Entry level pcp pistol

Well, I have owned a sortie. It is not what I would call a pistol. More like 2/3 of a rifle. It's big and bulky. Trigger is very heavy, mine was very accurate, plenty of power. But hatsan is known for poor customer service. Upside is you can usually get spare parts from them without too much trouble. Hatsan fit and finish is just about bottom of the barrel as well.

Mine did have several part failures, but I also modified it, and was running a moderator. I was basically running the action much harder than it was intended to in order to overcome the backpressure of a moderator. Never could get it %100 functional. More like 95%. Without the moderator and other mods, it ran just fine.

Personally I'd recommend not getting a semi auto unless you plan to get a new huben or a Steyr LP50.

The AEA might not be too bad. I havn't owned one. Some people love theirs, other have had various issues. Maybe some others can chime in.

From what I have seen discussed here and at GTA, budget semi auto means you will probably spend a fair amount of time dealing with jams.

For me, semi auto is overrated.
Side lever or single shot forces one to take a little more time and can make a better marksman out of you.
Semi autos also have more possible points of failures.
All of my PCPs are either side lever or single shots, and even my side lever guns, the first thing I buy for them is a single shot loader, but that's just me.

Then again, just because a gun is semi auto does not mean you can't take your time between shots anyway.

Vortecsix said:

thank you guys, I was looking to get the umarex notos until I was comparing semi autos. I figure the repeating shots make up for my poor marksmanship…..

i like that evanix a lot, but a bit pricey for me…. I see how easily this “hobby” can spin out of control, those ED guns…

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Depending on the purpose, application and/or scenario, a semi-auto can definitely make up for poor marksmanship (lay down a FIELD of fire, "spray and pray"). However semi-autos are actually counter-productive to improving One's shooting skills; especially One's pistol shooting skills.

Understand this is not a criticism; just a truism.

I don’t know if this is crazy, but I actually like sliding the bolt, picking up a projectile, seating it in the breech with my thumb.

One reason is that I cast my own slugs, and I can get a rough sense of the size based on how much force it takes to seat it. Provides one more little useful piece of information for me (about my casting technique and about whether tighter or looser projectiles tend to shoot better).

The other reason is kind of a stupid one, but it’s more spontaneous. I don’t have to fidget with some slippery little plastic spring loaded gizmo for a minute or two every time I want to go take a few shots. The magazines I’ve interacted with have been finicky and kind of annoying to load because i have butterfingers i guess. It’s nice to be able to pick up the airgun and a tin of pellets, and get to it.

Man it’s the opposite of a semi auto but the Artemis PP700 is a great pistol, especially for the price. It’s single shot, plenty of power for hunting or plinking and is the best looking pistol under $1000 in my opinion. I grew up hunting with pistols and owning everyone I could afford and I pimp the PP700 every chance I get. Best Buy I’ve made in airguns!


Beau

I agree this is a great little gun - so freaking adjustable and it is easy and inexpensive to switch calibers.

This morning I was plinking those small steel pineapple Juice cans from 25 yds braced on a door frame, red dot sight, and I was able to pick off individual cans no problem, and thinking to myself how much I liked this airgun.

For me as a plinker being able to do that with a pistol and red dot in a standing position at that distance feels pretty good.

I have longer barrels in .177 and .22 for mine. I have occasionally switched over to carbine form with the stock, longer barrel, and a scope. It’s great in that configuration as well and the longer barrel adds a fair amount of power.

AirNGasman said:

Depending on the purpose, application and/or scenario, a semi-auto can definitely make up for poor marksmanship (lay down a FIELD of fire, "spray and pray"). However semi-autos are actually counter-productive to improving One's shooting skills; especially One's pistol shooting skills.

Understand this is not a criticism; just a truism.

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Gasman,

I’m curious why you say semi autos are counter productive to improving shooting skills? The only reason I can think of is a lack of self control; happy trigger finger leading to rapid shots taking precedence over methodical accuracy.

The only PCP pistol I can recommend would be the HW44. Very accurate, quiet, excellent trigger and 20 shots per fill in .177.

The Artemis PP700S-A is the best buck for your money. As a pistol far beter than the PP750/Notos.

I'd recommend a Ataman AP16...IF you can find one.
I also agree with the Artemis PP700S-A. A single shot. like most, it needs a mitigator (suppressor). It works fine with a hand pump to fill (as does the AP16) to fill.
The Artemis is a very solid, accurate, easy to shoot pistol.

Mike

MrP said:

I don’t know if this is crazy, but I actually like sliding the bolt, picking up a projectile, seating it in the breech with my thumb.

One reason is that I cast my own slugs, and I can get a rough sense of the size based on how much force it takes to seat it. Provides one more little useful piece of information for me (about my casting technique and about whether tighter or looser projectiles tend to shoot better).

The other reason is kind of a stupid one, but it’s more spontaneous. I don’t have to fidget with some slippery little plastic spring loaded gizmo for a minute or two every time I want to go take a few shots. The magazines I’ve interacted with have been finicky and kind of annoying to load because i have butterfingers i guess. It’s nice to be able to pick up the airgun and a tin of pellets, and get to it.

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Additionally, I like the slower pace. It's more methodical and even calming in a sense. Most all of my guns are either single shot or have single shot loaders in them with the exception of a fx Ranchero which is not very well suited to be converted to single shot.

Take one shot, take your time, make it count.

Quality over quantity.

Though semi auto can be fun, for me it gets old fast. Especially when most of the time you are trying to make your shots count. And generally these automatic guns just are not as precise.

Single shot is a type of meditation for me. Or I guess it is, haven’t done the traditional meditation stuff. Seems to accomplish the same goal though, I know I always feel better after a long session with a break barrel especially.

Yer

Legionair said:

Gasman,

I’m curious why you say semi autos are counter productive to improving shooting skills? The only reason I can think of is a lack of self control; happy trigger finger leading to rapid shots taking precedence over methodical accuracy.

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Yep.

Not to suggest self-control is a rare commodity in 2023. Or anyone interested in SEMI AUTO might be lacking...

That would be those interested in FULL AUTO.

maxtrouble said:

The only PCP pistol I can recommend would be the HW44. Very accurate, quiet, excellent trigger and 20 shots per fill in .177.

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I have been wanting one of those since I first saw it. Just can't find a good reason to buy one.

The Hubens can be very accurate with the right pellet and tune. I’d say that learning to rapid tap 2-3 pellets into the same hole has definitely improved my hold and forced me to focus on pulling the trigger without moving the gun.