k0ua
Epic Contributor
AND killing power.. Spire points are much better at dispatching vermin than flat points or round points.
Looking to get a pellet rifle
- Thread starter TNhobbyfarmer
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AND killing power.. Spire points are much better at dispatching vermin than flat points or round points.
CalG
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additional comments on air guns.
There are so many good ones to select from! Problem is they get addictive. I've got half a dozen. ;-) (or more)
I've developed a preference is for the .22 instead of the .17. The little ones can be a bit fiddly, likely not so bad for the young and nimble/
And as far as taking squirrels of any type, If you hit them right, power and caliber is not an issue. They end up sideways. 650fps get's e'm just as well as 1000 fps. There is no need to shop MAGNUM. ;-)
(Consider that both Canadian and UK shooters have max energy restrictions that limit typical pells velocity.
As far as a handy rifle for smaller shooters, the Crosman 392 /397 multi stroke pneumatics are nice. You can shoot all day long with 4 or 5 pumps for each shot. I've got one fitted with Williams peep sights leaning in the corner by the back deck door. ;-)
Also, there is nothing wrong with the Crosman Premier Hollow points, available at most outlets, for general plinking. They come in tins of 500 for about $10.
There are so many good ones to select from! Problem is they get addictive. I've got half a dozen. ;-) (or more)
I've developed a preference is for the .22 instead of the .17. The little ones can be a bit fiddly, likely not so bad for the young and nimble/
And as far as taking squirrels of any type, If you hit them right, power and caliber is not an issue. They end up sideways. 650fps get's e'm just as well as 1000 fps. There is no need to shop MAGNUM. ;-)
(Consider that both Canadian and UK shooters have max energy restrictions that limit typical pells velocity.
As far as a handy rifle for smaller shooters, the Crosman 392 /397 multi stroke pneumatics are nice. You can shoot all day long with 4 or 5 pumps for each shot. I've got one fitted with Williams peep sights leaning in the corner by the back deck door. ;-)
Also, there is nothing wrong with the Crosman Premier Hollow points, available at most outlets, for general plinking. They come in tins of 500 for about $10.
the old grind
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My :2cents: If you buy a multi-pump that shoots pellets beware that steel BB's will beat up the rifling. Recommend Crosman 2100, starting out at fewer pump strokes, and that lead BBs be tried single-loaded for squirrels. Sheridan ('Blue Streak') multi is still around if you appreciate .20 cal & the affordable >14g Benji 'cylindrical' pellets that work so well on critters.
I have a Benji Trail NP as well as a Trail NPXL, both in .22. The caliber, gas piston action, and shrouded barrel quickly won me over and I haven't touched the much louder .17 cal Gamo Shadow (metal spring piston) since the first Benji went to the bench for ammo testing. Understand that the trail NPs are a bit big & heavy for youngsters, whereas there are lighter and more affordable offerings from Gamo, etc. (Gas piston all the way, though ..
)
Domed pellets have a reputation for accuracy and penetration that may overshadow a pointed pellets supposed superiority. It's been suggested the if the point isn't perfectly centered there will be some wobble or deflection, but evidence is more anecdotal that scientific that I know of. (HPs for starlings, cowbirds if you like but domed or pointed on any furred game but rabbits.) As with a firearm there will likely be a break-in period of 100 rds or so before accuracy settles down, and several ammo types to try in finding what the gun prefers.
If you buy online I highly recommend Pyramid Air and getting their '10 for 10' add-on to be sure you're in biz OOB. tog
I have a Benji Trail NP as well as a Trail NPXL, both in .22. The caliber, gas piston action, and shrouded barrel quickly won me over and I haven't touched the much louder .17 cal Gamo Shadow (metal spring piston) since the first Benji went to the bench for ammo testing. Understand that the trail NPs are a bit big & heavy for youngsters, whereas there are lighter and more affordable offerings from Gamo, etc. (Gas piston all the way, though ..
