Are Air rifles the pacifier or alternative to ammo availability & cost?

[evilcoon]

It's truly a piece of art. When I first shot it I couldn't believe the rifle did not flinch. I own PCP's and even those have a slight recoil. The closest rifle with these attributes without breaking the bank would be the Diana model. I haven't chronied it but was told it shoots .22's around 750fps.

 

[ScottyD]

Hey top Predator. NICE! You're in it now. My first break-barrel cost about $125 with mounts and scope "Beeman 650" or something like that. I remember telling myself: "I will NEVER spend the big money on those crazy PCP guns".... Oh man...Famous last words! You have no idea how deep I got in it! LOL! It can be addictive. I look forward to hearing where you are a year from now!
But it does sound like you've got some good features in that crosman. I wish they'd all go to the weaver rail like that. Very nice feature. The gas ram system (nitro piston) can definitely have some advantages over a standard spring-piston gun. I hear great things about "charliedatuna's" products. If you're not happy with your trigger I'm sure his stuff will be worthwhile. Good call going with the pellet sampler. In a spring gun, I'd start with pellets in the ball-park of 14g in .22 -for a little more speed/flatter trajectory than the heavier .22 choices... But you never know... If your barrel loves something heavier then just go with it. First 3 pellets I would try: 14.3g crosman premiers, 14.3g JSB's and something like the H&N FTT's or FTS's. Some of the lighter Gamo pellets will show you high velocities, but most print "shot-gun pattern" type groups. Above about 920fps, speed is usually not your friend with a spring gun.
Have a great time and let us know what you think after you've had a little trigger time!

Regards,

ScottyD

 

[steve123]

^^nice stuff

scottyd, that link you put up for the marauder and pump was tempting and a heck of a deal, but my budget right now says no, but thanks for that tip. as i tend to get all the accessories when i get something, i'd probably be better suited to getting my feet wet first with something of a more economical nature.

yeah i know, i should invest in a better set up, but i went with a crosman venom, the wood stocked version. found one for 105.00.

i figured it'll suit my craving and budget for now. being a nitro piston and the weight of the wood stock, it should be a bit more tame in the "recoil" dept. the scope rail that comes with it should allow me to use regular weaver rings, and stop any traveling if they should happen work their way loose and prevent slipping. got it in .22, so if my state allows hunting with air rifles in the future, i'll be covered. plus i've read alot about how the .22 is better in wind. plus if i get a PCP, it'll probably be in .22, i should have alot of pellets to use by that time.

i know the trigger is reported to be sucky, i'll try the washer trick, the longer adjustment screw trick, and if all of that doesn't work i'll get a GRT III trigger in it for 33.00. http://charliedatuna.com/GRT-III Trigger New.htm

odered a Gamo sample pack with it along with a tin of RWS superdomes. so rifle and 1200 pellets with shipping = $145.72. i see reviews that the Gamo pellets are crappy, but it should work well enough for breaking in and give me an idea if the venom likes heavy or medium weights. also ordered up a do all .22/.17 rimfire bullet trap for $40.57 shipped, bringing me to a total of $186.29.

worse case, if the venom is subpar i'll can tinker around with accurization and see what works and what doesn't if still interested in getting something better.

eventually going to try JSP exacts, H&N field target trophy, and beeman kodiak match pellets along with crosman premier domed which suprisingly gets great reviews and is the cheapest pellet, even the ones that come in the brown box.

so we'll see how it works out, if i still have the bug i'll put a PCP on my to do list with all the trimmings.

hopefully i'll get my stuff within the next week, get it on paper, get it broken in and post up some groups.

thanks for all the experienced guys that posted up information and pictures, i'm sure it helped out everyone interested.

I looked up the Venom and it seems you got a great deal! Well, that'l be fun for you to get your feet wet in the airgun world with. Were looking forward to a range report.

 

[duotone]

My son's Venom in .177 is money. We shot at 25 yards and here are the targets.

This was done with the stock scope, but I put a new one on last night, and will zero tonight.

Regarding the trigger. I have the trail NP in .177, and with a few turns of the screw, his is a pretty nice trigger. He's 14 and getting groups like this.... with a stock rifle.

