I was amazed to see big game being shot with an airgun when doing some random search on the net. Did any of you know this was possible or have any experience? The first reaction I got was to call it a stupid stunt, but most people called bowhunting/handgun hunting a stunt when they first emerged...
http://ns.connext.net/~daq/hunting.html
http://www.mdrusa.net/nothing_but_air.htm

The specialised type of airgun presented seems to make the feat similar to shooting these animals with a .22 Magnum or .22 Hornet, still incredible, but they could just stalk up close and shoot with a bow or handgun......

I have not checked the links, but remember that at one time the Swiss had an "air rifle" as their issue service rifle...it was seen as a better alternative to the muzzleloaders of the era...

Regards,

Pete

[ 09-15-2003, 15:57: Message edited by: Pete E ]

There are such airguns perfectly capable of taking large game. Lewis and Clark had an airgun for elk with them. They ain't great, but they work. Large caliber airguns and airshotguns have been around for two centuries more or less.

Brent

Looks a little silly to me, but who am I to judge?

I do a lot of Bow hunting, and personally I would rather be carring my Bow. Just my 2 cents.

I�ve taken small game with a small air rifle (Career II 707 .22). I see no reason not to take larger game with a larger air rifle as long as you know the limitations of the gun.

I don't have his link with me, but I shot with guy at the range the other night who had a "PCP": Pre-Charged Pneumatic air rifle.

His name is "Barnes", he makes them and he was range testing his newest. I was amazed.

It shot a .45 slug and was so loud, hearing protection was required. I had read about PCP's before, but didn't realize the possibilities. His was shooting groups of about two or three inches at 75 yards. He didn't mention the velocity, but did say it delivered 450 ft.lbs. and that he had killed a boar with his other one.

VERY serious air rifle.

EDITED to add:
I have a Beeman R-10 in 5mm. IIRC, the MV was supposed to be close to 900 fps. For shooting anything larger than a squirrel, I would most closely compare this rifle to a hypodermic needle. While penetration is pretty good, trauma surrounding the wound is minimal. I have shot and killed a half dozen groundhogs with it, but a head shot is mandatory and placement should be guided by CAT scan for the necessary precision.

[ 09-16-2003, 17:39: Message edited by: eshell ]

450 ft-lbs is not very much energy. if he is saying that the muzzle energy is 450, then at 75 yards he must just barely be getting the bullet there. i think the energy would be way too low to be trying to kill something of any size at all.

Their 50 cal. Bandit sends a 180 grain ball out the muzzle at just over 800 ft/sec so that would probably hurt something.

Here's the link I mentioned above:
Barnes Pneumatic Rifles