If you’re having difficulties with pests, we’ve rounded up some of the best pest control rifles to help settle your infestation down
Daystate Wolverine R FAC
With its factory-reversible side lever action, the Wolverine R stands out from the crowd. The side lever action puts a pellet in the chamber from your 10-shot magazine. And, of course, that R suffix denotes this rifle’s piece-de-resistance—its regulator.
Developed especially for Daystate in partnership with the internationally renowned Dutch regulator specialist, Huma, the measured air control that it brings to the R’s action brings a host of benefits. Not only does it maximise shot-to-shot consistency as the rifle cycles through its usable air charge, but downrange accuracy is also improved.
Calibre: .177, .22 or .25
Daystate 01785 859 122
sales@daystate.com
SRP: £1,650-£2,000
Daystate Red Wolf
Digitally regulated for a super consistent high shot-count, and sporting a trigger that incorporates adjustability of both release and finger placement, the Red Wolf delivers match-like accuracy at the very extremes of airgun ranges.
Its masterfully sculpted stock sandwiches soft red undertones between its black laminates, although a walnut version is also available for traditionalists. However it’s dressed though, its ambidextrous design caters for a perfect gun fit courtesy of a butt pad and raised cheekpiece, both fully adjustable.
Calibre: .177, .22 or .25
Daystate 01785 859 122
sales@daystate.com
SRP: £2,000-£2,500
FX Impact MKII
This all-in-one air rifle has been engineered to satisfy the most demanding airgun shooter with high-performance features. The Impact is completely adjustable: air valve control, hammer spring tension, and even regular adjustments can be made externally to allow for various shooting scenarios.
The Impact now incorporates the new FX Smooth Twist X Barrel which is housed in the Interchangeable Barrel Liner System allowing the shooter to swap and change barrel liners of various twist rates, bore specifications and more; all to tailor the barrel to different projectile sizes.
Calibre: .177, .22, .25, .30, .35
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
www.sportsmanguncentre.com
SRP £1,750, barrel kits £290-£430
Chiappa Little Badger Scoped
The Little Badger Scoped option is available in .22lr only, though other versions come in 9mm FLOB., 17HMR, and 22WMR. The Scoped model comes threaded in 1/2x28UNEF with no open sights and is supplied with a basic scope and mounts.
Picatinny rails are mounted top, bottom and on both sides just forward of the receiver for mounting optics and accessories. An optional handle/cleaning kit combination accessory screws into the bottom of the receiver. Compact length and weighing only 2.9lbs, the Little Badger is an excellent option for those needing an affordable take-down gun.
SRP from £199 to £279
Raytrade
01635 253344
www.raytradeuk.co.uk
Anschütz Match 64 thumbhole range
Featuring the 1416 (.22LR) and 1517 (.17 HMR) models, this range of guns is built around Anschütz’s Match 64 action. Their thumbhole walnut stocks come in standard or deluxe versions, the latter featuring the distinctive cut-out design shown here, providing a lighter weight and a unique aesthetic.
All models have a choice of 14- or 18-inch heavy barrels, ready threaded to fit a moderator. Left hand options are also available. Each rifle takes a four shot magazine.
SRP from £999
RUAG Ammotec
01579 362319
Ruag.co.uk
Ruger Rimfire Long-range Target
The new Rimfire Long-range Target from Ruger features a two-tone target stock with a two-way adjustable comb, adjustable length of pull with soft rubber buttpad, QD attachment points and flush-mounted lower M-LOK rail.
The .22 rifle includes the patented, detachable, flush-mounted BX-1, 10-round rotary magazine and accepts all 10/22 magazines, including the BX-25, BX-25×2 and BX-15. An easy-to-use, extended magazine release provides smooth, no-fuss removal of the flush-mounted magazine, while Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger
offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user adjustable between three and five pounds, allowing shooters to make that perfect shot.
SRP £780
Viking Arms 01423 780810 vikingshoot.com
Howa M1100
Legacy Sports Int’l has just introduced a new bolt-action rimfire rifle — the Howa M1100. This new rifle will be available in three chamberings: .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The rifle has a smooth action and comes with a “SUB-MOA” accuracy guarantee — something rare for a rimfire.
