I seek input for a buying choice
- Thread starter Saltlake58
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In .25 to start with, then buy a .22 barrel. Could go the other way as well. Will be whatever is available when I have the cash. Hopefully the Crown will be available by then.
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How about getting a bullpup kit for the .22 Marauder, which you really seem to like other than the fact that it is a rifle. Facebook user Craftsman Vit, of Blackpool Air Rifles in England makes them. I'm thinking of one for my S510, which I love, except that it is 52" long, by the time it is properly quiet.
Then, get yourself a nice new bullpup .25 or .30 (whatever is needed for the game you'll be hunting) and set it up properly with a quality scope. Athlon Argos is wonderful, and SWFAs too, if you don't need a lit reticle.
FX Wildcat
FX Bobcat
Brocock Compatto or Bantam
Taipan Mutant
Kalibrgun Cricket
Edgun Matador
Do consider the Brococks though. My Compatto is my favorite gun. It has all the pros of both bullpups and rifles, but none of the cons! The action is still forward a bit, so cocking is easy, and with no need for linkages. It's short enough to have the easy-handling characteristics of a bullpup too, but without the need for a super-high scope mount. I have a medium mount for my 50mm objective scope, and there's still room. From memory, I don't think they shoot QUITE as hard as the rest of them, maybe 40 FPE instead of 50, in .25.
Then, get yourself a nice new bullpup .25 or .30 (whatever is needed for the game you'll be hunting) and set it up properly with a quality scope. Athlon Argos is wonderful, and SWFAs too, if you don't need a lit reticle.
FX Wildcat
FX Bobcat
Brocock Compatto or Bantam
Taipan Mutant
Kalibrgun Cricket
Edgun Matador
Do consider the Brococks though. My Compatto is my favorite gun. It has all the pros of both bullpups and rifles, but none of the cons! The action is still forward a bit, so cocking is easy, and with no need for linkages. It's short enough to have the easy-handling characteristics of a bullpup too, but without the need for a super-high scope mount. I have a medium mount for my 50mm objective scope, and there's still room. From memory, I don't think they shoot QUITE as hard as the rest of them, maybe 40 FPE instead of 50, in .25.
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A lot of the bullpup hesitation is just that I've never actually held one. The only shop within driving range is about an hour away, and only open while I'm at work. So, this weekend, I'm taking a couple days off and on one of the off days, driving down.
Foot pounds energy take second place to accuracy. I want to know that if I miss, it's me.
I will take a look at the Compatto and others you mentioned. Can't rule any out at the moment. I did look at the specs on the Wildcat.
Part of the issue is that I Do want several calibers. So, being the accountant (Yes, I do have an accounting degree) and living with my own cheapness, and looking at the costs involved for top end guns, the math works like this:
FX Wildcat in Synthetic - $1360 per caliber. That's $2720 for a .22 and .25 or .25 and .30.
FX Impact is now $2000 plus $400 per caliber, so 2400 for two calibers
FX Crown is around $1700 in Walnut (Synthetic might be cheaper, and I do like synthetic) plus $100 or so for each caliber, so could walk out with two calibers for around $1800
As for the bullpup kit for the Marauder, I'll look at them. If memory serves correctly, they cost as much as the gun and since I'm trying to "Keep my powder dry" until I'm ready for the ultimate gun in my life, spending money on the kit would slow me down for the ultimate purchase.
I know, the logic is that of a complete cheapskate, but it's genetic. and I'm not nearly as bad as my father.
The adjustability is also important. Adjusting the regulator isn't but making sure I can pinpoint my pellet speeds through other adjustments is.
So, you've given me more food for thought, and i'll do more research.
Thank you all for the input. Believe it or not, it's been extremely helpful.
Foot pounds energy take second place to accuracy. I want to know that if I miss, it's me.
I will take a look at the Compatto and others you mentioned. Can't rule any out at the moment. I did look at the specs on the Wildcat.
Part of the issue is that I Do want several calibers. So, being the accountant (Yes, I do have an accounting degree) and living with my own cheapness, and looking at the costs involved for top end guns, the math works like this:
FX Wildcat in Synthetic - $1360 per caliber. That's $2720 for a .22 and .25 or .25 and .30.
