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Jaxom · Senior Member

I see alot of postings about "how good is XXXXX" rifle. And since most folks on here have done a bit of research before hand, they usually have a good idea of what range to buy in.

I know this is going to sound a bit subjective depending on one's point of view. But let's face it, there are certain rifles/pistols that are pure down and out junk.

Now I came to this board because I'm in a very desperate situation as explained in the hunting forum. Even though this hasn't changed much, I can see where investing a few dollars into a better rifle then I already have (1077 untuned, no mods). My logic here is better rifle=more meat on the table. To do this I've got a half dozen ads running on Craigslist selling off extra stuff that I don't want, need, or can easily be replaced once I'm in a better position.

What I cannot afford to do is buy more "junk". And thats what I would like to know....What rifles to avoid like the plauge? I cannot say what price range I'm looking at, I don't really know. You never know what a potential buyer might be willing to trade, or what deals I might come across at garage sales, store sales and such.

Sidebar... I mentioned in the pistol forum that I'm sorta leaning towards a 2240. I actually do like the 2250, I just wish it had a removable, collapsable, or folding stock. Or at the very least the name of a vendor that sells one. I do have an idea about how to build one, just don't have a mill or lathe to make it with. (Perhaps I'm just better off buying the 2250 and forgetting about another rifle...unless it's a super-duper ultra fantastic deal!)

Thanks

Jax

thepaladin · Senior Member

I have a 2250 i put a pistol grip on, the grip from a 2240 will fit it. Mountain Air (http://www.mountainaircustomairguns.com/) sells already modded versions of these guns. (Be sure to get a co2 version and not a pcp if you don't want to get into buying the extra equipment).

If you want to go for game bigger than cotten tails (racoon, jack rabbits etc.) then you want to go with a springer (again if you can't get into the more expensive world of precharged guns). If you can I'd go with a better rifle. I only own one Gamo i really like and find reliable, it's their Stutzen and is one of their more expensive guns. You'll find Gamos everywhere, and they are fsirly inexpensive, but they can run hot and cold. Some here hate them, I'm just catious. I'd go with something else if you want to rely on it for a table gun. If you can find a used Webley from the era when they were made in England, grab it. RWS is usually a good gun as are Hammerli, and a few others. I have a Walther Falcon, mid range and veryu powerful, then there are the Beemans and a few others that also run hot and cold. Get advice on various models if you want to try one of them as they aren't all the same.

Hope this helps.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Look here: http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?t=1100

One thing to keep in mind, of course, is that obviously some people just get a crap gun- the "one in a hundred" factor.

So- when you narrow things down, post up your list of potential choices to get some feedback.

Jaxom · Senior Member

Paladin,

If I get the 2250 with the carbine stock and then add in a 14" or 18" barrel, I won't be able to stuff this in my back pack. I like the idea of having a shoulder stock to help steady a shot. That's about the only reason I'm think of the 2250. Of course I'm talking about the bulked version that uses the 88oz C02 cyclinder. I cannot see doing all the mods/tunes to this pistol if I don't go bulked. It'd be like decking out a Ferrari, and sticking a Yogo engine in it. So getting a the bulk version of the boss valve would be first mod I'll be doing, then barrrel, then breach.

Eric,

I read that other thread, and made note of those "bad" guns. I'd also have to add my piece of junk 1008. I can't agree with the comments about the 1077, I know it's not the greatest, but I have taken two squirrels with it now. Like I said before, this is somewhat of a subjective issue. Case in point, I needed a new tv five years ago. HD's were already dropping in price, so I got a 27" zenith on sale from circut city. The first one delivered had a tube issue, wouldn't display a whole picture. This second one (now out of warrenty) has a greenish tone to every picture and has stripes going across the screen occationally. Could I have gotten part of a bad batch...of course. Same can be said about air guns.

