Need some advice...

1899

1899

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I am completely out of the loop when it comes to air rifles. I was at my friend's place and we did a bunch of plinking with a FWB 800 Universal. I loved it. Two stage trigger needed a bit of getting used to, but all in all it was great fun.

So I'd like to buy a quality air rifle. I'd like something a bit less competition oriented, but I want a fantastic trigger and excellent accuracy. I would also prefer a spring (break barrel) system as I don't want to mess around with compressed air.

What do you suggest and where should I buy it?
 
Specialty shooting sports, D&L, Scopes and Ammo, Airgun Source...

All have good selection.

Depending on budget an Air Arms TX200 or a Weihrauch HW97 would be at the top of my shopping list for you.

Good luck!
 
Cartwheel is correct. I have those 2 models, and they are solid. To his suggestions I add the Diana model 54, and Diana model 48. Whatever you choose spend time and $ on ammo to see what groups best. Heres a tip, after cycling a variety of pellets thru a certain rifle I record which three pellet types/brands shoot best on small stickers that I place on the stock. The other morning I spotted a squirrel climbing a large fir beside my house, grabbed a rifle, sticker says HW 500 is best, zapped the squirrel. Also known as HN Baracuda.
 
1899 said:
I am completely out of the loop when it comes to air rifles. I was at my friend's place and we did a bunch of plinking with a FWB 800 Universal. I loved it. Two stage trigger needed a bit of getting used to, but all in all it was great fun.

So I'd like to buy a quality air rifle. I'd like something a bit less competition oriented, but I want a fantastic trigger and excellent accuracy. I would also prefer a spring (break barrel) system as I don't want to mess around with compressed air.

What do you suggest and where should I buy it?
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Oh boy, simple question with complex answers. No price or budget range or velocity/power was mentioned. So quick answer would be, go with a European brand like Weihrauch (HW35, HW50), any Diana 34 model and CZ Slavia 634. In that order. All should be more accurate than most novice shooters.

These are all entry level springers and if you are hooked, then this first purchase will not be your last. Any one of these first rifles is worth keeping for a long time, perhaps even handed down to your son/grandson.

The HW97 and TX200 mentioned above are heirloom quality, excellent top of the line rifles but they are rather heavy to carry, to mount and to ####. Pricey as well. I'd get them as second or third rifles, if and when I am already committed to the sport. I only got my HW97s (.177 and .22) recently, some 30 yrs after I bought my first air rifle. In between, I bought used quality pcs, i.e. FWB 300S, Original Diana 45, CZ 630, Diana 45/34 (1991 model), plus some CO2 off-brands.
 
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Probably prefer 495fps. Price, say up to $400. Top quality trigger, accuracy and lighter/compact style are the three most important factors. Thanks for the tips so far.

I should add that the quieter the better.
 
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I would second the Hw50 in 22 cal which is what i started with or what i have now the HW95 in .22 both the ones i have/had are pal rated.
Amazing air rifles and well worth the money

I would go with .22 cal over .177 since it makes the cans fly around a lot more vs 177 which is more prone to sail right through.
 
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1899 said:
Probably prefer 495fps. Price, say up to $400. Top quality trigger, accuracy and lighter/compact style are the three most important factors. Thanks for the tips so far.

I should add that the quieter the better.
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If hunting is not a priority, then I'd go with .177. More pellet choices and a bit cheaper. DLairgun has these Weihrauchs in their website but call them to confirm stock. Kelly is great at taking care of customers.

If and when you get your PAL you can upgrade the power and/or smoothness with Vortek spring kits. Some people like myself are totally fine with stock spring set-up.

1. The HW30S fits all your requirements. Would fit your budget, including taxes and shipping.

2. The HW50S is a little heavier, longer, maybe a millimeter smaller groups, a little bit more money:

3. The classic HW35 would be my personal choice for a first adult sized air rifle. Weihrauch, over the years, has probably made some changes here and there, but the 35 has been in continuous production since the 50s. If you want cheaper ($398) model, talk to Kelley and confirm the style and material of the stock. The picture in their website doesn't match the description.

Read this review: http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2008/04/hw35-another-golden-oldie/
 
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Thanks, I have my PAL. I'd just like to use it in the basement during the winter, so I don't need much power and noise. I wouldn't be using it for hunting. The good trigger is important because my wife and boy would also be using it for honing their skills.

The HW30S looks pretty good.
 
One more thing has come up. What are your views about side-cocking and under-lever cocking? I've read that the fixed barrel helps with accuracy. I was looking at the HW57 as an example. Any real advantages or disadvantages?
 
Side and Under Levers, with their fixed barrels, inherently provide the highest possible accuracy in spring guns. However they are heavier than break barrels due to having the extra "machinery" needed to ####, i.e., the side/under lever.

When I recently decided to get the best springer for my needs and budget, I got the underlever HW97 in .177. After seeing it, I had to get the .22 as well. http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...eihrauch-HW97-UnderLever-Springer-Love-Thread

So I am new to underlevers, but had a sidelever FWB 300S 10-meter match rifle for more than 20 yrs. During its time, the FWB was the most accurate 10-meter match springer.

To be honest, I was not a good enough off-hand shooter to see much of a difference in accuracy between the FWB 300S and a good break barrel like my Diana 45. For my skills, fixed or break barrels don't make a noticeable difference in 10-meter accuracy (translation - "basement" accuracy). Since I am not getting any younger, will likely not be a better shooter. I just got the HW97 because I loved the design and quality of it.

HW57 is a fine full-size underlever, specs say it is 7.5 lbs. If your wife and son can handle the size and weight, then this is a great option. BTW, non-PAL velocity is great for indoor, 10 meter or so distance. It is quieter, more relaxing, less possibility of dangerous ricochet. Good pellet trap is a must though.
 
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1899 said:
And for this you suggest....
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Too bad, our city bylaws don't allow any discharging of FAs or AGs...:-( Had to go to the range to shoot, but now, they don't allow steel swingers anymore.

Whatever you do, avoid the cheap Walmart pellet traps. Too thin gauge, the pellets will bump the sheet metal and pretty soon pellets will ricochet directly at you. It is advisable to place two sheets of 36" x 36" x 1" plywood (or 48 x 48, to make 2 inches total thickness) behind the trap, just in case.

This is fine for paper only.
https://www.dlairgun.com/Targets/Crosman/008_Collapsible_Pellet_Trap_0853.html?

I have a different swinger meant for outdoor use, so it does not have a trap. This is way nicer due to resetting swinging targets. Reactive targets are addicting! Great for informal family matches. Ricochets easily but wear safety googles and should be safe enough. Heavy gauge to withstand medium powered AGs.
https://www.dlairgun.com/Targets/Gamo/002_Rocker_Pellet_Trap.html?
 
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