 

[Tempest 455]

Some of you make like this if you like pellet guns.

Here is my son shooting a .177 RWS 100 yards. Shooting a .177 this distance I feel is similar to shooting a .22 around 300 yards or so. There is not as much drop but you really have to correct for the wind. Drop was around 17" if I recall. Windage however when we have done this, can vary from a few inches to 2ft. Once he figured out the drop and wind on this day, he had multiple in the red.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57k72JDDRT0

 

[steve123]

Thanks, fun video.

I know someone that is alleged to have done something similar with a 9mm Career PCP hunting Jacks and Cottontails.

 

[noeesp]

Nice rifle Vyd

 

[shaman]

I love seeing them drop in. The impacts are especially visibile with rats. Verminhunters, or Country Pursuits posted a daytime hunting video with rats getting FAC powered .22 pellets, and the bodies just accordian.

 

[1911fan]

Rabbit video

Now I want a Rogue, bad! .....wanders off to search for pricing......

Hmmmph. Looks like a new thing, available exclusively through Cabela's and Pyramid Air, and neither has it in stock or lists price.


1911fan

EDIT: Apparently released in 2011, but don't seem to be available any more? Not even the manufacturer has them in stock. I did find a price though, MSRP $1349. Doesn't help knowing the price if they're not available. Another one I should have bought, like the Beeman Kodiak, now that they're gone I really want one!

 

[seanh]

It was at the 2011 shot show, so not that new...maybe there was a delayed release?

Price is about 1300
http://www.bizrate.com/hunting-archery-equipment/benjamin-rogue/

 

[1911fan]

Only Rogue stuff on that page is a magazine and ammo.... no rifle. Pyramid Air's site comes up with a picture of it, and big red letters : "Not Available".
I guess that ship has sailed. Maybe I'll go look at some other large caliber PCP rifle.

1911fan

 

[steve123]

After owning a big bore air rifle I look at them as more of a novelty now, fun to have experienced it but very limited in their use. Why? They require a huge amount of air, like 6 shots per fill of the rifle, also they are typically slow like around 600-700 fps, mine was 2.5 moa accurate. In the end I decided that if I needed that much power I'd use a firearm. Just saying...

 

[seanh]

Only Rogue stuff on that page is a magazine and ammo.... no rifle. Pyramid Air's site comes up with a picture of it, and big red letters : "Not Available".
I guess that ship has sailed. Maybe I'll go look at some other large caliber PCP rifle.

1911fan

Odd, this is a copy of what came up when I searched that page

Benjamin Rogue ePCP Air Rifle Benjamin Rogue Electronic precharged pneumatic (ePCP) 6-shot mag (optional single-shot tray) Bolt-action 2-stage adjustable electronic trigger with dual electronic switches Ambidextrous synthetic stock w/adjustable buttstock & sling swivel ... More like this |

AirGunStyle.com

$1,299.00

If you go back and look at my other posts, there is a link to a few big bore airguns

 

[RUMrunner]

I've been considering buying an air rifle too, not for ammo reasons, but because i could feasibly shoot it in my basement in the winter here in minnesota comfortably.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

well i went ahead and got a crosman venom in .22 as my "introrifle", wood stock. definately needs a trigger job, the one in it is worse than i thought (5.25 lbs, more than .5" of creep even with the adjustment bottomed out, and not repeatable). more on it later after a 25 & 50 yd test. if all goes well there, i have to save up for one of those fancy PCP rigs, you guys got some interesting stuff, i think i'm hooked!

but just a blurb when it comes to pellets, looks like almost as important picking a rifle, finding the right pellet is crucial. even more finicky than rimfires and centerfires IMO, this thing took me to school today, and my shoulder and arm is starting to throb from cranking that barrel several hundred times!

for a minute i thought i'd be returning the rifle, as it looked like the groups where so scattered, even at 10 yards, that this whole thing was FUBAR and not worth pursuing further. then i switched pellet manufacturer, i realized the rifle was a keeper. then when i thought a particular pellet design is the best, a spoiler came along that made me think that not only the manufacturer and shape was the concern, but the weight of the pellet comes into play. further reasearch on air rifle forums said that the skirt design (bottom section of the pellet) and the cavity underneath it is a huge deal too. i imagine it's the same as boattails vs. flatbase, and so on.

