I can’t take credit fully on this post , it was inspired by a newbie’s post regarding their upgrading to a tier 1 gun. Theirs was an “FX or not” , for which there was multiple opinions on both sides. If I remember correctly, the pro FX proponents claimed the tournament wins or strong showing touts FX superior build, those like myself and others claim, rightfully so, that these guns are specifically modified and tuned and not that way out of box. Whereas there and plenty of other brands that are rock solid, dependable, far easier to maintain. With both pellets and slugs, choked or unchoked barrels. One that starts into 50 or 100 yard target plinking doesn’t need to plunge into an FX impact to get great results. I would definitely advocate for simpler designed guns for new shooters to become familiar with, eventually, when the bug bites them, they can dive into FX . My stance favoring the EU brands is well established, I’m not intending this as a hit piece on FX. It’s just not a recommendation I’d give a newbie to PCP.