Rats!

Mastrogiacomo · September 28, 2020, 07:42 PM

This is a crazy question, but I'm curious. Rats can absolutely be huge - like the size of a small dog. Are .22's effective to take them out or inconsistent?

Hawg · September 28, 2020, 07:51 PM

With regular old rats .22's do very well but with something the size of nutria shot placement is critical unless you just want them to suffer.

Mastrogiacomo · September 28, 2020, 08:23 PM

I was just watching a video of someone with pest control shooting them with a .22 and it seemed surprisingly ineffective in that it took a while for them to die and wasn't instant. Is there a different caliber that would work better?

JERRYS. · September 28, 2020, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastrogiacomo

I was just watching a video of someone with pest control shooting them with a .22 and it seemed surprisingly ineffective in that it took a while for them to die and wasn't instant. Is there a different caliber that would work better?

caliber won't improve shot placement.

stephen426 · September 28, 2020, 08:56 PM

I would strongly suggest you get a good air rifle, preferably pre-charged pneumatic. Some of them can be extremely accurate and will be much quieter than .22 LR. They have more than enough power to take out rats, especially if you go up to .25 caliber. I have the Benjamin Marauder but just ordered the Air Venturi Avenger. I use them to take out iguanas at my parent's house. I bagged one that was just shy of 5 feet the other day.

Good marksmanship is important for whatever you are shooting, but the much quieter airgun will allow you to take multiple shots without scaring them off. I would also suggest you look up some cool traps on youtube if you are really looking to make a dent in the population. Those darn rats multiply so fast that shooting them probably won't really make a dent in the population.

TXAZ · September 28, 2020, 09:00 PM

The problem when I shoot rats with Boomer is I can’t find them after the smoke clears

dahermit · September 28, 2020, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastrogiacomo

I was just watching a video of someone with pest control shooting them with a .22 and it seemed surprisingly ineffective in that it took a while for them to die and wasn't instant. Is there a different caliber that would work better?

Not rats, but Michigan Cottontail rabbits that I shot with stingers seemed to me to be incapacitated and died way quicker than when shot with standard .22 Long Rifle.

GeauxTide · September 28, 2020, 10:09 PM

I shoot squirrels and chipmunks tasting my garden with a Sheridan 20cal. If I head shoot, DRT. If body shot, they run and die in a minute. In the woods, a 22HP blows 'em right up.

jar · September 29, 2020, 08:05 AM

Mastrogiacomo · September 29, 2020, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahermit

Not rats, but Michigan Cottontail rabbits that I shot with stingers seemed to me to be incapacitated and died way quicker than when shot with standard .22 Long Rifle.

What are stingers?

ghbucky · September 29, 2020, 08:44 AM

I've killed many a squirrel with a .17 air rifle pellet head shot.

**Aguila Blanca** · September 29, 2020, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastrogiacomo

What are stingers?

https://www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfi...nger/6-50.html

COSteve · September 29, 2020, 10:14 AM

True story. When I first got to Germany in 1967, I was sent to Baumholder, to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While there, I found out that only 2 of the guard posts were given live ammunition for their M-14s; the post PX / bank and the garbage dump.

The bank for obvious reasons and the garbage dump because the rats were so well fed that they grew to the size of small shepherds, many were rabid, and would attack anyone who came near them.

dogtown tom · September 29, 2020, 10:34 AM

When I was in college we would go out to the county dump and shoot rats.
It was a very rural area and all sorts of wildlife ate pretty good in that dump.

Back then it was "self service", unattended and residents of that county would drop off old washers, dryers, refrigerators, tv's, bottles......a target rich enviornment.

Mastrogiacomo · September 29, 2020, 10:38 AM

Quick question, I'm in a condo. I've seen rats on two occasions now, thanks to new lighting we have in a gazebo by the pond. I'm sure they've always been there. Someone threw a rock one night in the parking lot and when I looked out to see why, I spotted the rat coming close to our building. It's huge...really huge. I can't shoot anything given my residence and city. However, if I was out at night coming back, and I exited my car and saw that - would I be justified to shoot it with a .22 handgun if it came near me?

dahermit · September 29, 2020, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastrogiacomo

What are stingers?

They are a higher (than most .22 long rifle) velocity .22 Long Rifle ammo.
https://www.cci-ammunition.com/rimfi...nger/6-50.html

Pahoo · September 29, 2020, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Rats can absolutely be huge - like the size of a small dog.