hands down the best that worked for me were domed styled pellets. i had very little luck with the pointed design from 2 manufactures so i thought that the pointed design was something that i shouldn't consider for accuraccy, then the third manufacturer changed my mind. a shape that may not work in a certain weight may work in a different weight. choosing a pellet is as clear as mud, right?

along with the rifle i ordered sample or test packs (Gamo pellets, JSB pellets, Benjamin pellets) to try to weed out what the rifle likes. only fired at 10yds for today to get a clue at what i'm getting into. but after a 160 pellet break in (interesting how those groups shrink and the rifle gets quieter after some use) - i started to shoot for groups, 12 different styles and weights, 3 different manufactures. only at 10 yards, the longer 25 and 50 yd will determine "the one" for me to get in bulk:

tied in first at 10yds, well under .75":

JSB heavy (domed) 18.1 gr
JSB RS (domed) 13.4 gr
JSB Straton (pointed) 15.9 gr = the spoiler to the domed style results
Benjamin / Crosman (domed) 14.3 gr
Benjamin / Crosman (domed HPoint) 14.3 gr

2. Gamo hunter (domed) 15.4 gr 1.25"

3. Benjamin / Crosman Superpoint (pointed) 14.3 gr 1.5"

4. Benjamin / Crosman "destroyer" style 14.3 gr 1.75"

5. Gamo Master (pointed) 15.4 gr 2"

6. Gamo Magnum (pointed) 15.4 gr 2.25"

7. Gamo TS22 (semi pointed) 22 gr 3.25"

8. JSB Jmbo Monster (semi pointed) 25.3gr 4.5"

some of those groups are pretty big, especially for only 10yds - probably can throw a dart more accurately - that's how finicky the rifle to pellet matching is. although they wouldn't work in my rifle, in someone else's they may be "the one" (BTW i have about 1200 .22 pellets in different styles i will not be using from #2 down, shoot me a PM if interested in making a deal). i'm sure all those groups will shrink once a usable trigger is achieved, but for now i'm working with the horrible stock crosman trigger.

another thing i found curious is the heavier pellets shot WAAAAY higher than the lighter ones. 4" to 7" higher, i'd think they would be lower as they were so much heavier. the heavier the pellet, the quieter the rifle got and and softer the "recoil".

lots of lessons learned today!

 

[seanh]

for pellets- beeman crow mag's are good...I've had good luck with beeman silver arrow as well. One of my go to pellets is the Crosman premier silhouette/field target (domed).

If you think 160 rounds break-in is good, wait til you get that 500-1000 round mark...it'll be a different gun.

Heavier pellet hitting higher...sounds right to me- more of a rainbow trajectory.

As to the feel of the recoil...yep, the heavier pellets tame that vibration/recoil. It's just like a bow...the heavier the arrow, the less vibrations are felt and the quieter it is. The reason, energy has a place to go where as a lighter pellet/arrow takes less energy to get moving, that extra energy has to go somewhere...back into the gun/bow. ((never dry fire your airgun))

Like centerfire rifle...you can weigh the pellets individually and separate as necessary. There is also, pellet sizers. When you use both of these will ensure the most accuracy from the pellets...limiting the fliers.

If you don't like that trigger, there is an aftermarket available and plenty of information on modding it as necessary.

 

[longguntoter]

TOP PREDATOR, you really struck a chord there with me too. I have been thinking about the same thing as you. I need to do some more research before I shell out 300 dollars for one though.

 

[shaman]

DFoosking, ted's pellets were doing that because he was using the wrong size. he did a video on it.

