FX Differences b/t FX Wildcat III & Power Pup?

[BG3]

I always hate making my first post in a new forum. I always try to search out my answers but, eventually have to ask. So, my apologies for the lead-up to the actual question.

Like many here, I have a squirrel problem. What was just minor yard damage has become four holes in my screened porch, multiple gas nozzles chewed, a wire harness on our '19 4Runner, the end off an electrical cord, etc... I started down this rabbit hole (decent bourbon btw) in the search for a good bang-for-the-buck air rifle that wouldn't perk up the neighbors like the .22lr. I like to do my research but can get caught in analysis paralysis.

So, I was in the ballpark of the AV Avenge-X and I'm getting tired of the delays. (really feel for those that pre-ordered) I really like the idea of a bullpup. I like the control of having the bulk of the rifle in closer to my body. But, with the wait, started looking for options. The Umarex Origin and JTS Airacuda/Max have made it into the mix. I really like the classic look of the Airacuda as well as the look of the Max.

Given that this will be my first PCP, and first air rifle in a long time (besides my son's RR Buck 105), I decided to visit a local dealer to get educated by someone besides YT and going blind reading forums as I have been for a few weeks. I got to put my hands on FX Dreamline Classics in syn and walnut, .22 & .25, respectively. I also got to hold a Power Pup in .25. All three were on a different level than any airgun I've seen, much less fired. The Power Pup really felt good to me. It shouldered quickly and I felt like I could hold it on target longer than the traditional rifle style I'm used to. I really appreciate small businesses, having started and run many, including one I started from scratch and sold. So, if I do end up going FX, I'll likely support him.

I'm really trying to understand the differences between the Wildcat III and the Power Pup. I see a slight difference in plenum and energy comparing the bottle versions. Looks-wise, I prefer the tube. But the Dream Pup gives up a lot of energy potential to the Power Pup and Wildcat standards.

With all that said, I really hadn't planned on spending more than $500 on a rifle. But, I really need as accurate a gun as I can get for squirrels at 20 to 75 yards. (I know I'll have to do my part, too.) I'm looking for the best value for the performance. I don't need super high shot counts but, that would be a bonus for target practice/plinking. I don't mind buying once and crying once for the right fit. But, I hate wasting money for no reason. Did I just take an unnecessary leap or, am I on the right track?

I know, there's really two questions. Sorry. Thank you in advance for your help and patience!

 

[N2 Shooter]

The airguns are fairly close on paper, as you've noted. Some feel the extra power level adjustments and flow rate adjustments are a bonus on the Dream-Pup. I have the FX Maverick VP .30cal (shown below only for reference), which is identical to the Wildcat III BT as you can get, which a different chassis.

The dual regulators and larger power plenum are the two things that set the Wildcat III and Dream-Pup apart from the Wildcat III BT. The Wildcat III BT comes in 3 flavors:

• Wildcat III BT VP (600mm barrel and 400cc 220bar steel air bottle.) : Cheapest
• Wildcat III BT Compact (500mm barrel and 300cc 250bar air bottle). Middle of the road price wise, but a little less power due to shorter barrel.
• Wildcat III BT Sniper (700mm barrel and 580cc 250bar air bottle). Most expensive, the highest shot count and the most powerful due to the longer barrel.

You should probably budget for a suppressor, to take the noise way down. You can also reduce noise by limiting the power, but then you will have to adjust your holdovers.

The accuracy of the FX airguns are fantastic! I easily down squirrels at 70+ yards (video is here).

Honestly, for your needs, any airgun you have looked at will suit your needs for squirrel control. Using FX Hybrid Slugs or JSB Exact Slugs will take game with ease.

