Another new to pcp guy

I have been researching a lot and I have became very interested in a pcp. I have extensive firearms experience, including being a firearms instructor and armourer before I retired. I have been shooting my entire life and reloading most of it. I am also an avid hunter. Not to say I am an expert at anything, always learning something new. However, I haven't ever even seen a pcp in my area and certainly haven't ever shot one, so zero experience with a pcp.

I have already taken care of my air source. I have scba tanks and can fill them for free at the fire department. I have also ordered a stikman which should be here in a few days.

My questions are concerning gun choices. I am fairly particular about my firearms and have spent a lot of time chasing that one hole group. Still chasing but love trying to make it happen. I, like most people, have a limited budget. My point, I guess, is I figure I should buy once, cry once. My use for this gun will be shooting at home and squirrels and such.

I have found a Daystate wolverine b hi-lite 22. It has a couple use marks but nothing serious at all. Everything original is included plus a sling, 2 spare mags for a total of 3 and 2 tins of JSB pellets. I believe the seller said it is a 30 ft. lb gun. I can get this shipped for $1125.00. Before I pull the trigger on this I would appreciate any input on the rifle as well as the price.

This is my first post on this forum.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
 
I have been researching a lot and I have became very interested in a pcp. I have extensive firearms experience, including being a firearms instructor and armourer before I retired. I have been shooting my entire life and reloading most of it. I am also an avid hunter. Not to say I am an expert at anything, always learning something new. However, I haven't ever even seen a pcp in my area and certainly haven't ever shot one, so zero experience with a pcp.

I have already taken care of my air source. I have scba tanks and can fill them for free at the fire department. I have also ordered a stikman which should be here in a few days.

My questions are concerning gun choices. I am fairly particular about my firearms and have spent a lot of time chasing that one hole group. Still chasing but love trying to make it happen. I, like most people, have a limited budget. My point, I guess, is I figure I should buy once, cry once. My use for this gun will be shooting at home and squirrels and such.

I have found a Daystate wolverine b hi-lite 22. It has a couple use marks but nothing serious at all. Everything original is included plus a sling, 2 spare mags for a total of 3 and 2 tins of JSB pellets. I believe the seller said it is a 30 ft. lb gun. I can get this shipped for $1125.00. Before I pull the trigger on this I would appreciate any input on the rifle as well as the price.





"Pulling the trigger", is that a pun ? Sorry...had to say it. That's an old well worn comment these days.

Beside being a Mechanical Engineer (retired), I'm also a long time center fire shooter. And as you mention, I don't buy into lesser designed items, guns in this case. I've only gotten bit by one second or third class air gun in my short history with them. I do a lot of reading and YouTube watching before "laying out my money". 

While I don't have the particular gun that you are looking at, I do have two Daystate rifles. Very happy with both. Low maintenance, high accuracy, would not sell either.

Mike
 
Thanks Mike, one thing that I thought might be advantageous concerning the daystate brand was the fact that they have been in business so long and are located in Britain. I figure any need in the future for parts may be better met by such a company. I had my eye on a Benjamin kartos before I found the wolverine. The wolverine looks nice but I am very interested in input from folks such as you who can provide me their experiences. 

Don
 
trooper,

I’m a Daystate fan from way back. Used a Daystate Harrier at my first FT event. Owned one of the first Daystate MVT’s and one of the first MCT’s. Still have an air wolf in .20 caliber.

Beware of the Wolverine Hi lite. I had so many issues that after 2 trips back to the retailer I gave up and got a refund. Horrible bolt and mediocre accuracy. Very loud. Becomes a very long gun with a necessary silencer. You say you have scba tanks but they better be able to fill to 300 bar or the unregulated Wolverine will disappoint you in shot count. I’m a Daystate fan but wouldn’t own another Wolverine. Although the link below talks about a Daystate Wolverine hi lite in .25 caliber it also applies to the .22 caliber I owned:



https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/daystate-wolverine-b-hi-lite-25-review/


 
Thanks Mike, one thing that I thought might be advantageous concerning the daystate brand was the fact that they have been in business so long and are located in Britain. I figure any need in the future for parts may be better met by such a company. I had my eye on a Benjamin kartos before I found the wolverine. The wolverine looks nice but I am very interested in input from folks such as you who can provide me their experiences. 

