Choosing the “right” airgun

[cavedweller]

Plenty of threads on AGN about the ONE GUN idea… if you could only keep one…your favorite one, your most accurate one, etc… ad nauseam… You get the idea.
Have you Ever wondered what transforms an Airgun from basic utility status to a Legendary Classic?
This morning I decided I would try to answer that question for myself“.

First up is functionality related:

#1) accuracy
#2) tuneability
#3) smooth shot cycle: crisp, quiet SNAP!
#4) reliability - durability
#5) serviceability and parts availability
#6) warranty
#7) adaptability to different calibers
#8) A shot count that agrees with intended purpose

Second in line comes very subjective FORM issues:

#1) looks - does it have an amazing or unique stock - the wow factor
#2) feel - weight to size - overall balance at the shoulder.
#3) ergonomically designed for adaptability to various shooters and or various shooting disciplines - comfort in use.
#4) easily accepts various sighting option.

Lets see if you can list a single airgun in your collection that checks all the above boxes; don’t just list it, back up your assertions by using the above two check lists.

so far I have not found that ONE gun. I’ve come close but none of my guns check all the boxes, there is always a compromise as there doesn’t seem to be that ONE gun that can check all the boxes.

The Thomas comes close, but to me, it’s subjective utilitarian design hold it back but this is a - function over form thing. The Brocock Ghost while a wonder to change calibers and quickly tune is a bit top heavy (to me), when a large optic is mounted and its also very industrial looking. The Daystate Redwolf is right up there but tuneability and caliber changes require a lot of skill and like most airguns I’ve messed with, the shot cycle in .25/.30 calibers starts getting harsh. The RAW TM series definitely have the accuracy and the classic form with a high degree of ergonomic desirability.

Maybe the reason why ONE GUN is unthinkable for many is because you have know and decide on exactly how that gun will be used.

Let’s see how close to checking all the boxes you can get.

This thread is in honor of our comrades who live in places where it’s too cold to get out and shoot. There is a reason why I live in the Deep South.

 

[SpindleB]

Frankly, I find nothing deep about it.
<runs>

 

[Struckat]

No none of mine check all those boxes. Also the combined price of them all barely exceeds some of the ones you mentioned that you have tried.

The scale of getting what you pay for is different for everyone so I will leave that to the other thread.

I am a walking contradiction. My collection tries to avoid redundancy while being redundant.
I seem to set things up for specific tasks, yet I enjoy being able to change most of them into something else.

As time goes on, I fool around changing the existing guns less every time I add another to the mix.

I recently picked up a Talon P in .22
I read the pros and cons of the design for years. Now that I have one, bought used with all the adds I would have bought. So disqualify me for this.

It takes my no skill butt a while to learn to shoot a new gun. Lighter and smaller take longer.
I am a casual airgunner that likes a little tinkering.

So I will use the TP 22, even though there is a lot of testing that needs to be done.
So far I have 4 tunes.
Wadcutters for target and chippers, 17ish fpe.
Mid weights, 14-16 grain, mid 20’s fpe.
18 grain low 30’s fpe
Power tune, 21ish grain, 38-39 fpe.


#1) accuracy-So far so good, much more testing to do.
#2) tuneability-Yes
#3) smooth shot cycle: crisp, quiet SNAP!-Tuning tuning tuning
#4) reliability - durability, - Yes
#5) serviceability and parts availability - Yes
#6) warranty - Yes but I buy used so…
#7) adaptability to different calibers- Yes, this will come in time as this one becomes more purpose driven.
#8) A shot count that agrees with intended purpose- Yes, 20@ 38fpe and 120@ 17fpe

Second in line comes very subjective FORM issues:

#1) looks - does it have an amazing or unique stock - the wow factor-Yes Mad Dog stock
#2) feel - weight to size - overall balance at the shoulder. - Yes Mad Dog stock
#3) ergonomically designed for adaptability to various shooters and or various shooting disciplines - comfort in use. - NO, added hook so yes kind of
#4) easily accepts various sighting option. - Yes

So today, the Talon P comes pretty close for me.

Buuuuut, if I could only keep one, it would still be my HW95!

 

[rcarlisle]

I don't often have the money to afford a new airgun. When I do, it's a pretty carefully selected item. I am not a competition shooter, just a backyard plinker and occasional hunter/pester. I'm pleased with the choices I've made. They were certainly the "right" ones for me. But I made those choices after long deliberation and consideration of what I really wanted. Like when I wanted an Impact, but realized I could have almost everything an Impact offered in a lighter package for $1000 less by getting a Dreamtac instead. I'm still pleased with that decision. And it allowed me to reconfigure the Mrod into something more fun to use. I like long-term relationships with my guns.
Will they be classics? Not likely. And yet I wouldn't part with them unless I had no other choice.