An ergonomic stock makes the .17 HMR version a solid carry-around varmint rig for foxes and other small critters. The HOWA rimfire bolt action comes with an oversized tactical bolt handle, an 18”″ threaded and capped barrel, and two detachable mags. All are housed into a tough synthetic Tactical / Varmint style stock with a beavertail fore-end with options of OD or Black finish.
SRP £539.99
Highland Outdoors
0345 099 0252
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
Steyr Arms Zephyr II
The Zephyr II was announced by Steyr in 2016 and ever since that well-received re-release continues to be a staple in the UK market. Available in .17HMR .22LR and .22WMR, the award-winning Zephyr II is a firm favourite of target shooters and small-bore fanatics alike.
It has a 19.7” matte black, slightly tapered barrel and a gorgeous European Walnut stock with a pistol grip complete with fish scale pattern engraved on the grip and the forend. It is bolt action with a matte black, relatively low profile bolt handle.
Weighing in at 2.65kg, the Zephyr II is lightweight, especially when you consider the walnut stock. It features a five-shot detachable magazine, single-stage trigger and tang safety. In short, the Zephyr II is a good looking, accurate rifle that lives up to the reputation of its predecessor.
SRP from £778.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
www.sportsmanguncentre.com
CZ 457 Synthetic
Part of the new 457 rimfire series from CZ, this robust bolt action rifle has been made for the harshest of weather conditions and environments, combing an extremely durable nitride finish with a hardy black polymer stock.
The stock has been borrowed from the ever-popular CZ 557 centrefire rifle, with its ergonomic design making it suitable for both left and right-handed shooters. The design and materials used for the stock also allow for a significant overall weight reduction for the rifle, which weighs in at only 2.4 kg.
As for calibres, the 20” variant is available in the .22 LR, .17 HMR and .22 WMR, whereas the 16” is available in .22 LR only. Not only is this rifle built to last, but the CZ 457 Synthetic is a very attractive, modern rifle with a premium look and secure feel in the hand, owing to the soft-touch finish.
SRP £430.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
www.sportsmanguncentre.com
Tikka T1X
The Tikka T1X rimfire rifle is designed to handle a wide range of shooting tasks. Its unique barrel has a cross-over profile, which offers you the benefits and stability of a heavier barrel without noticeably increasing the overall weight.
The quality and craftsmanship means the T1X performs perfectly at the range and in rough terrain. Available in .22LR and .17 HMR, it’s got a synthetic 10-round magazine, stainless steel bolt, and two barrel length options (20” and 16”).
It’s threaded for a moderator and topped with an 11” rail. The stock, meanwhile, is the same one used on the centrefire T3X—which means the T1X barrelled action can be dropped into any aftermarket stock that accepts a T3X, and will still work perfectly.
SRP £575
GMK 01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
Savage A22 Pro Varmint
Savage’s semi-automatic A Series has proven itself for reliability and accuracy. Now hunters have even more effective options with the A22 Pro Varmint. The rifle’s Boyds Pro Varmint stock provides superior ergonomics and an extremely stable platform for the fluted heavy barrel.
A one-piece Picatinny rail and user-adjustable AccuTrigger allow the hunter to tailor the rifle to their exact needs and the 10-round rotary mag offers fast cycling. The straight blowback action ensures safe and consistent cycling.
SRP £690
Edgar Brothers
01625 613177
edgarbrothers.com
T-Bolt Target Varmint
The T-Bolt Target Varmint threaded rifle has been especially designed for hunting vermin and pests from a hide. It comes with an added wooden Monte Carlo Varmint stock on the heavy threaded barrel that guarantees its accuracy. Both .17 HMR and .22LR calibres are available in two different barrel lengths.
Mounting bases for scopes are included in this model, which comes in a grey laminate with stainless steel barrels. The traditional look renews all the pleasure of shooting with a small calibre rifle.
SRP £699
Browning
01235 514550
browning.eu
Mauser M18
The Mauser M18 is actually a callback to the classic M98, embodying its total reliability without any unnecessary features that would bump up the price. It’s a workhorse rifle that is nevertheless an incredibly effective package despite its low price.
With heaps of durability, stability and reliability built in, Mauser calls it the ‘people’s rifle’, and it’s available in a range of popular calibres, including .243, .270. 7mm Rem and .300 Win Mag, so it is ideal for foxes, or even light quarry.
SRP £766
Blaser Group Ltd
01483 917412
www.blaser-group.com/en/
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