Air Rifles

[dale2242]

I have been considering buying an air rifle.
I have a very good RWS 177cal air pistol and love it. It is very accurate.
I think I want a 22cal but am not hung up on it.
I have shot break open 177 cal Gamos and and a 22 cal RWS. The RWS was by far the most accurate and hard hitting. The Gamo Whisper that I tried would shoot very narrow groups but with extreme vertical stringing.
Let`s hear from you air gun aficionados.
There are a LOT of airguns in the $100-$500 range .
Like all the rest, I would like to get a hard hitting accurate gun without spendy an arm and a leg....dale

[Baja_Traveler]

I have a Benjamin Discovery .22 - It is a pre-charged pneumatic and shoots just like a .22 LR out to 100 yards. I'm really impressed with it, and have taken numerous rabbits, squirrels, rats and gophers. The only thing I don't like about it is the thing is loud - like shooting a 22 short. A year after I got my Disco, they came out with the Marauder. I had the pleasure to try one at our silhouette range, and they are fantastic. It has a barrel shroud and is very quiet, but just as hard hitting as my Disco. Can't beat the Benjamin for the money...

75055

[waksupi]

I have a cheap $35 Chinese air rifle I got out of Shotgun News years ago. Exceptionally accurate, and has proven powerful enough for the small vermin I use it for. I had flickers working over my cabin and trees this past winter, and was getting clean kills at 20 yards.

[MT Chambers]

I have an Airarms .25 cal. and a Daystate .22, both are beautiful guns, very deadly PCPs, so they are filled from a Scuba type tank to approx. 3000 psi, they are 10 or 14 shot repeaters. Walnut stock on either rivals the finest made rifles, triggers are match grade, accuracy astounding. I need to cast bullets for the .25 esp. for better down range performance, but don't know if I can come close to factory pellet accuracy.

[colt1960]

I've got a break barrel winchester .177 cal. pellet rifle (800 fps). I think it is made by daisy. There are much better ones out there but I only paid around 100.00 for it. I've got over 40 squirrels so far. I just scoped it a couple of months back. I only shoot it out to about 25 yards or so but it is very accurate. I have only shot 2 squirrels that didnt die with the first shot and had to be shot twice.

[TMSCU]

I own several Air Arms rifles. They are kind of pricy but their quality is supurb. I highly recommend them. They are filled from a 3000psi scuba tank or you can use a pump (like a bicycle pump) to fill them. Their accuracy is astounding and accuracy is great out to 75 yards or so. One hole groups with the 22 and 25 caliber and scope at 20 yards are commonplace. I am very happy with them.

[match]

I have the Benjamin Marauder in .25cal - it rocks to 100 yrds.
I am having difficulty getting good groups beyond that... <grin>

Highly recommend it.

[nhrifle]

If you want a serious air rifle, go to pyramidair.com and check out the Hammerli Pneuma. I think they are on clearance or sale right now. Mine is in .22 cal and is nothing short of amazing. I can shoot acorns at 50 feet with iron sights. I have dropped a coyote with it and bet I could bag a deer. At even twice the price, there is nothing finer. Believe me, I have tried most of them.

[davegalesr]

I have a Stoeger X50 in .177. It is a hard hitter at 1200 fps (1500 with alloy) and extremely accurate out to 75 yards which is the furthest I have tested. It comes with the scope mounted and zeroed at 10 yds along with the target used to zero it. I did not need to make any significant adjustment to the scope settings, but they are sniper style adjustments and easy to use. This gun will penetrate a 2x4 at 25 yds and kill rabbits and squirrels at 75 yds - several victims will attest to that.

[rockrat]

I have an RWS 22cal mod 52. Accurate. Had it for 20 years

[Gray Fox]

I have a Benjamin something or other that I got at Walmart that has both .177and .22 barrels of which I use the latter. It came with a 4x scope that seems to hold up to the piston shock. I shoot the Benjamin .22 HP pellets, also from that store. Out to 30 yards or so it will knock big bodied gray squirrels right off a stump and gets full penetration on heart shots. Head shots are also complete penetration and DRT. The whole outfit was right around $100. GF

[NVScouter]

My RWS was great to 200 shots then shook itself a part. Got a warranty replacement and it made it another 150 shots. Pyramid air took it back and I got a new Nitro piston .22. Love it!

[Scharfschuetze]

RWS Model 48 in .20 calibre here. I put a Williams' aperture sight on it and with the factory blade front site it gives me a similar sight picture as the military rifles I used in the Army. The stock feels much like the M1 Garand or M14 in it's comb height, pistol grip and length of pull. Seems like I bought it in 1995 or so. The .20 calibre pellet seemed like a good compromise between the .17 and .22 cal rifles and I've been quite happy with the bore size for velocity, killing power and range.

