want to buy first air rifle

[milo14]

want a 177 cal. but want it to be for paper punching and still be able to shoot steel, and of course to be reasonably priced.thanks

[HARRYMPOPE]

Ruger airhawk is good and accurate.parts are interchangeable mostly with RWS 34 parts.You can get one for about $100.flying Dragon airguns sells the xs 25 that is the same gun and will warranty it.I hear the xs 12 he sells is accurate but a bit less power.of course the RWS 34 is only about $225 and German quality.

[GARD72977]

I started with a springer magnum and it I had it to do over again a RWS 34 would be a better choice.

[Buzz64]

Anybody have thoughts on the Umarex Octaine? Kinda like the idea of the piston. Looking for a .177 also to punch paper and accuracy is paramount. No more than 30 yards. btw, know each gun is different but what three pellets would folks suggest to start the 'narrowing down' of possibilities?

[Suo Gan]

I bought the Gamo whisper cat? I think from wal mart. It is the one with the built in supressor. Came with a scope. Works good for me. I have some high dollar jobs from RWS I never shoot as they weigh too much.

[grizzlyadams]

if going with the octane, the 177 is not really the best choice. it generates so much power that .22 is really the way to go. if you are set on the gas ram and 177, then check out the ruger yukon or the hatsan 85 sniper vortex

[Buzz64]

Thanks griz, I think the Ruger looks like a definite finalist. Like the rail system on the Ruger - seems like a lot of problems are with scope slippage and with the rail that should eliminate that, at least with some quality rings. Maybe less power with the ruger but going for accuracy.

[yoter]

The RWS 34 is hard to beat. Excellent quality, adjustable trigger, good optic rail (I don't like dovetails). Keep an eye out for $150 refurbished deals. I bought one refurbished that was good as new.

[Buzz64]

Well I did it. Got the Ruger Yukon AND the Umerx Octane. Both in .177. Scopes that came with them weren't very good so went with an Air Hawke 4x12 for the Ruger and a UMT red/green dot on the Octane. After several hundred pellets found the Exacta RS for the Ruger and Super Dome for the Octane worked well (nearly touching holes at 45 feet). Red dot a little larger groups but I'm sure that is me and the 4 MOA dot not being precisely sighted each time - but plenty close enough for starlings at that range. Appreciate the input from all.

[milo14]

got a tx 200 in 177cal

[MT Chambers]

Milo....You made a great choice, let us know how it works out!!