I like watching airgun videos on youtube, but after watching this one, I just want a canned rimfire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1r4cpXyx3M

 

[Tempest 455]

well i went ahead and got a crosman venom in .22 as my "introrifle", wood stock. definately needs a trigger job, the one in it is worse than i thought (5.25 lbs, more than .5" of creep even with the adjustment bottomed out, and not repeatable). more on it later after a 25 & 50 yd test. if all goes well there, i have to save up for one of those fancy PCP rigs, you guys got some interesting stuff, i think i'm hooked!

but just a blurb when it comes to pellets, looks like almost as important picking a rifle, finding the right pellet is crucial. even more finicky than rimfires and centerfires IMO, this thing took me to school today, and my shoulder and arm is starting to throb from cranking that barrel several hundred times!

for a minute i thought i'd be returning the rifle, as it looked like the groups where so scattered, even at 10 yards, that this whole thing was FUBAR and not worth pursuing further. then i switched pellet manufacturer, i realized the rifle was a keeper. then when i thought a particular pellet design is the best, a spoiler came along that made me think that not only the manufacturer and shape was the concern, but the weight of the pellet comes into play. further reasearch on air rifle forums said that the skirt design (bottom section of the pellet) and the cavity underneath it is a huge deal too. i imagine it's the same as boattails vs. flatbase, and so on.

hands down the best that worked for me were domed styled pellets. i had very little luck with the pointed design from 2 manufactures so i thought that the pointed design was something that i shouldn't consider for accuraccy, then the third manufacturer changed my mind. a shape that may not work in a certain weight may work in a different weight. choosing a pellet is as clear as mud, right?

along with the rifle i ordered sample or test packs (Gamo pellets, JSB pellets, Benjamin pellets) to try to weed out what the rifle likes. only fired at 10yds for today to get a clue at what i'm getting into. but after a 160 pellet break in (interesting how those groups shrink and the rifle gets quieter after some use) - i started to shoot for groups, 12 different styles and weights, 3 different manufactures. only at 10 yards, the longer 25 and 50 yd will determine "the one" for me to get in bulk:

tied in first at 10yds, well under .75":

JSB heavy (domed) 18.1 gr
JSB RS (domed) 13.4 gr
JSB Straton (pointed) 15.9 gr = the spoiler to the domed style results
Benjamin / Crosman (domed) 14.3 gr
Benjamin / Crosman (domed HPoint) 14.3 gr

2. Gamo hunter (domed) 15.4 gr 1.25"

3. Benjamin / Crosman Superpoint (pointed) 14.3 gr 1.5"

4. Benjamin / Crosman "destroyer" style 14.3 gr 1.75"

5. Gamo Master (pointed) 15.4 gr 2"

6. Gamo Magnum (pointed) 15.4 gr 2.25"

7. Gamo TS22 (semi pointed) 22 gr 3.25"

8. JSB Jmbo Monster (semi pointed) 25.3gr 4.5"

some of those groups are pretty big, especially for only 10yds - probably can throw a dart more accurately - that's how finicky the rifle to pellet matching is. although they wouldn't work in my rifle, in someone else's they may be "the one" (BTW i have about 1200 .22 pellets in different styles i will not be using from #2 down, shoot me a PM if interested in making a deal). i'm sure all those groups will shrink once a usable trigger is achieved, but for now i'm working with the horrible stock crosman trigger.

another thing i found curious is the heavier pellets shot WAAAAY higher than the lighter ones. 4" to 7" higher, i'd think they would be lower as they were so much heavier. the heavier the pellet, the quieter the rifle got and and softer the "recoil".

lots of lessons learned today!

Yes picking the correct pellet (just like ammo for a rifle) is crucial. With my .177 RWS, the Crossman Premier has been the most accurate Pellet we have found. In little wind, groups are as tight as my Savage .22 at 50 yards. One thing I have noticed is, the barrel does need to be cleaned eventually as groups will fall off. Not very often but
somewhere around a couple thousand rounds I clean mine.

 

[steve123]

TP, I bet your arm is really sore today, LOL. Your barrel cranking muscles will get in shape after a while and the experience will be much easier.

Something I've noticed over the years about Crosman pellets, specifically the match CP's "crosman premiers", in some batch numbers/mold numbers shoot more consistent than others. CP's are known to be "possibly" the most accurate pellet out there when "sorted" but at the same time gives pretty big flyers if you happen to have a poor batch. Years ago I bought three 1250 packs of 177 cal CP's that had 22 cal, and both weights of 17's in the virgin box, crazy huh. That's why I switched to JSB's. I shoot the 15.9 domed in my FX Royale, very consistent compared to CP's. Considering the power level of your rifle those 13.4's would be a great choice. I'm shooting them in my Daystate Sportsman from 550 fps to 875 fps and they do very well.