My only problem with leaving a list is I have do wheel and deal on the fly here. Especially when bardering off Craigslist. I might actually blow a good deal if I have to ask here first amd wait for a reply if a particular gun is worth the trade. This is why I love those small 50 cent note pads. I buy them in bulk. I now have one that's strickly for airguns and have that written across the top. So I can enter a list of bad and good weapons in them and carry that along with me when I go about my dealings.

Speaking of which, while at sports authority today, I noticed they have a gamo on sale. Some have said these are mixed quality and that the ones made in Spain are the best of the bunk no matter which modle you choose. Is there anyway I can tell from the box if it was from spain rather then the phillipines or turkey?

AirGunEric · Site Admin

After thinking about this, perhaps the simplest, easiest to remember guidelines for avoiding crap is:

Anything made by "Marksman"- do not buy.
Any Beeman product costing less than $300.00- do not buy.
Any Chinese-Branded product- do not buy.
Any Gamo product- do not buy.
Do not buy any pistols if hunting is your plan.
Stick with .22 caliber guns for hunting.

Sticking with these guidelines should hopefully keep any potential purchase to a minimum of risk.

I am not suggesting that every guideline listed is completely accurate- but for the sake of broad, sweeping guidelines- they are accurate enough.

Jaxom · Senior Member

Thanks Eric, I'll jot that down in my note book. Just one other question though, would you say there could be an astrict by the pistol comment if it's one of the 22xx series that have been modified. Since it seems alot of folks have had success in the hunting forum?

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I don't understand your term "astrict"?

You said you wanted to keep this as simple as possible as you likely wouldn't have the time to wait for a specific answer on a specific gun if one were to almost fall in your lap.

Now- throw in some customized version of something and we have overly complicated the argument again- some customized pistols/carbines may be wonderful- some may not, but this may be more dependent on who did what customizing more than on the "base" gun itself. To keep it simple- if it's a pistol- or if anyone has had it apart for "customizing"- walk away as it could very well be another item you will be forced to spend money on in order for it to suit your needs.

Can't really have a "simple, but..." set of rules, or you're back where you started- having to ask about each and every gun before deciding on a purchase.

Slavia · Moderator

I can think of some exceptions myself, but it doesn't matter. As a general tool Eric's list is sound.

23ib0d0n · Moderator

Jaxom · Senior Member

You're right Eric, that was a stupid comment on my part! Sad/Cry

2RCHA · Veteran Member

I take exception to the post stating "Stay away from Chinese gun's", Maybe this statement was true 25-30 yrs ago, but it certainly isn't the case nowaday's, I would put my XS-B4-2A .177 up against any other field target sporter out there,, and Do Well. There are alot of choice's in this world for airgun's, and the choice's Do not limit themselves to England, and Germany. Cheer's, Andy.

swl · Member

Eric
I take exception to do not buy anything made by Gamo I have only good things to say with my experience of 'made in Spain" Gamo rifles.
Regrds.
swl

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I think some people are missing the point: Jaxom wanted an "easy" way to determine if he should buy a product if some sort of deal were to fall in his lap and he had no time or ability to get online to investigate or ask questions.

Jaxom · Senior Member

Then I go and compound the issue with my rather dumb comment about modifable guns.

I'm just curious, does anyone publish a "black book" rating of air rifles, simlar to like they have out for cars, stamps, coins, matchbox cars, ect, ect?

Last time I was at my local gun shop, I did notice a book on air guns. Casually flipped through it, not sure I'm willing to pay $30 for a book that rates my Crosman 1088 as being "nice". While the book did have a good reference section with ballistic tables and what all for a few diffeerent rifles/pistols, over all I didn't think this particular book was worth the investment.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

You were probably looking at the "Blue Book of Airguns" which really isn't a book with "reviews" in it. Robert Beeman puts it together, and as such it often appears as though it is skewed a bit on "values" to what he personally likes or dislikes- although no actual reviews of specific guns are offered. It is basically an information source and a very very basic pricing guide on used guns. Frankly- the older the gun, the more in-tune with the real market the prices seem to be.