http://imageevent.com/varmintair/videos?p=69&n=1&m=-1&c=4&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=2

As in all disciplines of airgunning, it is the accuracy that counts. With a good rest, a brief comment about the wind, and a target of opportunity, this air gun hunter enjoys a shot at a resting groundsquirrel at a measured 59 yards. In the slow motion replay, you can watch the pellet home in on the killzone, which isn't much more than an inch or so in size.

Can you make that shot? The way to find out is to simply try it on a target, and realize that keeping your shots in the desired killzone is a matter of technique and practice, practice, practice. My rule of thumb is an 80% success rate, or 4 out of 5 shots, in a 1" area before I'll take the shot at a live animal in the field. This urges me to practice and become a better shot, and also serves to hone my stalking skills so that I can get within an effective range that I am comfortable with.

I was pleased to try out a prototype of the Benjamin Discovery, and have since had a production model go through my hands on its way to a new owner as well. It's a handsome gun, light, yet powerful and effective on small game.  Be sure to view Airgun Depot's video on the Discovery, as well as my review of the prototype.

And price? Once again, you can't beat the price on the Discovery. There isn't another PCP airgun on the market that gives you the bang for your buck that the Discovery does. So grab one, practice, and send us a pic or video of what you can hit at 59+ yards with an airgun! 

Here is a link to the PDF file that addresses the issue:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/docs/LeadInformation.pdf

If you'll take a look on page three, you will see that airguns are exempt from this ban as they are not considered firearms by the laws of California. The PDF file referenced specifically states that airguns and their projectiles are exempt from this ban. This is good news for those of you who use airguns in the area affected by this ban. However, I would caution you to carry a copy of the PDF file (print it out for yourself) so that any over-zealous official who may jump to a conclusion not specified by this new law can be corrected before costly fines and court procedures come about.

For many hunters, this law will adversely affect their sport and enjoyment of the outdoors. However, if you hunt with an airgun, you still have the ability to get out and enjoy some prime ground squirrel hunting this summer without fear of the lead ban affecting you. But as mentioned, carry the information detailed in the above link in case you are stopped by a game warden or other law enforcement official and questioned about the use of your lead pellets. Fore-warned is fore-armed! 

Gamo has produced a series of animal silhouettes to liven up the down time some of us experience when we can't get out into the field. Also, these silhouettes will make your Field Trial practice more enjoyable as you can change what animal you wish to shoot at. (Note: This set is not interchangeable with the old squirrel target, but will interchange with the newer squirrel target that is available since March of 2008).

The advantage that this set of silhouettes has over other versions is that you can change the size of the kill zone. Once you've mastered hitting the largest killzone available, you can then reduce the size to sharpen your ability by using the bullseye reducer to go to the next smaller size. There are 4 reducers, so you can work on your marksmanship at 4 different levels of difficulty. These silhouettes are made to be used at the 25-yard mark or further out, and remember that lead pellets are the only suitable ammo for shooting at these targets. BB's are steel, and they will ricochet with undesired results, so keep safety in mind and use the appropriate ammo for this discipline.

If you've already bought one of the new squirrel targets, you can vary the animal shape by using one of the six others included in this item:  pigeon, pig, turkey, rooster, rabbit, or ram. These targets are made of a solid metal alloy, and should provide hours of fun for young and old alike.

So if you have aspirations of competing in Field Trial Events, this set will allow you lots of practice time on different-sized targets. It will help you gauge range to the target, and keep you from getting in a rut by shooting at only one shape. The varying difficulty levels will keep you in shooting shape for your next pursuit. So click on the links above and check out this new offering from Gamo. 

PCP airguns use a reservoir of pressure for their power source. And if you are shooting an unregulated PCP, then your  gun will have what is called a "sweet spot" in the bell curve of the fill pressure. For instance, I have a PCP gun that fills to 3000 psi. The first 5 or 6 shots of the fill are slower because the pressure in the tube is slightly greater than what the ideal pressure is for the valve to close the same speed each time, thus allowing the same amount of air through for each shot. As the fill pressure nears the "sweet spot", the velocity goes up and is constant for a series of shots. And eventually, the velocity begins to slow down as the pressure is less than is optimum for repeatable performance from the valve.