FX Impact is now $2000 plus $400 per caliber, so 2400 for two calibers
FX Crown is around $1700 in Walnut (Synthetic might be cheaper, and I do like synthetic) plus $100 or so for each caliber, so could walk out with two calibers for around $1800
As for the bullpup kit for the Marauder, I'll look at them. If memory serves correctly, they cost as much as the gun and since I'm trying to "Keep my powder dry" until I'm ready for the ultimate gun in my life, spending money on the kit would slow me down for the ultimate purchase.
I know, the logic is that of a complete cheapskate, but it's genetic. and I'm not nearly as bad as my father.
The adjustability is also important. Adjusting the regulator isn't but making sure I can pinpoint my pellet speeds through other adjustments is.
So, you've given me more food for thought, and i'll do more research.
Thank you all for the input. Believe it or not, it's been extremely helpful.
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Saltlake, as a fellow accountant; I feel ya, buddy! I too agonize over decisions and then second guess myself no matter how much homework I've done. In the less than a year since I discovered the adult airgun market, I've burned through two high-end night-vision scopes and two night-vision spotters, a P-Rod (Benjamin Marauder .22 pistol), a Daystate Pulsar .25, an FX Impact .30, and I'm awaiting delivery of a RAW HMx .357 (130 ft-lbf regulated) Forest Green laminate thumbhole w/ adjustable cheek piece!
I have a Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x 50mm IR scope w/ FX No-Limit mounts, Bushnell binos, a Simmons digital rangefinder, two Omega 4,500 psi tanks (75 cu-ft & 12 cu-ft), an Omega Air Charger (4,500 psi), an FX 4-stage hand pump, two Primos Trigger Stick tripods (one for my two-point rifle rest and one for my Chrony), an Edelbrock Gunslinger II rifle scabbard/backpack, a digital pellet scale, a Lyman trigger pull gauge, a ProTmex digital sound level meter, a .22lr rimfire bullet trap, and assorted accessories too numerous to mention or remember!
And even with all this gear, I am still ever-vigilant for the next best thing! And I LIKE it!!
I have a Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x 50mm IR scope w/ FX No-Limit mounts, Bushnell binos, a Simmons digital rangefinder, two Omega 4,500 psi tanks (75 cu-ft & 12 cu-ft), an Omega Air Charger (4,500 psi), an FX 4-stage hand pump, two Primos Trigger Stick tripods (one for my two-point rifle rest and one for my Chrony), an Edelbrock Gunslinger II rifle scabbard/backpack, a digital pellet scale, a Lyman trigger pull gauge, a ProTmex digital sound level meter, a .22lr rimfire bullet trap, and assorted accessories too numerous to mention or remember!
And even with all this gear, I am still ever-vigilant for the next best thing! And I LIKE it!!
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I think we should make a bet on what he buys after he gets to touch the different choices?
I'm betting the .25 wildcat and he will forget about wanting to adjust things?
(for me a .22 is lighter, quieter, and shoots more for a fill. But we all know or think we know "bigger" is better.
I'm betting the .25 wildcat and he will forget about wanting to adjust things?
(for me a .22 is lighter, quieter, and shoots more for a fill. But we all know or think we know "bigger" is better.
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That would be a great betting pool to start, and I'd have to get in on the action. At this point, I really don't know what I'll buy. Oh well, still a couple hundred bucks from a Wildcat, so that means a couple more months minimum before buying. Still plan on going down to Mapleton this weekend though. At least I'll be able to shoulder a couple guns to see how they feel."Goodtogo"I think we should make a bet on what he buys after he gets to touch the different choices?
I'm betting the .25 wildcat and he will forget about wanting to adjust things?
(for me a .22 is lighter, quieter, and shoots more for a fill. But we all know or think we know "bigger" is better.
By the way, you are right on the .22, so while it's in the running, a .25 is better at range. That's actually what set me on a multiple barrel system like the FX or Crown. One "Lower" and all sorts of "Uppers" available. Just need a new barrel and probe. Oh the agony (or Joy depending on how you look at it) of Analysis Paralysis!
