Rifle Recommendation Please

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Eli

Member
Apr 26, 2015
48
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Ohio
I’m fairly new to ”high end” PCP air rifles. However, I have done a lot of research on the different makes, models, calibers, etc. The only rifle I own and have shot is the Daystate Wolverine B Hi-Lite. I have the latest model Hill Pump and a 90 cu. ft. carbon fiber tank. I haven’t been shooting long (only had the rifle a few months). I’d have to say that I love the hobby and want to expand. 

I don’t have the luxury of being able to have 3, 4, 5 rifles and I don’t have a club close to handle and shoot other peoples’ rifles. But, I know some rifles are better suited for hunting, others better for benchrest, field target, etc.

My question is… what are some suggestions of rifles that you think are good ”all around” rifles? I want something that I shoot an amateur benchrest match on Monday and squirrel hunt on Tuesday. know there are many to choose from, but here is my criteria:
(1) I want it to be extremely accurate (most important)
(2) I’d like it to be super quiet (second most important)
(3) I’d like to be able to hunt medium game out to 50-65 yards and small game out to 100 yards.
(4) I’d like a shot count of at least 40ish
(5) I think I’d like it to be regulated
(6) I shoot left handed, so I need it to be somewhat ambidextrous. I shoulder rifles left handed, but work the bolt right handed. (I was told the Wildcat would work and the magazine location wasn’t going to be a problem.)
(7) I don’t want something 6’ long. I’d say approximately mid-40 inches overall max.
(8) I’m not opposed to custom rifles or adding custom parts (shrouds, LDC’s, etc.) to make a certain rifle meet (or come close) to meeting my criteria.
(9) I’m ok with a single shot or a magazine
(10) I’d like the rifle under 8 or 9 pounds 

Some of the rifles I’ve been looking at are:
- FX Gladiator .22 and .25 regulated (not sure about ergonomics of the rear bottle)
- Steyr LG 110 Hunting High Power .22 (concerned about loudness, will need shroud and not sure if high price is worth it)
- RAW 1000x .22, .25, .30
- FX Royale 400 .22 and 500 .25 regulated with carbon fiber bottle
- FX Wildcat .22 and .25
- FX Impact

I’m not opposed to any caliber recommendation. Most of the time I target shoot. I hunt occasionally. 
Thanks for your recommendations and comments. 

(Think of the question in other words… if you could only have one rifle that you shoot in a benchrest match and hunt with what would it be?)
 
Try looking at the Airforce Condor SS in .25 or .22:
http://www.airgundepot.com/airforce-condor-ss-spin-loc-25-caliber-air-rifle.html
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/AirForce_Condor_SS_PCP_Air_Rifle_Spin_Loc_Tank/3063

I think the only thing missing from your wishlist is the shot count, but you can swap out extra tanks to get it close. The tanks seem to be easy. The reviews I've read and watched make it pretty appealing. You can swap out the barrel pretty easily for something shorter or longer too. Changing the barrel removes the moderator though. 

The 40 shot count is going to be a tough spec to meet. Anything bigger than .22 isn't going to make that challenge, unless you dial the power WAY down, but then your 100yard requirement will be tough.
 
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The Hi-Lite is a superb rifle; beautiful stock; Walter Lothar barrel, etc. They don't come much better than this.
You are already in Rolls Royce territory.

You don't say if your Hi-Lite is a .177 or .22, but for hunting and bench rest a .25 seems like the way to go.
Definitely get a regulated rifle if accuracy is important. Hugget moderator will make noise go away.
If you can wait, the forthcoming FX Impact would be a good choice, as long as you don't mind the bull-pup
design. If you like Walnut stocks then FX Royale or RAW?
 
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"Regal_US"The Hi-Lite is a superb rifle; beautiful stock; Walter Lothar barrel, etc. They don't come much better than this.
You are already in Rolls Royce territory.

