Air Rifle vs 22 Rim Fire Rifle?

[94BULLITT]

If the scope is mounted on the barrel of a break barrel air rifle the movement of the barrel would not affect accuracy would it?

 

[rmk700]

Seems that some manufacturers, especially those making cheaper break barrel guns, engage in a "fps" (feet per second) velocity race. Some pellet mfgs do the same with their lead-free pellets - hawking the fact that their pellets are faster. No surprise as quite naturally lighter alloy pellets go faster, but that's not necessarily better if accuracy and performance take primacy.

Besides not carrying as much energy downrange, lighter pellets that break the sound barrier (approx. 1,125 fps @ 68F and sea level) are often less accurate due to the instability imparted to the pellet due to the trans-sonic and supersonic shock waves. The pellet will also be nosier as it produces a ballistic crack until it drops below the speed of sound. Oft times a heavier slower pellet (in the range of 900 - 1000 fps or so) will impart more energy to the target and with more accuracy. Common advice is to experiment with different pellets to find one your gun "likes". Unfortunately, as CA and probably more states ban lead, obtaining accurate and efficient pellet and rim fire ammo will likely be more difficult.

bumper

But, common sense tells me that sound is just that 'sound' and has zero impact on actual trajectory.

 

[rmk700]

If the scope is mounted on the barrel of a break barrel air rifle the movement of the barrel would not affect accuracy would it?

I wondered this too, but mine seems to stay sighted in very well.

 

[bumperm]

We have used a .22 for stunning hogs and big beef for slaughter. Modern pellet guns are impressive but if I had a choice I'd never consider using one for this. A good used Marlin model 60 (preferably an older one) would cost you about $125 and last for many years. What do these high powered pellet guns cost? If I had to run for my life I'd want a model 60 and some ammo with me. Happy hunting.

Oh, me too . . . no question.

However, in spite of pellet gun costs (especially PCP or pre-charged pneumatic) that often exceed that of a good rim fire weapon by a good margin, pellet guns still have a place. Significantly cheaper to shoot, readily available ammo (there is no "run" on pellets - for now), and most are a lot quieter than their powder burning brethren, some being even "TV silencer quiet" without the $200 NFA tax stamp and hoops to jump through buying a real suppressor.

In most states there are lots of places where one cannot legally shoot a conventional firearm, under most circumstances anyway (e.g. alongside a rural road in CA would get you it trouble). Many of those same places would otherwise be perfectly legal to shoot a pellet gun. Besides, whether legal or not (and I would not encourage anyone to be a scofflaw :x), one may well go unnoticed shooting a suppressed* pellet gun, even in a small back yard with neighbors nearby. *(Built in, non-NFA suppressor). Caught shooting a firearm in those same areas would have one cited or worse. Note that some communities prohibit shooting air rifles within city limits etc.

bumper

 

[bumperm]

But, common sense tells me that sound is just that 'sound' and has zero impact on actual trajectory.

In this case, common sense might lead a sensible person to an erroneous conclusion. Some understanding of the science and aerodynamics involved may help :c). It has to do with compressability flow, shock waves, buffeting etc, remember when Yeager initially had difficulty flying the X-15 through the "sound barrier"? They had to change the X-15's empennage to an all flying horizontal stab to retain control due to the buffeting. Here's a short easy read and good explanation of why it's better to keep pellets below the speed of sound: Why you DON

bumper

 

[bumperm]

If the scope is mounted on the barrel of a break barrel air rifle the movement of the barrel would not affect accuracy would it?

No. And a "scout scope", or one for use on pistols, would have long enough eye relief to work in that application. But you'll want to make sure the scope is recommended for use on a spring powered air gun.

bumper

 

[ultrarunner]

A friend brought a .177 Gamo Big Cat 1250 Air Rifle with 4 x 32 Rifle Scope to the ranch... it's a breach made in Spain I think...

So far it was not impressive.

 

[94BULLITT]

A friend brought a .177 Gamo Big Cat 1250 Air Rifle with 4 x 32 Rifle Scope to the ranch... it's a breach made in Spain I think...

So far it was not impressive.

Why was it not impressive?

 

[ultrarunner]

The squirrels went down and then got back up, gave the finger and scampered off... at least it sure looked like we were getting flipped off... ;-)

Range about 25 yards...

 

[94BULLITT]

The squirrels went down and then got back up, gave the finger and scampered off... at least it sure looked like we were getting flipped off... ;-)

Range about 25 yards...

That is pretty weak.