Fac options, optimum power and barrel length??

[ol26 2]

I have been looking at getting a new fac air rifle but can't seem to make my mind up! I thought I had settled on a fairly new rapid 12 mk2 but when I went to see it it was unbelievably long and for me would be impractical for the shooting I do.

 

I understand that barrel length is key to power, which leads me on to my next question. How much power is actually needed? The majority of my shooting will be between 15 and 70 yards. I have taken rabbits to 50 with my hw100 in .177 on a quiet day with time to accurately judge the distance and work out the drop. For longer ranges my .17 hmr does the job but can be too loud in some places.

So practically is there that much difference between 25, 30 and 40 ftlb? Trajectory should be flatter if the same weight pellet is used, but in theory you could get away with a lighter pellet?

 

So... What are your views on options for reasonably short fac air rifles and associated compromises to power?

 

I'm confused!!

 

[robwelsh 354]

I know if I ever done a cal swap to .22 I could get 30ft lb out of my mfr, that has 16" barrel. Overall length is about 38" I think?