N/A Please, some guidance for very accurate/target air rifle + associated hardware. Finances are a concern.

[student]

Hello,

I used to shoot long range rifle and competitive action pistol sports but a major health change has made that very difficult.

I’ve been working with some spring pump air pistols that a dear friend gifted me. I’m enjoying that however sitting and standing still and for any significant length of time is very difficult for me. Having to pump each time is trying (not impossible but very limiting).

The participants of this forum have been incredibly kind and helpful in getting the air pistols back in service.

I must admit that I miss the sport of prone rifle shooting very much and I believe that I could practice this in our yard.

My dear friend has offered to make me a safe target and backstop, I've got some spare wood pieces left over from a few years back.

Would you be kind enough to guide me as to a very accurate rifle for under $500 or so (if that exists?).

I would imagine that I could transfer one of my rifle scopes to this new platform.

I would similarly imagine that PCP is the preferred platform but I”m open to suggestions.

Realistically I would be practicing at 50-100 yard distances. I plan on only shooting paper targets for little groups. Not sure which caliber is the most appropriate option.

I don’t own any compressors so I’ll need your help as to which make and model I should consider. Funding is a difficulty for me on a limited and fixed income but I really miss the sport and doing things that keep the brain active. I don’t want to buy something that will fail on me in short order.


thank you.

 

[Motorhead]

A "Powder" specification scope will quickly die on a springer !!! where as on a PCP a non issue.
For $500 AG only ... wishing to shoot 50-100 yards your looking at a .25 to .30 cal IMO.
Find an older Marauder in .25 with the Green Mountain barrel and your there on said budget.

Now said ... a PCP requires a way to fill it at High Pressure .. so it is more $$$

 

[boscoebrea]

You need to think this thing out.I agree with Motorhead: Get a Benjamin or a Crossman. They are plenty accurate and do not cost a lot. Yes, you need to fill them with air, and that is another reason to get one. They have a large shoot count.
I usually buy used,you can do that and save,in the mean time Study.
Will you be able to use a hand pump?,will a springer going to be to hard to cock?
I think the best deal is a Crossman Challenger.take your time and good luck

 

[beerthief]

Hello,

I used to shoot long range rifle and competitive action pistol sports but a major health change has made that very difficult.

I’ve been working with some spring pump air pistols that a dear friend gifted me. I’m enjoying that however sitting and standing still and for any significant length of time is very difficult for me. Having to pump each time is trying (not impossible but very limiting).

The participants of this forum have been incredibly kind and helpful in getting the air pistols back in service.

I must admit that I miss the sport of prone rifle shooting very much and I believe that I could practice this in our yard.

My dear friend has offered to make me a safe target and backstop, I've got some spare wood pieces left over from a few years back.

Would you be kind enough to guide me as to a very accurate rifle for under $500 or so (if that exists?).

I would imagine that I could transfer one of my rifle scopes to this new platform.

I would similarly imagine that PCP is the preferred platform but I”m open to suggestions.

Realistically I would be practicing at 50-100 yard distances. I plan on only shooting paper targets for little groups. Not sure which caliber is the most appropriate option.

I don’t own any compressors so I’ll need your help as to which make and model I should consider. Funding is a difficulty for me on a limited and fixed income but I really miss the sport and doing things that keep the brain active. I don’t want to buy something that will fail on me in short order.


thank you.

Sporter Air Rifles - Civilian Marksmanship Program

Sporter air rifles are characterized by their light weight, low cost and basic target features. We offer several varieties for purchase.

thecmp.org

scroll to the bottom of this page Daisy 853 ($139 to your door ) very very easy to pump SSP . sounds very cheap but it is right on target with my Anny @ 20 meters . $2600 rifle .

 

[Ranchibi]

Like Motorhead said above plus research these in your price range...an Umarex Zelos, Stoeger Ranger, Snowpeak P35X, Barra 250Z, I would recommend a .22 for these platforms, they are regulated. A GX compressor.

 

[6gun]

Hello,

I used to shoot long range rifle and competitive action pistol sports but a major health change has made that very difficult.

I’ve been working with some spring pump air pistols that a dear friend gifted me. I’m enjoying that however sitting and standing still and for any significant length of time is very difficult for me. Having to pump each time is trying (not impossible but very limiting).

