First Gun, Thoughts?

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Jalan

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May 8, 2025
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Hello All,
After a few months of back and forth I finally ordered my first. I need something for protecting my chicken coop and targets for sure.
I decided on the Air Venturi Avenger 25 Bullpup 2. They had a 12% off promo putting the gun less than $400.
I'm curious what the community thinks? Compared to an FX or similar this rifle seems to have 90% of the gun for 20% of the cost.
Is that a fair statement? Given my level of green, this seems like a great place to start. I guess I'm mostly just looking for some reassurance that I made a good decision.
I'm really looking forward... Thanks
 
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I think you made a good choice. My original Avenger prefers JSB made pellets (FX or JSB) and shoots both the 25.4s and 34s well. I recently retuned it for the 34s by turning the regulator up to 2600 psi. For 25.4s I had the regulator about 2200 psi. You may want to try these settings and pellets. Most of my other guns prefer H&N but not my Avenger. If you may need to shoot a coyote or large raccoon you may want to see if you can get good accuracy with the 34s. They will give you more penetration. You probably cannot reasonably get them to 900 fps but you should be able to get them over 800 fps which is accurate in my gun and should let you take fairly large animals with brain shots.
 
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Any product (gun or whatever) that does the job you need it to do, that meets your expectations and your budget is an excellent choice.

You don't NEED a Lamborghini to get groceries... but one would be nice to have even if it wasn't the best for picking a load of lumber from the mill. 😁

Welcome to airguns, enjoy your PCP!

Cheers!
 
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You Chose Wisely
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I’m one of those high end snobs, so to speak, lol! Not really, but to your question, I’ve heard good things about AV avenger. If I was tempted to go under $600 new, that would be my choice. The fancy, high end stuff usually has a smoother operation, nice wood or shiny tactical look. But in the end, can you operate it comfortably and does it hit targets accurately? That’s really all that counts.
 
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Jalan,
Glad you went with next generation, year from now few will want original like they'll want upgraded model. Not as well versed in how Air Venturi upgraded bullpup as I am in upgrade Avenger to Avenge-X but I'm sure bang-up job, as well. Air Venturi offers top value in the "starter" PCP market, understandable why so popular. WM
 
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Having owned all the spectrum of pcp cost, you cant really compare any of the far east to the top shelf rifles. I think your percentages are high, probably closer to 50% an FX at 20% the cost.

That being said, the AvengeX gets you a lot of pcp for the money, so no need to feel bad or like you missed anything. And they do put out some impressive fpe numbers with more than decent accuracy so really what more do you want. I think you made a good choice for your first pcp, and when you decide to upgrade next month the AvengeX will hold its value pretty well. And make no mistake, few people stop at their first budget pcp..... :cool: 👍
 
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I can't comment on the new models of Avengers, but my friend bought one of the original (non-bullpup) $300 .25 Avengers. He had no clue what he was doing. I bought him a hand pump and some NSA slugs (can't remember the weight and can't remember if they were .249 or .250 cal) to help him get started with it. The gun looked cheap, so I thought he'd made a bad choice. I was WRONG -- it was not a bad choice at all. The NSA slugs were shooting great from that gun (and still do) and we didn't even adjust anything on that rifle. He might have bought it used for less than $300 -- don't know, but it was not modified in any way by us. With an inexpensive scope he's taken out a handful of ground squirrels at just over 200 yards -- and taken out lots more at lesser distances (obvious I guess). The only problem he ever had with it was the cocking lever broke in half -- just snapped off. He JB-Welded it back together and hasn't had a problem with it since. He doesn't shoot it a lot like a target shooter. He's more the kind of guy that sees a critter that needs to get blasted and the Avenger is always ready. He and I both prefer bullpups with airguns because of the need for long barrels to get projectiles up to speed. The Avenger bullpup sounds like a great choice. You might never need anything more than that Avenger, a handpump, ammo, and an OK scope.

