Best plinker?

[Larcat]

If you were going to buy a pistol or PRod style carbine, what would you get?

Had to be:

Low power.
Quiet.
Carry it's own propulsion (SSP, pumper, etc.)
Easy-peasy to cock/pump.
Pleasant to hold.
Accurate enough.
Quiet.
Low power.

Let's assume cost isn't a driving factor here.

Leaning towards the FAS 6004/SIG version, but would love to hear other thoughts.

 

[shambozzie]

Take a look at the Zoraki ultra or the short one. 1, 2 or 3 pumps depending on you power need. Custom grips and lefty available. Hard to fine a more accurate hand gun for your stated needs. I pest sparrows @ 35 yds on 3 pumps in .177 with jsb 8 4s. Your choice .177 or .22

 

[MikeVV]

I own copies of all of the guns noted below. My observations are from actual ownership, not from reading a web site !

1. - 6004 FAS . Yes, it is low power, but very accurate, Easy to cock, nice trigger (adjustable). Nice target type grip.
Have had it a little over a year, and no trouble at all. Not easily adaptable to add-on sights

2. - Beeman P1, like the FAS is nice also. Heavier, but similar in many ways. Though it a bit heavier "duty" also. Able to take some rough handling without damage. Sorta like a Colt, Government .45 look to it. Will even use the same grip panels. A little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.
Again, zero problems.

3. - Weihrauch HW45 is a lot like the Beeman P1, in many ways. Construction, handling, trigger, cocking etc, much like the P1.
Again, same look at the Government .45. Three colors available, black, sand (sorta gold), and a silver color. Also, a little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Also, easy to addon other sights.
Zero problems.

4. - Another, more inexpensive gun for "plinking" is the Umarex, Buckmaster. It's a copy of the Browning Buckmaster. Simple in design, cocks easy, but the trigger is a hard pull, (no way of really fixing it), but once you get used to is, it's pretty accurate. It's a very inexpensive gun.
Not in any way the same class as the FAS 6004, the P1 or the HW45.

5. - Many like the Beeman P17. Me, the trigger on mine is horrible. I've had it apart three times to do modifications to the trigger. I managed to get it much better, but it's still a LONG way from my liking. The FAS 6004's trigger a "world" better trigger, but the P17, like the Buckmaster is VERY cheap.
Also, not in any way, shape or form, the same class as the 6004 FAS or the P1 or the HW45 above.

There's also, the Weihrauch HW75 is more like the 6004 FAS design, power wise. I don't own one, but it's sort of a cross between the 6004 FAS and the P1, in way the gun works. It's easier to cock than the P1 and the HW45. More like the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.

Have fun...

Mike

 

[MDriskill]

+1 on all of MikeVV's comments - excellent choices.

Depending on your definition of "quiet," don't forget that springers win; a duller, lower sort of sound than the muzzle pop from any kind of pneumatic or CO2 action.

This currently nearby thread discusses a lot of other very nifty guns that would fill the bill, and are still quite findable.

Older air pistols to consider?

I love the Tempest, an elegant classic design, great power for its size, and about as fragile as an anvil. A gun every airgunner should have IMHO. The FWB 65 is the all-time classic match gun. Again, pretty much a must-have. No less an expert than Scott Pilkington has said if he could own only...

www.airgunnation.com

 

[Bam86]

Don’t forget the crosman pistols. You can get a buttstock to make them a carbine. Multi pump, decent little guns ideal for plonking.

If you would consider CO2, there is the Diana pistol/rifle combo. In the rifle configuration it is super quiet. Easy to cock, can get 10 round magazine. I have blown a lot of pellets just plonking with this one. It is a load of fun.

 

[Larcat]

I own copies of all of the guns noted below. My observations are from actual ownership, not from reading a web site !

