I've never shot or owned a PCP but I'm narrowing my field by reading threads on forums and watching a plethora of videos. I think I've finally come up with what I think is a complete list of criteria:
1. Not a single shot - I plan on using this for hunting/pesting and I want to follow up quickly if need be
2. .25 caliber - Admittedly overkill for most of what I'll be doing, squirrels, birds, etc but I do have some leads on coyotes and pigs and want to be able to tackle that if possible. (Ok, I've reconsidered and edited this to say that I will probably get a .22 as .25 is painting me in a tighter corner of availability and is also costlier, takes more air, etc.)
3. Adjustable power - Run it low for closer and smaller pests, run it higher for farther and bigger pests. I know I'll need to spend lots of time with the gun learning how those changes affect the scope.
4. Quiet - I want to use it in my backyard.
5. Ready out of the box - I am not a machinist or gun smith and beyond end user adjustments via a screw, etc. I am not looking for a 'project'.
6. Cheap - Perfectly prepared to purchase used to help save a bit because I know the gun is potentially only half the cost when it comes to PCP's and their support gear, so we're talking probably around $500-$700 just for the AG, maybe a scope too.
What my research has revealed to me thus far:
1. Synrods and Hatsans certainly meet criteria 1, 2 and 6 but require upgrades to just mange a regulated single shot power let alone multi power range.
2. Sumatra 2500 hits them all, I think, except 4. How much would an aftermarket LDC cost? Fairly easy install?
3. FX looks awesome but even on the used market is above my budget.
What am missing? Any suggestions? I'm more than willing to read.
1. Not a single shot - I plan on using this for hunting/pesting and I want to follow up quickly if need be
2. .25 caliber - Admittedly overkill for most of what I'll be doing, squirrels, birds, etc but I do have some leads on coyotes and pigs and want to be able to tackle that if possible. (Ok, I've reconsidered and edited this to say that I will probably get a .22 as .25 is painting me in a tighter corner of availability and is also costlier, takes more air, etc.)
3. Adjustable power - Run it low for closer and smaller pests, run it higher for farther and bigger pests. I know I'll need to spend lots of time with the gun learning how those changes affect the scope.
4. Quiet - I want to use it in my backyard.
5. Ready out of the box - I am not a machinist or gun smith and beyond end user adjustments via a screw, etc. I am not looking for a 'project'.
6. Cheap - Perfectly prepared to purchase used to help save a bit because I know the gun is potentially only half the cost when it comes to PCP's and their support gear, so we're talking probably around $500-$700 just for the AG, maybe a scope too.
What my research has revealed to me thus far:
1. Synrods and Hatsans certainly meet criteria 1, 2 and 6 but require upgrades to just mange a regulated single shot power let alone multi power range.
2. Sumatra 2500 hits them all, I think, except 4. How much would an aftermarket LDC cost? Fairly easy install?
3. FX looks awesome but even on the used market is above my budget.
What am missing? Any suggestions? I'm more than willing to read.
