Another of those... please help me decide on a air rifle.

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okcaveman

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Apr 2, 2025
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Hey yall, im wanting some advice from a group of far more knowledgeable people than I.
Im wanting to get a better quality airgun. Its main use will be hunting squirrels and shooting invasives around the property (starlings, euro sparrows, pigeons), and maybe rats around the barn. Target shooting is a 2nd priority.

Im torn. Ive wanted a pcp for a long time because of the accuracy. So on 1 hand, im considering a marauder. Relatively inexpensive, especially if I went used, easy to work on, lower pressure so easier to hand pump, fairly accurate.

Or getting a high quality springer. My only experience with springer is low quality stuff that ive been pretty unhappy with. Similar price to the marauder, very little to work on. No need for a pump. Can be accurate but also harder to shoot, harder on scopes. Always ready to walk out the door and shoot.

Ranges for the invasives, probably 50 yards and in. Targets, as far as I can hit. Have a 100 yard range in my backyard, so any distance up to there.

I like the fact that a nice springer is always ready to go, but having never shot a nice one, i think im a little jaded.

Between something like a marauder, and a r9 or hw50, what would you all recommend?

Whichever i go with would be in 22 cal most likely.


Thanks!
 
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okcaveman said:
Hey yall, im wanting some advice from a group of far more knowledgeable people than I.
Im wanting to get a better quality airgun. Its main use will be hunting squirrels and shooting invasives around the property (starlings, euro sparrows, pigeons), and maybe rats around the barn. Target shooting is a 2nd priority.

Im torn. Ive wanted a pcp for a long time because of the accuracy. So on 1 hand, im considering a marauder. Relatively inexpensive, especially if I went used, easy to work on, lower pressure so easier to hand pump, fairly accurate.

Or getting a high quality springer. My only experience with springer is low quality stuff that ive been pretty unhappy with. Similar price to the marauder, very little to work on. No need for a pump. Can be accurate but also harder to shoot, harder on scopes. Always ready to walk out the door and shoot.

Ranges for the invasives, probably 50 yards and in. Targets, as far as I can hit. Have a 100 yard range in my backyard, so any distance up to there.

I like the fact that a nice springer is always ready to go, but having never shot a nice one, i think im a little jaded.

Between something like a marauder, and a r9 or hw50, what would you all recommend?

Whichever i go with would be in 22 cal most likely.


Thanks!
Click to expand...
Id springer all the way. Just a can of pellets and a screwdriver. Less maintenance.
I also am considering a PCP like a Diana Bandit Black just to plink and small 25 yards in work.
 
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I like a well made springer but their hold sensitivity is something to consider. If a springer, I would look at an HW97k in .20, one of the best springers made and it seems it was taylormade in .20. Otherwise, an Umarex Zelos in .22 as you can stretch it's legs out to 100, maybe hand pump friendly being a tube gun although inexpensive compressors have come a long way. Good luck in your research and hopefully purchasing!
 
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I decided to forgo the PCP route, because of the auxiliary equipment needed. At my age I do not want the exertion of a hand pump and a good electric pump is rather expensive in itself, plus I really do not have a good place to store one.
All of the HW(Weirhauch) guns are good. When looking at a springer consider what you want it for, look at power level,(velocity) for a given caliber, weight of the gun and cocking effort. If you plan using a scope make sure you get one that is springer rated.
From what I have read the HW 50 is a good all around gun, the HW 30 which I have in .177 is somewhat low powered, extremely easy to cock and accurate for short range shooting.
 
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Ranchibi said:
I like a well made springer but their hold sensitivity is something to consider. If a springer, I would look at an HW97k in .20, one of the best springers made and it seems it was taylormade in .20. Otherwise, an Umarex Zelos in .22 as you can stretch it's legs out to 100, maybe hand pump friendly being a tube gun although inexpensive compressors have come a long way. Good luck in your research and hopefully purchasing!
Click to expand...
HW 97 or 97K(thumbhole stock) are fine, I am not a fan of thumbhole stocks. I prefer the HW 77, basically the same gun but set up with iron sights from the factory., I have a receiver sight on mine and it is good enough for me to hit a small target if I can see it.
 