 

[weevil]

Thanks for a very entertaining and informative introductory post! You don’t discuss barrel length but I assume you’re leaning towards the compact Wildcat size of 500mm. I have a W3 that started life as a 30cal Sniper (700mm) with tube. Added a power plenum, then turned it into a 22 “sniper” with slug liner, then converted it to bottle with big plenum, then switched to 177 compact and now it’s a 30cal compact. Despite all the surgery, it’s never much seed a beat, hits the spot first shot and is pellet on pellet out to 50y. Frankly, I had the same questions about the Power-Pup/Lil Sluggers. What differentiates them from a compact WC3? Not much aside from what N2 mentioned. Anyway, hear a few other tidbits from me. First, having converted, I can attest that the BT is a big advantage - the tube WC3 is limited by the plenum especially in 25 and up. Second, although I lurk here a lot, I cant recall any feedback on those “power” Dreamlines, whereas there is a lot of very positive feedback on the Mav and WC BT, which share the same guts and barrels. One thing that worries me with the Dreamlines is that the barrels have only a hanging support from the rail. Finally, I’ll say that the worst thing for me regarding the WC is that the hammer action is right under your ear. At higher power, I find it unpleasant. Moneywise and given your goals, I’d still look at one of the reduced-price 25cal Taipan VetMk1’s that Utah Airguns is selling (assuming they have any left). They lack the flexibility but make up for it in solidity, quiet and refinement, if you can live with the rear cocking lever.

 

[Trucker3573]

It really boils down to purpose. If you really are looking to eradicate squirrels in your yard and the gun will sit most of the time otherwise going FX is over spending. Just buy an original avenger or jts max. If you are going to “SHOOT” the air rifle and go down this rabbit hole then there is nothing wrong with buy once cry once in my opinion.
As far as the guns you really can’t go wrong either way. Power pup will have a long barrel and a much larger plenum than the tube guns. You can get a 700mm (long) barrel tube version but it won’t produce the power due to plenum being much smaller than on the power pup. The wildcat bottle is a bit more complex as it has the large plenum but two regulators instead of one. A bit more involved in tuning.

 

[Jasonmc]

It really boils down to purpose. If you really are looking to eradicate squirrels in your yard and the gun will sit most of the time otherwise going FX is over spending. Just buy an original avenger or jts max. If you are going to “SHOOT” the air rifle and go down this rabbit hole then there is nothing wrong with buy once cry once in my opinion.
As far as the guns you really can’t go wrong either way. Power pup will have a long barrel and a much larger plenum than the tube guns. You can get a 700mm (long) barrel tube version but it won’t produce the power due to plenum being much smaller than on the power pup. The wildcat bottle is a bit more complex as it has the large plenum but two regulators instead of one. A bit more involved in tuning.

Yes, no, maybe....
You know how this hobby is... You start with this rifle and wish you had tried that rifle..

 

[EPG]

Hi BG3,

I recently considered between the FX Dreamline Power Pup and the Wildcat 3 bottle version… I chose the Power Pup as I have previous ownership experience with both Single regulator and dual regulator FX rifles - and much prefer the simplicity of the Dreamline platform. It has all the adjustability that you will ever need velocity-wise, and is simple to work on and maintain. The Power Pup version has a huge plenum and power to spare.

The Power Pup comes in two flavors, the 700mm barrel version and the 500mm barrel version called Lil Slugger.

My 500mm Lil Slugger version is .25 caliber. It is lightweight and short, handles so nicely (I like bullpups), gives tons of shots and shoots lights out with JSB pellets - as most all FX rifles do.

Note that on my 500mm rifle, to shoot 25.4g .25 pellets @ 900fps, the regulator is only at 100 bar and the external hammer spring adjuster is only set midway in the adjustment range.

For you purpose and distance, I’d recommend the 500mm barrel version - much more compact and since the barrel free floats, the 500mm is “stiffer” harmonically.

Welcome to AGN,

-Ed

 

[Stubbers]

Both wonderful guns in their own rights, but I can't emphasize enough that most pcp's will get you on your target @ much less cost, as you alluded you only intended to spend 500$.

