Thinking about getting one.

[WacoJohn]

I know from little to nothing about airguns. Recently saw a youtube video of a .50 cal air rifle hog kill at about 50 or more yards. I think it was a very expensive weapon with some very expensive optics. I am pretty much sold on getting an air rifle.

I am an AK-47 fan. At 7.62 mm I am looking online at .357, .300(?) cal and thereabouts. Would like to "match" an AK-47 as far as performance ... caliber, velocity, range, etc (realizing even a 'close' match may be vastly different).

I don't expect a complete education in airguns, but would appreciate any tips afforded to a rank beginner. I am sure I am very naive, ... so please forgive that.



Thank you in advance for any wisdom .... as I have exactly none.

 

[Yarddog]

Were I you, I'd dial it back, and start with a good quality, simple to use break barrel, such as an RWS 34, or similar. But before I did that, I'd get deep into the World Wide Web and start researching what's what about the hobby. I'm pretty much a rank amateur myself, being as how I bought my first air gun, a pistol, less than a year ago. Things blossomed from there, using the technique I just described, and now, I feel fairly comfortable with the technology. Enough to know that I have no plans to venture into PCP's. I've derived the opinion that springers work best for me, from an aspect of challenge, and also because they are self contained. Learn how to shoot a springer well, and I can pretty much guarantee you that this will transition well into powder burners.

For me, air guns are air guns, and powder burners are powder burners. That means that I won't be taking any air rifle, no matter what the ballistics are, to a deer hunt. However, I have no problem taking a air rifle to kill a rat or squirrel in my back yard. But, that's just me, you may have other thoughts on the matter, and that's just fine.

Good luck. Take it slow and easy, sit back and observe the information that's out there, and always remember, that when you ask the question "what should I buy", that is the most slippery slope of all! If you go in with a $250 budget, and ask that question, you will end up buying a $600 or more TX200 or HW97...or better. For a first air rifle, probably not ideal... you need to determine if it's something that you want to continue with, and to decide what you really want. Some guys like break barrels, some guys like underlevers, and everybody has their own reasons, but lay back, relax, take your time, and remember...this can get really addictive!

 

[Shinyknight]

If big and powerful is what you want. Get the hammer 50 cal. It's a 50 cal airgun that have 700 ft lb. Will take down a hippo if needed to. It's $799. So not as expensive as fx guns which cheapest is like $1200 all the way to like $2300. Look up 50 cal hammer airgun on YouTube and you will see many videos on it 

 

[WacoJohn]

I would like to sincerely thank you both.. for your advice and time. I am an experienced 'powder burner' shooter ... I take that to mean 'traditional rifles, shotguns, and pistols" (PCPs?)

I totally agree ... pre-education is important and will take that advice with glee.

You have both given me the 'start' I was looking for. I will take all advice in kind.

 

[c_m_shooter]

I assume from your handle you're in Texas. We shoot field target the 4th saturday of every month at Arlington sportsman club and the 2nd Saturday switches between Dallas and Granbury. Come out to a match and someone will probably loan you a rifle to shoot and see what we do. The Texas airgun show is coming up in June also at Arlington. There will be plenty there to try out and you can see what the big bores from Air Force are all about.

 

[Removed]

Owning a Big Bore may be a commitment you need to look into as far as how to fill it. I don't know if there are any Airguns that could match the power that your looking for compared to a centerfire. For a budget Big Bore I would look at the .457 Texan made by Airforce. That rifle is available and has the power to dispatch hogs within reasonable ranges. You may look to find someone close to you that's willing to let you shoot a few of their PCP's just to get a feel for if it's for you. Best wishes

 

[trooper618]

I will add to the addiction part. A few years ago, there was no way I would ever pay 1500$ plus for an air rifle but now I own a couple of them. Lol. But the most inconvenient part of pcp’s is how to fill them. Once you have a great air source. Your good to go. 

 

[AirNGasman]

I'm on 40 acres about 20 miles west of Waco John, and am happy to educate you about airguns to whatever degree you like; but ONLY by phone conversation (because it's infinitely more efficient means of information exchange). Depending on how a conversation goes, we could meet here or at the local shooting range for you to try some airguns. Being retired, I'm available any day from noon till midnight.

Regards,

Ron (254-253-1239)

 

[WacoJohn]

WOW, .. all you gentlemen are terrific. Very kind and contributory. I will make EVERY effort to come to Arlington ... multiple times. I have accomplished making a start thanks to you all.

I am a retired Viet Nam vet (not retired from the Service but from old age. I turned 73 on April 25th). All the offers and advice is very appreciated.



I lived about a decade in Waco, but am now in Granbury ... about 40 mi southwest of Ft Worth. I have your number and will be contacting you for a pleasant conversation or two. THANK YOU, Mr. Ron.

I doubt any 'big bore' will 'match' an AK-47 center fire. I simply tried to explain what type of air rifle I am most interested in. Only thing I had for comparison. With all this advice and info ... I probably will not start out with a 'big bore'.

Thank you ALL, ... very much.