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I have a HW50 in .22 and like it for all the usual springer reasons. My effective pesting/hunting range with it (scoped) is 25-30 yards using something to lean on.

For longer range I default to a .22 PCP with a preference for those with 30ish fpe for plinking, pesting and squirrel hunting out to 60 yards, comfortably. For longer range and larger (groundhog sized) pests I'd go for 45-50 fpe using 25 grain pellets or slugs. I prefer my Impact (700mm barrel, MK2) for that duty.

Granted that PCPs require the HPA support stuff but I view that as a one time expense that can be costed-off across multiple PCPs. Splitting the expense of a compressor with shooting buddies can help get setup costs down as well.

Lots to choose from, good luck with your purchase!

Cheers!
 
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For me it would depend on whether the guns primary purpose is hunting or target shooting. For hunting, get the PCP. PCP's are just more accurate, more powerful and less hold sensitive and when you're hunting you might be taking a dozen shots total, so once you've verified it's got a full charge the whole grab and go factor isn't very important.

For target shooting or plinking however it is nice to be able to just grab the gun and a tin of pellets and shoot until you get bored. I also find that springers are just more fun to shoot. They technically are just as accurate as a PCP, but the reality is that they require more skill to shoot well and I find that that extra challenge makes them more entertaining. When you're hunting however, you don't want that extra challenge. You just want a perfect shot and a clean kill.

Of course you can hunt with a good springer and you can plink with a decent PCP. For me, if the gun was going to be used more than 25% of the time for hunting, then I would opt for a PCP.

You also are likely going to have your own preferences. Some people just don't like springers or they don't like PCP's and if you haven't really tried either one out then you don't really know which one you prefer.
 
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If I were to venture into the woods for a squirrel hunt, I would take either the the FX Crown .30 cal, or my HW95.20 cal. The HW 97k .20 is to heavy and clumsy for me, when away from the bench and a seat. Lol
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WorriedMan said:
Scratch that PCP itch, it won't go away. Very rewarding and very addictive, so be warned. WM
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More than likely he owns a .22lr, pretty much similar to a pcp. Lots of good advice on a springer above. With my Diana54 in .22 I kill groundhogs out to 50yds and my Air Arms TX200 in .177 is a squirrel killing machine. Rifle, scope, and a tin of pellets all you need.
 
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JEFFPPC said:
More than likely he owns a .22lr, pretty much similar to a pcp. Lots of good advice on a springer above. With my Diana54 in .22 I kill groundhogs out to 50yds and my Air Arms TX200 in .177 is a squirrel killing machine. Rifle, scope, and a tin of pellets all you need.
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OP states he's wanted PCP for a long time, just think he should go for it, won't be shocked if he admits to kicking himself for waiting. WM
 
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jkingrph said:
I decided to forgo the PCP route, because of the auxiliary equipment needed. At my age I do not want the exertion of a hand pump and a good electric pump is rather expensive in itself, plus I really do not have a good place to store one.
All of the HW(Weirhauch) guns are good. When looking at a springer consider what you want it for, look at power level,(velocity) for a given caliber, weight of the gun and cocking effort. If you plan using a scope make sure you get one that is springer rated.
From what I have read the HW 50 is a good all around gun, the HW 30 which I have in .177 is somewhat low powered, extremely easy to cock and accurate for short range shooting.
Click to expand...
Pcp and the precision and repeatable results are life changing. The power to shoot slugs at starlings 110 yards out is nice too.

The pumps are cheap now and about the size of a shoebox and around 200 dollars. I own a gen 1 marauder and wouldn't encourage anybody to buy a non side lever pcp anymore. A umarex notos and a 110ac/12vdc pump are cheap to get started (less than I paid for my gen 1 marauder when they came out). There's also the zelos for more power.

Some guys can shoot springers well but I can't and they don't group like I want after 30 years with airguns.

For whatever it's worth I'm not wealthy but I saved for 2 years and bought myself an fx and a shoebox pump and upgraded parts and a bigger compressor later, which I just pest shoot with and paper punch in the shop before work. My marauder 25 might get given to my brother. My springers all got given to kids who couldn't buy a gun.

A side/under lever springer is something I could shoot but I have enough PCPs to skip that idea.

I hope you find something that fits exactly what you need. Happy hunting.
 
