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473G18650

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Feb 12, 2025
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Hello AGN, it seems like this is the most active place to discuss PCP and airguns so I have come here for some advice.

I am considering getting one of the listed PCPs: Gamo Arrow, Diana Stormrider, Beeman Commander, Stoger XM1.

My primary use will be to shoot rats in my suburban back yard. They have learned what traps, so I need a different way to remove them.

As you can tell from the listed guns I am looking for cheap, these are pretty much all the least expensive while still somewhat decent PCPs (for my intended purpose) you can purchase. I don't have enough time to go out target shooting, thus im not willing to invest lots of capital in this project.

Ideal PCP would be first and foremost QUIET. I picked up a crosman vantage plus break barrel locally and tried it out, then returned it. The action was much louder than the pellet hitting my target. While most of my neighbors probably wont care, they don't need to know what im up to in my own yard, so Quiet is the most important feature im looking for.

Ideally this is what im looking for, in order of importance.
QUIET
0.22
$200-$250 ish or cheaper
Hand pumpable, no big tanks
reasonable accuracy

Hopefully some of you have first hand experience using some of the above listed PCPs and can comment on how loud they are. This seems to be the hardest thing to determine from reading reviews and watching youtube videos. Yes, choosing the proper ammo can make a difference.

I am also open to other options as long as they are easily purchased.
A bit of background, I am comfortable with firearms, own a few, and have gone through one of the Jr. rifle target programs when younger.
As far as air guns, I have a pump BB gun from my youth that will not end a rat, so we need something with more power.
Thanks for your comments on this topic!
 
The Stoeger and Diana were made by Snowpeak which is my favorite inexpensive brand. I have 3 P35s which are a little above your price range. The XM1 is an older design, however. I would get a Scout instead or possibly a Ranger, both newer Stoeger (SPA) airguns. Similar price. I think the newer models can be filled to 250 bar and the XM1 may have a lower limit. But you only have to fill above the regulator set point which will be about 150 bar, I believe. SPA guns come with lousy documentation but a set of spare O-rings and tools and are in my experience dependable and accurate.
 
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Air Venturi Avenger is quiet right out of the box. But to fit your price you would need to buy one used.

Your other issue is you need to fill the air tube/tank of whatever gun you do choose. Hand pump is a LOT of work

From a cost standpoint you may be better off with a break barrel. No need to pump air. For rats a .177 will do. Something like a Crosman Mag-fire or Gamo Whisper.
 
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Do not buy the Gamo Arrow is my advice. Plastic everything and they have had bolt lock up problems. The Gamo Urban would be a better choice by a mile, but not my first choice anymore.

I would get either the Stoeger XM1 Scout or Bullshark first. The Air Venturi Avenge X is also a good budget choice. A moderator will be a big help on any pcp, but some of the more tame lower powered rifles with shrouds dont really need one.

A 177 is good for rats, but I really like 22Cal for a do-all pcp.
 
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Ideally co2 would be a simple solution but I tried shooting some field rats at about 20 yds and it was not very effective. My .177 Maximus drops them dead at 12 fpe. My Bandit hand pumps ok but at 9 fpe still not quite enough. If you can find a Benjamin Discovery, Maximus, Beeman? that are 2000 psi fill they are fairly easy to hand pump and more than powerful enough. A 3D printed moderator will make them really quiet for under $50. Maybe even a pumper would do what you want with 10 pumps or so. Filling a pcp is the big obstacle to the $200 price point. With a 2000 psi gun a used SCUBA tank works great and usually can be had for under $100.
 
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I got a Gamo varmint garden shotgun in 22 caliber, shoots pellets, I'm able to hit a 30 yard spinner 3 ".. it also does shot shell which I got it mainly for at close range for rattlers around the house..
I second the idea of a spring gun for cost and just random use.. if you were after larger varmint or target shooting then PCP is much better.. but I don't see how you can get PCP in your price.. I have no interest in pumping by hand,if I did id just get a pumper..as far as I know half your budget is used up just getting a hand pump..
there's a lot of good springers.. I'd recommend a Diana 34.. I think around your price range and great for target shooting too.
Mark
 
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the stoeger xm1 has a version with a fixed moderator and a smaller air tube. That can be pumped.

the stoeger is accurate, the smaller reservoir is pump friendly, plenty of power. and for $270 comes with everything you need.( 4x32 scope, PUMP, gun)
oh yeah, and it's regulated, so from 200-125bar your velocity will not change.

