Hunting Rifle Help/Guidance

[NickyAir16]

Hello all, new here. Long time reader who finally joined.

I have been shooting my Remington Vantage 1200 in .177 with a Sightmark Wraith HD. I have found the JSB Match Diablo Exact in 8.44 grains to work the best in this specific rifle. Never had it on a chrono, but I recon it would be around 800FPS or so with this pellet. I thoroughly enjoy small game hunting with it, but it leaves me desiring more. My state (NJ) allows only .177-.22 (minimum speed of 600FPS) for hunting, with the largest predator we can target being a raccoon. While effectively harvesting easily 100+ squirrels and rabbits over my 15 years of ownership with this rifle, I can't effectively take raccoon with it. Have I? Yes, when the yardage and proper shot presented itself, but not with 100% confidence.

I have been eyeing moving up to an entry PCP rifle (Air Venturi Avenger in .22), but was not sure if that would be my best bang for buck for hunting. It wont be used much else besides hunting and the occasional sighting in/target plinking. New Jersey does not allow any types of suppression, so all of the factory options with internal suppression aren't allowed. Even a Gamo Whisper is technically a big "no" here.

Accuracy and down range effectiveness are my main concerns. I would say that most of my shots will be 30 yards and in based on where/how I hunt. So, what do you all say? I have been reading the forums for weeks now trying to decide between an entry PCP, a new break barrel, etc. Any and all advice is welcome on this topic for me with my intended species as well as the limitations set by my state.

Nick

 

[tdog1]

For a budget PCP.i would look at the airacuda max 22.i have a 22 and a 30 .no problems so far .and mine are deadly accurate.the 22 non suppresed is very quiet.

 

[Struckat]

That 1200 hasn’t destroyed your Wraith? Interesting.

I have little faith in the China guns. I recently purchased a Marauder .22 with Walther barrel from Airgun Revisions for $300. Specifically a refurbished one. AR is an authorized referb center for them.
The best part is AR goes through the gun and puts it together correct and with care.
Although it’s not the latest and greatest, it is super accurate, reliable, and simple to work on. Parts are everywhere. Easy to hand pump also.

I am getting 35+ good shots @27fpe. No moderator needed as the shroud and baffles do a wonderful job.

 

[tdog1]

Struckat.i may have to check that gun out myself.is your's regulated?

 

[3Crows]

Contact AGR (Air Gun Revisions) for a Marauder with the hybrid tube and Lothar barrel and SSG in .22. Have him tune it. It will be a reliable hunting machine.

For hunting do not bother with regulation. Not worth it for the M-Rod. Better to go aluminum or hybrid tube to save weight and improve balance. Easier to get more energy also from a non-regulated M-Rod. Just not needed.

 

[Struckat]

Struckat.i may have to check that gun out myself.is your's regulated?

No it is not and I really see no need. The 35 shots are a very nice flat curve. There are more shots on both sides of the curve, but that drives the spread up. I pump to 2700 or so.
I also ordered the AR SSGwith the gun. AR would likely install it if you like. But it is an easy gun to work on. The SSG is a hammer and spring unit as apposed to the stock spring and hammer. It allows a little free float of the hammer so there is no preload on the valve. It allbut eliminated hammer bounce and made tuning easier than it already was.

The best part it is soooo quiet. My area is actually more restrictive than yours so of course I don’t shoot it in my back yard. But if I did, no one would hear.

He has regulated one with the Walther barrel now for $379. I do not have any regulated guns so I can’t comment on that.

 

[WorriedMan]

NickyAir16,
Welcome to the forum, glad you joined. NJ airgun regulations are strict, as has been previously discussed on forum. My understanding is that external and internal (shroud/baffle) sound moderation is prohibited. (Marauder and Airacuda utilize internal shroud/baffle sound moderation.) Suggest searching a vendor's PCP inventory, such as Pyramyd Air, for a non-shrouded, non-integrated external moderated platform that exceeds NJ minimum threshold of 600fps. WM

 

[Dr. Kralenstein]

Another option from AGR, is the stoeger scout or ranger. Plenty of power and not moderated.

 

[Struckat]

AR also has the Benjamin Craftsman line (Kralish) that are no shrouded.

 

[.177IQ]

I’m new and this is very good info- thanks

 

[Rob_in_NC]

That 1200 hasn’t destroyed your Wraith? Interesting.

Was my first thought. Big kahunas to have even chanced putting it on a springer.

 

[maxtrouble]

@NickyAir16 - I suggest staying away from the Avenger platform. A lot of people have reported POI shift. Another vote for Airgun Revisions tuned Marauder in .22 caliber.

Hard to beat the Marauder platform for a hunting rifle. Dependable, hand pump friendly, easy to work on, tons of upgrades and budget friendly. Call them up and explain your states laws and what you are looking for. I recommend the synthetic stock version for hunting.

