Target shooting only...which rifle?

I think you'll have a hard time finding a rifle in that price range that'll do what you're looking for.

If you subtract the 50yd requirement, a certain place in the Netherlands offers a HW30s in that price range. (Minus S&H, and scope, etc)

I use a HW97 and i love it, You should add it to your list.

Grab an Air Venturi Avenger for a few bucks more, well worth it.

Order an HW30S from Krale. A little over budget at $300 shipped BUT it does very well out to 50yds and will give you a very fun challenge on windy days. If you can up your budget again another $50, the HW50S is a nice step up. The HW97K is basically the best of the best but it blows your budget completely out of the water. Highly recommend one though.

Everything else in that sub $250 category is going to be hit or miss. It may work well, it may not. You very likely won't be satisfied with the consistency you get from them though.

I agree , in that price range a Springer is the way to go . I have top of the line pcp 's , about 3K with all the stuff you need to go with the rifle .
I shoot springers on my FT range at home out to 40 yards . Target range @ 50 yards is good but not like i think you are wanting . Inch to inch and 1/2 are about the norm with a springer @ 50 yds and a bit of wind . Minute of Squirrel to put it another way .

Agree on hw30s in .177 from Krale if you are primarily target shooting at less than 50 yards.
R

French_guy said:

I've been contemplating PCP, but not sure I'm ready to invest in a tank and/or compressor on top of a gun
I only target shoot, and only with 22lr. But with 22lr being ~10 cents per round nowadays, I was thinking continuing target shooting but with an air gun (25 yards or 50 yards)
What would be a good air gun in the $200/$250 price range to have fun at the shooting range, as accurate as possible of course
What would be the best caliber? I've read several time that 0.177 was best for target shooting

Thanks

Click to expand...

@French_guy I’m not sure how much you know about airguns. Having been a member since 2018 you probably know the difference between springers and PCPs, but for those who may read this thread and don’t I think it’s important to point out that some of the aforementioned suggestions (HWs) are spring/piston powered airguns which require no compressor or tank to shoot. The Avenger is in fact a PCP requiring an air supply. I only bring this up because in your original post you specifically asked about PCPs. Are you looking for a PCP or a springer? If I’m mistaken please let me know.

French_guy said:

This is how I started my post: "I've been contemplating PCP, but not sure I'm ready to invest in a tank and/or compressor on top of a gun"
So long story short: PCP would be nice, but it's probably a lot of money to start in the "hobby". This is why I was thinking springers (breaker barrels or underlever - I've always heard underlever were more accurate.....not sure if it's 100% true though). Hope I clarified everything if my original post was not clear...

Click to expand...

@French_guy Yes sir, that clears up my confusion. I’ve only dealt with a few springers so I can’t provide much first-hand experience on quality springers. From what I have read, if I were in your position, I’d invest in a tried and true heirloom quality springer. Weihrauch being at the top of my list. As for PCPs, I don’t know much about Avengers either, BUT I am familiar with Crosmans. Within their line I’d look at a Benjamin Marauder to start with and maybe a hand pump if you’re in decent physical shape. They have a max fill pressure around 3000 psi and you can get around 30 good shots on a fill. I suggest going .22 caliber if shooting outdoors. It’s easy to find reasonably priced .22 ammo and I believe it’s more forgiving with the wind, but don’t hold me to that assumption.

If you take a liking to PCPs, then maybe an affordable compressor and tank may be in the cards for you. I’m biased toward them and personally I started in PCPs with a big-bore and a SCBA tank. Later I bought a reasonably priced travel compressor. I’ve since graduated to a larger unit, but my travel compressor still works and I have a hand pump for backup. As you know getting into PCPs costs money, but with all of the real-world-experience that abounds on our forums, I’m positive that some solid and experienced members can guide you down an affordable route at a relatively fair pace so you aren’t compelled to dump a grand into getting started. Conversely there are some die-hard springer guys here that I’ve seen giving advice in threads asking similar questions. From what I recall they will likely advise you to up your budget a smidge, save, and spend a little more for reliable quality. Hope this helps some.

Edited to add a couple links to similar threads: https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...el-22-cal-air-rifle-with-nice-trigger.989706/

This one sort of turns into a pissing contest, but I still see decent info in the thread. https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/best-budget-springer-if-you-had-to-stay-under-200.1263686/

French_guy said:

Is Krale the best place to order such rifles? I have to admit I like the look of the HW97KT, but apparently they don't have it.....and yes, much higher than my budget

Click to expand...

Yeah, Krale is numero uno for HWs

French_guy said:

And how does the Air Arms TX200 Mk III compares with the HW97K (or KT)? They seem to be similarly priced...

Click to expand...

The TX200 is easier to work on but both are pretty equally matched when it comes to performance. The 97K is a much better balanced rifle IMO. The TX is overly front heavy so it feels kind of odd when I shoulder it. I have two 97s and one TX200. Looking at a third 97K at some point but wouldn't even concider a second TX unless the price was too good to pass up

French_guy said:

And how does the Air Arms TX200 Mk III compares with the HW97K (or KT)? They seem to be similarly priced...

Click to expand...

I would recommend an HW77 .177 for bench springer shooting. Long c0cking lever, easy to shoot and cock all day. Very accurate but expensive. Very easy to hit quarter sized spinners all day long. Buy once, cry once.

The TX200HC (Carbine) solves the front heavy problem and is just as accurate as the full size gun.

I also shoot 22 long rifle. Out to 300 yards. I have gotten rid of all my PCP’s. To much fuss. O-rings do not last long. A good pump alone will blow your budget. Besides a springer makes one a better shot. That’s the whole point. A springer forces consistent hold and follow through. I must disagree with the suggestion of a HW30. I have one and love it but it’s not my favorite target gun. (except offhand at 10 yards) My HW97 is a very good bench gun as someone stated. It’s a heavy gun for much of anything but the bench though. My HW95 is my all around favorite. Good on the bench and in the woods. Also good out to 50-75 yards. I would recommend .22 caliber. More stable in the wind.