New to PCP - What questions should I be asking?

[ehrith]

I’ve been reading up on the messages surrounding the Bullpup thread (which to buy without breaking the bank), and I appreciated the knowledge so freely shared by everyone.

The purpose of this thread is NOT to ask which gun is best (I wouldn't want to open that can of worms).

I am very new to the realm of Airguns. I’ve plunked around with them as a kid, and recently my father-in-law gave me an old Beeman Sportsman 1000 (.177) that I use to try and rid myself of pest birds. Either I am a terrible shot, or the gun sends out fliers 90% of the time. Needless to say, I’m frustrated. I cannot find any info on the gun, but I have tried moving to heavier pellets (11.57gr), adjusting my hold technique, but the final straw was a bench shoot at 25yds where I was able to maintain a grouping of only 12”. Not ideal.So…I started doing some research and came across a series of videos by Ted, which then led to this forum. Seeing someone create 1” groupings at 100yds was inspiring. I had no idea airguns could shoot that well.So, I’ve mentally gone from looking to spend 150 on a new gun, to 1500 on one that appears to be accurate out to 100, and maybe 150yds.I’ve never owned a PCP. I’ve never spent more than $40 bucks on an airgun. In one of these posts, AROD suggested writing a list of things I would want in a gun. Unfortunately, beyond being able to consistently and accurately hit these pest birds at around 100yds, I don’t know what else to ask.I do not want to have to buy another one of these, so I’m willing to shell out the money to find a gun ”system” that enables me to achieve my goals.I live in open range, so noise isn’t too big of deal. Quiet would be better, though.
There is typically a breeze.
I’m trying to take down starlings and magpies, and possibly a pheasant when the season is open.
The shot distances (the bird’s staging areas) are 100yds and 150yds. When then move in to strip my orchard and garden, the distance drops to 25yds.
At most, I’d be looking at 30 shots per day.
I’m physically fit and able to work a pump if need be.
I big game hunt and know how to use a scope.Please, what other questions should I be asking?

 

[ztirffritz]

You might try the Air Gun selector at PyramydAir.com: http://www.pyramydair.com/air-guns

That might help you narrow your search, or at least solidify which questions you need to ask yourself.

From what you've described, I'd guess you'd want a .22 or .25 PCP. I won't venture to suggest a model as I'm pretty new to airguns too, but I can tell you that I've enjoyed my Benjamin Marauder and I feel it is a good value. I purchased from PyramydAir.com using one of their bundles and that saved quite a bit of money over purchasing everything separately. I think it is a good way to get started.

I'm not sure if this link will work or not, but it should list a number of different .25 PCP bundles that PyramidAir offers from various manufacturers.. Other retailers may also offer comparable bundles, and there are some on Amazon.com as well.
http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/pre_packaged_deals/588/cat_150/calibers_0_25/pp_4

 

[Dan25]

For distance shooting with wind I would suggest a 22 at the minimum. Ted sez the 25 bucks the wind better than the 22. Remember to figure in the cost of a decent mil dot scope, adjustable objective is a must have. Some use a pump but for me a carbon fiber tank set is nice. Before you buy make sure you can get it filled in your area. For long range you will be needing a decent range finder. It does add up. I would suggest spending time on this and other forums reading. There is also a fellow in Africa who has a very nice site on youtube. Check out Teds reviews also. Decide what type of gun you want, bull pup or traditional. Stock material synthetic or wood. I would investigate the consistency (velocity) of the shot string. Guns with regulators tend to have much more consistent shot string velocity. Check out the numbers posted in the 25 Vulcan bull pup review, outstanding is an understatement. Is 16 shots per fill (25 Marauder) good enough or do you need 40 shots (Wildcat or Vulcan 25 cal). Is made in USA a biggie? In rifles do you love/hate the looks of a bottle gun? Will you be carrying it around in the field or bench resting it (weight). Another thing is check the dealers online sites for sales, especially around holidays 7/4, black Friday, Memorial Day etc. Once you have shopped around figure what your total budget will be. It is all too easy to spend a good fist full of hundreds in this game.

I shoot a 25 cal Marauder with a Hawke 2.5-10 half mil scope. A SWFA 10x is soon to replace the Hawke. Its $300 but the turret adjustments are supposed to be equal scopes costing over a grand. If you do get a Marauder get it in 25 cal.

Check out the ballistics programs such as Hawke Chairgun Pro etc. You will be using it for long range shooting. There is a post with excellent replies on this site.

A hundred yards is doable but 150 is REALLY pushing it. I love air guns but for over 100 yards and I am grabbing my 17 cal rimfire.