Benjamin Marauder .22 synthetic - Airgun Revisions

Right from the start, the Benjamin Marauder .22 became an instant favorite among members of the hunting community, and that hasn’t changed. For the .22 , this air gun comes loaded with a 10-round magazine, a shrouded barrel, integrated sound suppression, and Picatinny breech. It’s a synthetic...

www.airgunrevisions.com

 

[NickyAir16]

That 1200 hasn’t destroyed your Wraith? Interesting.

I have little faith in the China guns. I recently purchased a Marauder .22 with Walther barrel from Airgun Revisions for $300. Specifically a refurbished one. AR is an authorized referb center for them.
The best part is AR goes through the gun and puts it together correct and with care.
Although it’s not the latest and greatest, it is super accurate, reliable, and simple to work on. Parts are everywhere. Easy to hand pump also.

I am getting 35+ good shots @27fpe. No moderator needed as the shroud and baffles do a wonderful job.

I am curious if NJ would view the shroud and baffles as a silencer? This is a quote from a state website:

"Silencers are defined as any device designed to lessen or muffle the noise of the gun discharging. We urge all users of air guns to determine through the manufacturer of the firearm whether or not they are so equipped. The possession and use of such air guns is ILLEGAL.".

This state is horrible but I am stuck here so just trying to make do lol.

 

[Rob_in_NC]

I am curious if NJ would view the shroud and baffles as a silencer? This is a quote from a state website:

"Silencers are defined as any device designed to lessen or muffle the noise of the gun discharging. We urge all users of air guns to determine through the manufacturer of the firearm whether or not they are so equipped. The possession and use of such air guns is ILLEGAL.".

This state is horrible but I am stuck here so just trying to make do lol.

Good point. Most other states, I would say that because the shroud 'looks' like a barrel, you should be fine as it's not obvious.... but I wouldnt chance that in NJ.

 

[Struckat]

I am curious if NJ would view the shroud and baffles as a silencer? This is a quote from a state website:

"Silencers are defined as any device designed to lessen or muffle the noise of the gun discharging. We urge all users of air guns to determine through the manufacturer of the firearm whether or not they are so equipped. The possession and use of such air guns is ILLEGAL.".

This state is horrible but I am stuck here so just trying to make do lol.

NickyAir16,
Welcome to the forum, glad you joined. NJ airgun regulations are strict, as has been previously discussed on forum. My understanding is that external and internal (shroud/baffle) sound moderation is prohibited. (Marauder and Airacuda utilize internal shroud/baffle sound moderation.) Suggest searching a vendor's PCP inventory, such as Pyramyd Air, for a non-shrouded, non-integrated external moderated platform that exceeds NJ minimum threshold of 600fps. WM

Worriedman worries about good stuff. The only thing I know about NJ is that you will never find me there!
You best investigate before you purchase.

 

[WorriedMan]

I am curious if NJ would view the shroud and baffles as a silencer? This is a quote from a state website:

"Silencers are defined as any device designed to lessen or muffle the noise of the gun discharging. We urge all users of air guns to determine through the manufacturer of the firearm whether or not they are so equipped. The possession and use of such air guns is ILLEGAL.".

This state is horrible but I am stuck here so just trying to make do lol.

Shroud (tube) surrounds barrel, air stripper and baffle stack redirect air flow into shroud so noise level reduced as projectile exits. Wishful thinking expecting NJ to not consider a sound-reducing device. WM

 

[Struckat]

Then I would go to the AirForce site and buy a unshrouded one that makes big noise! LOL

 

[JimD]

The New Jersey law worries me with respect to sound suppression. Clearly a screw on moderator would be asking for trouble. A baffled shroud would also seem to conflict with the law if they understand it. An unbaffled shroud does little if any sound suppression but manufacturers don't really describe them that way. Canada has strict laws about moderators but does not prohibit airgun shrouds. A Zellos is OK in Canada but potentially not in New Jersey. Safest would seem to be an unshrouded gun which is rare.

 

[NickyAir16]

That 1200 hasn’t destroyed your Wraith? Interesting.

I have little faith in the China guns. I recently purchased a Marauder .22 with Walther barrel from Airgun Revisions for $300. Specifically a refurbished one. AR is an authorized referb center for them.
The best part is AR goes through the gun and puts it together correct and with care.
Although it’s not the latest and greatest, it is super accurate, reliable, and simple to work on. Parts are everywhere. Easy to hand pump also.

I am getting 35+ good shots @27fpe. No moderator needed as the shroud and baffles do a wonderful job.

Only about 20 shots through it (reluctantly). It was a temp placement for a pest removal situation and I havent taken it off yet.

 

[NickyAir16]

The New Jersey law worries me with respect to sound suppression. Clearly a screw on moderator would be asking for trouble. A baffled shroud would also seem to conflict with the law if they understand it. An unbaffled shroud does little if any sound suppression but manufacturers don't really describe them that way. Canada has strict laws about moderators but does not prohibit airgun shrouds. A Zellos is OK in Canada but potentially not in New Jersey. Safest would seem to be an unshrouded gun which is rare.

My local gun shop actually began carrying some PCP rifles, but I haven't gone in to see which models or anything yet. Might have to bite the bullet at the store front to ensure its 100% compliant.