Best Pellet for Indoor Pest (bird) Control? Help Needed

[BigCalShooter]

Hi All,

First post on the forum.

My friend manages a big-box store and asked me to help after hours to eradicate the English sparrows, Starlings, and occasional pigeons that get into his store and never leave.

I shoot a springer .177 now but am thinking I will buy an Mrod in .177 cal for accuracy, quiet, and adjustable power level.

What pellet would you recommend for the sparrows?  I don't want something that will over penetrate and mar the white-painted metal ceiling.

Is there anything else I should think about in terms of ammo?

Thanks,
BigCalShooter

[ezman604]

I would think you can get decently close to these, being they are acclimated to people in a store. I REALLY want to volunteer my services to the local Lowe's. I see these nasty birds picking in the aisles at the bird food and even see them nesting in the birdhouses they sell. I hear their song and my trigger finger starts twitching as I search the ceiling area for the vermin.
Anyway, back down to reality. LOL
I would suggest a wadcutter. Accuracy is good and should not penetrate or pass through. I would stick with a lower power airgun also. If you go PCP, maybe a Disco tuned down. But personally, I'd go with a springer. A QB57 would almost be ideal for that mission IMO. With a BugBuster or similar glass mounted.
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[UCChris]

I would go for a MM tuned XS12 that shoots wadcutters. Accurate, low powered, pretty quiet. Not to mention affordable.

[Motorhead]

Dead soft light weight WAD CUTTER such as the RWS "Hobby" pellets.
Fired form a rifle IMO SUB 700 fps ... or your going to be putting holes in things that may let the rain in or worse !!

[BigCalShooter]

 Thanks for the well thought out replies.

I've had great luck with the RWS line of pellets in my Air Hawk so I'll try the hobbies. My Hawk groups 5 RWS wadcutters under a dime at 10 yards but shoots is 1000 fps with lead pellet.

I can't believe the price on the xs12.  Under $90!

That QB57 is a neat pkg.  I hadn't seen one before.

I appreciate your help.

Jim

[Fwawa20]

If your shooting them with the air hawk is shoot heavier something like crow mags if you can get in close enough they will expand and not exit the quarry hopefully... Sparrow aren't that meaty but these things slow down fast when they open up. That is if your gun shoots them accurately!!

[bnowlin]

I'd do like Elmer Fudd and the fly in the house.  Get a 12 ga shot gun and shoot up the whole place anthe fly flies off. Ha HA
Bob

[Geoff]

I'm assuming you will be shooting after hours so noise shouldn't be a problem.  I'd hate to be shopping and some dying bird fall on me splattering blood all over my clothing.  ;- )

I've wondered about asking the manager at the one near me if he wants them gone some night.  I doubt it as liability issued would keep most from letting someone shoot inside the store.

Let us know how it goes and what you shot please

[nomobux]

  Avoid sprinkler heads   

[Motorhead]

  Avoid sprinkler heads   

Classic ... Nice one !

[Nikoman]

Sounds like the perfect job for an HW30/R7 with some H&N Match (wadcutter) pellets. It's the perfect pesting machine

[Bullit]

You know,  you'll probably not be shooting much over 25yards inside...and upwards to boot.  Doesn't take much power and the guys are right in using a lightweight wadcutter/target pellet.  The better Daisy SSP rifles will do the job.  Heck, it's a good reason to get a Avanti 853 target gun for the job.   

[BigCalShooter]

I hadn't thought about a target rifle because I didn't think one would have enough power however, I really like the accuracy on the review with the LW barrel.

The ability to add a scope is also a bonus.
Thanks,
Jim

[Nikoman]

I hadn't thought about a target rifle because I didn't think one would have enough power however, I really like the accuracy on the review with the LW barrel.

The ability to add a scope is also a bonus.
Thanks,
Jim

It's all about shot placement, not power
Match rifles have plenty of power for pesting.

[Bullit]

  A lightweight compact standard rifle scope will do the job. ENJOY!