Self-Loading Western Rattler .357 Questions from a Hunter

[Ezana4CE]

Today I came across some hogs on a property that I help manage. They weren’t that sharp as I drove up on them while talking to the property owner on the phone. Once I realized what they were I took a photo and backed up my truck to head home and grab a gun.

The first thing I grabbed was my Rattler .357, slugs, snake boots, and SCBA tank and hit the door. Why i packed a SCBA tank I do not know. When I returned to the property it took me about a half hour, but I tracked the hogs down crossing a road in the woods. I walked to the edge of the road, knelt down, and when I saw one coming out of the brush I aimed for the the head/neck area and let a shot rip. It was loud and I had hogs on both sides of my scrambling. I never found any blood and it didn’t squeal long or loudly. I did not hear a loud crash, although I heard them running into and through thickets violently. Another group doubled back through the woods, winded me, and bolted back across the road behind me. I counted 5 through my scope. I’m just not used to hunting with semis so I have to practice double taps and such. It doesn’t come natural with airguns to keep shooting. After they seemed to stop running and stirring in the brush I went to investigate the area I thought the hog was in when I took my shot. I didn’t see an indication of a hit.

Then I crossed the fence line to the adjacent property to see if a hog was bedded down anywhere (I assist both property owners when I have time). I checked the creek bed and made noise around the thicket. I didn’t jump a hog. Now all this time I’m carrying this gun with my AccuTac still attached. I don’t have a sling and this thing is heavy to carry.

1) This is not a light air rifle and I did not enjoy toting it through the brush. So one question I have is, how do Rattler .357 owners securely install a sling that you don’t have to worry about coming off? At what points do you affix the posts? I’m still not used to this gun. I got wasn’t for the adrenaline rush of the tracking and stalking, I’d have been pissed that I missed.

2) My reg is set at 140 bar. When filling beyond 240 bar it seems to push the reg up to 150 bar. This affects my POI on my first shot or two. How do I correct this issue? If the reg needs a rebuild I'll need more advice than "the reg needs a rebuild" because I know nothing about these regulators.

3) I'd really like to quiet the gun down. This was my first time shooting it without ear protection and it produced a considerably loud crack. Initially I thought I hit the hog. The way it took off through the brush without hearing it crash. I questioned it. When I found no blood I knew I had not hit it. I just scared the hair off of his hide. Some of the others too. How do I effectively quiet this thing down without negatively altering the performance? I may have been able to take two shots if the report was a lot quieter.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I still want to figure out how to mount a sling to this rifle. As for cutting down the report I ordered a moderator adapter for the Rattler 357. Let's see if it makes a difference. I'm thinking Donny FL Ronin or Emperor. I still have to obtain info on the reg.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I made an acquaintance with a man with sniper experience. Eventually I let him shoulder my Rattler. He liked the feel and said it was “light.” I feel like a whimp. He was impressed by the build quality and like the fact that they are assembled in the United States. He asked the name of the company and I told him and showed him the logo on the rifle again. I think I made a new friend. He says he owns a Gamo. Boy he doesn’t know what he’s in for when it comes to PCPs. It was a pretty nice interaction. We had a long conversation.

Edit: I forgot to mention he said he used to shoot 10m competition air rifle when he was young.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Today I came across some hogs on a property that I help manage. They weren’t that sharp as I drove up on them while talking to the property owner on the phone. Once I realized what they were I took a photo and backed up my truck to head home and grab a gun.
View attachment 8531
The first thing I grabbed was my Rattler .357, slugs, snake boots, and SCBA tank and hit the door. Why i packed a SCBA tank I do not know. When I returned to the property it took me about a half hour, but I tracked the hogs down crossing a road in the woods. I walked to the edge of the road, knelt down, and when I saw one coming out of the brush I aimed for the the head/neck area and let a shot rip. It was loud and I had hogs on both sides of my scrambling. I never found any blood and it didn’t squeal long or loudly. I did not hear a loud crash, although I heard them running into and through thickets violently. Another group doubled back through the woods, winded me, and bolted back across the road behind me. I counted 5 through my scope. I’m just not used to hunting with semis so I have to practice double taps and such. It doesn’t come natural with airguns to keep shooting. After they seemed to stop running and stirring in the brush I went to investigate the area I thought the hog was in when I took my shot. I didn’t see an indication of a hit.

