The winter has come and gone and it’s all warmed up again. The snakes are out now. And even though you should carry a snake-bite kit on your camping and hiking trips, it’s always good to bring extra protection.
For people who bring any sort of BB gun or air gun for hunting small games during their outdoor adventure trips, it can add an extra layer of protection as well. So can you kill a snake with a BB gun? Well, the answer is yes.
BB guns are quite powerful and can easily kill almost any snake, including rattlesnakes. However, there’s a catch. You have to be really precise with your aim. There’s more. Read below to find the specifications you need to keep in mind when choosing a BB gun to keep snakes away from your backyard.
Things You Need To Know About Killing Snakes With BB Guns
BB guns use compressed air to shoot metallic projectiles called BBs. The BBs used in BB guns are of the same size that is used in shotguns. So, they are powerful, to say the least. Killing a snake with a BB gun is actually possible. In fact, people have been doing so for years now.
However, when you are choosing a BB gun that can keep you safe from snakes, it is important to pick the right one. Because when it comes to killing dangerous snakes like the rattlesnake, you want to kill it with one shot, if possible.
A quick note, don’t confuse BB guns with airsoft BB guns. They are two totally different things. Airsoft BB guns shoot plastic BBs and are intended for airsoft sports only.
Best Type Of BB Guns To Kill Snakes
Among different types of BB guns, BB pistols are the most popular. They too are powerful enough to take care of snakes that may visit your backyard occasionally. However, pistols have a limited range and lower accuracy.
BB rifle guns, on the other hand, have a much longer range. And don’t forget that added accuracy is something you are going to want when shooting small targets like a snake’s head. A much more expensive option is the automatic BB gun. It’s also recommendable for killing snakes if you can afford it.
Recommended Specifications Of BB Guns To Face Snakes
So, we’ve established that when attempting to kill a snake with a BB gun, range is equally important as accuracy. A .22 or .177 caliber BB rifle is, most of the time, enough to finish them off.
But a gun is only as good as its ammo. So, choose your ammo wisely when going on a snake-hunting trip with your BB gun. Always choose a lead pellet or lead ammo for your BB gun, when killing snakes. Lead is usually heavier and has a much more chance of penetrating a snake’s rough skin.
Another aspect you should keep in mind is the FPS. It is the distance in feet that your pellet travels per second when shot. You don’t need to be told that the higher the FPS, the better it is. For killing a snake successfully with one shot, you should have an FPS of a minimum of 400. But an FPS of 500 or more is better.
Pros And Cons Of Using BB Guns For Killing Snakes
The most obvious advantage of using a BB gun for killing snakes and other small games is that they are typically easier to handle. BB guns are generally cheaper too, so you don’t have to break into banks to get your hands on one.
They are quieter than regular firearms. So, you won’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors when shooting snakes in your backyard. However, at times, they can fall short of power. Especially if put against air guns. And because of less power to begin with, they can’t maintain accuracy, especially in the longer range.
Final Thoughts
Please remember that snakes do not want to harm you, nor they’d ever put up a fight with you intentionally. They only bite what they can eat, unless they feel threatened. So, if you can, avoid killing it altogether.
But in certain situations, when you must kill a snake with your BB gun, it is absolutely possible. Be careful not to get too close, but move close enough to shoot it down with one shot. Aim for the head, try to kill it as humanely as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
1.What Guns Are Best For Killing Snakes?
Any .22 or .38 caliber gun (firearm, BB, air gun) should be sufficient enough to kill a snake.
2.How Lethal Is A BB Gun?
High-velocity BB guns with higher than 350 FPS muzzle velocity can potentially be very lethal, even to humans.
3.Is A BB Gun Good For Self Defense?
Although BB guns can potentially kill small animals and even harm humans, they are not designed for self-defense or hunting.