It's given exceptional service and sadly the crows have not come to visit us for many years now.

[otter5555]

own an rws 34 classic w/ t 06 trigger .177
trigger was 14 oz out of the box
after 500 rnd breakin it shoots 3/4 minute to 75 yds

regularly kill coyotes @ 30 yds BUT.......i shoot inside the ear. they drop like a stone
would not hesitate to take a deer @ 30 yds if i needed to

ear canal shots rule :)

[Para82]

I own a RWS 34 177cal and have had it since about 95. Shoots good.nice and accurate. I should get it out and shoot it some considering I can't find 22lr .
Para82

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Back in the early 90's I bought a RWS 54 in .177
kinda spendy ($600 with scope mount and extensive cleaning kit), but very accurate right out of the box,
always one ragged hole at 25 yards...1100 fps

Then about a decade ago, I stumbled onto a deal,
a used RWS 54 with a burris scope, in 22 cal.
900 fps. Price was less than half of retail, but it looked and shot like new.

Here is some info
http://airgun-academy.pyramydair.com/blog/2011/05/rws-diana-model-54-recoilless-rifle-part-3/

this is from part one of above

Recoilless?
No, the RWS Diana 54 is not actually recoilless. Neither is the Feinwerkbau 150 nor the 300 target rifle. What they do is isolate the shooter from the recoil by allowing the barreled action of the gun to slide backwards in the stock when it fires. Because of this, rifles like these apply a perfect artillery hold on their own and you can hold them like you hold Winchester .30-30s and still do remarkably well. Because you are not restraining the rifle from recoiling when you do.

When the rifle is cocked, it sets itself up to counter the piston’s movement. When the piston takes off, the rifle moves backwards in the stock on steel rails that are hidden from sight. This is called the sledge anti-recoil system and it works remarkably well. It also means you can rest a 54 directly on sandbags and get superior accuracy, because the stock does all the work.

This system works so well that shooters are surprised by the accuracy of the rifle the first time they shoot it. All that’s happening is the rifle is executing a perfect artillery hold, instead of the shooter having to perfect his technique. Since I’m one of the converts, this is something I know about. Until I first shot a 54, I didn’t see how it could be anything more than a glorified 52 that didn’t recoil. But I was missing the greater benefit of a consistent artillery hold. I actually out-shot my TX200 with a Diana 54; and ever since discovering that, I’ve been trying to spread the word.

[enfield]

ear canal ? really ?

[MT Chambers]

I admire those that can shoot those springers well, PCPs are much easier to shoot well, although much more costly.

[cal50]

I have an air arms TX200 /. 177 and it's an amazing air rifle. Powerful, quiet and deadly accurate. I nailed a skunk that was annoying my parents with a 30 yard head shot and killed crows at 50 yards off the neighbors bird feeder.

A precision air gun is worth the money.

[NoZombies]

I've got a number of air rifles, and while I enjoy them, the two that I grab most frequently are the old benjamin in .20 caliber, and an equally old crossman 120 in .22 caliber.

Neither of these are match grade rifles, but they can both be had for $100 or less if you look a bit.

The reason I grab these most often is that I often don't need all the power that can be had. If I'm just plinking, 2-3 pumps on either will do admirably on soda cans, and do so fairly quietly. They both shoot cloverleafs at 20 yards.

Either will convincingly anchor small game at reasonable distances.

[HARRYMPOPE]

i currently shoot a TX200 .177 and and RWS 34P in 22 caliber about 1000 shots per week.While the TX is a finer made gun the RWS 34 is real close.The TX shoots 1/2" at 50 yards sometimes and the RWS 34 shoots 3/4" at 1" for the good groups.The TX is a rather heavy pig while the RWS is a nice field weight gun that holds very well offhand.If not interested in velocity the Stoeger X5 seems to be a good shooter from the reports i have seem.I have a Stoeger X3 Youth(.177 @500 fps) for my son and tonight i hit a 12ga shell 3 of 5 at 55 yards kneeling(luck for sure).At 10 meters it shoots 1/2 to 1/4"

the short answer is an RWS 34p in 22 caliber.No air tanks and head shots to 50 yards.

