To load it, break the barrel open, and load the pellet right into the breech face. Close the barrel, and it positively clicks shut. (feels like closing a good single shot rifle)
When the barrel is open, the spring is compressed and the safety is automatically popped out. (if one accidentally hit the trigger with the safety off while one's fingers were in the way, the barrel would snap shut and amputate a digit)
Raise the rifle, push in the safety knob, which is at the rear of the receiver, and get ready to fire. The trigger is probably 6 or 7 pounds, and has tons of creep. It is hard to know where it's going to break. There's an aftermarket trigger available to fix this issue. It is adjustable for overtravel and is more like 2 lbs. I've found the best technique is just to squeeze smoothly straight through, and try not to guess where it's going to fire.
When it fires, it jumps in the hands, but not straight back. Forward, then back. It is very easy on the shoulder, but very hard on scopes.
The included scope is a 3-9x32 AO, adjustable down to about 7 yards.
I paid $220 at Bass Pro. They go for $180 online. They have a "suppressor" version now, in case one wants it even quieter. It makes about as much noise as a bolt action 22LR with Subsonics.
There's a video and a very good eBook on the gun here:
http://www.archerairguns.com/Stoeger-Air-Rifles-s/45.htm
Someone suggested a Beeman R9. I hooked up with a guy locally who has one. They are indeed sweet. Much nicer trigger and a bit smoother overall than mine. But they cost $450 and don't include a scope. I'm hoping with a good trigger, I can make this one shoot nearly as well.
There are enthusiasts that spend thousands on an airgun. The creme de la creme are PCP (pre-charged pneumatics) which are charged to 3000 psi with a scuba tank. Then, they're good for 30 shots or so. They can also be pumped up with specialty pumps, but it takes a hell of a lot of effort. PCP guns don't recoil at all, so they are loads more accurate. The more popular springers like mine recoil forward before the pellet is moving, so good accuracy really takes practice. One has to hold the gun a certain way; loosely, to let it move around while it is firing.
Anyway, I highly recommend adding an air rifle or two to your collection if you don't have one yet.
We took our airguns to the rifle range last weekend, and were really getting some interest from the firearm guys. Kind of like single shot rifles, these make you really think about and appreciate each shot.
Last and least, there is some exercise to this, as it takes around 40 lbs. worth of force to cock the barrel.