Then I crossed the fence line to the adjacent property to see if a hog was bedded down anywhere (I assist both property owners when I have time). I checked the creek bed and made noise around the thicket. I didn’t jump a hog. Now all this time I’m carrying this gun with my AccuTac still attached. I don’t have a sling and this thing is heavy to carry.

1) This is not a light air rifle and I did not enjoy toting it through the brush. So one question I have is, how do Rattler .357 owners securely install a sling that you don’t have to worry about coming off? At what points do you affix the posts? I’m still not used to this gun. I got wasn’t for the adrenaline rush of the tracking and stalking, I’d have been pissed that I missed.

2) My reg is set at 140 bar. When filling beyond 240 bar it seems to push the reg up to 150 bar. This affects my POI on my first shot or two. How do I correct this issue? If the reg needs a rebuild I'll need more advice than "the reg needs a rebuild" because I know nothing about these regulators.

3) I'd really like to quiet the gun down. This was my first time shooting it without ear protection and it produced a considerably loud crack. Initially I thought I hit the hog. The way it took off through the brush without hearing it crash. I questioned it. When I found no blood I knew I had not hit it. I just scared the hair off of his hide. Some of the others too. How do I effectively quiet this thing down without negatively altering the performance? I may have been able to take two shots if the report was a lot quieter.

Answers:

1) After corresponding with Darren and Shane at AOA, I was told that the only way to install a sling on a Rattler is to purchase this Kraford and Lypt KLS butt pad with sling attachment (linked below).

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/gun-stocks-grips/kraford-lypt-kls-butt-pad-for-the-western-airguns-rattler-with-sling-attachment/.

2) It was also recommended that I increase my regulator to at least 150 bar. Shane says that 140 bar is low for the Rattler. I was informed that I could obtain a reg rebuild kit from AOA, but I should try to adjust the regulator before worrying about rebuilding it. A slight increase in the regulator setting is normal after topping off the Rattler according to Shane.

3) To quiet it down some I have an adapter on the way to see how a moderator tames the bark of the Rattler. Hmmmmm a barking Rattler, who'dve thunk it?

 

[Nealgl1985]

You could use a 1 point sling and attach a picatinny mount sling qd up front if you needed an attachment point on the rear you can find a qd attached to a piece of webbing to attach around the rear somehow. Just thinking out loud. Hope you get it figured out.

 

[Ezana4CE]

You could use a 1 point sling and attach a picatinny mount sling qd up front if you needed an attachment point on the rear you can find a qd attached to a piece of webbing to attach around the rear somehow. Just thinking out loud. Hope you get it figured out.

@Nealgl1985 Thanks. I'd considered that, but I don't like the idea of a 1 point sling affixed to a pic rail mounted adapter. I grabbed a K&L butstock, but haven't put it on yet. It also has a tiny section of pic rail for another pic rail adapter. I thought it had something built in to affix a sling to.

 

[Nealgl1985]

I run a 1 point sling on my crossbow. It's not the best but it sure beats carrying it without it and trying to operate a thermal or do anything else.

Something like this on the back of the rattler would definitely work for anyone else not wanting to purchase a k&l setup. You could even affix it with a piece of 550 paracord or something simple it the strap didn't work. Not necessarily the saber tactical way but better than nothing. Let us know how the k&l works out for you.

 

[Nealgl1985]

Not trying to clutter your thread up, but I like running these if I'm planning on doing tripod work and need arca. I don't normally see them with a qd point added so figured I'd share. Just another option for sling attachment.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Nealgl1985 That's not clutter. Thank you. I will look into these suggestions.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I still want to figure out how to mount a sling to this rifle. As for cutting down the report I ordered a moderator adapter for the Rattler 357. Let's see if it makes a difference. I'm thinking Donny FL Ronin or Emperor. I still have to obtain info on the reg.