Enjoy and welcome to the game.

 

[chasdicapua]

Another thing to consider is the fill pressure of the gun. A Benjamin Discovery has a 2000 psi fill pressure. Many have 3000 psi, others 3300 and even 3650. This will determine (along with the size of the air reserve on the gun) how many fills you get out of a tank if you use a tank (and how often you make the drive to the dive shop), or how hard you have to pump if you use a pump. Tanks are nice if you can get them filled. I have one and I like using it. Very easy. I also have a pump and pump up my FX Boss to 3500 psi and I'm only 155 lbs. So, tanks are not a must. Just convenient and easy. No need to drive to the dive shop with a pump though. One more think about tanks. In order to get the tank filled to its capacity, you really need to leave it at the shop overnight as the air really heats up under pressure and expands as the tank is filled. It needs to cool down, contract and then the tank can be topped off for a full fill. 

 

[npunk42]

Keep in mind that the guys posting great long range shots have without exception a considerable investment in gear and time. If you really want a rewarding and successful intro to airgunning, save you money and get a very nice rifle to start. The choices are good from about 1200.00 dollars up. Not to say there are no good choices under that, but you would have to overcome some shortcomings, modify, tweak and test to be sure you're getting the best from them.

 

[Dan25]

"npunk42"Keep in mind that the guys posting great long range shots have without exception a considerable investment in gear and time. If you really want a rewarding and successful intro to airgunning, save you money and get a very nice rifle to start. The choices are good from about 1200.00 dollars up. Not to say there are no good choices under that, but you would have to overcome some shortcomings, modify, tweak and test to be sure you're getting the best from them.

Agreed. I am just getting started tuning my 25 Mrod. While it will never equal a FX Boss, it is so much more than my trusty RWS springer. Now I do not hesitate to shoot at 60 yards. 30 yard head shots on squirrels are like cheating. Ted has a video shooting the 25 Mrod at 100 yards showing the potential of the $500 gun. People buy Marauders for the same reason they buy the Discovery. You get a lot for your money. The price difference let me buy a Hawke scope and a carbon fiber fill station from Joe B.

 

[HauntedMyst]

I'll echo the 25 over the 22. The other questions you'll need to ask are, what is your budget and as Dan said, what style of gun do you want? While you may be fit, pumping up an air gun over and over and over will grow tiresome while you gain proficiency to shoot out to 150 yards so are you willing to invest in a tank and perhaps a compressor? Another question to ask is, can you do all that you want with a .22 powder gun which would cost much less? Why do you want an airgun for the purpose?

 

[travels4fun]

Erith,

Though it's not a bullpup, the.30 cal Evanix Rainstorm II may be just what the doctor ordered. You would be hard pressed to find a better caliber than the .30 for the distances you plan on shooting. The best part is the price which is only $854.01 when using a 10% off code at Pyramyd Air. Pyramyd has a 30 day money back guarantee so in the event you don't like it or it isn't accurate enough for you, you can return it for a full refund. Finally, all the money saved can go towards the purchase of a hand pump, carbon fiber tank, scope, pellets, etc.

Scott

 

[ehrith]

Thanks all for the information! It is very helpful. A few responses to questions:

Why not a rim-fire for the longer distances? I live in an area where the covenants specifically prohibit Firearm and Bow hunting...nothing in there about phnematics... Also, the noise of a rim fire gun would be way too much.

The style of gun doesn't matter too much. I'm more concerned about accuracy.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[30cal]

I would suggest not being in a hurry. Spend a couple or few months just reading forums (there are many) find manufacturers websites and read everything on them. Ask questions. Getting into pcp airgunning can be very expensive.

The main thing is that you need a power source. Usually this means an air tank (or a hand pump). If you can find somewhere to get the tank filled near by that is a good option. If not then a compressor and air tank will be the way to go. Then You can fill your own air tank. Now air tanks can be heavy. So if you think you will want to take it with you out on your property to top off the gun then that is another consideration. The carbon fiber bottles come in different sizes from small ones that fit in a backpack to large scuba tank sizes.

Now there is one option that can simplify the whole thing. FX Airguns makes a gun called the Indy that has an on board hand pump. Its probably the best survivalist pcp air rifle out there. All you need is a scope and pellets. Check it out here: http://www.fxairguns.com/rifle/the-indy/

 

[PlanB]

I don't think you should be planning on hitting starlings more than half of your shots at 100 yd unless there is no wind or if it's very constant wind speed. And I'm talking about with a $1500.00 and up rifle. I agree with you on the 22. I can't tell that my 25 is any better in the wind than my 22?