How do I know this? I tested the gun over a chronograph. It shows me where in the shot count I should be able to expect repeatable performance for a known pellet weight, for a known number of shots. This is especially crucial to the competitor, and it also has a use for the hunter as well. Competitors need to know that their shots will go exactly where they want it to in order to score well. Hunters need to know the limits of their gun, how many shots they have to bag the game, and how powerful the gun is to begin with.

With a chronograph, you can measure the speed of the pellet, plug it in to a ballistic calculator and find the footpounds of energy your gun delivers. And the level of energy is different with each kind of pellet due to the different weights they are offered in by the manufacturers. Knowing that your airgun puts out 30 fpe, you can feel confident in taking that shot at a groundhog. If your airgun is putting out 6 fpe, you need to pass on the groundhog and get a more powerful airgun.

I often cringe when I hear politicians and gun control proponents claiming that an airgun shooting an 8 grain pellet approaches the power of a .45 caliber centerfire cartridge because it shoots as fast. All they looked at was the velocity. If velocity killed, then we'd all be dead because we are bombarded each day with rays of light that are going at almost inconceivable speeds. It is a combination of the weight of a projectile, coupled with the velocity, that gives it the power to harm. And there is a world of difference between an 8 grain pellet and a 200+ grain bullet!

Chronographs work by measuring the shadow of a projectile as it passes over the sensors. The best way to get a good measurement is to make sure you have an adequate light source (don't use fluorescent bulbs....the flicker they give off makes it impossible to use them with a chronograph) and that you shoot your gun from a common distance each time. This can be done inside if you have room and an adequate backstop, or outside. I've found cloudy days to be especially useful when shooting outside. The clouds diffuse the direct sunlight, and you get some very good readings. If shooting inside, you need to position lights over the sensors, and often need to place diffuser panels between the light and the sensor itself. Take a look at the chronograph selection and you will see some examples of different chronographs, the diffusers, and some light sources.

So use a chronograph for research, honing your skill, and determining the power level of your gun. But be careful....you can get addicted to your chronograph, and you will become a slave to it. I use my chronograph to check my gun's performance if I haven't shot it for some time, to remind myself of a particular pellet's performance from that particular gun, and to test new equipment. But I don't live behind one, and neither should you. So go enjoy your air gun shooting! 

http://www.network54.com/Forum/414006/

In the interest of full disclosure, this is a forum that I own and run. The reason I make reference to it here is that Airgun Depot is one of the sponsors, indirectly, of this forum, providing me assistance and air guns to use and comment on. This help is invaluable to the members and visitors of this forum, as we can actually test a gun rather than rely on the manufacturer's claims about the performance a gun puts out.

The forum is heavily moderated, and the rules help keep things polite, while leaving room for honest opinions to differ. But the main appeal to this forum is the dissemination of information to the hunting public about what can be accomplished with an airgun. You'll find advice on ammo, guns, places to hunt, how to approach land owners about using their property.....just lots of useful information.

You'll also find that there are several younger hunters just starting out in the world of airgun hunting, and many of the members take time to give sage advice, as well as encouragement to our younger members. Several members have taken big game with airguns, and we all have a great time competing against each other in trying to see who can eradicate the most starlings from our respective areas!

A big thank you goes out to Airgun Depot for their support of this forum, and for their contribution to the airgun world. They offer great service, a great selection of quality airguns, and one of the best retail websites that is both interesting to visit and purchase from. So take some time, drop by the hunting forum at the above URL, and then drop by Airgun Depot for the items you need to join the airgun hunting forum as a contributing member. We look forward to hearing from you. 

There is of course, the hunting discipline that so many enjoy. However, not everyone is inclined to shoot animals, but that doesn't mean that you can't hunt anyway. Here's an example:

Next to my property is a large drainage ditch. It serves to funnel water away from the higher ground and fields behind my property (which are rapidly turning into subdivisions). An activity I enjoy doing with my kids is to take our pellet guns and "stalk" the cans and debris that litter the ditch after every rain. Once a can or piece of trash is suitably ventilated with pellet holes, we pick it up and put it in our trash bag. Sometimes we have slowly moving targets, if the wind is blowing, of a piece of paper or plastic sack caught on a bush. Needless to say, opportunities for shooting abound.

This idea can be transferred to the lake when you pick up debris along the shore, in ditches alongside country roads, any place that needs a little litter control. The kids love it, and getting to pop a can or bottle, then picking it up and properly disposing of it, is a great combination of shooting skills and environmental awareness.