After installing a Magpul pic rail mounting bracket and a Krafort & Lypt butstock, problem solved.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I honestly prefer the feel of the OEM rubber but pad, but slinging this rifle is a must for me. Now I have to pair it it with the most comfortable sling option that I have. I’m not quite ready to hog hunt with it.

 

[pan60]

this is my most comfortable sling

 

[Ezana4CE]

Answers:

…

2) It was also recommended that I increase my regulator to at least 150 bar. Shane says that 140 bar is low for the Rattler. I was informed that I could obtain a reg rebuild kit from AOA, but I should try to adjust the regulator before worrying about rebuilding it. A slight increase in the regulator setting is normal after topping off the Rattler according to Shane.

3) To quiet it down some I have an adapter on the way to see how a moderator tames the bark of the Rattler. Hmmmmm a barking Rattler, who'dve thunk it?

I took my Rattler out today and shot slugs and pellets. The reg holds its setting at 150 bar unless I shoot below reg set pressure. I’m getting acceptable velocity so far. From the mid 800s to the high 900s.


I am enjoying getting to know this gun although I’ve had my frustrating moments. I got my thermal scope sighted in for a couple of different projectiles. It’s coming along.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Went looking for hogs last night in the fog. I didn’t find any. However, I got a chance to practice using my Rattler with Pulsar Thermal Scope, tripod, and a hand scanner. I was out for a total of around 5 ½ hours. I didn’t see one hog. I can say this. After two hours of carrying around the gun while mounted on the tripod my lower back was hurting. It didn’t stop hurting until I woke up.



I chose to carry the rifle and tripod mounted together so that I can deploy it easily for a shot if I happen upon some hogs. @Nealgl1985 I have one of those short arca plates attached to the pic rail that you posted. I’ve had it for a while. Anyhow I wasn’t hunting over bait, nor did I see any fresh signs. I just went out hoping I ran into something so I could practice. I’m glad it was foggy with very little wind so I got some real world experience. I was able to walk past some deer without spooking them. Some of the cows always seem to spot me though. Although this setup is heavy I think it can be carried in two pieces with the rifle on the sling and the tripod over my shoulder until I locate a sounder of hogs.

What I found difficult was locating an animal with the hand scanner and then locating it through the riflescope. I lost a a couple of animals trying to locate them. I did learn a few things. Like most other types of night hunting, I don’t get good overnight. I have to practice and this was good practice for me. Nothing changes the fact that this is a heavy airgun with increased weight fitted with a thermal scope and an attached tripod.

Edited typos 02/25/25

 

[Ezana4CE]

Last night I took my Rattler out and got on some hogs. If you’re familiar with my Rattler threads you know that I had an issue with catching a blast of air (and sometimes lead) to my shooting eye upon shooting this air rifle. To remedy the issue I backed the barrel in some to close the gap between the mag and barrel. All was well until last night with the occasional interference from slugs that were jarred loose or became loose within the mag and the base of the slug interfered with the cycling of the Rattler’s magazine. So far I’ve experienced this with NSA 110 grain HPDB slugs and JSB Exact Match Diabolo 81 grain pellets.

Last night I was hunting in 33-24F weather for several hours. I came up on some hogs a few times and shot one. However, I tried doing what I got this gun for, shooting multiple hogs. When I lined up my second shot at a hog on the run, the Rattler dry fired. I have to get this issue corrected. Because it was around sunset and the hunt was on, I didn’t stop immediately to examine the gun. After each shot I lifted the lever and manually advanced the magazine. The first time I did this, it was obviously necessary. The second time I did it just in case it was needed. When animals are moving and I’m shooting I’m not always listening to hear if the magazine sounded like it cycled. I just expect that it will.

I noticed after the barrel adjustment I went out for a couple of hours and did some longer-range shooting (90-100 yards I think on 2/15/25). The mag cycled well until a loose slug obstructed its cycling. It was 52-54F that day according to my notes. My question at this point is this, do those of you in the know think that there is a way to find the balance between not getting hit in the face and eye with air and lead fragments and the magazine cycling properly after each shot unless obstructed?

 

[Ezana4CE]

Photo Rattler .357 being carried via a sling.


