Hello Crew, Im completely new to the airgun scene and would like some help looking for a good starter air rifle. I have a budget of around 400-500 for it and that would have to include most everything. Is there such a rifle that can be found in that range fully kitted out and wont make alot of noise to disturb my neighbors? Its main purpose will be for squirrels, possums, and racoons as they are a big problem on my property.
FNG
- Thread starter DevilSquid87
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Once you get enough posts to use the PM function here, there are options to be found in the Classifieds. Right now, there is a Hatsan Flash, scope, moderator, and hand pump in the classifieds for $200 shipped. I'm not a huge Hatsan fan, but for $200, that leaves a lot of $$ left over for pellets. That Hatsan will take any of the critters you listed above.
Hand pumping it will be a pain, but if used for the occasional pest, shouldnt be an issue.
Welcome to the forum and the rabbit hole.
Hand pumping it will be a pain, but if used for the occasional pest, shouldnt be an issue.
Welcome to the forum and the rabbit hole.
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The big question is whether to go PCP or springer. A good quality springer with scope and mounts can be had for $500 but if you intend to shoot raccoons then I don't think that's enough power.
So now the question is how to get a quiet PCP with everything you need for $500. That's going to be tough at retail pricing. The kit suggested by Rob is a pretty good lead.
So now the question is how to get a quiet PCP with everything you need for $500. That's going to be tough at retail pricing. The kit suggested by Rob is a pretty good lead.
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I have looked at it and Im really interested in it but like you said Rob, I have to wait to pm him or else I would be getting it right now.
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Benjamin Akela 25
If you ever wanted a factory made Akela .25 here is your chance! New factory refurbished Benjamin Akela with all new .25 upgraded components. These guns are true lasers with 25.4g ammo. All .25 guns are assembled by Airgun Revisions, fully inspected and tested to be leak free and accurate.…
www.airgunrevisions.com This would be the perfect airgun
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VEVOR 3 Stage PCP 4500PSI Air Gun Rifle Filling Stirrup Pump Hand Pump Pressure | eBay
Our PCP air pump can handle car tires, motorcycle tires, bicycle tires, kayaks, and soccer balls with ease. It makes maintaining proper tire pressure a breeze. Choose our versatile PCP hand pump and enjoy the convenience of a single pump for all your inflation needs.
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As far as a scope, that's up to you. There are plenty of options for optics under $100, and the gun has a picatiny rail.
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I think JaceSpace's advice is perfect for starting out. Heck, I don't need it but I find that Akela VERY tempting for me right now . . .
Don't let anyone talk you out of starting out handpumping - it is perfectly doable for guns with 3000 psi and under fills, unless you are very frail/weak, and can even work well for higher fill guns but is more work there. I did it for several years before moving on to tanks and compressors, and it was really the expansion of the hobby from shooting to modding/building that drove the change - filling from empty with a hand pump is slow and tedious, but if you are just shooting a few guns it is something you only do once every several years. Modding means you might have to do it several times a day . . . avoid that and done right, hand pumps are fine and only take a few minutes. They are a little bit of physical work, but most people could use a lot of extra work for fitness and health anyways. And welcome to the forum and hobby!
Don't let anyone talk you out of starting out handpumping - it is perfectly doable for guns with 3000 psi and under fills, unless you are very frail/weak, and can even work well for higher fill guns but is more work there. I did it for several years before moving on to tanks and compressors, and it was really the expansion of the hobby from shooting to modding/building that drove the change - filling from empty with a hand pump is slow and tedious, but if you are just shooting a few guns it is something you only do once every several years. Modding means you might have to do it several times a day . . . avoid that and done right, hand pumps are fine and only take a few minutes. They are a little bit of physical work, but most people could use a lot of extra work for fitness and health anyways. And welcome to the forum and hobby!
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Welcome to the best AGN !
as you can see , you can get all the answers (and more) please read all the rules (really not many .)
The rule says 10 quality posts and 10 days to earn the PM rights you need for the Classifieds , very easy , just talk .
Stan in Ky.
as you can see , you can get all the answers (and more) please read all the rules (really not many .)
The rule says 10 quality posts and 10 days to earn the PM rights you need for the Classifieds , very easy , just talk .
Stan in Ky.
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So I looked at the site you sent JaceSpace 1369. They also have a Benjamin Gunnar and a Benjamin Armada that are within my price range as well. Is there anything I need to be looking for as far as pumps or compressors? I know compressors are going to be high but a hand pump doesnt seem to be that expensive.
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Get an Amazon cheapie hand pump. I've used $$$ pumps and I've used the cheapies. I've found no difference. They all suck to use, but they are doable. If you are able to wait just a little longer, that deal on the classifieds still leaves you a lot of cash for pellets, just my opinion.
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Many of the shooters on this forum say " just buy the Amazon china hand pumps " I will add watch a few How to hand pump videos it is not the same as using a tire pump , very different motions . also use the hand pump to top off after shooting rather than shooting down to the bottom .
EDIT: If your gun holds 3000 psi and the last shot should be @ 1800 PSI , only shoot down to maybe 2400 PSI and top off ,
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Been thinking of selling a starter kit, stoeger scout.22, scope,mod,bipod. A toauto compressor and Benjamin tank for $600. Need to thin herd again , haven’t used compressor in over a year as I upgraded and I have bigger tank on order. I won’t be posting it till after holidays
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When you are ready I have a bottled Umarex Notos. It has plenty of shots per fill with the bottle and adjustableconsistent power with the regulator. A low cost scope and lowend compressor could keep you under $500. Feel free to PM me when you can.
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I bought this same hand pump for $33 plus $8 in shipping and still have mine. I've used it to pump my GK1 (sold it) up to 5000psi, without any problems at all. Just follow the instructions on it.
The Armada is a longer gun, that would work well for you if you want to bench shoot. I wouldn't get it for walking and stalking. The gunnar is for the shooter that wants a lot of shots per fill, there is no adjusting that gun without seriously getting into the meat and potatoes of it. I've heard it's a great shooter, but it is heavier and filling up would not be fun with a hand pump.
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Scotay42 it will be a while before I can PM. I doubt I could put my number on here for people to contact me.
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I like my 3 SPA made airguns so I normally start there for a budget friendly airgun. The Umarex Notos is one but weak in my opinion for raccoons. Stoeger Ranger and Scout are larger and available in 25 caliber which I recommend for bigger critters. Ranger would have the most power. I also recommend an inexpensive handpump from Amazon. My favorite inexpensive scope is the Hawke Vantage 2-7 or 3-9. I have the 2-7 on my Prod.
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I have a Hatsan FlashPup in .22 caliber . It has taken over 50 groundhogs since purchased from UA in 2018. I've not taken anything larger like raccoon but w/ the right ammo & shot placement it would do the job.It has been trouble free & nothing but reliable. If your location was know I'd gladly let you try it out. With a BuckRail moderator it is backyard friendly. If you were happy w/ it , the price is right.
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