initial pcp air gun pick???? So many so little time!!!!

Welcome bobrave129. There's a wealth of info on this website and with the people that use it. I'm sure they can help steer you in the right direction. Though it might be helpful to know a few things about the type of shooting you plan to do. Are you gonna be shooting critters? How big are the critters? Are you only shooting paper or cans? Do you live in closely built neighborhood? Or on a farm or in the woods in the middle of nowhere? What's your budget? Some up-front info like that will help a lot. Happy shopping!
 
WELCOME...

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Good questions posted above. I will tell you that this hobby/sport has a way to suck you in and usually you end up buying an “initial” gun only to buy a slightly better one, and then an awesome one. The saying goes: Buy once, cry once. 

A Springer is a self contained unit, grab and go. Easy to work on. Effective out to? 35 yards in my case. Will need a bit of learning curve, but will also teach you to be a better shooter. 
PCPs are more expensive and require more peripheral equipment like an air source. But they are easier to shoot, generally more powerful and will reach out further.


 
Good questions posted above. I will tell you that this hobby/sport has a way to suck you in and usually you end up buying an “initial” gun only to buy a slightly better one, and then an awesome one. The saying goes: Buy once, cry once. 

A Springer is a self contained unit, grab and go. Easy to work on. Effective out to? 35 yards in my case. Will need a bit of learning curve, but will also teach you to be a better shooter. 
PCPs are more expensive and require more peripheral equipment like an air source. But they are easier to shoot, generally more powerful and will reach out further.


Hw95
 
I am new to pcp air gunning too! I am totaling hooked. I LOVE to squeeze the trigger and hit my target. 

I started with the Benjamin Maurader .25 caliber just to get my feet wet. Excellent choice for my first pcp. Very simple and accurate gun. Shot count is low in the .25 caliber compared to smaller calibers in same gun.

I hunt small game regularly. So for me, I decided to make two long term investments in my new hobby (Retirement is near). I choose the FX Dream Tac Compact in 25 caliber to carry in a backpack with me to my deer blind to control the raccoons and other small game at my feeder. My second choice was a FX Wildcat MK3 in 25 caliber for my main small game and wild hogs hunting airgun in Louisiana. 

Not saying these are the best guns available nor the best options for everyone. This is the path and airguns that are serving me very well now. Like someone said earlier, "Buy once, Cry once"...... I wish I had half of the money I spent on springer and pump up airguns previously. Springer and pump up airguns have there place but they never meet my expectations and needs. Airguns are an individual preference. Shoot what fits your needs and enjoy the sport!!

I forgot to mention The FX Dreamline convertible to Dream Tac Compact and other models has many modular options. You may want to look it. These are only suggestions.

Good Luck and Welcome Aboard!!! AGN has great and very helpful members!!

Ced
 
i started with a marauder .25 and benji hand pump .. the way it comes out of the box its going to be VERY hard to beat the performance without spending a bunch more .. its heavy and big are its only drawbacks .. for a first gun no regrets at all, and it still has its place in my lineup for a 'window gun' that can smack the bejeebus out of a squirrel 60 yards out by my gate no sweat ... if close-in pesting around the home is the main goal i'd get the marauder pistol, its probably one of the most effective guns made for that specific task but limited to 30 yards or so ..
 
I'm quite happy with my 300$ pcp guns. I ha e a few of them now and havent had an issue with any of them. Affordable gun and a 40$ hand pump to get started it how I went in. Just depends on your personality. I like choices on what to shoot on any given day rather then only having one gun to use. For me the first gun was just the beginning that has led me to many other guns. Good luck in your journey.
 
My very first air gun was the Edgun Leshiy Classic (wasn’t called Classic back then, just like coke classic). From there I went a teensy bit nuts and bought or sold probably 20/25 guns over a couple of years. I got interested in a few other hobbies and the guns all got sold as well as things like my compressor etc. I kept one gun, an HW97K, just because it satisfied my Zombie Apocalypse fears and my amateur prepper requirements.

So, recently I got back into shooting and decided to get a nice air gun again.... same thing as you, there were so many models and opinions. I ended up recently buying a Leshiy 2 from another member... got a good deal and am extremely happy. I am hoping to quell the desire to buy one of everything again, but you know how it goes.... history is repeating itself.

Its really really hard to justify now, but the adage of spending the money now for a great quality and value gun is the best thing you can do... if you can afford it. Don’t go into debt like a few people I know, just to shoot pellets pushed by air.

Good Luck!!!!
 
WOW - you folks are great! thanks for all the input. Just retired and (besides shooting bow) wanted to get into air gunning. Plinking and target shooting at first and wouldnt hesitate to plink a wayward pestie, who knows where we go from there. Thanks for all the recommendations - ill probably go pcp and will let you know what i select. Someone asked about budget and location, i live in PA and looking at dropping $500 - $1k, Might be willing to spend a little more. Thanks again.