You don't say if your Hi-Lite is a .177 or .22, but for hunting and bench rest a .25 seems like the way to go.
Definitely get a regulated rifle if accuracy is important. Hugget moderator will make noise go away.
If you can wait, the forthcoming FX Impact would be a good choice, as long as you don't mind the bull-pup
design. If you like Walnut stocks then FX Royale or RAW?

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The Wolverine I have is a .22. 

I prefer synthetic stocks with a cheek riser, but that's low in the priority list. I can go with a walnut stock.

I like the idea of a bullpup, but it has to be left hand shoulder friendly (like how the Wildcats bolt handle is more forward vs. the Bobcats'). But, I like traditional rifles also.

I realize the Wolverine is very nice and is of excellent quality, but it's the only rifle I've owned and shot. Not sure the .22 is the way to go based on my criteria. Or maybe it is. That's why I need help from all the experienced people out there.
 
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"ztirffritz"Try looking at the Airforce Condor SS in .25 or .22:
http://www.airgundepot.com/airforce-condor-ss-spin-loc-25-caliber-air-rifle.html
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/AirForce_Condor_SS_PCP_Air_Rifle_Spin_Loc_Tank/3063

I think the only thing missing from your wishlist is the shot count, but you can swap out extra tanks to get it close. The tanks seem to be easy. The reviews I've read and watched make it pretty appealing. You can swap out the barrel pretty easily for something shorter or longer too. Changing the barrel removes the moderator though. 

The 40 shot count is going to be a tough spec to meet. Anything bigger than .22 isn't going to make that challenge, unless you dial the power WAY down, but then your 100yard requirement will be tough.
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Thanks for the recommendation. I realize I'll never meet all the items on my "wish list," I'm just hoping to meet most of them. I hate tradeoffs! 
 
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"Fbom8"Sounds like your describing the Fx wildcat .25 , check some of the other posts about it.I am very happy with mine, both benched and shooting off hand. Accurate, quiet, and powerful. Not to mention light and short enough to handle in the field with ease.
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I've definitely been considering the wildcat in .25. And looking hard at the Steyr 110 hunting high power .22 (for the accuracy). Seems like I'm on opposite ends of the spectrum. That's why I need help! Those rifles seem to be opposites. But, I can find strong points for them both. Most of the time I'll be honing in my skills (I need help there too) punching paper. I hunt occasionally.
 
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Eli "I shoulder rifles left handed, but work the bolt right handed".

Can you please describe how you are doing this. What rifle have you been able to run a bolt shouldered on the left with your right hand?
I see how this would work with a wildcat but I just can't make sense of this with a traditional bolt, unless you are taking it from the shoulder.

I am not trying to give you crap I am genuinely interested in this, as I shoot bow, and slingshot cattywampus, being right handed left eye dominant.

Sorry for derailing you're thread.
By the way BSA r10 mk2 is the do all, "one" pcp rifle I can up with after a great deal of searching, but I had a total budget I had to stay under, which as far as my wife knows I did shhh.

EDIT: wait what you have a daystate wolverine what are you talking about.. What more do you want?
 
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Hi Eli

talking a little about the Steyr LG 110 Hunter. Great gun for shooting every thing. The loudness is not that great, but definately not back yard silent. There are LDC for this gun. Shot count is awsome. Mine is around 70 - 80 shots per fill. I do have to add that this gun is super accurate. It did take me a small while before I figured out what head size pellet it prefers.

Oh, I have to add, if you decide to buy this rifle, you will not like the trigger on this gun . . . You will love it.

Biagio
 
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"SteveS."The only problem I see here guys is the medium game, to me, that's 40 lbs. and I don't feel like a 22 call has enough fpe to take game this size down humanly. Other then that, .25 cal seems like your fit. Again with your criteria, I myself would go for a bobcat in .30 cal. Then you can do every thing you asked for. Best Steve
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I'm not opposed to .30 cal. I love the energy and tolerance to wind, but worried it being too loud. I could install a custom shroud/LDC.

Regarding the Bobcat, I'm not sure it's lefty friendly due to the bolt location. That's why I've been looking at the Wildcat. The bolt on it is more forward.
 
