Air rifle pest control is the use of specialised, high-accuracy air guns to humanely manage vermin like rats, pigeons, rabbits, and squirrels at close range (typically under 35 meters). Often used in sensitive areas like farms, gardens, or barns due to their low noise, high precision, and reduced risk of ricochet compared to firearms.

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Key Aspects of Air Rifle Pest Control:

• Target Species: Generally used for vermin such as rats, grey squirrels, rabbits, stoats, mink, and certain bird species (under general license).

• Equipment: Modern pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles are favoured for their low recoil and accuracy, often fitted with silencers to minimize disturbance.

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• Effective Range: Usually limited to short distances, with most operators focusing on targets within 30 to 40 meters to ensure a clean, ethical kill.

• Calibre: Commonly .22 (heavier impact) or .177 (higher velocity) caliber pellets are used.

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• Legality & Safety: In the UK, air rifles for pest control must generally be under 12 ft-lbs of muzzle energy to be held without a firearm certificate (FAC). The use of a safe, solid backstop is crucial, and it is illegal to shoot within 50 feet of a public highway. 

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Common Equipment Used

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• PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic): These use a high-pressure air reservoir to fire multiple shots with virtually no recoil, making them the most accurate choice for precision pest control.

• Spring-Powered (Break Barrel): Simple, reliable, and self-contained, though they have more recoil than PCP models.

• Calibres:

  • .177 Calibre: High velocity and a flat trajectory, ideal for longer-distance precision shots.

  • .22 Calibre: Heavier pellets with more "knock-down" power, often preferred for larger pests like rabbits at closer ranges.

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