New to PCP airguns

[Chopstopher]

Hey All,

I'm not new to airguns but it has been a long time and I am new to PCP airguns. Once upon a time I had a custom Crosman 2400KT (which I took apart and broke a vital piece), a Beeman P17, and a Xisico XS25SFB with bamboo stock.

I would like to get back into plinking around but would like to dive into PCP airguns. Unfortunately, I am not sure as to where I should begin this journey. I'm not looking to spend an excessive amount of $$$ but would like a decent quality entry level PCP rifle that I can slowly upgrade. I'll mostly be shooting at a very short distance (roughly 15-20 yards) since I'm limited by my yard size, but I would love the ability to reach out long distance when I get the opportunity. I would say that 99% of my shooting, I will be punching paper/metal. 

I have been thinking about getting either the Air Venturi Avenger or the Benjamin Marauder Pistol (both 22 cal.) but unsure if any others would be comparable at this price range ($300 - $400).

What would be a decent entry level rifle that's somewhat customizable?

And what all is needed in order to fill the gun?



Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 15252]

I like the Gamo Urban. A very accurate barrel comes with this rifle and in 22 cal. You can find these south of 300 on ebay. I would look at a cheap pump. Yong Heng is what I use and is working fine. I gave 250 for mine last fall.

 

[esingle]

Hello you can not go wrong with the Benjamin pistol. Easy to pump(with a hand pump) 32 shots per fill, many after market options, accurate, quiet and can be made even quieter. Well good luck with your decision and if you have any specific questions in regards to the Marauder pistol just ask Eric

 

[Guest]

The first thing i would be looking for a good compressor, and i would be asking that on airgun nation. or if you live close to a scuba shop, an air tank that they can fill, just get one big enough so when there closed you will be ok.Any of the good airgun dealers should be able to help you out and get you going.

 

[L.Leon]

Both posters above offer good advice, the Gamo Urban, my first is a solid choice for your stated use. The Benjamin pistol is also very popular and as customizable as you wish. You might also consider these new offerings at what appear to be great pricing.

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/jts-airacuda-and-airacuda-max-introductions/?referrer=1

Good luck in your search.

 

[Raden1942]

Gamo urban is very accurate and easy to handpump. The marauder pistol is better for upgrading at a later date. Both are easy to handpump. I use the cheapest Chinese handpumps and add an inline filter from Amazon with desiccant beads in the center between two small cotton filters. Here's what it looks like. 17 bucks or so. 

Another option is the marauder rifle. Higher power and better shot count than the pistol and lots of aftermarket parts to upgrade later. Not a fun handpump experience but I did it for quite awhile. 

 

[Guest]

You should take a good look at the JTS offerings ( should be on the Shelves soon )

300 bucks for the unregulated 400 buck for the regulated.



Very nice wood stocks excellent ergonomics, no plastic anywhere in the guns, butter sidelever, great all metal magazines, easily power adjustable, great trigger.



I don't think there's any other entry level PCP that ticks all the boxes like the AirCudas do 

 

[Batman2]

If shooting only 15 to 20 yards just for target shooting why would you need a 22 caliber?

If going the PcP route that will also use more air for less shots to hand pump than a 177.

I would specifically look for a proven accurate 177 manufacturer with good reliability history and zero complaints about the specific model.

It would be a 12 foot pound or lower powered gun. 

Examples I have a Crosman 1701 pistol with carbine stock that has been bumped up in power and a 1700 pistol very similar PcP pistols manufactured by Crosman both very easy to hand pump and easily shoot single hole groups at 20 yards from a rest.

The 1700 hadn't been power upgraded and probably going to leave it alone gets around 50 dead on shots. It is an older version of the 1701.

I have read about a member here who uses his for bird hunting out to 30 or 35 yards as is shooting 450 or 500 fps.. 

Another non PcP accurate option would be the Co2 Crosman 2300 S that gets roughly 60 shots per Co2 and has the same match grade barrel.

If you shop around you can find good deals cheaper than the norm.

If you rather spend more money check out AoA I posted their sale links and the BSA brand is known for accuracy and reliability. Their current sale on BSA is the cheapest I have ever seen.

Would have suggested a Benjamin Maximus in 177 due to its easy to hand pump very low 2000 psi fill pressure but can't find them for reasonable price in stock. The Fortitude is another story and due to leaky issues can't recommend in good conscience unless you find one for really cheap.

If I had a 22 Benjamin Marauder pistol with only 20 yards of shooting distance I would want to have it converted to a 177 and lower the power.

I would be concerned about 22 caliber pellet ricocchets with a limited 20 yards back yard space. The neighbors will hear the 22 more than in 177.

 

[Fglass]

How mutch do you want to spend on the rifle? How will you fill it? What will you use it for?