N/A Another newbie looking for advice

[garyinky]

Hi ya'll. I've been lurking here for years and am finally deciding to get into pcp's. I'm a long time gun hunter and shooter, do some reloading and have shot a lot of 3-D archery. My old bones are making 3D difficult and I'd like to have a shooting sport I could do on my small hunting plot if I didn't feel like putting all the gear together to go to the gun range. So, here we are. I imagine that some folks may be annoyed by these "where do I start threads" but we all have to start somewhere, so I appreciate your help and patience.

First, I want dependable stuff. While I like to tinker, I do not want to have to be working on stuff all the time to keep it going. Of course, my biggest concern is compressors. I will never spend much time rebuilding compressors ; I think that would kill my interest in the sport. Is it reasonable to think that a moderately priced unit (GX 3-I for example) would likely be reliable for filling 1-2 bottle fed rifles a few times a week ?

Next for a gun. I'm looking for light, reliable with high shot count. I'm talking a plinker, walk-around squirrel gun that I'll also shoot paper with out to maybe 75ish. I'm torn between a budget rifle to see if I really like it or jumping into a higher-end rifle as a do-all , at least for now. I like what I see with the shorter Stoeger XM1 in 22 with a 40ish regulated shot count. I've been in the archery rabbit hole for years so I kinda know where this is headed, lol. I like the bottle version of the FX Dreamline as well but I know there's a bunch of good choices in between these two.

I'm trying to be smart about starting out on this but there are so many options it's almost overwhelming. The amount of knowledge people have on this site is tremendous and I appreciate your input.

 

[drdirk]

My advise is to start with one of the higher rated lower end guns. That is what I did. 10+ years ago I started with a Marauder and a airforce Talon. Give them away when we moved. Reentered the PCP world with an Avenger X which is amazingly accurate and powerful. More recently a Daystate Blackwolf.

I think it helps to start with a lower end in case you mess up. It teaches you how to tune, adjust regulator, get the right compressor and drying setup. When it all works you can get the more expensive gun. Something as simple as turning a regulator without fully emptying the gun can be a costly mistake. So can bad air with too much moisture or a bad compressor.

Look at the Avenger X and the Notos or Zelos. Not a lot of money relatively speaking. For compressor everyone recommends a GX4 which is what I have. So far no problem. Good luck with your decisions.

 

[Scotay42]

Hi ya'll. I've been lurking here for years and am finally deciding to get into pcp's. I'm a long time gun hunter and shooter, do some reloading and have shot a lot of 3-D archery. My old bones are making 3D difficult and I'd like to have a shooting sport I could do on my small hunting plot if I didn't feel like putting all the gear together to go to the gun range. So, here we are. I imagine that some folks may be annoyed by these "where do I start threads" but we all have to start somewhere, so I appreciate your help and patience.

First, I want dependable stuff. While I like to tinker, I do not want to have to be working on stuff all the time to keep it going. Of course, my biggest concern is compressors. I will never spend much time rebuilding compressors ; I think that would kill my interest in the sport. Is it reasonable to think that a moderately priced unit (GX 3-I for example) would likely be reliable for filling 1-2 bottle fed rifles a few times a week ?

Next for a gun. I'm looking for light, reliable with high shot count. I'm talking a plinker, walk-around squirrel gun that I'll also shoot paper with out to maybe 75ish. I'm torn between a budget rifle to see if I really like it or jumping into a higher-end rifle as a do-all , at least for now. I like what I see with the shorter Stoeger XM1 in 22 with a 40ish regulated shot count. I've been in the archery rabbit hole for years so I kinda know where this is headed, lol. I like the bottle version of the FX Dreamline as well but I know there's a bunch of good choices in between these two.

I'm trying to be smart about starting out on this but there are so many options it's almost overwhelming. The amount of knowledge people have on this site is tremendous and I appreciate your input.

Where are you in Ky bud. I have shot alot of 3d archery myself, shot with plenty of current and past pros as well. I live down in Somerset. I have a few pcps you are welcome to shoot anytime.

 

[Dstrac]

Hi ya'll. I've been lurking here for years and am finally deciding to get into pcp's. I'm a long time gun hunter and shooter, do some reloading and have shot a lot of 3-D archery. My old bones are making 3D difficult and I'd like to have a shooting sport I could do on my small hunting plot if I didn't feel like putting all the gear together to go to the gun range. So, here we are. I imagine that some folks may be annoyed by these "where do I start threads" but we all have to start somewhere, so I appreciate your help and patience.

