My First Rifle, Predator Control

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Jalan

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May 8, 2025
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Hello All,
I'm shopping for my first rifle. I'm very interested in the sport of it but mostly my needs are predator control for my chicken coop.
I really hope to keep this first purchase less than $400. I know that's peanuts but I'm hopeful. I've settled on a PCP in 25 caliber and was lucky to already find a brand new Spritech pump on an overstock site.
I'm looking at the Hatsan Flashpup 25 and the Beeman Bullpup 25. I much prefer the Bullpup design but also considering Air Venturi Avenger 25.
I'm hopeful one like this will meet my needs on a budget. Any advice would really be appreciated. I'm a bit overwhelmed being so green.
Thank you
 
Of the three you listed I only have experience with the Avenger. My brother has an Avenger but his is in .22. I am actually impressed with the rifle; especially considering the price point. His has the wood stock and it is a really nice improvement over the plastic stock. Using JSB pellets and shooting out to about 45-50 yards his Avenger compares very well with my FX Crown When it comes to accuracy.
Kenny
 
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I like SPA made airguns in the lower priced segment (which is where all but one of my airguns are). I have an original Avenger, for instance, and while I like it I think my three SPA made P35s are better made. Fewer features but with no plastic in the action. So I recommend you look at the P35, the Bullshark, and the P35X. Or a Zellos. The P35 will be about 45 fpe in 25, the Bullshark might barely make 50, while the P35X will easily make 50 fpe, may make 60 and I think a Zellos would be similar to the P35X. The only guns of this list that you might get under $400 is the Bullshark, however. These are all Chinese made airguns and logic suggests tarriffs will be at least a temporary issue soon if not now. Last time I looked the Stoeger Scout would easily be had under $400 but it is not a bullpup, it's a short conventional gun. It's power would be similar to the Bullshark. I think that's enough for at least small raccoons (I've killed two) and could cleanly take a coyote with a good brain shot.
 
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As a fairly new airgunner that has learned a few things, the first thing I look for now is a metal breech. On cheap options, the plastic breeches can mess with scope stability and even mounting a scope. At least on some models.
Also, a Foster fitting is important to me rather than a fill probe. Others may not care, but I avoid fill probes for now. These AGs have enough problems without inviting more. Obviously, I want to shoot, not fix things. It might be different for you.
 
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I have over 100 airguns in all platforms . All of them are sub $400 guns. Guess which one I was shooting today?
The Avenger in .25 with the Buck Rail Tactical Kit. Still under $400. I say this because it was one of the guns you mentioned.
The Avenger has all the features found on guns costing twice as much including external access to tuning.
It's very back yard friendly and high capacity mags made in the USA (fast shipping) are available.
I have mine tuned to 70+ shots at 40 fpe.
If I had your situation this would be my choice.
Oh BTW... there is a simple 2 screw replacement mod to make the trigger really great.
 
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My first PCP was a .25 Marauder in a plastic stock. I eventually went the FX route buying half a dozen different models and three or four other high end models. Eventually sold them all and went back to .22LR. In retrospect to that journey, I really could have totally gotten by with the original purchase of the Marauder .25.
But that’s just me. I used it for pesting and plinking and took a ton of squirrels with it. The rest of the high end guns were phenomenal but unnecessary for my pesting activities. YMMV.
 
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