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Big Bore airguns.
Topic Started: 9th May 2010 - 11:15 AM (81 Views)
Nige
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Resident Carpenter

Speaking to Ricochet last night, about section 1 applications, reminded me that, a few times, I have come very cloe to sending in an application, on which I would include FAC Air-rifle.
It occurred to me this morning, that some of the big bore airguns that are becoming more popular across the water, would be more than capable of downing any of the deer species that we have in this country; esecially at some of the close ranges thatthe animals are shot at - for instance, John has often posted that he (or his client) has stalked and shot at 40 meters or less, ranges at which I kill rabbits with a non-FAC airgun.

No digs are intended in this post, just simple questions, would an airgun be cleared for deer stalking in this country - for example, a big bore in .308 with a 150/200 ft/lb muzzle energy, to be used at ranges of 100 yrds or less?

If not, why not, and can the reasons why not, be justified?

It doesn't have to be only deer stalkers that (try to) answer this question, or justify the reasons for, or against.

Remember part of the unofficial shooters code is that the weapon and ammunition you use, should be capable for the prey you are after (paraphrased!) and if an airgun is capable of the job, why shouldn't it be used?
Big bore airguns


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davebell
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I cant see a airgun being allowed to shoot deer with tbh.
Leaking seals, none perfect fit of ammo, under pressured shots.
I would say that black powder rounds are 99% consistant and that pressured air has a lot more variables.

You never know though.
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john robbo
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The deer act is very clear Nige you have read it as youv'e copied and posted it before.
Minimum 1700-1750 ft lb's of muzzle energy required depending on where you are.
You would be 1500 ftlb's short to be legal.
.22 Hornet 750ftlbs, is illegal and would out perform any airgun regardless of bore.
You have no chance thankfully, if you are going to add an FAC then why not just conform and buy a 243.
regards john.
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Nige
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Yes, I have read the deer act (not just copied and pasted) and then read it again (a few times) so that I can be sure I have understood it, even as far as the times you can shoot, when you need to apply for special licences, which ammunition is deemed appropriate etc. so I know that legally. at least, none of the big bore airguns would be legal for deer shooting in the UK - HOWEVER, technically, they would be capable of the job (as has been proven in other countries, with animals such as goats, pigs, deer and buffalo being shot) and the ammuntion would also be within current guidelines; so the question remains, with the way that laws/guidelines are constantly, if slowly, changing or evolving, why shouldn't they be permitted?

As far as leaking seals etc. most of these weapons have been manufactured and engineered specifically to do that job, and anyone willing to pay the money that these guns cost, is not likely to skimp on the mainainance.
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davebell
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Its not skimping on maintainance thats the problem.
A blackpowder round has all the propulsion within the round:
firing pin/ignition/powder/projectile

A precharge air rifle:
gas tank/regulator/release/regulator/expansion/projectile

Self charged rounds are simple and self contained, thats why they are so successful.
Adding more moving parts and perishable conponents is asking for trouble.
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john robbo
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A .22LR is caperable of the job, but doesn't make it suitable as is a bow and crossbow or spear.
Other countries do alsorts we don't. Your point here??
We can't even bring Scotish, Irish and English law in line with each other.
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john robbo
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I wonder what the trajectory of say a 200ftlb 308 airgun might be as say zeroed to shoot a close range deer (40m's), say the deer was injured and ran off now the gun has to be caperable of penetrating deeply a fleeing animal at say 90-100m's.
What would be your drop and energy at said range.
You may well have a gun to do the job on a perfect broadside at 40 but when the shIIite hits the fan??
Also its ok if you limit yourself to 40m's but maybe others wouldn't.
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Nige
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Nice one John *Monkey Hanger* Now that you've had a while to think about it, rather than just dismiss it out of hand, due to current legislation, the questions on practicalities etc. start to come out, which is what this forum is all about!

I'll look for any published data on muzzle velocity, retained energy etc. with any weapons that I can, and find the answers for you *Monkey Hanger*
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Nige
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Still looking for ballistics data, but in the meantime, here is a quite well balanced discussion on the subject.


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