First, I want dependable stuff. While I like to tinker, I do not want to have to be working on stuff all the time to keep it going. Of course, my biggest concern is compressors. I will never spend much time rebuilding compressors ; I think that would kill my interest in the sport. Is it reasonable to think that a moderately priced unit (GX 3-I for example) would likely be reliable for filling 1-2 bottle fed rifles a few times a week ?

Next for a gun. I'm looking for light, reliable with high shot count. I'm talking a plinker, walk-around squirrel gun that I'll also shoot paper with out to maybe 75ish. I'm torn between a budget rifle to see if I really like it or jumping into a higher-end rifle as a do-all , at least for now. I like what I see with the shorter Stoeger XM1 in 22 with a 40ish regulated shot count. I've been in the archery rabbit hole for years so I kinda know where this is headed, lol. I like the bottle version of the FX Dreamline as well but I know there's a bunch of good choices in between these two.

I'm trying to be smart about starting out on this but there are so many options it's almost overwhelming. The amount of knowledge people have on this site is tremendous and I appreciate your input.

A shoebox compressor will be fine, and will last for years if you take care of it. Something in the $600+ range would be a great first rifle. I spent $350 and wished I spent a little more on my first. I quickly out grew it, wanting a regulated pcp for more consistency. That being said I still had fun with it, and I learned with it.

 

[Matt7467]

I would say for a jumping off point, the Zelos would be a great starter. Also very easy to bottle convert. Very consistent and accurate for the price. I haven't had a dreamline, but I have a Wildcat MK3 which is also great, but at a higher price point. In terms of accuracy, they are on par. That weird guy behind the trigger is the weak point lol. The Notos is fun, but doesn't have anywhere near the stopping power of the Zelos, in stock form. I have both a barreled and bottles Notos and stock one. Stock is way more fun for plinking than the modfied one. For pesting, much prefer the stopping power of the Zelos.

As fas as compressors go I have never owned a GX, but if I were to do it all over again I would buy a GX CS4, which I am currently looking at getting. That not to say that the cheaper ones won't get you by, but it seems very hit or miss. I guess I got lucky, still have my original el cheapo Vdapavin running, but spent more than the compressor on water separators. Never had to do anything on it, as far as opening it up.

Goodluck with whatever your choice

 

[JimD]

I have an Avenger, first generation, and I think it's a good rifle for the price as long as you do not mind it's nearly 4 foot length. It is LONG. But also powerful and decently accurate. I have a 25 caliber tuned to about 50 fpe and it could go higher. I leaked when I got it but was fixed under warranty and has given me no more problems. But it does not get shot much because of the length. It was my second PCP (my first was a Prod which I still have and like but it is not an all around gun in my view (but for similar reasons I would say the same thing about a NOTOs (too limited in power and shot count but loads of fun)).

My third, fourth, and fifth PCPs were Snowpeak (SPA) P35s. Stoeger Bullsharks are very similar. I really prefer short light bullpups. Under $500. The 177 makes about 18 or 19 fpe, the 22s will make 25-30+ depending on what pellet they like, and the 25s are good for low to mid 40s. I have been struggling for literally years to get a reliable 50 fpe out of a couple and my recommendation is to not try. If you really need 50 fpe or more I recommend a different gun. But a 25 tuned to 32 fpe was my first and only bullpup for a squirrel season and it took 18 for me. Very effective. But the 22 can make this much power and I have also found them very effective. A 25 tuned to low 40s would be capable of a bit more but for squirrels I don't think I need that power. I've shot at least a 197 now with all 3 of my P35s and my one Bullshark on the 30 yard challenge. They are literally as accurate as my $1400 Caiman X with it's CZ barrel. They will not make as much power as the Caiman nor is their shot count as high but they are lighter and loads of fun to shoot.

If you prefer longer non-bullpups the Stoeger Scout and Ranger are similar, I think, to the P35s and probably make similar power. Plenty for squirrel/rabbit sized game and target shooting.

The absolute least expensive way to get into this, I think, is a Notos and a handpump. I started with a Prod with a handpump, there was no Notos then. I think the Prod may be better in some ways but it costs about twice as much now and has less power and no regulator so it also has disadvantages. The big advantage from a cost standpoint is these guns store little air so in my opinion a hand pump is a very viable option. I did it for months with my Prod and did not get a compressor until I purchased the Avenger. Three times as much air at 1.5 times the pressure was just too much for me hand pumping. But the little Prod only needs a pump or two per shot and it isn't hard to pump to 3000 psi. You will only get 20-25 shots before needing to refill but that would be a good day hunting for me and is a decent plinking session. They are also very shot light guns and I find my Prod to be loads of fun. It's also taken 18 squirrels for me but I found the stock tune to be too low for this. The Notos should be fine stock.

