Hi guys, I am a newbie to this forum and would appreciate your advice please.
I plan to apply for an FAC to shoot rabbits on a friend's land. He's got loads of bunnies making holes in the ground which is a problem for his horses (he tells me a broken leg means a horse has to be put down). I'm thinking of going the semi-auto 0.22" with moderator route to take out as many bunnies as possible. I have lots of firearms experience as I grew up in South Africa.
My initial thoughts were to get an Anschutz 525 with scope and moderator (but I've not had experience with this particular rifle). My reasons are:
+ Semi-auto so can fire in quick succession
+ One can buy the rifle brand new already threaded for moderator
+ I like the long barrel (personal preference)
+ From what I understand one can fit a scope and remove (unscrew) the front sight
+ Not too pricey (for an Anschutz)
+ Presumably very accurate (because Anschutz)
+ I'm planning to join a club (any recommendations for Herts?) and would probably want to get an Anschutz target rifle too - i.e. stick with same brand (ok this is a weak reason)
Concerns/questions:
- I read that this rifle only accepts standard velocity ammo - is this correct? Has anyone used high-velocity, expanding or sub-sonic ammo with this rifle?
- Have read that this rifle can be "fussy" in terms of the semi-auto action. Would have thought an Anschutz would be reliable...
- Is the semi-auto mechanism loud (assuming rifle silenced) - i.e. will it scare the bunnies away?
- Have read online that the trigger-pull is a bit rubbish...may have been someone's misguided point of view...
Would be most grateful as I say for any advice - would you recommend this semi-auto or an alternative? I am not concerned about cost and the aesthetics of the rifle. Accuracy, reliability (chambering next round) and quietness are important to me.
I look forward to your comments! Thanks in advance...