New BB gun

[Airgunsniper8698]

So I have a question, around where I live here on the farm, we have a lot of nuisance pests that get into the crops and gardens and I've in the past used solely low power pellet rifles to great success in dealing with these pests. I say low power as 450-900fps. But I've been encountering more times where I need multiple quick shots. I know PCP is an option or break barrels that have the rotary clips, but I was thinking about BB. I used to target with BBs as a kid same distance with great luck. I was wondering what you all suggest for a BB repeater, it can be co2 if need be. Auto or semi? Looking for suggestions

[Back_Roads]

 Not a BB repeater but will have a bit more knockdown power, way better than Crosman 1077,

 

[Bicycleman]

Pyramyd Air has a couple different repeating BB air rifles.  I don't know much about either though.  .https://www.pyramydair.com/search-results-ext?keyword=BB+repeater+air+rifle
There are some low cost repeaters that I have personally used and found to be extremely dependable and accurate out to 40+ yards.  The Diana Stormrider is the lighter of the two I am currently hunting with.  The .177 pellet Stormrider is available.  [My Stormrider is the .22 Caliber model - DEADLY].
My other rifle is the squirrels killer - .25 Benjamin Marauder.  It is available in 0177, .22, and .25 calibers.  The Marauder is a very popular rifle (and there is even a handgun model).  There are many videos showing the effectiveness of this platform that you might view.

Others will likely post their experiences and suggestions.  Good luck with your selection.  And please post later when you have picked out your new rifle/pistol.  Pictures or it never happened!

[farrlarr]

Keep in mind that with BBs you have much more of a ricochet problem than with pellets.  Steel BBs ricochet of pretty much anything whereas pellets tend to flatten and drop.  That may mean BBs sailing directly back at you (be sure to wear shooting glasses) or zinging off in odd directions to hit something else of value.  And accuracy is usually not as good with BBs as with pellets.

[kerplunk]

Not a BB repeater but will have a bit more knockdown power, way better than Crosman 1077,

I respectfully disagree. The Ruger is ridiculously rear-heavy, the double action pull is heavier than the 1077, and the CO2 loading seems unnecessary complicated. Single action is better but still mushy and kind of defeats the purpose of a "semi-auto." It does have a more solid feel and more metal in the construction, but I personally like my plinkers light and I don't think cheap metal has a lot of advantage over modern polymer for many applications.

Either does seem to be a good fit for the use the OP describes.

[subscriber]

Zack

Depending on how much money you have to spend, there are semi-auto PCP pellet shooting air rifles.  The side lever toggle action manuals are pretty fast too, and cheaper; with more variety to choose from.

Low power BBs may work for small birds at 30 feet, but for larger or tougher critters (like squirrels) it is doubtful you would have the longer range accuracy or penetration required for humane kills.

Steel BBs bounce off hard surfaces such as steel plates, and may bounce off hard wood and tree trucks too.  Lead flattens out and tends to drop close to the point of impact, if not stuck in the target.

[subscriber]

List of semi-auto BB and pellet air rifles: 
https://www.pyramydair.com/pellet-guns/pellet-rifles?action=6&pg=all&orderBy=price_asc

If you want usable power for pest in a semi-auto, then this one might work:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/sig-sauer-asp-mcx-virtus-pcp-air-rifle?m=5130

More potent, and expensive:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/hatsan-invader-auto-semi-automatic-pcp-air-rifle?m=5240

More owner history on this forum:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/benjamin-marauder-semi-auto-sam-pcp-air-rifle-wood-stock?m=5157

If money was no object:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/edgun-leshiy-2-long-pcp-air-rifle?m=5507#11099

[Airgunsniper8698]

Wow, thank you everyone! Ok so, firstly I haven't specifically figured out how to reply to an individual message, so I am kinda going to address everyone.

Someone mentioned BBs being ricochet prone, I remember from my childhood that they do that. And that they are not accurate at anything beyond 30-50 feet which is ok. Where I am shooting will be safe from persons and property and I nearly always wear shooting glasses. About the only time I go without my glasses is if there is really bad glare or I am targeting at long range with my pellet rifle.

Someone also said to do a picture post once I make my decision, "pictures or it never happened". I was planning that, and plan to for my current 2 pellet guns.

As for all the suggestions, I haven't yet sat down to look at all the individual guns mentioned. I am sure they are excellent in their own ways and I will look at each of them. I also have to consider who has what in stock around me, because I don't want to buy a gun if I can't first see and hold it. Get that feel for it before purchasing it.

I also seen some mention a semiauto PCP Pellet rifle. They understood that I am looking at BB right now, however in the future I do want to get into PCP Pellet for maximum distance. I really want to take a PCP on its highest setting, keeping within safe ranges for that gun of course, and try to see just how far out I can hit accurately.

[triggerfest]

If you still can get one; Daisy mod 74

[Doug Wall]

I would recommend against BB guns for pests, unless they are very small like sparrows and mice. BB guns rarely get over 400 fps, and when shooting 5 gr steel BBs, they only get about 2 FPE. Not enough for pest control! Then there's always the ricochet issue. You would be better off with something like a 1077. As was mentioned, the Ruger 1022 has a horribly heavy trigger in double action, and I would recommend against it for quick followup shots.