Newbie recommendation

Simplesam

Simplesam

Regular
Rating - 100%
16   0   0
Location
Burks Falls, Ontario
Hi,

I have never had an air gun before but I am not new to shooting. I’m looking for an air rifle that is accurate and good for taking out small rodents attacking my garden. I’d like something that can be accurate up to 75 yards (accuracy is most important). I have my PAL so >500FPS is ok. Is there anything sub $300? What are my options? I’ve seen the stuff on Cabelas And Canadian Tire but not sure if they are any good.

Sam
 
Last edited:
You'll be lucky out to 75 yds, at least on that budget. Could be possible with something like an Airforce pcp but it's thousands with all the charging kit to go with it.
For $300 you could get a half decent, self-contained springer like a Diana good for 30 yds or so. Best with a scope though for accuracy. Canada Shooting Supply is another one to look at.
 
Simplesam said:
Hmm ok I guess I had some unrealistic goals for that budget... I’ve been browsing d&l, airgun source. Are pistons better than spring in terms of consistency?
Click to expand...

I dont own a gas piston rifle but I havent heard anything that would make me want one. Springers are hard to shoot accurately, if you dont expect to be shooting in the winter or out of gardening season a Beeman QB78 co2 is a good choice.
 
I tried one once ($150 Crosman Fire, I think) but found it no easier to shoot well than a springer so sold it on. They also boast crazy high velocities, which is not necessarily a good thing.
The QB is not a bad suggestion, especially if you like to tinker - you can get a lot out of them with some modding.
 
Simplesam said:
How are they hard to shoot well? Can I not just shoot it on a front bag from a bench or prone?
Click to expand...

A spring piston air rifle has very strong recoil. The spring-powered piston moves quickly and comes to a sudden stop in the compression tube. That means they can't usually be gripped and shot like a .22LR, which has negligible recoil by comparison. For a further discussion of how to shoot a springer google "artillery hold technique".
 
I’d recommend something like the HW30s or HW50s in full power. Reason being is the good quality iron sights and snappy shot cycle. Keep your range 30yds and under and you should be good to go with some practice before hand. I have a lot of spring piston rifles and these two, at least for me are the least hold sensitive and are easily accurate enough for head shots 30yds and in with the open sights.

Problem here is they are easily double your budget. A good alternative would be a CZ631 or 634 but probably a bit hard to find. The 631 is the poor mans HW30 and the 634 the HW50. I have all four of these and love them.
 
A .22LR with a long barrel, ie 25” +, on standard velocity rounds is very quiet.

Quieter than a PAL rated quality spring rifle (HW97/77 or TX) that can be accurate to 75 yds.

The Winchester 69A I had comes to mind. With scope grooves, recent prices have gone up tremendously to about $500 on the EE. Mine had no grooves so I sold it. The CZ 452 Lux or Extra Lux are good candidates but their low comb stocks need cheek rests to work with scopes.

I’ve never bought them but I believe true subsonic ammo is more expensive than standard velocity ammo.p
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom