Tips
Pick the right firearm for the job
Tip from: Charlie Meyer, Otaki Hunting & Fishing
Most poeple associate small game hunting with a .22lr rifle, for very good reason as it has been the most successful calibre for generations but now there are some other options out there worth exploring.
a. .177/.22 cal air rifles - with the invention of high powered air rifles (1000 feet/sec+), now anyone can own a rabbit/possum killer without a licence as long as they are over 18 years of age. Ammo is cheap and it is a great way to get the kids into it. Range out to 40 metres.
b. .22lr Rim fire rifles - by far the most popular firearm. It is usually the first gun anyone buys when they get their licence. Available in bolt action (1 shot at a time) and semi automatic (self loading). Many options of these guns now offer suppressed packages to reduce the noise made by the gun. Range out to 80 metres accurately.
c. 17HMR/17Mach/.22WMR - still rim fire, newer calibre offering more velocity and flatter shooting, giving accuracy out to 150 metres plus. No recoil and still relatively cheap to run compared with centrefire calibres. Great calibre for a shooter who enjoys the challenge of more range.
d. .223rem/.204ruger/22-250 Centrefire rifles - bigger, noisier and ammo is more expensive. Why then you ask? Because if vaporising a rabbit at 300+ metres spins your wheels, then this is where you need to be. Sky is the limit on price but this is how to maximise performance. Range 300+ metres.
a. .177/.22 cal air rifles - with the invention of high powered air rifles (1000 feet/sec+), now anyone can own a rabbit/possum killer without a licence as long as they are over 18 years of age. Ammo is cheap and it is a great way to get the kids into it. Range out to 40 metres.
b. .22lr Rim fire rifles - by far the most popular firearm. It is usually the first gun anyone buys when they get their licence. Available in bolt action (1 shot at a time) and semi automatic (self loading). Many options of these guns now offer suppressed packages to reduce the noise made by the gun. Range out to 80 metres accurately.
c. 17HMR/17Mach/.22WMR - still rim fire, newer calibre offering more velocity and flatter shooting, giving accuracy out to 150 metres plus. No recoil and still relatively cheap to run compared with centrefire calibres. Great calibre for a shooter who enjoys the challenge of more range.
d. .223rem/.204ruger/22-250 Centrefire rifles - bigger, noisier and ammo is more expensive. Why then you ask? Because if vaporising a rabbit at 300+ metres spins your wheels, then this is where you need to be. Sky is the limit on price but this is how to maximise performance. Range 300+ metres.
