House sparrow control

[clivia98]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a house sparrow trap in the event that a pair decides to nest in my martin house. I do want to buy a gun, too, so that I can shoot them if I have to in order to minimize any chances of a take over. I don't want to shoot but I will do what ever it takes to protect the martins and the blue birds. Can any one give me a recommendation on the type of gun (BB, pellet-name, model) that is accurate and reliable?

Thanks,

Jerry

[C.C.Martins]

Depends on your distances you need, neighbors, bb or pellets. I bought two cheepos no accuracy. Get what u pay for i suppose. I bought a nice crossman bb gun with elevated rear sights from walmart. Does the job, very accurate...only get one shot most times. Plus i have near neighbors.
Good luck this season,
Tom

[Spiderman]

You will find over time that trapping is more effective.

Sparrows are a lot smaller than Starlings.

If you shoot at one once and miss (he will still live in your colony) but you won't get a 2nd chance at shooting him.

[flyin-lowe]

A good quality pellet gun capable of consistently shooting a target the size of a sparrow at any distance is pretty costly. They are smart little critters, like others have said if you shoot once and mis they will then take off every time you open a door or a window. If you want to put in the money and practice time they are a good tool to have, but is you think you can go to Wal Mart and buy a 100.00 gun and kill sparrows with it that likely won't happen. I am fortunate enough that my neighbors are far enough away I can walk out with the .410 and take them out. I rely on traps mainly but sometimes the gun becomes necessary.

[-=DKC=-]

I bought a cheap Daisy Powerline 880S at Walmart. Combined that with a cheap CenterPoint scope and cheap Weaver rings, also from Walmart. I'm only taking shots from about 20 feet or so but this combination is plenty accurate for HSP control. I rarely miss if I don't get too rushed. The thing I like most about the Powerline 880S is that it's a multi-pump rifle which allows me to control velocity and therefore distance. One or two pumps is all it takes at short distances.

What I've learned in the last couple of years (mostly from folks here on this forum)...

A blind is the key to successfully shooting HSPs. Set up a blind near your colony in a direction that will allow any missed projectiles to fall safely without damaging property or humans/animals. I use a roll of bamboo fencing to set up a makeshift blind that doesn't attract attention from neighbors.

A scope will absolutely help you to make accurate shots, especially if your eyes aren't what they once were. Be sure to sight it in with the pellets you will be using at the distance you will be shooting. If you can get a scope with parallax adjustment that will be best for accuracy. That's my next investment.

I only take a shot when all PMs are away from the housing. I won't take a chance on injuring a PM.

Take your time and practice the fundamentals of marksmanship. Breathe normally. Squeeze the trigger smoothly. Wait for another shot if you are feeling rushed.

If you want to control HSPs this way you will be spending an inordinate amount of time sitting in the heat waiting. Traps are definitely less work.

[Bird Brain]

I agree with DKC that a multi-pump is the way to go. DKC is correct. 2 pumps is enough for a house sparrow at 30 feet. Also, large caliber ammo is unnecessary for HOSP. .177 caliber is perfect for HOSP. .177 caliber will also be the most accurate at 2 pumps. I bought a Benjamin 397. It costs about $150. I bought mine at Cabela's. I use flat head "wadcutter" ammo which is target grade. I don't use a scope but one can be added. I quietly lean over the backyard fence to take a shot. I use the fence and the eve of my roof to conceal myself while lining up the sights for a good shot. Super quiet with only 2 pumps. Anything more powerful than 2 pumps and a .177 pellet will only damage my expensive martin pole or gourds. Buy some paper targets and have those sights perfectly adjusted for when the big moment arrives. The Benjamin 397 is a beautiful American classic that you will be proud to own. I actually enjoy shooting those little pests. Good luck.

[Fireflyfisherman]

I have a RWS Diana in .177. It is more accurate than I am and has been responsible for the end of many sparrows and starlings. On windless days I have made some pretty rediculous shots on sparrows and starlings. Really accurate and reliable and they last forever. No complaints.

[Craig Dyer]

I have a Beeman .177 cal. with a factory mounted scope. I think I paid about $400 for it ten years ago. In my opinion when it comes to air rifles and BB guns you most certainly get what you pay for. If you are willing and able to pay, buy a quality gun. Adjust your sites and practice with a target or some cans. Slowly squeeze the trigger. Jerk the trigger and you'll miss every time. As others have said you don't often get more than a couple of shots at a house sparrow. They are wiley survivors and learn very quickly when they are being targeted. Good luck.