I'm thinking my next rifle will be an air rifle.

Just browsed Pyramyd air for a while, there's a great deal on the Diana 350 Feuerkraft. If you want the most powerful, you might want to check it out ;)

EDIT: I'll ad this disclaimer because I forgot it's not common knowledge for non-airgunners. Shooting this high above the sound barrier *MAY* make lighter pellets keyhole. With heavier ones (like the H&N Silverpoint) I haven't found any issues. If you want to shoot light munition too (like wadcutters for target matches), a lower velocity (max 1000 fps) air rifle might be advisable.
 
Easy ... Airforce Condor PCP, with .177, .20 and .22 barrels. I have owned this rifle, including the Talon, POWERFUL, and they have surgical accuracy.

I admitedly have not read the entire thread, and apologize, but Airforce is EXTREME. : )
 
ADDENDUM

:DIf PCP's (pre-charged pneumatic) aren't your thing, any of the higher end RWS rifles are most excellent, even the entry level RWS Panther, in .22 is a quality gun, a lot more bang for buck.

I use a .22 trap under my desk, with some denim hanging as a curtain behind the target, it really stops potential ricochet (still need eye protection). Seriously, even the RWS Panther will "stack" pellets, no fear of missing your mark, and great for rainy days!

I do not care for the Chinese (Tech Force?) models. You do not want to wear your air-gun.

In my humble opinion, air guns are the best marksmanship training tools available. They worked out well for the Germans!

I would recommend the PCP option, a little more expensive, but the PCP rifles on the market are insane, and will keep you highly entertained.
 
Straightshooter: what gear other than the rifle itself would I need for PCP? I'm concerned about the bulk and expense of SCUBA gear and getting it charged. To me, there's no point in airgunning if it is not cheaper and more convenient than firearms.


-Jeremy
Sent from my iPod
 
PCP/Scuba tank

The PCP's are really where it's at, and worth exploring. The scuba tank is about 275.00 300.00, the tank adapter either comes with some guns or can be purchased at a reasonable price. It only costs a few bucks to charge the tank, and you get many air-gun "re-charges".

This is still less labor intensive than gun cleaning! With air-guns, maintenance is minimal. Wipe the sweat off when your done, lubrication is light and infrequent. Scuba tank gets inspected every few years at your local dive shop or paint ball store.

I would recommend the Airforce "Condor".:D

Otherwise, almost anything RWS is worthy. Watch the Beemans, they are making several models is Turkey, not US.
 
Bullethole ... how much would you pay to shoot all day long in your living room, with no-one the wiser? I wouldn't spend "thousands", but have and will spend 1,000.00 - 1,400.00 for the right set up.

:D
 
One last thing ...

With all spring air-guns, it is not advisable to leave cocked (at the ready) for extended periods of time, this can cause unnecessary spring wear. The design is break open (cock), load pellet, close shoot. The nitro-piston folks claim that rifles can stay cocked for longer periods of time, but not indefinitely.

With Airforce and other PCP air-gun makers, they recommend keeping the system charged. Unlike spring and C02 options, you are encouraged to maintain a charged cylinder. Which is a very cool "in the field" option.

I forgot to add this in other post, my Airforce guns would shoot 30+ pellets with ease. You also (as stated above) adjust velocities. All very cool stuff.

I live near the Coast, so Dive shops are a dime a dozen. If you have one reasonably close to you, it sure makes a good thing better. And, like I said, a few bucks to charge it, takes less than five minutes.

The foot pump is always an option. It's a good cardiovascular workout! If you don't like to pump something 10 times to shoot it, your not going to like 30-40, LOL.

I hope that helps. I understand that budget and near by Dive shops or paint ball stores are deciding factors.

You can buy a compressor that will do 3000 - 4000 psi. (big bucks).

That's it, I am shutting my opinionated pie hole. :eek:

Peace,

JD
:cool:
 
The AirForce I believe now comes standard with a CO2 adapter to use the same tanks as paint ball.

I had the Talon SS in CO2.
 
straightshooter, I sure wouldn't mind 30-40 pumps for 30 shots! With a pump pneumatic, it is 10 pumps per shot.

Also, the price of $655 is not out of line when one considers that a nice spring gun costs $600. It is just the price of tanks and re-filling tanks that is the downer. (I'm not near the coast, unless you count Lake Michigan, and we don't do much scuba diving here)

Also: 1450 fps!!?? Wow. Subtract 100-200 fps to bring it down to reality, and it is still pretty good. The flash suppressor, however, is the dumbest thing I've ever seen on a PCP airgun. Trying to look like a 50 BMG rifle, apparently.

bullethole1: If you can't imagine paying thousands for an airgun, search YouTube for "edgun" and go to his channel. (EdgunUSA) and look through some of his hunting videos. AMAZING accuracy inside 100 yards. As good as a match grade 22LR rifle.
 