There are lots of compressors. I have a Yong Heng I use to refill a 45 minute Scott air pack. It's a nice way to fill guns but it is not an inexpensive option. The YH is inexpensive for a bottle compressor but it needs modification to add cooling IMHO (but just putting a lot of ice in the cooling water apparently works too) and a bottle and fill set are not cheap. Much less expensive is a GX CS2 which I also have and like. About $250 delivered by GX. A refill of my SPA guns is about 5 minutes using the extra cost GX filter which may not be necessary. A CS3 is mechanically mainly the same as a CS2 but it is in a metal box and adds auto shutoff. The CS4 is water cooled and capable of filling at least small bottles. There is also a CS5 which is recommended by GX for bottles.

As I often do I let this get long so I will also give you a much shorter version. Get a Stoeger Scout or Bullshark in 22 and a GX CS2 or 3. You will easily stay under $1000 and you will have a lot of fun with them. You will not need to do a lot of maintenance but should expect to do a little tuning to the rifle, replace O-rings every few years, and add a little grease periodically to the compressor.

 

[Scotay42]

I would agree with @JimD a stoeger bullshar is a good starter and cant go wromg with a gx cs3, it is much better than a cs2. I would go for a Snowpeak M60b though if you can find one, bigger mags, more power and a bottle vs tube. I dont have anything lower end right now, but you can get a grasp on what they are about with any that I own.

 

[Ranchibi]

If your budget can handle it, most here suggest a buy once cry once thought process. Since you are into archery, I assume you know quality equipment, same goes for PCP's. Higher end guns have better metals, all machined (no pot metal), better triggers and high end barrels, best accuracy at longer ranges. If you end up not liking it, you could always sell it and chalk up the loss in funds to having fun. Or, purchase an Umarex Notos which is around 250 plus scope and compressor, not too much invested but on your way if you really like the sport! Purchase a compressor with an additional extended warranty .

 

[Scotay42]

If your budget can handle it, most here suggest a buy once cry once thought process. Since you are into archery, I assume you know quality equipment, same goes for PCP's. Higher end guns have better metals, all machined (no pot metal), better triggers and high end barrels, best accuracy at longer ranges. If you end up not liking it, you could always sell it and chalk up the loss in funds to having fun. Or, purchase an Umarex Notos which is around 250 plus scope and compressor, not too much invested but on your way if you really like the sport! Purchase a compressor with an additional extended warranty .

I also can agree with the front part of this as my current stable is as folllws; Edgun Leshiy2, FX Wildcat, FX Impact M3 and a RAW HM1000X.

 

[rdtricks]

You have given us a lot to chew on with your questions on getting started in the PCP world. Have you set a budget for total expenses? I am going to work with $1,000 dollars as a good round starting point. You want a dependable and reliable airgun. Are you thinking of Bullpups, rifles or carbine style? Take a look at the Air Venturi Avenge-X line of guns and you should find something that works for you: $500 -> 800 depending on preferance ( https://www.pyramydair.com/search-results-ext?keyword=avenge-X ). Next you will want a compressor and I suggest the GX CS3-I ($400) as a solid starter compressor that has proven trouble free for me these past 3 years: ( https://www.pyramydair.com/search-results-ext?keyword=avenge-X ). I also suggest adding some kind of in-line filter at maybe $60: this is a good starter: ( https://www.amazon.com/Separator-Compressor-4500Psi-Pressure-Connector/dp/B0CYZV1KC6?ref_=ast_sto_dp ). And finally you will want to purchase a variety of pellets to test with your rifle and shoot as you get familiar with this new hobby.

As you can see. Like any hobby, PCP airguns can be as expensive as your choices lead you. Remember to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention a scope but you are a powder burner and may have something laying around.

 

[garyinky]

I knew i came to the right place. All this info is helpful with the most common solution being go with a quality more entry level gun to learn on. I still like the Stoeger Scout but the Zelos keeps getting mentioned and there are options for adding a bottle. I hadn't considered the Zelos before but am now.

Scotay, I'm in Methenburg county (as we're known), southern Ky. near Tennessee. My 3D was all at a local level around Clarksville, Tn. and in Georgia where I'm from. Interesting tidbit..... If you know Leon Pittman who founded Last Chance archery.... he was a member of our club in Ga. when he was just retiring from I think Bell South and before he got rich, lol.

 

[Scotay42]

The zelos is ok, but def find the snowpeak veraion instead, the M60b has a better trigger, the stoeger bullshark also. Alot of fans of the zelos on here, it just was not for me and i tried a couple of them to be sure it was not a fluke.lol, I do know of Leon not ever met him.

