Newbie needing suggestions

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CS-315

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Nov 1, 2023
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Baltimore
A friend and I have started getting into small game hunting/target shooting with air rifles. Currently been using a gamo magnum break barrel with no complaints. Potentially just wanting more, which demands PCP it seems. I've acquired some info so far, but still looking for some suggestions

-Cleaning/maintenance frequency and complexity

-Reliability of PCP rifles in harsh weather

-thoughts on buying second hand?

Things I'm looking for in order of importance:
-Range, being able to trust something at 100+ yards would be very nice.
-Weight/Length , Im on the move a decent amount and shoot standing up sometimes, it would be awesome to keep under 7-8 lbs and not be too terribly long.
-Reliable, don't want it constantly breaking/Jamming on me.
-Magazine capacity of at least 5. The more, the better.
-Semi auto would be really nice, but I could be talked into bolt action.
-Stopping power is not something I'm terribly concerned with, just needs to be able to drop small game at the ranges expressed above.

My price range is preferably 500-1000, but some of these high end semi autos are making me think again. A second hand leshiy 2 or a steyr hunting rifle would be pretty cool. Just not into the 3-5k that would cost to have done all-new. Thoughts on the AEA terminator? Just seems like those are good for about 20 shots before they need refilled.

Or is something like a bolt action daystate more up my alley?
 
beerthief said:
First check the laws in the area your going to hunt , caliber and power for air powered guns . KY. is .177 and .22 only . and also what is legal to hunt with air .
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Thanks for the reply and concern.
All small game that I intended to hunt has no caliber limits that I could find. And are fair game for air gun hunting.
 
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CS-315 said:
Or is something like a bolt action daystate more up my alley?
Click to expand...
This for a dedicated quality and mostly worry free small game gun. Daystate Huntsman/Regal

As far as cleaning, there is a lot of info, but basically a barrel cleaning with a pull through patch is needed with a new gun and then only when accuracy starts to suffer. I've got guns I've not run a patch through in years with no issues.

Wipe down the outside with Ballistol or a silicon cloth after being out in harsh weather. No noticeable ill effects from a PCP being out in cold weather.

I wouldnt be caught up on semi auto to be honest. It's great for S&G's, but definitely not needed.

edit...thoughts on buying second hand. I'm comfortable with it because I've 'known' many of the folks here for a while. May not be the case for you, but if you see a gun used you like, I would check that persons other posts to see if they've monkeyed with it or have had issues with it and to try to get a sense of if they know WTH they are talking about ;-)
 
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@CS-315 Welcome to the forums. The linked thread below was composed for people with similar questions. The budget in the thread slightly exceeds the high-end of your $1000 budget by $200. I think it’s still worth looking into.

Good Out of the Box Shooters (PCPs) - Share Your Experiences

After reading many threads where members ask questions seeking advice concerning which gun to purchase for hunting/pesting, a first PCP for backyard plinking, or wanting to tryout benchrest styled shooting I saw several posts where tinkerers, competitors, and mechanically inclined members are...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com
 
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CS-315 said:
A friend and I have started getting into small game hunting/target shooting with air rifles. Currently been using a gamo magnum break barrel with no complaints. Potentially just wanting more, which demands PCP it seems. I've acquired some info so far, but still looking for some suggestions

-Cleaning/maintenance frequency and complexity

-Reliability of PCP rifles in harsh weather

-thoughts on buying second hand?

Things I'm looking for in order of importance:
-Range, being able to trust something at 100+ yards would be very nice.
-Weight/Length , Im on the move a decent amount and shoot standing up sometimes, it would be awesome to keep under 7-8 lbs and not be too terribly long.
-Reliable, don't want it constantly breaking/Jamming on me.
-Magazine capacity of at least 5. The more, the better.
-Semi auto would be really nice, but I could be talked into bolt action.
-Stopping power is not something I'm terribly concerned with, just needs to be able to drop small game at the ranges expressed above.

My price range is preferably 500-1000, but some of these high end semi autos are making me think again. A second hand leshiy 2 or a steyr hunting rifle would be pretty cool. Just not into the 3-5k that would cost to have done all-new. Thoughts on the AEA terminator? Just seems like those are good for about 20 shots before they need refilled.

Or is something like a bolt action daystate more up my alley?
Click to expand...
Hello @CS-315

Not taking any of your other requirements into consideration, you must adjust your budget up to at least $1500.00 minimum for the 100+ yards accuracy. All of your other needs will be met on a brand name like Brocock, etc., in the $1500.00 to $2000.00 range. Lots of very good rifles below this dollar amount but you can expect 50-yards accuracy good.

ThomasT
 
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Rob_in_NC said:
This for a dedicated quality and mostly worry free small game gun. Daystate Huntsman/Regal

As far as cleaning, there is a lot of info, but basically a barrel cleaning with a pull through patch is needed with a new gun and then only when accuracy starts to suffer. I've got guns I've not run a patch through in years with no issues.

Wipe down the outside with Ballistol or a silicon cloth after being out in harsh weather. No noticeable ill effects from a PCP being out in cold weather.

I wouldnt be caught up on semi auto to be honest. It's great for S&G's, but definitely not needed.

edit...thoughts on buying second hand. I'm comfortable with it because I've 'known' many of the folks here for a while. May not be the case for you, but if you see a gun used you like, I would check that persons other posts to see if they've monkeyed with it or have had issues with it and to try to get a sense of if they know WTH they are talking about ;-)
Click to expand...
good info. Thanks!
Any other brands to look for besdies day state?
 