Smaug ... You might have divers/diving supplies there, those lakes are scary big, with ship wrecks to dive on. I would check your local "yellow pages/phone-book". You likely have a store or two. It's just so much more easy to "fill up at the pump", the hand pump does in fact work however. it's literally a few dollars to fill the tank. i imagine if you do have a shop near by, they might have a used tank that is much less expensive. The Airforce also have extra cylinders (cylinder is butt-stock) for quick in the field re-charges. The ability to dial in velocities is sweet for many things, one is prolonging tank use, dial down noise indoors, etc.

I posted the wrong link, then posted correct one. I like the standard Condor. Yes, that flash suppressor is ridiculous (I do like the threaded barrel option though).

Good luck in your travels. I love shooting, so I shoot everything that will shoot, but that air-gun bug bit me good a few years ago!!! Watch out!!!

Peace,

JD
:cool:
 
I do not agree with you on Chinese airguns Straightshooter. Yes they won't be as powerful and accurate as a Diana, but recently I went to visit a budy of mine, who had a rusty old Chinese air rifle, that had been lying in someone's garden for over 30 years. It was literally covered with rust, the front sight was loose (I had to press it to the left before each shot) and the trigger required what felt like 30 lbs to go off, but IT WORKED! And it was accurate! After having been trough all abuse I couldn't even imagine doing to my baseball bat, it worked. They are built like a tank, not very refined, but they will work, and are totally worth it. I later identified the rifle as a Norinco B1, and have ordered a Norinco B2 with scope for €24 including a scope. I'm not expecting much, but I just wanted one after seeing how they last for ages.

EDIT: I have to add something. Straightshooter already made the great point you shouldn't leave an airgun cocked. Well, I'm gonna add that you shouldn't dry fire it either. Spring guns need the raise in air pressure to buffer the piston from slamming into the breech. Without pellet there is no buffer, so piston parts may break.
 
Gamo makes a .22 (1300fps) called "Gamo Hunter Extreme" . It costs somewhere from $450 to $500 but I heard Gamo airguns are not a good choice of airgun to buy and some claim they are junk from the people at "airgun home" I highly doubt that. I wouldnt spend that much on an airgun though but thats just me:cool:
 
Wow!!! There are actually people on this earth that would spend thousands on an airgun???!!

Look at it like this, I have a Korth, a Swiss Hämmerli, several Anschütz 54 sporters, Walther KKJ, thousands of Dollars in reloading plus casting equipment, drive a BMW.

What else shall I do to enjoy the fruits of my labour???

And then there is the time factor; I have several airgun traps and my 10m in-house range where I can just squeeze off a few and be done in ten minutes.

Oh, by the way - not a long cleaning time necessary, either.
 
pcp

With the PCP airguns, what all is required? For instance, is a SCUBA tank absolutely required, or is a hand pump actually feasible? Seems like it would be a hassle to have a SCUBA tank around the house and take it to get charged all the time. I'm trying not to get into any more hobbies that need a lot of support equipment.

No, you do not need a scuba tank. You can get by with a three stage pump but it is a lot of work. The "three stage" thing is necessary. You need a pump capable of pumping to 3000psi/200BAR. It is definitely not like pumping up a tire - much harder. Takes about 10-15 minutes. The pumps are expensive at about $240.
Scuba tanks - can be had for less than $200. Used tanks still in certification can bed had for even less on Ebay. Refills are cheap and a tank will last for quite a while.
Pete
 
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I thought break-barrel was top-of-the-line, but in fact, PCPs are, and they are not cheap.

If PCPs look attractive, maybe consider a single stroke pneumatic. No external gear needed, but like PCPs, they create and hold an air charge when cocked, so they are quieter than break-barrel guns.

Break-barrel guns can be terrific pieces, though, and superbly accurate. My Beeman R7 is very accurate and a joy to shoot, and I can wholly recommend one...unless you happen to stumble on a used a Weihrauch HW55. I was lucky enough to find one at my LGS. It's said to be one of the best break-barrels made, and I now believe it.

HW55:
HW55-1.jpg


Factory target - I'm told that's 10 rounds. :eek:
HW55Factorytarget.jpg


My target, unsupported, 5 rounds, 10 meters:
HW55Target.jpg
 
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