Life and budget often dictates what you can buy. No Lamborghini for me !
On the other hand, spending $2k for a good airgun is not outlandish relative to other hobbies and interests (e.g. fishing, golfing, motorcycles etc.).
Over the years, limited budget forced me to make do with economy tools and equipment. Stuff doesn't need to be expensive to be functional but there's a threshold where the item crosses from "adequate" to "good". Good stuff lasts a long time (if properly maintained) and is a pleasure to use, I try to buy the best I can afford.
Couple of years ago a co-worker started asking about airguns for all the usual reasons. He wanted an airgun for plinking, pesting and small game hunting. I invited him and his two friends over to try my airguns and see what they liked.
After a morning of shooting break barrels, muli-pump, SSPs and PCPs they were most interested in PCPs. I showed them the compressor and tank setup and they spent the afternoon shooting Air Arms, Daystate, Walther, Weihrauch and FX rifles asking tons of questions.
A couple of days later they told me that they had all decided on getting .22/700mm FX Impacts. Their reasons: accuracy, compact, plenty of power, good shot count.
That the Impact had all kinds of accessories available, could change calibers, could be tuned to shoot a variety of pellets and slugs, was "nice" but not a thing for their needs.
These guys are not "airgunners". They want one pellet gun to shoot. Buy once, cry once.
Talked to my former co-worker recently. They bought a compressor to share and do a lot of shooting together. All three Impacts are shooting well, in factory stock configuration with no problems.
I believe that one should do diligence, find the right equipment, and buy the best you can afford - "buy once, cry once".
Cheers!
I am the same way. I do my research and usually go just outside my comfort zone. I went in for a Wildcat mk3 and walked out with the M3 for similar reasons.