Don

Airguns of Arizona (AoA) is the repair center for Daystate so you should be good if any problems arise. That's not a bad price for the Wolverine. I still wouldn't mine owning one. I have an older Huntsman Regal XL which is considered as Daystate's entry level offering. To me, it doesn't feel that way when compared to other offerings from airgun manufacturers. I'm still proud to own one.
 
Trooper836,



The "Dark Side" doesn't have to be a black thing and no one said that it does but rather "green" that's has dug very deep into not only of my pocket but many others here on this forum. What we do, as with pcps doesn't come cheap but rather correct when it comes to the "X" that marks the spot, it's easy pickings once you've done your homework. I've owned, shot and competed with Daystates for decades and I find no fault in their performance and or build. I purchased the Daystate Wolverine 2 in .22 caliber, it's a laser shooting JSB Heavies and a true work of art. Finding the right pellet for your rifle, pcp or otherwise is the key. The "Dark side" is a great place to be but it's not called the dark "Dark Side" for nothing, once you take the plunge and you can stay afloat, you're never the same when it comes to airguns.
 
Trooper,

You may want to think about the Umarex Gauntlet II. I would strongly suggest that you get a regulated rifle. Much more consistent velocity.

Pretty good reviews for a $399 rifle. That would leave you plenty of funds for a nice scope, chronograph, and tons of pellets. I started off with an Umarex Origin. I will be upgrading soon, but wanted to begin with an entry level gun.

Here is a review video.

https://youtu.be/jBjPe5ScM_o
 
Thanks for the replies and the welcome! What sort of accuracy will the wolverine produce at 50?

Accuracy is always a challenge to discuss, just too many variables, but I'll offer an answer, and no charge! I currently have 6 high quality PCP rifles, and have owned a good many more. Assuming a clean barrel, good pellets, and decent conditions, they all shoot close to MOA out to 50 yards (I seldom shoot longer), which means half-inch groups at 50 yards. And no, none of them will do it every time, and IMO, anyone who reports consistent half-inch groups at 50 yards is probably being a little aggressive with the truth. I hesitate to say the average would be that good, since a couple of flyers in a 10 group string can really screw the average. 

Mechanically, the Wolverine is a fine rifle. The only issue I had with it was stock fit. I could not get a good cheek weld with the scope in good shooting position. But, that is an individual thing, and the stock design just didn't work for me. 
 
Buy once - cry once: no such thing in this hobby. So your looking at used is a good thing. For me, I constantly hunt for the next perfect rifle: one that is high quality, low weight, sufficient power (30fpe min) good trigger, good balance, good reg, good shotcount and efficiency, no shifting barrel, smooth working mag, low noise, possibility to add a moderator or change the moderator if wanted, etc

Bear in mind, most UK offerings are designed for 12 fpe, and do not tend to do that well at higher power levels. Chinese and turkish are lwo priced, afaik for a reason. Russian brands are simple, affordable and high quality (Edgun and Kalibrgun come to mind here)…
 
DutchMike, you're right, in than most UK rifles are designed around a 12 fpe platform. But in my experience, the only downside to tuning for higher power is shot count. I have seen no other performance compromises at the FAC power level. I recently bought a Revere in .22. Since Americans tend to like everything big and powerful, it would be considered a little weak by many, shooting the 18 g at around 865 fps. And shot count is probably 40 or so, haven't really counted. But it has been extremely accurate, with a day-to-day consistent POI, and no issues at all. It's maybe a better rifle in .177, but I've been totally satisfied.