Leaving spring gun cocked

[Crock Pot]

I have just come across some very flighty rats.  The slightest sound and they do the bolt. How long can you keep a spring gun cocked without damaging it. I have been waiting about three minutes before discharging it as I do not want to weaken the spring.  Just thought I would ask rather than be sorry.

[Crock Pot]

Thanks for that , That sheds some light.  Oh! does anyone know what is a good bait to put out for rats?

[Brod_Man]

try peanut butter too. we had a rat problem, now we have no rats, and no peanut butter.

[Splash]

Dog food, rice, bird seed will bring them in. Happy hunting and be sure to post the results.

[daveshoot]

Seconding peanut butter. Rat magnet.
Remove bodies immediately, and hose down area now and then. Rats are pretty smart and do have a sense of smell.

[Scruff_Dog]

I use a bird feeder they get what the birds drop. I also put a low level solar power light on bottom of feeder. makes for great night time fun.

[Crock Pot]

Hey Thanks guys,

I have nailed a few already! They do like that peanut butter.  I am away from my usual computer and am not sure how to resise my photos on my home computer so I can post them.  I have been sitting up once the family is asleep until about two in the morning (I am on holidays waiting for my wife to have a baby).  I have a small LED set up on the fence where my bait is and I hide near the BBQ about 15 mtrs away.  When I see a rat I sneak inside and cock my gun then sneak back out.  It has worked so far as I got two the other night, despite the neighbours cat howling. Anyhow I really am having a ball.  Hope to post some photos soon.

Oh! I like the idea of that solor powered light.

[London177]

I don't think leaving it cocked for half an hour or so will hurt it.

[Crock Pot]

Great, I was worried about three mins