One gun or two?

[Gimli 0]

I'm about to get some rifle shooting lessons and then apply for my FAC (I've already got an SGC).

 

I want to get a rifle to shoot rabbits and muntjac on two of the farms where I have permission. The farms have already been checked by the firearms oficer in the area, who gave them the OK for using rifles to shoot pests species.

 

My local gunseller advised me to get a .17 for the rabbits and a .223 for the muntjac. But I'd rather have one gun for both - is this feasible or will whatever I get for muntjac so damage rabbits that there won't be anything left?

 

Any advice about the right gun and right calibre gratefully accepted.

[Mr_Logic 5]

Do you have anything bigger than the muntjac to shoot? You might be better off with 243 if so.

 

However, assuming it's just bunnies and munties, you can do that with 223 only. Get some el-cheapo ammo for the bunnies and away you go.

 

223 is a bit louder than 17HMR though, but if you're away from people that won't matter.

[Gimli 0]

Great, thanks for that.

 

Although there are Roe in the area, I've never seen one on my permissions and the farmers have only mentioned me getting rid of rabbits and munties if I get my FAC.

 

So a decent .223 with, as you say, lighter ammo for rabbits sounds amuch better bet than having to buy 2 rifles and lug both around.

[doyler 0]

THERE WONT BE A WHOLE LOT OF THAT RABBIT LEFT AFTER A 223 ROUND HITS EM

[Yokel Matt 918]

IMHO one rifle won't work mate, especially it you want your rabbits for the table. While .17 HMR is a great cal i'd go for a .22 with a sound mod and get a .243 centerfire for the bigger stuff. Ammo for both is cheep and inherently accurate.

[doyler 0]

Agree 22 lr with moderator cz is very good in 22 and win 223 that what i have you wont go far wrong cheers

[SNAP SHOT 194]

Agree 22 lr with moderator cz is very good in 22 and win 223 that what i have you wont go far wrong cheers

 

i agree with the two gun approach, also. either .17 hmr or .22lr and a .243 for the simple reason that you can take any species of deer plus fox. keep your options open if you know what i mean.

[Mr_Logic 5]

Get a 22 maybe, but believe you me, if you get the right 223 ammo and put it in the right place, the resulting rabbit will definitely be fit for the table.

[scotlandforever 0]

or why bot go a way that you haven't thought of get your fac for a 223 for your muntjac and then for rabbits buy an airrfile you could take alot of rabbits with a decent air rifle.

 

or even get your self a ferret and some nets and you could really put a dent in the population and these two methods would leave the rabbits absolutely fine for the table .

 

Just another way around your problem hope it help

 

Jason

[Guest JohnGalway]

Agree 22 lr with moderator cz is very good in 22 and win 223 that what i have you wont go far wrong cheers

 

i agree with the two gun approach, also. either .17 hmr or .22lr and a .243 for the simple reason that you can take any species of deer plus fox. keep your options open if you know what i mean.

 

I'm with the guy with the grenade launcher in his avatar

[SportingShooter 0]

I am going to jump on the two rifle bandwagon aswell.

 

I think that to shoot one rifle for both is asking a bit much as the larger quarry will be fine but when it comes to shooting Rabbits with a .223 then things may get messy.

 

I would go for a .22LR and Mod with either a .223 or .243 for Munties.

 

Just my two bob worth.

 

Regards

SS

[mattydski 560]

I'm in the two rifle camp as well. Depending on range i would reccomend .22lr and .243 for larger species. If range is a consideration, consider the .17HMR. Cost is also a matter to consider. .22LR is just about the cheapest round on the planet. So if range is not a consideration .22lr all the way.

Matt

[comanche 3,302]

223?usable but probably a bit too much gun and a bit limiting as reguards noise ,backstops and range for regular bunny bashing . . So as people are saying ,a .22 rim -fire with sub-sonics for the rabbits. Bruno bolt would be my choice and it would not cause familiarity problems when you picked -up your bigger tool for deer- shooting.Might as well go for a 243 simply because (as Snap shot said,"keep your options open.")you may well end up having oppertunities to shoot deer other than muntjac or in other parts of the country in the future.

[Deker 3,491]

A one gun answer would have to be .223.

 

If you are going 2 guns it would be .22LR, and for what you suggest .223 (or .243 if you want a bit of future proofing)

[dickyboy 1]

i'd go 22 and 243 as if there are roe in the area, and you do a good job on reducing the munties then roe willl move in as its the munties that keep them off the land as they are both aggresive species competing for similar food and habitats!

 

get a 243 to do both also 223 ammo will dent your wallet when shooting alot of rabbits!