Large Scale Central

Varmit Control on the T&LBRR

General Discussion
#1

Living in the country hills, we often have to deal with varmit control. While my old Crosman 660 pellet rifle has taken out many gophers, and the like, it is really just a “child’s toy.”

It was time to treat myself to an “adult toy.” This RWS Compact 34 Pro, made in West Germany, is just the ticket. It fires .177 pellets at up to 1,000 fps with a single cock of the barrel. The RWS 34 series are the most accurate and best pellet rifles you can get for under $300, period. At $247, with a lifetime warrentee, this is a far better deal than an LGB engine of comparable price, and no longer made in Germany.

#2

Living in the city, I use my 60lb Long bow to deal with the gophers on our half acre. (no scope(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)) I imagine that your new toy might be a bit more effective. Looks pretty cool. Have fun.

#3

Hello Todd -

I’m tempted to get the same gun. My concern is the loudness. The “silencer” on barrel end likely would reduce sound. My comparison is a .22.

Any comment on loudness? I presume it is louder than the Daisy “Rd Ryder” lever action BB gun. I do use a Crossman long-barrel single shot.177 pump pistol - accurate but noisy if more than 4 pumps.

Thanks,

Wendell

#4

Haven’t fired it yet, but they are reported to be on parr with a basketball bounce. I’ll probably try tomorrow after checking the factory lube if it’s not raining.

Because the pellets travel just under the sound barrier, they are not as loud at those that break the sound barrier. They are also more accurate than pellets that break the sound barrier whicch are then are overcome by the shockwave when they slow to under the barrier and the sound wave passes them. The greatest accuracy is at about 900 fts and the weight and shape of the pellet determines its speed within a range. Heavy pellets give more of a dull “thud” that seems less intrusive.

You are welcome to come by and try my gun anytime. I can find no restrictions in the Orange County Municipal Code that would prohibit me from firing an air gun in my yard. By both federal and California definition, a pellet rifle is not a fire arm because it does not use an explosion to launch the projectile nor is it included in the list of prohibited use items (e.g., flame thrower). There are ordinances against having it in open sight in a public park though.

#5

I use the Stoeger x20 in .177 caliber to keep the tree rats in check since they love chewing on plastic, ie: tenmille ground throws, and it keeps them out of the bird feeders. Never paid much attention to the noise, but it’s a lot less then a .22 cal. firearm.

The high-velocity X20 Air Rifle propels .177 caliber alloy pellets at a sizzling 1,200 fps. Powered by a spring-piston break-action, the X20 is available in either .177 or .22 caliber.

  • Fires .177 caliber alloy pellets at 1,200 fps
  • Trigger assembly screw adjusts for 2nd-stage length
  • Monte Carlo-style stock in 2 finish options
  • Ambidextrous cheek piece for shooting from either side
  • Front and rear sights feature fiber-optic inserts for quick target acquisition
  • Click-adjustable rear-optic for precision
  • Includes a 3-9 x 40 mm adjustable objective scope
  • Automatic, ambidextrous safety on the receiver rear is easy to access and provides added security
  • Suitability for short-range hunting of small game and large or small pests
  • Paid about $125 at a local hardware store.
#6

When you have to control varmints:

there is only one way. Call a pro:

#7

When I lived in Montana I used either a friends .22-250 or my .270 Win with varmint loads. Might be a bit of an attention getter in the city.

#8

Todd and all-

Todd, thanks for the offer - give a sound report and I may take you up on the trial offer. Any other owners with experience with the rifle’s sound? I think with the sensitivity in the neighborhood a firearm sound could create an “emergency” response.

We have a saturation of tree rats chopping away on avocados and other fruit. The basketball analogy may be the motivating evidence to get one.

Wendell

#9

You can judge from the video. While the rifle is made in West Germany, the provided scope is made in China. I put a better scope (made in Los Angeles) on mine and their scope will go on the old Crosman.

BTW, the video includes the decibel readings for the pellets fired. Again, heavier pellets are quieter and less obtrusive. Also, my gun appears to have been lubed from the factory and does not appear to have a dry chamber, so this problem appears to have been dealt with, as was noted in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1ngcbKU3n8