N/A Most Accurate PCP Under $750…What is It??

Nalajr said:

...I assume that .22 would be the best, most economical pellet to go with at these distances…would you agree? I might be persuaded to go with a .25 though if I can be convinced it’s a better round. ...

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22 is the best choice for general small game shooting and paper punching, IMO. It packs adequate power and also has very high availability of both guns and ammo. I know you said you don't hunt, but just sharing that bit for anyone else interested.

As for 22 vs 25 for paper punching at 25-100 yds. It really depends on what ranges you will be focusing on the most. Inside 50 I would go with 22, beyond 50 I would go with 25. Simply because you will be able to get better long range performance out of the heavier 25 pellets. If you intend to shoot all ranges equally, I would go with 22 since ammo is notably cheaper and more widely available, and also can still perform well out to 100 with a good tune and the right ammo.

Just my thoughts based on my experience with both.

The way the classifieds have been, good luck finding a FX Royal 400, Dreamline, or Daystate Regal, for under $750. You'll see a Streamline for that sometimes. These are all better choices in the long run, if you can trust the seller. If you buy new and want to stay under budget, I would think the Avenge X is the most versatile of the value guns to play around with since you are not hunting. The cheap guns all have had plenty of examples of excellent shooting but they are at the end of the day not as satisfying as the really good guns. You might want to raise your search to $1k and look for used quality over new adequacy. Hard advice to take, I know, but I wish I had sometimes.

BSA scorpion is about all I can think of. Or a BSA R10 SE from AOA on clearance for $800.

jmohme said:

My answer mat not be very helpful, but I have to chime in because I started out with the same questions when I wanted to get a PCP. Had exactly the same max price in mind too.
I read all I could read about different makes and models. I also browsed around on many online air gun stores. Every time I did, I saw things in higher end guns that captured my attention, then came to my senses and throttled back my desires.
A bit over a year later I ended up spending almost twice what I had set as my price limit and have had zero regrets ever since. Sometimes, you just got to realize that you get what you pay for.
There are so many good choices in all price ranges these days so good luck in your search.

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Thank you, you echoed my thoughts exactly. $750 for what? The gun? You'll need a compressor, scope, more mags, etc. it adds up in a hurry.

If you’re new to this caper and want to get on with the business of shooting, the best option is to get a gun that is tuned and tested by a vendor who knows what you want and can set it up. Rich Dudek at Airgun Revisions offers that option with a number of lower priced guns. The bigger challenge, once you have the gun, is to steer clear of the temptation to modify or retune, which typically comes from watching YT videos put out by sponsored influencers. Enjoy the gun, learn how to shoot it well and buy a second one to tinker after you’ve spent a good six months reading about the mechanics and tuning. Buying used, if you’re a noob, is a very risky game. A barrel full of caveat emptor.

Nalajr said:

Hey all.

I’m wanting to move to a PCP this spring. I only shoot at paper and targets…no hunting. I’d like to shoot at distances from 25 to 100 yards…maybe longer in some settings.

I’d like to know what rifle or Bullpup would be the best choice under $750. I don’t mind USED stuff as long as it’s in good condition and doesn’t need work or parts.

If you were going to buy a sub $750 PCP for paper punching…what would you buy?


I assume that .22 would be the best, most economical pellet to go with at these distances…would you agree? I might be persuaded to go with a .25 though if I can be convinced it’s a better round.


Thanks for your help and time.
Have a good weekend.
MUHerd

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For this budget you can’t go wrong with the new Air Venturi Avenge-X in .22 or .25 cal. I have four of them three wood stock and one synthetic, don’t hesitate to ask any question you may have regarding any of them. If you want to save a few bucks more you can buy the the first gen, I’m going to share a couple of videos that explains in detail what are the main differences between the first and second gen Avengers.

Dr. Kralenstein said:

Have you tried baracuda match 5.52?

I had my notos shooting lights out to 40 yards with them. Single hole groups. The heavy pellet also made the gun even quieter. They were putting out 20 fpe, and you could see the energy dump on squirrels and rabbits. If the notos had a wood stock, it would still be in my stable.

