I need some opinions

[Putricio]

Hello everyone. I’d like some opinions on something. I’m in the market for another PCP. A few things first:
I’m not a hunter
My backyard is only 25 yards wide
My house butts up to an arroyo and I’m having an issue with skunks.
I have my eye on either a Gauntlet SL in .30 or an AEA challenger pro in .25.
Does it make sense to buy a .30 cal when the AEA will put out the same (if not more) FPE in .25? What would you guys do?

 

[Bramezy]

Thats a lot of power for 25yds! Either would work fine, better value on the Gauntlet and plenty accurate. Noise not an issue?

 

[Putricio]

Thats a lot of power for 25yds! Either would work fine, better value on the Gauntlet and plenty accurate. Noise not an issue?

I would definitely buy a moderator for either one.

 

[Matt247365]

.25 is PLENTY for skunks

 

[Sawney Bean]

If all you’re doing is plinking, target shooting and occasionally killing skunks, I’d get a .22. It will be much cheaper to shoot, make less noise, get more shots per fill and will still be more than adequate for skunks. If you need to take out something larger like coyotes, then I’d opt for a .30.

 

[Bramezy]

I would definitely buy a moderator for either one.

They are still going to have a bark. Just depending on your neighbors a 22 may be a better choice is all as well. There so many options you cant go wrong really. Find one that appeals to you. Avgx. Gauntlet. AEA. JTS. and others.

 

[beerthief]

what is your budget ? and i have read on here even with a brain shot Spray equals , some do, some do not . no control over that outcome .

 

[Putricio]

what is your budget ? and i have read on here even with a brain shot Spray equals , some do, some do not . no control over that outcome .

I thinking $500-$600.

 

[Rob_in_NC]

All are correct on the .22 being plenty... but for the occasional skunk, I'd say after you shoot your first and it sprays, you'll end up doing what I've done.. live catch trap. Catch one, walk up while talking. Their eyesight is poor, but hearing is excellent...so talk so they know you're there... throw a blanket over the trap and throw it in the back of your truck and relocate. I'm not a hippie or anything, but for me, just easier and FAR less chance of one letting loose and pissing off the wife and neighbors.

 

[Blankshot17]

Just thought I would throw this out there as an opinion, not to be considered as an endorsement of brand name, But basically for the purpose of pest control and caliber, pellet/slug type, FPE and FPS.

 

[coastal drifter]

25 yards is a very short range, and I believe most air guns including a springer will put a skunk down for the count inside that range. .22 would be more than adequate. Shot placement is the key and as others say quieter and cheaper to plink with.

 

[beerthief]

I have always found if i make some noise , not loud frightening noise , just talking or walking on the deck the skunk will leave .

 

[sekiar]

I have always found if i make some noise , not loud frightening noise , just talking or walking on the deck the skunk will leave .

Thanks for allowing the skunk to live. Charles

 

[WorriedMan]

Pledged to warn all considering a Gauntlet to check weight and length. My first PCP was an original Gauntlet, all 47-inches and ten-pounds (scoped) of it. Like a dummy I never even considered weight or length, figured all were the same. Was shocked opening the box and seeing that behemoth, definitely not the all-day woods walker I wanted. Yes, powerful and accurate but no joy hauling around. WM

 

[Sawney Bean]

Honestly, for backyard shooting at 25 yards or less, I’d definitely go for a springer. Any decent PCP is going to put every shot into a hole smaller than a dime at that distance and there won’t even be much challenge to it. A good springer will do the same, but it requires a little bit of skill to do it, which makes it much more challenging and entertaining.

For me, PCPs are more about trying to shoot those same dime sized groups at 50 yards or more and getting the right holdover and windage.

 

[boscoebrea]

I do not kill so much anymore; I trap. I have a bad possum problem, so I trap. Sometimes, I catch a skunk. The cage is not high enough for the shuck to raise its tail, so I bring it up on the hill and let it go. I mention this because the skunk turned around and smiled at me. I have feelings when living things respect me as I respect them.If I shoot something, I want it dead immediately.I always use more than enough.

 

[Vana2]

There's little reason to shoot skunks as they are good neighbors and just looking for food. Over the decades I've had dozens of skunk encounters with zero issues.

Skunks are rightfully confident in their awesome defense capabilities and are not overly concerned unless faced with an uninformed aggressor. As a result they are (typically) more friendly than the neighbors cat... they will take treats from your hand and do like pats.

If nervous with the situation, skunks will usually leave the area in a quick, dignified, waddle. If not cornered or protecting young, any skunk showing aggressive behavior is not acting normally and should be presumed to be sick.

I don't recommend approaching any wild or domestic animal unless you can read the body language and know what you are doing.

Cheers!

 

[BassMan]

I have an SL30 and it is definitely LOUD! You would certainly need a moderator. Depending on the distance you plan on shooting it may be a bit of an overkill but would certainly kill. Mine puts out 115 fpe shooting 50.15 gr pellets.

 

[CharlieF]

If you go with a .22, all you really need is a NOTOS and a Hand Pump. Very budget friendly, noise friendly, and with an inexpensive scope would more than get the job done. Perfect is the enemy of good enough.

 

[ToddGeddes63]

.22cal at the distance you are shooting will give you the results you are after and not be too loud for the neighbors (I would still use a moderator) or too expensive for pellets to target shoot. Check out airgun revisions, good prices, service and products.