Suggestions re: pest removal for beginners

[SirNomad]

I picked up a little air rifle to get rid of some of the rodent/rabbit/starling pests that were causing problems around my yard. So, what's a good range to try sighting in the scope for? Any tricks for a good shooting posture? I notice I have issues holding the rifle really steady and I figure a steady aim is vital for quick and efficient kills. I also intend to use this to develop my aim since I plan on picking up one of those military surplus rifles that come on the market cheaply from time to time.

[PeakChick]

I initially got into air guns for yard pest control too, still is a big part of my AG shooting. Sight your rifle in for the common average range you shoot at. I have most of my rifles sighted in at about 30 yards zero. As far as a steady hold, the same basics apply to AG as powder burners. I always try for some kind of improvised rest if I can get it. A lot of my pest bird shots are taken from a sitting position, elbows on my knees. I've been pretty successful with shots from sitting on my butt. If I have to take a standing shot, I try to get some kind of rest to lean against, a wall of the house, a tree, etc.

[TCups]

To me, hunting backyard varmints is completely a different skill than target shooting.  You very often have to shoot quickly at at relatively close in the average urban  back yard -- sometimes almost a "snap" shot is required, especially for squirrels. A pistol isn't a bad solution for me.  And I not infrequently can't shoot even when I have a shot, if my line of sight isn't safe.  You also have to work on the trigger.  A good, smooth pull on a crisp trigger is essential if you want to shoot quickly without yanking the shot and missing, what ever.  Open sights are usually easier for quick acquisition and very effective, probably more so than a scope out to 12-15 yards.  And practice!  Be prepared to miss a lot more than you hit during your learning curve.

[Progun]

Michael, those length adjustable shooting sticks work surprisingly well to support the weight of the gun. If you are aiming up at severe angles they are much easier than shooting off hand.I can't shoot offhand worth a hoot so a shooting stick is part of my bag of tricks for all my hunts with rifles be they rimfires, centerfires or airguns. Prop the gun in front of the trigger guard and you will be deadly and rarely miss.

[BayouHawk]

SirNomad, Notice all have given you good advice. Peak/Sat=stable//Stick=stable// .. I can throw in some ideas..
                Try to set targets at the distance (Guestamate) the object of destruction will be. It will give you
                your hold over or under. You could think of where and how you could rest the rifle in the case
                of a " Look there  he is now I"ll get him" time! porch rail, Side of door (opened). Practice..A steady rifle
                generally gets you the prize. We all know it can happen at any moment so ,thats why you plan a little ahead.
                Whew...I talk too much..

                  SteveG

              PS Site in on mine is 20yards because I soot stuff at 15 feet away (often)