Precision Air Rifles

[Mark W]

Just curious about this stuff. I have only shot an inexpensive springer for pests when we lived outside the city. It was accurate enough at 20yds but I did not like the break barrel. As Mike mentioned I've watched the prices of PCP stuff come down to where I am interested.

These days I don't have a place at the house to shoot so it would be at the rifle range. I'd want to shoot at 50yd but I'd suspect wind would be a real problem. Would it be unrealistic to expect much for such shooting with a budget rifle?

For reference I was considering another rimfire but cost of good ammo and rifle is higher than I want to go.

It sounds like you need to speak with @MikeT49. He has posted a lot in this thread. I went from a cheap springer to one of his PCP builds and oh what a difference it was. The cost of entry is a little higher due to needing an air supply. I started with a hand pump, and then went to a carbon fiber bottle that I was getting filled at the dive shop, and eventually bought a compressor to fill guns or bottles at home.

 

[charlie b]

Jeff, that is part of my dilemma. Cheap vs 'ok' performance.

I don't hunt and my rifles cost well under $1000. Scopes same. I have not spent more than $500 on a replacement barrel either. Until my hands failed me I shot a lot of cast bullets. My only real 'splurge' now days is bullets. The yellow boxes are expensive That is one reason I am looking at air guns for more practice.

Thanks Mark. I saw Mike's generous offer but am still on the fence, not knowing if I will actually use the rifle. I don't want to drop a lot of money in this only to find I don't shoot it.

 

[longbow]

You can find FWB 300s at around $500.00. To rebuild there are You tube videos. the springs and seals about $100.00. Ive probably rebuilt 20 of them since returning from the Nationals Match. I put on air rifle Matches for four years springer 25 meter, PCP LV,HV at 25 meters and unlimted at 50 yds. I'll start another on break barrel accuracy next...LOL

 

[JSH]

Had not read anything on this thread for a while. I am glad this community is interested in air. Been about three years since I got my first FX Impact .25. My good friend from SA has helped me a bunch. Did some mods and have had it apart enough that it needs a rebuild this winter.
Late last year acquired another FX, Panthera.22. All I can say is I have little to no use for a high quality 22RF for my purposes. Being able to tune a slug, is soooo much easier than chasing RF ammo. AND the end results on paper are usually better than my 22RF was.
Traded my Bergara to a fellow that lost interest in PCP. Got a Cadillac air Venturi compressor a 45 caliber Samyang Light Hunter. Have yet to shoot it. It may end up trade material for a 50 caliber.
Working on getting a lane and back stop in the basement.

Yes I know it looks like a fair bit of $$$, for a rig and set it up. No more powder/primer/ammo sourcing issues though. From what I kick around reading on the subject, technology is letting these rigs grow leaps and bounds at a fast pace. New and better every year, along with decent prices.

Get set up behind a good well tuned rig and if your an accuracy or rifle loonie, you will be hooked. FYI these can be shipped to your door as well.
lol, y’all have been warned.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Jeff, that is part of my dilemma. Cheap vs 'ok' performance.

I don't hunt and my rifles cost well under $1000. Scopes same. I have not spent more than $500 on a replacement barrel either. Until my hands failed me I shot a lot of cast bullets. My only real 'splurge' now days is bullets. The yellow boxes are expensive That is one reason I am looking at air guns for more practice.

Thanks Mark. I saw Mike's generous offer but am still on the fence, not knowing if I will actually use the rifle. I don't want to drop a lot of money in this only to find I don't shoot it.

Charlie, shop for a used HW97 or Air Arms TX200. TX advantage it's very simple to take apart, no spring compresser needed. Both have triggers that will go to ounces with zero creep. Will shoot inside dimes at 50 yrs with good conditions. 25 yards shot into the last shot. They will teach you bench manners. No compressor or bottles needed.

 

[RCE1]

I have an HW97 and the Air Arms ProSport. Both great spring guns. I also have several PCPs, which I tend to gravitate towards.