Another game that you can play with your kids is to enjoy a game of tic-tac-toe. I make targets with the tic-tac-toe frame printed on the paper. I also include a large bullseye, and a smaller bullseye. My kids have to hit the larger target to claim the square, and I have to hit the smaller bullseye to claim my square. It is challenging, fun, and the kids get a big kick out of beating old Dad at a game that is older than dirt! You can make the targets yourself using several different kinds of computer programs, and a handy box stuffed with rags or a dirt bank serves as a handy backdrop. This game can even be played inside with lower-power air guns.

Balloons are popular targets, especially for younger kids. A good reactive target is always a winner with the younger crowd. Blow them up, attach them to a good backstop, and let those little ones enjoy themselves. And for the grownups.....set them out about 75 to 100 yards and test your skills with a little more challenging distance involved. You'll find yourself jumping and giving high fives just like a kid again when you hit a 100 yards target with an airgun!

So use your imagination, come up with a game or activity that allows you to shoot and shoot often, involve the kids and the rest of the family, and you'll have a wonderful time that builds memories and hones skills, all at the same time.  

There are several kinds of forums out there. Some are general info, others are personal in nature and are little more than blogs of an individual's air gun usage. But you can learn something from all of them in you take the time to peruse through the contents. You'll need to take some of the commetns by forum members with a grain of salt, but you'll still learn quickly enough who knows what they are talking about.

Some of the things I've learned over the years just reading on the net are:

 1. Speed isn't everything! Accuracy is!

 2. Yes, there are air guns bigger than .177 and .22

 3. So that's what parallax really means! Now I understand!

 4. Starlings really are hated by just about everybody who shoots an airgun.

 5. English sparrows run a close second to starlings on the hate meter!

 6. Pigeons are rats with wings.

 7. CO2 may have been around for awhile as a propellant, but it still does amazing things in the right gun!

 8. Spring-piston airguns CAN be accurate.....you just need to learn how to shoot them.

 9. You really can hunt big game with an airgun. You just need enough air gun.

10. I can outshoot some of my rimfire friends with my airguns! It really bugs them!

11. I can, with enough time, take my airgun apart and put it back together....and it will still work.

12. There are magicians out there....we call them tuners....who can make my airgun shoot totally different than it does in stock form.

And the list goes on.....you just have to read and experiment.

Another great benefit of hanging out on the forums is that you learn who to trust, and who is blowing smoke out their ear. And the deals you can find by buying used airguns can allow one to build up a collection that simply can't be done any more economically.  

So take some time and hang out on a forum or two. There are specific forums for hunting, target shooting, competition, and general information on how to build your own air gun as well. So take advantage of what is out there and learn more about airguns. It's great fun, and you'll meet some wonderful folks. 

Gun case

Cleaning supplies

Ammo pouch

Sling

Chronograph 

Targets

Target trap or backstop

CO2 powerlets (for CO2 guns)

Scope and mounts

I've been guilty of buying a gun, going home to shoot it, and after my initial session of shooting with it, realizing that I don't have a way of wiping it down to protect the finish (I need a cleaning rag!) Then when I try and put it up for the evening, I don't have a place for it to go (I need a gun case!) If I go hunting tomorrow, where am I going to carry my ammo? (I need an ammo pouch!) I wonder how much power my gun is delivering, and if it is powerful enough for my intended prey? (I need a chronograph!) I really need to sight it in before I go out with it tomorrow into the field (I need some targets!) I can probably do some more shooting in the garage tonight after supper. (I need a backstop!) Uh-oh....I used up all my CO2. I need more gas for my gun! (I need more CO2 powerlets, or a bulk-fill system to allow me to shoot more!)

See? There's lots of "stuff", extra gear, that can enhance your shooting pleasure. If you drop by the home page of Airgun Depot and click on the "airgun accessories" tab on the left, you'll see many of the things we just discussed above, listed for your convenience. You can click on each category in this section and find the extra things you just have to have!

Be safe, and introduce someone else to the great sport of airgunning! 

First and foremost, I believe that scopes make me a better shooter. At my age (early 40's), and with my history of vision problems, a scope simply makes sense. And if I have a gun that allows it, you will find a scope on that particular gun. That is because fewer things thrill me more than being able to hit the target I'm shooting at, be it a spinner, paper target, or live game animal or pest. I want to hit that target.

