If you're into airgun pest control, you know there’s something incredibly satisfying about solving real-world problems with precision equipment. Recently, my son and I had an unforgettable night at a local recycling center that’s notorious for being overrun by rats. They separate trash from plastic here, which creates a haven for these little critters. Armed with our EDgun Leshiy 2 setups, we had a blast (pun intended) while doing our part to help control the rat population.
The video captures the action from start to finish, but today, I want to go deeper into the setups we used, and why they’re perfect for this type of shooting. If you’re interested in getting your hands on any of the gear featured in the video, I’ve included links so you can grab them for yourself.
I've gotten a ton of questions in the comments about the rigs we used this night, so here you go:
Setup 1: 9mm EDgun Leshiy 2 with ATN Thor 5 XD 4-40x & 77gr JSB Hades
This setup is a beast. The 9mm EDgun Leshiy 2 paired with the ATN Thor 5 XD is an absolute powerhouse for nighttime ratting. The thermal imaging capabilities of the Thor 5 allow you to track rats even in total darkness with incredible detail. We used JSB Hades 77gr ammo, which is perfect for delivering the stopping power needed for these large pests, even at longer distances. Actually lets be honest, a .177 is plenty, but 9mm is whole lot more fun :)
The 450mm barrel offers a perfect balance between accuracy and power, especially when combined with the heavier JSB Hades ammo. Every shot felt smooth, and the precision was on point, making it a great choice for rat control in low-light or completely dark environments.
Links to purchase:
Setup 2: 9mm EDgun Leshiy 2 with ATN X Sight 5 LRF 5-20x & 77gr JSB Hades
Our second setup also featured the 9mm EDgun Leshiy 2 with the 450mm barrel, but this time, we opted for the ATN X Sight 5 LRF 5-20x. This scope is a versatile piece of tech that handles both day and night shooting with ease. With the built-in laser rangefinder (LRF), acquiring targets at various distances becomes a breeze, even in rapidly changing conditions. I didn't need the LRF in this video, as the holdovers between 30 and 70 yards were basically nothing, but it's a great feature to have if you're moving from close range to longer ranges (100+ yards).
The combination of the JSB Hades 77gr in this setup gave us the stopping power we needed for quick, humane dispatches. The 450mm barrel, once again, gave the necessary range and accuracy to hit those tricky targets tucked away in dark corners. The 450mm is definitely my favorite of all the barrel length options... hence why I have 2!
Links to purchase:
Setup 3: .25 cal EDgun Leshiy 2 with ATN Thor 4 640 4-40x & H&N 40gr Slug
Our final setup switched things up a bit, utilizing the .25 caliber EDgun Leshiy 2 with a 350mm barrel. For optics, we went with the ATN Thor 4 640 4-40x, another excellent thermal scope that performed beautifully under the conditions we faced. This time, we loaded it with H&N 40gr slugs, which are known for their precision and flatter trajectory in smaller calibers. A Sub MOA 350mm barrel is Crazy! This thing fits in a small backpack!!
This setup was perfect for quick, accurate shots when the rats were on the move. The .25 cal doesn’t have the same punch as the 9mm, but it’s more than enough for small-to-medium-sized pests like the ones we encountered at the recycling center. It's also insanely quiet! The shorter 350mm barrel also made the gun more maneuverable, which was a bonus when navigating tighter spaces.
Links to purchase:
This night was an amazing bonding experience, and we couldn’t have done it without the right gear. Each of these setups had its strengths, and depending on your needs, any of them would be a great addition to your pest control arsenal. Whether you're looking to step up your nighttime shooting game with thermal optics or simply need a versatile airgun for both day and night use, these EDgun Leshiy 2 setups are top-tier choices.
Check out the full video (
Click Here) for more details on how the night unfolded, and don’t hesitate to explore the links above if you're ready to upgrade your own gear. Happy hunting!