Rabbit rifle

[Powderhorn]

Hi,

Long ago I used to hunt rabbits with bow and arrow.  Now I'm thinking of starting again but with a rifle or shot gun...I don't know which.  I'm in Ulster County NY.  Any suggestions to what kind of gun I should get.  It would be great if I could use it for other game too. 

 

Thanks in advance.

[ATbuckhunter]

Cant go wrong with a quality .22 or a .17 rifle. Ruger 10/22 is pretty much a classic if you want a semi auto. Although I must say that i have taken a few with an air rifle and they are deadly on rabbits. 

[JimMac]

.22 if there just sitting there , but if on the run 12ga or 20ga cyl bore and 8/9 shot

[sweet old bill]

shotgun in 20 ga works well for rabbit, I use number 6 shot.

 

[Hock3y24]

I enjoy a 22 bolt action, but if your running them a shotgun will be easier

[Powderhorn]

Thanks of the advice, guys.  

[EspressoBuzz]

I use all three depending on the area or if a friend brings dogs. I don't have dogs myself but with a quality air rifle the most places as in hunting spots will be open to you for rabbit hunting.

Edited June 3, 2015 by EspressoBuzz

[DirtTime]

shotgun in 20 ga works well for rabbit, I use number 6 shot.

 

Best way to go IMO. If they are running you have a better chance of killing the rabbit. Even for squirrels. Maybe even #4 shot if you can find it.

[hunterintheshadows]

i use an air rifle for almost all of my small game hunting...they are not your daddy's bb gun anymore!

[shawnhu]

Since I don't run rabbits with dogs, I use my air gun.

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[dbHunterNY]

light gauge shotgun like a 20 or smaller.  generic bird/small game shot like 7.5 is good.  I use a factory full choke and usually try to lead it to catch it just in the head or miss.  usually that's close within 20 yards.  some high areas of swamps are a bit closer even.  might go IC or M choke then.

[Two Track]

You have more options if you go with the a shotgun, and better chance if they are not sitting still (although you have longer range with a .22 or .17 caliber rifle).

 

For rabbit/squirrel, you can go from the lowly .410 up to a 12 gauge.

 

A 20, 16, or 12 gauge would give you more hunting options - pheasant/geese/ducks/deer/bear  just by using a different shot shell or rifled slugs.

[papabear]

I use a 20 Gage easy and quick kill on the run or just hiding in the brush  

[hunterintheshadows]

hatsan 25 supercharger air pistols....700fps in .177, about 550 in .22. i gave the 177 to my cousin and kept the 22...great for jump shooting bunnies at close range

[EspressoBuzz]

That looks exactly like my Browning 800 Express in .22, I do get about 620fps and it only Browning branded the maker is Umarex (mfg Turkey). Great air pistol!

[hunterintheshadows]

correct......the browning is made by hatsan in turkey