One thing to be mindful of is the location of the fill port. I have a magnetic fill port cover that I don’t want to knock off and lose so I must be mindful of it when the butt is closer to my thigh. If you don’t have a cover on yours, it doesn’t feel good to have the rifle swinging and the fill port hitting your hip.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

... My question at this point is this, do those of you in the know think that there is a way to find the balance between not getting hit in the face and eye with air and lead fragments and the magazine cycling properly after each shot unless obstructed?

@Ezana4CE I'd say if the barrel is threaded into the magazine properly if it's not pushing air out to your face, and that part of the job is done. Mechanically then, theres a couple of other issues to be checked and or addressed.

First, per the manufacturer the regulator and power wheel need to be of a good pressure and balance to cycle properly. I've tested this and being too low or too high doesn't allow the magazine to cycle or function properly. A regulator pressure minimum setting of around 150 bar is OK for light ammo, and heavier ammo needs more pressure and power wheel adjustment. Alternatively, if it doesn't cycle as well in cooler weather the plenum pressure may be dropping below the critical semi auto's required cycling threshold as the air cools internally. Adding a bit more bars to the reg pressure adjuster should fix this.

Second, because the flat-based pellets or slugs are sometimes hitting the sharp edge of the reciever and stopping cycling or tearing off lead in the process, either the loading gate and or magazine release flange's may not be aligned tight enough with the reciever. (Allowing a slight gap for the sharp edge of pellets and slugs to catch on the reciever when they slide backwards and rotate into it.)

To fix this, you can adjust the magazine loading gate and it's counterpart magazine release flange by loosening their two screws and pushing the flange's towards the magazine so these two parts are flush with the reciever and locking it in place there. This takes away the sharp edge that the slug can come in contact with, and pellets or slugs can travel the fill rotation dragging on all these components evenly without catching on edges.

 

[Ezana4CE]

A year later, I can say that I have shot and killed at least one hog and one coyote with my Ratller and a Pulsar Thermion XQ50 LRF thermal riflescope. The coyote was dropped on the spot. I shot a few others with this rig and a body was located yesterday. I can't say if it's one I shot or not. I did find the remains of a hog that I shot last week. I was sure it died when I shot it. It didn't go far at all. I shot that one in the neck and ribs.

I can also say that I am still having issues with this rifle. Most recently I lost a screw out of my Kraford & Lypt buttstock and now the butt hook swivels uncontrolably. I was told the screw size, but I haven't found one that fits yet. I will likely call again today or send an email to confirm that I got the numbers correct in my first conversation. I still need to remove that side plate shown in post #17 to remove the factory grease from the internals and apply some True Blue Gun Grease per recommendation from Shane at AOA. I'm no longer experiencing a blast of air to the face.

If you can keep your Western Rattler functioning properly, it can be a convenient and fun gun to hunt with. If not, then be prepared to deal with nagging issues it you are not handy and have little knowledge of hammerless airguns. At least I can say I have what seems to be a decent barrel on mine. I still think that the Rattler's fill port should be located out of the way or recessed. It's a serious pain to have that thing digging into and bumping into my hip on a hunt with the rifle slung over my shoulder. It was suggested that I try a single-point sling mount by affixing a QD bracket to the top pic rail and suspending the rifle from that point. I'm not sure how comfortable that will be. I have not tried it yet.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

A year later, I can say that I have shot and killed at least one hog and one coyote with my Ratller and a Pulsar Thermion XQ50 LRF thermal riflescope. The coyote was dropped on the spot. I shot a few others with this rig and a body was located yesterday. I can't say if it's one I shot or not. I did find the remains of a hog that I shot last week. I was sure it died when I shot it. It didn't go far at all. I shot that one in the neck and ribs.

I can also say that I am still having issues with this rifle. Most recently I lost a screw out of my Kraford & Lypt buttstock and now the butt hook swivels uncontrolably. I was told the screw size, but I haven't found one that fits yet. I will likely call again today or send an email to confirm that I got the numbers correct in my first conversation. I still need to remove that side plate shown in post #17 to remove the factory grease from the internals and apply some True Blue Gun Grease per recommendation from Shane at AOA. I'm no longer experiencing a blast of air to the face.