 
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Facepalm, I missed your budget range in the OP. Take a look at the Notos, that is probably your best single option. @Firewalker will be in here shortly using his mind control powers to talk you into buying one ;)

They are cheap, accurate, pretty darn reliable, and easily hand pump friendly. I have a FourUncles brand hand pump I started out with. Its not exactly fun, but with the small air reservoir on the Notos it shouldnt be too bad. Not always the cheapest place to buy a Notos but here is some good info if nothing else:

www.pyramydair.com

Umarex Notos | PCP Carbine Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

The Umarex Notos is a lightweight pcp carbine air rifle that gets 700 fps/13 fpe and can be used for small game hunting.
www.pyramydair.com
 
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SpindleB said:
Well, I have no clue how well it works but the Umarex Complete. Uses nitrogen cartridges. No pumping BUT you have to buy replacement cartridges at $12 each.

Umarex Komplete NitroAir Rifle | Pre-charged pneumatic Air Rifle | Airgun Depot

Check out this great deal on the Umarex Komplete NitroAir Rifle. Need advice? Let our airgun specialists help you today!
www.airgundepot.com www.airgundepot.com
Click to expand...
Hatsan has the .22 Flash QE for $149 (refurb).

hatsanairgunsusa.com

HatsanUSA_Refurbished – Flash QE

Model FlashQE Caliber .177, .22, & .25 Max Velocity* (Lead-Free Pellets) .177 – 1,250 FPS .22 – 1,120 FPS .25 – 900 FPS Max Velocity* (Lead Pellets) .177 – 1,150 FPS…
hatsanairgunsusa.com hatsanairgunsusa.com

Buy a refurb hand pump too
hatsanairgunsusa.com

HatsanUSA_Refurbished – TactAir 3 Stage PCP Hand Pump

3-Stage Pump 3625 PSI (250 BAR) Rated Microbore Hose Serviceable Inline Moisture Filter Female Foster Hose End Stable Rubber Base Pads
hatsanairgunsusa.com hatsanairgunsusa.com
 
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SpindleB said:
Hatsan has the .22 Flash QE for $149 (refurb).

hatsanairgunsusa.com

HatsanUSA_Refurbished – Flash QE

Model FlashQE Caliber .177, .22, & .25 Max Velocity* (Lead-Free Pellets) .177 – 1,250 FPS .22 – 1,120 FPS .25 – 900 FPS Max Velocity* (Lead Pellets) .177 – 1,150 FPS…
hatsanairgunsusa.com hatsanairgunsusa.com

Buy a refurb hand pump too
hatsanairgunsusa.com

HatsanUSA_Refurbished – TactAir 3 Stage PCP Hand Pump

3-Stage Pump 3625 PSI (250 BAR) Rated Microbore Hose Serviceable Inline Moisture Filter Female Foster Hose End Stable Rubber Base Pads
hatsanairgunsusa.com hatsanairgunsusa.com
Click to expand...
Don't know if it matters but 2-14 through 2-17 free shipping.

Also you can buy H&N Barracuda Field Target Trophy pellets for $6.39. Buy one of each diameter and figure out which one the rifle likes best. Barracuda 15 or 18 are a good choice too. My Flash liked the 5.52 field target Trophy. Took out a lot of squirrel with it
 
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i’m very biased about this but i say notos.
fits all you parameters.
it’s quiet out of the box
enough powah for rats and squirrels(vital body shots out to 35 yards, farther with head)
hand pumpable. it’s a pain to pump from 0psi but i doubt it’ll arrive at 0psi. stop shooting at 2100psi and it takes 2-3 minutes pumping from 2100psi to 3600psi.
reliable and accurate.
you’ll have the option to mod later if you want to go that route.
also a snowpeak
 
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At the top of your price range, but I'd say the Notos. Has been very accurate for me out of the box, and has to be my best sub $300 pcp. It's very quiet and backyard friendly. I don't hand pump, I have a cheap Amazon compressor, but would think the Notos would be pretty pump friendly, plus it's regulated. It's compact and light too. I like it so much in stock form that I'm thinking of getting a second one for a bottle build, instead of just building my current one.
 
