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Pellet Guns?

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Ben:
Any of you guys have pellet guns? I'm wanting to get one to stop a gopher invasion in the backyard*. I would use my .22, but the direction is too iffy for potential ricochets.

I haven't had one since I was a kid and don't know what to look for in modern air guns. I want something better than my old Crossman 760, but I'm seeing some of these dang things go for as much as $600! For this under 25 yards plinking from the porch rocking chair, I was thinking no more than $100. Is that possible for something that will kill gopher sized varmints? I think I've got an old .22 scope sitting around to use for my old eyes, though I don't know mounting options on modern air rifles. I see some of them come with scope included. Maybe that's easier?

*Obviously I'm using traps as my main plan of attack. This is just something fun to keep next to me if I'm hanging out on the porch and happen to see one pushing dirt up.

Nick1911:
I'll be following this topic too.  From what I've heard, cheap pellet guns were just a mess - all over the place accuracy wise.  I'm not sure how true that is.

When I was a kid, we settled on super colibri 22 rounds for that purpose.

Ben:
I saw this one at Sportsmans Warehouse:

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/air-guns-blowguns/air-guns/crosman-benjamin-prowler-22-caliber-black-air-rifle/p/1693797

cordex:
I've been thinking about one as well.  I'm interested to see what you figure out.

dogmush:
I just went over and checked the pellet gun I use for pigeon control at the shop.  It's a Gamo Big Cat 1200. https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/gamo-big-cat-1200-air-rifle-break-barrel-177-caliber-4x32mm-scope-1-round-refurbished?a=2099038

It works well enough on pigeon, even the big dock fed ones we get here.  I can make 25-30 yd shots with it, but you'll need to learn holds for that far. (or zero there).  Mine will drop 2 in or so in 25 yds.  It also rarely gives a clean one shot kill, even though I have enough power for to go through a some of the birds.  I think, unless you hit the brain, a DRT shot is asking a lot for a .177 pellet.

I found while on pigeon duty that it was vitally important to get the expensive, pointed "hunting" pellets.  The regular flat nosed ones won't penetrate feathers. (dunno about gopher fur.)  If your gophers are bigger than a big pigeon, or medium seagull, I don't think an airgun is what you are looking for.

It looks like Gamo renamed it in the decade or so I've had it.  This seems to be the current version: https://www.gamousa.com/product/varmint-177-cablier-break-barrel-air-rifle/

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