Suggestions being gathered for point of entry

All,
I am new to the whole thing and have been shooting regular firearms for decades. I had a break barrel Benjamin 22cal rifle that shoots erratically. I have cleaned it and then looked up information on it and found it is a common problem. Thing is I would like something that groups well that I can dispatch squirrels, rabbits and racoons. I was drawn to the PCP's but my goodness the point of entry is steep! I do have SCUBA tanks (~5) but they are all out of Hydro and Vis. I have done alot of research and was looking at the Air Venturi Avenger and found some decent deals on that. However then you need a Pump at 250 bucks or a compressor YIKES! Now I am up to 800 bucks with scope, ammo, gun and pump. I just bought my son a 17HMR with a heavy target barrel and a Vortex optic for less. I have 6 acres with Dogs, Chickens, and horse. I live in the county and can shoot whatever I want on my property, I just struggle using even a rim fire. I am sure my neighbors won't appreciate that but my point is I am in that 17HMR less than an air rifle! I have to be missing something. I like the idea of a PCP rather than a rim fire but it is hard to justify to the practical side. Getting those SCUBA tanks hydro'd and vis'd will be expensive as well and my steel 120 does not have the regular adapter as it is a 3500psi cylinder. I am sorry for all the random thoughts but like I said I am open to suggestions. I really want these squirrels gone.
 
Just grab a Notos and a hand pump. Fairly cheap and will do the job.

Or, learn to shoot that springer of yours - the 'artillery hold' is the key to springer accuracy, you gotta let the gun float instead of trying to control it.

Also, consider how much fun it would be to have a backyard range, there is more value here than just fixing the tree rats.
 
The Avenger is my first PCP and I have been hand pumping with a $55 Four Uncles. I can do top offs from about 2k psi to 3k psi in just a few minutes with 25 pump sessions and short breaks. If you're shooting a bunch, hand pump would probable not cut it.

I did buy a compressor and tank recently but wasn't totally necessary for my shooting. Of course, this just means I'll buy another PCP (LOL).
 
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Oh, who would do that for a BB gun? ;-). That's just crazy.

haha that reminds me of guys at the range,
who walk over and ask
"what the heck is that?"
when i tell them an airgun they go
"oh,bb gun ok" and walk away.

then after seeing hits at 100-150yds they walk back over and ask......"you sure thats a bb gun?"
when i confirm it really truly is,
they ask how much $,
when i tell them they say
"hell i could buy 4 deer rifles for that price"

HAHAHAHAHA
 
In the classifieds right now — It’s not mine, I do not know this person. This is the perfect, small,light weight critter getter. Max fill pressure is 190bar, your scuba tanks will work just fine. Hand pumping this is easy too.

 
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im like you been shooting since i was 6yo .. neighbors are hard to avoid these days so you want to be considerate .. i'll tell ya, killed alot of critters in my time, .22s, shotguns etc and a simple crosman prod and a handpump has easily got the highest kill count since i got it 10 or so years ago .. its uncanny how effective it is around the house .. got to be 98%+ success rate on anything i get after with it .. i highly doubt even a high end gun no matter how much you spend on it could beat it around the house for pesting ...
 
JD,
Pyramyd Air has first generation Umarex Gauntlets (.22 or .25) marked down to $242. I paid $310 for my .25 less than two years ago. Pick up a cheap Chinese handpump for $50 on eBay, some JSB ammo and it's off to the races. I'm no fan of the long, heavy Gauntlet, and hand pumping almost killed me, but gun is accurate and you're in the game without a big investment. Best of Luck, WM
 
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All,
I am new to the whole thing and have been shooting regular firearms for decades. I had a break barrel Benjamin 22cal rifle that shoots erratically. I have cleaned it and then looked up information on it and found it is a common problem. Thing is I would like something that groups well that I can dispatch squirrels, rabbits and racoons. I was drawn to the PCP's but my goodness the point of entry is steep! I do have SCUBA tanks (~5) but they are all out of Hydro and Vis. I have done alot of research and was looking at the Air Venturi Avenger and found some decent deals on that. However then you need a Pump at 250 bucks or a compressor YIKES! Now I am up to 800 bucks with scope, ammo, gun and pump. I just bought my son a 17HMR with a heavy target barrel and a Vortex optic for less. I have 6 acres with Dogs, Chickens, and horse. I live in the county and can shoot whatever I want on my property, I just struggle using even a rim fire. I am sure my neighbors won't appreciate that but my point is I am in that 17HMR less than an air rifle! I have to be missing something. I like the idea of a PCP rather than a rim fire but it is hard to justify to the practical side. Getting those SCUBA tanks hydro'd and vis'd will be expensive as well and my steel 120 does not have the regular adapter as it is a 3500psi cylinder. I am sorry for all the random thoughts but like I said I am open to suggestions. I really want these squirrels gone.
Buy yourself a XS25 from Mike Melnick at Flying Dragon Airguns. Have him tune the rifle. Save yourself a bunch of dollars and equipment costs of a PCP. He will sell you a good and accurate rifle that will suit your needs.

I'm sure I'll be getting the PCP crowds feathers ruffled by my suggestion.