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semi beginner coming back to this hobby

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bozman

Member
Aug 6, 2023
36
12
NJ
Hello all,

It's been over 35 years since I purchased or shot a pellet gun on a regular basis. I'm looking to get back into this hobby for target shooting only and looking for some suggestions in PCP either .177 or.22

current collection:
all .177
crossman 760 pump
RWS model 48
Beeman Tempest.

indoor range 10 or 12 m
outdoor range possibly 30m - but need to keep it quiet
possibly visit some local ranges here in NJ, hopefully they will accommodate airguns

The amount of choices is overwhelming and would love to own multiple models, these are some that I am looking at - FX Crown Mkll, FX impact, FX maverick, Benjamin Maurauder, Niksan Defense TW, Cricket ll Tactical 60, Gamo swarm 10x gen3i... to name a few.

- Scope brand and specs
-compressor

Thanks
 
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What is your budget?
Unfortunately the difference in target guns from 10m to a visit to a local range is huge. If you are looking for something that makes sense to shoot in the garage in the winter and take to the range for 50-100 yard target shooting, you will need something adjustable. An adjustable gun like an Impact, Crown, or Redwolf will let you do both very well. The Marauder can be adjusted but I wouldn't put it in the same grouping as a gun that is built to be adjusted.

Some platforms are a little more friendly when it comes to barrel/ caliber changes as well which would make it possible to shoot a .177 10m barrel all winter and switch to a .22 (or whatever you like) for your range time in the summer.

When you say target, do you mean formal 10m competition? 100 yard benchrest etc.? It will make a difference since the ergonomics and form factor can become important.

I didn't address the scope or compressor because those needs will be based on the gun/discipline being supported.

We're here to help, just help us to understand your needs a little more.
 
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Upvote 0
I have 5 PCPs (and a couple pump ups) and none cost $500. I have a lot of fun with them and they are all useful for small game hunting and informal target practice. I may buy a PCP over $1000 someday but right now my "cheap" ones are throughly entertaining. My first was a Marauder pistol which I hand pumped. It's accurate and pretty quiet and with a little retuning I find it takes small game well. Notos seems to be similar these days. My second was an Avenger. At that time there was only the full length model with a plastic stock. It is accurate and much more powerful but it takes a lot of pumps to fill it with a hand pump. So I got a Yong Heng and later an expired fireman's Scott tank. My last 3 PCPs are all SPA P35s. They are 177, 22, and 25. No more expensive rifle is as light as the P35. They have adequate power for small game (all of them) and the 177 and 22 are very accurate, the 22 surprisingly so. I would not be surprised if I buy a higher priced gun and it is less accurate. I had to do a little trigger work on all but the Prod but I like doing that sort of thing.

There are many other mid priced guns that are worthwhile. If you like nice walnut stocks the Benjamin Craftsman series built by Kral are definitely worth a look.

I would buy a lower priced PCP or two before buying an expensive one. You may find they do everything you need an airgun to do. They will at least help you decide what you like and don't like.
 
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Lewis said:
What is your budget?
Unfortunately the difference in target guns from 10m to a visit to a local range is huge. If you are looking for something that makes sense to shoot in the garage in the winter and take to the range for 50-100 yard target shooting, you will need something adjustable. An adjustable gun like an Impact, Crown, or Redwolf will let you do both very well. The Marauder can be adjusted but I wouldn't put it in the same grouping as a gun that is built to be adjusted.

Some platforms are a little more friendly when it comes to barrel/ caliber changes as well which would make it possible to shoot a .177 10m barrel all winter and switch to a .22 (or whatever you like) for your range time in the summer.

When you say target, do you mean formal 10m competition? 100 yard benchrest etc.? It will make a difference since the ergonomics and form factor can become important.

I didn't address the scope or compressor because those needs will be based on the gun/discipline being supported.

We're here to help, just help us to understand your needs a little more.
Click to expand...
I was thinking of spending less at first $600 + but might invest in something more if its something adjustable & multiple calibers
I think mostly bench but would like to have the option of standing with no rest.
 
