Harries technique works...

[KD5NRH]

Had to deal with an intruder tonight...fortunately, it was one of the small, furry, gnawing types. I had remembered to pick up some 22LR shotshells, since I was concerned that the 22WMR ones might do too much damage, especially launched from my Winchester 9422M. (The landlord said we could use ratshot, and didn't specify a caliber, but I figured he probably didn't mean the 12ga "dust shells." As he pointed out, almost any damage we can do to the house with #12 shot is cheaper to fix than what an unchecked rodent problem can do.)

I was sitting in the easy chair catching up on the forums when I heard something messing around in the kitchen, so I put on some safety glasses and muffs, and grabbed the freshly loaded S&W 22A-1. I started into the kitchen and used Harries method with my Pelican M3 Xenon. It took a minute or two to chase the little bugger off the counter (too much glass around for such a close shot there) and corner him for a good shot.

It was a one shot stop, so that minimized linoleum damage, but it looks like I'll have to scrape a few #12s out of about a half square foot of floor. Even at that, this little critter has cost us far more in ruined food. Traps worked for a while, but eventually we were down to at least three mice who wouldn't get into the traps, no matter which kind we tried.

One down, 39 shotshells left.

Incidentally, it appears the CCI shotshells won't cycle the S&W. Maybe I could use this as an argument in favor of a DA .22LR revolver

[flintknapper]

Incidentally, it appears the CCI shotshells won't cycle the S&W.

Haha....

Yes Sir, this could have been a real concern. The intruder might not have been working alone. Bad time to have your weapon malfunction.

I trust you "sliced the pie" before entering the room... then illuminated and moved, illuminated and moved....etc

Glad you weren't hurt.

[KD5NRH]

Bad time to have your weapon malfunction.

Well, I had a backup on me, and a better one close, but I don't think the landlord would like me shooting mice with .45ACP Golden Sabers or 12ga 00 buck magnums.

I trust you "sliced the pie" before entering the room... then illuminated and moved, illuminated and moved....etc

Strangely, that seems to be the best way to herd mice. He would see me, but not run until I lit him up. I suspect the 145 lumen light at 3-4 ft was a bit disconcerting for him.

Glad you weren't hurt.

Actually, it's probably one of the more dangerous shots I've taken just due to the ratshot going *everywhere* after impacting linoleum and wood. I was really glad for the safety glasses, since I'm sure the ricochets aren't moving very fast, but I've seen what small shot can do when it's lodged under an eyelid.

[agdude]

Good stuff!

FYI... rat shot isn't made to cycle semi-auto's. It's a very low powered load and is created for use in revolvers. Works fine in semi-auto's, but you do have to manually cycle the action.

[flintknapper]

All I'm saying is....be glad he didn't charge!

[HighVelocity]

A lever action 357mag rifle works great with 38spl CCI shotshells. It's so soft shooting that it's like dry fire with noise.

You're lucky, I cannot even shoot my mouth off in the house without incurring the wrath of SWMBO, no less discharge a weapon.















*For those that may not know, SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed.

[KBCraig]

All I'm saying is....be glad he didn't charge!

"Aim between th' eyes, Willie. Sometimes they charge when wounded!"

[KD5NRH]

A lever action 357mag rifle works great with 38spl CCI shotshells. It's so soft shooting that it's like dry fire with noise.

Definitely on my want list; 38 wadcutters from a rifle barrel are quiet enough to not wake the neighbors when dealing with yard varmints.

You're lucky, I cannot even shoot my mouth off in the house without incurring the wrath of SWMBO, no less discharge a weapon.

Heh, she was just happy I got the mouse; she wanted to go after it with the air rifle and Raptor pellets. (basically a hardcast pellet designed for extra penetration in small varmints)

[Crossfire]

*For those that may not know, SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed.

WOW! How did she train you to call her that? I need to meet this woman!

[flintknapper]

*For those that may not know, SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed.

WOW! How did she train you to call her that? I need to meet this woman!

Something to do with Bamboo shoots and fingernails?

[HighVelocity]

*For those that may not know, SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed.

WOW! How did she train you to call her that? I need to meet this woman!

I choose not to push certain things in the interest of domestic tranquility. Besides, I didn't invent that acronym myself.

In all seriousness though, she doesn't particularly liked to be referred to as SWMBO, SO, etc. She would be pretty peeved though if I used a firearm to dispach a rodent inside the house though.

If you want a good laugh there is a thread on THR about a squirrel in the house.
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t ... rel+hiding

[Rex B]

I think I'd have to go with the pellet gun. I have a Daisy 717 target pistol that would drill one of those easily, with no collateral damage.

Another alternative that I though interesting was a cap & ball pistol loaded with wax plugs over a small powder charge. Good use for a loose one that might be marginal with regular loads.

But if you have to use shotshells, get a cheap SA revolver, like a Heritage.
Get the adjustable sights, in case you opt to shoot some CB caps (another good option)

For additional credit, see http://www.ratkill.com/

[KBCraig]

There's always the blackpowder mousetrap, from Dixie Gunworks:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_in ... s_id=11582