We could feed this thread forever and I'd really be locked up with too much info.
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marcella69Saltlake, as a fellow accountant; I feel ya, buddy! I too agonize over decisions and then second guess myself no matter how much homework I've done. In the less than a year since I discovered the adult airgun market, I've burned through two high-end night-vision scopes and two night-vision spotters, a P-Rod (Benjamin Marauder .22 pistol), a Daystate Pulsar .25, an FX Impact .30, and I'm awaiting delivery of a RAW HMx .357 (130 ft-lbf regulated) Forest Green laminate thumbhole w/ adjustable cheek piece!
I have a Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x 50mm IR scope w/ FX No-Limit mounts, Bushnell binos, a Simmons digital rangefinder, two Omega 4,500 psi tanks (75 cu-ft & 12 cu-ft), an Omega Air Charger (4,500 psi), an FX 4-stage hand pump, two Primos Trigger Stick tripods (one for my two-point rifle rest and one for my Chrony), an Edelbrock Gunslinger II rifle scabbard/backpack, a digital pellet scale, a Lyman trigger pull gauge, a ProTmex digital sound level meter, a .22lr rimfire bullet trap, and assorted accessories too numerous to mention or remember!
And even with all this gear, I am still ever-vigilant for the next best thing! And I LIKE it!
In less than a YEAR?? WOW!! Gotta admit, now I don't feel so bad about the few bucks I spent this year on pellets, a scope, and air refills.
As the Aussies say though, Good On Ya! when you get into the hobby, you go full bore, so keep shooting!
I have a Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x 50mm IR scope w/ FX No-Limit mounts, Bushnell binos, a Simmons digital rangefinder, two Omega 4,500 psi tanks (75 cu-ft & 12 cu-ft), an Omega Air Charger (4,500 psi), an FX 4-stage hand pump, two Primos Trigger Stick tripods (one for my two-point rifle rest and one for my Chrony), an Edelbrock Gunslinger II rifle scabbard/backpack, a digital pellet scale, a Lyman trigger pull gauge, a ProTmex digital sound level meter, a .22lr rimfire bullet trap, and assorted accessories too numerous to mention or remember!
And even with all this gear, I am still ever-vigilant for the next best thing! And I LIKE it!
In less than a YEAR?? WOW!! Gotta admit, now I don't feel so bad about the few bucks I spent this year on pellets, a scope, and air refills.
As the Aussies say though, Good On Ya! when you get into the hobby, you go full bore, so keep shooting!
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Salt, to qualify my post somewhat; when I said "burned through," I meant I sold my previous guns. (I am a one-gun kinda guy.) So, my expenditure was not that bad. The resale value of high-end airguns is 70% retail due to high demand and long wait times for new guns.
I must own the fact though that I went balls to the wall on a top-notch gun and all the implements of destruction! Us Yanks have a saying as well: Go big or go home! What part of Aussieland do you hail from? I spent a week one night in Adelaide when I was a teenager in the Navy!
BTW, I'd like to get in on the pool as to what gun you'll buy, as well. I'm going with the FX Crown .25 walnut. Have fun choosin', mate
Here is the Crown in Forest Green laminate, the stock I got for my RAW:
I must own the fact though that I went balls to the wall on a top-notch gun and all the implements of destruction! Us Yanks have a saying as well: Go big or go home! What part of Aussieland do you hail from? I spent a week one night in Adelaide when I was a teenager in the Navy!
BTW, I'd like to get in on the pool as to what gun you'll buy, as well. I'm going with the FX Crown .25 walnut. Have fun choosin', mate
Here is the Crown in Forest Green laminate, the stock I got for my RAW:
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The wildcat in .25 I feel would be the easiest to handle and shoot, but that does not help your .30 desire. Check this forums used gun section for an impact in .25 or 30 ( in past I've seen the set up you crave). Consider how quickly a .30 uses air and consider number of shots per fill in .25 . GBGUNNER
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I generally agree with you, GBGUNNER. The .25 will give a much higher shot count to start out, while still delivering adequate punch for small game. I advocate the Crown though because Saltlake can mix 'n match calibers, barrel lengths, and twist rates to see what he really likes. IMO, the Crown gives the most bang for the buck pursuant to Salt's stated spec desires.
