Centerfire v. Air…

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shutinsquid

shutinsquid

Member
Nov 16, 2024
12
11
South Texas
My second string as a n00b and wanted to air something out to make sure I’m not crazy.

I got into air rifles on a whim after realizing my daughter liked shooting and is a good shot. I only have one NFA can in 22LR because it took 354 days to receive it, and that turned me off from getting more (although approvals are much, much faster as of late). After seeing that I could get multiple cans (moderators) without any NFA BS to shoot in my backyard, I looked further into it.

Then, when I bought my first air rifle (Bulldog M357 because I have lead/molds as a reloader) with a DonnyFL can and saw how awesome today’s PCP weapons are, I got hooked.

I also have many conventional pistols and rifles but don’t shoot them because I never have time to drive to a range. So, I’m selling most of my collection of regular arms save for some standards in the principal calibers, and going all-in on air rifles. I just really like the idea of shooting all the way up to a 50 CAL and doing so inexpensively in my backyard, with family if they so choose!

Did anyone else make that choice to switch from mostly centerfire to mostly air, and if yes, why?
 
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I was active for many years in various CF disciplines. Benchrest and wildcat varmint cartridges resulted in an enormous accumulation of reloading equipment and components. Due to several factors, I suffered a profound hearing loss over the years, so at age 74 I now shoot air rifles and a little RF almost exclusively. It's something I can do in the yard, it's relatively inexpensive, and it's probably not damaging the hearing I have left. Now, when I go to the gun club, it's on a week day when I have it alone, or with one or two others. Often, it's just me and my dog, sometimes with an air rifle or two, and it's quiet enjoyment.
 
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a gunsop and co owned a couple others. For many years I owned a couple others. Did years of gunsmith ing also, built lots of custom guns. I also live just outside of town on 8 acres where, back in the day, I could shoot anything. But times change, the shops are gone, and some of the closest neighbors I don't know, so not wanting to cause a fight (it's still legal to shoot here, and I've got lots of friends in LE and Game Wardens, even though they're changing too), so I did just as you. I got rid of a lot of firearms and got into pcp and now almost no one knows I'm shooting. Problem solved. I still shoot almost every day and if I'm not shooting I'm working on airguns. So everyone's happy.
 
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shutinsquid said:
My second string as a n00b and wanted to air something out to make sure I’m not crazy.

I got into air rifles on a whim after realizing my daughter liked shooting and is a good shot. I only have one NFA can in 22LR because it took 354 days to receive it, and that turned me off from getting more (although approvals are much, much faster as of late). After seeing that I could get multiple cans (moderators) without any NFA BS to shoot in my backyard, I looked further into it.

Then, when I bought my first air rifle (Bulldog M357 because I have lead/molds as a reloader) with a DonnyFL can and saw how awesome today’s PCP weapons are, I got hooked.

I also have many conventional pistols and rifles but don’t shoot them because I never have time to drive to a range. So, I’m selling most of my collection of regular arms save for some standards in the principal calibers, and going all-in on air rifles. I just really like the idea of shooting all the way up to a 50 CAL and doing so inexpensively in my backyard, with family if they so choose!

Did anyone else make that choice to switch from mostly centerfire to mostly air, and if yes, why?
Click to expand...
No!
 
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It’s amazing once one realizes the benefits of PCPs vs Pb. It opens up shooting opportunities you could never have with PB. I still won’t shoot in my back yard because it’s illegal where I live and I don’t know my neighbor but when I go hunting or just farting around I don’t worry about anyone calling LE for gun noise.
 
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I still may get a can or two for my .22 PB's. I chose the pneumatic gun route because my semi rural home is but a hundred feet or so inside city limits. Firearm discharge is prohibited so I would still need to drive ten minutes to my range to shoot quietly. I could shoot PB's in the basement but would rather not deal with the lead and smoke, plus I would still be breaking the law. I'll also add that I love full auto with the blitz.
 
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I discovered pcp air rifles about 16 years ago and became addicted. Previously I have a really nice collection of center fire rifles. I sold most of them to afford the pcp airguns that now had a grip on me.😂 I kept a few firearms as well but I have to say that they rarely see the outside of the safe. I really enjoy shooting air rifles of all types much more than I ever did my firearms. I’m so glad that I stepped into this world of airguns when I did.
Kenny
 
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I live in the country on 50ac so space & noise arent an issue. Ive done nearly every CF discipline over the years & have an expansive list of guns in many calibers. I also reload for almost all of them. That was then.. Now I mostly shoot airguns.

Why?

