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Scartch · Member

Greetings
I've been lurking and researching for my first ag 'till I'm crosseyed.
Trying to stay around $150 - $200 in order to mount a decent scope. (Old guy eyes.)
Caliber of choice would be a 22.
I really like the convenience that a PCP offers, but the entry fee is kind of high for an item that I may leave in the closet in favor of my powder burning 22, should I become disenchanted with air. Then of course there are the extras, pump, tank, etc.
Been looking at springers but I'm not sure a break barrel is good for accuracy down the road. This leaves under levers and side levers which kinda makes more sense to me.
However, I understand that springers require a light hold (artilliry) in order to be accurate. Guess I could learn a new way to shoot. God help me when I return to the 30-06.
Which brings us to pneumatic spring. (hope thats correct ) Which I understand requires a good bit of strength in order to cock. Yep- torn tendon in my right arm. I'm not girlie weak but my shoulder talks to me when I shoot the heavys.
Would appreciate some additional guidance from anyone with more ag experience than the op.
Many thanks.

domer_pyle · Senior Member

I've got 5 breakbarrels and can't say I've ever had a problem with accuracy. Don't be scared off by the hold required for springers, some rifles are much more sensitive than others and a couple of mine can be held however with no problem.

The only side and under levers I can think of offhand in your price range are the Tech Force 59 and 99. Can't speak on those but I have two 89's and they are fairly well constructed, although a bit hold sensitive.

You might look into Crosman's Nitro Venom or the Benjamin Trail NP, both are fairly easy to cock and from what time I've spent with the Trail (I've got the XL) can say it's pretty forgiving as far as hold goes.

Another thing I forgot to ask which might help others, what are you using it for? Hope what little I've said was helpful at least. Welcome to the club btw!

SMP · Silver Status Member

Hmmm

I have a suggestion that may fit all the things that I have heard you say

You want 22 cal
Would like a pcp but too expensive
Are concerned about the inherent accuracy of a springer
Not sure you want to learn the artillery hold
You would like to stay below $200 all in.
You have some shoulder issues that make you leary of the cocking force of Nitro Pistons

The QB 78 or 78Deluxe might be a very good fit for you

22 cal is standard
It can be converted to PCP for the minimal cost of a fill fitting
C02 and temperature is not an issue as you live in Florida
They don't have the springer recoil
The power can be easily boosted to an average springer (magnum springers are the most hold sensitive)
All in with a scope would be under $200

radar · Silver Status Member

NZ Shooter · Suspended

Not to sound rude, but PCP's aren't exactly convenient.
Take out a springer, and all you have to do is cock it...all day, every day.
There's alot to consider when using a PCP. Last thing I'd want is to be out of air while lining up a shot ..... just my opinion Mr. Green

Scartch · Member

Wow, great responses right off.
Domer, for the present I'll be using the ag strictly for target and plinking. In the next year I will be moving to a few acres in S.C. where I hope for small game, up to and including rabbit.

Scartch · Member

I'm back, but not complete with my investigation.
Sean:
You have really given me some food for thought. I keep returning to the Archer Air sight for another. It speaks to the tinkerer in me. I need to dig up more information.
Can any one address the temperature issue or limit for pcp's. I'll be moving to South Carolina, while still the south, it can get fairly cold.
Domer:
Took a second look and both that you mentioned are good choices. Prefer the Crosman because it has a traditional stock. (no thumbhole) I would need to call the dealer about a scope upgrade if I choose this ag.
Seems I'm in the middle concerning these two types. I guess I'll have to do a bit more digging. At least I can elliminate springers. Apologies to springer people.
Can't afford two airguns yet. Laughing

Thanks again for your input.

radar · Silver Status Member

PCPs charged with air are virtually unaffected by ordinary outdoor temperature swings--for all practical purposes.
CO2 they say, does not like the cold very much, and on extremely hot summer days can even go into valve lock, where the CO2 pressure is so high due to the high temperature that the hammer stroke doesn't have enough power to pop open the gas exhaust valve fully--or at all--to let the gas out to drive the pellet out at full power--or at all. But that's just what I've read. My very first CO2 gun is on order right now.

Scartch · Member

Thanks for the heads up, Radar.
I should probably not consider CO2 for my first venture.
South Carolina will get both hotter and colder than Florida.
Narrows it down a bit more. I'm off to do some more forum haunting and research, research, research.
Good luck with your new AG.

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

I never have had my CO2 rifles or pistols lock up on me from heat. I guess I am lucky that way. I have had them too cold though. It gets mighty frigid here in ohio in the fall and winter. It's been in the 60s here off and on during the last week and I've shot outside more than a few times. I still like my springers for cold work.

SMP · Silver Status Member

I shoot my QB78 charged on C02 during the spring summer and fall then switch to high pressure air (PCP) during the winter.

The only reason for doing this is shots per fill. You get more shots with a fill of C02. Purely convenience.

BTW..At 100% fill it would need to be 120deg F or above to lock the valve on a QB. (1800psi)

If it gets to 120 I don't think you or the gun will be out hunting Laughing

Scartch · Member

I think that I have ignored an option that may work out very well.
Idea

A pump AG.
Say a Benjamin 392.
The beauty of the 392 is that I can deliver the number of pumps for the type of shooting That I want to do. Say 5 pumps for indoor target, 10 for outdoor or small game.
The cost is withen my range and leaves a bit for a decent scope.
Don't have to buy any extra stuff as it carries its own pump.
Thought I would run this by you guys and see what your thoughts are.

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

The 392 is a very well built rifle. My cousin has one and I love the way it shoots. I just don't have the shoulders to pump one up anymore due to arthritis. It is a nice gun though.

SMP · Silver Status Member

The streaks (392 etc) are awesome rifles. I wouldn't try to dissuade you from that choice at all

Scartch · Member

Thank you gentlemen.
Your opinion is welcome and very much respected.