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Marcella69 - I'm a Yank as well, in, Utah. I did spend a couple weeks down under though. Former employer was based down there so had to go to Brisbane for a couple weeks. Spent a total of one day in Perth, and two days in Melbourne. Fasteststay was Sydney, 8 hours.
Much prefer the legalities of air rifles up here. Needing permission to own a pellet gun from the local constabulary just isn't my cup 'o tea. (also lived in London for a couple years),
My plan now is to take my time, save my pennies, and wait. I've got a gun I can shoot with, and it works nicely. I just want all the nice accoutrements that go with a top end gun. That'll take time.
As for buying a used gun, I'm too slow. The good deals are gone so quickly, and with that old disease of analysis paralysis, I'm always too slow. I missed a Streamline on AOA's used page. Walnut for I think, $800 or so. Great deal, and I couldn't make up my mind. Tis the way I am.
Much prefer the legalities of air rifles up here. Needing permission to own a pellet gun from the local constabulary just isn't my cup 'o tea. (also lived in London for a couple years),
My plan now is to take my time, save my pennies, and wait. I've got a gun I can shoot with, and it works nicely. I just want all the nice accoutrements that go with a top end gun. That'll take time.
As for buying a used gun, I'm too slow. The good deals are gone so quickly, and with that old disease of analysis paralysis, I'm always too slow. I missed a Streamline on AOA's used page. Walnut for I think, $800 or so. Great deal, and I couldn't make up my mind. Tis the way I am.
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"Saltlake" (That should have been a hint, right?) I drove through the Great Salt Flats on I80 during my journey from rural Pennsylvania to San Francisco to attend law school lo these 13 years ago. I do remember the magnificent desolation of the Flats. It kind of snuck up on me. All of a sudden I was in this alien world stretching to the horizon in a panoramic view! Beautiful, actually. I now live in Imperial Beach, CA, which is a border town with Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. I was stationed down here at 32nd Street Naval Base in San Diego as a teenager. (I don't want to say how long ago. Oh, OK; 40 YEARS AGO!)
I think you're doing the right thing and gathering plenty info before pulling the trigger (sorry) on a high-end gun purchase. I wish I would have done that. I must admit, I did spend precious dollars going through the panoply of choices. I don't want to use the term "wasted dollars," because I did learn a heck of a lot. I'm just saying there was a more efficient way of doing that.
Yes, used high-end guns sell faster than $10 ass in TJ. (Sorry, again; just a literary reference to "Breaking Bad.") When I sold my P-Rod, Daystate Pulsar, and FX Impact; they went in about 2.8 seconds! (Slight exaggeration, but not by much.) With my Impact, I got literally half a dozen offers in the first hour! I actually had to refund some PayPal payments because she had already sold.
Keeping your eye on the AGN classifieds is a good idea. But be prepared to know exactly what you want and to pull the trigger immediately. Competition is fierce and the market is fast. I've seen countless would-be buyers lose out because they kept beating around the bush. You snooze, you lose!
At any rate, good luck in your quest. I was happy with all of my purchases, and continue to enjoy the evolution of airguns
(5:32)
I think you're doing the right thing and gathering plenty info before pulling the trigger (sorry) on a high-end gun purchase. I wish I would have done that. I must admit, I did spend precious dollars going through the panoply of choices. I don't want to use the term "wasted dollars," because I did learn a heck of a lot. I'm just saying there was a more efficient way of doing that.
Yes, used high-end guns sell faster than $10 ass in TJ. (Sorry, again; just a literary reference to "Breaking Bad.") When I sold my P-Rod, Daystate Pulsar, and FX Impact; they went in about 2.8 seconds! (Slight exaggeration, but not by much.) With my Impact, I got literally half a dozen offers in the first hour! I actually had to refund some PayPal payments because she had already sold.
