Opinions needed: New BB/Pellet rifle [Archive]

mmadden28

11-09-2009, 09:16 AM

I'm looking to buy a new BB/Pellet rifle (strictly for target practice-not hunting).

I prefer higher power/speed and accuracy with the ability to add a scope. Single pump (or at the most 2-3 pumps) for full power. Standard .177 cal BB/pellets.

Long ago I had a Crossman Air17 single pump that resembled an M16 (like this (http://forums.handloads.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7778&PN=1)). It was pretty accurate too for not having a scope I was able to pick off a bottle cap at about 100' (or something-I never measured it). I do miss that thing-I can't remember what ever happened to it.

Any suggestions? Brands to avoid? Places to purchase? (Dick's seems overpriced). I'm not trying to break the bank here-just trying to satisfy an old pasttime.

Sherardp

11-09-2009, 09:29 AM

Why not a nice 22 cal rifle. Cheap ammo to boot

kawizx9r

11-09-2009, 09:32 AM

why not a nice 22 cal rifle. Cheap ammo to boot

^^^ +1

NJPOLKER

11-09-2009, 10:10 AM

You can use CB rounds in the 22 if you get a good bolt action or single shot.

billbillw

11-09-2009, 10:12 AM

Unless you go with a spring/air rifle, you will typically have to pump 8-10 times to get 'high velocity' (800+fps). Springers are only one cock and achieve full velocity from that cock, but the problem with spring air rifles is accuracy. They require careful holding technique and careful matching of ammo. Some people are never able to achieve good accuracy with them. You might consider a CO2 or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). They are powerful and accurate. PCP rifles require you to pump (or charge from a scuba tank) an air chamber to high pressure (2k-3k psi) and then you can get many shots before recharging. Crossman makes one called the Benjamin Discovery that is about the most affordable one out there. They sell it with a hand pump. That Discovery model is unique in the fact that it can also be run from a CO2 charge.

Most of the single pump air rifles are for target shooting and are pretty low velocity (<500fps). Daisy makes some very accurate single pumps under the Avanti name, but they are pricey. They also sell one (953) under the Daisy name that more affordable, but not as accurate.

BIZILL

11-09-2009, 11:21 AM

I read nothing but good on the GAMO break barrels. check into them. i believe some are even silenced. otherwise these can be as loud as a 22lr.

http://www.gamousa.com/product.aspx?product=Whisper&productID=234

Disc Jockey

11-09-2009, 11:41 AM

I own one of the Gamo break barrels and love it. 1000fps, not too loud, and highly accurate with RWS pellets.

steveinaz

11-09-2009, 12:22 PM

RWS 34. I love mine, super accurate break-open barrel. It will accept tip-off scope rings, but the iron sights are very, very nice, micro-click adjustable for windage/elevation. It is a "pellet only" gun, single pump, 1000fps. At 15yds I can cover my groups with a DIME, and that's with open sights.

Do not dry-fire this type of pump gun. Also do not leave it cocked for extended periods of time.

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/rws-34-air-rifle.shtml

mmadden28

11-09-2009, 12:48 PM

Why not a nice 22 cal rifle. Cheap ammo to boot

^^^ +1

Can't shoot firearms in the township limits. This is for shooting in my backyard (over an acre) so I have to keep it real (and not sound like a gun firing either)

I did see some 22 cal pellets though-I didn't know they made them larger than the .177.

You can use CB rounds in the 22 if you get a good bolt action or single shot.

What's a CB round?

mmadden28

11-09-2009, 01:17 PM

Unless you go with a spring/air rifle, you will typically have to pump 8-10 times to get 'high velocity' (800+fps). Springers are only one cock and achieve full velocity from that cock, but the problem with spring air rifles is accuracy. They require careful holding technique and careful matching of ammo. Some people are never able to achieve good accuracy with them. You might consider a CO2 or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). They are powerful and accurate. PCP rifles require you to pump (or charge from a scuba tank) an air chamber to high pressure (2k-3k psi) and then you can get many shots before recharging. Crossman makes one called the Benjamin Discovery that is about the most affordable one out there. They sell it with a hand pump. That Discovery model is unique in the fact that it can also be run from a CO2 charge.

Most of the single pump air rifles are for target shooting and are pretty low velocity (<500fps). Daisy makes some very accurate single pumps under the Avanti name, but they are pricey. They also sell one (953) under the Daisy name that more affordable, but not as accurate.

