Compo21 27 Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 I've just recently turnt 21 and want to make the next step in shooting I have been shooting shotguns for around 5 years now and want to move onto a a rifle, What would you guys recommend me getting will be using it for shooting rabbits so a 22? Cheers Compo21 Quote Link to post
shropshire dan 467 Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Yeah .22lr is very effective against rabbits very quiet using subs and with good practice can reach out to 120 yards with subs on a still day. I have taken fox out to 60 yards also with the .22. Other option is a .17hmr know where near as quiet and alot more expensive to feed but is a fast little round. In my personal opinion the .22lr is my 1st choice for rabbits, I've had a hmr and liked it but prefer the .22. Quote Link to post
Compo21 27 Posted March 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Cheers for the advice mate I'll look into it Quote Link to post
maktayla 50 Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Hi Compo I agree with Dan. .22lr is a perfect little bunny buster and very quiet and cheap to run. Have you done any rifle shooting, including air rifle? 1 Quote Link to post
Compo21 27 Posted March 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Hi maktayla, I've done plenty of air rifle shooting and have shot a 22 rim fire on a few occasions Quote Link to post
Deker 3,491 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Who knows the specifics of your land etc., but a .22lr is useful for most. As its your first application add the HMR as well, and moderators for both. It will not cost anymore and you will have the life of your FAC to buy the HMR if you want. Quote Link to post
Compo21 27 Posted March 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Okay thanks mate, I've got a massive farm to shoot on so will be big enough to cover a 22lr a friend has a 243 on this peice of land Quote Link to post
Tremo 138 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Okay thanks mate, I've got a massive farm to shoot on so will be big enough to cover a 22lr a friend has a 243 on this peice of land It might be worth requesting a slot for a small centrefire (.222, .223), if your FEO will allow, even though you might not be using it straight away. This sport gets a grip of you very quickly and before you know it you will be wanting to move on from rabbits. Whenever you apply for your grant and/or variations always try to best-guess what your requirements may be for the future. This will save you cash and additional waiting times on application processing. Quote Link to post
Alsone 789 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Not the greatest fan of .22 LR because of it's tendency to ricochet, but it's unbeatable as a quiet bunny gun (nothing quieter) and they're dirt cheap to run. That's why it's probably still the world's most popular calibre. That said, if you have a large piece of land, consider the ranges you'll be shooting at carefully before making a decision as one of the .17's may be more appropriate ie HMR or even hornet. It's all going to depend on the range. Also be aware on the flip side, that the more powerful you go, the more meat you damage (so you need to head shoot to eat with a .17), and the more expensive the ammo. .17 HMR is not without some ammo issues. Quote Link to post
maktayla 50 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Okay thanks mate, I've got a massive farm to shoot on so will be big enough to cover a 22lr a friend has a 243 on this peice of land It might be worth requesting a slot for a small centrefire (.222, .223), if your FEO will allow, even though you might not be using it straight away. This sport gets a grip of you very quickly and before you know it you will be wanting to move on from rabbits. Whenever you apply for your grant and/or variations always try to best-guess what your requirements may be for the future. This will save you cash and additional waiting times on application processing. He's right Compo. I made the mistake of not getting a centrefire on my grant and it wasnt long after I had my certificate I wished I had. Quote Link to post
Compo21 27 Posted March 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Thanks for the advise guys I think it will be worth applying for a higher calibre as I do want to move onto shooting foxes and muntjac, had my first fox in September with the my friends 243 out lamping and a muntjac the following morning. Quote Link to post
shropshire dan 467 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 .22-250 for fox it's an absolutely awesome round. Got rid of my .243 and replaced it with my old .22-250 no regrets lol. Also apparently very good on deer aswel Quote Link to post
maktayla 50 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Thanks for the advise guys I think it will be worth applying for a higher calibre as I do want to move onto shooting foxes and muntjac, had my first fox in September with the my friends 243 out lamping and a muntjac the following morning. Have a chat with your FEO mate and see what he says. I would definately go for the .22LR and a centrefire. If you like the .243, ask him about it. You may end up with a mentoring condition but if your mate can do that then your laughing. Friend of mine was granted a .308 on his first application so a .243, or as Tremo stated, a .222 or .223 might be worth you considering. Quote Link to post
Compo21 27 Posted March 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 Cheers for the advice everyone been really helpful! I shall talk to my FAO within the next few weeks and ask him about it Quote Link to post
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.