1. - 6004 FAS . Yes, it is low power, but very accurate, Easy to cock, nice trigger (adjustable). Nice target type grip.
Have had it a little over a year, and no trouble at all. Not easily adaptable to add-on sights

2. - Beeman P1, like the FAS is nice also. Heavier, but similar in many ways. Though it a bit heavier "duty" also. Able to take some rough handling without damage. Sorta like a Colt, Government .45 look to it. Will even use the same grip panels. A little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.
Again, zero problems.

3. - Weihrauch HW45 is a lot like the Beeman P1, in many ways. Construction, handling, trigger, cocking etc, much like the P1.
Again, same look at the Government .45. Three colors available, black, sand (sorta gold), and a silver color. Also, a little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Also, easy to addon other sights.
Zero problems.

4. - Another, more inexpensive gun for "plinking" is the Umarex, Buckmaster. It's a copy of the Browning Buckmaster. Simple in design, cocks easy, but the trigger is a hard pull, (no way of really fixing it), but once you get used to is, it's pretty accurate. It's a very inexpensive gun.
Not in any way the same class as the FAS 6004, the P1 or the HW45.

5. - Many like the Beeman P17. Me, the trigger on mine is horrible. I've had it apart three times to do modifications to the trigger. I managed to get it much better, but it's still a LONG way from my liking. The FAS 6004's trigger a "world" better trigger, but the P17, like the Buckmaster is VERY cheap.
Also, not in any way, shape or form, the same class as the 6004 FAS or the P1 or the HW45 above.

There's also, the Weihrauch HW75 is more like the 6004 FAS design, power wise. I don't own one, but it's sort of a cross between the 6004 FAS and the P1, in way the gun works. It's easier to cock than the P1 and the HW45. More like the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.

Have fun...

Mike

Whats the sound like between the HW75, 45 and the 6004?

 

[houston]

I would recommend daisy 7 series , 65 is nice to shoot in the backyard. The izzy is a nice shooter too. The hw70 is a nice pistol i like the older non safety. The hw70 reminds me of shooting a ahort r7.

Fun plinker is cr600, but thats loud.

 

[beerthief]

I own a Morini 162E , not exactly a plinker but a true 10 meter highly accurate shooter , you said "Let's assume cost isn't a driving factor here." so i thought i'd throw this in . BTW i do plink with it .
'

 

[Larcat]

I own a Morini 162E , not exactly a plinker but a true 10 meter highly accurate shooter , you said "Let's assume cost isn't a driving factor here." so i thought i'd throw this in . BTW i do plink with it .
'

Pcp

 

[MDriskill]

Whats the sound like between the HW75, 45 and the 6004?

See note just above. The HW 75 and 6004 are pneumatics and in spite of their low-ish power will have a bit of a muzzle pop. The HW 45 probably makes more auditory commotion from the shooter's point of view, but it's a sound that doesn't carry much.

 

[Larcat]

Thanks

 

[MikeVV]

See note just above. The HW 75 and 6004 are pneumatics and in spite of their low-ish power will have a bit of a muzzle pop. The HW 45 probably makes more auditory commotion from the shooter's point of view, but it's a sound that doesn't carry much.

Hmm, never found that t be true !

Maybe with light weight wrists !? I've shot firearms much of my adult life...THAT's..."pop" (or better muzzle flip, as it's commonly referred to) as you call it. ! None of my airguns have induced any "muzzle flip" during any...of my shooting.

Lar -
More power, more noise, lower power, less noise.
I haven't seen it necessary to use any sort of suppressor on any of my piston guns. My cats will let me know when a muffler is required ! Plus, it'll take a bit of work...to install one. They really aren't set up for any sort of add-on suppressor.

Mike

 

[Larcat]

I own copies of all of the guns noted below. My observations are from actual ownership, not from reading a web site !

