Air Gun Home :: View topic - Gonna make my first big PCP buy soon. Toss-up between...

toadmyster223 · Senior Member

A .25 Maurauder, or the Air Force Escape SS. My biggest concern is the extra cost of a pump/filling device. What would you guys do?

Robw · Veteran Member

No contest. Airforce.

toadmyster223 · Senior Member

Well, then. lol

bdzjlz · New Member

Though I know it is a lot more money, I think it is worth saving up for an Air Arms, Daystate or FX. I have three Air Arms S510s that are terrifically deadly and accurate weapons in both .177 and .22. Thinking about buying a .25.

I have both an air tank and a Hill Saddle Pump. I find that the saddle pump does just fine if you are at all patient, and it beats the cost of having tanks filled.

Robw · Veteran Member

toadmyster223 · Senior Member

I just didn't expect the difference to be that stark!

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I think you really have to like the "look" of the AirForce products- the look a bit funky for some, and none of them can be held very comfortably (i.e. there is a fair amount of neck-craning involved when shooting them).

In the range of $500.00, you're basically looking at a Marauder, a Hatsan of some sort, or if more inclined to target shooting a Walther Dominator (when on sale) or Crosman Challenger.

dcw · Member

and you have probably made your choice/purchase...but

i own and operate both; a 22 caliber "Talondor" and a 25 caliber Mrod.

i think i would prefer the ergonomics of the Mrod over the somewhat awkward ergonomics of the AF. because of the bottle of the AF, you have to generate a number of "comfortable" adjustments of the cheek weld on the bottle whereas the Mrod has conventional 'rifle' style stock to use. but, you could purchase a smaller, accessory bottle for the AF, but it reduces shot count dramatically..

i found the stock AF open sights,virtually, unusable when used in the standard configuration. you also need to have the accessory clamp on 3/8" rail to attach most scopes for a normal eye-to-scope relation.

while, technically, well thought out, the AF needs much after market assistance.

performance? the single worst 'ding' for the Mrod is it's shot count (for 25 caliber)

both are highly capable in accuracy and 'power'

toadmyster223 · Senior Member

Thanks, man. I still haven't bought anything. Money hasn't been real great

oldpro · New Member

Mrod all the way but also in that price range i would check out the BSA line http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/BSA_Scorpion_SE_PCP_Air_Rifle_Synthetic_Stock/3162

Mentolio · Veteran Member

I have never handled an Airforce, but did consider getting one for several points:
Lighter than the MRod, much better shot count, ease of caliber change, and (supposed) easily adjustable power.
Owning an MRod, I can say it's benefits are: nice ergos, plenty quiet, easy to work on and get parts, and potentially the biggest bonus is the multi-shot magazine. If you need a quick follow up shot, you just cycle the bolt and go, no fumbling with a single-shot load. Number of shots: low, gotta refill often. Not that big a deal when hunting, as twelve or so good, full power shots are about 8-10 more shots than I usually take on a full day of squirrel hunting. My scuba tank typically yields fewer than 20 fills before the pressure gets too low for a proper 2700 psi top off (never really took count, but I think fewer than twenty is correct...a lot fewer). MRod is a nice gun. A little heavy in the field, but shoots well, especially the Green Mountain barrel.

toadmyster223 · Senior Member

Thanks for the insights guys! I haven't logged in for a long time, my apologies

Robw · Veteran Member