I\'ve got $300. what should I buy? (sorry, I\'m a noob)

I'm really just getting started in this hobby. These are the guns I've collected so far :

Gamo Silent Cat .177 (got it for $50)

Gamo Magnum .177 ($100 at pawn shop

Swiss Arms TG-1 .177 ($60 walmart clearance)

Crosman 2240 24" barrel, backpacker brace ($30 pawn shop)

Crosman 2240 pistol ($59 walmart)

Benjamin Prowler .22 ($40 pawn shop)



So, I've got $300. These are the guns I'm interested in (I think)

Gamo Swarm Magnum .22 

Hatsan 135 Carnivore .30

But also might get into PCP's such as the Umarex Gauntlet, Beeman QB Chief, Hatsan Flash Carbine in .25



any advice ???
 
For PCP's, don't forget that you need to fill them with air. A hand pump will run anywhere from $50 on eBay to $200 + for a Hill Pump. If you can stretch for a PCP, I recommend that you definitely go PCP. A really good springer (Break Barrel) will run well over the $300, and a cheap springer will ruin the whole experience.

Suggest you (if possible) stretch another $50 to $100 and look at the Benjamin Fortitude with a cheap pump off eBay.

If you can't stretch another $100 and want a PCP, do this.

On a Friday (please, I am serious, hear me out) go to Crossman.com. Look up the Maximus. There's a $350 Maximus Starter Kit in .22 that includes the rifle, pump, target, pellets, and safety glasses. Use the "AGNATION" discount code for a 25% discount and the whole thing comes to about $265, leaving a little room to buy more pellets. Fridays are usually free shipping saving $25 or $30 in shipping fees. The kit is a great deal!

I suggest the Maximus for two reasons:

  • Cost, it's a good gun, darned cheap way to get into PCP air rifles.
  • For hand pumping, it's a 2000 PSI fill, vs 3000 PSI for other guns. This makes a real difference in the difficulty of pumping.

You can get shooting for $265 leaving a little bit for a scope if you want.

Crosman also sells reasonable scopes (nothing fancy of course). Look at the 4-16x44 variable Center POint scope. It's $79 before discount, with discount, about $60.

Total if you go that route is $325 shipped, in your hands, and you are shooting. Can't go wrong. A bit over the $300 but you can always shoot open sites till you can afford a scope if needed.

good luck
 
Super sale value.......Cabelas has a RWS34 synthetic stock,to 6 excellent triggeR, German made, perfect time tested barrel and history. Google it.

.177 caliber $150.00. This price is incredible, say it once again, incredible. There are no price matches, I checked because they won't ship to Illinois.

Best value I have seen, and I'm older than dirt. In fact, when I was born, "The Dead Sea was just sick."

This rifle has survived the "test of time."

DonC
 
That RWS34 is a smoking hot deal I must say! I have NEVER seen them selling for brand new for under $200.00.

The other option is the Walther Parrus or Terrus both with the WOOD STOCKS for $149.95-149.99 at AofA which are well discounted for the Terrus and more than half of retail for the Parrus.

These guns mentioned are very accurate and easier to shoot than what you mentioned.

If you are stepping up to PCPs then the Maximus Hunter or Euro with 25% off AGN discount code and free shipping on Fridays.

Pumping past 2000psi is just not fun at all and gets tiring making you not want to shoot the gun as much as you would like to

so be aware what kind of PCP starting fill pressure and air capacity it needs unless you have a carbon fibre tank to refill it with.


CA
 
Salt lake had a great suggestion the Maximus is a great entry level pcp and accurate right out of box with the normal pre shooting check 

and barell cleaning 

my suggestion would be to look into the Maximus hunter model in .22 as it comes with scope and rings that are very usable the scope is actually nice for a bundled optic and it's a/o and mil dot so perfect for a pcp 

the Maximus hunter ordered on Friday per salt lakes advice using the agnation discount code runs $164 delivered hard to beat for a scoped pcp 

shipped to your door add an inexpensive hand pump off ebay for another $50 and your shooting pcp s for around $220 

if u decide to go pcp that would be a great entry level option I really like mine for the money 

pcpfan37
 
I'd save a little bit more money and get the Gamo Urban from Pyramyd Air with the 10 for 10 service. Shipping should be free.

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Gamo_Urban_PCP_Air_Rifle/4100

https://www.pyramydair.com/10-for-10



https://youtu.be/PnUys-WWnak



Then a Chinese hand pump from Ali Express for $33

They are all the rage now. think of it as a disposable pump. A rebuild kit for a Hill will cost you that much. Know of several guys going this route with success. Heck at that price I ordered one and don't even use it!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4500psi-3-Stage-Air-Rifle-Hand-Pump-Air-Pump-Stirrup-Charging-Gas-Filter-Gauge-Valve-Hose/32850137762.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.29814c4dWsALI2
 
It's interesting, the author (I think) accidentally started two threads, exactly the same title. The other thread is all about the RWS34, and better springers. This thread is all about entry level PCP's.

We all have such different opinions, isn't it great!


Yes sir, that's awesome you noticed that. I have to go by,,,,,,,,What would Jimmy buy?? LOL

If I was just starting out it would be the Urban or the Gauntlet with the $33 hand pump.

If it was a springer, I could only choose the Beeman R-7 or the HW-30 in that price range. Mainly because they are accurate, easy to cock,easy on scopes, and are just fun to shoulder and shoot. If I need more power, then it's time for a PCP ;-)

Peace and Hand pump grease

Jimmy


 
I just purchased a RWS 34P in .22 and absolutely love it. The sites on the gun are great, build quality is excellent, and it has ample power. I also saw the price that Cabela's is selling the RWS 34 at and it definitely raised my eye brows! If it's a German built RWS like the one I just purchased.....that is a killer deal!! Almost has me thinking about getting a second one, but in wood stock.
 
Weihrauch hw95 $350 from airguns of Arizona. I have one. You will not be disappointed


Oh yeah, I forgot about this one. +1 on that choice.

It's basically the same as the Beeman R-9 and it scored a Gold Award 90% on Hard Air Magazine review!

https://hardairmagazine.com/reviews/airgun-test-reviews/beeman-r9-air-rifle-test-review-177-cal/

Hard Air has a great rating system if the gun you're interested in has been tested by them.

For instance google....... Hard Air Magazine RWS 34P and check it's rating. I believe it got a bronze award 74% which is still pretty darn good!





The Gaunlet got a great test review at 88% Gold. They haven't tested an Urban yet? They reviewed it but didn't test for some reason?

https://hardairmagazine.com/reviews/umarex-gauntlet-pcp-test-review-22-caliber/

Google Hard Air Magazine Gamo Urban

Jimmy








 
I'm pretty new myself, and have been doing huge amounts of research over the exact question you are asking. In the past, I have mostly shot my Gamo Bone Collector gas ram in .22, a Benjamin Nitro Trail .177, and an old Sheridan 342 in .177. A few weeks ago I bought my first quality Springer, (a Weihrauch HW30s in .22). I am shocked by how much more satisfying this is to shoot! I would recommend spending the money and getting good gun. Springers are more hold sensitive than a PCP, but great for learning good shooting technique. They also need less 'support' equipment. PCPs are great for hunting. Ask yourself, what do you most want to do? (I like simple, and don't have a lot of money. Springers work for me.) I would recommend looking at a Weihrauch HW30s or a HW50s. Other great ones are the Beeman R7 or R9. I am seriously looking at the Diana model 34 as my next gun. I hope this helps you.