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Snead360

Snead360

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Aug 3, 2025
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Noob to this level of airguns. I have been scouring the WTS PCP's and learned you can spend crazy amounts of money on airguns. I started looking at retailers sites....just so much!
I enjoy shooting and it is so nice to be able to shoot in my neighborhood backyard.
My big question is....how do I figure out what I need and can you try out different types of brands and models anywhere local?
I would like to be able to hunt squirrels and nuisance animals. Plink/target. I have easy access to SCBA compressor and cascade.
I am thinking .22 or .25 and around $500 to get started.
Any suggestions?
 
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Unless you live close to a place like Airguns of Arizona, the way most of us test guns is with our wallets. If you asked most of us what we’ve spent on PCP’s and accessories since we got into it, you’d have to be revived by paramedics. After the expensive experimentation phase, you learn what you like and or need in a gun. But on a positive note, most of my buddies went off my recommendation and it’s been one and done for them. And they are all content. But………..not even one of them visits an airgun forum or even worse watches airgun videos.
 
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Where are you located at first of all?

Most people on here would be more than happy to let you try what we have. From a few hundred dollar gun to a few thousand dollar gun.

If you are just wanting something to shoot...the marauder still isn't a bad choice. If you like to tinker and play the Crossman 1777 or 1722 are fun to play with. And with those guns there are a TON of options for modifications.

What are you looking at spending on a gun? Are you set on a PCP, or will a spring or gas ram work?


Help us to help you spend your money :😀
 
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Snead360 said:
Noob to this level of airguns. I have been scouring the WTS PCP's and learned you can spend crazy amounts of money on airguns. I started looking at retailers sites....just so much!
I enjoy shooting and it is so nice to be able to shoot in my neighborhood backyard.
My big question is....how do I figure out what I need and can you try out different types of brands and models anywhere local?
I would like to be able to hunt squirrels and nuisance animals. Plink/target. I have easy access to SCBA compressor and cascade.
I am thinking .22 or .25 and around $500 to get started.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
better save your penny's , $ 500 will get you started with a Marauder /handpump combo deal . Which is what i mostly recommend to start out . A very solid gun in .22 and it is hand pumpable till you get a small gun fill compressor . Many people stop there others get bitten and no end in sight .
 
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Vetmx said:
Unless you live close to a place like Airguns of Arizona, the way most of us test guns is with our wallets. If you asked most of us what we’ve spent on PCP’s and accessories since we got into it, you’d have to be revived by paramedics. After the expensive experimentation phase, you learn what you like and or need in a gun. But on a positive note, most of my buddies went off my recommendation and it’s been one and done for them. And they are all content. But………..not even one of them visits an airgun forum or even worse watches airgun videos.
Click to expand...
What did you recommend to you friends?
Vetmx said:
What did you recommend to you friends?
Click to expand...
 
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woogie_man said:
Where are you located at first of all?

Most people on here would be more than happy to let you try what we have. From a few hundred dollar gun to a few thousand dollar gun.

If you are just wanting something to shoot...the marauder still isn't a bad choice. If you like to tinker and play the Crossman 1777 or 1722 are fun to play with. And with those guns there are a TON of options for modifications.

What are you looking at spending on a gun? Are you set on a PCP, or will a spring or gas ram work?


Help us to help you spend your money :😀
Click to expand...
Central Arkansas
I have a springer. Gamo SW. It's ok. Im not a fan of the brake barrel. I am kinda set on PCP. $500
 
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Wait your 10 days and there are plenty in the classifieds. There is an Airmaks Katran .25 for $600. A few bucks more but a very nice rifle with an excellent triggerand very accurate CZbareel. An Airforce conder with 22 and 25 barrels $600 again. Marauder is a good starter,i was just never a fan and side lever with a great trigger males plinking so much nicer. Marauder is a good cheapie though. Stoeger males some good budget guns. It is hard for me to thinl on starters anymore, inwish when i started i did t mess with budget gums at all,time and money wasted after i foumd what i liked.
 
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The used market is going to be a great resource for you honestly.

$500 isn't a high budget, but when you get your time here post a wanted thread in the classifieds. Who knows you may find someone that is willing to help you out and get you something beyond your range. There are probably more than a few guys around you that would be willing to help you out as well. Do some searing and talking and see what you can find.
 
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Snead360 said:
Noob to this level of airguns. I have been scouring the WTS PCP's and learned you can spend crazy amounts of money on airguns. I started looking at retailers sites....just so much!
I enjoy shooting and it is so nice to be able to shoot in my neighborhood backyard.
My big question is....how do I figure out what I need and can you try out different types of brands and models anywhere local?
I would like to be able to hunt squirrels and nuisance animals. Plink/target. I have easy access to SCBA compressor and cascade.
I am thinking .22 or .25 and around $500 to get started.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
If I were buying my first pcp now. I would probably get a umerex zelos .25 cal for $599
Then eventually do some upgrades like carbon fiber tank.
 
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Definitely research. You mentioned shooting in neighborhood backyard. Got consider yard size, distance from neighbors, acceptable noise level, local shooting ordinance restrictions. Lot's to think about beyond the gun.
I'm blessed with country life so don't have any of that to deal with myself.
But don't think of my Stoeger Bullshark .25 as backyard friendly. Mine's doesn't need to be moderated, though if I had close neighbors they'd know I was shooting, don't know how much it could be quieted down. But importantly, a .25 cal can travel 100yds+ with enough fpe to do damage in a neighborhood.
Just my 2¢
Hope you find what works for you and enjoy it
 
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Struckat said:
I would start with a Marauder from Airgun Revision. Go for a referb, they are better than new after AR goes through them. I bought one from him last year, it’s wonderful.

Its a simple reliable platform.

Hanging around here will give you a case of techno paranoia.
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I second the marauder for the $, lower fill pressure and can be hand pumped if necessary. .22 cal.
 
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I believe you can caliber swap the Zellos but it is a bit overbudget I think. Seems like a good gun, however. The M60B is about the same thing but I think the price is similar.

The Avenge X can also caliber swap and it doesn't cost a lot to change calibers. Looks like the classic tube version is about $500, the tactical a few dollars more. I have an original Avenger in 25 caliber and after I got the leak it had when it arrived fixed it has been reliable. The externally adjustable regulator with a gauge is nice, especially in this price range. My 25 is not as accurate as my SPA guns but others have reported great accuracy with theirs.

You cannot really caliber swap them but I really like Snowpeak (SPA) bullpups. They also make the Stoeger Scout and Ranger long guns. The long guns should be well within your budget, around $350. A P35X (Krale) or Bullshark should be under $500. The regulator is inside but it can be adjusted if you are reasonably handy. I think they are a bit better made than my original Avenger but I haven't handled the long guns. The Avenger documentation is far better but I've explained SPA trigger adjustment on here several times, it is not difficult. The hammer spring is right out where you can see it and easily adjust it. The SPA guns are simpler with less "bells and whistles" but they shoot great and mine have been very reliable.

You didn't seem to say if the $500 is gun and scope or just the gun. If it needs to cover the scope too then a Scout or Ranger with a Hawke Vantage scope would fit and would be a nice gun.
 
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