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ThomasT said:
Hello @CS-315

Not taking any of your other requirements into consideration, you must adjust your budget up to at least $1500.00 minimum for the 100+ yards accuracy. All of your other needs will be met on a brand name like Brocock, etc., in the $1500.00 to $2000.00 range. Lots of very good rifles below this dollar amount but you can expect 50-yards accuracy good.

ThomasT
Click to expand...
1500-2k is not the end of the world, just would likely look for a good used option to keep it under.
Anything that has less range than 100 makes it hard for me not to just stick with my break barrel.
 
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Ezana4CE said:
@CS-315 Welcome to the forums. The linked thread below was composed for people with similar questions. The budget in the thread slightly exceeds the high-end of your $1000 budget by $200. I think it’s still worth looking into.

Good Out of the Box Shooters (PCPs) - Share Your Experiences

After reading many threads where members ask questions seeking advice concerning which gun to purchase for hunting/pesting, a first PCP for backyard plinking, or wanting to tryout benchrest styled shooting I saw several posts where tinkerers, competitors, and mechanically inclined members are...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com
Click to expand...
I think I’ve read this one. I’ll grab another look.
Figured I would ask for my specifics + I need 10 posts to participate in the classifieds. Thanks!
 
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CS-315 said:
good info. Thanks!
Any other brands to look for besdies day state?
Click to expand...
There are many brands that would work. I think much will depend on your personal preferences. I specifically named the Huntsman/Revere as it is close in size, weight and looks to a rimfire. The AA S4 and 5xx guns are the same. Some folks have a preference for bottle guns... or bullpups.
 
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I second the Brocock. I have 3 and they are my favorites. Very accurate to at least 75 yds but I would recommend the magnum version for 100 yrds and farther. I like the Sniper XR versions for cocking but the bolt action ones are smooth too. I prefer the side lever to the bolt for smoothness. You can get them in 177, 22, and 25cal. I really like the stock design ( semi bullpup)and light weight. They are owned by Daystate and less pricey but very high quality also. Accuracy is very good in all three of mine. I have 2 that I got used off the forum here and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Good luck in your search.
 
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I hate to say it, but for these conditions you may as well just get a .22 rimfire.

I use an fx crown to hunt with and have little or no complaints. But that is a $2000+ gun, scope and all. POI or zero will change in cold weather, so need to check it with the gun cold. PCP's tend to have a large number of parts. And I generally do not like getting any of my guns cold unless they are easily cleaned. Once they're brought inside they condensate like crazy.


You could try your luck with an AEA, but don't expect much out of the trigger, or quality assurance or customer support or product support
 
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CS-315 said:
It does not list any limits on Caliber. Only animals. And the animal limits allow for air gun hunting if every type of animal I planned on hunting.
Click to expand...
Rob_in_NC said:
There are many brands that would work. I think much will depend on your personal preferences. I specifically named the Huntsman/Revere as it is close in size, weight and looks to a rimfire. The AA S4 and 5xx guns are the same. Some folks have a preference for bottle guns... or bullpups.
Click to expand...
I see. I’ll take a look. Thanks
 
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Long_Gun_Dallas said:
I hate to say it, but for these conditions you may as well just get a .22 rimfire.

I use an fx crown to hunt with and have little or no complaints. But that is a $2000+ gun, scope and all. POI or zero will change in cold weather, so need to check it with the gun cold. PCP's tend to have a large number of parts. And I generally do not like getting any of my guns cold unless they are easily cleaned. Once they're brought inside they condensate like crazy.


You could try your luck with an AEA, but don't expect much out of the trigger, or quality assurance or customer support or product support
Click to expand...
I would go for a .17 HMR over the .22 I think. I’ve seriously considered this, problem being I simply don’t want to deal with that kind of noise.
Also, I like the lack of lethality/penetration/stray round danger zones of the air rifles. Overall safer, quieter, obviously I still don’t shoot with a house or something behind my target. It’s just nice knowing the bullet wont be carrying for hundreds and hundreds of yards.
 
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ba49 said:
I second the Brocock. I have 3 and they are my favorites. Very accurate to at least 75 yds but I would recommend the magnum version for 100 yrds and farther. I like the Sniper XR versions for cocking but the bolt action ones are smooth too. I prefer the side lever to the bolt for smoothness. You can get them in 177, 22, and 25cal. I really like the stock design ( semi bullpup)and light weight. They are owned by Daystate and less pricey but very high quality also. Accuracy is very good in all three of mine. I have 2 that I got used off the forum here and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Good luck in your search.
Click to expand...
Good to hear about the classifieds.
Looking at the brococks, I’m not sure they would be any cheaper than me just grabbing a second hand high-ender. I’ll definitely consider it. The magnum is a good looking gun.
 
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CS-315 said:
I would go for a .17 HMR over the .22 I think. I’ve seriously considered this, problem being I simply don’t want to deal with that kind of noise.
Also, I like the lack of lethality/penetration/stray round danger zones of the air rifles. Overall safer, quieter, obviously I still don’t shoot with a house or something behind my target. It’s just nice knowing the bullet wont be carrying for hundreds and hundreds of yards.
Click to expand...
Well, to get the long range performance, you either need to be extremely good at reading wind, or you'll want to use slugs. Once you start using slugs, you may as well be shooting bullets. They don't slow down much at all. And just keep going. Pellets are good because they do shed speed and power pretty quick. So, generally I'd .22 caliber pellets at 70 yards max while hunting. This is my personal comfort zone/skill level. Larger caliber pellets will buck the wind better, but also carry more energy.....
 
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