New Need Help Choosing Rifle

[2ChainzPain]

I am new to this forum, just signed up hours ago. And new to the adult version of air rifles .

I joined the forum to learn and get opinions from those who are in the know.

I would like to find a rifle to use for varmint hunting and plinking. To provide a little more context, for many decades I have hunted with and shot regular firearms, compound bows, Black Powder, and Crossbows.

After over a week of researching, it seems like I find a rifle that interest me, and I as I look for best pricing and availability I find it’s been discontinued.

I understand that break barrels aren’t nearly as accurate as under levers. And that PCPs are the most accurate and have less recoil but, I prefer to stay away from the inconveniences of charging the gun. I like the thought of grab and go.

I narrowed my criteria to, underlevel, under $600 and has some kind of recoil management system. As I mentioned, I found several that meet my criteria but they have been discontinued or they are not in-stock. The only 2 I am aware of that are still manufactured are the Umarex Synergis and Norica Dream Hunter. The reviews of the Synergis leads me to believe it’s not accurate enough for me. And I’m not familiar with the Norica brand but, the reviews are favorable.

My questions to those on here with experience, are there models I have missed that are still available and meet my criteria? Is the Dream Hunter worth buying?

Or should I open my narrowed criteria to allow PCPs or Breakbarrels?

TIA,
Mitch

 

[TimeRabbit]

Welcome Mitch , I am now on the pcp side after a brief stent with the break barrels . For me pcp is the way to go but yes it gets deep deep deep into the pocket .

Look at Weihrauch they are the most recommended brand springer I see . They have a couple different under lever models to look at . Go to the traditional air rifle section on this forum thats where all the springer rifle guys hang I'm sure the can give you the model numbers and specifics.

Advice, take your time doing research don't rush , ask specific questions, and don't get caught up in the highest possible max FPS thing there is no need for a pellet to travel 1200 FPS this can actually be counter productive to accuracy and a smooth shot cycle . Oh and read, read, read the posts on this forum.

 

[beerthief]

Welcome to the best AGN , here you will find the information you want and probably some you do not want .
Break barrels can be very accurate but take some learning and practice . but first what pests are you going to eliminate ?
Weihrauch or HW + number is the common referral like HW97K K means a shorter gun .
Stan in KY .
P.S. please read the rules

 

[Treefrog]

If the rifle you're interested in isn't as accurate as you want, it isn't all that expensive to have a better barrel (Like a Lothar-Walther) machined and installed.

Cheers,

J~

 

[2ChainzPain]

Welcome Mitch , I am now on the pcp side after a brief stent with the break barrels . For me pcp is the way to go but yes it gets deep deep deep into the pocket .

Look at Weihrauch they are the most recommended brand springer I see . They have a couple different under lever models to look at . Go to the traditional air rifle section on this forum thats where all the springer rifle guys hang I'm sure the can give you the model numbers and specifics.

Advice, take your time doing research don't rush , ask specific questions, and don't get caught up in the highest possible max FPS thing there is no need for a pellet to travel 1200 FPS this can actually be counter productive to accuracy and a smooth shot cycle . Oh and read, read, read the posts on this forum.

TR,

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. Since you are on the PCP side. Do you feel it's an inconvenience to keep your rifle charged? Do you have your own pump and additional storage tank?

I have looked at the Weihrauch and I would need to increase my minimum amount and then that opens up a few more options like the TX200.

I will not rush and go hang out in the Traditional area and learn.

Thanks again!

 

[TMH]

...And that PCPs are the most accurate and have less recoil but, I prefer to stay away from the inconveniences of charging the gun. I like the thought of grab and go....

I don't personally believe that these 2 things are mutually exclusive.

You may have heard or read that PCP airguns should be stored charged with air, but not full. The normal school of thought is to store them at a bottle/cylinder pressure just at or below the regulator set point. This prevents the regulator from having to work while the gun is in storage, and prolongs its life.

But PCP does not have to mean 'regulated PCP'. There are some great unregulated PCP guns out there which you could store at full pressure, and 'grab and go' as desired. For example, I have a Brocock Sniper XR unregulated in .22 cal which gives me at least 40-50 shots from a fill (still working with the gun, pretty new to my collection). I also have an older unregulated Jager EVO in .22 cal (sorry, can't buy those any more). It gives me 70 good shots from a fill, and it only has an air cylinder (not a big bottle).

Another nice thing about unregulated guns - Since they have no regulator to creep, their first shot is always spot on.

