I started with airguns when I was about 13--got a Webley Tempest airpistol in .177 and a Gamo Expo break barrel. My brother and I shot thousands of pellets in the backyard and basement. Since then, I've moved into collecting and shooting (when I have time) powder burners but I still own airguns. I have a Theoben Eliminator in .22 which does a fine job on rabbits and gophers, and recently picked up a Hatsan same as Grizzly-peg. It's a lovely rifle, easy to use, easy to shoot, and handles nicely. I also have an older Sharp Innova pumpup pneumatic in .177which is very nice, but not made anymore. Remember, here in Canada, the only pistol you can take out and shoot anywhere besides a range is an airpistol shooting under 500 fps.
TOTALLY agree about velocity hype--.177 is not accurate beyond about 1100 fps, so these mega rifles pumping out 1400 fps are not giving you anything that a 900 fps wouldn't, except more weight, noise and cost. If you want a fun gun to shoot, get a Hatsan, or a break barrel that shoots about 400-700 fps in .177. Much beyond that, and the breakbarrels or underlevers get to be really hard to ####, and that takes the fun out of plinking or teaching a youngster to shoot. Others will most likely disagree, but if you are interested in something which can knock down crows, gophers, etc, then you should get a .22 or a .25, as they pack more punch at slower velocities.
Like cars, and like powder rifles and pistols, there is great variety in airguns. There is cheap quality stuff, good stuff, and seriously overpriced stuff. Best bet is to go on the airgunforum.ca site and register and read some of the posts there.
Cheers
Ed
