On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 10:53:04 -0000, "nightjar"
wrote:

A silenced .22 rifle would be more effective as it has a longer range.
Whether you can get the firearms licence for it

Why on earth would you need an FAC ? They're only rats, not
ankylosaurus, and semi-domestic rats will let you get close enough
that range isn't an issue. A cheap CO2 or spring air pistol will do
fine - you don't need an FAC-grade air rifle, or a rimfire .22

I also doubt if you'll get a .22 rifle ticket these days unless you're
either very rustic, already known as a shooter, or join a target club
as well. New applications "for vermin control" are getting very short
shrift.

Cheapest option is probably a nasty .22 spring air rifle. But a
slightly better option might be a CO2 pistol with a decent sight and a
carbine stock. There are a few "rat killer" kits around offering this.
Provided the range is low and you can provide some simple rest for it,
ratting inside a barn or a small space will probably be easier for you
with a reasonable pistol than a long rifle.