Anything mechanical will break. Likewise, such a contraption needs routine maintenance. New owners who come from a firearm background may be disappointed in the maintenance that some air rifles require. Depending on your level of interest and competency in mechanical stuff, access to a reliable source of parts and repair will vary from a minor need, to an absolute requirement. For one's first air rifle, I believe it makes good sense to buy from a dealer with a proven reputation for service and parts, including the designation of an authorized warranty service center. If the dealer says, "don't worry about warranty service, we'll return it for you and the maker's techs will make it good", run, don't walk from that dealer. Most makers seem to accommodate loose arrangements with their dealers, and are not very demanding of training or parts inventory. Unfortunately, that places a burden on the consumer, so proceed with caution.