I sat here & pondered it for a few min & dont have a solid answer. Partly its expense, airguns are much cheaper to feed but I have enough reloading components stocked up I could shoot for quite some time without spending a dime. Partly its noise, there is something relaxing about the quiet report. Partly its the challenge, I get as much if not more satisfaction from a well placed 80yd shot in one of my springers as I would from an 800yd shot in CF. Partly its convenience. I dont need to spend as much time cleaning airguns as compared to my CF or worse BP guns.

Put it all together & its just the joy of airgunning. I cant explaing it any better.
 
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I started serious shooting in 1970 with PB and Air. When I say serious, I don't mean competition or anything, I just mean pulling trigger more often than anyone I knew. I joined the NRA, and read all the shooting magazines I could find. At one point in our new marriage, I had to dispose of a wall of gun magazines. In my teens I had to have an adult purchase ammo fo me, but it was legal to walk in and purchase a Lee Loader bullets and primers, so. .
I sttill do both to this day, but now it is a drive to the range, which pretty much kills a Saturday for the PB's. I shoot air nearly every day.
 
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I have my feet firmly in both worlds. I've been shooting the airguns a lot lately. My friend from Japan came to visit, sent him back to Japan with a sore hand. He liked the sheer power of full house .44 mag. I let him warm up with mouse fart .44 loads, then broke out the barn burners that he so enjoyed. My old Contender grip is not made for human hands and it is light. He shot a ragged one hole 5 shot group with my 1911 at 7 yards. Amazing for a guy from a country where pistols are totally banned. He will hang his targets above his desk at work, in Japan that is making a statement. I asked him a couple years back how he learned to shoot a pistol well, he sheepishly replied video games. Here's a pic of Tatsuya in full recoil.

recoil.jpg
 
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I had a blue streak as a kid but basically shot PB until I retired. I let my gun range membership expire after my wife died and have not reinstated it. I enjoy pcps in my backyard, mostly, although I sometimes travel to a public range or game lands. In addition to the reasons already mentioned I enjoy messing with the guns and the compressor and trying to get them to work better. I handloaded the PBs for a similar reason.
 
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I was a prolific PB shooter for decades and then just lost interest. For years all my PB’s except my shotguns sat in the safe waiting for their once a year inspection, clean and admire session.
When I found air guns I started to shoot and shoot a lot. Just got home from the indoor range. Shot a little over 300 pellets while I was there.
 
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Chukar60 said:
I was a prolific PB shooter for decades and then just lost interest. For years all my PB’s except my shotguns sat in the safe waiting for their once a year inspection, clean and admire session.
When I found air guns I started to shoot and shoot a lot. Just got home from the indoor range. Shot a little over 300 pellets while I was there.
Click to expand...
Yup, this is kinda where I’m at now.
 
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I have both and enjoy them both.

The airguns are fun because they are cheap and easy to shoot, and a great way to get kids and new people into shooting. And the fact that I can shoot the vermin in my neighborhood is a huge plus. My powder guns I use for larger hunting or competition shooting, and much like the airguns they have cans on them as well. Both serve a purpose and are useful, but for general plinking the airguns get used far more. When I am able to keep a few 100,000 rounds for each rifle in the basement and not take up much room..... that is a huge plus for me
 
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woogie_man said:
I have both and enjoy them both.

The airguns are fun because they are cheap and easy to shoot, and a great way to get kids and new people into shooting. And the fact that I can shoot the vermin in my neighborhood is a huge plus. My powder guns I use for larger hunting or competition shooting, and much like the airguns they have cans on them as well. Both serve a purpose and are useful, but for general plinking the airguns get used far more. When I am able to keep a few 100,000 rounds for each rifle in the basement and not take up much room..... that is a huge plus for me
Click to expand...
Nice. What’s the best source for bulk pellet buying? I’m glad I can cast all my big bore pills, so just need to stock up on .22 and .25.
 
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After shooting my 6.5 creedmoor yesterday (the pumpkins just wanted to explode) and turning around and shooting my airgun, the noise and recoil. Airguns are like meditation, Yogi put it into words nicely. The satisfaction is far greater, maybe if I was shooting powder 1000 yards it would be different. I can shoot 600+ pellets a week and not be broke 😂
 
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Like said above, I am into both equally. I do admit though, that my airguns are not expensive PCP's and such. I have Springers, NP's, Pumpers, and CO2's. I have too much money into conventional firearms, and enjoy them too much, to sell most off and purchase everything needed to get into PCP shooting.

Besides, I tend to be a bit of a power freak, and still like to reach out to 500 yards and hit something with authority.
 
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