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"PaulWI"Eli "I shoulder rifles left handed, but work the bolt right handed".

Can you please describe how you are doing this. What rifle have you been able to run a bolt shouldered on the left with your right hand?
I see how this would work with a wildcat but I just can't make sense of this with a traditional bolt, unless you are taking it from the shoulder.

EDIT: wait what you have a daystate wolverine what are you talking about.. What more do you want?
Click to expand...
"I shoulder rifles left handed, but work the bolt right handed"...

I thought most lefty's do this. I'm right handed and left eye dominate. I've been shooting since a very young age. I shoulder rifles left handed, left hand trigger finger, work the bolt/action with my right hand. Obviously, not a lot of rifles (or any gun really) are left hand friendly. I guess I've adapted and there's no going back. I tried moving the bolt to the left hand on the Wolverine to make it a true left handed rifle, but it's to different for me now.

wait what you have a daystate wolverine what are you talking about.. What more do you want?

I'm not saying the Wolverine .22 is bad. It's a very nice rifle. I'm just not sure it's what I'm looking for. But, maybe with my criteria it's as close as any rifle will be. I just don't know that, thus, I'm seeking guidance from experienced and knowledgeable air gunners such as yourselves. I was kind of persuaded into purchasing the Wolverine. I called AoA with the my mind set on a particular rifle only to find out it was a right hand only thumbhole stock. So, the Wolverine was recommended at the time and I thought "why not give it a try." 
 
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I am left handed and went through your same thinking before my purchase. At present there are only two real bullpup choices for me and that is the Wildcat or the Vulcan. I like the bolt (lever) on the right side. I have not ruled out competing in benchrest and at the time felt a rifle would be better suited. I chose the .22 Cricket carbine for all around use for me. That said ……... it appears that a .25 caliber may work better for bechrest.
I think it is difficult to have one gun do all things. Now that I am into the sport my thinking is a .22/.177 caliber rifle for plinking/general shooting, a .22/.25 caliber light bullpup for hunting, and a .25/.30 caliber rifle for benchrest. Choosing a rifle is the most frustrating fun thing to do. Enjoy the process and know there really is no bad choice. With this sport, you will most likely have more than 1 gun. Right now I am resisting the urge to purchase a .25 wildcat and a .25 RAW HM 1000. Still there are other guns that interest me. LOL. Again there is no right or wrong choice. Jump in the water's warm. It's alot of fun!!!!!!
Doc
 
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From what I am hearing a 25 cal. would be just the right move for you.

And why not a F/X Wildcat? Looks like it is made just for your use.

Now for the next question you have not asked "what scope'? I recommend Sightron BigSky SIIB 4-16x42. Weighing only 16.6 ounces, 12.9 inches long, 10 yard - infinity.

Scope mount not sure, check with how others are mounting.

And lastly JSB 25 cal pellets.
 
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"NMshooter"I am left handed and went through your same thinking before my purchase. At present there are only two real bullpup choices for me and that is the Wildcat or the Vulcan. I like the bolt (lever) on the right side. I have not ruled out competing in benchrest and at the time felt a rifle would be better suited. I chose the .22 Cricket carbine for all around use for me. That said ……... it appears that a .25 caliber may work better for bechrest.
I think it is difficult to have one gun do all things. Now that I am into the sport my thinking is a .22/.177 caliber rifle for plinking/general shooting, a .22/.25 caliber light bullpup for hunting, and a .25/.30 caliber rifle for benchrest. Choosing a rifle is the most frustrating fun thing to do. Enjoy the process and know there really is no bad choice. With this sport, you will most likely have more than 1 gun. Right now I am resisting the urge to purchase a .25 wildcat and a .25 RAW HM 1000. Still there are other guns that interest me. LOL. Again there is no right or wrong choice. Jump in the water's warm. It's alot of fun!!!!!!
Doc
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I really appreciate your response. I realize there isn't one rifle that's best for everything otherwise everyone would have it. Likewise, I realize that there isn't a higher powered rifle with laser beam accuracy that's also dead quiet (that's what I'm looking for LOL). You mentioned you're trying to resist the urge to purchase a .25 Wildcat and a .25 RAW HM1000 and those are on the top of my list, as well as, the Steyr LG110.