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daddypaddy said:
i’m very biased about this but i say notos.
fits all you parameters.
it’s quiet out of the box
enough powah for rats and squirrels(vital body shots out to 35 yards, farther with head)
hand pumpable. it’s a pain to pump from 0psi but i doubt it’ll arrive at 0psi. stop shooting at 2100psi and it takes 2-3 minutes pumping from 2100psi to 3600psi.
reliable and accurate.
you’ll have the option to mod later if you want to go that route.
also a snowpeak
Click to expand...
It's a hell of a gun. You can easily upgrade it with simple bolt on plug and play upgrades too to draw a little more power if you desire to do so.
 
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473G18650 said:
Hello AGN, it seems like this is the most active place to discuss PCP and airguns so I have come here for some advice.

I am considering getting one of the listed PCPs: Gamo Arrow, Diana Stormrider, Beeman Commander, Stoger XM1.

My primary use will be to shoot rats in my suburban back yard. They have learned what traps, so I need a different way to remove them.

As you can tell from the listed guns I am looking for cheap, these are pretty much all the least expensive while still somewhat decent PCPs (for my intended purpose) you can purchase. I don't have enough time to go out target shooting, thus im not willing to invest lots of capital in this project.

Ideal PCP would be first and foremost QUIET. I picked up a crosman vantage plus break barrel locally and tried it out, then returned it. The action was much louder than the pellet hitting my target. While most of my neighbors probably wont care, they don't need to know what im up to in my own yard, so Quiet is the most important feature im looking for.

Ideally this is what im looking for, in order of importance.
QUIET
0.22
$200-$250 ish or cheaper
Hand pumpable, no big tanks
reasonable accuracy

Hopefully some of you have first hand experience using some of the above listed PCPs and can comment on how loud they are. This seems to be the hardest thing to determine from reading reviews and watching youtube videos. Yes, choosing the proper ammo can make a difference.

I am also open to other options as long as they are easily purchased.
A bit of background, I am comfortable with firearms, own a few, and have gone through one of the Jr. rifle target programs when younger.
As far as air guns, I have a pump BB gun from my youth that will not end a rat, so we need something with more power.
Thanks for your comments on this topic!
Click to expand...
Stoeger check out Airgun revisions
 
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You might take a look at the Barra 1100Z ($225.00). I don’t know about the 22, but I tuned one for a friend in 177 who is filling with a hand pump . Tuned it for a fill of just under 2000 psi yielding 25-30 shots at 15-16 ft/lbs before a refill. He’s whacking squirrels out to 35 yards with great success. Should have no problem with rats in your backyard. A Buck-Rail moderator, cheap scope and hand pump would still need to be acquired, so staying under $250 is going to be a tall order. Although I don’t have a NOTOS, I would agree they are a nice little gun as I’ve got the Snowpeak PP750 (basically the same gun) But you’re still going to need a pump and scope. I would also agree on a Model 34 Diana break barrel if you can find one.
 
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473G18650 said:
Hello AGN, it seems like this is the most active place to discuss PCP and airguns so I have come here for some advice.

I am considering getting one of the listed PCPs: Gamo Arrow, Diana Stormrider, Beeman Commander, Stoger XM1.

My primary use will be to shoot rats in my suburban back yard. They have learned what traps, so I need a different way to remove them.

As you can tell from the listed guns I am looking for cheap, these are pretty much all the least expensive while still somewhat decent PCPs (for my intended purpose) you can purchase. I don't have enough time to go out target shooting, thus im not willing to invest lots of capital in this project.

Ideal PCP would be first and foremost QUIET. I picked up a crosman vantage plus break barrel locally and tried it out, then returned it. The action was much louder than the pellet hitting my target. While most of my neighbors probably wont care, they don't need to know what im up to in my own yard, so Quiet is the most important feature im looking for.

Ideally this is what im looking for, in order of importance.
QUIET
0.22
$200-$250 ish or cheaper
Hand pumpable, no big tanks
reasonable accuracy

Hopefully some of you have first hand experience using some of the above listed PCPs and can comment on how loud they are. This seems to be the hardest thing to determine from reading reviews and watching youtube videos. Yes, choosing the proper ammo can make a difference.

I am also open to other options as long as they are easily purchased.
A bit of background, I am comfortable with firearms, own a few, and have gone through one of the Jr. rifle target programs when younger.
As far as air guns, I have a pump BB gun from my youth that will not end a rat, so we need something with more power.
Thanks for your comments on this topic!
Click to expand...
Pinty? There is talk on here recently.
 
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