First Rifle

[bigmac 97kt 13,808]

Hw97k, hw97kt, hw100k, hw100kt, bsa scorpion, tx200, prosport, are some of the best and will do the job you need it for ,buy cheep and you buy twice just go for the best on the off and you can get eny of these second hand and apart from the hw100 range you can get them for a good price to atvbmac :thumbs:

[John Stott 202]

Aye lads, Cheers for the welcome. Did anyone check out that link? Any gun available to order. Just don't know what to get really. Might get a PCP but it would have to be a handpump, as its a 90 Mile round trip out to the shop. How are the S200's? Too small, A juniors rifle? I'm a lad of 6ft 2, so I need a rifle that will be comfortable. I'm going to the shop on wednesday to talk to the owner, and see what he recommends for me. On the shooting side, I'm not a bad shot, Cadets shooting team for 5.56 and .22LR. Air rifle's were a bit strange for me to shoot, but I did alright with the BSA Scorpion Cadet. Runs in the family, my dad used to run the ranges up at Caterick ITC.

The S200 gets laughed at and is actually a good rifle. A friend in his eighties uses one for rabbits and loves it, if it is too short a butt pad would answer that. I use the S410 Supalite that is not much longer as a carbine and am only two inches shorter than you ( age shrinkage )

Invest in a bottle and the trip to Lerwick will be an excuse to spend more in the gun shop. Pumping is for fitness freaks and masochists. There might be a way to get it charged at a dive centre or fire station closer to you.

I had a BSA Ultra SE until recently, very accurate to 50 yards in .177 taking pigeons through the head but too light for standing ( for me, it waved around like a fairy wand ) but from a rest deadly.

I admit to not liking springers anymore but realise sometimes they are the best option. As for PCPs you are spoiled for choice nowadays.

[jeppi26 1,855]

Do not under estimate the s200 I loved mine very reliable gun and accurate I ad the 10 shot mag fitted and extra air cylinder for a quick change while I was out if needs be I couldn't fault it all. But then I got a bsa ultra multi shot very light and again accurate but now have the AA s400 not as light as the other two but just as good IMO (apart from the way you have to spin the mag to load the next round into the gun)

[Skot Ruthless Teale 1,701]

Nothing wrong with a hand pump mate if your able bodies. Dont need to be super strong or super fit.

[John Stott 202]

Nothing wrong with a hand pump mate if your able bodies. Dont need to be super strong or super fit.

Able bodied I am, lazy also, and old! Lol!

[John Stott 202]

 

Welcome, I remember it well! ( four years on Unst, rabbit heaven ) I will be honest and tongue in cheek, I have given up on pcps apart from an Air Arms S410 I use around buildings in .22. Too many horror stories to recount.

Have you thought about an FAC and .17hmr?

If Scotland goes all ticket as planned, you might as well increase your range and options for a similar cost.

The Holyrood communists seem hellbent on regulating, the latest BASC survey shows an increase in folk up north considering FAC as a direct result.

Whatever, you decide though, enjoy shooting. It is one place you never want for free meat. I like Air Arms I admit. The little S200 ( actually a CZ ) is a good starter, if you replace the awful plastic bolt handle. Then costs mount up and you may as well look at S400/ S410 territory.

I used a .22 Winchester Highwall in my time up there on open sights, before decent optics were affordable. One thing that put me off springers was the constant wind factor. Cliff top shooting was a pellet nightmare with the wind coming from all directions it makes for difficult shooting conditions. Although it does test your skill!

Thats why if I lived there again I would opt for .17hmr. Flatter trajectory and more stable / predictable with a good range.

 

Whatever you decide though, good luck. You live in a rabbit shooters heaven.

Haha, Constant wind factor, dont you know it. Thats what is putting me off springers as well, Its just I have to drive down to Bigton to get the air for PCP's. Bigton is near Sumburgh, and I live in NorthMavine (Not as far up as Unst tho, Still on Mainland), But I will talk to the lad who owns the shop and see what he recommends.

 

Thats why I suggested .17hmr for you to consider, the cost is similar, range greater and wind less of a worry. I understand some folk do not want a firearm but with Holyrood being what it is it is a big consideration. Heck if Westminster wanted to register sub 12 pounds in England there would be riots ( I hope ) I know ammunition is dearer but just a case of weighing the pros and cons.

There are some very nice second hand .17's from CZ, Winchester and the like.......

[Ollaberry 7]

Is there a license needed for .17HMR? Even if there is, Is it a hard license to get? Will my age be a factor in it? No criminal record so I'm good there. I'm massively leaning towards getting an AA s410, with a handpump (I'm 18, so I should be fit enough to manage it haha)

[Cedric 132]

Firearms certificates can be difficult to get ! Plus you have to fit a permanent gun cabinet and take many more security precautions than for an air rifle. However, there is no harm in trying, your age is fine. If things in Scotland progress towards licencing air rifles you are going to have to do the same anyhow.

[villaman 9,983]

17 HMR to noisy better getting .22live

Edited August 30, 2014 by villaman

[jamesS410 106]

Having looked at your link and seeing what's available personally I think you'd have to be mad to get the xl tactical when its only another £30 for the s200. It has a reputation as a giant killer of a rifle, light weight, accurate and reliable. I know for a fact it would be very high up on my list, if you can get your hands on an s410 for the right money though do it, you won't be disappointed I promise you

[bugg 84]

I can't see the difference wind makes to a springer that it doesn't to a PCP? The effect is the same.... No?

[John Stott 202]

I can't see the difference wind makes to a springer that it doesn't to a PCP? The effect is the same.... No?

True. The winds in Shetland are frankly an enemy of any light pellet or projectile. Hence my belief .17 is the best round for rabbiting there. The nature of the landscape, weather patterns, all contribute to unpredictable shooting there. It is not uncommon for a fifty knot wind to blow for days, given that and the landscape, I would only opt for .17 for the intended purpose.

Some sheltered areas exist where air weapons will be effective though, and if cover is available on an intended shooting ground then it could suit his purpose.

We used to regularly re qualify on 7.62 at Quendale Ranges, even these rounds were badly affected by some of the high winds. They have to be experienced to be believed.

[Ollaberry 7]

As John has quite rightly pointed out, The winds on shetland are hectic at times, blowing 50+ mph, and constantly changing direction. I think I have my heart set on an S410 now, Will get a hand pump to start off with, and progress up to getting a bottle. You have to remember its a 90 mile round trip for me to get anything, Because Ollaberry to Bigton is about 45 miles. Once again guys, cheers for all your help.

[John Stott 202]

As John has quite rightly pointed out, The winds on shetland are hectic at times, blowing 50+ mph, and constantly changing direction. I think I have my heart set on an S410 now, Will get a hand pump to start off with, and progress up to getting a bottle. You have to remember its a 90 mile round trip for me to get anything, Because Ollaberry to Bigton is about 45 miles. Once again guys, cheers for all your help.

Ollaberry, enjoy the S410. It is a fine rifle and I find mine a wonderful tool. Very reliable. Glad you have made a decision as well. Just a last comment if I may, the AA bolt handle is a hideous affair, it works but is yuk!

If you look at Rowan Engineering, they have some nice add ons including a lovely ball to ball bolt handle. It really improves the action and looks, it comes in stainless or black and is very well designed.

Enjoy your shooting.