I can't remember, are you shooting with a scope or irons?

Reminder, hold the rifle the exact same way every time, hand placement, cheek pressure, everything. Springers type airguns like to be held softly, just let the rifle go off and let the recoil impulse go through it's natural impulse, also follow through is very important with air rifles.

 

[Phantom309]

And if your groups start going wild, check your scope mounts. Springers like to beat the scope off the gun. And make sure the scope mounts are against the stops.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

great analogy above with the bow and heavy arrow - appears to be the same principle, and yes my strong side is a bit tense today, going to have to start support side cranking

the saga continues:

at 25yds, small differences in everything start showing up, breaking the "tie" for the pellets that worked well at 10yds. oddly, the "cheaper" Benjamin discovery / crosman premier pellets seemed to work the best (5 pellet group):

1. Benjamin / Crosman (domed HPoint) 14.3 gr .75" group .25" higher POI from 10yds (seemed to hold it's line the best with minimal adjustments from 10 to 25 yds)

2. Benjamin / Crosman (domed) 14.3 gr just under 1" group, .75" higher POI from 10yds

3. JSB heavy (domed) 18.1 gr 1" group, .25" higher POI from 10yds

4. JSB Straton (pointed) 15.9 gr 1.25" group, 2" drop from 10yds

5. JSB RS (domed) 13.4 gr though nice at 10yds, erractic group at 25 yds

the scope that came with rifle has obvious parallax issues past 25yds, will have to upgrade that along with the trigger, but would like to pick the pellet with the original equipment, then see what effect the upgraded optic and trigger does.

i'm sure the groups will shrink more once a trigger mod is in place.

moved to 50 yds, i did notice something about the rifle, approaching 500ish pellets so far the break barrel seemed to lock up a little, at one time the darn thing wouldn't open at all, i gingerly tried a rubber mallet, still locked up. then i put some miltec on the linkage i can get to and the pointed breach lock, let it get into the cracks. then it opened up no problem. so around 300-400 or first signs of not opening smoothly, a few drops of lube must be needed.

i only got one group in with the Benj. / Crosman domed 14.3 before the "lock up", seemed like they were about 3" low. once the rifle was GTG, i shot a group with the Benj. / Crosman HP 14.3, they were extremely low. brought it back to 25yds, still low. i think the wack with the mallet to unlock the action threw off the scope zero. hopefully i have enough "good" pellets that i have at hand to rezero and shoot 50yds tomorrow....

 

[libertyman777]

Is there a dedicated airgun section here? There seems to be enough enthusiasm here to warrant consideration.

I'm an avid air gunner and facilitate a Field Target range here in Alabama. We're branching out into other areas this year to include a sniper/tactical match for folks with the more powerful rifles but still utilize the "diablo" style pellet.

Lots of good information written in this thread. Learning to shoot a spring piston airgun will polish you skills like no other. Because of the longer length of time the pellet is still with the shooter after the sear breaks, it will amplify any mistake in NPA, trigger control, follow through, etc. Highly recommended.

Paul

 

[shaman]

Right, I understand that....just spitball in' why a heavier pellet would have less drop (citing the orbiting arc theory).

I've seen the vid you linked not too long ago (creepy music at times). That guy hunts professionally and its pretty cool to see him process the Rabbit meat. Not sure if you can get those Winchester rounds here in the U.S. since I've never seen that box before.

When I first got my 77/22 suppressed, we hammered the bunny population... over 70 in a single of day of driving around cleaning out tree lines. Now a plague has wiped them and the area jackrabbits out...sucks.

Yeah, I watched it again last night, and seriously considered asking him to post the vid without it. It would sound much better with nature and a diesel. The only winchester I have heard of is Super-X subsonic.

