauch HW66 rimfire rifle
Any airgunner will recognise the name of Wiehrauch, a German company with a deserved reputation for producing a wide range of well-made and accurate air rifles and pistols. Catering for disciplines ranging from serious competition to fun plinking, it has been dominating the market for years. The company’s fortunes have…
Why are super high-powered air rifles growing in popularity? Mat Manning finds out more.
Mat Manning heads to the range with a super-high-power air rifle to see how it compares with his usual fare
Should I get an air rifle or a rimfire?
Air rifle or a rimfire Q: I am thinking of buying an FAC-rated air rifle for pest control. Would this be better than a .22 rimfire? A: I like FAC-rated air rifles for certain pest control duties. They offer a significantly higher energy rating over the legal standard 12ft/lb energy.…
Are pump-action rifles really a valid vermin tool?
Q: I see quite a lot of classic .22 rimfire pump-action rifles at auctions. Are they really a valid vermin tool? A: They certainly are! Your first choice would be a newer bolt-action or semi-automatic rimfire for rabbits, but some older model rimfires are tremendous value for money and have…
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.…