Why have an FAC air rifle over a live fire rifle?

[Steve P.]

Anyway, hunting is about being out in the countryside, using your stalking skills and actually hunting the quarry. Not standing about or sitting in a 4x4 just popping off anything in range-for me anyway.

You're right, but pest control is simply about shooting vermin.

[Beer Hunter]

Anyway, hunting is about being out in the countryside, using your stalking skills and actually hunting the quarry. Not standing about or sitting in a 4x4 just popping off anything in range-for me anyway.

You're right, but pest control is simply about shooting vermin.

I have to agree with both of you - but is that not an argument for standard 12 lb.ft rifles over FAC air?

Kev.

[Steve P.]

I have to agree with both of you - but is that not an argument for standard 12 lb.ft rifles over FAC air?

Kev.

Not at all. How?

[Beer Hunter]

The suggestion in both your posts is that your hunting is all about using stalking skills to get as close as possible. If that is the case then surely a non-FAC airgun would be the tool of choice - quieter and more shots per charge, etc...

For me, most vermin shooting is simply a numbers game. There is a job to do that no airgun is capable of doing. My bunny and fox control is mainly a way of saying thanks to local landowners for giving me free deer stalking.
If I'm out for an evening with an airgun then 20 rabbits is a good bag, but it just doesn't make a dent on the population. If I take an HMR or .204 then I can be looking at a minimum of 100 and any foxes that come along.

Don't get me wrong - I love the thrill of airgun hunting. It's hunting in the purest sense and much more exciting than the clinical technical exercise that is long range sniping.

My anti-FAC air stance is really a reflection of the hunting up here where there is virtually no population. I can shoot deer from my study window where I'm writing this post and have a target set up at 150 yards from the windowsill for doing load development. The hunting areas are vast and safe - great backstops everywhere and no houses / people anywhere. Quite simply, a .50 BMG would be as safe as a S410 for bunny bashing here.
In more populated areas, FAC air probably does make more sense from a safety aspect.
However, personally, I'd still use a rimmy with low powered rounds - no charge shot limit, less weight, less expense, quieter etc, etc, etc....

I cracked off the last of my 'CCI CB Long' (30 lb.ft) rounds as I was trying this. Their zero difference at 40 yards was only 4 clicks left and 7 up. If I were using a rimmy in a mix of "safe" and populated areas, I could swap between the 2 rounds in seconds and shoot both areas safely and still have a 100 yard range. If shooting in a barn, again I could swap to a sub 12 lb.ft round with just a few scope clicks. FAC air just does not have this flexibility.

The only good argument I've heard for FAC air is basically "I want one and I like them" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Kev.

[hungryrob]

FAC air just does not have this flexibility.

Early mark 1 Rapid with 24" barrel does

[Beer Hunter]

FAC air just does not have this flexibility.

Early mark 1 Rapid with 24" barrel does

It's good, but your still limited to 60 yards or so and definitely no fox at any range

Kev.

[covert op]

"My anti-FAC air stance is really a reflection of the hunting up here where there is virtually no population. I can shoot deer from my study window where I'm writing this post and have a target set up at 150 yards from the windowsill for doing load development. The hunting areas are vast and safe - great backstops everywhere and no houses / people anywhere. Quite simply, a .50 BMG would be as safe as a S410 for bunny bashing here.
In more populated areas, FAC air probably does make more sense from a safety aspect.
However, personally, I'd still use a rimmy with low powered rounds - no charge shot limit, less weight, less expense, quieter etc, etc, etc...."

and dont forget how lucky you are

jealous shooter

[Judge Ali]

FAC air just does not have this flexibility.

It's good, but your still limited to 60 yards or so and definitely no fox at any range

Kev.

that seems to be biggest difference i have noted so far in all the opinions posted here - no matter what you just simply cannot do a fox with an air rifle!

cheers
alex