School me on Air Rifles

Bought a Discovery a few years back, with the hand pump as a package, on sale. The price wasn't bad, and I could say that it wasn't really any more than a quality side lever. Which is nice, whether you go with PCP, or piston as you don't have to contend with barrel droop. And you don't have to spend very much money on an airgun specific scope either with a PCP. I just put a used Tasco big game scope on mine.

Tasco big game scope on an air gun,something about the wording.
 
I understand this has been discussed before.
However I am now somewhat concerned with the way the new prohibitions are going so am thinking of leaping.
Always wanted a decent to good air rifle to deal with pests and simply have fun with.

So, any advice?
Want something as accurate as possible, capable of knocking one of those obnoxious Who Who's over at 40 yards, yet won't break the bank.

Does such an item exist?

Wondering...
Nog


Possible prohibition will prohibit almost every air rifle that shoots below 500fps, because it will be
(a) prohibited replica of the firearm, e.g. looks like a real gun that uses powder
(b) prohibited replica of another air gun that shoots over 500 fps, e.g. looks like an air rifle that shoots 500fps


The rifle that shoots under 500fps will not be a replica if it does not look like an actual firearm or an air rifle that shoot over 500 fps. = probably none.

If you don't trust me, look into exact language of proposed replica law. Airsoft is not the only item that will go "dodo", all unregulated airguns are in the same pool if not worse.

If you have PAL, just get the one over 500fps, e.g. 1200 fps in .117 or 1000 fps in .22
 
Airguns... be warned, that's a whole different rabbit hole to fall into...

alice_whiterabbit.jpg
 
No experience with the Umarex- but that does sound like it has some nifty features. I hope the 2 stage trigger works well. The "lock time" for a springer is very long- so the way you hold the rifle will have a major effect on the POI. Try different pellets- sounds like it is a beefy springer though, so the mid-weight pellets are likely best (heavies are PCP, lights are for lower energy springers). The nitro piston is nice compared to the coil spring. If it doesn't shoot right away I'd try a different pellet- some guns can be pellet fussy. JSB Exact Jumbos would be my starting pellet, but only the Synergis knows the answer...

Pls report back once you have had a chance to play with it a bit! Also- start planning your 2nd, 3rd and 4th air rifle... the rabbit hole can be deep.
 
... If it doesn't shoot right away I'd try a different pellet- some guns can be pellet fussy. JSB Exact Jumbos would be my starting pellet, but only the Synergis knows the answer...

Pls report back once you have had a chance to play with it a bit!

Thanks for that. Appreciated!
The pellets you noted are the ones I ordered to start with.

Will report findings back once I've had the chance to play with it some.

Cheers,
Nog
 
I have a Ruger 177 air hawk 1200 fps+- that was around $150 new great for practicing in the back yard and the biggest thing was finding the weight of pellet it likes. After that I have dispatched out to 81 yards (that was ranged with a range finder) 1 shot 1 kill. I have had a couple more expensive ones but this does everything I need it to do. Practice practice and know your distances
 
I have a couple of Slavia 618's for me and the kids to play with. Only shot a gopher with mine so far, it worked well for that, he died instantly. I used to have another 618 that someone mounted a scope on, I would take it to our range and shoot groups at 50 yard with it. I would get some decent groups at that range, so I don't buy that springers are inaccurate. I take mine apart regularly, grease the springs and make sure the leather seals aren't drying out, such a simple gun, they will last forever. Managed to find an Ebay seller from Czech Republic selling some new springs, ordered a few. That really revitalized my son's as the spring was getting weak.
 
Thanks for all the replies & advice fellas! Appreciated!

Have yet to make up my mind, but I am wondering about thoughts on the following one. Fixed barrel, nitro piston, under barrel lever, and 11 round magazine all seem appealing. As is the price. So... Thoughts?

Umarex Synergis .22 900FPS

https://dlairgun.com/products/umarex-synergis-22-900fps-2251324umx-ar-000?variant=32674350628924

The Umarex Synergis has three primary features that are making the one-shot pellet rifle obsolete! Fixed barrel under-lever accuracy, smooth shooting T.N.T Gas piston power, and a low profile 11-shot RapidMag rotary magazine—all in a great looking, easy-handling package.

The Synergis departs from the conventional break barrel airgun design to give shooters fixed barrel accuracy that looks as good as it shoots. Umarex’s patent-pending Airflow Boost Technology lets the T.N.T gas piston transfer air in the most efficient way possible which makes the Synergis a true 900FPS rifle.