 

[seanh]

Predator...When you look at scopes, be sure that it is spring piston rated. If you're unsure, call the manufacturer. Don't assume because it's an expensive scope rated for 50cal that it will hold up. Don't be surprised if your scope costs 2x or more what you paid for that airgun...quality airgun scopes aren't cheap. That said, I've had some inexpensive Tasco's that held up very well. Optics weren't great but they took a beating.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Is there a dedicated airgun section here? There seems to be enough enthusiasm here to warrant consideration. I'm an avid air gunner and facilitate a Field Target range here in Alabama. We're branching out into other areas this year to include a sniper/tactical match for folks with the more powerful rifles but still utilize the "diablo" style pellet. Lots of good information written in this thread. Learning to shoot a spring piston airgun will polish you skills like no other. Because of the longer length of time the pellet is still with the shooter after the sear breaks, it will amplify any mistake in NPA, trigger control, follow through, etc. Highly recommended. Paul

no dedicated forum section, i'm surprised at the amount of enthusiasm too, and the types of "serious" air rifles / pistols. perhaps a shout out to the moderator / admin to get one setup if thought warranted by most
the scope that came with mine is an airgun rated 3x9 centerpoint, but the rifle performance so far warrants a adjustable objective and maybe a 4-16 or 3-12 powerrange.

50 yds may have to wait till tomorrow or the next, due to some snow falling now and my fat A$$ not wanting to deal with winter anymore .

 

[duotone]

The Centerpoint 4-16 is a great value. I have one on my trail NP and holds center.

I would like an air rifle / air powered section for this site also.

I'm expecting a shipment of pellets tomorrow, then I'll be doing some ballistics fun with clay at 25 yards. I want to test pellets at the yardage that I shoot rabbits at.

Stay tuned.

 

[Victor Co Heather]

I've given up on questioning custom wood stock designing for air rifles. For some reason they all seem to go for a space look or the hull of a schooner with all of their curves and bends.

I've been wondering the same thing, those are some ugly stocks.

no dedicated forum section, i'm surprised at the amount of enthusiasm too, and the types of "serious" air rifles / pistols. perhaps a shout out to the moderator / admin

I would love to see an air rifle section. A number precision guys I know shoot air rifle for practice in their backyards. Great for trigger control.

 

[woogie_man]

American Airguns Main

Great web site with a ton of info, and a great sales thread as well.

If you are looking for a rifle to shoot in your basement , look for JimE. He has a contact that has been supplying him with nice older air rifles. Mainly the 10m competition rilfes. Having bought an FWB300s mini from him, it was a great rifle and a great way to practice durring the cold winters up here in ND.

 

[Defusion]

While I don't think a airgun subforum is warranted, perhaps a sticky with relevant airgun threads would be nice. This thread being the first of potentially many to come.

 

[libertyman777]

Not everyone sees the value in precision air gunning and others have yet to discover it. They are expensive but have a lot going for them.

Superb Accuracy
Inexpensive Match Ammo (500 rounds $13)
Quiet
Practice anywhere
More hunting opportunities because of increased safety margin.
Impossible to shoot out a barrel.
Very easy maintenance (o rings or piston seals depending on power plant)

An Arms S200 will set you back $350-$400 plus scope and charging equipment. Same for the Marauder. A pump is $200 used, SCBA equipment or a Shoebox compressor is a bit more.

A TX200 or HW97/HW77 can run $350 and up but are spring piston guns requiring no extra charging equipment but must have a air gun rated scope capable if handling reverse recoil.

BTW if any airgunners here need pellets LMK. I can hook you up with a buddy of mine. He's also got some pretty good deals on rifles as well. Send me an email and I'll forward you along.

Here are some links for those that are interested>

Airgun forum

Here's Brad's site> American Airguns Main

Adventures in Airguns Hunting Forum

http://www.extremebigboreairrifles....xtremebigboreairrifles.com/Home_Page.php#2898

I just bloodied my Cricket for the first time today.

 

[seanh]

I'd agree...we need a precision/adult airgun forum. Saying that an airgun form isn't necessary is like saying we don't need an knife forum or a rimfire forum.

 

[libertyman777]

I'd agree...we need a precision/adult airgun forum. Saying that an airgun form isn't necessary is like saying we don't need an knife forum or a rimfire forum.

Yep. Or a fitness forum. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that more Hide members are shooting Airguns regularly than are working out regularly. Not to say that the Fitness Forum is not warranted (I've got 60 lbs that say I need to be reading/participating), but I think an air gun forum wouldn't hurt. If it's a flop take it down. Does it cost money to add one?

