Sorry, Jon, but I'm going to have to disagree with you. Energy is energy, and it's one of the most quantifiable yard sticks we have to determine the efficacy of a particular rifle for a particular use. And what .50 cal. ammo expands to over an inch? Cite your source, please, unless it's results on a steel plate. If so, it's meaningless in this case, flesh and bone aren't steel. And greater penetration ability compared to a .22 LR? Again, cite your source please. The lowly .22 LR has a long history of complaints about "over penetration", just like the .177 pellet. And if you still believe over penetration is a bad thing, go read some of J.P. Shelton's articles on the subject.
How tough hogs are is your opinion, mine differs. Regardless, they are potentially DANGEROUS, unpredictabale game that will charge rather than run away, they are shockingly fast, and can do some serious damage in a big hurry. And if a hunter doesn't know where to hit ANY game animal for a quick kill, that hunter has no business hunting in the first place.
Regarding new restrictions and regulations on air guns, I don't think the big bores are going to cause it, for most people they are novelties. The trouble is going to come from the high powered production PCP's in standard calibers making 30 or so fpe and up. I didn't read the article, but I believe a cop was killed recently with an air rifle somewhere in the world, want to say New Zealand but not sure. THAT'S the kind of thing that will get the lawmakers, and perhaps worse, the media's attention. We live in a frightened, steadily shrinking world, and ANYTHING that can "reach out and touch someone" will continue to be looked at with suspicion. Today it's "assault weapons", tomorrow could be our air guns, the day after, who knows? Sling shots, maybe? The best plan may be to enjoy it while you can, and keep a low profile. And now I will step off my soap box, later.
Dave
