Centerfire v. Air…

[6gun]

My second string as a n00b and wanted to air something out to make sure I’m not crazy.

I got into air rifles on a whim after realizing my daughter liked shooting and is a good shot. I only have one NFA can in 22LR because it took 354 days to receive it, and that turned me off from getting more (although approvals are much, much faster as of late). After seeing that I could get multiple cans (moderators) without any NFA BS to shoot in my backyard, I looked further into it.

Then, when I bought my first air rifle (Bulldog M357 because I have lead/molds as a reloader) with a DonnyFL can and saw how awesome today’s PCP weapons are, I got hooked.

I also have many conventional pistols and rifles but don’t shoot them because I never have time to drive to a range. So, I’m selling most of my collection of regular arms save for some standards in the principal calibers, and going all-in on air rifles. I just really like the idea of shooting all the way up to a 50 CAL and doing so inexpensively in my backyard, with family if they so choose!

Did anyone else make that choice to switch from mostly centerfire to mostly air, and if yes, why?

I've not divested but have switched to exclusively air. All my buddies shoot both but we only air rifle hunt together(all springer guys) And I was pump 22, then got a marauder 25. Over the next 15 years the safe didn't get opened much, to only for maintenance cleaning.

I got an impact m3 700mm 22 and my competition "1022" accuracy just started looking like garbage. I realized it was the gun and the reloading bench all in 1 and I can just point and hit at this approx range

The came the slug illness and chasing 22 long ballistics with a good bc and a ballistics calculator.

I'm hooked on pcp guns and what I call "calculator guns" in a bad way, it's more rewarding and I don't have to drive an hour to shoot.

 

[RossK]

I hunt big game yearly with CF rifles, so my two main hunting rigs (270win+7mmRM) aren't leaving. I also enjoy target shooting and pesting with 22lr.
I like the ability to shoot air rifles at home in my backyard, something I'm unable to do with PB's.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I shoot both. But dang, cleaning the centerfires every time you shoot is a pain. I got 3 to do now. Airguns, just shoot and maybe every 5 times run a patchworm and ballistol. Black power is ever worse as you have to clean quickly after you shoot.

Clean it with full strength Simple Green. So easy you will laugh.

 

[SIMOSCOPER]

I myself am both into it equally. I own 5 NFA cans and the first one back in the day took about a year. The latest one I got was approved on a Sunday in 18 hours. That being said, we still can’t shoot the center/Rimfire in the backyard in most municipalities. I got into PCPs back in 2021 and own several ones by now and absolutely love the fact I can shoot them pretty much anywhere from backyard to basement.

 

[trapdoor2]

Second childhood?

We moved from San Diego, CA to North Alabama when I was 8. I'd never seen open fields and woods before...then I got a Daisy Mod. 99 Target for Xmas...and then a Crosman 760. FF thru all the RF/CF stuff I dallied with as a 20-40something. Black powder, casting, etc....now it has been 20yrs since I touched a trigger...and I'm back to airguns.

Having retired and moved away, I had packed away all the PBs and accessories. When Miz Diane gave me a directive to eliminate our Squirrel problem, I knew I needed something a little more "neighborhood-friendly" than my 45-70s...

My, how "BB guns" have changed! That old Crosman 760 always impressed me with its power and accuracy (even with BBs). Now I'm tossing .25s thru a single hole with my Mrod...and jonesing for a Karma EQ. Muy Bueno!

I haven't left PBs. They're waiting quietly in the safe. The smell of Black Powder smoke is still better than Chanel #5.

 

[shootinsquid]

Took my Diana 54 out yesterday for plinking, and after ensuring zero I took my first shot at a new 1/2” biathlon target from shootingtargets7. I’m trying to practice for field target so when I get enough stones to show up in Boerne for a match, I won’t be laughed off the firing line.

The accuracy of this springer rifle is amazing. Target at 30 yards from bench.




I haven’t touched my PCPs in a bit since I love shooting my springers (D54, HW97 and HW80). Had I known about springers I might have just stayed with them!