 

[duotone]

I'm picking up a new scope tonight, and just received another shipment of a variety of pellets. My son and I will be doing some ballistics testing for his home schooling project.

Frankly, I enjoy shooting my air rifle more than I do my powder burner. I shoot all day long for pennies and I don't need to clean the darn thing! Oh, and these air rifles shoot one hole groups, too!

 

[snoots]

You guys can add me to the list of new air gun enthusiasts. I've been following Ted's (Ted's HoldOver) channel for a while, which is what initially got me hooked. I don't want to get involved in all the fill equipment for PCPs, so I've been leaning towards the high end field target spring guns. As of right now, I'm basically saving my pennies for an Air Arms TX200 and a Hawke Sidewinder scope to go with it. I'm still not sure if I want to go with .177 or .22. It'll be used almost exclusively for target shooting, but it would be nice to have some hunting ability, too, in case I ever have a need for that in the future. I don't foresee myself competing with it, as I live in Southeastern PA and I'm unaware of any leagues or clubs.

 

[smurph]

I came close to purchasing a Gamo .177 cal air rifle from Cabela's when they were on sale about two months ago. I decided against it as I wanted to research and find something that is quiet I can shoot in my yard without attracting attention from the neighbors. I put it on the back burner till I read this post. Well now this is all I have been reading about! I could see this getting expensive quickly. Lol

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

didn't get to do 50 yds yet, and i have more / different pellets (RWS superdome 14.66 & HN trophy 14.66on the way, i guess this weekend will be a good run at it.

touching on pellets again, i found out that the more match grade top shelf stuff comes with different sized head diameters which can help in finicky rifles and some stuff on skirt design / size... an interesting article or two:
What do pellet head sizes mean? | Air gun blog - Pyramyd Air Report

Air guns - Pyramyd Air Report: Pellet head sizes

An Air Rifle Pellet Photographic Database


anyway, i can't figure out how to do a poll with the new site yet (it's written in the FAQs, but not available to actually do), if you guys think a dedicated air rifle section is a good addition, you can either shoot the moderator a PM, or just post up yes or no by sunday evening, if there's more yes than no i'll shoot the mod / admin a request.

 

[duotone]

TP

I read your post and are you saying we should "shoot the mod"?

Anyway - YES!

 

[duotone]

Smurph

I live with people close by, and I wouldn't buy anything other than a Benjamin or crosman with NITRO piston. They are very quiet, consistent and powerful.

 

[libertyman777]

I vote Yes!!

 

[smurph]

Smurph

I live with people close by, and I wouldn't buy anything other than a Benjamin or crosman with NITRO piston. They are very quiet, consistent and powerful.

Thanks for the tip. Do you happen to know if these still have the same recoil harmonics? I do have a question about calibers. I am between the .177 and .22 caliber. I will mostly be shooting targets with it, but defiantly want to be able to take care of squirrel as well. Shouldn't be any further than 30-35 yards max. Is the .177 sufficient for squirrel? Also another concern for the caliber is the fact it is being shot in a neighborhood. Thinking the larger caliber will slow down much faster.

 

[duotone]

I have a trail np all weather in 177. The 177 is better for when you have neighbors IMO because it has less energy behind the pellet.

Additionally the 177 will fly flatter.

I shot a rabbit at about 25 yards and dropped it, so little tree rats won't be an issue.

 

[seanh]

If you're worried about your neighbors, don't shoot towards your neighbors. I take squirrels all the time and never have a problem with neighbors...I just make sure the trajectory isn't in line with cars or houses. If the neighbors are outside, I simply don't shoot.

If all you'll be doing is back yard target shooting and small pest removal within 20 yards, a 12# rifle is plenty (8grn pellet @ 825fps). But if you want to do some longer range hunting and take rabbit 18# (10grn @ 950) would be more appropriate...that will take out the feral cat that gets in your yard (just make sure you have a properly placed shot- head shot is great).

as to quiet...springers and gas piston power plants aren't quiet- but between the two, the gas piston is quieter and has less vibration. In either case, your neighbor will hear the gun going off, even if you have a suppressor on them. But if you make the investment to PCP- silent with a suppressor.