Keeping your eye on the AGN classifieds is a good idea. But be prepared to know exactly what you want and to pull the trigger immediately. Competition is fierce and the market is fast. I've seen countless would-be buyers lose out because they kept beating around the bush. You snooze, you lose!
At any rate, good luck in your quest. I was happy with all of my purchases, and continue to enjoy the evolution of airguns
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I work a great deal in IT, so tend to use their techniques in my own projects. One is called Prototyping" where they build a shell of a system, just enough to demo to the customer, then when the customer finally figures out what they want, throw away the prototype and build the real system.
In that pattern, I bought two PCP's in the past few years. A Marauder in .22 and learned a great deal about how PCP's work and what I want in the next gun. I then bought a Crosman 1701P and found out that as I age, and a bit of Muscular Dystrophy creeps in, heavy, front weighted pistols are just not where I'll be good. After converting to the carbine stock version (Which I really like), decided what I really want in my next gun. And I must admit having a top end FX doesn't hurt the ego any either.
So, I've also spent some money and time on guns that yes, work, but are stepping stones along the way. I will keep both for now, but may sell eventually. Also have 5 springers that led to PCP's. Same for scopes, have a bunch of cheap scopes, with two or three better scopes. Even still have a 40 year old Redfield Widefield (Steel tube, so heavy!) but it's got great glass.
I view it as a journey, just one I want to do as few dollar transactions as possible, being the consummate cheapskate.
It is a FUN JOURNEY though. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't be here and the PEOPLE ARE GREAT!
anyway, gotta go to work so I can afford to pay for this thing.
In that pattern, I bought two PCP's in the past few years. A Marauder in .22 and learned a great deal about how PCP's work and what I want in the next gun. I then bought a Crosman 1701P and found out that as I age, and a bit of Muscular Dystrophy creeps in, heavy, front weighted pistols are just not where I'll be good. After converting to the carbine stock version (Which I really like), decided what I really want in my next gun. And I must admit having a top end FX doesn't hurt the ego any either.
So, I've also spent some money and time on guns that yes, work, but are stepping stones along the way. I will keep both for now, but may sell eventually. Also have 5 springers that led to PCP's. Same for scopes, have a bunch of cheap scopes, with two or three better scopes. Even still have a 40 year old Redfield Widefield (Steel tube, so heavy!) but it's got great glass.
I view it as a journey, just one I want to do as few dollar transactions as possible, being the consummate cheapskate.
It is a FUN JOURNEY though. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't be here and the PEOPLE ARE GREAT!
anyway, gotta go to work so I can afford to pay for this thing.
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Saltlake, I'm getting up in years and have my own health issues with diabetes and arthritis. I use a Primos Trigger Stick tripod with a two-point rifle rest adapter. This set-up really provides a portable stable shooting platform out in the field and takes all the weight of the rifle off the arms.
https://ads.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=primos+trigger+stick&cm_mmc=ps_bing-_-bing-_-%20HT_Big_Game_Beta_B-_-primos_trigger_stick
https://ads.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=primos+trigger+stick&cm_mmc=ps_bing-_-bing-_-%20HT_Big_Game_Beta_B-_-primos_trigger_stick
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gotta agree with you on the getting up there in age, and I haven't quite hit 60 yet. I do prefer "Supported" shooting such as a bench or propped against something. The trigger stick looks very interesting. I do have a mono-pod though I haven't used it much. Also have a bi-pod for bench shooting and really like that setup. I can consistently shoot accurately at 25+ yards. It's that old time thing, so much to do, so little time. The Brits use a shooting stick design that seems really interesting.
Might make a set of those, then eventually buy something like the Trigger Stick. I can see how it would help.
Might make a set of those, then eventually buy something like the Trigger Stick. I can see how it would help.
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I like tripods because they are hands-free, and the two-point rest really replicates a benchrest. I've tried mono- and bi-pod shooting sticks; not a fan. Too much wiggle and propping going on. What's nice about the Trigger Stick is that with just one hand, leaving your trigger hand free, you can adjust the stick level to any height on any terrain. Each leg's length is independent. It's awesome, actually!
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