People who use airguns to control nocturnal pests such as rats and rabbits are always asking me whether it is worth splashing out on expensive thermal or night-vision optics instead of using traditional lamping methods.
With the days beginning to shorten and peak night shooting season fast approaching, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and experiences in choosing the right kit for the job. I seldom use thermal-imaging gear with an air rifle; it can work well but, for the average rat or rabbit shooter, it is still quite expensive. Night-vision and lamping tactics are, in most cases, better suited to my requirements and budget so I will stick to those for now.
Night-vision optics caused quite a stir when they arrived on the airgun scene about 20 years ago. I jumped on the bandwagon quite early but was initially disappointed; the kit was heavy and unreliable and produced a very poor image quality so, after a frustrating few months, I switched back to lamping.
Technology
I didn’t embrace night-vision optics again until about 10 years ago. Things had moved on a long way by then and, thanks to advances in digital technology, performance has continued to progress. The result is that I now regard night vision as an essential part of my after-dark armoury for rabbit and rat shooting.
The price of night-vision gear has also come down significantly. Whereas early units could cost several thousands of pounds, you can now pick up good night-vision optics for well under £1,000. The new breed is not only significantly more affordable but is also far superior in terms of performance and ease of use.
Denne historien er fra August 26, 2020-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
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Denne historien er fra August 26, 2020-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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United we stand
Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
They're not always as easy as they seem
While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make
A step too far?
Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work
Two bucks before breakfast
A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside