Air Gun Home :: View topic - Opinion of the best buy for a first PCP rifle

Redster · Member

I'm saving up to buy my first PCP rifle. I like the FX Typhoon and I really like the AirForce Talon SS. What is everybody's opinion about the best choice between these two, or another rifle entirely?

I'm trying to keep the price around $600 for a base price (not including pump, scope, etc.)

Redster

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I like the idea the Talon is made in America (the FX is from Sweden I believe)- and it's got very efficient design features- i.e. like the tank is also the butt of the gun, the barrel can be swapped out, built-in "suppressor" and it has that output-power adjustment knob (nice feature I'd say). Cosmetically it wouldn't be my first choice- but that's just personal taste.

Pic:

The Typhoon is a much "cleaner" looking gun (and I understand it is available with a walnut stock too)- so it wins in the cosmetics department for me, it also has a built-in silencer/suppressor- but that seems to be the end of its "features". I understand it is dang accurate- but have never tried one myself.

Pic: (gotten from FX itself- not the greatest, but I adjusted it a bit)

So- I guess for me it would come down to features vs. looks/appearance- obviously the Talon wins on features (bells and whistles) but I prefer the appearance of the Typhoon. I don't have pricing handy- but if one is significantly cheaper than the other, that might have some influence on a decision. Of course, picking both up and testing them would be the ultimate determining factor- but unless you know some people with one or both, that may not be possible- I don't have access to either- so I can't tell you what they "feel" like.

Redster · Member

The Talon SS standard is $474.95 US*
The Typhoon Synthetic is $655.00 US*
The Typhoon Wood is $765.00 US*

The Typhoon Synthetic is within my price range, the Typhoon Wood is a little bit outside it.

I agree with you about the aesthetics of a wood stock though. Of course, if I was going to indulge my lust for a sexy wood stock, here's what it would be:

This is the Prairie Falcon, $1,195.00 US*
That skeleton wood stock is something else.

* All prices from Airguns of Arizona.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Wow- nearly a 50% price difference between the Talon and synthetic Typhoon. I believe a 'bare' Talon is about $450 from Pyramydair- so maybe your local guy could price-match, dropping it a few more bucks- then you'd have $200 to "accessorize" it- i.e. scope, bipod, etc. Unless the Typhoon already comes with those?

The more I think about it- except for its appearance, I like that Talon- the adjustable output is neat- dial it to conditions to save on air (less pumping with a hand pump the better) and it has an optional extra air tank (not cheap though)- maybe it can be field-swapped so you there's always a ready-to-go spare in your pocket (I don't know for sure).

Redster · Member

No, the Typhoon price is for the gun only, no accessories.

You are reading my mind about bargaining with Airguns of Arizona so I can get a scope, bipod and extra tank. That spare tank works as you described, it can be swapped out in the field for extra shooting time.

The barrel of the AirForce guns can even be swapped out! So you can go from a .22 caliber to a .177 caliber in about 10 minutes. Talk about versatility. I like the Talon SS more and more.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I knew about the swappable barrel- and it's a real neat feature- but I wonder how often someone really swaps between a .177 and a .22? Either way- having the choice is nice. Can it be ordered with either barrel to start? Maybe you can get a smooth-bore barrel and a loader to use with BBs too? Mr. Green

And yes- being able to swap a full air tank in for an empty one while in use is a real bonus.

Now I'm starting to think about that... Hmmm Sign

Redster · Member

Yes, you can choose either .22 or .177 to start, and just add the barrel for the other caliber later.

BBs through a $600 gun? Puke

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Redster · Member

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Beer and paper cups- that's just nasty.

I bought a PlayBoy once for the "articles"- I think it was something about "How to get into your dreamgirl's pants" or somesuch. I also seem to recall it didn't work. Wink

I don't have a sister- so I can't relate- but it doesn't sound good either way.

Redster · Member

Anyway, back to topic, I'll let you know when the "fun fund" gets to the point where I can buy the PCP ... stay tuned.

Redster · Member

AirGunEric:

I have been following a discussion over on the Talon Owners Group about AirForce ending their discount for the TOG.

Seems like it has created a lot of bad blood between Talon owners and the company. Have you seen this and what do you think?

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Honestly, I try to avoid too many "single model" (of gun) sites- especially if I don't own one of that model.

That being said, I went over there (and was apparently the next guy to register after you did- couldn't view anything without registering) and looked over the issue in question.

From what I understand of the situation, "Maverick" was acting as a reseller of the AirForce products and had some sort of shipping/distribution deal where PyramydAir would do the actual shipping of the product. Apparently he was only reselling to the TOG members and did not advertise or try to flog the goods anywhere else. So- he had a price 15% less than pretty much everyone else out there which left him some sort of markup for his troubles- but never actually had to touch the product. Sounds like a pretty good business deal for him- if my understanding of it was correct: He basically accumulated orders from the forum member's, collected the money, then placed the order through PyramydAir who shipped the stuff to the end-user (customer). So- for shuffling some paper- he made a few bucks, the customers got a better deal than they would find anywhere else- and everyone was happy- except of course the other AF resellers.