 

[steve123]

Thanks for the tip. Do you happen to know if these still have the same recoil harmonics? I do have a question about calibers. I am between the .177 and .22 caliber. I will mostly be shooting targets with it, but defiantly want to be able to take care of squirrel as well. Shouldn't be any further than 30-35 yards max. Is the .177 sufficient for squirrel? Also another concern for the caliber is the fact it is being shot in a neighborhood. Thinking the larger caliber will slow down much faster.

17 is plenty sufficient. I wore out two Diana springers when I was a boy shooting at any small critter I could get in my sights, LOL. Both of them wouldn't be considered a magnum air rifle by todays standards. As always shot placement is key, head or through the shoulder.

There's a little difference in the recoil impulse between 17 and 22 but not worth concerning yourself about.

I have to admit I like the flatter trajectory of the 17's. I have a 22 cal Daystate Sportsman pump I just traded into that I was hoping to use with the power level of one pump "425 fps" but two are required to get any decent velocity out of it "575 fps" to shoot past 20Y with efficiency. If the same rifle were in 17 cal I could get away with 1 pump.

Folks don't realize it but pellets have a ballistic coefficient too. A couple years ago I bought a adjustable power 22 cal PCP with "one" of it's uses being a Hunter Field Target rifle. My thinking was a 22 cal pellet had a much higher BC than a 17 so even though it was going slower than a 17 at the same 20ftlb power level it ought to blow in the wind about the same. Well it turns out a 15.9 JSB 22 cal and 10.3 grain JSB 17 cal have a nearly identical BC's but the 17 is going 935 fps vs the 22 going 750 fps, that 22 cal blows significantly more in the wind, enough so that my scores were much less than what would be normal for me with the 17.

 

[KBR97]

How many people here are shooting air pistols as an alternative to center or rimfire pistols? I live in NY and I'm sure all of you already know the laws here are completely fawked. I refuse to pay over $500 to initially get a target permit, and then maintain the permit every few years for hundreds more dollars. And yes, I said target permit. There isn't really a concealed or open carry here on Long Island. You can carry your pistol to and from the range, that's it.

I recently purchased a Crosman 1377. It's a great pump pistol to shoot and modify. Lots of aftermarket available for it. Think 10/22 of air pistols. I also have a IZH 53m coming in the mail, and a Benjamin NP pistol on order when they are finally released.

 

[duotone]

I do not have an air pistol.... yet... I'm eyeing the marauder from benjamin.

 

[seanh]

I used to shoot the air pistols all the time...had quite a few, the 1322, crosman CO2 357, daisy under cocking pistol (don't remember the model number), gamo target single pump...my favorite, my dads old Benjamin Franklin pump pistol- model 137--old, all brass. I'm sure there are several I'm missing but those are the ones I remember.

I still have the Gamo Target pistol but it needs seals replaced as does the Ben Frank 137

 

[steve123]

How many people here are shooting air pistols as an alternative to center or rimfire pistols? I live in NY and I'm sure all of you already know the laws here are completely fawked. I refuse to pay over $500 to initially get a target permit, and then maintain the permit every few years for hundreds more dollars. And yes, I said target permit. There isn't really a concealed or open carry here on Long Island. You can carry your pistol to and from the range, that's it.

I recently purchased a Crosman 1377. It's a great pump pistol to shoot and modify. Lots of aftermarket available for it. Think 10/22 of air pistols. I also have a IZH 53m coming in the mail, and a Benjamin NP pistol on order when they are finally released.

I got the Steyr LP5 and Morini out a few weeks ago, Love those pistols! I use them for informal air pistol silhouette on my property. When I bought the Steyr I was reading the instructions while still in the truck when I noticed a Crow walking by about 10 yards away, I'll leave the rest up to your imaginations as to what happened next, LOL. Lets see, 5 shots with 6ftlbs of energy each ='s....

I'm fortunate to be able to shoot the firearms not too far from the house. NY gun laws suck!

 

[smurph]

Picked up a PC77 today now to find some good links for mods. Any suggestions.

 

[baddoggy]

i recently bought a 2nd hand benjamin marauder rifle in .22.
it is awesome! yes it is a a great alternative given that 22lr is so hard to come by.