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Mine loves the 9.69grn H&N Green trophy. Incredibly consistent and accurate.

Also the FX monster 25grn. Just about the same accuracy, but only moving 600fPS. But one hole for 10.

Who would have guessed?

I have 5 PCPs and all were under $500. This includes a 25 caliber original Avenger, 3 P35s, and a Prod. My Prod is pretty close to a Notos in power (I've tuned it up) but I wouldn't shoot it at 100 unless I was just messing around. It can't even get the 14.6 grain copper plated FTTs it likes best up to 800 fps with any kind of shot count. 750 fps is more like it and that pellet does not have a good bc. My other 4 can do 100 and a couple of them have. Accuracy was not great, however. Best was a little over 2 inches.

I like the P35s best (that's why I have 3) but they illustrate what I think may be a typical issue with guns in this price range. I've shot all three on the 30 yard challenge and their best scores illustrate, I think, a difference in the barrels. The 22 caliber has done a 200, the 177's best is a 194 if I remember right and the best I've done with the 25 is a 192. I think I can do better with the 25, however. None of these are terrible scores and I consider them all accurate. The Avenger has not been shot as much but is probably low 190s too. They are all fun to shoot and all have killed squirrels for me.

I shoot from my left shoulder. That is a reason I got the first P35 (the 25 caliber). The magazine fits flush which is not typical. A typical bullpup puts the magazine right into my face. Not comfortable at all. But the P35 is not an issue at all. Very comfortable. I am right handed so I like the cocking handle on the right. The Avenger bullpup has the cocking lever at the rear (it is in the middle on the P35) and I think the magazine would be an issue too. If you get an Avenger I think you will be happier with the long versions (and they are really long).

Another SPA gun you might want to look at is the M60b. It is a bullpup but is longer and heavier than the P35 with a longer barrel and a much bigger magazine. It's weight and dimensions are more like the Avenger (which isn't bad). They put the magazine right in the middle of the gun so it hangs out a little on each side but I think it should be fine. It has a gauge on the regulated chamber the P35 does not have and an externally adjustable regulator (which the P35 also does not have). You can get the M60 with a tube air chamber or a bottle. With the 450cc bottle I think they are just over $700 at Airgun Archery Fun. SPA also has a P35X on their website but I haven't seen them at any dealers yet. Longer barrel, wood stock, and bigger plenum.

Speaking only of the accurate PCP rifles I have for $750 or under in .22:
BSA Defiant (bull pup)
BSA Scorpion (rifle)
Benjamin Akela (Bull pup)
Zbroia Hortizia (rifle)

dizzums said:

all i can speak on are the guns i own ..if i want to pop chicken eggs off the fence posts at 80y i set the cayden up in the window ..

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Ditto that on the Cayden. You also get an added bonus of some of the prettiest walnut stocks going !!

Definitely not the Hatsan Jet !

erock said:

Ditto that on the Cayden. You also get an added bonus of some of the prettiest walnut stocks going !!

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...double ditto...I didn't get a such pretty stock as some, but I am very glad I bought the Cayden...

Nalajr said:

Hey all.

I’m wanting to move to a PCP this spring. I only shoot at paper and targets…no hunting. I’d like to shoot at distances from 25 to 100 yards…maybe longer in some settings.

I’d like to know what rifle or Bullpup would be the best choice under $750. I don’t mind USED stuff as long as it’s in good condition and doesn’t need work or parts.

If you were going to buy a sub $750 PCP for paper punching…what would you buy?


I assume that .22 would be the best, most economical pellet to go with at these distances…would you agree? I might be persuaded to go with a .25 though if I can be convinced it’s a better round.


Thanks for your help and time.
Have a good weekend.
MUHerd

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That's a lot of boxes to check. There are a lot of people that hit 100y but few do consistent 1MOA 100y groupings back to back to back.

Most use top tier guns to accomplish this.

I can get said back to back to back 2MOA groupings at 100y with my AEA Varmint in .25 with H&N grizzlies.

I'd go with the Avenge X in .25 if I were you.