Because I use a scope more often than not, I am more conscious of the movement my body makes as I sight in on my target. Small things like breath control, muscle relaxation, and eye position behind the scope become very important all of a sudden. It's not that I don't pay attention to these things when I'm using open sights, but when I look through a scope, I see the effect all these things have on the wandering crosshairs of my scope. I don't see this as much when shooting open sights. I sort of like to be able to call my shot into the "O" in Coke on the aluminum can, rather than just hitting the can itself someplace. Likewise, when targeting a squirrel, I can call the shot into a specific place, rather than just hitting the squirrel somewhere.

When I shoot an open-sight gun, and I have a few, I can't quite call the shots as accurately as I can when using a scope. Part of it is my eyesight simply isn't up to the challenge of being that precise. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy my open-sight guns, but I sometimes hesitate to take a shot that, if I had a scope on the gun, I would normally take. It all comes down to being sure of the shot placement on the target.

I've met some truly wonderful shots in my time shooting airguns, and some of them have made some incredible shots with both types of sighting systems. Most of the target shooters in competition today will spend nearly as much, if not more, on a quality scope than they will spend on the airgun they choose to use. The sighting system is that important!  Likewise, I know hunters that always bring home game with an open sight airgun. They are accustomed to, and know how to use, the system that works on their gun.

One advantage you will find open sight shooters enjoying is the quick target acquisition when in the field. This isn't such a concern for the target shooter, but hunters often find it handy to be able to quickly draw down on their prey, getting in a good quality shot before the target gets nervous enough to head for cover or fly away.

If you have several airguns, try a comparison yourself. Take two of your guns out, one of each kind, and start shooting them side-by-side. The advantages and disadvantages of each system is quickly noticed, and it is up to you, the shooter, to decide what works best for you. And be sure to fill up your target, ammo, and optics needs by checking out the great bargains available here at Airgun Depot. 

The .177 caliber pellet gun is sleek, with a trigger that is nicely adjustable. As it comes from the factory, it is already very light. To someone like me, who mostly hunts with airguns, it is plenty light already. But for target shooters, the ability to adjust it to your personal preference is a welcome feature.

Russia makes some fine pellet guns, and the IZH-46M is an example of their manufacturing expertise. The grips on the gun are well-thought out, giving support to the thumb and palm of the firing hand. The barrel is rifled, giving remarkable accuracy.

To load the 46M, grasp the cocking handle and open it forward, towards the muzzle of the gun, until the loading port pops open. The gun will not allow air to enter through the bypass until the loading port is opened. Return the cocking handle to the closed position. Load the pellet, close the port, and you are ready to fire.

The accuracy of the IZH-46M is well-known. However, I am not a target shooter, and my feeble efforts at shooting this fine pistol accurately leave something to be desired! There is a reason I don't enter the online target tournaments! I'd be too embarassed!

For the best results while shooting at a paper target, be sure to use a quality wadcutter or target round. They have a flat nose that provides a clear-cut round hole, easy to score. And the target paper itself is important, as well. You want paper that is somewhat stiffer than plain paper. Quality targets have paper that is stiffer, resulting in clearer hole-punching by the wadcutter commonly used for competition.

The pellets of target-quality air guns don't move fast. They aren't meant to.....they are optimized for accuracy, and slower speeds aid in this effort. The IZH-46M will generate around 450 fps depending on the weight of the .177 pellet. If you need, this little gun will do double-duty for small avian pests around the house, but refrain from trying to take bigger game such as squirrels or rabbits. There are other choices available to you for such endeavors.

Airgun Depot has the IZH-46M listed at just over $300. When you stop and consider that the next best airgun that is capable of competing against it runs closer to $800, you begin to see the value offered by this pistol. So if you have a hankering for some target shooting and competition, you can get a serious contender for a bargain in the IZH-46M. 

Potential buyers of air guns come in many shapes and have many different purposes in mind for their  air gun. The most common uses are plinking (just plain fun shooting), competition, hunting, and pest control. I've alluded to some of these categories before, but let's visit this question of "Is this a good gun?" from another point of view.

In our society, instant gratification is a big deal. We want it now, or sooner if possible. Economy is always on our minds, and getting the most for the least money spent is a big deal. Unfortunately, you have to be careful or you'll find yourself buying less gun than you want simply because of a price point. Then as your knowledge about airguns grows, you'll get a good case of regret that you didn't wait a little longer, saved your money, and bought a better quality gun! You'll find yourself wandering around the house muttering "If only I had.....".