1. - 6004 FAS . Yes, it is low power, but very accurate, Easy to cock, nice trigger (adjustable). Nice target type grip.
Have had it a little over a year, and no trouble at all. Not easily adaptable to add-on sights

2. - Beeman P1, like the FAS is nice also. Heavier, but similar in many ways. Though it a bit heavier "duty" also. Able to take some rough handling without damage. Sorta like a Colt, Government .45 look to it. Will even use the same grip panels. A little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.
Again, zero problems.

3. - Weihrauch HW45 is a lot like the Beeman P1, in many ways. Construction, handling, trigger, cocking etc, much like the P1.
Again, same look at the Government .45. Three colors available, black, sand (sorta gold), and a silver color. Also, a little higher power than the 6004 FAS. Also, easy to addon other sights.
Zero problems.

4. - Another, more inexpensive gun for "plinking" is the Umarex, Buckmaster. It's a copy of the Browning Buckmaster. Simple in design, cocks easy, but the trigger is a hard pull, (no way of really fixing it), but once you get used to is, it's pretty accurate. It's a very inexpensive gun.
Not in any way the same class as the FAS 6004, the P1 or the HW45.

5. - Many like the Beeman P17. Me, the trigger on mine is horrible. I've had it apart three times to do modifications to the trigger. I managed to get it much better, but it's still a LONG way from my liking. The FAS 6004's trigger a "world" better trigger, but the P17, like the Buckmaster is VERY cheap.
Also, not in any way, shape or form, the same class as the 6004 FAS or the P1 or the HW45 above.

There's also, the Weihrauch HW75 is more like the 6004 FAS design, power wise. I don't own one, but it's sort of a cross between the 6004 FAS and the P1, in way the gun works. It's easier to cock than the P1 and the HW45. More like the 6004 FAS. Easy to add on other sights.

Have fun...

Mike

Sorta sounds like 75 vs. 6004 for me...
The Sig branded 6004 looks awesome, but apparently doesn't really exist. 6004 even looks a bit like unobtanium right now...

 

[pdxFrank]

i may have missed it.... what target at what distance?

about any airgun does ~MOA at 25Y, but if we're talking 100Y, that's a different story.

me, anything under about 50Y, i wouldn't rely on a PCP. too many things change in such a short time with those. ya have to break out a calculator just to determine how many good shots ya have in a fill. VS a break-barrel that pretty much shoots the same 1st to last.

in my limited experience, rarely there's a springer than can't do sub-dime 10x groups at 75'.


and i'm hardly a great shooter. don't over-think it.

 

[Feinwerk]

If you fancy a nice pistol, the Weihrauch HW75 has a superb 2 stage trigger with a short and light 1st stage takeup, followed by a crisp 2nd stage with no detectable creep. The trigger blade itself is nice and wide and grooved, feels like it has a shoe on it. The muzzle is recessed in the top strap frame and has a relatively low muzzle report. It is a single stroke pneumatic. After charging and closing the top, you cock the hammer manually. The stippled grip is very comfortable for ambidextrous shooting. You can cock the hammer and dry fire it without opening the top strap and pumping it. This feature makes it ideal for dry fire practice.

The breech area is roomy for loading and notice that the rear of the top strap has a generous notch, allowing you to easily inspect or clean the bore when opened. If you look closely, you can see where I chamfered the breech lead in slightly to ease loading.

It makes a little over 400 fps with JSB 7.33 gr pellets. I zeroed mine at 15 yards. You can use it for practice with the iron sights but for more precision, I like a dot sight. I used the UTG dovetail-to-picatinny adapter inserts for this dual color red / green dot sight. A newer type , lighter reflex sight might be more appropriate.

You can punch paper or cans at 15yd with it, or take down english sparrows from your bird feeder but there's not enough power for much else. I liked it so much I gave away my p17s to my nephew and his two boys.

