What to buy

I have been searching, swearing, watching videos, thinking, over thinking and then thinking some more.

I have a Gamo springer, but after trying several pellets, cannot find any real accuracy. Now, you wonderful people (serious, you guys rock), well you have me thinking higher power .22 or better for shooting about anything from Racoons on down.

So, this leaves me with a lot of options and questions. I want something ready out of the box with a scope which will hold up. The scope that came with my Gamo really sucked, I of course want accuracy and on top of that, some distance ability for targets that just won't come close. Obviously, with distance I still want the punch to make the kill humane.

I have about $500 to spend after Christmas, but would obviously be very happy spending less. I know you get what you pay for. Also, I am not particular to spring or compressed air.

Thanks everyone.
 
Take a look at the Diana Stealth AM03. I just picked one up and ended up hitting that darn golf ball at 100y on the first day! 
I had a chance to put the HW95 up against the Stealth during a few test shots. There's a significant difference in the way the two feel. I found the HW 95 to be a very hard slam into your shoulder. "Jarring"
Whereas, the Stealth was more of a smooth shove into your your shoulder. 
I don't mean to suggest the quality is any less on the HW 95. Those rifles are known to be good shooters that are reliable for years and years. When I told the guys at AoA that I was looking for a reliable, hassle free, low maintenance, accurate, .22 cal break barrel, that would last, those are the two they recommended. 
T
 
"Tominco"Take a look at the Diana Stealth AM03. I just picked one up and ended up hitting that darn golf ball at 100y on the first day! 
I had a chance to put the HW95 up against the Stealth during a few test shots. There's a significant difference in the way the two feel. I found the HW 95 to be a very hard slam into your shoulder. "Jarring"
Whereas, the Stealth was more of a smooth shove into your your shoulder. 
I don't mean to suggest the quality is any less on the HW 95. Those rifles are known to be good shooters that are reliable for years and years. When I told the guys at AoA that I was looking for a reliable, hassle free, low maintenance, accurate, .22 cal break barrel, that would last, those are the two they recommended. 
T
Took a look at some of your videos. The things that seem to irritate me (like mounting a scope) you just happily do it! You seem to really enjoy the whole process. Taught me something too, so thank you.
 
@rw550nc - Thank you!
Hmmm... I don't want to hijack the thread but... Try to look at those things from a different point of view. Some set up processes are very tedious. But, if they're done right, they're going to help you and your rifle to perform at the highest levels. Using reasoning like that as a motivator, you might enjoy the process a little more. Patience, grasshopper. :)
Also, This is my first springer in ~10 years and I was just excited for the whole process! 
Tom