They appear to have got a handle on their issues. Not seeing much negative recently. Older guns had a lot of poppet valve issues. Semiauto were problematic too, other than the Terminator. Challenger 2 LB would work for your range but max .35
I own the AEA and Airforce Texan, including the Challenger .357 Big Bore and Texan .308. Both have been excellent PCPs, but the Challenger is heavier compared to the Texan. The Texan also has numerous aftermarket parts available and can produce more FPE. My .357 delivers 340 FPE with a 214-grain slug, while the .308 can reach 464 FPE with a 150-grain slug. However, I’ve modified it and dialed it back to 330 FPE for coyote hunting. The Texan has become my go-to PCP. Another one would be AGT Natvor .458 BUT it's $2000.00
A lot of people repeat what they hear online, but dont have personal experience with AEA. Some people hate on anything Chinese. I have had good luck with them. I have 3 aea, 2 bintac ( built by aea), 1 karma (built by aea ). Most are over 1 year old. I also have a brand new 60 day old eastern European gun that cost $2350. Guess which one leaks air.
There is a reason the AirForce platform has been around so long. The direct feed mechanism is so simple as to be almost *bullet proof*. Simple brute force valve opening. Smash it with a big hammer. It always works and rarely requires more than simple cleaning.
I have 2 AEA rifles and I wouldnt describe them as "fragile" if anything they are overbuilt in many ways. But the design choices are the downsides. Specifically the weight, the triggers, and the magazines. The AEA rifles are very heavy, the triggers are pretty heavy with lots of creep, and the factory mags are basically garbage. The barrels are your typical overseas accuracy lottery, most of them are ok, some are shockingly terrible, and a very few are really good. Both of mine saw quick failures of the factory regulator but they have never leaked. I think the Challenger line is by far the best value and option if you decide to try one.