Most of the press goes to the 'newer and better', and regulated PCP rifles are in this category. Heck, over 90% of the PCPs I own are regulated and I love them. But non-regulated guns still exist, and within their optimal zone, can provide even better performance in some applications (like yours?).

Welcome to AGN!

 

[2ChainzPain]

Welcome to the best AGN , here you will find the information you want and probably some you do not want .
Break barrels can be very accurate but take some learning and practice . but first what pests are you going to eliminate ?
Weihrauch or HW + number is the common referral like HW97K K means a shorter gun .
Stan in KY .
P.S. please read the rules

Stan,

Thanks for your reply and the welcome.

I do like the HW97 but that is outside of my current budget. But, I may have to go that route and increase my budget. There are a couple other rifles to consider if I go up to $800 area.

As far as the pests, I would like to limit the number of squirrels getting into my garden.

I did read the rules, did I violate them with my first post?

 

[2ChainzPain]

If the rifle you're interested in isn't as accurate as you want, it isn't all that expensive to have a better barrel (Like a Lothar-Walther) machined and installed.

Cheers,

J~

J,

That's an interesting perspective, I will keep it in mind.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[d3vnull]

If you want to just dispatch squirrels out to 35 yards get a HW30 in .177. It is light, easy to cock, and accurate with open sights or a scope.

Finally, it meets your budget.

 

[JimD]

You can have an accurate and adequately powerful PCP with a way to keep it full of air for under $600. One option is a Stoeger Bullshark. I recommend a 22 but a 177 or 25 would work. They are less than $500 and can be filled with a hand pump available on Amazon for less than $100. Amazon has bullsharks too but I only saw a 177. If you prefer longer rifles a Stoeger Scout is available at Airgun Revisions for $320. That would allow you to get a little GX CS2 compressor for about $250 and still stay under $600. These guns will be more accurate than any gas piston air rifle I am familar with and a lot easier to shoot accurately. The 22 will make about 30 fpe, plenty for squirrels. The 177 will make 18 or 19. The 25 upper 30s to maybe 40 fpe. I have three P35s which are almost the same as the bullshark. I shot a 194 on the 30 yard challenge today with the 22 (goal is 200). I've shot a couple 198s this year with that gun.

But I did not include a scope. The best least cost scope in my opinion is the Hawke Vantage line. I have a 2-7 on my Prod but a 3-9 would be a more all around choice. Not really enough for serious target shooting but good for squirrels and plinking. The 3-9 would cost about $150 but you could still get the Scout, scope and hand pump under $600.

I have 6 pcps so far, 5 regulated and one unregulated. I usually store them at the pressure level from the last time I shot them but sometimes I fill them up before storing them. I've shot 72 squirrels in my back yard so far. The PCPs are mostly in my coffee tables and I pull them out, load pellets, and then bag the squirrel. An advantage of the 177 for this is they don't carry as far and are a little quieter. My P35-177 has taken 24 so far. The 22 and 25 drop them a little faster, though. I bought my first PCP in 2000 after retiring. I've never even replaced a O-ring in it. The way I use it doesn't seem to be hurting it.

 

[TimeRabbit]

TR,

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. Since you are on the PCP side. Do you feel it's an inconvenience to keep your rifle charged? Do you have your own pump and additional storage tank?

I have looked at the Weihrauch and I would need to increase my minimum amount and then that opens up a few more options like the TX200.

I will not rush and go hang out in the Traditional area and learn.

Thanks again

I have a compressor 1100$ and a budget air tank for travel 350$ so no problem keeping air in my rifles but this is where PCP gets deep into those pockets and this is just the beginning. I shoot a lot so I find pcps are best for me if I was cocking a Springer during one of my shooting sessions I'd be completely worn out and probably unable to shoot as much as I'd like to. If I had any self control at all and I was just shooting the occasional pest and plinking a springer would be ideal and much more budget friendly.

So for a good Springer that is a trouble-free joy to shoot and does what you want it to do every time I would consider increasing the budget a touch If necessary , buy once cry once is a popular phrase around here for good reason.

Half the fun as in the chase.

 

[elh0102]

I have a Weihrauch HW97 and it is a great shooting rifle. I shoot my PCP rifles almost exclusively, but I can recommend the HW97 if you want an underlever. Regarding the storage of a regulated PCP rifle, I asked a custom maker in whom I have confidence about it. He recommended storing the rifle slightly above the reg set point, keeping it under some pressure.