I have a Zoraki 177 ultra with the extended barrel. It has a sharper muzzle report but is a good plinker on low power (one pump). Its plastic frame doesn't feel as sturdy as the HW75 and its rear sight screw frequently tries to back out when you push down in that area while closing the top strap. You can pump It three or four times to generate some good hunting power but then it gets *very* loud. The trigger pull is long and is nowhere near that of the refined unit on the hw75! On the plus side, you can order a shoulder stock for it from the importer. Donny FL used to sell a slip-on adapter for the barrel. You remove the plastic cover that has the grooves on it in the picture that someone else posted above, and you can slide on a threaded adapter, secured with a set screw. My adapter was just a few thousands too small and I had to do some light machining to get it to fit though.

Pics below.

Feinwerk

My Zoraki 177 (originally sold as a Webley Alecto Ultra) with homemade wire stock (not that great) and Donny FL Tanto:

 

[MDriskill]

Hmm, never found that t be true !

Maybe with light weight wrists !? I've shot firearms much of my adult life...THAT's..."pop" (or better muzzle flip, as it's commonly referred to) as you call it. ! None of my airguns have induced any "muzzle flip" during any...of my shooting.

Lar -
More power, more noise, lower power, less noise.
I haven't seen it necessary to use any sort of suppressor on any of my piston guns. My cats will let me know when a muffler is required ! Plus, it'll take a bit of work...to install one. They really aren't set up for any sort of add-on suppressor.

Mike

You mis-read my post. By "pop" I was referring to SOUND, not movement.

As I had already noted in another post above, the two pneumatic guns under discussion have basically no recoil, but make a sharp little noise when fired. The HW 45 / P1 springer has plenty of movement when you shoot it, but makes a different sort of mostly mechanical noise that does not carry as far.

 

[Feinwerk]

I can shoot the hw75/p2 far more accurately than the hw45/p1 because there is no spring recoil during the shot cycle for an SSP power plant. Mike is correct that the noise from the hw45/p1 is more mechanical. The SSP types have a crisp valve release that tends to make more of a muzzle report.

 

[MDriskill]

Recalling our high school physics...any gas heats up when compressed.

The air compressed inside a pneumatic airgun prior to firing loses some heat, and therefore volume, to the surrounding metal. When released this generates a small pressure wave, making the distinctive sharp sound at the muzzle.

In a spring-piston gun, the air is compressed and released so quickly that no measurable heat is lost - an adiabatic process. Therefore no significant muzzle report...but the big bits thrashing about inside make other types of racket.

 

[badger5th]

Don’t forget the crosman pistols. You can get a buttstock to make them a carbine. Multi pump, decent little guns ideal for plonking.

If you would consider CO2, there is the Diana pistol/rifle combo. In the rifle configuration it is super quiet. Easy to cock, can get 10 round magazine. I have blown a lot of pellets just plonking with this one. It is a load of fun.

Yeah, the Diana Chaser. Get the Buckrail AR-style carbine kit.

 

[cjtamu]

I’ll put in another word for the Crosman CO2 pistols. I have a 2300S .177 and a Custom Shop 2300 .22 and both shoot beautifully. 2300S comes with a nice Williams FP-TK notch rear sight and single-stage trigger with adjustable pull weight and over travel. I like the trigger, have it on both guns. Adjustable power level for the gun. Lothar Walther barrel. Shoots great out of the box. I’m getting 60 shots at full power.

Custom Shop is closed unfortunately if you want .22 but you can build your own up. Depending on the barrel length you want you can start with a 2240 and add breech and barrel you want (including Lothar Walther). If you like the standard barrel you can buy a 2240XL which already has the steel breech and is threaded for 1/2 x 20 moderator. Which you’ll probably want, these guns aren’t overly quiet. Trigger is the weak link, non adjustable and too much pull weight. Can be tuned or after market trigger added. There are a lot of mods and after market parts available for these guns if you want to tweak them. Takes about 3 minutes to put the carbine stock on. I have big hands and the grips were small for me on both pistols. Couple pair of Steve Corcoran grips fixed that up. I’ve been very impressed with both pistols, couldn’t be happier.