So, out comes the "minimum pricing level" agreement and they yank his status. Straight from this "agreement" which is not actually an agreement, but a "rule" they hang on the wall- "Any retailer selling AirForce products is free to establish and advertise its own resale prices. However, without assuming any liability, it is the policy of AirForce not to sell to, or to authorize or approve a retailer as a AirForce outlet, if the retailer advertises, promotes, or offers to sell any AirForce products below the price stipulated on the then-current AirForce Minimum Advertised Retail Price List or equivalent."

Sounds kinda contradictory- "you can charge whatever you like, as long as the price is a minimum of x." But whatever- companies have all sorts of screwy policies/documents/"rules" to ultimately separate the customer/end-user from as much money as possible. Lest we forget, the objective of any corporate enterprise is to extract as much money/profit from customers as is possible.

All that being said- AF can do whatever it likes- it's a private enterprise not a government institution- BUT- why PO a pile of owners/potential owners by yanking around their trusted supplier, associate, and maybe friend? There were other ways of keeping everyone happy.

Many websites/forums dedicated to a specific application- for example a certain model of classic car or the like, negotiate a deal with a manufacturer or vendor of a product that they will advertise their product on the website, if the people that come to them and purchase this product get a discount of "x" and/or for every order that is fed to them from this site, the site owner receives some sort of commission. Another alternative is the "group purchase" where someone negotiates with a company that if they can accumulate a specific number of buyers to purchase a specific product- everyone will pay a discounted price of 'x'. However, in both of these scenarios- the person negotiating the deal/running the website makes less (or maybe even nothing, zero, nada) than if they were able to mark up the product to whatever level they like, input orders, but never have to get dirty by laying hands on the product.

So- I think we have a situation that involves a lack of business acumen on both parts here- the reseller in the situation for ignoring warnings that he would be cut off unless he "falls into line" with some new policy and not trying to negotiate an altered deal- and the company (AirForce) for not offering another alternative to the owner's group for discounted pricing so as to not upset people and maintain a friendly overall feeling about their company and their business method. Obviously, AirForce and this Maverick either aren't too familiar with business negotiations, or both get a bit too "hot" too easily leading to rash decisions/statements. This comment is not intended as some sort of slight, or insult, but is very common in the word of "business"- it's sometimes surprising how fast people react/judge each other without thinking things through and determining a better way of doing things before opening their mouth. Sadly, too often when this happens- it's too late to "take it back" and start over because "business" is a place for men- not mice- MEN dammit! And therefore once the words are out- they must be stuck to in order to not appear weak or unsure of one's actions or decisions.

What does this mean for a potential AF Talon buyer? Probably nothing- although I personally would investigate the quality of service after the purchase by speaking with other owners who had problems with an AF product. A company that hits a guy (who's apparently sold hundreds of their guns) hard over the head with the very real possibility of offending his 2000 online associates wasn't thinking too hard- so I might wonder if this general attitude bleeds into other areas where it only counts after you've made the purchase- support and service.

Sorry for the Novella here- but you asked my opinion- never could give a short answer on a complicated subject. Blah Blah

Redster · Member

Thanks for the all the good info, AGE. You pretty much mirror my feelings on it.

I have no problem with your Big Wind either. Laughing

It is that kind of detailed, objective opinion which a lot of sites --- airgun and otherwise --- are sorely lacking and so do their readers and members a big disservice. It'll keep me coming back here! Yes Nod

Mickey Rat · New Member

My first PNP is sitting in the living room right now, I am about to try pumping it up for the first time.

I looked at a lot of PMP's on line before making my decision. My requirements were: MULT-SHOT, adjustable power 22, preferably a lever action. I wanted to be able to use standard weight 22 pellets @ 800 fps and get a LOT of shots. I plan to use it for squirrel hunting.

A blog I read finally made my mind up. I was down to the Career 707 and the Sumatra 2500. I went with the Sumatra for the revolver cylinder instead of a tube. The tube limits the pellet length and type (no pointed). The revolver allows ANY pellet length and shape.

When I recieved it, it had a fair charge on it, about 2 (2000 psi I think). I loaded it with Crosman pointed pellets , turned the power down to low, and fired it into a 2x12. WOW! Out of sight (literally)! I then turned it down to minimum, and it richocheted off. Advertised minimum is 200 fps. I then BARELY adjusted it up to where it penetrates 1/2 inch plywood. I am good to go. I haven't checked speed with my Chrony yet, but power is JUST WHAT I WANTED! I still have 1 1/2 turns of power left. I haven't even gotten up to LOW yet. Low power is listed as 1180fps with a Crossman and 930 with a 30 grain pellet. I don't want a heavy pellet, or a fast heavy pellet. I bought the gun to shoot squirrels in town where limited range is the best.

I still have to get a scuba tank, but I am really pleased. I am sure that accuracy will be OK.