When I buy an airgun, I have an intended purpose for it. Oh, sure, I'll use it for other stuff, but by and large, I have certain things in mind for this particular gun. As a hunter, I have different guns that give me different levels of power for the varied game I hunt. Some of my guns do double-duty and serve a dual purpose, but I don't pick up the wrong gun for a certain job. For instance, pest control is served by my QB-78's and HW-30. My hunting for small game allows me to get my Beeman R9 and Prairie Falcon out of the gun rack. And big game calls into use my bigbore caliber airguns. I use the right gun for the right purpose. I've never used my .50 caliber bigbore for starling control. Not the right tool for the job!

Another consideration is just how much extra gear am I going to need to buy to enjoy this gun. If I buy a PCP, I'll need a way to charge it. Did the gun come with open sights, or will I need a scope and rings? Do I have the patience to learn how to really shoot a spring-piston air gun correctly? (It does take a little effort to get the hang of some of them!) Do I have a case to transport it in, or am I always going to shoot in my yard? If I'm going to compete, have I considered a shooting jacket, bum bag, upgraded scope, pellet scale, lubing gear, a backup gun in case my first choice has an accident right before the match? And the list goes on and on.

Airgun Depot has gone to great lengths to categorize the types of gun they sell. They have already grouped the guns into categories for you.....hunting, pest control, competition shooting. It's a great place to begin your quest to answer the question "Is This a Good Gun?"  If you click on the "Featured Guns" category, you'll find many different types of air guns that are being featured which address several cagetories of shooters. Perhaps the gun you need is in there this month!

So, sit down and decide what you are going to use your gun for, and decide how much money you want to spend. Spend a little time doing some research, and visit Airgun Depot for the help you need in making your decision. It will save you time and money, and getting the gun you want for the job you wish to do will help you feel good about your purchasing decision. 

Jim Chapman was the first one to attempt an African Airgun Safari, and Eric and I accompanied him on the second trip he took. It was the hunt of a lifetime, one that I will remember forever. I hope to go back before too long, and Hounslow Safaris is the only outfitter in the country allowed to take hunters out armed only with airguns. If you want to add a feather to your air gun hunting cap, I heartily recommend a safari booked through Hounslow Safaris. And the airguns you can use? You will find several suitable airguns here at Airgun Depot.

Above, you see the duiker I shot, and the next pic is the finished hide and European mount that I received 10 months later. These look great on your wall, and you get to remember a great hunt every time you walk through the room!

This impala, a young two-year old, may not be a trophy to some, but it is great trophy for me, and I'll remember the hunt forever.

This springbok gave us a good chase, and made for a magnificent meal. Some of the best backstrap I've ever tasted.

Some of the more unusual game we shot were the two pictures below. A springhare and a porcupine were certainly not what I thought I might shoot while on safari......but they were fun to hunt, especially at night!

So take a moment, and figure out what you can hunt with an airgun....you might just be surprised! 

Crosman Corporation surprised the air gun world this year with the introduction of an American-made PCP air gun that is priced so competitively that any fence sitters who are even thinking of plunging into the PCP game are now without an excuse. Crosman has strategically priced the Benjamin Discovery at just under $400, a price that includes the hand pump needed to fill the Discovery with high-pressure air. It is this inclusion of the pump that really seals the deal for many shooters, because getting a tank and necessary adapters for your gun can cost as much if not more than the gun itself. That added cost just to get up and shooting has kept many shooters from entering the pre-charged pneumatic side of air gun shooting.

I was fortunate enough to be able to secure one of Crosman’s prototype Discoveries. My first impression upon picking it up was that is was much lighter than I would have thought at first, especially with a hardwood stock. I have another similar style gun, a QB-78 PCP conversion, and it is significantly heavier that the Discovery, which weighs just over 5 lbs. As a hunter, I appreciate air guns that are carry-friendly, ones that I can pick up and hunt with all day long without fatigue setting in. The light weight of the Discovery lends itself very well to this aspect of shooting, and its length of 39” makes for a handy little package.