The biggest rats I've ever seen is when I was stationed in SC along the Cooper river and by my measure, a .22, is over-kill. As mentioned, a pellet rifle in more in line ......

Quote:

something the size of nutria shot placement is critical unless you just want them to suffer.

Great point as I routinely shoot Ground Hogs/Whistle-Pigs with .22-Shorts at about 20yds. Large bodies but small heads. .....

Be Safe !!!

**Aguila Blanca** · September 29, 2020, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastogiacomo

However, if I was out at night coming back, and I exited my car and saw that - would I be justified to shoot it with a .22 handgun if it came near me?

That's a legal question. The answer depends on exactly what the laws say where you live.

Pahoo · September 29, 2020, 12:46 PM

Quote:

However, if I was out at night coming back, and I exited my car and saw that - would I be justified to shoot it with a .22 handgun if it came near me?

This is one of those questions when asked to the local authority, You are likely, to get a "NO" answer. Now then, if one of those big rats attack you, that's a different subject. You have to be sensitive about your "living" environment/neighbors. I live in a small river town, know all my neighbors well and .22 cal. and pellet shots, are quite common. All is well, in the neighborhood. ......

With all due respect, are you sure these are City-Bred Rats rather than water-bred, Muskrats ???

Be Safe !!!

Double K · September 29, 2020, 12:49 PM

Being in the pest control business I occasionally get to shoot rats, they are definitely easier to kill than prairie dogs or squirrels with an air rifle.
I have .177 Diana pre-charged pneumatic {pcp}, the key is using the right pellets. JSB Hades hp 10.34 gr at 900fps incapacitates them instantly with front shoulder shots or lengthwise shots either direction.
Most of the time that's also true with pd's and tree rats.
I've shot a bunch of pd's this summer out to 50yds with my Diana, very few have made it down the holes.

Mastrogiacomo · September 29, 2020, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pahoo

This is one of those questions when asked to the local authority, You are likely, to get a "NO" answer. Now then, if one of those big rats attack you, that's a different subject. You have to be sensitive about your "living" environment/neighbors. I live in a small river town, know all my neighbors well and .22 cal. and pellet shots, are quite common. All is well, in the neighborhood. ......

With all due respect, are you sure these are City-Bred Rats rather than water-bred, Muskrats ???

Be Safe !!!

You're correct on that. I doubt I could even use an air rifle where I live, but I ask because it's more likely as a gun owner to carry for protection, and I'm curious if an animal threatens you, can a person defend themselves in that situation. In my state I'm pretty sure it's a no.....

Pahoo · September 29, 2020, 01:15 PM

Quote:

You're correct on that. I doubt I could even use an air rifle where I live,

Don't be so sure as where I live, a pellet gun may be used but not anything beyond that. However, condo rules may not allow. We do have a "city" ordnance that if an unleashed dog is threatening you, you can legally shoot it but man, you are really going to have to show justification. !!!!!

Be Safe !!!

Mastrogiacomo · September 29, 2020, 01:19 PM

Maybe if I use harsh language it'll leave me alone....

shurshot · September 29, 2020, 03:16 PM

Massachusetts? Yeah, the Rats probably have more rights than a gun owner!

I use an old scoped .22 bolt action Glenfield / Marlin for woodchucks, Rats, squirrels, etc. around my rural place, but I'm not in Massachusetts. Carry pepper spray if legal, squirt those nasty vermin with a dose of love!

oldbadger · September 29, 2020, 04:04 PM

In the past I have used a very discreet .22 cal round.....called a 22B I think. They have no powder but the .22 BB is propelled by only the rimfire charge. Very effective at short ranges. They do crack a bit but not like a regular .22. They might be worth looking into.

September 28, 2020, 07:42 PM	#1
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	Rats! This is a crazy question, but I'm curious. Rats can absolutely be huge - like the size of a small dog. Are .22's effective to take them out or inconsistent? __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge

September 28, 2020, 08:23 PM	#3
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	I was just watching a video of someone with pest control shooting them with a .22 and it seemed surprisingly ineffective in that it took a while for them to die and wasn't instant. Is there a different caliber that would work better? __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge Last edited by Mastrogiacomo; September 28, 2020 at 08:34 PM.

