Welcome to AIRGUN NATION - please introduce yourself here!

Hi!

I live in Washington State. 37 year old airgun enthusiast. Grew up shooting air guns of a few sorts, nothing really high powered. But always really enjoyed target practicing!
Joined the Army National Guard at 18. Served total of 4 years. Shot lots of real guns, as well as being trained in demolitions. Have put A LOT of rounds downrange through the M-16, and also M-249SAW.

A squirrel epidemic hit my area of suburbia around 2008/2009. I wanted a new air rifle that shot pellets at higher power than an old circa 1986 Crosman bb gun/pellet rifle (co2) that I'd inherited from my Dad. The squirrels did thousands of dollars in damage to the siding of my house, tore up the yard with their tunnels and holes, devastated my fruit trees (stealing almost all of the small crop from a few trees one summer) and were actively trying to get into my attic and roof almost daily.
Obviously couldn't shoot a firearm in suburbia, and not being much of a hunter, and kind of out of guns since my Army days (got out in Nov. 2002 ) didn't have any anyway.
Bought a Gamo Big Cat 1200, .177 pellet rifle. Couldn't believe the power compared to the old bb rifle...after sighting in the scope, had surgical laser precision at 10-20 yards for backyard pests. It was love at first sight/shot. Couldn't believe the thing had kick even? 
Well, sent about a dozen or more of those yard fiends to their maker. Love all animals and enjoy seeing them in nature, and normally would only kill an animal to eat. But when they're destroying your house and land?
I DECLARED WAR ON SQUIRRELS! 😡
Lol. Anyway, lost count after a dozen or two, but cleaned up the problem and it subsided for a while. Life happened, work, everything else. The Gamo got a bit dusty and I ended up selling it while getting rid of a bunch of stuff at a garage sale, around 2009 or 2010. Sold it with a cheap hard case and couple tins of ammo for giveaway price of like $30? 😥
Regretted it later, as this was the highest power airgun I'd ever had. And the accuracy was incredible at close backyard range! Plus I just liked the way it looked and felt...solid...like it was something I could take in the woods if I ever wanted, and hunt small game, and could depend on? Also perfect for a survival situation or "bug out bag"!
In 2016, I bought the first real serious looking, semi-automatic co2 rifle I could find, with a 30 pellet mag. The Sig Sauer MCX .177. With red dot. Got a Explorer soft case for it off Amazon, really nice. It holds lots of tins of ammo, plus easily 10 or more 88/90 gr Co2 cylinders. Real nice kit all in all. I'll have to share pics eventually.
I also have a Co2 Colt Defender bb pistol, mainly for target practice in the basement in winter, or real close range pest shots. (Haven't taken squirrels with that yet, don't know if I'd try?)
Last week, I just got another Gamo to replace the first one I sold. It's also my first .22 air rifle. The Gamo Wildcat Whisper .22.
The accuracy and quality is just like with the Big Cat, only with a bit less? Muzzle crack, (at least without alloy pellets) and way more punch to it! 

Anyway, I'm becoming a Gamo loyalist and love the company and their products. Recently saw a really cool vid on youtube by the Gamo co, on their technology and history.
Quite happy with my airgun supplies at the moment, with 3 rifles and one pistol, but definitely interested in the Air Force Texan and Umarex Gauntlet, maybe the Gamo Urban for hunting/survival? Might get one of those 3 for my 1st pcp gungun.

Otherwise, definitely going to buy the Umarex Hammer .50 cal when it's for sale later this year? (3rd mag, fully shrouded/suppressed!!! Carbon part(s)!!!)
Also really want the Gamo PR-776 revolver. And the Sig Sauer P320 pellet pistol.
The squirrel problem has subsided almost completely, since killing off a bunch of them last year and early this year, with the old bb rifle.
It's quiet on the homefront....TOO quiet lol! 😄
I know those pesky varmints will be back. I'll be ready for them. In the meantime, before the next squirrel insurgency, I'm happy to have found this place! Very cool to meet and talk with fellow airgunners from all over the place here! Wow!

Big Thank You to the founder(s) of this site...what a cool place to hang out and learn.
 
Hi I'm Joe,
I'm 51 and live with my wife and daughter in Phoenix, Arizona but spend my working week in San Francisco (east bay, Walnut Creek).
i'm interested in meeting those that now of a suitable shooting club or area for use during weekday afternoon and/or evenings. My weekends are usually spent in Phoenix.
I own a Weihrauch HW100KT in .22 form with 14 shot magazine and a 8 32x56 Hawke sidewinder scope and consider myself a novice, willing to learn from the more experienced. Looking forward to hearing from North California guys.
 
