If you really want something “pretty nice” for long range shooting, you’re probably going to have to increase your budget quite a bit. There are some new PCP’s that can be had for at or around $500 but I wouldn’t really consider them pretty nice. Well, I take that back…They’re pretty nice, just not really nice. It’s all relative I guess, you’ll see that almost all of us have different budgets, opinions and desires!
It really depends on what you want to spend…What is all too common in our sport is to buy all the air gun we think we can afford, then sell it in the near future and buy something better. You’ll hear the phrase, buy once, cry once, over and over in our sport because so many people buy an air gun and then sell it(losing money)shortly thereafter and upgrade to something they really want.
You’re on the right track with the EVOL, it’s a very impressive air gun, it is also very expensive. Same goes for the FX Impact, Daystate Red Wolf, FX Maverick, Rapid Air Weapons HM1000x, LCS SK-19, Daystate Wolverine, Air Arms S510, Daystate Delta Wolf, Edgun Leshiy, Taipan Veteran, Kalibrgun Cricket, RTI Prophet and on and on and on. There are so many great air guns these days. It’s a really good idea to shoot as many air guns, in every price range as you can. People often ask, both of these guns are very accurate, why should I spend $1700 on an air gun when this $500 air gun is accurate too. All you have to do is shoot a few air guns from each price range and you’ll see that it’s not just about accuracy. You should also consider fit and finish, aesthetics, warranty, shot capacity, feel, power, the report, magazine capacity, smoothness, ease of maintenance, reliability, access to support in the form of videos, tutorials, help on AGN and other forums, aftermarket accessories and parts, modularity, and on and on. You get what you pay for when it comes to air guns, many of the less expensive air guns just feel cheap when you pick them up...Light, hollow feeling, not streamlined and don’t cycle as smoothly as a more expensive version. Another thing that is common in our sport is to buy an inexpensive air gun and then upgrade it. Instead of buying a $500 and then upgrading it with $500 in parts and accessories, just buy a $1000 air gun to start with! It will save you time, money and you’ll have a better air gun.
I’ve rambled on long enough but I wanted to say one last thing…You should definitely consider buying a used air gun. Make sure to buy it here on AGN from someone that is very well known or check the classifieds at some of the major retailers like AOA. You could save up to 25%, 30% or maybe even 40% if you’re lucky.
Like somebody already mentioned, don’t forget that you will need a scope, rings, air source, pellets and accessories. Those items can add up fast and easily come to another $300-$600-$1000-$3000! No, I’m not joking either! Air tank $300-$600, compressor $400-$1500, rings $20-$100, scope $200-$2000, etc…
Good luck with your air gun hunt. There are a lot of super people here on AGN that are knowledgeable and always willing to help out. Just ask. You’re going to love the sport, it’s just awesome!!!
Have a good one.
Stoti
