Rediscovered airguns after almost 10 years

[Ovahbored]

Hey guys, growing up airguns were one of my favorite hobbies. From age 8 to maybe 11 or so I shot my Red Ryder almost every day. I then got a 1077 and can't even begin to guess how many boxes of pellets I put through that thing. I bought a Gamo Bigcat the day I bought my first home. At some point I got really into big game hunting and it's been a while since I've even thought about air rifles.

Sprained my ankle a few days ago and though I can't do any "real" hunting I can hobble into my yard and do some airgunning. Brought out the Gamo and quickly swapped out the included 4x scope for a Center Point 4-16 I had on a 22wmr. Huge improvement but the trigger and "twang" has me thinking I will ask Santa for a .22 air rifle this year.

After being out of the airgun loop for 10 years I'm amazed at how much has changed with PCPs and how little has changed with Springers. PCPs have certainly gotten much more cost effective and I dont even recognize any of the models. However, I see the same exact springers being recommended as 15 years ago though are a bit more expensive.

I still think my next air rifle will be .a 22 springer as I've just always wanted one. Maybe a RWS 34? I'm sure you guys get sick of the "what gun should I get ?" threads but let me know what you guys like for an around $300 .22 Springer. Sorry for the long winded post.

 

[NMshooter]

If you go to the review section AEAC just did a review on the Air Arms TX200. I'm impressed with this rifle! Not much of a Springer but I would buy this rifle. It might be over your $300 limit but see the video first! 

 

[RC1947]

I've got the Meisterschutze model of the Diana 34 - basically a shorter barrel - with the T06 trigger. It will easily stand its ground against my Weihrauch and TX200HC rifles.

RC

 

[crittahitta]

I have the tx 200 and the rws 34. You will be close to $700 for the tx200 and scope and it is very heavy. I would definately get the rws 34 in 22 cal. It is an awesome gun that will last forever. Very accurate, great trigger and much lighter.

 

[intenseaty22]

Welcome back to the world of air gunning and the forum. Yeah, things are just a wee bit more expensive these days, the those springers that keep getting recommended, yeah there is a reason for that. I remember myself when I bought a Gamo thinking "Now here is the most expensive high end air gun I will ever buy" Every so often you can get a good deal on a great used gun here in the Classifieds if you have a little patience. Also, check out https://www.krale-schietsport.nl/en/ It's a foreign outfit, but are very reliable and their prices will sometimes blow your mind. Bring that budget just a bit up and you are in HW77 or HW97 territory. If you need a scope, well, that will cost you a bit more too. Generally speaking stay away from rifle/scope package deals. Definitely worth spending a wee bit more than to buy another gun a short while later realizing you want to buy that other gun and you buy it twice.

 

[Ovahbored]

Set up a nice little mini range today and did a lot more testing with the old Gamo. I'm getting a little more comfortable with the trigger but will definately be replacing it with a GTR III as I think the Gamo trigger is contributing to fliers. I've been experimenting with different holds and groups are definately shrinking. However, I forgot how finicky these springers can be.

After I upgrade the trigger I'm not going to do anything else to the Gamo except shoot a ton of different pellets through it. Always loved the Air Arms but hard to justify the price. The HW 97, however, really appeals to me with the RWS 34 in second place. The PCP's, especially the Benjamin's, look awesome. However, they just don't appeal to me like the springers do. Next purchase will be a .22 Springer. Most likely something German and wood.

 

[mister12ax7]

The HW 77 and 97 are great springers. Under lever rifles allow the barrel to be in a fixed position, much better accuracy, for me anyway. 

 

[intenseaty22]

My Gamo currently serves as a doorstop in my workshop. Did you check out Krale? Here’s a couple guns. 

 

[Ovahbored]

I did check out Krale's site and his prices are great. I appreciate the recommendation as otherwise I would have avoided an overseas shop with such low prices. The HW77 really offers everything I want for a decent price and I'm thinking that in .22 may be next purchase. I really like the idea of a fixed range. I just really like the HW77.

As an aside I am very pleased with the Center Point 4-16 I bought from Walmart a few years ago. It's quite clear and does well at close ranges

 

[Glem.Chally]

I did check out Krale's site and his prices are great. I appreciate the recommendation as otherwise I would have avoided an overseas shop with such low prices. The HW77 really offers everything I want for a decent price and I'm thinking that in .22 may be next purchase. I really like the idea of a fixed range. I just really like the HW77.

As an aside I am very pleased with the Center Point 4-16 I bought from Walmart a few years ago. It's quite clear and does well at close ranges

Great choice I think you'll be very happy with it. I also have a Center Point that I use with my nitesite, it came on a Benjamin springer I had and it's a very solid scope! Took a beating atop that Benji and has very nice glass for what I use it for. Looking forward to seeing some targets shot by your new springer whatever it is.

 

[Ovahbored]

The old Gamo did not love any of the old pellets in my old shoe box. Today, I bought some Crossman Premier 7.4 gram Wadcutters and Wow! My next post will be in the hunting forum. It sure has been a while since I have been squirrel hunting but man it felt good.