Ok guys so I looking to buy my first pcp. Not new to guns by any means but haven’t owned much more than a Crossman pellet gun from walmart, so pcp guns are kinda foreign ground for me. But looking for something for target and some backyard pest control. Kinda settled on a .25 cal it’s fairly windy where I’m at and have a few groundhogs and mink that need to go. After watching some utube I came across Aea Varmint, seems to be what looking for. What other guns would be comparable or preferred to the Varmint, in a mid level price range.
Best Mid level .25 cal
- Thread starter CJC11
- Start date
Benjamin Kratos would be on my list. About $700. Personally, my .25 is an Air Venturi Avenger (bullpup) which is about $400. Either of these would get the job done. Don't forget you will need to spend money on some type of device to fill the gun with air.
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CJ,
Not familiar with the AEA Varmint, see it sells around $600. Guess any Varmint owners will have to speak to the pros and cons. My generic answer to any .25 "starter" PCP suggestion is to avoid any long (over 45 inches) or heavy (ten pounds-scoped) guns. This includes the Umarex Gauntlet and Benjamin Marauder, who both also utilize aging technology. I'd look at the Air Venturi Avenger (Wood Stock), the DAR Generation 3 and the soon-to-be released Airacuda Max. You can charge your PCP with a high-pressure air hand pump, $50 Chinese version sold on eBay, works fine. You'll likely end up with a compressor, but that expense can wait. Don't forget a scope, a fairly decent multi-power AO WestHunter or Centerpoint should work without breaking the budget. Research ammo prices so you don't get sticker shock, JSB brand is very popular. Best of Luck, WM
Not familiar with the AEA Varmint, see it sells around $600. Guess any Varmint owners will have to speak to the pros and cons. My generic answer to any .25 "starter" PCP suggestion is to avoid any long (over 45 inches) or heavy (ten pounds-scoped) guns. This includes the Umarex Gauntlet and Benjamin Marauder, who both also utilize aging technology. I'd look at the Air Venturi Avenger (Wood Stock), the DAR Generation 3 and the soon-to-be released Airacuda Max. You can charge your PCP with a high-pressure air hand pump, $50 Chinese version sold on eBay, works fine. You'll likely end up with a compressor, but that expense can wait. Don't forget a scope, a fairly decent multi-power AO WestHunter or Centerpoint should work without breaking the budget. Research ammo prices so you don't get sticker shock, JSB brand is very popular. Best of Luck, WM
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I Did look at a challenger is right at the top of what I’m looking to spend. Have also seen a few Air Force talons on eBay for what seams reasonable, they just look like an awkward gun to shoot.
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Air Force rifles have very bad ergonomics. Your cheek puts your eye out of the scope so you may not have a constant possition to achieve reiterarte same angle in the scope for shooting. That will imply lack of accuracy even if the rifle was perfectly made.
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I can definitely appreciate the simplicity of the guns but the wonky ergos and the fact that they won’t accept a magazine is kinda a deal breaker for me.
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My vote would be for the Benjamin Kratos or Cayden. Or, if you are willing to wait, the JTS AirCuda Max. Let us know what you decide to buy. PCP shooting is a blast!
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I can second that. And third it, too.
If you start with a lower priced PCP, you learn how they work, learn how to tune it, shoot it well (airgun trajectories require lots of adjustments even over short ranges), and then you know what's really important to you, and what kind of shooting scenarios you want to use an airgun for.
And then go get a higher priced gun.
Matthias
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I'd definitely recommend the avenger bullpup. I don't have any experience with the regular one though.
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SqrlHntr
Member
Marauders are great learn with, IMO. Price point is there, shoots well, has Crosman service behind it, parts and advice galore and its a proven reliable platform. May not be as sexy as new stuff but a great pcp nonetheless.I can second that. And third it, too.
If you start with a lower priced PCP, you learn how they work, learn how to tune it, shoot it well (airgun trajectories require lots of adjustments even over short ranges), and then you know what's really important to you, and what kind of shooting scenarios you want to use an airgun for.
And then go get a higher priced gun.
Matthias
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Beginner PCP shooter? I suggest looking at the Umarex Origin .25. Supposed to be very hand pump friendly.
www.umarexusa.com
UX ORIGIN .25 Caliber PCP Side Lever Action Pellet Rifle
buy UX ORIGIN .25 Caliber PCP Side Lever Action Pellet Rifle online
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25 fx dreamline classic,they shoot 25.39 grain jsb pellets at 900fps out of the box and are super accurate...
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Custom Tuned Benjamin Marauders - Airgun Revisions
The highly tuned AR Benjamin Marauder standard gives you up to 50% more shots over factory gun while retaining power and accuracy. Standard deviation is 5fps with no bell curve or regulator. With the new AR SSG hammer you can also de-gas the gun if needed. Full accuracy and leak…
www.airgunrevisions.com Haven’t purchased from here yet, but the prices for the upgrades and tunes they do, seem insanely reasonable - compared to how much the stock models are.
I’ve also heard nothing but positive reviews from them
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I have something to share that you may wish to consider:
Before you buy your chosen “starter PCP gun” thoroughly check out the retailer and be certain that they are a factory authorized repair/service dealer. Every gun needs repair sooner or later, and it’s in your favor that you purchase from a source authorized to work on such…..
Before you buy your chosen “starter PCP gun” thoroughly check out the retailer and be certain that they are a factory authorized repair/service dealer. Every gun needs repair sooner or later, and it’s in your favor that you purchase from a source authorized to work on such…..
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I guess some things to know would be your budget, definition of backyard friendly, what you plan to shoot with it, and what you plan to fill it with.
I am just saying this because I can tune my 25 cal airforce condor to the power level of shooting through 2-2x4's, which I would not call backyard friendly for where I live. I can also tune it to shoot 34 jsb's at 30 to 40 shots a fill or more.
I am by no means saying get an airforce either. Just making a point that more info is needed to make an honest suggestion. I personally hate hand pumps because it is a royal pia to fill every time. I hate them so much I bought a large tank and an Alkin w31.
Just some things to consider.
I am just saying this because I can tune my 25 cal airforce condor to the power level of shooting through 2-2x4's, which I would not call backyard friendly for where I live. I can also tune it to shoot 34 jsb's at 30 to 40 shots a fill or more.
I am by no means saying get an airforce either. Just making a point that more info is needed to make an honest suggestion. I personally hate hand pumps because it is a royal pia to fill every time. I hate them so much I bought a large tank and an Alkin w31.
Just some things to consider.
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I agree with the Benjamin Kratos in quarter bore. Currently $575 ish on the bay. The varmint is an AEA HP variant with a folding stock. (If you like a wiggly hinged stocks) Both the Cayden and Kratos are wood and metal (with the Cayden being slimmer of stock and un-moderated) The trigger in the Benji is nice two stage. Kratos/Cayden is side lever while varmint is a bolt.
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