Bolt gun recommendations - the best way to dispatch (I think)

[Harbisgirl]

I haven't even brought home my meat rabbits yet so keep in mind that I have zero experience , maybe this is a bad idea - but I like the idea of dispatching with a bolt gun. And here's why, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:
-It's instant and humane (not that other methods aren't).
-It requires no special positioning or arranging of the rabbit, they never see it coming. I like the idea of having them happily munching on a treat and then the lights go out.
-It's easy on your back (ie, not broomstick method lol)
-No bruised meat
-No bruised skin - I plan on saving pelts. From what I've read, bloody membranes can be stripped away but if the skin itself is bruised the pelt will always be discolored. And that's a shame because the neck/shoulder/upper back area is the nicest part of the pelt.
-It's quiet. I had initially wanted to dispatch by way of .22 handgun but 1) they are loud, 2) I often have my toddler with me and 3) I'd like to give the heads to my Livestock Guardian Dogs and can't do that will lead floating around in their head lol

 

[Naelin]

Never used a bolt gun but I can say that I use the broomstick method and none of my pelts came out discolored after processing.

 

[Preitler]

I use a bolt gun for some of the mentioned reasons, I'm not physical strong, and prefer it to be one, short action rather than going through more steps or motions, most of mine don't like being handled.

I put a dish with treats in a corner, place the rabbit there and knee behind them with it between my knees, preventing them to hop off until they calm down and enjoy the treat - with some it takes a practice run a day bsfore so they aren't that suspicious as they are the first time - some of mine are rather pigheaded and/or skittish, and not used being handled.
Fortunatly, they don't seem to mind that I put something against their head while they are munching, I press down a little and shoot. Then rotate the bolt gun violently with the bolt still in, just to be sure to cause as much damage as possible.

I use this method for about 8-9 years now, and only botched it once (and a few"not sure") when the rabbit twitched the moment I pulled the trigger, I always have a flat iron bar as a backup there to deliver a quick blow to the head (it's good to practice that with a stuffie or piece of wood, in that kneeing position, starting with the bolt gun in hand - building up a little muscle memory to have the confidence to be quick with it).

Can't give recommendations which to buy since I built my bolt gun myself, but I would assume that the more popular all work alright - it's a rather simple mechanical device.

 

[Skai]

I haven't even brought home my meat rabbits yet so keep in mind that I have zero experience , maybe this is a bad idea - but I like the idea of dispatching with a bolt gun. And here's why, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:
-It's instant and humane (not that other methods aren't).
-It requires no special positioning or arranging of the rabbit, they never see it coming. I like the idea of having them happily munching on a treat and then the lights go out.
-It's easy on your back (ie, not broomstick method lol)
-No bruised meat
-No bruised skin - I plan on saving pelts. From what I've read, bloody membranes can be stripped away but if the skin itself is bruised the pelt will always be discolored. And that's a shame because the neck/shoulder/upper back area is the nicest part of the pelt.
-It's quiet. I had initially wanted to dispatch by way of .22 handgun but 1) they are loud, 2) I often have my toddler with me and 3) I'd like to give the heads to my Livestock Guardian Dogs and can't do that will lead floating around in their head lol

I can never recommend using those. It's not always instant or humane. I bought one thinking the same as you. I used it a few times until the rabbit I was attempting to dispatch screamed pitifully after using it and couple others showed reactions after touching their eyes. I now use the hopper popper and have had 100% success and it is much, much easier to remove the head for bleed out because you are only cutting through skin and fur, not bone. But I don't save pelts so I can't attest to it's use for that.