Hi everyone
My name is John (Spa) a little background, old fart, retired owner of small town hardware. I started hunting when i was 8 years old 64 years ago you do the math. Started shooting air rifles about 4 years ago and pretty much given up hunting except for shooting pests. I am waiting on RAW to send my HM1000X in .22 walnut thumb hole stock, should be here (Indiana) end of this week. Still get excited about a new weapon. Computers are not my thing but will try to post how the HM1000X does on the range s well as on the newest groundhog in the barn lot.

Happy shooting
SPA
 
"SPA"Hi everyone
My name is John (Spa) a little background, old fart, retired owner of small town hardware. I started hunting when i was 8 years old 64 years ago you do the math. Started shooting air rifles about 4 years ago and pretty much given up hunting except for shooting pests. I am waiting on RAW to send my HM1000X in .22 walnut thumb hole stock, should be here (Indiana) end of this week. Still get excited about a new weapon. Computers are not my thing but will try to post how the HM1000X does on the range s well as on the newest groundhog in the barn lot.

Happy shooting
SPA
From one old fart (your words ;-)) to another: Welcome! Good call on the RAW. I just received my new RAW from Minor Hill and she is gorgeous! You should get up to speed on the computer tip as Chairgun is indispensable for good ballistics skinny (http://www.hawkeoptics.com/chairgun.html).
 
Hi All,
My name is Matthew. I too am 64. Live in the SF Bay region (Fremont). Been shooting powder since I was a kid, but only just starting with airguns. Fascinating stuff. Kind of in a bind in that there is really no place that I know of to shoot any distance around here. Even the normal ranges are a longer drive then I want to take most days. Still, great practice when I can. Looking to do more and better with time.
 
"Mattblum"Hi All,
My name is Matthew. I too am 64. Live in the SF Bay region (Fremont). Been shooting powder since I was a kid, but only just starting with airguns. Fascinating stuff. Kind of in a bind in that there is really no place that I know of to shoot any distance around here. Even the normal ranges are a longer drive then I want to take most days. Still, great practice when I can. Looking to do more and better with time.
I'm experiencing the same dynamic down here on the southern border of California. It's not exactly a shooting/hunting culture. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where there was a gun shop/shooting range on almost every corner, and virtually unlimited woods and fields to shoot to your heart's desire. But, I'm finding some good spots down here despite the obstacles. 
 
I have been a shooter for years competing in multiple disciplines from USPSA, IPSIC, Service Rifle, and Shotgun sports. I have been wanting an air rifle for some time now to replace my childhood Crosman 760 Power Master I had back in the 70's. Been surfing through dozens of reviews and web searches looking for the right fit for my needs. Not wanting to drop huge cash on my first air rifle I was looking for a budget friendly entry level rifle that would shoot well. I found a Crosman Nitro Venom in .22cal. on Amazon for 116.00 delivered. I figure might as well as my research leads me to believe that this rifle just might scratch the itch. More then likely cause it to fester pushing me for a higher quality and price point in the future. I'm leaning toward a Bushnell Trophy XLT 6X18X50 A/O scope but would prefer a 4X12 if I can find one that will stand up to the break barrel NItro Piston. 
I hope you don't mind if l hang around in here picking some of the more experienced Airgunners brains!
 
Good Day all Airgunners.
My name is Gerhard and i am from South Africa and are quite new to the airgun scene. I mostly just do some general tarket shooting. I'm currently owning a JKHAN Grandeur .22 and love this rifle.
I am also considering buying and importing the Benjamin Armada .22 from the USA.
Anybody owning one of these rifles and what are your views about it please?
Here is a pic of my JKHAN.
a3f352f3c41cd8551765d8fd2a8808cb.jpg
 
"marcella69"
"Mattblum"Hi All,
My name is Matthew. I too am 64. Live in the SF Bay region (Fremont). Been shooting powder since I was a kid, but only just starting with airguns. Fascinating stuff. Kind of in a bind in that there is really no place that I know of to shoot any distance around here. Even the normal ranges are a longer drive then I want to take most days. Still, great practice when I can. Looking to do more and better with time.
I'm experiencing the same dynamic down here on the southern border of California. It's not exactly a shooting/hunting culture. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where there was a gun shop/shooting range on almost every corner, and virtually unlimited woods and fields to shoot to your heart's desire. But, I'm finding some good spots down here despite the obstacles. 

