Need help to buy first PCP air rifle for hunting small game

[JimD]

I think my P35s are light for coyote (although the 25 is almost 50 fpe) but a P35X or, better, a M60b in 30 caliber would make a decent coyote air rifle. At least 60-70 fpe. But I would start with a 22 caliber. Low 30s fpe is fine for small game and targets. Even 20 works.

 

[MuledeerNd]

Thank you very much for all the advice!! I’m going to be looking into the classifieds for a good used one. I’m super excited for being part of this forum. You guys are amazing. I will definitely post a picture of it to get some more advice if it’s ok. Again thank you!!

 

[blackdog899]

Welcome to AGN.
The classified ads on the forum could be a good place to look. I'm sure you know that you have to have 10 posts on the forum to use it. Airgun Revisions has some good prices for new pcp rifles. Take your time and good luck with your decision.

Airgun revision has the Benjamin Kratos in 22 back in stock. Now I got one a few weeks ago. Upon opening thought it was a new gun. I mean $250 ! Now I’m only shooting in basement but is impressive .
I have one over $1k gun closer to $2 k . It’s a RAW and may never get more expensive.
For a new gun if you don’t want to spend more than 1/2 your rifle budget I don’t think anyone will criticize the zelos. If you want a conventional looking gun you can get a Daystate Huntsman Revere for $900 ( unregulated) do not buy the 25 though.

 

[Chasdog]

My first pcp was a wood stock model and when it started leaking and there was no support for a fix I sold it and upon looking for a better replacement I was at first only interested in a wood stock. Alter some research I realized the wood part adds quite a bit of weight. Using the gun mostly for hunting purposes I soon found out the chassis style guns generally area bit lighter. So function was more important than form for me as I remembered how toting an 11 pound gun around . I can see the beauty in a chassis style gun. After selling the pos starter pcp , I decided on an Fx Impact m3. Much lighter and in 30 cal. So it hits hard. I know that’s over your budget but weight is a consideration if you are using it for hunting.
Thought I would mention the weight since pcps can be rather heavy and maybe something worth considering.

 

[blackdog899]

also have went synthetic on the hunting guns I have these are center fires and 22lr.
for the air guns I have and might get I’d like to get nice walnut or laminate.
weight doesn’t matter . Other than vermin in back yard there’s better tools for hunting .

 

[Ranchibi]

There is a used like new RAW HM1000x .22 in the classifieds for 1500, maybe you could put a 4-500 scope on it and the rest for a compressor. It has some upgrades. There is also a used like new Taipan Vet Gen1 .22 in the classifieds.

 

[MuledeerNd]

How far can the Zellos bring down the yotes?

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

I’m looking for advice to buy my first PCP air rifle for small game and target shooting. I’ve been reading a lot but would love to hear from experience rather than company specs. I have 1k for the air rifle and another 1k for scope and compressor. Any advice is greatly appreciated!! New or maybe pre owned. Thank you!!

Daystate Huntsman. Not the used one in classified. New with the 5 year warranty. I wouldnt even consider the Zelos compared to the Daystate.

 

[MuledeerNd]

How much is that beauty?

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

How much is that beauty?

I think they 900.00 new at airguns of arizona. I would also get the unregulated. This gun above is unregulated and it is a laser.
Explaining further: Uses the harper sling shot system.........regulator not needed.

 

[MuledeerNd]

I think they 900.00 new at airguns of arizona. I would also get the unregulated. This gun above is unregulated and it is a laser.
Explaining further: Uses the harper sling shot system.........regulator not needed.

It that the Huntsman Reveere in 25cal?

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

I think they 900.00 new at airguns of arizona. I would also get the unregulated. This gun above is unregulated and it is a laser.
Explaining further: Uses the harper sling shot system.........regulator not needed.

I don't think the regal bolt action are available anymore. The revere side lever is closer to 1300-1400 without regulator and over 1500 with one.

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

It that the Huntsman Reveere in 25cal?

DO NOT buy one in 25. Waste of money. They 25 won't get over 45 fpe and the shot count goes to crap when turned up.

If youregoing for yotes, get a powerful 25 or a good 30/357.

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

It that the Huntsman Reveere in 25cal?

It's had a name change to revere. Mine is known as a Huntsman Regal XL. Basically the same gun. It is a .22 shooting 15.89 grain jsb's at 907 feet per second.
here is the test target that came with the gun.

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

DO NOT buy one in 25. Waste of money. They 25 won't get over 45 fpe and the shot count goes to crap when turned up.

If youregoing for yotes, get a powerful 25 or a good 30/357.

Yeah you're right about the .25 caliber. In .22 it's great. Was not aware the op wanted a .25

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

Yeah you're right about the .25 caliber. In .22 it's great. Was not aware the op wanted a .25

I had a revere 22 and a regal in 25. The 22 was 4 mags on the reg at 28 fpe. The 25 was 20 shots at 36 fpe or like 43 fpe for less than 2 mags. It would hit 50 fpe for a few shots, but a cliff dive in velocity.

They just don't have the air on board for it.

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

I would like to hunt prairie dogs and squirrels, maybe some coyotes with a second gun. If I could shoot 100 yards that would be great. I want it an Avenge X in 25 cal, JT cudamax or a Daystate. I know I don’t have enough for FX platforms.

don't get sucked into the FX hype fanboy club, lots of other brands out there that perform just as well

 

[Steveguy]

I would say buy yhe best quality you can afford. many of us started out in the under $800 range and the upgrade soon after wishing we bought the better one the first time.
Second I would say I wouldn't be afaid to buy used if you a careful the are a lot of hardly used high quality guns to be had for great prices. Airgunners are a strange bunch, me included. We tend to fall for the latest and greatest new gun out there and in a couple of months sell in at a loss to get the next latest and greatest leaving a lot of slightly use high dollar guns in the classifieds begging for a new home. I prefer a used Brocock or Huben K1. You can pick up some Brococks for under $1000. use and they are excellent quality guns for hunting and really hold their value if you by used. A used Huben K1 can be had for around $1000 ifyou look for it. The Huben has plenty of power and accuracy for 100+ shots. And it is semi auto which might be nice for the prairie dogs. Hope this helps.

As an owner of four Brococks,I can say you arent just whistling dixie about the quality of the brand.For hunting and pesting,BRK will leave ya smiling everytime. I have three XR magnums in various configurations, and calibers, including one bolt action HRHP 22 and I just recently acquired the pathfinder XR in 22. I would tell anybody hunting or pesting, that Pathfinder is a sweet little compact powerhouse. Mine came shooting about 25 fpe with 18 grains.