I've always owned shotguns, and I love them.
Problem is rodents and snakes. I moved from a densely populated cookie-cutter subdivision to an area that's a little more spread out. In the subdivision I'd occasionally see a snake or a rat, but now I have a vacant overgrown lot (big oaks, but the undergrowth is out of control) on one side, an open field with planted pines behind me, and a pool in the back yard.
I frequently encounter snakes in the yard trying to use the pool. Sometimes they get stuck in the pool and die, other times I have to shoot them with my air rifle or hit them with the business end of a shovel.
I hate having to be so accurate with my kill shot and I'm looking at getting a .22 that shoots rat shot style shells - research says these are "garden guns." The barrel is smooth and it's specifically built for 22 WMR ammo.
I've already spoken to my only neighbor and he says he always shoots them too - but, I've never heard a shot our houses are about 50 yards apart. So, I don't think that it will be a problem shooting the .22 in my yard. I really don't want to shoot a 12, 16, or 20 ga in the back yard - too much boom!
What would be a nice .22 that would be good for shooting snakes and rats at close range? It would have to be one capable of shooting rat shot (22 WMR ammo.)
What's everyone's thoughts.
Problem is rodents and snakes. I moved from a densely populated cookie-cutter subdivision to an area that's a little more spread out. In the subdivision I'd occasionally see a snake or a rat, but now I have a vacant overgrown lot (big oaks, but the undergrowth is out of control) on one side, an open field with planted pines behind me, and a pool in the back yard.
I frequently encounter snakes in the yard trying to use the pool. Sometimes they get stuck in the pool and die, other times I have to shoot them with my air rifle or hit them with the business end of a shovel.
I hate having to be so accurate with my kill shot and I'm looking at getting a .22 that shoots rat shot style shells - research says these are "garden guns." The barrel is smooth and it's specifically built for 22 WMR ammo.
I've already spoken to my only neighbor and he says he always shoots them too - but, I've never heard a shot our houses are about 50 yards apart. So, I don't think that it will be a problem shooting the .22 in my yard. I really don't want to shoot a 12, 16, or 20 ga in the back yard - too much boom!
What would be a nice .22 that would be good for shooting snakes and rats at close range? It would have to be one capable of shooting rat shot (22 WMR ammo.)
What's everyone's thoughts.