I know there are a lot of new guys asking questions on the forum and getting many answers. I just wanted to make a post about sub 12fpe springers.
I have been shooting air guns for several years and really enjoy it. I started with a RWS 350 magnum in 177. I loved the gun. It shot really hard and had a lot of recoil. Not much movement but very violent. I shot some good off hand groups and some that didn't hit any where close. The gun was extremely hold sensitive.
After a couple more air guns I bought an older 25mm piston HW77. It was shooting @ 10.5 fpe. This gun had no hold sensetivity and shot extremely accurate.
I'm an offhand only shooter and I favor 45yds (distance for air rifle sillhouette rams) the 10.5 fpe gun had no trouble putting down the metal rams. Springers are limited in power by thier design. You can have success with the artillary hold but you will never achieve the consistency a sub 12fpe gun will give you.
I'm currently shooting a TX200 @ 11.5 fpe. Its consistent and accurate @ 45yds.
A Springer shoots better if it's heavy. A walnut stock is well worth the money. Before you chase the FPS of the latest magnum Springer consider choosing a quality Springer and tuning it down to sub 12fpe. They like to be held tight against the shoulder and are easy to cock.