The participants of this forum have been incredibly kind and helpful in getting the air pistols back in service.

I must admit that I miss the sport of prone rifle shooting very much and I believe that I could practice this in our yard.

My dear friend has offered to make me a safe target and backstop, I've got some spare wood pieces left over from a few years back.

Would you be kind enough to guide me as to a very accurate rifle for under $500 or so (if that exists?).

I would imagine that I could transfer one of my rifle scopes to this new platform.

I would similarly imagine that PCP is the preferred platform but I”m open to suggestions.

Realistically I would be practicing at 50-100 yard distances. I plan on only shooting paper targets for little groups. Not sure which caliber is the most appropriate option.

I don’t own any compressors so I’ll need your help as to which make and model I should consider. Funding is a difficulty for me on a limited and fixed income but I really miss the sport and doing things that keep the brain active. I don’t want to buy something that will fail on me in short order.


thank you.

I used to do firearm stuff like you, but it got to annoying traveling where I'm at to do it. I got into pcp guns and went the fx route and big compressor. The pcp guns are so good that my powder burner collection sits unused for years. The pcp stuff is far more expensive than my old competition rimfire, centerfire or shotguns were.

It was worth it. My advice, buy once cry once.

 

[beerthief]

I used to do firearm stuff like you, but it got to annoying traveling where I'm at to do it. I got into pcp guns and went the fx route and big compressor. The pcp guns are so good that my powder burner collection sits unused for years. The pcp stuff is far more expensive than my old competition rimfire, centerfire or shotguns were.

It was worth it. My advice, buy once cry once.

I sold everything PB except daily carry to finance my Air guns .

 

[boscoebrea]

I thought a little more on this subject,I think if you get a PCP get .22-25 that is a muliti shot that is easy to load...There are plenty in your price range,if you get a springer,you want something like a R-7 or a HW30...They are easier to cock.
Do not start over your head,I would hope that someone near you can help you by allowing you to test out the different air rifles.

 

[6gun]

I thought a little more on this subject,I think if you get a PCP get .22-25 that is a muliti shot that is easy to load...There are plenty in your price range,if you get a springer,you want something like a R-7 or a HW30...They are easier to cock.
Do not start over your head,I would hope that someone near you can help you by allowing you to test out the different air rifles.

22 or 25 I agree, springer only if it's side or under lever imho. I learned my tastes were for stored air over springers and that I especially disliked break barrel springers with the sample group I had to use or I owned myself. My preference was flavored buy a tuned up 22lr and I needed that precision at 50 yards or better. Now the pcp stuff gets me that level precision even farther out with slugs.

 

[Kgphotos]

Hello,

I used to shoot long range rifle and competitive action pistol sports but a major health change has made that very difficult.

I’ve been working with some spring pump air pistols that a dear friend gifted me. I’m enjoying that however sitting and standing still and for any significant length of time is very difficult for me. Having to pump each time is trying (not impossible but very limiting).

The participants of this forum have been incredibly kind and helpful in getting the air pistols back in service.

I must admit that I miss the sport of prone rifle shooting very much and I believe that I could practice this in our yard.

My dear friend has offered to make me a safe target and backstop, I've got some spare wood pieces left over from a few years back.

Would you be kind enough to guide me as to a very accurate rifle for under $500 or so (if that exists?).

I would imagine that I could transfer one of my rifle scopes to this new platform.

I would similarly imagine that PCP is the preferred platform but I”m open to suggestions.

Realistically I would be practicing at 50-100 yard distances. I plan on only shooting paper targets for little groups. Not sure which caliber is the most appropriate option.

I don’t own any compressors so I’ll need your help as to which make and model I should consider. Funding is a difficulty for me on a limited and fixed income but I really miss the sport and doing things that keep the brain active. I don’t want to buy something that will fail on me in short order.


thank you.