If you can keep your Western Rattler functioning properly, it can be a convenient and fun gun to hunt with. If not, then be prepared to deal with nagging issues it you are not handy and have little knowledge of hammerless airguns. At least I can say I have what seems to be a decent barrel on mine. I still think that the Rattler's fill port should be located out of the way or recessed. It's a serious pain to have that thing digging into and bumping into my hip on a hunt with the rifle slung over my shoulder. It was suggested that I try a single-point sling mount by affixing a QD bracket to the top pic rail and suspending the rifle from that point. I'm not sure how comfortable that will be. I have not tried it yet.

Congratulations on the pig kills.

I see here is where I uploaded that picture of the blue grease! I was looking all over for that. I wonder what brand of grease it is, and why they chose it.

I may have a fix for that cycling issue in your Rattler. I recently seen that the internal valve o-ring being bad causes cycling and speed variation issues. I think it was in the LCS SK-19 maintenance videos, and how to change them out.

Moving the sling to the top rail mounting area may cause more of an issue in trip and fall situations. Aside from the fill nipple bumping into your hip, the way you have the sling mounted looks perfect and comfortable. The fill nipple is in a weird spot for sure, except for on the bench. To protect the fill nipple I put rubber caps on mine. This would soften the blow when bumping into your hip.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Answers:

1) After corresponding with Darren and Shane at AOA, I was told that the only way to install a sling on a Rattler is to purchase this Kraford and Lypt KLS butt pad with sling attachment (linked below).

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/gun-stocks-grips/kraford-lypt-kls-butt-pad-for-the-western-airguns-rattler-with-sling-attachment/.

2) It was also recommended that I increase my regulator to at least 150 bar. Shane says that 140 bar is low for the Rattler. I was informed that I could obtain a reg rebuild kit from AOA, but I should try to adjust the regulator before worrying about rebuilding it. A slight increase in the regulator setting is normal after topping off the Rattler according to Shane.

3) To quiet it down some I have an adapter on the way to see how a moderator tames the bark of the Rattler. Hmmmmm a barking Rattler, who'dve thunk it?

I wanted to update this thread. Last year (or the year before, I can't remember) I lost a set screw on a hunt out of my K&L aftermarket buttstock purchased from AOA. Life happened and I had other priorities for a time. I saw that it was getting loose, didn't know what it did, procrastinated on doing something about it, and this is the result of my procrastination. This screw hold the shoulder "pads" (they are rigid and far from padded) vertical and stiff. As a result, my shoulder pad swivels and knocks around making noise. I contacted AOA and K&L about it asking for the set screw size. They responded with recommending different sized screws, I bought the set screw sizes that were recommended and none fit without feeling like I was going to be forcing the screw into the threads after 1-2 turns. I recently picked up with trying to resolve this issue with AOA (K&L responded once and then I was essentially ghosted via email) and was told I'd probably be better served to remove the stock and take it to a hardware store to try to find a screw. Unfortunately for me we don't have a hardware store close and the ones around me have a pretty slim selection of set screws. I also tried buying an assortment package from Harbor Freight and none fit. I'll eventually remove the stock and see if I can find someone with the right size set screw, but this had been a major PITA to me.

However, the update is that I was told that AOA now sells a Western Airguns branded butt stock. It looks pretty similar to the K&L stock, but I was told it is a new design. I asked if they use the same screw size and the response was the Western design uses a smaller screw. Sucks for me.

Here's a link to the new after market Western buttstocks for the Rattler. If you look at how it can be adjusted and mounted with a left or right slant (2nd photo in the link below), this is how mine moves freely since I lost that screw.

Western Airguns Western Airguns Adjustable Butt Pad with Sling attachment for Sidewinder and Rattler - Gun Stocks & Grips

Upgrade your Western Sidewinder or Rattler air rifle with the Western Airguns Adjustable Butt Plate and Pad with Sling Mount. Engineered for comfort and precision, this accessory offers three points of adjustment for a fully customizable shooting experience.<br /><br />Easily raise or lower the...

www.airgunsofarizona.com

At least anyone interested can be directed to a product they can actually purchase. While it was fully assembled, it was a decent stock. Hard pads, but at least it makes the rifle slingable and much easier to sling-carry afield.