Permissions in place advice needed!

[scrogger]

Hi folks

Not done any shooting for years and years but I have just been given permission by a local land owner to bag a few rabbits and pigeons etc.

My dilemas are.

I have a really old air rifle that I have from when I was about 20 (so about 10 yrs ago )
its got quite a kick still but looks terrible and could do with a service, would this be the way to go?. Or should I get a new more modern rifle (budget about £150 to £200) and if so what sort would be the best for a beginner (ish).

I do shoot with Scouts etc but not at things that move!!

any help appreciated.

cheers

Andy

[welshwhit]

Why not take it into a local gunsmiths and ask them if its worth servicing it?

They can advise you then on your options, if the rifle hasn't been used for a good length of time, then a new spring may be in order, and they can sort it out for you.

Local clubs are often a great place to look for second hand rifles as are a couple of online forums, I can PM you a link if needed.

Local gunclubs also usually have someone 'in the know' or recomend someone to look at the rifle for you.

Whats the make /model?

Hope thats some help

Drew

[MartiniDave]

Most of my rifles are older than that, one of them is getting on for 30, and they are still just fine.
Google "airgunbbs" and be ready to spend a good few hours reading.
Most spring rifles are really pretty easy to work on and you really DON'T need to spend a fortune on special tuning kits.

Fill us in on make and model of your gun and I'll see what help/advice I can offer.

Dave

PS- You are fairly close to Wighill Park Guns, they have a pretty good reputation in the airgunning community.

[SMOKOE]

Ask your local gunsmith to chrono it ; see what it's knocking out ; if it's about 11 ft lbs and it's accurate it'll be fine.

[Broch]

I still use a BSA that is over 20 years old. Don't worry about what the outside looks like - the scruffier the better when you're crawling around in the muck. Get a good gun cleaning kit (I'm assuming it's .22) and make sure the bore is relatively clean. You should consider a new spring or an air spring for it - if it's been lying around it won't be full power, and a new barrel seal. An air spring is quieter than a steel one.

On a personal note, despite being a 'good' shot, I would never shoot at a moving target with an air rifle; a clean kill should not be subjet to luck but I supect what you meant was 'live' targets.

Cheers,

Broch