September 28, 2020, 08:56 PM	#5
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	I would strongly suggest you get a good air rifle, preferably pre-charged pneumatic. Some of them can be extremely accurate and will be much quieter than .22 LR. They have more than enough power to take out rats, especially if you go up to .25 caliber. I have the Benjamin Marauder but just ordered the Air Venturi Avenger. I use them to take out iguanas at my parent's house. I bagged one that was just shy of 5 feet the other day. Good marksmanship is important for whatever you are shooting, but the much quieter airgun will allow you to take multiple shots without scaring them off. I would also suggest you look up some cool traps on youtube if you are really looking to make a dent in the population. Those darn rats multiply so fast that shooting them probably won't really make a dent in the population. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

September 28, 2020, 09:00 PM	#6
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	The problem when I shoot rats with Boomer is I can’t find them after the smoke clears __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

September 28, 2020, 10:09 PM	#8
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I shoot squirrels and chipmunks tasting my garden with a Sheridan 20cal. If I head shoot, DRT. If body shot, they run and die in a minute. In the woods, a 22HP blows 'em right up. __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

September 28, 2020, 07:51 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	With regular old rats .22's do very well but with something the size of nutria shot placement is critical unless you just want them to suffer.

September 29, 2020, 08:05 AM	#9
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,668	__________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

September 29, 2020, 08:44 AM	#11
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	I've killed many a squirrel with a .17 air rifle pellet head shot.

September 29, 2020, 10:14 AM	#13
COSteve Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2009 Posts: 1,344	True story. When I first got to Germany in 1967, I was sent to Baumholder, to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While there, I found out that only 2 of the guard posts were given live ammunition for their M-14s; the post PX / bank and the garbage dump. The bank for obvious reasons and the garbage dump because the rats were so well fed that they grew to the size of small shepherds, many were rabid, and would attack anyone who came near them.

September 29, 2020, 10:34 AM	#14
dogtown tom Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 3,074	When I was in college we would go out to the county dump and shoot rats. It was a very rural area and all sorts of wildlife ate pretty good in that dump. Back then it was "self service", unattended and residents of that county would drop off old washers, dryers, refrigerators, tv's, bottles......a target rich enviornment. __________________ Need a FFL in Dallas/Plano/Allen/Frisco/McKinney ? Just EMAIL me. $20 transfers ($10 for CHL, active military,police,fire or schoolteachers) Plano, Texas...........the Gun Nut Capitol of Gun Culture, USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELwCqz2JfE

September 29, 2020, 10:38 AM	#15
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	Quick question, I'm in a condo. I've seen rats on two occasions now, thanks to new lighting we have in a gazebo by the pond. I'm sure they've always been there. Someone threw a rock one night in the parking lot and when I looked out to see why, I spotted the rat coming close to our building. It's huge...really huge. I can't shoot anything given my residence and city. However, if I was out at night coming back, and I exited my car and saw that - would I be justified to shoot it with a .22 handgun if it came near me? __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge Last edited by Mastrogiacomo; September 29, 2020 at 11:03 AM.

September 29, 2020, 12:49 PM	#20
Double K Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2020 Location: Colorado Posts: 486	Being in the pest control business I occasionally get to shoot rats, they are definitely easier to kill than prairie dogs or squirrels with an air rifle. I have .177 Diana pre-charged pneumatic {pcp}, the key is using the right pellets. JSB Hades hp 10.34 gr at 900fps incapacitates them instantly with front shoulder shots or lengthwise shots either direction. Most of the time that's also true with pd's and tree rats. I've shot a bunch of pd's this summer out to 50yds with my Diana, very few have made it down the holes.

September 29, 2020, 01:19 PM	#23
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	Maybe if I use harsh language it'll leave me alone.... __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge

September 29, 2020, 03:16 PM	#24
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	Massachusetts? Yeah, the Rats probably have more rights than a gun owner! I use an old scoped .22 bolt action Glenfield / Marlin for woodchucks, Rats, squirrels, etc. around my rural place, but I'm not in Massachusetts. Carry pepper spray if legal, squirt those nasty vermin with a dose of love!

September 29, 2020, 04:04 PM	#25
oldbadger Member Join Date: December 7, 2013 Posts: 52	In the past I have used a very discreet .22 cal round.....called a 22B I think. They have no powder but the .22 BB is propelled by only the rimfire charge. Very effective at short ranges. They do crack a bit but not like a regular .22. They might be worth looking into. __________________ Laws do not prevent crime or lessen evil. They only allow crime to be identified and possibly punished.