Just how accurate are those 800-1000fps single pump air guns? I'm thinking about getting one of the lower priced model ($100) to use on the starlings around here.

 

Bruker,
Air guns can be phenomenally accurate to 40-50 yards, and more dependent upon the rifle brand and the sights you choose, combined with the pellet choice. All air guns need somewhere between 200-500 break in shots to "season" the gun and settle in all the working mechanisms. Single pump break barrel spring piston air gund are really a lot of fun to shoot and most if not all will easily tale care of your starling problems, but as with any of the shooting sports, you must be aware of the background behind your target and the fact that these can be lethal for 300-400 yards.
All air guns have a report when fired, and the higher velocity the sharper the crack, and NEVER... NEVER shoot one without a pellet, or 3 to 4 cleaning pellets in the chamber. Cocking and shooting an empty gun can destroy the piston seals immediately!
Do a search on Air Guns on the internet to see what's out there, and please understand tha initial cost of a medium to high quality Air rifle is certainly more than the cheaper guns(usually Chinese), but this is a one time cost and the cost per shot is next to nothing. I would look at RWS and some Beeman models as an inexpensive start for a quality product, but be careful, these trhings are lots and lots of fun, and are really addictive. I have eight air rifles (six are currently scoped) and two air pistols.
Good luck & good hunting, and if you do buy one, but 5 or six different pellet types and weights and a box of cleaning pellets, some air gun targets and make a pellet trap (a cardboard box filled with about 10 days of old newspapers) and you are good to go.
Please post what you buy & how you like it.
John Russell

 

Well I played with a Daisy 880 with multipump action when I was a kid and it was accurate enough (with pointed pellets) to allow me to pick off GI Joe arms and legs at about 25-30 yards. It was even accurate enough to pick off squirels in trees at about 45-50yards. The pointed pellets were more accurate than bbs or flat pellets. Fun toys. By the way, what is a "starling"?

 

Thanks for the replies. The brands I've been considering are the Winchester and BEC Eurolux. Starlings are annoying black/speckled birds that crap as often as they breath.

 

Bruker,

FWIW, I've got a 30+ year old Blue Streak and it shoots lights out....not a single pump though.

 

I have several 1000+ fps air rifles. At 30 yards you should be able to group within a 1" circle with a good air rifle & practice. My favorite air rifle is a GAMO 220 combo. Inexpensive with good power & comes with a good scope. As far a starlings ...they are extremly hard to hit because they stardle easily...sit and wait just outside there nesting area...they like to land close by there nest and look around for about 4-10 seconds..then fly into there nest. This is the time to nail them.

 

Be careful about where you shoot. City limits, schools etc... Many state and cities have laws on that. Also look into animal cruelty laws. Not that I personally have a problem with you shooting starlings. I know a guy was just ticketed for chasing a candian goose off of the tee box on the golf course. Nothing he could do because according to the law he was "tormenting"the bird. Regardless if the bird was chasing him or was in his way. He did not even touch it. So check into that maybe first. I can't beleive some of the ridiculous legislation that is out there. Otherwise have fun, I would agree with what everyone else has said about the accuracy of the air guns. You do get what you pay for.

 

Match (flat pellets) are the MOST accurate ...not pointed. 30 yards .81" grouping. Pointed is closer to 1" if not more. The pointed weigh more but have better penetration. The best penetration is the rounded pellet (like a bb) but 1.96 grouping at 30 yards...major droppage.

 

I put a scope on my dad's air rifle, and after sighting it in I was able to put 10 shots in a one inch circle from at least 30 yards.

I don't remember what brand it was, but it was pushing 1000+ fps. Had just about the same feel as shooting a 22LR.

If you're out in the country forget the air gun and just reach for a 12 gauge. Accuracy isn't nearly as important then

 

I have an FWB 300 that is recoiless. The whole action slids a slight amount. It was used in the Olympics back in its time. They would use a new target for every shot. Otherwise you could not tell where the second pellet hit. I also have a Beeman R-1. It has a higher feet per minute spec but is hard to make a scope stay put. Don't use a regular scope because the reverse recoil will destroy a non-airgun scope.

 

Not sure what brand ours is, but it's pretty damn old. Lost much of it's punch. It can still kill a squirrel from about 50 feet with match pellets. I agree with rangerxlt02. If city law allows it, just blast the suckers with a real gun. They make shot filled cartridges for .22 rifles. My grandpa uses his 12 gauge to blast appart abandoned magpie nests.

 

Im looking at the new .17 cal rifle...same noise as the air guns...2650 fps. Its new so the ammo is alittle spend 50 rounds for $10.00. But the fun you can have.

PS: Cummings sells a 800-900 fps air rifle for $20.00. There cheap..but worth every penny