Customer Reviews
Very good but could be even more informative - By: M. Dyson, 11 Jul 2008 
This book is packed with useful information & anyone new to airgun hunting cannot fail to learn a huge amount.
I've found a couple of contradictions: ".177...can be affected by wind...A larger heavier pellet does tend to fly more true..." (p65), "...177...is lighter & flies faster...a light crosswind affects its smalller mass less." (p79). "...when targeting rats...a .177 pellet needs to go straight into the brain or heart...headshots are preferable & with the .177 calibre essential." (p149)
Diagrams & a little more technical information are lacking where they would sometimes be useful, e.g. Balllistics pp62-3, is a rather confusing discussion, whereas the simple observation that hitting power (momentum) is given by pellet weight multiplied by velocity would clarify things. A numerical example of the difference between .177 & .22 could then be given to demonstrate the momentum loss in .177 (along with the info on the flatter trajectory); Woodpigeon killzones, upper chest cavity shot (p158), a diagram definitely is required (I'm still not fully sure precisely what Pete means here - "the angle has to be right" - but what is that angle?)
Granted the book is not a pest control manual, but a section on how airguns can fit into the pest control spectrum would be helpful - how effective are airguns compared to poison in regard to rats? When to use which? Are they better than traps, & if so when? There is obviously a definite overlap between the use of airguns in hunting sport & their use from a purely pest control perspective, & Total Airguns would be a more complete work if there was an explicit section reflecting this overlap. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part but it would be nice to see it alll the same.
But overalll a very useful book to have on the bookshelf.
Outstanding!!!!!! - By: P. Charlton, 22 Apr 2008 
Novice & experienced hunters would do well to read this book. In my opinion it is HIGHLY INFORMATIVE, EXTREMELY COMPREHENSIVE & a must for anyone interested in this subject. I cannot rate this book too highly.
short on facts - By: Butty, 03 Sep 2007 
This was my first book on the subject & I have to say I was a bit disappointed. The author is a regular magazine contributor - & it shows. It's written in a blokey, chatty style that is rich in opinion but short on solid information. The first sections are, in fairness quite detailed & technical though information is not presented in a logical fashion. The later sections of the book are there just to add bulk - recipes & nature notes. I am sure that someone new to the sport, looking to improve their technique & learn more about the equipment could find a better source of information.
Up to Date Information - By: J. Chippindale, 27 Aug 2006 This book is essential for the serious Airgun hunter. The author is completely up to the minute with what is new in the airgun world & believe me rifles in particular have changed so much in the last few years. This gun helps you to choose the correct rifle for your needs & also the correct ammunition. I personallly think that this can be very important, particularly as there are now restrictions on the power of the rifle.
There will always be the perennial debate regarding .177 or .22 & it is basicallly down to the individual which one you go for, or if you are a serious shooter with plenty of money you will probably go for both. For hunting I personallly think .22 is the better calibre, but you can put up a good case for either.
The author gives the reader an insight into everything he needs to know about; What type of telescopic sight, when firearms certificates are required. The different type of quarry to go for & where to find them & most important of alll the law regarding airgun weapons & how to stay within the law.
All in alll an excellent & interesting read for anyone seriously interested in air weapons
The Complete Reference Book - By: J. E. Dorr, 19 Jul 2006 Total Airguns by Pete Wadeson is an excellent one stop book. If you want to know how to hunt with an air rifle this book deals thorougly with every aspect of the sport & many aspects you hadn't even considered. It covers gun choice & handling, ammo, finding a shoot, the various quarrys, fieldcraft, accesorries, gun maintenance, food preparation & probably every other topic associated with air rifle hunting. Pete is right up to date with his knowledge of modern air rifles, equipment, cammo gear, etc, & crucial issues such as safety & the law are dealt with in the kind of clear language it is often difficult to elicit from members of our somewhat taciturn shooting faternity. In fact he cuts through most popular opinion with the kind of straight talking based on knowledge & experience that we should respect. This is a great reference book for dipping in & out of, is very readable & informative. My only criticism is that there should be more pictures, & alll the pictures should be in colour, (come on publishers), more drawings & diagrams, eg; for hide building, gun cleaning & treatment of meat in the recipe section. Yes, the book could be longer! But alll in alll the most comprehensive, up to date, well written book currently available on the subject.