)Domed pellets have a reputation for accuracy and penetration that may overshadow a pointed pellets supposed superiority. It's been suggested the if the point isn't perfectly centered there will be some wobble or deflection, but evidence is more anecdotal that scientific that I know of. (HPs for starlings, cowbirds if you like but domed or pointed on any furred game but rabbits.) As with a firearm there will likely be a break-in period of 100 rds or so before accuracy settles down, and several ammo types to try in finding what the gun prefers.
If you buy online I highly recommend Pyramid Air and getting their '10 for 10' add-on to be sure you're in biz OOB. tog
SPIKER
Elite Member
I have a Rugar Blackhawk (.177 break bbl 1000~1200FPS) which has been ACCURATE as long as you dont bump the barrel after cocking it. I heard a lot of good things about the GAMOs when I was looking for the one I eventually bought for 99.00. That was 4 or so years ago & it still work well (plugged blackbird at 40 yards this weekend.) There are much better guns out there but you pay for them.
My brother had a Benjamin .20 (5mm) that was real nice pump up much better than what I have now with the Blackhawk as far as repeatability however finding pellets back then was an issue. He had it for a long time and it eventually had seal issues which he got a repack kit & rebuilt it. It developed solder/barrel issues & ended up going into scrap after it was knocked down off wall.
Back in 70's the pump up daisy guns were real good vs what they are now (basically junk) so pay up for a good unit no matter what you go for.
Mark
My brother had a Benjamin .20 (5mm) that was real nice pump up much better than what I have now with the Blackhawk as far as repeatability however finding pellets back then was an issue. He had it for a long time and it eventually had seal issues which he got a repack kit & rebuilt it. It developed solder/barrel issues & ended up going into scrap after it was knocked down off wall.
Back in 70's the pump up daisy guns were real good vs what they are now (basically junk) so pay up for a good unit no matter what you go for.
Mark
buickanddeere
Super Member
Kid has a Diana model 350 in .22 caliber . All the power or more of a 22 short. If doing it again we would choose the under the stock charging lever instead of the break barrel charging .
Does not need to be registered in Canada. Needs a PAL to purchase.
Does not need to be registered in Canada. Needs a PAL to purchase.
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I have several; RWS/Diana Model 45 scoped, Gamo Youth Model (don't know exact model) open adjustable sights, Beeman Sportsman RS2 scoped. Used to have an old "Minuteman" that was my favorite, but the barrel broke. All .177 except for the Beeman which has both a .177 and .22 barrel.
For just plinking with the kids, you probably do NOT want something like the RWS or Beeman. They are "magnum" break-barrel spring guns, so are quite heavy and a little difficult to cock. But definitely powerful and accurate enough for quick varmint dispatch (both around 1000 fps in .177). As previously noted, the Beeman trigger aint great. The RWS is wonderful, a tack driver, superb adjustable trigger, but pricey. The smaller Gamo might be just about right for your purposes; powerful enough (about 800 fps), moderate size and weight, trigger/cocking/adjustable open sights are all OK, and their prices are usually very reasonable.
I really liked the old Minuteman because it was VERY light, easy to cock, and had only modest power, but was super accurate. It was great fun for plinking with just iron sights. Could shoot it all day long. Had just enough power to "sting" varmints really good, but would only kill with a perfectly-placed head shot.
So whatever you wind up with, be sensitive to ALL of power, weight, and trigger. Once in a while, with some things, smaller is better!
- Jay
For just plinking with the kids, you probably do NOT want something like the RWS or Beeman. They are "magnum" break-barrel spring guns, so are quite heavy and a little difficult to cock. But definitely powerful and accurate enough for quick varmint dispatch (both around 1000 fps in .177). As previously noted, the Beeman trigger aint great. The RWS is wonderful, a tack driver, superb adjustable trigger, but pricey. The smaller Gamo might be just about right for your purposes; powerful enough (about 800 fps), moderate size and weight, trigger/cocking/adjustable open sights are all OK, and their prices are usually very reasonable.
I really liked the old Minuteman because it was VERY light, easy to cock, and had only modest power, but was super accurate. It was great fun for plinking with just iron sights. Could shoot it all day long. Had just enough power to "sting" varmints really good, but would only kill with a perfectly-placed head shot.
