Shotgun Query

[19powell90 89]

Hey lads, i have a permission which is basically a persons garden but is surrounded by fields and very thick with trees and have a big problem with rabbits but also alot of squirrels, now after being there a few times with the air rifles we are able to pop off 2 or 3 but then they dart to the trees and disappear all day.

 

But they do run across the ground very often and don't stop therefore making it extremely difficult for a shot with an air rifle, and i saw a video the other day where they were hunting squirrels with a shotgun and this had never occurred to me.

 

so my question is, is it legal to use a shotgun in a place like this ( it would be silenced - maybe a hushpower ) i do not own a hushpower, i own a lanber 12g O/U, but if i were to purchase one which would be better all round for rabbits,squirrels,pigeons at close quarters where it is safe to do so .410, 20g or 12g?

 

scott

[SportingShooter 0]

Yes it is legal so long as the following is complied with to the best of my knowledge,

 

The shot takes place more than 50ft away from the centre of any highway or if it is closer than 50ft must not endanger or interfere with anyone using that highway,

 

The shot must land on the same ground that you have permission to shoot on.

 

Are there other properties nearby? Are the neighbours approachable?

 

I personally would resort to traps in that situation if there are houses and things nearby.

[19powell90 89]

Yes it is legal so long as the following is complied with to the best of my knowledge,

 

The shot takes place more than 50ft away from the centre of any highway or if it is closer than 50ft must not endanger or interfere with anyone using that highway,

 

The shot must land on the same ground that you have permission to shoot on.

 

Are there other properties nearby? Are the neighbours approachable?

 

I personally would resort to traps in that situation if there are houses and things nearby.

 

Cheers mate. There are no visible houses nearby from the garden and all shots would be towards the ground or place with a suitable backstop, will have a think about.

 

Thanks again

 

Scott

[jackinbox99 41]

I wouldnt see any problem with this. With regards to guns, a hushpower would be the obvious choice. One thing I would say, is that ive noticed with my hushpower that if im near a built up area (trees, hedges, sheds or a barn) then the sound it makes is significantly more than if im in the middle of a field. It would certainly be louder than a PCP. So might be worth checking one out before you purchase.

 

With regards to size... I went for the .410, I also went for the mossberg pump action, as I figured if im shooting bolting rabbits or anything which is moving then it would be handy to have more than just the 1 shot you get from the single barrel hushpowers. Looking back now, id probably opt for the 12bore version instead of the .410 version. Simply because the ammo is cheaper and it would give me a bit more flexibility. That said, the .410 mossberg is a cracking little gun. No recoil, and keeps its value well.

[Dan_Mercian 27]

As above, .410 mossberg 500 hushpower, CRACKING gun for close range rabbits and squirrels! and quiet, (doesnt sound too quiet when your shooting it but stand a bit away from the shooter and you'll appreciate how quiet it is)