Best repeating 25 cal bullpup - up to ~$700

[codyadams]

Hey all, first post here, but have been at www.longrangehunting.com for a long time under the same name. 



So my question for those of you more experienced is as stated above. I want a bullpup type repeater in 25 cal, preferably a bottle gun. Essentially the only use is hunting. Sparrows, starlings, rabbits, squirrels, occasional raccoons and such. My budget is up to $700 for rifle only, optic will be in addition. I already have a 90 cu-ft carbon tank, so that is not an issue. A couple that have caught my eye so far are the Hatsan airmax, and the Kral puncher knight. What are thoughts on these and other similar guns for hunting? I don't mind if they are heavy like the airmax, I have packed a 14+lb rifle way into the back country for mulies, a 12 lb rifle for a little walk in the woods doesn't bug me.



Thanks for any info guys! Appreciated. 

 

[codyadams]

I'll also add, I'm not opposed to purchasing a used gun either, in my experience with higher end optics and firearm parts, you usually end up way ahead purchasing used as long as you do your due diligence on the seller. 

 

[JimNM]

Repeating... Do you mean magazine fed?

I doubt you will find an semi-auto in your budget.

I have a Kral Knight (Nemesis, actually, but the same gun). Around 42 fpe.

I have done a small bit of tweaking, but nothing stupid. I am the limiting factor for this gun's performance. It shoots better than I can. I prefer the Kral Puncher Breaker for Walking around, but the small air capacity is about 30 shots rather than 100, before I need to fill.

The front lower rail is sub par. I put in a sling stud instead. That is the only negative I can think of.

 

[JimNM]

I see you list Wyoming as your location. I grew up in Casper from 1977 to 1990. UW bachelor's in 1992. 

Where about are you in WYO?

 

[Fatmike]

I got my dream pup for 750$ used. I feel I got a fair deal. I'd put a want ad up looking for anything the fx dreamline offers that would fill your needs. 

 

[fdales17]

I have been eyeing the Walther Reign in .25 for exactly the same purpose, but I'm still researching it 

 

[wyshadow]

You should able to get a nice used bullpup for 700. I would watch the classifieds like a hawk for a first gen wildcat

 

[AIR-Nashville]

If it were me, I would go with the Diana Skyhawk. It has an internal regulator and that laminate Minelli stock is beautiful. AEAC did a nice review and a beautiful example can be found here: https://www.bakerairguns.com/product/diana-skyhawk-pcp-pellet-rifle-laminate/

 

[codyadams]

I see you list Wyoming as your location. I grew up in Casper from 1977 to 1990. UW bachelor's in 1992. 

Where about are you in WYO?

In the Lyman area, and no, not semi auto, a repeater, side cocking preferably. I just got my sister an air venturi avenger, and it was a fun and surprisingly accurate/powerful rifle considering the price point, so it has inspired me to step up from my benjamin disco, I got it the first year they came out and did a couple minor mods, and it is decent for hunting but I get tired of the single shot when there are multiple targets, and it would be nice not to have a pocket full of pellets. 



And thanks for the replies so far, it's helpful!

 

[xsivone]

I just purchased a Walther Reign in 22. It is not regulated so it limits the range of consistent shots. Decently accurate out to 50 as long as you stay in the range. Moderator does not come off and it’s kind of loud. 
The Kratos might be an option. It checks your boxes. It’s made in collaboration with Kral.

 

[Deacon_Blues]

I would suggest you look at the Kral Empire X (the bottle version).From my standpoint it is one of best values in 25 caliber bullpups. I also have the much more expensive Brocock Sniper XR and find that they are very comparable. The only place to get one, right now, is Krale-

https://www.krale.shop/en/kral-arms-puncher-empire-x/


More information here-

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/any-more-info-on-the-kral-puncher-empire-and-empire-x/


Photo of my son’s rifle with red dot mounted, before we added the Donny FL Koi.

 

[Guest]

Artemis/spa P15 best value for small money hands down.

https://www.krale.shop/us/artemis-p15/

 

[codyadams]

Thanks everyone, greatly appreciated! 

After some more research, I think I may need to open up my options from a bullpup, because I also remembered I like to shoot prarie dogs a lot, and ranges on them can stretch to way beyond air rifle capability and wind can be a factor. With that, I think I might need to save a little longer and raise my budget some, and look at a gun that can push some slugs. I may need to start a new thread, but I will try here for now. 



I like the hatsan neutron star, as it seems like it has the power to push slugs where they need to be, it is rated at 1050 fps in 25 cal, what else is there sub 1k with a bottle (for more shots) that also has the power to shoot slugs? I don't mind tuning and such, almost all my centerfire rifles are customs that I handload for, I enjoy tinkering and tuning. 

 

[N2 Shooter]

I just got the AEA HP Bullpup in .25 cal for ~$850. Not only does it do 80fpe, but it's semi-auto! I know this is outside of you budget, but they have some other models that are less expensive. I've been shooting H&N slugs today as I wait for my NSA slug order to come in this weekend. It also has adjustable power.

https://www.aeaairgun.net/shop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFC82jO1Mc8&t=3s





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94q_nPtUxdU