Air Gun Home :: View topic - Noob seeking advice

southpaw · Member

Hi there,

Been browsing the forum a bit - nice place you have here. It's been a while since I've shot an AG, but I'm familiar with firearms, safety, and have shot AGs in the past, but nothing fancy, just some Wal-Mart variety .177s.

I'm looking at getting an air gun for multi-use: plinking, pest control, and small game hunting. I've pretty much decided on .22 caliber. I live in the city and may also do some pest control around here, but also have access to other places.

Budget isn't a whole lot: <$250. What do you recommend as far as gun/scope/mount/pellets? Also, from where? Basically I'm asking what do I need to get started in that ballpark price.

I've been looking a bit on Pyramydair.com and like the following:
Beeman RAM Air Rifle Combo, RS2 Trigger (like the $159 price tag)
Walther Talon Magnum (like the looks and power)
BenjaminTrail NP (price is pushing it, but like the power and supposed quiet)
Beeman RS3 Combo (really like the looks - power is a bit low???)

So, what do you think? What do you recommend? All help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

BWANA · New Member

I would add the Quest 800 .22 to your list, with a Centerpoint 3x9x32 or a Barska 3x12x40 scope, Gamo Hunter domed pellets or daisy hollowpoints. They stopped making the Quest 800 a few years ago but you can still buy them. Mine is deadly on rabbits from 30 yards or less and well within your budget. From your forum name I assume that you are lefthanded. This gun is great for us lefties. Good luck and safe shooting.

Lipoly · Veteran Member

My buddy had a Quest in .177 and loved it. The cocking mechanism did end up breaking on him pretty quick (less than 500 shots), but the entropy surrounding this guy is known to be at least 10x normal...so it was likely his fault (I literally lol'd the first time I saw how he cocked a springer: butt in right hand, barrel in left w/breach facing straight DOWN). My point being if you can find a Quest in .22 it may be just what you're looking for.

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

Hey there ,and welcome.. Mr. Green

Another good choice is the Ruger Air Hawk combo...even though it's .177.It's a Diana 34 clone.Very well made for the money...... Thumb Up!

southpaw · Member

fritz · Silver Status Member

You can probably get a REAL Diana 34 in .22 for about $230.

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

Bwana's suggestion of the CP 3-9x40 is a good choice. For my preferences, a 4-12x40 would be better. Get a good set of mounts, or you WILL have problems.

The stock iron sights are pretty good, and will work fine, adding an aperture would make them excellent (I like the front post design). With a scope/mounts it might come out to about $275, but well worth the extra money.

Besides that... you will want another airgun, so might as well spend a bit more now, so you're satiated for a bit longer (and get a better built gun). Not that there is anything wrong with the Crosman.

southpaw · Member

fritz · Silver Status Member

The Super Streak is a great rifle. It was OK out of the box. The spring broke after about 1,500 shots, put a Jim Maccari Diana 350 spring in her. Over 5,000 shots later it's shooting amazingly well. Capable of about 3/8" at 35 yards when I do my part, about 3/4" at 50 when I do mine... all with CPH. Shoots RWS pointed better, but they have a lower BC and are more expensive. I would buy this gun again (but I'd put the JM spring in it right away). Don't have an aftermarket trigger in it, yet. So it should be more theoretically accurate (to help me do my part better) if I did that.

If you just want to get the job done, get the Quest. Crosman is capable of some good guns. I just prefer the Diana, because it is better built.

No matter what, the first gun starts a chain reaction (addiction), known as "Airgun Acquisition Syndrome". AAS is a terrible, terminal disease. The only known treatment is the constant purchase and use of airguns. Powder burners can be a quick fix, but nothing will satiate the addiction like some air power.

southpaw · Member

So, if I gather what you are saying, for something in the $300 range, your best recommendation would be:

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/rws-34-air-rifle.shtml
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/CenterPoint_Adventure_Class_3_9x40AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_Tube/1656

And to mount it:
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/UTG_Scope_Mount_Base_Fits_RWS_Diana_Rifles_Gamo_Whisper_Others/2639
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/UTG_Premium_1_Rings_Medium_Weaver_Mount_See_Thru/789

or would this be better:
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_Accushot_1_Pc_Mount_w_1_Rings_High_11mm_Dovetail/636

I think I'm getting the hint that speed isn't everything. Shootability and quality are important, and the Diana RWS34 would be better for plinking and still quite good at hunting as opposed to some of the others? Is that it?

fritz · Silver Status Member

In reality the 34 and Quest will perform at about the same power level, 14fpe.

I'd go with the scope you posted above, and the Leaper's rings. Most (if not all) airguns use 11mm, not a 1913 weaver.

Shootability and quality are major things, with the Diana you are paying for them, opposed to the Quest. Neither should really be that hard to shoot accurately, especially for someone who has shot springers before (assuming you were any good with them).

A springer is definitely nothing like a 'burner. Not even going to elaborate, just hold it how it wants to be held, and do it the same every time. Caress it, give it space, love it.

southpaw · Member

I kept reading everything over and finally placed an order with Pyramydair very late the Saturday before Easter. Man, are they quick! I used regular UPS Ground, and the package arrived Wednesday. Unfortunately, my week has been nuts and I haven't even had a chance to shoot it yet, but I will on Monday! I'm hoping to get some photos taken and posted soon. THANKS for all the help!

fritz · Silver Status Member

Good to hear.

Pics, of everything. Now.

southpaw · Member

Gee, Fritz, with an "invitation" like that, how can I refuse.

The package arrived:

Inside the box was . . .

And inside that box . . .

When I got it together (minus the sling)

BenjaminTrail NP combo
RWS Rifle Shooter's Kit, .22 (w/ tin of 14.5 Superdomed pellets)
RWS Superdome .22 Cal, 14.5 Grains, Domed (another one)
Gamo Hunter .22 Cal, 15.3 Grains, Domed
Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Hollowpoint
Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed (2 tins)
Benjamin Discovery .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Hollowpoint (2 tins)
Beeman Crow-Magnum .22 Cal, 18.20 Grains, Hollowpoint

I can't wait to put some lead down range . . . it's been agony waiting.

So, for the curious, why did I go with THIS gun? Several reasons, some of which came to me the more I thought about the decision (in no particular order):
1. Price was a big part - quite a bit less $ than some others.
2. Benjamin / Crossman is a brand I've grown up with, so a bit of nostalgia, but also one I trust and one that seems to have a pretty good reputation and customer service.
3. Lower noise level than some others - my 6 year old has an aversion to loud noise and I'm planning on getting him his first BB gun to begin teaching him how to handle a gun soon.
4. Like the looks of the gun - superficial I know, but hey, it's my gun!
5. Only real complaint I read on the gun was the trigger, a matter easily solved with the GRTIII that arrived the same day. Once I put a few hundred rounds down range and make sure everything's working well, I'll swap out the stock trigger for the GRTIII.
6. Like having Nitro Piston.
7. Value: came with CP 3-9x40 scope, sling, sling mounts.

I'll let you know my thoughts after the first shooting next week.

Thanks for all the help and really like the "feel" of this place.

See ya around,
Mike

kanyon · Silver Status Member

hi..
Nice gun..
Let us know how it shoots..
been thinking of getting one of the crosman/Rem /Beji
gas ram guns..But what one?...
Mite be the laminate stock one when it comes out
in a few months...

Pete

fritz · Silver Status Member

Sexy.

Now... for the second "invitation". Pics of groups. Now.

I don't really like the synthetic part, but the stock design would look great in laminate. Actually, in a HW97esque blue laminate, that would be uber sexy.