 

[Rob_in_NC]

The 'right' airgun is easy. It's whatever that hooks you well enough to have you looking for the NEXT airgun. Always seems to be the case so why fight it? Hobbies are meant to be a way to find enjoyment in spending time and disposable income.

 

[beerthief]

The right gun is the one you like best, The one you pick most to shoot . The one you compare to others you own , but makes you feel better .

 

[Ezana4CE]

I have guns where warranty is not an issue because they are built solid and user friendly to repair with community support and/or videos, exploded diagrams, or decent communication from the manufacturer. I make it a point to hunt more than anything else with most of my airguns, so certain things that appeal to competitive shooters, long distance shooters, or target shooters aren't the first things I'm looking at or for in an airgun. Things like: a crisp shot cycle, trigger, or ability to swap calibers aren't major concerns so long as they are not horrible.

Taking that into consideration, my two would be: Edgun Leyla 2.0 and Brocock Bantam Sniper HR

These guns are reliable, durable, they look good to me, they are not too heavy, have good ergonomics (for me) and have performed great over the course of several years without the need to perform much maintenance work. Parts and part information were difficult to come by with the Brocock in years past but I think the company has made an effort to improve in that department. Both are pretty easy to tune. Both mostly just needed attention to their regulators at some point. After that, they have been good to go. The Brocock has the advantage here because it has a bottle styled reservoir and a power adjustment knob to choke air to the transfer port adjust the power output on the fly.

To narrow it down to one sucks, but I'd likely want to keep my Bantam Sniper HR. I've taken a wide variety of animals with it. If it wasn't such a versatile caliber for me in .25, I might have wanted to keep a Bulldog, but I like small game hunting as well and a .357 just isn't suited for that. Besides, although the Bulldog looks appealing to me, she's a biggun and she isn't winning any beauty pageants anytime soon without a drastic makeover.

 

[UDABEGGER]

Plenty of threads on AGN about the ONE GUN idea… if you could only keep one…your favorite one, your most accurate one, etc… ad nauseam… You get the idea.
Have you Ever wondered what transforms an Airgun from basic utility status to a Legendary Classic?
This morning I decided I would try to answer that question for myself“.

First up is functionality related:

#1) accuracy
#2) tuneability
#3) smooth shot cycle: crisp, quiet SNAP!
#4) reliability - durability
#5) serviceability and parts availability
#6) warranty
#7) adaptability to different calibers
#8) A shot count that agrees with intended purpose

Second in line comes very subjective FORM issues:

#1) looks - does it have an amazing or unique stock - the wow factor
#2) feel - weight to size - overall balance at the shoulder.
#3) ergonomically designed for adaptability to various shooters and or various shooting disciplines - comfort in use.
#4) easily accepts various sighting option.

Lets see if you can list a single airgun in your collection that checks all the above boxes; don’t just list it, back up your assertions by using the above two check lists.

so far I have not found that ONE gun. I’ve come close but none of my guns check all the boxes, there is always a compromise as there doesn’t seem to be that ONE gun that can check all the boxes.

The Thomas comes close, but to me, it’s subjective utilitarian design hold it back but this is a - function over form thing. The Brocock Ghost while a wonder to change calibers and quickly tune is a bit top heavy (to me), when a large optic is mounted and its also very industrial looking. The Daystate Redwolf is right up there but tuneability and caliber changes require a lot of skill and like most airguns I’ve messed with, the shot cycle in .25/.30 calibers starts getting harsh. The RAW TM series definitely have the accuracy and the classic form with a high degree of ergonomic desirability.

Maybe the reason why ONE GUN is unthinkable for many is because you have know and decide on exactly how that gun will be used.

Let’s see how close to checking all the boxes you can get.

This thread is in honor of our comrades who live in places where it’s too cold to get out and shoot. There is a reason why I live in the Deep South.
View attachment 528179

Deep north here and dressed the same as you guys minus the gloves . OH the m4 trips my trigger at 8 oz of pull

 

[Scotay42]

I feel warranty is a moot point though because no warranty is forever , most are only 1 to 3 years. If you plan to keep it forever, you need to know how to work on it and keep orings and springs on hand.,

 

[thammer]

I have only one rifle at the moment that wouldn't be for sale. As an airgun designer/smith/tuner I rarely get attached to a gun because I have the ability to usually duplicate or improve the result on a similar or a second of the same gun. That's somewhat unique in airguns. There's no way I'm even close to what I've seen some others in this group do but I can definitely hold my own. Surprisingly that rifle is an inexpensive Kral. It's my .35 Bighorn. Here's why going down the provided list.

