New Forum Member - Air Rifle choice suggestions

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Mark627 said:
I assumed Crossman and Daisy were pretty much the choices for an inexpensive pump action pellet gun. Boy, I am wrong! I've now heard of Diana and I didn't know Ruger also makes them.

Which brands and models under $150 are suggested for pest control and target practice? I'd like it to have a scope, wood furniture, and a rifled barrel.

Thanks!
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you will need to find something used with all those requirements.
 
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Mark627 said:
I assumed Crossman and Daisy were pretty much the choices for an inexpensive pump action pellet gun. Boy, I am wrong! I've now heard of Diana and I didn't know Ruger also makes them.

Which brands and models under $150 are suggested for pest control and target practice? I'd like it to have a scope, wood furniture, and a rifled barrel.

Thanks!
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Welcome! Are you looking to find a whole package for under $150, or just the rifle? Either way you'll be really limited.
 
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Big difference in pump vs barrel cocking piston gun. Multi-pump is essentially a pcp gun with a built in pump. A piston gun either spring or nitro piston is a different beast. Lots of reverse recoil and hold sensitivity. Great inexpensive shooters and can be very accurate once you learn the way the gun likes to be held. They are like girlfriends. You might be drawn to a type, a look, but each one wants to be treated and held differently. Obviously they cock faster and typically make similar power but it's one heavier cock of the barrel vs 10-15 pumps of a lever. What range/distance do you think you'll be shooting at the most? What size pests? I keep a surplus of guns I've picked up over the years that I keep just for this. Things that were free or low cost to me so I can help a new airgunner get more than expected up front so they aren't disappointed or don't get shy of the initial cost of airguns. Quality ones are typically far over a powder burner cost initially but you will shoot more and save more quickly with the inexpensive amount needed for ammo. I have a few here that should fill that $150 full set up if you're talking squirrel and rabbit down at 30 or so yards that will do great for that purpose. If you're talking 50+ yards there's not really anything in that range cost wise that I think you'll be satisfied with. At 30-50+ yards you get in to several hundred$$ at the low end.
 
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I'm only concerned with squirrels, pigeons, rats, and target practice, and all at no more than 25 yds. I don't need, nor have the room, for an elaborate and more powerful rifle.

I'm going to have to look up the different rifles that are barrel cocking piston vs pump. I'm not familiar with their differences.

I sincerely appreciate everyone's suggestions and help. I always look to learn from those with the experience and expertise.
 
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Ruger does not make any, those are chinese imports. Wood stock and a good gun will be a no-go at your price point. A Daisy 880, Crosman 2100, or Crosman 362 will all have better accuracy than budget spring piston guns, but you will have to work for it pumping them up 8 or 10 times per shot. Used to be, you could find RWS 34's on the used market for $150 or so, but not so much anymore. If you want a new spring piston rifle that is not endless frustration, you will have to just about double your budget.
 
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Mark627 said:
I just found a Diana 240 "Classic" on Amazon for $160. It has a scope and wood furniture. Are those decent rifles?
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community.hardairmagazine.com

Diana Two Forty Air Rifle Test Review .177 Caliber

VALUE FOR MONEY In this review of the Diana Two Forty air rifle, we need to give special consideration to the level of value it offers. At a Street Price of $99.99 – just one critical cent under that $100 barrier – it clearly hits a price point that many people want to pay. For that price...
community.hardairmagazine.com community.hardairmagazine.com
 
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Take your time figuring out what you can afford and really want.I think after a bit of learning you will see that maybe buying a used air gun from a known seller is the best way to go.Chinese made springers are rather rough,though the ones I have are powerful and sort-of accurate enough.
Also some of the popular brands are made in China.....yes,for sure get a USA pumper
 
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