I have a .177 Avenger and a .25 Dreamline because they are both light weight. For the money the Avenger is stupid accurate but if you only have $750 and only one gun, I would search out a used higher end PCP, there is a difference. Cocking, shot sound, trigger, everything. Pull the covers off the Avenger and it's pot metal.

Clifton said:

I have a .177 Avenger and a .25 Dreamline because they are both light weight. For the money the Avenger is stupid accurate but if you only have $750 and only one gun, I would search out a used higher end PCP, there is a difference. Cocking, shot sound, trigger, everything. Pull the covers off the Avenger and it's pot metal.

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I mean this as a serious question, not an argument. When you say pot metal do you mean Zamak or similar zinc based low melt casting alloys or do you mean an aluminum casting then machined out?

The more expensive guns you have in mind, the components, the block/receiver are machined from billet aluminum or? I ask this because I have never inspected closeup a FX or Taipan or other Euro-gun or $$ gun. Want to get a handle on it.

3Crows said:

I mean this as a serious question, not an argument. When you say pot metal do you mean Zamak or similar zinc based low melt casting alloys or do you mean an aluminum casting then machined out?

The more expensive guns you have in mind, the components, the block/receiver are machined from billet aluminum or? I ask this because I have never inspected closeup a FX or Taipan or other Euro-gun or $$ gun. Want to get a handle on it.

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I say pot metal as the generic term for junk cast metal, like old hot wheel cars. Avengers work well and for the price it is to be expected but FX are all machined aluminum billet. I'm sure other high end guns are the same. For PCP's I have only had an AT44, Bullboss Hatsan, Avenger, FX Maverick, and FX Dreamilne so that's all I can compare. Hatsan's are too heavy IMO. I only got the Avenger because it was $250. If money is tight for a PCP, nothing wrong with the Avenger. Just don't get one and spend $300 more trying to make it better, sell and get better (FX, Brocock, Daystate, etc).

Well my opinion for what it is worth (not much.....LOL) coming from a guy who just jumped in to the PCP realm several months ago is to buy once and cry once. I bought an inexpensive PCP, a Kral Puncher Jumbo in .22 cal. and although I love the gun the cost of participation has well outpaced the original budget I set. The gun has not performed the way I read about here and on YouTube until very recently after I have done quite a few modifications to it. That is work I was able to do myself which many guys cannot do. Plus I have had the advice of a few here on the Forum but mainly member Dr. Kralenstein who owns many Krals and knows how to make them better and shoot to their potential. I also had to purchase a PCP Compressor because the thought of pumping and pumping all day just to shoot was not appealing in the least. $450 gun, $300 compressor, $130 for Huma regulator, other odds and ends I am pushing $1,000 at this point. If I were to do it over I would save a little more money and pickup one of the used FX Impacts or Mavericks advertised on the classifieds here for $1,000-$1,500 and cry once after buying the compressor. You will be able to immediately shoot the distances you mentioned straight out of the box and will very likely not have to modify anything on a gun of that quality ever if you don't want to......(good luck) LOL!

My original Avenger has the heart of the action under a plastic cover which doesn't come off real easy. I've seen the "pot metal" comments but I am not aware of any input that I would consider well informed. It may be aluminum it performs fine on mine. I am more dissatisfied with the plastic end caps for the shroud and the lack of meaningful baffles inside the shroud. That pushes you to an aftermarket moderator if you want it to be quiet and that is additional expense and length. The three piece plastic stock on mine also works OK but is thin and not real satisfying. The Avenge X has fixed at least the stock part.

By contrast my P35s have a solid aluminum action block and the trigger parts are in a machined steel block (some of that area of the Avenger seems to be plastic). The shroud is supported by aluminum end caps and the back one can be slid forward to provide more space for a printed moderator (inexpensive and effective) or more baffles. I assume the tolerances on a "high end" gun would be better than my P35s but I like the material choices better than my Avenger. But they all work fine.

I do think the 25 caliber is the better round for a few reasons then a 22. more energy on impacted and more stable in windy conditions, more accurate at long distance because of it being more stable. There are some very nice 25 cals up to that price.