Hunting with BB/Pellet Gun

I was thinking about getting the Crosman Powermaster 664SB Air Rifle. It can shoot BB's and small pellets. It shoots 690 fps. How good would this gun be for hunting squirrel or crow?

Link of Gun
http://crosman.com/site/listing/1067

No I have not, but my neighbor is an instructor. what do you learn in them?

[Flatcoat1]

I think that the "correct" air gun can be used to kill some small game but as mentioned, take a hunter safety course and check local laws. Some air guns do have the ability to take game cleanly if shot correctly. Always remember, any gun can kill so be careful. Flatcoat

[triggerhappyshawn]

unethical......................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

[lovestohunt]

NC Thompson,

Believe me, I'm glad that you are interested in hunting. What I learned in my hunter's safety is:

1) how to be safe and safely handle firearms
2) how to respect the rights of hunters and the environment
3) how to identify game
4) how to safely load, choose, and fire guns

There is a wealth of information that these classes offer. Besides, eventually when you want to actually buy a legal hunting license, most states require you to have a valid hunters safety card. In Wisconsin, if you were born after 1973, it is illegal to hunt without taking a hunters safety course. Think of it as protection for yourself and everyone else who wants to enjoy hunting like you do. Good luck! If you have more questions, please post them. We want to help young hunters like yourself make good decisions concerning the sport.

[triggerhappyshawn]

o dude im srry i misunderstood you!!!!! i thought you were like 30 or sumtin and u were going to go get a bb gun just to shoot squirrels! srry lol. BUt definetly get ur class done. Its not very hard its more commen sense than anything else. srry. lol

haha no im 16.

[CHAVEZ CHAVEZ]

I see noth'n wrong hunt'n with a pellet gun as long as it ain't illeagal for small game .
but i also would not shoot anything bigger than rabbits and squirrels! the air rifles they make today
are more than capeable of put'n down one of these lil critters.
like all the other posts about take'n game shot placement is the key .
as your choice 664 sb 690 fps ! u should consider someth'n faster around the 1000 fps .
177 cal. or 22 cal. stay away from bb's

[Brent]

BB gun for squirrels is both unethical and illegal in Nebraska. Take your safety course and make sure to read the book.

[citori]

If it is legal to do so there is nothing wrong with using a pellet gun for taking small game. In Europe that is a common means of taking small game as ownership of powder propelled firearms is difficult to do. I personally feel that particular model is a bit below the minimum velocity I feel is necessary for adequately taking game. I have done it but only at very close range. A better choice in pneumatic guns would be the Classic 2100. I shoots a .177" pellet closer to the 750 fps minimum velocity for this caliber recommended by serious air gun hunters. A better bet would be the 1000 series of break actions as they reach the 1000 fps mark. At the mimimun speed the gun should be able to take a squirrel with proper shot placement out to 20 yards or so and at the upper end you can reach out another 10 yards. I've taken numerous squirrls, rabbits, and other pests with an old Crossman 1400 air rifle. It pushed a .22 cal pellet at 550 fps which I feel is marginal past 20 yards but would shoot full width on a rabbit at that range. I even used it on my trapline until I got enough money to get a .22 LR pistol. There are numerous pellet choices, the common flat point is probably the best. If reater penetration is needed there is the dome and sharp pointed pellets to chose. I only used these on the largest of pests such as woodchucks. Never use BBs as their light weight and poor shape lead to rapid velocity loss and poor performance. As inexpensive as pellets are, it should be easy to become proficient enough to take small game at cose range with a pellet gun.