 

[CharlieF]

Unless you want to spend in the neighborhood of 3 to 4 K on all the stuff you wil need for a PCP, go with the Weihrauch underlever. For what you are describing as your use, it is more than adequate. In this hobby, overkill means an empty wallet.

 

[maxtrouble]

@2ChainzPain - Welcome to Airgun Nation. This a great resource and there are a lot of very smart people that post here.

One thing to consider when purchasing an air rifle. The cost is all up front and the ammo literally costs pennies to shoot. They are the exact opposite of powder burners or archery.

To stay in your budget I suggest the Umarex Notos, Benjamin Marauder or Benjamin Prod. These rifles ticks all the boxes and are very easy to fill with a hand pump. For your budget you can easily purchase the rifle, optics, hand pump and pellets.

Youtube is your friend. There are quite a few videos on the rifles , preferred ammo and optics.

Pyramyd Air is a recommended vendor due to their excellent customer service and return policy.

Umarex Notos | PCP Carbine Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

The Umarex Notos is a lightweight pcp carbine air rifle that gets 700 fps/13 fpe and can be used for small game hunting.

www.pyramydair.com

Benjamin Marauder | Synthetic PCP Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

The synthetic stock Benjamin Marauder with adjustable comb will give you more shots per fill and reversible bolt for right- or left-handed shooters.

www.pyramydair.com

Benjamin Marauder | Multi-Shot Shrouded Air Pistol | Pyramyd AIR

We've got a great price on the Benjamin Marauder Air Pistol. Get a great price and expert advice at Pyramyd for your next outdoor adventure!

www.pyramydair.com

Have fun!

 

[Racer88]

Unless you want to spend in the neighborhood of 3 to 4 K on all the stuff you wil need for a PCP

Are you including a compressor with that $3-4k estimate?

I just ordered everything I need (<---link to thread) for a tick over $2k. That included a fill tank (instead of a compressor). Still not cheap, to be sure! But not $4k, either.

But if this air rifle thing turns into a "thing" for me, I'll probably get a home compressor, which could be another $1500++. But not necessary, of course. And then... an FX Impact M4! And then.... ???? Can you say "rabbit hole?"

 

[CharlieF]

Are you including a compressor with that $3-4k estimate?

I just ordered everything I need (<---link to thread) for a tick over $2k. That included a fill tank (instead of a compressor). Still not cheap, to be sure! But not $4k, either.

But if this air rifle thing turns into a "thing" for me, I'll probably get a home compressor, which could be another $1500++. But not necessary, of course. And then... an FX Impact M4! And then.... ???? Can you say "rabbit hole?"

Welcome to the world after you have fallen through the Rabbit Hole, LOL. Did not include compressor cost. Mine was $1500.

 

[Racer88]

Welcome to the world after you have fallen through the Rabbit Hole, LOL. Did not include compressor cost. Mine was $1500.

Yeah... and like I needed another rabbit hole in my hobby. I've got a pretty decent firearms collection. Pistols, rifles, shotguns. I've gone down the long distance precision rifle rabbit hole, too. During the covid hysteria, I went down the P80 pistol building rabbit hole. And now this!

I like to say, "It's STILL cheaper than drugs, booze, gambling, carousing, and divorce!!"

 

[LongshotFan]

Stan,

Thanks for your reply and the welcome.

I do like the HW97 but that is outside of my current budget. But, I may have to go that route and increase my budget. There are a couple other rifles to consider if I go up to $800 area.

As far as the pests, I would like to limit the number of squirrels getting into my garden.

I did read the rules, did I violate them with my first post?

I went through a similar journey. I had squirrels that I wanted to live with but they wanted to dig tunnels under my pavers so they had to go. I started with getting a springer, Gamo, and thought it was the coolest. I shot and missed a lot. There's a good learning curve with springers because of the recoil. Eventually I broke down and bought a used pcp, FX Bobcat, but it was still expensive enough that I didn't buy a compressor and got a pump to run it. Suffice it to say, after that, no more squirrel issue.

 

[coastal drifter]

welcome aboard I recommend you try all of them

 

[2ChainzPain]

If you want to just dispatch squirrels out to 35 yards get a HW30 in .177. It is light, easy to cock, and accurate with open sights or a scope.

Finally, it meets your budget.

Thanks for the reply. The HW30 is a break barrel. From my limited knowledge a break barrels tend to be the least accurate of the 3 (including the Underlever & PCP) correct? And they tend to wear at the break open point, correct?