Hmm, PCP--I didn't even know that was an option. I owned a CO2 handgun back in the day but I hated it mainly because it sucked in the winter when the air pressure was greatly diminished-so in my head I ruled CO2 out altogether. I never knew they did this PCP thing-so kind of like Paintball but with different ammo. That sounds cool--I'm looking into that.
I never would have thought a hand pump and a gun would go together--interesting. Sounds liek a PITA. How many shots would you get with a hand pump gun or a PCP before refilling??

As far as break barrel accuracy goes, I just saw this (http://www.crosman.com/airguns/rifles/break-barrel)on Crosman's site where they use Nitrogen instead of a spring for better accuracy and less noise--up to 1000fps with .22 and 1200fps with .177. Sounds intriguing.

tonyb

11-09-2009, 01:43 PM

Don't bother....you'll shoot your eye out.

F1nut

11-09-2009, 02:16 PM

Ya'll need to review the rules.

Forum Rules
1) Stick to the topic of the forum. This way information is easily categorized to make it easy for new members to access. Threads or posts that do not contain relevant information will be removed.

2) The discussion of politics and religion is not allowed on this forum.

3) Pornography and violent images or discussions are not allowed on this forum. This includes posts about weapons or explosives.

billbillw

11-09-2009, 04:48 PM

Ya'll need to review the rules.

That's a stretch. An air rifle for target use? Common...

Well, if this is going to get locked, let me say this:
mmadden28, www.pyramidair.com has everything you need from reviews to equipment. You can also find a lot of useful info at www.gatewaytoairguns.com (GTA forums) and also www.airgunweb.com

PM if you have any questions. I really got into airguns last year and tried out several breakbarrel and pnematic rifles before settling on a pair of .22 cal rifles. One pnematic, one springer.

mmadden28

11-09-2009, 04:54 PM

Don't bother....you'll shoot your eye out.

Hehe

oh man the stories I have of playing (without regard for safety) with these things as a kid...
To this day, I still have a BB in my hand--Makes a good story esp when educating my boys on safety. You can feel it too and whenever I let somebody they freak out :D

mmadden28

11-09-2009, 05:08 PM

I didn't consider a BB gun a weapon, esp for its intended use, considering you really only have to be 10 years old to use one (and the cub scouts allow even 6 year old entry level Tiger Cubs to shoot them). I consider it a sport.

Anything can be considered a weapon-remember what was (or still is) banned by the TSA from taking on a plane???? Aren't speakers used as weapons against insurgents, playing Barney and what not? Hmmm. :p:rolleyes:

Things that you have to have a license for? That's a different story, but if its perceived as a weapon, then I'll cease the topic of discussion.

In any case, thanks so far to all for the the info, suggestions and links--its got me on the right track. Thanks for the offer there billbillw, I'll PM you with any questions I have as I progress in my research.

obieone

11-09-2009, 05:43 PM

steveinaz

11-09-2009, 06:55 PM

How firearms get lumped in with "Porn and Violent images" I have no idea. A pellet rifle is neither a weapon or a firearm.

tonyb

11-09-2009, 07:29 PM

One vote here for just the porn....ya with me?

Cpyder

11-09-2009, 07:38 PM

Here's your solution: Buy a Ruger 10/22 for $180 bucks. Fill up a small pop bottle with loose cotton, duct tape it to the end of the barrel. Buy some subsonic ammunition and let the fun begin.

Disclaimer - My plan may include a felony or two.

superjunior

11-09-2009, 08:25 PM

here's what I got, the rws diana 350 magnum - shoots 22 cal pellets at 1250 fps. single cock spring action. 1 bad ass rifle, it has the feel and accuracy of any fine made high power rifle - love mine
http://www.pyramydair.com/p/rws-350-magnum-air-rifle.shtml

billbillw

11-09-2009, 11:06 PM

here's what I got, the rws diana 350 magnum - shoots 22 cal pellets at 1250 fps. single cock spring action. 1 bad ass rifle, it has the feel and accuracy of any fine made high power rifle - love mine
http://www.pyramydair.com/p/rws-350-magnum-air-rifle.shtml

Nice rifle, but your lucky if you are even hitting 900fps with a standard weight .22 cal pellet. That 1250 is for lightweight .177 pellets. That's not a bad thing because air rifles get much less accurate as the pellet speeds approach the sound barrier (~1125fps). 800-900fps is the best for accuracy. My tuned B26 shoots JSB Diablo Exacts at around 825fps and its devastatingly accurate.

The only air rifles that are shooting .22cal pellets at 1250fps are the high end PCP rifles like the AirForce Condor.