You'll have to recharge your airgun with HPA, hand pumping you'll likely grow tired of, so expect another 300-500$ in a compressor. (The Notos below is much more hand pump friendly)

Quality glass/scope 300-500$ (Also many options in the 100-200$ range, look at the optics sections for plenty of options here)

Accessories (bi-pod, sling, bag rider, so on) 100-200$

While the FX line-up is great, it can suffer from cold shot (first shot after sitting) issues due to their balance valve and the inherent regulator creep that all regulated actions CAN suffer from.

The JTS Airacuda and Avenger-X will certainly complete the task for your 25-75 yard intents, among many other 500$~ pcp's on the market. If you want to get your feet wet, and want a challenge @ 75 yards (and impeccable accuracy under 50) you can try your hand with the Umarex Notos, as it would shoulder similar to the bullpups you tested. It certainly isn't in the same league but neither is its barrier of entry @ 250$. PyramidAir has a 10% coupon available if you do a google search that will bring it down further, along with some accessories if you go there. There are a few huge threads covering this gun, and I have yet to really see any in the classifieds section which suggests its a keeper.

Just my 2c!

-Matt

 

[BG3]

Thank you all for your thorough replies and warm welcome. I'm glad at least one enjoyed that long winded first post. I had read @JoeKool 's post comparing his DreamPup & Wildcat III at 100yds. Then realized his guns were modded. So, that's what ultimately prompted me to ask about the guns in stock form. I was able to dry fire the Power Pup 700mm without and with the DonnyFL. Pretty significant difference to my ears. He said it should be even quieter with a pellet. Definitely quiet enough that the neighbors won't likely notice unless they're outside. I'm out in the country. So, we can shoot but, I still try to be respectful.

I think I'd prefer the forward cocking handle as it seems like it would be quicker for follow-up shots. The rear handle on the Power-pup wasn't tough by any means but, I definitely had to reset my position. It didn't have a magazine installed. From the pics, the mag and handle look really close. Does the mag interfere with access to the handle?

The unsupported barrel is another thing to think about with the Power Pup/Lil' Slugger.

I'm leaning towards .22 as it seems adequate for my needs. I also have 2300' of pvc running through my yard, ~12" deep, for irrigation. So, I want to minimize chance of penetration.

I've seen the Taipan Veteran's mentioned a lot. But, my wife is already giving me crazy looks after mentioning the prices of the higher quality guns... I'm certainly open to suggestions, regardless.

There's another side to this equation steering me to PCPs. My son enjoys shooting his RR Buck 105. But, he's a small 7 yr old. He wouldn't be big regardless but, he's a surviving twin. They were born 3 1/2 months early as micro-preemies. He was only 1lb, 14oz. You'd never know what he's been through, now. But, he does tire of cocking the 105 and the trigger is tough. He usually tries to use two fingers. So, I help him when he gets tired. I'm thinking something like a compact PRod setup might help him and make it more enjoyable. We've really stressed firearm safety from the beginning. So, I think he could handle it with observation at this point. But, that's another post for a later time.

Thank you for helping me think through this. I know we all like to be enablers but, if this is really overkill and there's more reasonable solutions that are spot on at 75 yards, I'm open. In FX, I'd most likely go with one of the BT VP versions.

 

[BG3]

It would be great if I could actually put my hands on other options. But, I've only found the one dealer in Lexington, NC. We have plenty of firearm shops. Airgun dealers are harder to find...

 

[Stubbers]

It would be great if I could actually put my hands on other options. But, I've only found the one dealer in Lexington, NC. We have plenty of firearm shops. Airgun dealers are harder to find...

Snowpeak P35

www.krale.shop

Honorable sub 500$ BullPup mention. Sadly out of stock @ krale for the .22 cal currently. But in stock for a bit more @ huma but they include their tuning regulator.

Snowpeak P35 + Huma-Air Regulator

Snowpeak P35 (Artemis) synthetical airrifle a Huma-Air tuning regulator for the best performance.

www.huma-air.com

-Matt