#1) accuracy (Aftermarket barrel is Sub MOA nearly everytime I do my part.
#2) tuneability (Very simple design with lots of ways to adjust for the intended use)
#3) smooth shot cycle: crisp, quiet SNAP! (Extremely smooth but that came with tuning/polishing not out of the box)
#4) reliability - durability (Very robust with very few failures points)
#5) serviceability and parts availability (Only 8 o'rings in the entire rifle plus the valve) poppet seal. Very few parts to fail and most are easily made even if not available)
#6) warranty (As mentioned above, long term warranty isn't a factor because most are only 1-3 years with a few going beyond, but I do all my own repairs anyway)
#7) adaptability to different calibers (I can take this rifle from sub12 in .177 to over 200fpe in .35)
#8) A shot count that agrees with intended purpose (Hundreds of shots per fill in .177 to more than enough for a days hunting at any caliber plus easy to tether my tank for full day range session)

Second in line comes very subjective FORM issues:

#1) looks - does it have an amazing or unique stock - the wow factor (It's actually hard to find a stock as nice and considering a high-end stock costs more than my entire rifle I think that's a huge plus.
#2) feel - weight to size - overall balance at the shoulder. (Not a light rifle by any means but easy to carry around plus for target shooting we're all using bags, bipods, or rests anyway)
#3) ergonomically designed for adaptability to various shooters and or various shooting disciplines - comfort in use. (One of the most comfortable guns to shoot I own. The grip feels excellent and the cheek height is adjustable so I can always get a great sight picture whether on the bench or in the woods)
#4) easily accepts various sighting option. (I've had just about everything from red-dot to a 60X target scope mounted at somepoint)

 

[steve123]

I'm to the point now in my airgun life that I know what pcp air rifle/s I'd like to have and I also know it/they don't exist yet, or may never exist. So I just use what I have and enjoy them in spite of what I consider some "downsides". So most of my airguns could be sold at some point with the goal of replacing them with something else I consider to line up more to my personal desires. There are favorites for now but that could change.

Since I can't see anything else replacing it, as superior to it for the purpose of FT, I consider myself very blessed to own a Thomas FT, so it's that ONE air rifle presently. It checks off all my boxes except for wanting a custom stock for it with traits I want. I'd almost commission a build but eh it's not that important to me to spend the big bucks for that awesome eye candy.

I found the type of laminated stocks I like at https://www.cerusrifleworks.com/

 

[Peashooter]

I feel # 1 and 2 are the same / you can not have 1 without 2, unless you just have to hope for that one perfect pellet for your rifle.
#7 is sadly not a option to me as my vile rulers have me for no reason locked to the smallest of Airgun calibers, but otherwise big YES

 

[RabbitofCaerbannog]

Plenty of threads on AGN about the ONE GUN idea… if you could only keep one…your favorite one, your most accurate one, etc… ad nauseam… You get the idea.
Have you Ever wondered what transforms an Airgun from basic utility status to a Legendary Classic?
This morning I decided I would try to answer that question for myself“.

First up is functionality related:

#1) accuracy
#2) tuneability
#3) smooth shot cycle: crisp, quiet SNAP!
#4) reliability - durability
#5) serviceability and parts availability
#6) warranty
#7) adaptability to different calibers
#8) A shot count that agrees with intended purpose

Second in line comes very subjective FORM issues:

#1) looks - does it have an amazing or unique stock - the wow factor
#2) feel - weight to size - overall balance at the shoulder.
#3) ergonomically designed for adaptability to various shooters and or various shooting disciplines - comfort in use.
#4) easily accepts various sighting option.

Lets see if you can list a single airgun in your collection that checks all the above boxes; don’t just list it, back up your assertions by using the above two check lists.

so far I have not found that ONE gun. I’ve come close but none of my guns check all the boxes, there is always a compromise as there doesn’t seem to be that ONE gun that can check all the boxes.

The Thomas comes close, but to me, it’s subjective utilitarian design hold it back but this is a - function over form thing. The Brocock Ghost while a wonder to change calibers and quickly tune is a bit top heavy (to me), when a large optic is mounted and its also very industrial looking. The Daystate Redwolf is right up there but tuneability and caliber changes require a lot of skill and like most airguns I’ve messed with, the shot cycle in .25/.30 calibers starts getting harsh. The RAW TM series definitely have the accuracy and the classic form with a high degree of ergonomic desirability.

