Super short version:
I need to upgrade my anti-squirrel device - Benjamin 397, because it is just too loud. I'm considering the Benjamin Akela with an STO moderator. Thoughts?
Super long version:
My 397 is dependable, but it is ridiculously loud for my needs. Currently, I have to brace my rifle against the fridge, fire across the kitchen and out the window to keep the noise inside my house. Before I can do that, I have to look out of various windows to see if any neighbors are outside. Then, if I'm waiting on a shot for too long, I have to go check on neighbors again. Needless to say, I miss my opportunity to fire way too many times.
After reading numerous posts and seeing there's no real consensus on which guns are quietest, I have come to two conclusions;
- a PCP is quieter than a springer
- noise increases as air/propellant increases.
My requirements:
1. Ultra quiet.
I live in a neighborhood with small yards and a lot of retired neighbors outside all the time, including one across the cul-de-sac who feeds squirrels. Most of us have chain-link fences (or no fence at all) so there's no privacy fences to block noise. If they hear a noise, they can easily see in to my yard where I am shooting (this leads to req 2 and 3). If my neighbor sees me killing one of his "babies" I'll get the police called. Without exaggeration, I can hear my neighbor's kid shooting a Nerf gun when my windows are open, so even that is a little on the loud side. Even if I don't see anyone outside, they're old and like it warm, so they have their windows open in the summer a lot.
2. Small (bull pup only)
I need it short. I can't have a gun barrel sticking out of my window. If I am outside and can take a shot, I need it to look as inconspicuous as a rifle can.
3. Kill squirrels DRT, from 5-20 yds. Most between 5-10 yds.
If a squirrel runs in to anyone else's yard and they suspect it was shot, they will let my neighbor who feeds them know, and he will call the police.
4. Needs to be ready to kill something seconds after picking it up and will only be fired dozens of times per year. I have fleeting moments to kill squirrels in my back yard as they pass through. A PCP that can't hold air for months is out.
5. Air only, no CO2. Personal preference.
Legal considerations:
According to my local PD and Animal Control, it's legal to kill squirrels with traps and pellet guns so long as the pellet stays within my property. However, a neighbor could still call the police for suspicious person with a gun, animal cruelty, improper disposal of an animal, etc. The police can come hassle me, give tickets, or even worse...and who wants that?
My thoughts:
A Weihrauch hw97k would be great for me, but it fails to meet req 1 & 2.
I'm considering getting a Benjamin Akela in .17. It uses less air than .22 and should thus be quieter while still providing plenty of killing power. I could even put a lighter weight hammer spring in to decrease mechanical noise and allow me to turn down the air/power. Hopefully that, with an STO moderator, makes it about as quiet as it gets. I've read about installing a regulator and an SSG to increase accuracy and reduce air usage, but I would likely buy an FX Wildcat before doing all of that.
As for a scope, I have no idea what to look for that will focus to 5 yds and provide 30+ MOA hold over for those close shots. I thought about using a laser for the close shots and the scope for the 10+yd shots. Does anyone do that? Is that a thing?
