The real problem is that there are so many really good choices out there. So, let me throw another "Choice" into the ring. Either a .22 or .25 Marauder. I tuned mine for JSB 18.3gr pellets. 830 fps at the muzzle. At this tune, it gets about 20 shots per fill when the speeds bottom out at about 810 fps. That gives around 27 foot pounds energy. Sufficient to knock down any critter you described. I get 1.5 inch or so groups at 75 yards.
Folks with the .25 tell me they get way better accuracy at longer range. Now, not sure how much is true and how much is a fish story, but universally, they are happy.
As for filling, hand pumps are a royal pain in the backside. Find someplace that can fill your tanks, and buy a tank. I use the small AirVenturi 90cubic inch bottle. Made shooting sooooooooo much better. If no one can fill a bottle close by, start looking for a compressor.
The other direction you could go, knowing that you will want a better gun in a year or two is a Benjamin Maximus. Crappy trigger from what I've heard, but very accurate. If you order from Crosman on Friday's (free shipping Fridays), and use the code "AGNATION" the Maximus is $165 shipped. The big plus to the maximus is that a hand pump will work very well. It's only a 2000 PSI fill, so pumping is easy. On my Marauder with a 3000 fill, that last 300 or 400 PSI is a real bear. It is an exercise program all on it's own.
In my case, the low end guns available today weren't there when I started. I chose the Marauder as my entry level, also knowing I'd be looking for better over time. I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing my sob story about saving for a Crown, but that's where I am at the moment. It's a terrible disease once you get into the sport.
In business it's called Prototyping. Build a small working version that you intend to learn from and eventually completely leave behind. My prototype was and is my Marauder. The final design will be the Crown. (with more to come after that).
The marauder is not regulated, but does give 30 solid shots with the 14.3 Domed Premier pellets at about 830 fps or about 20 shots with the JSB 18.3 grain Exacts. It does require tuning for the pellet, but it's three hex wrenches to tune everything. The Premier Domes have a standard deviation of about 12 fps with the proper tune at 30 shots per fill. My current tune seems to be about 6 fps standard deviation. Still working on the best combo, but trial and error says this is about the best I can get for Premier Domes.
Unfortunately, I didn't keep the JSB information. I'll have to reshoot those shot strings to provide the information.
Whatever you choose, there are so many good choices, you can't really go wrong. Pull the trigger (pun intended) and get shooting!
