Even if wanting a Hog , as you inscribed above it in stand 30 yards or less a .25 is certainly all you need. Waiting for the perfect shot I would use a powerfull .22 without hesitation and knowing a clean kill guaranteed. All shot placement and you would have the perfect set up. Growing up with used a .20 Sheridan (in a pen, from above with shot placement) pump and no hod ever flinched, just done. This isnt for everyone but thinking you would be fine.
Love our gauntlet Gen 1 .177. Think them and excellent value, and with any care butter smooth cocking, trigger safe & smooth at under one LB -or what ever you might want-. The newer gens are only better and on sale what a value!
LONG and Heavy! The reason I only carry my to the porch for shooting off a bench.
Personally need a Light weight power house for long distance (only out to 70 yards) I grabbed an Airforce Escape UL .25. Tried the gunpower stealth when they came out, YUK. But do love the UL Escape I purchased decades later enough to not sell it even though ALL marmots are long gone from the fruit orchard, barn ... . The darn thing groups so well is about 4.5lb and certainly would take a hog cleanly from a stand at 30 yards. Well under $500 direct from AF as a blem with lifetime warranty.
Does warranty matter to you?
The 1st "DAR" venture was SO bad (hey buddy NIB for $100 on close out. Sold as parts only ... they were nice about refunding money though and NO doubt have improved. Parts? Warranty? Only me but would suggest it to a friend starting out. But.
Other than hog just want to be able to shoot a lot? .22 or .177.
Regulators are nice. And not needed if you can live with only say 30 "perfect shots". (note the little UL get's 6 "good" shots).
HOg for hog but folks in the UK (and many FT shooters) use "12fpe" rigs and humanly take game to 50 meters.
Crosman has the slamin warranty and parts parts parts at Low cost. PA will sell you a new gas ram for your Np for $40.00 pretty well guarantee crosman is less and about $4.00 shipping. You just need to part # and a CC in hand, easy folks to deal with.
Exactly now many miles to your nearest Club? WELL worth several hours driving to learn more in one day than years on forums. Esp. FT shooters never own just one airgun. Took my DAQ .458 to pass around one day, purchased my .22 NP at one along with another 50+ purchased face to face at value pricing.
If at all possible find a/some local airgun folks. Most are really happy to let you try what they have and share information. I've always been happy when some new person (or someone been into it for 30 years) wants to stop by. And I've meet many nice people that way and learned a lot.
Naturally if just wanting a top shelf grab and score rifle, RAW. But $ and again heavy.
Keep us posted.
John