So whatever you wind up with, be sensitive to ALL of power, weight, and trigger. Once in a while, with some things, smaller is better!
- Jay
the old grind
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Might want to watch out for performance claims, at least put them into perspective. Most guns are 'rated' for the lightest pellet in each caliber, and Gamo's PBA (pot metal) pellets are a typical example. .22 Match shooters know that staying sub-sonic will escape projectile buffeting during the transition from supersonic (~1100fps) to sub-sonic. (1050fps is typical for 'match' loads)
All an airgunner has to do with the highest performing guns is to go up in pellet weight until max speed is around 1000fps or less. Not a prob with the Benji NPXL 1100 (supposed fps with 8g) as std .22 cal weights (~14g) are quite a bit slower than that. Penetration depends on velocity & profile (dia) so you want the best of both. btw those 'fast' PBAs can ricochet in a way that lead won't, so use with caution for anything but punching paper.
Energy calculation, if that matters, has been derived to a simple formula that transposes units. Velocity (whole thou's fps, so 1000 as 1.0) squared X 2.22 (a constant) X bullet weight in grains = ft/lbs energy. Example: 14g pellet at 800 fps. .8 squared X 2.22 X 14 = 19.89 ft/lbs. This applies to all calibers, airgun or firearm, but only to muzzle energy that succumbs to wind and drops quickly according to a projectile's frontal area and weight. (basic ballistics)
One pro'ly should keep in mind that a first airgun need not be the 'end-all' and is only a starting point. (yes, addictive if you like to shoot economically) Features mentioned above will be missed or appreciated as time goes by, and I'd bet I'm not the only one who learned what they liked and didn't like about their 'starter' airgun. For me, it was bye bye metal coil spring, and see ya .17 cal. YMMV, but one has to start somewhere and IMO that's ~$100 with all too many to choose from. Have fun shopping! tog
All an airgunner has to do with the highest performing guns is to go up in pellet weight until max speed is around 1000fps or less. Not a prob with the Benji NPXL 1100 (supposed fps with 8g) as std .22 cal weights (~14g) are quite a bit slower than that. Penetration depends on velocity & profile (dia) so you want the best of both. btw those 'fast' PBAs can ricochet in a way that lead won't, so use with caution for anything but punching paper.
Energy calculation, if that matters, has been derived to a simple formula that transposes units. Velocity (whole thou's fps, so 1000 as 1.0) squared X 2.22 (a constant) X bullet weight in grains = ft/lbs energy. Example: 14g pellet at 800 fps. .8 squared X 2.22 X 14 = 19.89 ft/lbs. This applies to all calibers, airgun or firearm, but only to muzzle energy that succumbs to wind and drops quickly according to a projectile's frontal area and weight. (basic ballistics)
One pro'ly should keep in mind that a first airgun need not be the 'end-all' and is only a starting point. (yes, addictive if you like to shoot economically
) Features mentioned above will be missed or appreciated as time goes by, and I'd bet I'm not the only one who learned what they liked and didn't like about their 'starter' airgun. For me, it was bye bye metal coil spring, and see ya .17 cal. YMMV, but one has to start somewhere and IMO that's ~$100 with all too many to choose from. Have fun shopping! tog
BLUE ME
Silver Member
This is what I have and it's right on out of the box.
Optimus with 4x32mm (.177)
Optimus with 4x32mm (.177)
oldballs
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I'm on my second Benjamin-Sheridan "Blue Streak" in forty years. The first one had the solder barrel separation issue that old grind mentioned. In the 5mm (20 cal) pellet it is a sure kill and accurate at 50-75 feet. Recently I had this second rifle serviced by the local rep for $35. It's not quiet if that is a factor; and eight pumps takes some muscle.
MaineTom
Bronze Member
I've never had good luck with air rifles...had to return a couple because they just didn't work or they had broken seals with the first few shots. I finally got a pump-up style bb gun. 10 pumps and I can take out a squirrel no problem!