Maybe the reason why ONE GUN is unthinkable for many is because you have know and decide on exactly how that gun will be used.

Let’s see how close to checking all the boxes you can get.

This thread is in honor of our comrades who live in places where it’s too cold to get out and shoot. There is a reason why I live in the Deep South.
View attachment 528179

i live in the deep south too, however my area is covered in snow and ice, has been since friday!

 

[thammer]

i live in the deep south too, however my area is covered in snow and ice, has been since friday!

I lived in Buford, GA for a short time. Beautiful place. Originally from Southern KY and spent most of my childhood there and TN. The south doesn't mess around much. It's either a light dusting of snow or let's shut down the county...

 

[Gerry52]

While my only 3 guns check all MY boxes they fall short on the changing of calibers &, I guess, tuneability on your list (but all came to me almost perfectly tuned already). That's why I have 3 in the only 3 calibers I'm interested in, .22, .25 & .30. They're consistently, dependably accurate with a quietness & silky smoothness of operation that's always a joy. I mainly hunt/pest & though they're limited to only pellets I don't find it a handicap. Most of my shooting is within the 60‐135 yard range though all 3 have accurate, humane kills far past that. I understand your requirements. There seems to be a "one size fits all" mentality these days that keeps people searching for the holy grail. Nothing wrong with that. I know plenty of musicians who search for the same thing but most end up with different multiples of whatever instrument they play (guitarists with 20 guitars) because the "holy grail" is, well, the HOLY GRAIL! Even if I found ONE gun that could do what my 3 do I don't think I'd change a thing. (Picture front to back: FX Bobcat .22, Royale .25, Boss .30)

 

[SpindleB]

I lived in Buford, GA for a short time. Beautiful place. Originally from Southern KY and spent most of my childhood there and TN. The south doesn't mess around much. It's either a light dusting of snow or let's shut down the county...

Meh, spent 5 years in Michigan Upper Peninsula that is snow.

You can all keep your snow, ice, heat and humidity. I am a huge fan of 75f summer and 55f winter norms. No snow, no heat (a few days over 90f) and most important NO !@#$% HUMIDITY.

-- Matt

 

[SpindleB]

While my only 3 guns check all MY boxes they fall short on the changing of calibers &, I guess, tuneability on your list (but all came to me almost perfectly tuned already). That's why I have 3 in the only 3 calibers I'm interested in, .22, .25 & .30. They're consistently, dependably accurate with a quietness & silky smoothness of operation that's always a joy. I mainly hunt/pest & though they're limited to only pellets I don't find it a handicap. Most of my shooting is within the 60‐135 yard range though all 3 have accurate, humane kills far past that. I understand your requirements. There seems to be a "one size fits all" mentality these days that keeps people searching for the holy grail. Nothing wrong with that. I know plenty of musicians who search for the same thing but most end up with different multiples of whatever instrument they play (guitarists with 20 guitars) because the "holy grail" is, well, the HOLY GRAIL! Even if I found ONE gun that could do what my 3 do I don't think I'd change a thing. (Picture front to back: FX Bobcat .22, Royale .25, Boss .30)View attachment 528228

I am becoming a big fan of that FX platform. Only have a Bobcat but if the other two show up at the right price they will most likely get added to the collection.

-- Matt

 

[ChickenDumpling]

A classic stands generations IMHO ... some may not still be in production, but the demand is still there and folks want to find and use them. Maybe its too engrained, but I always like the traditional hunting rifle with wood ... Mauser like. But the LEGO platforms with the plug and play approach, huge impact.

 

[OneAcreFarmer]

Meh, spent 5 years in Michigan Upper Peninsula that is snow.

You can all keep your snow, ice, heat and humidity. I am a huge fan of 75f summer and 55f winter norms. No snow, no heat (a few days over 90f) and most important NO !@#$% HUMIDITY.

-- Matt

Sounds about like my shop. 63f and 26% humidity.

 

[Gerry52]

I found this platform almost by accident. Wanted a Crown when it 1st was released. Got so angry with delivery date pushed further back each time the "promised by" date was coming around I told the shop to just send the Royale 500 they already had in stock. Straight out the box it allowed me to shoot better than I ever had! What a fortuitous "accident"! I've never looked back or had enough interest in other platforms to spend $ on them. Other's mileage might vary. (This was supposed to be a reply to @ SpindleB don't know why it didn't post that way!)