Recommend me a rifle...pls

[striven82]

Hi folks, first poster here. I'm very familiar with firearms, but I don't even know where to begin with air rifles. I've been shooting since I was a little kid (Red Ryder), but I have not kept pace with the airgun world since I purchased my last one in 1998. I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but I remember it being rated at 1000fps, .177cal. I still have it, and still shoot it. Anyhow, I am in the market for a new one. I would like to caliber-up to .22 or .25. I would like a "break action" style for cocking. I do not want to deal with refilling tanks. I would prefer wood. I would mount an optic. This will be used for pest control, mainly squirrels and rabbits around my house. My budget is flexible...I don't like buying the cheapest stuff, but I also don't want to ruin Christmas for the kids. I am thinking around $250-$400. If there is something just outside of that range that is significantly better, I wouldn't mind jumping up a little. I would purchase a decent optic separately. So, could anyone point me to a nice rifle that fits the bill? There is so much stuff out there that it's a little daunting to know where to start. Thanks folks. 

 

[PerkyVal]

My knowledge of break barrels is very limited, but Steve's vid might put you on the right path.



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OsqAdzLd_dc

 

[cea1960]

And so it begins

At least you're doing it the correct way, purchasing a quality rifle right from the start. However, beware, it's a l o n g slippery slope this sport is!

 

[crittahitta]

My favorite springer in 22 cal is the rws 34. It is not sexy. It is a plain and simple workhorse that will last a lifetime. It has a great trigger and it is extremely accurate. Very easy to shoot offhand and not overly heavy. Plus it is less money then you have earmarked so you could get a really good scope.

 

[Tweeter]

I personally would go with a Weihrauch and I would order it from Krale (they have great prices and fast shipping even though they are overseas). Some good deals on HW77's if you want an underlever or plenty of HW break barrels there as well.

https://www.krale-schietsport.nl/en/brands/weihrauch.html

 

[BeemanR7]

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Beeman_R9_Elite_Series_Combo/1560

 

[mark404]

I would recommend this, I have one in .22 and love it.

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Diana_RWS_48_Air_Rifle_TO6_Trigger/403#4741

its a bit cheaper at amazon 

https://www.amazon.com/RWS-Model-Caliber-Pellet-Airgun/dp/B004QXZHQE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537894208&sr=8-2&keywords=rws+48+.22

 

[douger]

rws 34 pro compact is what I had and also a wh 95 the 95 is much better trigger and quietly

 

[douger]

look on air guns Arizona used section they have some great used springers and few pcp rifles that fit your bill

 

[jps2486]

Beeman R9, HW 95 (same gun essentially). Heirloom guns for around $350.

 

[John "spysir" Blount]

RWS34 or some HW - a 48 if a side lever maybe-. Personally I like the T06 RWS trigger better than the HW's, they are all good and if you know what you want it seems most everything has a hiuge sale discount about every quarter.

John

 

[Smitty911]

Man our stories seem to match. I decided on PCP though after watching loads of videos and talking to the folks at Airguns of Arizona.

Welcome to the addiction Hobby.

Smitty 

 

[striven82]

Thanks for the responses so far. It seems that RWS and Weihrauch are the way to go. Browsing through the Krale website I stumbled upon the HW77 SE . That pretty much ticks all of the boxes for me. I'm a sucker for laminate. I'm super glad I got involved with this forum. Keep the suggestions coming...maybe someone can shake me out of the HW77 saddle. I'm currently funding a CZ452. As soon as that's in the mail, one of these will be heading my way. Thanks again...you people are awesome.

 

[mobilemail]

Airguns of Arizona (AoA) recently had Diana 52 for $299. The 52 is the same gun as the Diana 48, just a slightly nicer stock. If that special is still on, definitely nab you one in .22 and don't look back!

 

[dcmeyer]

If you have never owned a spring gun just be aware that there is a learning curve in shooting them. Artillery hold, etc. My experiences are not great but I do know the better quality you get the less hold sensitivity issues you will have and also, just my opinion, the more powerful, larger calibers are more hold sensitive. This is the limitation of the platform, again IMHO.

Long range, accurate and powerful is a tough combination to find in a spring gun. Where as a PCP is just point and shoot. Read A LOT!

 

[EMrider]

Thanks for the responses so far. It seems that RWS and Weihrauch are the way to go. Browsing through the Krale website I stumbled upon the HW77 SE . That pretty much ticks all of the boxes for me. I'm a sucker for laminate. I'm super glad I got involved with this forum. Keep the suggestions coming...maybe someone can shake me out of the HW77 saddle. I'm currently funding a CZ452. As soon as that's in the mail, one of these will be heading my way. Thanks again...you people are awesome.

Krale’s prices and service are excellent. I bought my .177 hw97k from them and would do so again without hesitation. The hw77 SE is a great choice. With care, it will give you decades of accurate, trouble free, shooting.

R

 

[Windmill01]

The airrifles mentioned above are all very good airrifles.The blog below weighs up the differences in the HW77 and HW97. I went for the 77. Good luck.

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/04/the-hw-97-hw77-a-full-report/



Gary

 

[bubblerboy64]

HW 97. I think the under lever cocking is a decided advantage especially for the more powerful springers. Love my HW 30 urban pro from AOA Good price with scope mounts and shipping. $550 if I remember correctly. The 97 is more money but probably the thing to have if your having only one.

 

[jimbo1947]

I have rws 34 compact synthetic stock in 22 cal and love it. Also have rws 48 and it is powerful and accurate, though a sidelever. Krale has some great buys, including the hw 97 in 22 cal.

I'm waiting for the Sig Sauer ASP 20, an American made gun that Tom Gaylord gave great reviews.

 

[DRAGON64]

Hi folks, first poster here. I'm very familiar with firearms, but I don't even know where to begin with air rifles. I've been shooting since I was a little kid (Red Ryder), but I have not kept pace with the airgun world since I purchased my last one in 1998. I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but I remember it being rated at 1000fps, .177cal. I still have it, and still shoot it. Anyhow, I am in the market for a new one. I would like to caliber-up to .22 or .25. I would like a "break action" style for cocking. I do not want to deal with refilling tanks. I would prefer wood. I would mount an optic. This will be used for pest control, mainly squirrels and rabbits around my house. My budget is flexible...I don't like buying the cheapest stuff, but I also don't want to ruin Christmas for the kids. I am thinking around $250-$400. If there is something just outside of that range that is significantly better, I wouldn't mind jumping up a little. I would purchase a decent optic separately. So, could anyone point me to a nice rifle that fits the bill? There is so much stuff out there that it's a little daunting to know where to start. Thanks folks.

Be sure to research scopes, particularly with regards to "spring gun ready" scopes. Spring air rifles have a tendency to "eat" even the best of scopes, if they are not spring gun rated.