I really enjoy target shooting. And you can hunt with a target rifle, obviously, it's just not as comfortable. Mainly due to weight and length, I believe. So, I'm giving a very slight preference to a target oriented rifles over hunting rifles. I'm not saying you're disadvantaged at target shooting with something like a Wildcat, but the Wildcat's weight and length make it one of the top hunting rifles out, in my opinion.

I'm also leaning towards the .25 caliber. I believe, for what I want to do, it provides a good balance between power, loudness, and shot count. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But, that's not to say I won't end up with a .30 or .22.

If I could afford 3 or 4 of these rifles there wouldn't be a need for this discussion. I very much appreciate everyone's input. 
 
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"NMshooter"I am left handed and went through your same thinking before my purchase. At present there are only two real bullpup choices for me and that is the Wildcat or the Vulcan. I like the bolt (lever) on the right side. I have not ruled out competing in benchrest and at the time felt a rifle would be better suited. I chose the .22 Cricket carbine for all around use for me. That said ……... it appears that a .25 caliber may work better for bechrest.
I think it is difficult to have one gun do all things. Now that I am into the sport my thinking is a .22/.177 caliber rifle for plinking/general shooting, a .22/.25 caliber light bullpup for hunting, and a .25/.30 caliber rifle for benchrest. Choosing a rifle is the most frustrating fun thing to do. Enjoy the process and know there really is no bad choice. With this sport, you will most likely have more than 1 gun. Right now I am resisting the urge to purchase a .25 wildcat and a .25 RAW HM 1000. Still there are other guns that interest me. LOL. Again there is no right or wrong choice. Jump in the water's warm. It's alot of fun!!!!!!
Doc
Click to expand...
I really appreciate your response. I realize there isn't one rifle that's best for everything otherwise everyone would have it. Likewise, I realize that there isn't a higher powered rifle with laser beam accuracy that's also dead quiet (that's what I'm looking for LOL). You mentioned you're trying to resist the urge to purchase a .25 Wildcat and a .25 RAW HM1000 and those are on the top of my list, as well as, the Steyr LG110.

I really enjoy target shooting. And you can hunt with a target rifle, obviously, it's just not as comfortable. Mainly due to weight and length, I believe. So, I'm giving a very slight preference to target oriented rifles over hunting rifles. I'm not saying you're disadvantaged at target shooting with something like a Wildcat, but the Wildcat's weight and length make it one of the top hunting rifles out, in my opinion.

I'm also leaning towards the .25 caliber. I believe, for what I want to do, it provides a good balance between power, loudness, and shot count. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But, that's not to say I won't end up with a .30 or .22.

If I could afford 3 or 4 of these rifles there wouldn't be a need for this discussion. I very much appreciate everyone's input. 
 
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"17bullet"From what I am hearing a 25 cal. would be just the right move for you.

And why not a F/X Wildcat? Looks like it is made just for your use.

Now for the next question you have not asked "what scope'? I recommend Sightron BigSky SIIB 4-16x42. Weighing only 16.6 ounces, 12.9 inches long, 10 yard - infinity.

Scope mount not sure, check with how others are mounting.

And lastly JSB 25 cal pellets.
Click to expand...

The Wildcat is on the top few of my list. I really like the weight, length, shot count, synthetic stock, and simplicity. I'm a little worried about the magazine location with me being a lefty, but I guess I'll know within minutes if it's going to work or not. If I don't modify the rifle I can probably send it back or sell it.

Regarding the scope... that's for another discussion. I think there's enough going on with this discussion. I don't want to "muddy the water" anymore than it already is. But, I appreciate your Sightron scope recommendation and I'll definitely check it out.
 
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