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6gun said:
Pcp and the precision and repeatable results are life changing. The power to shoot slugs at starlings 110 yards out is nice too.

The pumps are cheap now and about the size of a shoebox and around 200 dollars. I own a gen 1 marauder and wouldn't encourage anybody to buy a non side lever pcp anymore. A umarex notos and a 110ac/12vdc pump are cheap to get started (less than I paid for my gen 1 marauder when they came out). There's also the zelos for more power.

Some guys can shoot springers well but I can't and they don't group like I want after 30 years with airguns.

For whatever it's worth I'm not wealthy but I saved for 2 years and bought myself an fx and a shoebox pump and upgraded parts and a bigger compressor later, which I just pest shoot with and paper punch in the shop before work. My marauder 25 might get given to my brother. My springers all got given to kids who couldn't buy a gun.

A side/under lever springer is something I could shoot but I have enough PCPs to skip that idea.

I hope you find something that fits exactly what you need. Happy hunting.
Click to expand...
There's a pretty much new notos in the classifieds for 185
 
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6gun said:
Pcp and the precision and repeatable results are life changing. The power to shoot slugs at starlings 110 yards out is nice too.

The pumps are cheap now and about the size of a shoebox and around 200 dollars. I own a gen 1 marauder and wouldn't encourage anybody to buy a non side lever pcp anymore. A umarex notos and a 110ac/12vdc pump are cheap to get started (less than I paid for my gen 1 marauder when they came out). There's also the zelos for more power.

Some guys can shoot springers well but I can't and they don't group like I want after 30 years with airguns.

For whatever it's worth I'm not wealthy but I saved for 2 years and bought myself an fx and a shoebox pump and upgraded parts and a bigger compressor later, which I just pest shoot with and paper punch in the shop before work. My marauder 25 might get given to my brother. My springers all got given to kids who couldn't buy a gun.

A side/under lever springer is something I could shoot but I have enough PCPs to skip that idea.

I hope you find something that fits exactly what you need. Happy hunting.
Click to expand...
The more I look into this, the more I imagine I'll wind up with both...
 
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There are 2 springers that fit the bill. The R9 in 22cal. It has the harder hitting power at 30yds than the .177 caliber. Check out Flying Dragon Air Rifles, they use to have deals on the R9s and a fella by the the name of Mike Mellik (?) smooths them out real nice. Keep your range within 30yds for humane kills. Or go with the HW50s in .177. It's faster and flatter but more susceptible to the effects of wind than the 22 caliber. Again stay within 30yds. A Hawke AMX model scope. I have the Hawke AMX 2-7 x 32 scope and BKL double strap rings on the 2 guns I suggested. Both rifles are highly accurate but there is a learning curve in how either likes to be held and what pellet it prefers.
 
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Pcps, The YongHen compressors are affordable at $300. Walmart can get them ( with guarantee ) . You have to be careful and follow the start-up and shut-off steps. I'm happy with my Hatsan Flashpup 22cal. It will reach out 50yds and further. The newer Flashes are regulated, $300. Pcps can be boringly accurate. Where as springers are challenging.
 
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okcaveman said:
Hey yall, im wanting some advice from a group of far more knowledgeable people than I.
Im wanting to get a better quality airgun. Its main use will be hunting squirrels and shooting invasives around the property (starlings, euro sparrows, pigeons), and maybe rats around the barn. Target shooting is a 2nd priority.

Im torn. Ive wanted a pcp for a long time because of the accuracy. So on 1 hand, im considering a marauder. Relatively inexpensive, especially if I went used, easy to work on, lower pressure so easier to hand pump, fairly accurate.

Or getting a high quality springer. My only experience with springer is low quality stuff that ive been pretty unhappy with. Similar price to the marauder, very little to work on. No need for a pump. Can be accurate but also harder to shoot, harder on scopes. Always ready to walk out the door and shoot.

Ranges for the invasives, probably 50 yards and in. Targets, as far as I can hit. Have a 100 yard range in my backyard, so any distance up to there.

I like the fact that a nice springer is always ready to go, but having never shot a nice one, i think im a little jaded.

Between something like a marauder, and a r9 or hw50, what would you all recommend?

Whichever i go with would be in 22 cal most
Click to expand...
 
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