Included with the Synergis is a 3-9x32 scope which mounts to the rifle’s Picatinny rail. What really makes the Synergis head and shoulders above the rest is the low-profile 11-shot auto-indexing RapidMag rotary magazine. It's virtually automatic. The patented system rotates the magazine and inserts a pellet into the breech automatically every time you actuate it's easy to use under-lever cocking mechanism. Get stocked up on spare magazines, because you're going to want to shoot all day long!

.22 900FPS
2 Magazines Included
Rail: Metal lockdown picatinny rail
Trigger: 2 Stage, Non adjustable
3-9X32 scope and mounts included Gas piston
Weight: 8.0 LBS
Length: 45.5 Inches

where you gonna get parts for that thing?
google "gas piston and scopes" if you wonder about accuracy
never too late to get Diana 34 or HW97
or Hammerly AR20FT from the same store
 
where you gonna get parts for that thing?
google "gas piston and scopes" if you wonder about accuracy
never too late to get Diana 34 or HW97
or Hammerly AR20FT from the same store

Quite a few Umarex around, isn't there?

Are you saying that gas pistons are harder on scopes than a regular big springer? Both have the same kind of recoil, though some say there's less vibration with a gas piston, and they are usually described as having a smoother firing cycle.

IIRC Hammerli guns are rebadged, and made by other companies? Hatsan makes a few guns for other companies.
 
Quite a few Umarex around, isn't there?

Are you saying that gas pistons are harder on scopes than a regular big springer? Both have the same kind of recoil, though some say there's less vibration with a gas piston, and they are usually described as having a smoother firing cycle.

IIRC Hammerli guns are rebadged, and made by other companies? Hatsan makes a few guns for other companies.

While I’m not really a fan of springers or gas pistons, if I had to choose, I think I’d avoid the gas piston as it just seems like it would eventually lose its seals and stop working. Whereas you can pull a dusty old springer out of the attic 50 years later and keep shooting.
 
I have a Diana 280 which strikes a nice balance between power and being light. Pretty accurate too. If I could go back in time though, I would just buy an Air Arms TX 200 and a decent scope.
 
While I’m not really a fan of springers or gas pistons, if I had to choose, I think I’d avoid the gas piston as it just seems like it would eventually lose its seals and stop working. Whereas you can pull a dusty old springer out of the attic 50 years later and keep shooting.

Ya maybe, it would eventually lose power. But the seal on the springer and spring would eventually fatigue and age also.

We could look at how long gas shocks in the automotive world maybe for an indication how long it could last for?

Pneumatic guns are pretty easy in that regard to refurb. No specialized equipment needed to take apart or repair, and when you do, it's just a few seals to make it like new.

I don't regret the Disco one little bit! Other than the trigger being pretty bad. Maybe I'll fix that one day.
 
I have a Diana 280 which strikes a nice balance between power and being light. Pretty accurate too. If I could go back in time though, I would just buy an Air Arms TX 200 and a decent scope.

No time like the present! Probably move a Diana pretty easy to help pay for the Air Arms.

The handiness of the Discovery is why I went with that one over the Hammerli Pneuma otherwise known as the Hatsan AT-44. Though that might have more to do with the looks, than anything. Wanted one that was easy to carry hunting. The lower pressure and dual fuel is nice too. But it sure would be nice to have that 10 shot repeater, threaded muzzle, and Quatro trigger!
 
This ain't your granddaddy's BB gun!!

Umarex Synergis 22 900 fps. Fixed barrel, nitro piston, under barrel lever, and 10 round magazine

zbtGGht.jpg


First notes:

Heavier than I expected. In fact pretty much the same as my 300 Weatherby.
Instructions appear easy.
Scope is OK, but will be replaced down the road.
Overall impression - seems well built and very robust.

Now to assemble it and learn how she operates.
Tomorrow or Thursday to shoot depending on the sky-water...

Cheers,
Nog
 
You should buy a Weihrach HW80K in .22cal and a vortek spring. It is a very powerful air rifle and well built. I have been into airguns for about 30 years and it is my new favourite. Or if you want something lighter get an HW95. You wont regret either one.
 
This ain't your granddaddy's BB gun!!

Umarex Synergis 22 900 fps. Fixed barrel, nitro piston, under barrel lever, and 10 round magazine

zbtGGht.jpg


First notes:

Heavier than I expected. In fact pretty much the same as my 300 Weatherby.
Instructions appear easy.
Scope is OK, but will be replaced down the road.
Overall impression - seems well built and very robust.

Now to assemble it and learn how she operates.
Tomorrow or Thursday to shoot depending on the sky-water...

Cheers,
Nog

Nice. Hope your sky water cooperates because I’m looking forward to the review. Do you have a chrony? I’m interested to see where the speeds fall compared to advertised. What weight pellets did it come with?

Oh, and don’t be surprised if you smell smoke for the first few shots as the machining/packing oils burn out from friction and dieseling.
 
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