 

[garyinky]

The zelos is ok, but def find the snowpeak veraion instead, the M60b has a better trigger, the stoeger bullshark also. Alot of fans of the zelos on here, it just was not for me and i tried a couple of them to be sure it was not a fluke.lol, I do know of Leon not ever met him.

Just curious, what did you not like about the Zelos ?

 

[Scotay42]

The trigger. Just felt terrible, but that is why I own what I do as well. Now there is a Daystate revere in the classifieds if you like a long gun vs a bullpup. 750, $830 with a moderator,but they are great guns and after a few more posts you can message him or text him.
More a midrange price but would be a keeper, for not much more than a new zelos and much higher quality.

 

[thammer]

Hi ya'll. I've been lurking here for years and am finally deciding to get into pcp's. I'm a long time gun hunter and shooter, do some reloading and have shot a lot of 3-D archery. My old bones are making 3D difficult and I'd like to have a shooting sport I could do on my small hunting plot if I didn't feel like putting all the gear together to go to the gun range. So, here we are. I imagine that some folks may be annoyed by these "where do I start threads" but we all have to start somewhere, so I appreciate your help and patience.

First, I want dependable stuff. While I like to tinker, I do not want to have to be working on stuff all the time to keep it going. Of course, my biggest concern is compressors. I will never spend much time rebuilding compressors ; I think that would kill my interest in the sport. Is it reasonable to think that a moderately priced unit (GX 3-I for example) would likely be reliable for filling 1-2 bottle fed rifles a few times a week ?

Next for a gun. I'm looking for light, reliable with high shot count. I'm talking a plinker, walk-around squirrel gun that I'll also shoot paper with out to maybe 75ish. I'm torn between a budget rifle to see if I really like it or jumping into a higher-end rifle as a do-all , at least for now. I like what I see with the shorter Stoeger XM1 in 22 with a 40ish regulated shot count. I've been in the archery rabbit hole for years so I kinda know where this is headed, lol. I like the bottle version of the FX Dreamline as well but I know there's a bunch of good choices in between these two.

I'm trying to be smart about starting out on this but there are so many options it's almost overwhelming. The amount of knowledge people have on this site is tremendous and I appreciate your input.

Umarex Komplete with the refillable cylinder from Pyramyd

 

[Normkel]

My advise is to start with one of the higher rated lower end guns. That is what I did. 10+ years ago I started with a Marauder and a airforce Talon. Give them away when we moved. Reentered the PCP world with an Avenger X which is amazingly accurate and powerful. More recently a Daystate Blackwolf.

I think it helps to start with a lower end in case you mess up. It teaches you how to tune, adjust regulator, get the right compressor and drying setup. When it all works you can get the more expensive gun. Something as simple as turning a regulator without fully emptying the gun can be a costly mistake. So can bad air with too much moisture or a bad compressor.

Look at the Avenger X and the Notos or Zelos. Not a lot of money relatively speaking. For compressor everyone recommends a GX4 which is what I have. So far no problem. Good luck with your decisions.

I have to dispute the claim "For compressor everyone recommends a GX4 which is what I have.". I don't recommend a GX4 because of the size and weight.
I understand that they are a good choice for some, but I find them too bulky and heavy for my weekly transport to the range and filling my guns during 6 hours of almost continual shooting.

I agree with your post, in the main, of course.

 

[Solo1]

Revere should make you happy for quite a while.

 

[Struckat]

I bought my first 3 years ago. The cheap Asian products were tempting, but I wanted to shoot, not fix manufacturing issue.

I bought a used AAs500 .22
Fantastic gun. No adjustments , just shoot.

i would recommend the Daystate in prior post.

 

[Ratzy]

Notos is a good starter rifle. But if you are going Umarex the Zelos is probably better. A lot more power and if you do a bottle conversion and the Huben Power Zelos regulator your shot count is through the roof.

As stated above, AirForce utility platform. Nothing more robust or reliable. Simplicity of design and tons of power. Easiest gun to modify to fit your exact needs. 4 orings so maintenance is a breeze. Changing caliber is 5 hex nuts and 10 minutes.

The quality of the under $1,000 guns has improved dramatically in the last couple years. Umarex, Reximex, Snowpeak, Niksan, Air Venturi, AEA etc all are offering rifles of excellent quality at very reasonable cost.

Some like the Niksan and Umarex are under $400 and are just excellent rifles.

 

[Back_Roads]

Umarex Komplete with the refillable cylinder from Pyramyd

I Recently bought a Komplete to test out, very nice air rifle for the cost, it was worth adding the AV PCP tube, as it is very accurate to boot.