The weather has been abysmal in my part of the country, and it took me a couple of weeks to get a nice enough day, coupled with an afternoon off, in which to shoot and enjoy this air gun. Since the Benjamin Discovery is a Crosman product, I elected to start out with 7.9 grain Crosman Premier pellet. From a recommended fill of 2000 psi, I shot a 20-shot string that began at 899 fps and peaked at 916 fps, with an ending velocity of 749 fps. Here is the shot string:

This comes out to about 842 fps as an average over the string of shots, factoring in the two error reading on shots 7 and 8. The average foot pound of energy was 12.4, and adequate number for smallgame hunting. In fact, I was able to get out with the Discovery for a brief squirrel hunt, and at 30 yards, had no problem taking these two squirrels you see here. One shot each and both of them were on the ground.

I was curious to see if I couldn’t get a better shot curve with a different fill pressure, so I upped the air reservoir to 2300 and shot another 20-shot string. The shot count started off at 870 this time, and peaked at 955, with a final low velocity of 838 fps. This brings the velocity spread down about 50 fps from the first string, and based on the previous shot string, there were approximately 10 more shots to be had from this higher fill pressure that would still match the ending pressure and velocity of the first shot string. So 30+ useful shots is a reality when 300 more psi is added to the gun. Since this is a prototype gun, I did not exceed 2300 psi for this test, though I’m sure the gun has a built-in safety factor in the strength of the reservoir.

After testing the Crosman Premier 7.9 pellets, I ran a string of RWS Superdomes that weigh 8.3 grains. Even with the .4 grain heavier weight, the thin skirt of the Superdomes, which I believe expand better than thicker-waisted pellets, allowed the velocity to increase 90 fps in comparison to the shot string that I gained from the Premiers. And the accuracy was on par with the Premiers as well. With that added velocity, the Superdomes upped the power to nearly 16 fpe. Both of these pellets are excellent choices for the avid hunter.  I would have kept on testing the velocity figures, but my chrony up and decided it didn’t like me anymore in the waning daylight and started giving me too many errors, so I stopped the shot string.

The accuracy of the Crosman Premiers and the RWS Superdomes were on par with each other. I did a quick and dirty accuracy test, shooting from a table, but without a firm rest, at approximately 20 yards. Sub-1" groups were the rule, and I took a quick pic of each one.

Now remember, this was quick and dirty shooting, not true accuracy testing. Before I went hunting, I picked out some left over walnuts hanging in the trees and sent them tumbling to earth. Confident in the gun's ability to hit the killzone on a squirrel, I had no problem bagging the two squirrels you see.

As you can see from the accompanying pictures, the Discovery is a sleek gun, with trim lines that are pleasing to the eye.

The production model will have a different front and rear sight than the one I received on this prototype.

It is also easy to see the Crosman 2260 CO2 gun in its ancestry, and the trigger design comes from that setup. Though the trigger is plastic, it is quite suitable for a field gun. When hunting, I don’t want a trigger that is too light as I might accidentally fire the gun while pushing through the brush, or knocking it against a tree. And the two squirrels I bagged with it would not have died any more efficiently with a better trigger, either.

As mentioned before, this gun comes with its own pump included in the suggested retail price. After firing 30+ shots plinking, I hooked it up to the pump, and after 60 pumps was back up to the recommended fill pressure of 2000 psi. It didn’t take but a few moments, and the pumping effort was very manageable. The pump is easy to assemble and requires nothing more than a screwdriver. Everything else is in place and ready to go. It also has the added advantage of being capable of filling your higher pressure PCP’s that require 3000 psi or more, since this pump goes all the way up to 3500 psi.

One of the neater aspects of this new gun is that it has a duel-fuel capacity, running on air or CO2. With the correct coupling, CO2 can be used as the fuel, giving lower velocities, but an enormous amount of shots off the bulk fill. This ability will allow for very economical shooting inside for target practice, and for hunting purposes or cold-weather shooting, you can switch to air. There aren't a lot of air guns out there today that have this ability, and Crosman has wisely made this a key feature of their new gun.

This is a gun that I am going to add to my personal collection and keep. It is worthy of being in your collection as well, and the cost is so economical that you almost can't pass it up. Based on my impression of this prototype that I've had for a few weeks now, the factory production gun, due to ship any day now, is sure to please.

Just yesterday I was walking through my backyard after a successful squirrel hunt with a new airgun that I was testing out. I looked over to one of the bird boxes that I have set about the place and was thrilled to see a pair of bluebirds mulling over the possibility of making this box their new home for the upcoming season. I could tell that the female was all in a tizzy, as I'm sure most expectant mothers are! I could just hear her saying..."but dear, look how spacious it is? And I just love the entrance to the baby's room!"

