Query .22 bird shot

Armour MC · 12-06-2026 07:37AM #1

Guys.

Does anyone have advice on the .22 bird shot. I have a few feral pigeons in the cattle shed and was wondering if the bird shot does what it says on the tin. I'm buying an air rifle as I would have to go through the rigmarole of getting a license.

So: at what distance is the bird shot effective?

Does it damage the barrel?

Would it put holes in the tin roof?

All advice would be helpful.

Cheers

Widows Son · 12-06-2026 07:56AM

How are you getting an Air Rifle without a licence? Do air rifles shoot Bird shot? I think you need more research.

Armour MC · 12-06-2026 08:22AM

I don't have an air rifle.

At the moment cannot shooting the pigeons.

I have a license for a 22 LR but I don't want to buy an air rifle and have go through the licensing process.

I just want advice on the bird shot.

Armour MC · 12-06-2026 08:24AM

Predictive text on the initial message.

I meant to say "I am NOT buying an air rifle"

Thanks for the message

Widows Son · 12-06-2026 08:31AM

OK. I have used birdshot in a .22lr and its not really useful at any real distance. We had a problem with birds in a shed at work and after trying several things i simply used a shotgun. No real damage to the shed roof .

john_aero · 12-06-2026 08:46AM

I use Aguila Colibri they are good but limited to 50m.

The birdshot similar to federal version i dont like, they are expensive and the lead can foul up the rifling

The CCI snake shot look to be a great option however i cant get them here

otmmyboy2 · 12-06-2026 09:04AM

Mod - moved to the Hunting forum.

Armour MC · 12-06-2026 10:01AM

Thanks guys.

Great advice.

Ill see what I can do.

GaryKE. · 13-06-2026 06:15PM

Bird shot is shite, Air rifle is way to go, I am in the Kildare area myself if you want to test out an air rifle or can give ya a box of calibris to test no issue.

john_aero · 13-06-2026 09:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124548566#Comment_124548566

why i use the aguila colibri and also super colibri with a 22 rifle

air rifle results but also can power up to normal .22 when need to

Kat1170 · 16-06-2026 03:20PM

If all you want to do is shoot a few pigeons in your own shed then bird shot will be grand. You'll not be more than 15m from them anyhow. A good clean after any shooting will keep the barrel clean if all your shooting is a dozen or so.

If however you want to do it for others or in any numbers then it probably won't suffice.

Don't use a moderator with it 😂

J.R. · 16-06-2026 04:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124549041#Comment_124549041

Would the Aguila Colibri kill pigeons in a shed @ 20 yards without causing damage to the roof if it passed through?

Armour MC · 16-06-2026 09:05PM

I'll give the bird shot a go and see.

Thanks for the advice

john_aero · 17-06-2026 03:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124555479#Comment_124555479

Id say so, defo knock them down. always test it against a scrap sheet at 20ft make sure not going to go through it

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Query .22 bird shot

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