Hello all. Looking for suggestions on a under 500fps air rifle. I had bought a Crosman Fire nitro the other day. It showed up and obviously the piston failed as it would not even push the pellet into the barrel. Sent it back. Now it has me thinking maybe nitro is not the direction I want to go. This is a Christman gift for my 9 year old. I would like him to get seveal years of use out of it. I was looking for something around the $200 mark in .177. This is for back yard targets. I see that Stoeger has the X3 but no reviews on Gun Nutz that I see. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks.
495fps ideas
- Thread starter 600mojo
- Start date
If you’re looking for something smaller I’d try to find a Diana 24 or 240 ($215 plus shipping in Nutz Airgun FS), a Weihrauch HW30 or HW50 (usually $275++) or an old BSA Meteor ($40-150 at gun shows) but watch out because the newer Meteor Mk7 models are Gamos which I’m not a fan of. All of those will last him his whole life and his kids lives as well with minimal maintenance.
For new, easy to get with a scope I’d look at the Ruger Redhawk. Cabelas has them listed for $200. The Ruger Redhawk is a copy of a Diana 34 so parts/accessories are easy to get (like a full power spring if he gets his PAL)) as the design has been around forever. The only drawback is that it’s a full sized gun.
Personal opinion time. I like guns with real springs in them. I’ve owned gas piston guns and there’s nothing wrong with them but I’ve never fully trusted the technology even though it’s been around for 30+ years. People say they shoot smoother but I‘ve had, and still have, spring guns that shoot just as smooth with some tinkering. Also if you’re looking towards long term I’d go with a wood stock but that’s me. Finally, given the choice I’d want a 22 shooting 495 FPS as you can use it to hunt small game. It’s hard to find a cheap quality gun shooting sub 500 in 22 I’ll admit but if you pick up any of the guns I’ve listed you can always get a 22 barrel later if you want.
For new, easy to get with a scope I’d look at the Ruger Redhawk. Cabelas has them listed for $200. The Ruger Redhawk is a copy of a Diana 34 so parts/accessories are easy to get (like a full power spring if he gets his PAL)) as the design has been around forever. The only drawback is that it’s a full sized gun.
Personal opinion time. I like guns with real springs in them. I’ve owned gas piston guns and there’s nothing wrong with them but I’ve never fully trusted the technology even though it’s been around for 30+ years. People say they shoot smoother but I‘ve had, and still have, spring guns that shoot just as smooth with some tinkering. Also if you’re looking towards long term I’d go with a wood stock but that’s me. Finally, given the choice I’d want a 22 shooting 495 FPS as you can use it to hunt small game. It’s hard to find a cheap quality gun shooting sub 500 in 22 I’ll admit but if you pick up any of the guns I’ve listed you can always get a 22 barrel later if you want.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
CZ630 if you can find one. Steel and hardwood. No plastic I can see externally.
Best of all, it is not picky with pellet brand.
Best of all, it is not picky with pellet brand.
I agree that a 953 is a wonderful starter rifle with accuracy that will far exceed the price point but I wouldn't call the trigger mod easy. Even after many sessions tuning mine I wouldn't call reassembly easy. Manageable sure. A pain the first few times as you figure out how it all works.