You stated that you are hoping to practice a lot from the prone position. In my opinion that will be difficult or at least less enjoyable with a spring piston/ break barrel rifle. Those type rifles would be better from some type of sitting position. You also stated that you are hoping to shoot out to 100 yards. I don’t want to sound like a kill joy but please do understand that there isn’t really a “happy marriage” between sub $500 rifles and small 100 yard groups. I love to see people getting into this hobby and I want you to have a ton of fun, but I also want to see realistic expectations so that there are no disappointments. It sounds to me like a pcp rifle would suit you best for the prone shooting and I’d suggest a goal of 50 yards for those groups as you get started. Keep in mind that a pcp rifle will also require a reliable air source; so consider that in the budget as well. I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for in this wonderful hobby.
Kenny

 

[WorriedMan]

Upper right page corner is search function for archives. Recommend searching, "Avenge-X," "Air Venturi Avenger," "DAR Gen. 3," and "JTS Airacuda Standard," for airgun. Search, "Yong Heng," and "GX-CS Series," for compressor. Best of Luck, WM

 

[student]

thank you all....you've afforded me a lot of great information. i can now better focus my research accordingly.
i do think that having to cock the platform might be difficult for me so i'll focus on compressors as well.

sounds like i'll have to limit my search to accommodate 50 yards....that would be fine as well.

 

[rangur1]

thank you all....you've afforded me a lot of great information. i can now better focus my research accordingly.
i do think that having to cock the platform might be difficult for me so i'll focus on compressors as well.

sounds like i'll have to limit my search to accommodate 50 yards....that would be fine as well.

You have several good gun candidates listed as for compressors. A cx3 is an older model, hence it may be wallet friendly. I have the cx4 and love it, but that one is over $500. The cx 3 may be down at $300? You would have to look that up.

 

[Struckat]

I spent the weekend with my cx3 and Marauder .22. I am confident with the gun to 50 yards for pests. I missed two reds Saturday @70y due to poor hold over. Takes a long time to get to the target shooting Hades @910fps. Very accurate. Boring under 40 yards.

I bought the Maruder from Airgun Revisions, a Walther barreled 22 for $300. It’s a factory referb which means AR goes through it and makes it right. I would rather buy one knowing AR went through it than a new gun in box.

The cz3 is a $300ish 3000psi compressor. The Mrod gets pumped to 2700. Make sure you match the air source capacity to the gun. There are a lot of higher pressure guns today.

 

[Bramezy]

I spent the weekend with my cx3 and Marauder .22. I am confident with the gun to 50 yards for pests. I missed two reds Saturday @70y due to poor hold over. Takes a long time to get to the target shooting Hades @910fps. Very accurate. Boring under 40 yards.

I bought the Maruder from Airgun Revisions, a Walther barreled 22 for $300. It’s a factory referb which means AR goes through it and makes it right. I would rather buy one knowing AR went through it than a new gun in box.

The cz3 is a $300ish 3000psi compressor. The Mrod gets pumped to 2700. Make sure you match the air source capacity to the gun. There are a lot of higher pressure guns today.

I have the same and very very accurate gun. Mine likes JTS 22gr the best at 810fps or so.

 

[student]

thank you, i'm looking at all the suggestions
it seems most are advocating .22, are they generally considered more accurate than other generally available caliber options?

 

[6gun]

thank you all....you've afforded me a lot of great information. i can now better focus my research accordingly.
i do think that having to cock the platform might be difficult for me so i'll focus on compressors as well.

sounds like i'll have to limit my search to accommodate 50 yards....that would be fine as well.

Fwiw, i saved and reconsidered an impact for 2 years before buying. It's worth it but I'd buy used, and if new.... never a model that hasnt been out for a year minimum.

I had owned a benjamin marauder for a long time, then got the impact, the an aea(don't do that) and then an fx dreamline. I'm hoping to buy another dreamline here shortly. It's addictive and rewarding. The precision afforded by premium pcp rifles is going to blow your mind. Once you have a compressor and a bottle you are set up to collect guns.

 

[Motorhead]

thank you, i'm looking at all the suggestions
it seems most are advocating .22, are they generally considered more accurate than other generally available caliber options?

It was a DISTANCE thing ( 100 ) ... inside @ 60-70y a .22 is great !!

 

[Dairyboy]

Not more accurate but I'd say the sweet spot where ammo isn't bad price wise and shots per fill efficiency wise. They can also do 100yds if you lower expectations. 50yds I'd expect around .5" groups on even the more budget friendly guns. Past that though even high end guns there are no guarantees

 

[Struckat]

Based on my very limited experience in 100 yard shots, I would need a lot more gun than my Mrod if I wanted to shoot that far regularly.

I walk 50 yards, it’s a long way.