Let me set the stage. Friday afternoon, within the first few minutes of shooting my new .22 caliber Beeman R1, a tree rat jumps from the garage apartment onto the pecan tree, otherwise known as Tree Rat Bread and Breakfast.
I thought about taking a 15-20 yard shot, but since I had put less than 20 shots through the R1, I decided that I could wait. That was probably for the best because I was not familiar enough with the R1 to start taking out live targets.
A few minutes later, the tree rat thinks about visiting the bird feeder near the pecan tree. He comes down the tree, all embolden, without a care, oblivious to the danger he is about to face. It takes a minute to get the tree rat sighted in my Bushnell Elite 3200, which is the first sign that a 7-21×40 scope just might be too much glass for backyard shooting. The shot was about 12 yards, but I decided that the squirrel could wait. Or maybe he decided that maybe it was not such a good decision to tempt faith and go after the goodness in the feeder. Either way, it took me too long to get the scope adjusted to such a close target.
After finishing up my shooting session, about 30 minutes later, Mr. Squirrel decided he did in fact want to meet my new R1.
|
|
|
Lights out Mr. Squirrel |
I sat on the deck. The tree rat was a good 15-17 yards from me. When he saw me, he froze and me that “what the hell are you doing” look. Decisions, decisions. Go for the goodness in the feeder and face the furry of the R1, or head back up the tree and bide his time for another attempt?
Meanwhile, sitting on the deck, cocked the R1, picked up a Crosman Premier pellet, loaded the gun, and started to sight in the tree rat.
Aim for the ear hole. Wait. Wait. Patience. Must make sure that my first pet control with the R1 is a success. Gently squeeze the trigger. Hell’s furry flies towards the unsuspecting varmint. Thuck! Direct hit!
|
|
|
.22 R1 earns its keep. |
Mr. Squirrel is obviously shocked by the impact of the .22 R1. For about 2-4 seconds he remains in place, and falls to the ground. I pick up another Crosman Premier, just in case it is needed. A few seconds later, Mr. Squirrel squirms around for 5 or so seconds, as his life quickly expires.
If you click on the second picture, you may be able to see a little blood around the ear. This would be the exit point, except the pellet did not pass through. The .22 caliber pellet did its job. The impact point was on the opposite side, just below the ear, and clearly all the energy was absorbed in the tree rat’s grey matter. Very impressive!
So my shot-to-kill ratio is an impressive 100% – the .22 Beeman R1 earned its keep. Mr. Squirrel will not bother the feeder again.
