Someday I'd like to own a FWB for no particular reason.

[pdxFrank]

In-lust-of:

I'm thinking a break-barrel. Something that won't set me back a fortune on the used market. I have no one to "pass things on" to, so it doesn't need to be an heirloom. It'll get used. I could handle some minor restoration if needed. $500 tops and that's pushing it. So please, no "just add $100 more.." suggestions?



Outdoors, target shooter, mostly bench-rest, but off-hand and prone at times too. 25-yards is my max, but I'd like to go out further someday, so let's say, something accurate to at least 50-yards? Is 100-yard dime-sized hole asking too much? I'd have to see that done tho', not just take "sure it can!"



Anyway, mind shooting me somewhere to start, an idea or two, recommendations, etc.?



Thanks all!


Frank in Oregon

 

[Odoyle]

I would limit shooting to up to 50-55 yards and shoot flies and ants with a FWB300 or 300s that's around the target budget price range.

Consistant dime sized 100 yard groups are unrealistic unless you "make your own ammo" and invest in an FX Impact specifically tuned for slugs or H and Hem swaged pellets or RAW HM1000x or possibly the Daystate Delta Wolf if it's more accurate than the Pulsar HP and Redwolf HP-Safari.

 

[Michigander]

The 300s is the obvious choice for benchrest and position shooting to 25 and even 50 yards. Of the match springers it is the one that can be most easily shot prone, and also has a full length scope rail. The Match L version with the long forend would be ideal if you can find one. A 300s recently sold at the local gun shop for $495, so right in your price range.

 

[JamesD.]

Nice choice.

100 yard dime sized groups, are possible. The groups I have seen posted, shot by an old regular on an older forum, Flintsack, proved it over & over.

Yeah, I doubted it at first; but people that know him personally have witnessed those groups being shot. Absolutely amazing.

I've gotten a few with .22 & .25 tuned springers but no where as easy as a PCP.

Your obstacles are reading wind like a champ. Sorting & sizing, a very good scope, and perfect follow through. Good luck, & I hope someone helps you get a good one!

 

[pneuby]

I think you could come-up with shipping, IF need be, LOL....

http://www.champchoice.com/store/Main.aspx?p=ItemDetailOptions&item=32998

 

[pdxFrank]

Thanks all for the great replies! I don't see anything that needs acknowledged, but I've re-read everything and soaking it in.

I'm guessing for any real distance, probably a .22? I have no idea the range of calibers in a FWB, but I'll try to google that after I post this.
(I don't want to get into ammo I have to make, or hard to find.)

I shot this PCP at an NRA smallbore/airrifle coaching/instructor course. The only FWB I've ever used. No ideal the model without hunting for it.

Vintage, but shot well for it's age.

I mean the gun of course.

 

[Odoyle]

Looks like a FWB P70. Likely a JR model since the LOP looks shorter than normal.

They sold as cheap as $700 brand new years ago through the CMP Program while others paid up to $1100-$1200 retail. Nice guns. 

The FWB 300s has more power but has a spring power plant instead that's quieter.

 

[DonC]

I paid $500.00 for a Single Stroke 603 pneumatic. It's just as good as my PCP Anshutz 2002 10 meter rifle.

 

[Michigander]

The 10 meter guns are all going to be .177, and most field target guns are also .177 so nothing wrong with the caliber out to 50 yards or more. And the pellets are cheap. The advantage of the 300s is its versatility. It can be shot from all three positions or benched due to its short cocking lever. It can be shot using its match sights, or scoped using standard rings. And it has enough power for target practice to 50 yards, or for pesting. But it is still a springer, which means a relatively long shot time, making good follow through critical. A single stroke pneumatic like the 600 series will have a shorter shot time, making it easier to shoot accurately offhand, but will not be as versatile. They have lower power, require special scope mounts, and the long cocking stroke would be difficult if not impossible to manage prone. The easy decision is to pick up a nice 300s until you find out what type of shooting you plan to focus on. You can always sell it for what you paid for it, possibly more.

 

[thumper]

The 300, 300S or an older nice 150 would be the best bet. They have enough power to keep it fun at 25 yards with domed pellets. Plus they are wicked accurate and very reliable. Even the beat up ones still tend to shoot well. Only real problems to look out for are if one needs rebuilt, or the plastic trigger carrier being cracked. Both easily remedied. 

The 124 Sports don't live up to the hype, you'd be worlds ahead of those with a Weihrauch HW95. 

 

[davelarson]

I’d agree that the 300 would be a great choice. I bought one and am really impressed by it. The cocking action is very easy and the rifles are very accurate. There’s another thread about them from a week ago or so. I just mounted a Leupold 6-20X EFR on my 300 to see how small I can get five shot groups at 40 and 60 yards. I’ll post pictures as soon as possible, really windy now. I think you would like a 300!