I don't plan on retiring here. Way too expensive and it's getting way too crowded. I was born in Cal, but grew up in Maryland. When I was a kid, there were lots of places to go shoot. Lived in the DC suburbs, and all we had to do was drive out into the country. Can't do that around there anymore! I wouldn't know where to look around here. Was kind of hoping that there was some airgun culture around in this area that I could plug into to, but I haven't found it yet.
 
Good afternoon ,

I'm new to agn and also to pcp rifles. I just purchased a mrod. 25 however I've used gas ram and springers for a few years. I am not much of a plinker I'm a hunter and I joined the forum to meet new people with the same interests and to get tips and tricks on what I can do with my new weapon. Look forward to hearing back on some topics I'll post. 
 
The name is Johnnie, and I am a seasonal airgun enthusiast... seasonal in that when it gets hot I tend to put them away. Fall and Winter are my favorite months to pull them out, or buy new ones. So, it is almost fall of the year, and my airgun interest is building with a fever. I do not own many airguns, only my favorites:

Gen1 Benjamin Marauder, built by Crosman in January of 2010.

2289 Backpacker (owned for nearly 25-years)
PC77 
1322

If I had the money, I would own a TM1000 RAW in walnut. She would be shooting .177 set to sub12. This is because I really want to get back to shooting field target, as this is my discipline of choice... other than punching paper etc. 
 
Hi all, im new to pcp as of this year. Started with a Condor in .22. Loved it ,great shooting very accurate I liked that you could load any pellet in it with out clearance issues. I now shoot FX Impact in .22 another great pellet gun but the clip is limited to pellet length you can load in it. I have over come this by making a single shot clip works great. I'm having great pleasure in pcp wish I had started years ago. Because of super great forums like this everyone has helped my road to pcp fun and fewer mistakes. Thanks Airgun nation. 
 
Hello fellow Air Gunners,
My friends call me Bill and I've had a life long affliction with air guns, powder guns, archery, slingshots, etc. Pretty much anything that flings stuff at other stuff. We have a pretty cool group of Air Gunners here in Scotts Valley CA and we meet once a month at the smoke pole range for an evening called "Silent Night". I just completed the Long Ranger challenge at 150 yards with a Hatsan Galatian. Finding a place to make that shot was probably a bigger challenge than the actual shot. I like building custom guns as much or more than shooting them. I'll post some pics and info of some of my recent stuff. I'd like to thank you all for creating this place, and Steve S. at AEAC for making it sound like the place to be. If you're in the Bay Area and want to shoot, hit me up and we'll make it happen.
8e6b864dfee64e736e96acae6981f182.jpg
 
Hello fellow Air Gunners,
My friends call me Bill and I've had a life long affliction with air guns, powder guns, archery, slingshots, etc. Pretty much anything that flings stuff at other stuff. We have a pretty cool group of Air Gunners here in Scotts Valley CA and we meet once a month at the smoke pole range for an evening called "Silent Night". I just completed the Long Ranger challenge at 150 yards with a Hatsan Galatian. Finding a place to make that shot was probably a bigger challenge than the actual shot. I like building custom guns as much or more than shooting them. I'll post some pics and info of some of my recent stuff. I'd like to thank you all for creating this place, and Steve S. at AEAC for making it sound like the place to be. If you're in the Bay Area and want to shoot, hit me up and we'll make it happen.
8e6b864dfee64e736e96acae6981f182.jpg
 
Hello fellow Air Gunners,
My friends call me Bill and I've had a life long affliction with air guns, powder guns, archery, slingshots, etc. Pretty much anything that flings stuff at other stuff. We have a pretty cool group of Air Gunners here in Scotts Valley CA and we meet once a month at the smoke pole range for an evening called "Silent Night". I just completed the Long Ranger challenge at 150 yards with a Hatsan Galatian. Finding a place to make that shot was probably a bigger challenge than the actual shot. I like building custom guns as much or more than shooting them. I'll post some pics and info of some of my recent stuff. I'd like to thank you all for creating this place, and Steve S. at AEAC for making it sound like the place to be. If you're in the Bay Area and want to shoot, hit me up and we'll make it happen.
8e6b864dfee64e736e96acae6981f182.jpg


My apologies for the multi post was (am) working on a really slow machine and didn't realize it was actually doing anything when I hit Submit. I am also ignorant of how to delete duplicate and/or erroneous posts.