stovepipe
 
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stovepipe said:
I can't comment on the new models of Avengers, but my friend bought one of the original (non-bullpup) $300 .25 Avengers. He had no clue what he was doing. I bought him a hand pump and some NSA slugs (can't remember the weight and can't remember if they were .249 or .250 cal) to help him get started with it. The gun looked cheap, so I thought he'd made a bad choice. I was WRONG -- it was not a bad choice at all. The NSA slugs were shooting great from that gun (and still do) and we didn't even adjust anything on that rifle. He might have bought it used for less than $300 -- don't know, but it was not modified in any way by us. With an inexpensive scope he's taken out a handful of ground squirrels at just over 200 yards -- and taken out lots more at lesser distances (obvious I guess). The only problem he ever had with it was the cocking lever broke in half -- just snapped off. He JB-Welded it back together and hasn't had a problem with it since. He doesn't shoot it a lot like a target shooter. He's more the kind of guy that sees a critter that needs to get blasted and the Avenger is always ready. He and I both prefer bullpups with airguns because of the need for long barrels to get projectiles up to speed. The Avenger bullpup sounds like a great choice. You might never need anything more than that Avenger, a handpump, ammo, and an OK scope.

stovepipe
Click to expand...
Thanks Much, as far as the pump. I got 2 like new on an overstock or return app (Macbid). Spritech and a Vevor both the apx $200 compact models. Also grabbed a handpump for $1 new on the same.
The optic I got a CVLife 2-10x32 MPVO (AO) for $100 on Amazon. Hoping for the best with this. Lastly, I grabbed a Chinese chronograph for $30 which several here recommended.
Ammo I ordered a few tins of JSB/FX 25.39. I figured get going with these and probably beef up if needed for any threats that come up.
So... I think I'm pretty well stocked and ready to hit the ground running. I began this journey thinking I'd get the Gamo Swarm Magnum 22 Break Barrel and that's that. Well now here we are 😂. I feel the bug and haven't fired the first shot yet 😂 😆 😂.

Thanks so much to everyone. Advice has been incredible.
 
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Lolololol! You think you can escape, as yoda previously said, “deeper in this hobby you will go”. “Reached the end, you have not”. Lastly, as Pink Floyd has said , “welcome my son, to the machine “.
You now belong with the rest of us. lol! Enjoy the venture. 😉👍
 
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Jalan said:
Hello All,
After a few months of back and forth I finally ordered my first. I need something for protecting my chicken coop and targets for sure.
I decided on the Air Venturi Avenger 25 Bullpup 2. They had a 12% off promo putting the gun less than $400.
I'm curious what the community thinks? Compared to an FX or similar this rifle seems to have 90% of the gun for 20% of the cost.
Is that a fair statement? Given my level of green, this seems like a great place to start. I guess I'm mostly just looking for some reassurance that I made a good decision.
I'm really looking forward... Thanks
Click to expand...
@Jalan It’s your first PCP. Don’t worry about how it measures up to other PCPs as long as it meets your expectations for your intended purposes. You’ve gotten some decent advice in this thread. The only thing I’d like to add is that if your birds have a chance to ingest any pellets that end up in the dirt or wood of your coop (from misses or pass-through shots) you may wish to look into and try some lead-free projectiles. They are more costly, but if it is a concern of yours you may want to consider:

Predator GTO pellets
www.trenierairguns.com

Predator GTO Lead Free .25 Caliber Pellets, 16.54 Grains, Domed | Trenier Airguns

Clearance Priced! Predator GTO Lead Free .25 Caliber Pellets, 16.54 Grains, Domed, 150 Count. GTO (Get the Lead Out), is the finest lead free pellet on the market. This match grade pellet is every bit as accurate as any lead wad cutter competitive pellet on the market. Perfect for youth competition!
www.trenierairguns.com www.trenierairguns.com

H&N Barracuda Green projectiles if you can find them in stock.

Zan Lead Free Slugs
www.thepelletshop.com

ZAN | Lead Free Slugs – The Pellet Shop

ZAN Projectiles Lead-Free Slug .177 Cal, 8.5gr 200ct 8.5 grains .177 caliber Hollowpoint Slug 200 count Made for shooting short to medium ranges Recommended for PCP air rifles only ZAN Projectiles Lead-Free Slug .22 Cal, 15gr, 100ct 15 grains .22 caliber Hollowpoint Slug 100 count Made for...
www.thepelletshop.com www.thepelletshop.com
 
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