Which air rifle for target shooting only?

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If we are going to talk about springers, we would be remiss to not mention the Air Arms TX200 air rifle. But it comes with a price of about $630. There is a reason why it is known as "The Winningest Field Target springer air rifle", and competition results back it up.

I also like Diana air rifles. I have owned two Diana/RWS rifles (purchased back in the 1980s), the model 48 and 52. They were great rifles. There has been some concern recently, with Diana's manufacturing being moved to China, I am still waiting on more data before I can make a good judgement on that issue. 

I normally will not endorse magnum springers for doing super accurate target shooting, my posting earlier was simply to show that a cheap magnum springer, which is mass produced can give "good" results.

All springers require some dedication to technique to wring out the best accuracy with them. Probably one of the least hold sensitive magnum springers I have found was the Diana/RWS model 54, but then, that is a rather expensive air rifle at $700.00


 
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I think PCP is the way to go... I havnt shot the Maximus, but have shot CO2 and other Phnuematic riffles with the same crosman barrel TACK DRIVER I have a 177 Marauder, its a very accurate gun, I've stretched it out to 100 yards and wow... Can you get a springer to shoot holes in one? Sure but $$$$ and if your gonna spend that $$$$$ might as well get a pcp. Benjamin has/had the Armada which is a target/bench gun for sure. The maximus/discovery have the longest barrels in the line up. If I were to build a target gun i'd start with the maximus/disco.... Handpumps are not that bad, depends on how strong and what kind of shape you are in... You can get a refill tank a scuba or paintball tank...A scuba or paintball place will fill for you, and so will other compressed gas places, like one that supply weld shops

The Marauders/Armada are very adjustable/tuneable. You can adjust the fill presure, and the power level
 
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Since the OP is talking SUPER accurate performance and is aware that there is match-grade ammo for even the .22LR, it should be noted that despite the marketing claims of match-grade air rifle pellets, the shooter can still improve it. The pellets vary in weight so by sorting it, consistency from shot to shot is noticeably improved. Instead of variances that may be over 5% of the pellet weight when pulled from the tin, by sorting them out, you can shoot an identical weight pellet. At 25 yards, you'd see the difference. At 50 yards, all of your friends will see the difference too!

1531776875_1790370845b4d0f6beb34b2.39998166_scale.jpg

 
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A springer will be easier to start with.................But I've to admit I'm more and more interested in PCP !!!

My only "concern" is how to fill the gun. Not sure a hand pump is ideal (I'm still struggling with a sciatica/bulged disc)

I've read many things about $300 compressors (made in China of course) and tank. Just not sure about "45 min tank" and "60 min tank" though

And I've also read people mentioning charging their tank from 3000 psi to 4500 psi....Does that mean they never go to 0? Well, it makes sense, but what is the minimum pressure left in a tank before you need to recharge it?


 
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French_guy,

I understand your concern about using a hand pump with an L5-S1 injury. The first gun I suggested only requires 2000 PSI, which is much easier to pump than the more typical 3000 PSI, and even the 4500 PSI some PCP rifles require.

The tank "minutes" refers to how long a firefighter can breath with tank air. It all scales directly with volume. I have a 90 Cu Inch tank. It operates at 4500 PSI, and has a regulator which drops the output to 3000 PSI. Two of my PCP guns are 3000 PSI, one is 2000 PSI. If you start with a 3000 PSI scuba tank, your airgun only gets to 3000 PSI on the first fill. Each subsequent fill give you a little less pressure from the scuba tank, until it is refilled. So, I prefer a 4500 PSI tank, it can give the full 3000 PSI for multiple fills. Once my tank is down to 3000 tank pressure, it is time to refill it, as nobody wants to go to the range, or the woods to hunt with a partially filled airgun.
 
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The size of your tank should be proportional to how far you must drive to get air. My source is only 10 miles away, a refill costs me 5 bucks. It is a small 90 cubic inch tank. It is good for 5 full fills on my Benjamin Bulldog, or 7 full fills on my Marauder, or a 13 plus on my Maximus. My modified Marauder gives me 42 consistent shots per fill, for a total of over 280 shots per tank refill. I have a hand pump too. If my local paintball shop closed, I would more than double the size of my tank, as the next further air fill place is about an hour away. I might even consider renting a nitrogen cylinder.
 
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Considering that many airguns in both springer and PCP category could fit your needs it would be worthwhile to find a airgun range or club and spend some time shooting both types. Most airgunners would help and allow you to sample shooting their guns. If you are like me that was all it took for me to decide PCPs fit my needs the best. Good Luck!
 
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I was on a $200 budget as you originally mentioned. I ordered the Gamo Swarm Maxxim in 22. Recommended by Pyramid Air also. Should be here tomorrow. I bought it specifically to get rid of sparrows pecking at my tomato plants. It also has a 10 round magazine. I have since also ordered the Bug Buster scope on Amazon, it was and still is $60 on Amazon Prime day. I found out a little while ago I need an offset for this scope also so I ordered one of those. Still under $80 for this scope. I will try the factory scope out first and then try the Bug Buster.
 
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A springer will be easier to start with.................But I've to admit I'm more and more interested in PCP !!!

My only "concern" is how to fill the gun. Not sure a hand pump is ideal (I'm still struggling with a sciatica/bulged disc)

I've read many things about $300 compressors (made in China of course) and tank. Just not sure about "45 min tank" and "60 min tank" though

And I've also read people mentioning charging their tank from 3000 psi to 4500 psi....Does that mean they never go to 0? Well, it makes sense, but what is the minimum pressure left in a tank before you need to recharge it?

Click to expand...

I also have the same condition. I hand pump my Mrod. It hasnt bothered me yet. I do my stretchs and yoga, to be honest i dont really use my back in the pumping just my arms
 
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OK, so assuming I want to keep it simple and go with a spring (but still thinking about PCP though...still need to verify where I could fill a tank)

1) Knowing I'm planning to shoot at an outdoor range - mainly 25 yards but also 50 yards - what caliber is best: .177 or .22?

2) Remember, no hunting

3) I have some rifles in mind: Benjamin Trail XL 1500 or 1100 (more expensive but come with a scope - I like the look), Gamo Swarm Maxxim (less expensive), Hatsan 95 (even cheaper), Diana/RWS 34 (different options in terms of price - but only .177 apparently)

What would be a good pick for what I want to do? Any other great options I may have missed?



Thanks
 
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