Rookie needs help deciding

[wyshadow]

With a good shot placement (right behind the eye), a .22 tuned at 30 ft-lbs can easily take out a raccoon under 30 yards. I've taken out a raccoon at 20 yards and another at 30 yards with a BSA R10. The weird thing I saw with these two kills is I did have to do a follow up shot on the 20 yard raccoon. I would also agree a .22 can do the job you're wanting.

 

[N2 Shooter]

I've taken everything you've listed minus the iguanas with a 45fpe .25cal. The raccoons were headshots at 25 yards. With that said, I would not recommend the Hatsan because it doesn't use a foster fitting. Although I have never shot it, specs wise, I like the AirCuda Max in .25cal, as it's regulated and has a lever action and a two stage adjustable trigger. The 3-year warranty beats out the Avenger I previously recommended at that price range. If you want double the power, you'll have to step up to the Umarex Gauntlet 2 in .30cal.

 

[JimD]

I have a plastic stock Avenger in 25 caliber and also 3 P35s including a 25. The Avenger is very long. It is easy to tune and can have a range of powers. Mine is accurate (but not more so than two of the P35s). A long gun might have an advantage with kids because it becomes more difficult to point it at things they shouldn't up close. It is also relatively light at about 6 lbs. The stock is not what I would call nice but it works fine.

The P35 is much shorter and nearly a pound lighter. The weight could be an asset the length is nice in my opinion but it does make it a bit more like a pistol in terms of potentially waving the barrel around. The P15 is rear cocking and over a half pound lighter. Both come in 25. The Stoeger Bullshark is very similar to the P35 and is available in the U. S.. You have to order the P15 and P25 from Europe, I got mine from Krale.

I agree with the others that 22 is a better all around caliber. If you are lucky yours will shoot Crosman domed or HP OK and you will have a source of cheap plinking ammo. My P35-22 is tuned a bit hot for the Crosmans but will group them OK at close range (30 yards or less).

My Prod is less powerful than any of these rifles and is not regulated. But it's in your price range (or a bit below) and would be a good pistol/carbine to start kids on. I made a stock for mine that I can set up with a short length of pull for my grandkids. The oldest has shot it and thought it was great fun. I tuned mine up to about 17-18 fpe to make more of an impression on squirrels and it does well. It's a bit light for something to size of a raccoon but with really good placement it would probably get the job done.

 

[shambozzie]

Look for a used Af Condor. Even in .22 it will shoot the jsb monster redesigned 25.4 @ 1050 fps for 55 fpe. Need more omp use the 33's. Still need more omp switch to a .25 bbl. That would fit your budget.

 

[L.Leon]

If you’re a rookie as stated to PCPs… Stick to a .22 to start with. It won’t be your last PCP. .22 is typically available locally at most sporting goods stores. If the intent is to get your children into shooting, Again the .22 makes the cut. I know you stated .25 or .30, know that those calibers will be expensive to plink with and consume lots of HPA. Good luck.

 

[fatmatic]

Evanix ar6k

 

[Godlike1125]

I've read a whole lotta people singing praise upon the Air Venturi Avenger. I've never touched one myself.

Available in .25cal, rated 45fpe. $350-$430 for synthetic or wood version. Ive read the synthetic stock feels hollow and janky but kids don't care about that.

Air Venturi Avenger | Wood Stock PCP Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

We've got a great price on the Air Venturi Avenger, Regulated PCP Air Rifle, Wood Stock. Get a great price and expert advice at Pyramyd for your next outdoor adventure!

www.pyramydair.com

Air Venturi Avenger | PCP Hunting Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

We've got a great price on the Air Venturi Avenger, Regulated PCP Air Rifle. Get a great price and expert advice at Pyramyd for your next outdoor adventure!

www.pyramydair.com

Get yourself a refurbished AVA you won't regret it. Plus $10 off first purchase it's a STEAL.

 

[cavedweller]

Hey all. I am new to this side of air rifles. I grew up with everything from the old red ryder (yes with the compass and sundial) to a benjamin pump .22, I never took "air rifles" serious until recently. I am a little older and a little wiser now, and with a son who is turning 7 and another on the way, I want to find ways to spend more time with them, and something we can do anywhere at anytime is shooting some pellets around the house.
Now, for my own entertainment and because I want to, I am looking at getting a PCP for small game hunting (squirrels, rabbits, iguanas, raccoons, etc) and have been looking around the $400-$500 mark. The Avenger was obviously a huge hit when it was released, and it appeals to me. However, there seems to be more and more companies offering similar specs in their own brand. I am not opposed to any brand and have looked at youtube reviews until I am cross-eyed and confused. I like the Avenger, JTS Airacuda, and Hatsan Hydra, but again, I am open to suggestions and have not seen any of these in person.
Here are a list of specs that I am wanting to check off to help me decide:
O .25 cal or .30 cal
O Accurate to 50 yards (accuracy is relative, but would like to keep it within 1/2" at 50 yards)
O Easy fill and/or easy to change air bottles
O Ability to mount a scope
O Removable magazine
O I would prefer a side lever, but not a deal breaker

Hey, I'm Rudy Smith and i live right close to you in Mobile, Al.
I sent you a PM hoping you'll give me a shout and we can get together and talk and shoot some airguns.
I have lots of airguns your welcome to try and maybe i can also introduce you to Field Target. Lots of fun and great people.

 

[cavedweller]

Thank you all so far.

Yeah this is a good point Privateer.

In my mind, I have narrowed my decision down to the JTS, Avenger, and maybe the Barra 1100z.

Im in Mobile, Al. give me a shout! 251-610-8582

 

[Spartan]

@hyperactive hunter You may be hard pressed to find an airgun that will consistently shoot "within 1/2" at 50 yards" at the $400-500 price point you mention. It's certainly doable....they exist...I've owned some. But guns at that price point would likely require a good deal of tinkering and tuning and spending lots of money testing different projectiles. Just injecting a bit of reality since I didn't get the impression from your post that you wanted a project gun.

 

[cavedweller]

@hyperactive hunter You may be hard pressed to find an airgun that will consistently shoot "within 1/2" at 50 yards" at the $400-500 price point you mention. It's certainly doable....they exist...I've owned some. But guns at that price point would likely require a good deal of tinkering and tuning and spending lots of money testing different projectiles. Just injecting a bit of reality since I didn't get the impression from your post that you wanted a project gun.

True Dat^

 

[Bigragu]

Sometimes, on these types of threads where the OP seeks advice on a purchase and spells out exactly what he’s going to use it for, I wonder if people take note of the types of animals he’ll be shooting at before calling out a shooting platform/caliber.

He did mention the raccoon, which we all know is a very tough critter, and to suggest a 22 cal out to 60;70 yards? Yes, the accuracy may be there in a 22 out to 70 while shooting at paper, but to try and take down a coon at that distance and immediately drop him on the spot, well, I don’t feel a 22 at 60 or 70 is capable unless the raccoon stops to pose for you and puts a shoot n see dot on his forehead, and tells you to take your time.

If the OP would’ve specifically called out and stopped at squirrel to rabbit sized critters, then, yes, a 22 is capable. But we also know how almighty the squirrel can be, also. And before someone says “shot placement is key, also consider what is being advised to the OP- cheap 22 ammo so one can shoot all day inexpensively.

Not trying to bust anyone’s balls, it’s just that I think we all get too in a hurry to assist someone(which can be a good thing) that we don’t read thru everything a poster spells out.

 

[GA_LeadHead]

Get a .25 Avenger.