New Member from Oregon

[StgSlappy]

Hello everyone! New member here trying to get my ten post to buy my first air rifle off of the classifieds.

I apologize if this topic has been beat to death but I’m looking for some advice. I have a budget of $400 to purchase my first rifle, and about $100 for a pump. Oregon does not allow big game hunting yet but does allow for coyote management. I’m needing some advice on what I should be looking for at this price range. I.e cal and even better if you can point me at a specific rifle or brand. We have a pretty big problem with coyotes on our farm. And in the area in general. I’m backed by about 5k acres of timberland.

Thank you everyone.

 

[StgSlappy]

from the research I have done I do know I want as much shot capability per fill as possible while maintaining enough knock down to seal the deal.

 

[WorriedMan]

Stg,
Welcome to AGN, hope we can help. Budget dictates a "starter" PCP, (listed in personal preference) Dynamic Air Rifles, JTS Airacuda, Air Venturi Avenger, Umarex Gauntlet and Benjamin Marauder. Recommend .25 caliber, Umarex Gauntlet has a .30, but might be over budget. Research and come back with questions when you've narrowed preferences. Chinese HPA hand pump from eBay for $50 is best bet. Don't forget optics, open sights are rare on PCPs. WM

 

[StgSlappy]

Thank you WorriedMan. I have optics covered already. I’m ordering a sight marks wraith 4K next week. I will do some more research.

 

[WorriedMan]

Watch Matt Dubber's video series, "Air Gun Ballistics, 101," on YouTube, short, easy to follow and full of information. Gun attributes I prefer; side-lever cocking, regulated, picatinny scope rail and metal magazines. Long, heavy guns are out, shorter, lighter are in. More metal than plastic, also preferred. WM

 

[FelixS]

Where about in Oregon are you located?
I would suggest a .25 cal as well, or .30 if you can find a deal. I would also reconsider the scope and spend the cash on the gun/compressor.

 

[StgSlappy]

I’m up in Deer Island. I understand the view on dropping the sight for more budget on a gun. My view is you buy one night vision optic and many, many guns. Most of my coyote shooting is at night.

 

[cavedweller]

Hello everyone! New member here trying to get my ten post to buy my first air rifle off of the classifieds.

I apologize if this topic has been beat to death but I’m looking for some advice. I have a budget of $400 to purchase my first rifle, and about $100 for a pump. Oregon does not allow big game hunting yet but does allow for coyote management. I’m needing some advice on what I should be looking for at this price range. I.e cal and even better if you can point me at a specific rifle or brand. We have a pretty big problem with coyotes on our farm. And in the area in general. I’m backed by about 5k acres of timberland.

Thank you everyone.

Welcome!

 

[cavedweller]

from the research I have done I do know I want as much shot capability per fill as possible while maintaining enough knock down to seal the deal.

A used air force in .25 or .30 would be a good bet

 

[StgSlappy]

A used air force in .25 or .30 would be a good bet

Thank you cavedweller. I will put that on my BOLO list

 

[FelixS]

I’m up in Deer Island. I understand the view on dropping the sight for more budget on a gun. My view is you buy one night vision optic and many, many guns. Most of my coyote shooting is at night.

Ahh, Deer Island, target rich! I am in Southern Oregon, clear on the other side. My airgun recommendation for your entry point would be a used AEA.

 

[StgSlappy]

Ahh, Deer Island, target rich! I am in Southern Oregon, clear on the other side. My airgun recommendation for your entry point would be a used AEA.

Thank you FelixS. I have been looking at this AEA challenger bullpuup with the 24” barrel in .30 on the classifieds for $400 but wanted to see what the recommendation were before I seriously considered it. Any thoughts on something like that?

 

[FelixS]

I had 2 AEA HP SS; sold the .30 and still have the .22. Shoots straight for the money, however the semi-auto feature is unreliable. However, the bolt actions are solid based on customer comments. I have no other experience with AEA. I believe they are a good buy for the money, and if you get a pre-owned, even better. That all being said, I would go for the higher end FX if doable, better quality and reliability.

 

[StgSlappy]

I had 2 AEA HP SS; sold the .30 and still have the .22. Shoots straight for the money, however the semi-auto feature is unreliable. However, the bolt actions are solid based on customer comments. I have no other experience with AEA. I believe they are a good buy for the money, and if you get a pre-owned, even better. That all being said, I would go for the higher end FX if doable, better quality and reliability.

10-4. I appreciate your input

 

[maxtrouble]

Welcome to AGN! The Marauder is available in .25 caliber and it has a 3000 psi fill. That makes it very hand pump friendly but a little above your budget. Going over 3000 psi with a hand pump can be a chore.

 

[StgSlappy]

Yea I wondered about this. I wish I could experience the pain to get a full understanding before I buy. Being honest I may just bite the bullet and buy a compressor. I will look at the Marauder. I have seen them pop up from time to time in the classifieds.

 

[beerthief]

Welcome to the best AGN , looks like your getting good info already .

6 posts , so far

 

[Scotay42]

With that budget, your only option is an AEA challenger .30 used, possibly a .25. And a $60 ebay handpump. More shots and knockdown do not come together in that budget.

 

[StgSlappy]

With that budget, your only option is an AEA challenger .30 used, possibly a .25. And a $60 ebay handpump. More shots and knockdown do not come together in that budget.

Thats fair. Im learning and open to hear opinions. Lets say the 400 budget was gone and for someone that is new and not trying to break the bank on their first air rifle. With the objective to Coyote hunt. What should I be looking for and at what price? With the knowledge you have, What would you aim for?

 

[Scotay42]

I, like alot of AGN guys scour the classifieds,ebay and also used store sales. It is a tough situation for a lower budget. For me, best bang for the buck would be an AEA challenger pro .35 or .30. Both put out great power and consistent shots regulated, side lever and can be had used for $500 or so. There are plenty more options out there but not at that price point. Any AEA product will need trigger work, so if that is an issue it changes things. Next would be a benji bulldog, but to me it needs a regulator and trigger work also,and higher price to get go. So with a low budget it gets tricky. The next issue is air. Bigger bore wants more air. GX CS2 compressor is a lifesaver, can be had $200-$250. Manual shutoff, run 1min on and 2min off with the fans going and it will last. Otherwise, $60 handpump does it, but at 400 pumps or more each fill. A small .22 with a hand pump is not a big deal, but bigger bore takes a toll. Beyond the AEA and bulldog you are looking at $1k for a used quality big bore. Air force is in there too, but single shot, many are slug picky and just humongous.