One of the most active times as an avid air gun shooter is in the spring. The reason for this is that I take an active part in the promulgation and promotion of nesting sites for the native bird life in my yard. I get to watch the beautiful bluebirds, woodpeckers, and song sparrows work on their nests, raise their young, and go about the business of making my backyard a nice place to hang out. But I also am a jealous landlord, and have no mercy on intruders. This is where my air guns come into play. Just as the indigenous species are going about their business, there are interlopers who are bent on their destruction as they try and take over the nesting sites that I provide for my little friends. English sparrows and European starlings are the vagrants that I am referring to, and my air guns get plenty of practice keeping these vermin at bay.

If you have suitable sites for song sparrows and bluebirds, then you will have trouble with the English sparrow. He is of a size to directly compete with the desirable birds, and he is much more attack-minded, willing to kill and take over the nesting sites of our native song birds. I remove them with prejudice and spend a little time each morning in the spring and early summer making them feel very unwanted in my little corner of the world. And European starlings? I actively hunt them down and destroy them at every opportunity. They are a worthy adversary....smart, very alert, and a challenge to the airgunner seeking to remove them from his domain.

I use several kinds of air guns when dealing with these pests. The medium-to-light airguns such as the HW 30 and the QB-78 are excellent choices for dealing with these feathered targets. And when they learn to keep out of range, I'll break out the big guns and use the Beeman R-9, the Prairie Falcon, and the Webley Longbow. A very handy gun that allows me repeat shots on small groups of birds is the RWS 850, and excellent candidate for the pest removal progress.  

One villain of the bird world many don't consider is the crow. Check your local laws since they are considered game birds in some areas, but keep an eye on them. They are active nest raiders, stealing young chicks from nests shortly after hatching. Crows are smart, one of the smartest birds in the world. They plan attacks, are opportunistic, and will take small pets such as new kittens and small puppies if they catch one wandering out in the yard without protection. They call in help, and a group of crows is called a "murder" for a reason!

So as the active season for the more common small game animals winds down, look for these new opportunities to use your air guns. You are doing a service to the environment by removing well-established pests, and your giving an advantage to our own indigenous wildlife. Your hunting skills will be kept sharp through the off season, and it is great fun as well. Happy shooting! 

Now, just what is minisniping? Basically, it is a game he invented to play against his friends, fellow hunting guides, and guests as they relaxed after a day of hunting, or whenever they had some down time to kill....or in this case, to shoot.

It was in October of 1984 when Peter H. Capstick, as "Guns & Ammo's" African correspondent, published an article detailing the game of minisniping. It is a deceptively simple game....all you need are spent 9mm brass casings, and a pellet gun....that's it! But the trick is to hit the 9mm casings at 35 yards! That's where the challenge is! The guns that Capstick used were some of the most accurate guns of their day.....the FWB 300 series, the FWB Running Boar, and Anschutz LG match rifles were what he had on hand. Combined with the correct pellet, they were the cat's meow in the 1980's.

Now, many might think that hitting a 9mm case at 35 yards isn't all that big a deal. But consider that it is the equivalent of hitting a man's torso at 1,336 yards, and all of a sudden, the significance of hitting that 9mm casing takes on new meaning. With a little imagination, you can start your own war.....and reign supreme over the battlefield as you search out your enemy and take them out, one at a time, with supremely accurate shots from your cold steel beauty of a weapon!

It is truly an addictive shooting discipline, and you simply have to read the original article that appeared in "Guns & Ammo", written by Capstick himself, to get some more perspective on it. Here is a link to an authorized reprint of the article for your enjoyment:

http://www.minisniping.org/ 

A wonderful side-issue to minisniping is that you can use whatever target you wish. Crackers, popsicle sticks, mints....whatever your heart desires. It is a game that the entire family can enjoy, and though you won't find new FWB300's anymore, you can scale back your investment by trying out an HW-30 from Beeman. If pistols are more your style, consider the IZH-46M competition pistol. 

As addictive as the game of minisniping can be, you are sure to enjoy many hours of fun pursuing whatever target your imagination comes up with when sighting downrange at the 9mm cases....or another similar-sized target. And to help you out with the game, here is a link to the official organization tasked with spreading the word about this fun, airgun-based shooting discipline. 

 www.minisniping.org

Check out Airgun Depot for the gear you'll need for this style of shooting. Great prices and selection are yours for the taking.