Upvote 0
JimD said:
I have 5 PCPs (and a couple pump ups) and none cost $500. I have a lot of fun with them and they are all useful for small game hunting and informal target practice. I may buy a PCP over $1000 someday but right now my "cheap" ones are throughly entertaining. My first was a Marauder pistol which I hand pumped. It's accurate and pretty quiet and with a little retuning I find it takes small game well. Notos seems to be similar these days. My second was an Avenger. At that time there was only the full length model with a plastic stock. It is accurate and much more powerful but it takes a lot of pumps to fill it with a hand pump. So I got a Yong Heng and later an expired fireman's Scott tank. My last 3 PCPs are all SPA P35s. They are 177, 22, and 25. No more expensive rifle is as light as the P35. They have adequate power for small game (all of them) and the 177 and 22 are very accurate, the 22 surprisingly so. I would not be surprised if I buy a higher priced gun and it is less accurate. I had to do a little trigger work on all but the Prod but I like doing that sort of thing.

There are many other mid priced guns that are worthwhile. If you like nice walnut stocks the Benjamin Craftsman series built by Kral are definitely worth a look.

I would buy a lower priced PCP or two before buying an expensive one. You may find they do everything you need an airgun to do. They will at least help you decide what you like and don't like.
Click to expand...
I love the walnut stocks and cannot believe some of these laminate ones either. I'm also looking at used on the forums but trying to hone in on good fit
 
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Nomadic Pirate 66 said:
You gonna be in for a treat !...Today's PCPs are fantastic, and you don'r even need to spend to much,

I personally would start with a JTS Airacuda standard .22 for 320 bucks you get awesome bang for the buck.
Click to expand...
when I first started searching I was definitely thinking small budget then my appetite for more started kicking in the more I start seeing all of these endless options. I am still considering th Gamo 10x break barrel until I can afford or until a deal or used pops up on the prom stuff
 
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bozman said:
when I first started searching I was definitely thinking small budget then my appetite for more started kicking in the more I start seeing all of these endless options. I am still considering th Gamo 10x break barrel until I can afford or until a deal or used pops up on the prom stuff
Click to expand...
I have a few nice ones for sale at very reasonable price, ...... and you will not need FFL ;) .....Ho sorry no .22 or .177
 
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I suggest a springer instead of a PCP. Perfect for indoor and outdoor target shooting. Ten tins (a sleeve) of HN pellets and pellet trap is all you will need.

www.krale.shop

Weihrauch HW30 S

Weihrauch air rifles are engineered and manufactured in Germany in accordance with the latest sporting arms technology. With decades of experience and a strive for perfection and innovationn, Weihrauch is able to deliver top quality, for maximum performance and a long service life.The Weihrauch...
www.krale.shop www.krale.shop
 
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i agree with maxt only a HW50 . the HW50 is a full size rifle where the HW30 is smaller.
www.pyramydair.com

Weihrauch HW50S Breakbarrel Rifle | Pyramyd Air

We've got a great price on the Weihrauch HW50S Breakbarrel Rifle. Shop and get expert advice from the largest airgun retailer!
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Upvote 0
bozman said:
Hello all,

It's been over 35 years since I purchased or shot a pellet gun on a regular basis. I'm looking to get back into this hobby for target shooting only and looking for some suggestions in PCP either .177 or.22

current collection:
all .177
crossman 760 pump
RWS model 48
Beeman Tempest.

indoor range 10 or 12 m
outdoor range possibly 30m - but need to keep it quiet
possibly visit some local ranges here in NJ, hopefully they will accommodate airguns

The amount of choices is overwhelming and would love to own multiple models, these are some that I am looking at - FX Crown Mkll, FX impact, FX maverick, Benjamin Maurauder, Niksan Defense TW, Cricket ll Tactical 60, Gamo swarm 10x gen3i... to name a few.

- Scope brand and specs
-compressor

Thanks
Click to expand...
warning . do not get sucked in to big power. you have 10 meters and 25 outside . you do not need or want big power , even in a springer power = noise .
 
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Upvote 1
in your price range and the rifle type your best bet is to buy used, and since you're in a "funky state" best to have it shipped to a relative or a friend in a "Non-Funky State"..... and pick it up from them or ship to a FFL, or move to a friendly state like I did..... check out places like AoA used section
lots of good deals here.
 
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I agree with the thought that there is too much emphasis of fpe on airguns these days. I want my guns to shoot a domed pellet of mid to high weight for the caliber 800-900 fps. That means upper teens fpe in a 177, A 22 needs at least 25 fpe IMHO and 30 fpe or so in a 25 caliber. Guns at this power level work great for informal target shooting and small game hunting. Higher velocity with pellets is questionable for best accuracy, especially at longer range and is not at all necessary for small game. I rarely shoot beyond 35 yards but if you shoot a lot at longer range and with slugs (which can go faster) then more power may be important. But for what I do, it just isn't necessary.
 
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