George

[cal50]

i currently shoot a TX200 .177 and and RWS 34P in 22 caliber about 1000 shots per week.While the TX is a finer made gun the RWS 34 is real close.The TX shoots 1/2" at 50 yards sometimes and the RWS 34 shoots 3/4" at 1" for the good groups.The TX is a rather heavy pig while the RWS is a nice field weight gun that holds very well offhand.If not interested in velocity the Stoeger X5 seems to be a good shooter from the reports i have seem.I have a Stoeger X3 Youth(.177 @500 fps) for my son and tonight i hit a 12ga shell 3 of 5 at 55 yards kneeling(luck for sure).At 10 meters it shoots 1/2 to 1/4"

the short answer is an RWS 34p in 22 caliber.No air tanks and head shots to 50 yards.

George


I shoot the Crossman Premiere's mainly for field use but they group well and the 1/2" @ 50 is easy as well as dropping sparrows at that distance. RWS makes great guns. I had the RWS 48 (?) in .22 caliber that was hard hitting but the accuracy was not as good and the .177 I like the trajectory and penetration better. The .20 caliber is a nice compromise but I would pick the .22 / .177. The TX is a heavy gun and it feels like a high power rifle but I doubt you could wear it out in a lifetime. I have owned mine for many years and have a BSA scope mounted. Set at 18X when you hit birds its like a cartoon.

[cal50]

Here is a free online airgun ballistics calculator.

Its fun to plug in different numbers and look at the values.



http://www.airguns.net/trajectory.php

[dale2242]

The PCP rifles would definitely the way to go. 22 cal would be my choice but I don`t want to put that much money in an air rifle.
The RWS 54 in 22 cal. was the one I shot and was impressed by it`s power and accuracy.
Took a pretty good arm to cock it.
Thanks for the input guys keep the good info coming....dale

[Forrest r]

Been an rws fan for years. I use/shoot the .177 cals for target work & unwanted pests.

A break bbl limited addition rws45 that I bought new for a sporter air rifle & a rws75 for target work.

7521775218

It's hard to beat the plain jane break bbl'd rws34's. Excellent accuracy, adjustable triggers & enough smack to to get the job done.

[Baja_Traveler]

I've got one of those RWS 75's in the safe - I used to shoot flies off a block wall in the backyard at 50 feet with it. Olympic grade accuracy there. Unfortunately the seals are gone, and I can't find anybody in the country who can replace them. :cry:

[Forrest r]

Tim @ mac1 rebuilt that rws75 in the picture several years ago. It still shoots lights out, actually these older 10m rifles are scary accurate. They were designed to do head shots on flies @ 10m. The dot in the pic is the 10/xring, hit the dot & the 9-ring it a 10. Hit the dot & keep the 4.5mm pellet inside the 5mm (9-ring) & don't touch the 9-ring, it's an x.

75245

These rifles also have triggers to die for, a 3 1/2oz 2-stage trigger. 1 1/2oz 1st stage & a 2oz 2nd stage.

[Baja_Traveler]

Interesting. Mac1 is where I bought my Disco from several years ago. He told me they no longer service RWS, and his web site even states that now. You must have gotten in just under the gun before they stopped. I'm jealous...

On Edit -

Good News.... Umarex now has a new supply of updated RWS 75 piston seals and can do repairs on these fine rifles again. I'll be mailing my action off to Arkansas next week. It'll be nice being able to shoot that rifle again...

[dkf]

I have an RWS 22cal mod 52. Accurate. Had it for 20 years

That is what I have topped off with a BSA 3-12 air rifle scope. Superb quality air rifle.

Have other air rifles and pistols also. Just got done recrowning the barrel on my custom 2240.

[cal50]

I never was able to get my RWS 48 to shoot nice groups. I would always get fliers. It was still more than field accurate but not near target accuracy. It was really sensitive to follow thru. Mine was NOT the zero recoil model. It was likely from the huge mainspring. Damn good gun and quality built.

[dkf]

Airguns can be finicky little buggers at times. If you have some free time take a look at some of the Youtube videos on the EdgunUSA channel. He covers some of the issues that can be encountered. http://www.youtube.com/user/EdgunUSA

The spring piston guns can be rather hold sensitive.

[Jack D]

I've got a number of air rifles, and while I enjoy them, the two that I grab most frequently are the old benjamin in .20 caliber, and an equally old crossman 120 in .22 caliber.

Neither of these are match grade rifles, but they can both be had for $100 or less if you look a bit.

The reason I grab these most often is that I often don't need all the power that can be had. If I'm just plinking, 2-3 pumps on either will do admirably on soda cans, and do so fairly quietly. They both shoot cloverleafs at 20 yards.

Either will convincingly anchor small game at reasonable distances.

I'm also a pumper fan. My Benjamin Sheridan C9 .20 cal, has enough power to take down most small game at 8 pumps maximum and 5 pumps is usually all that's necessary. It never needs an outside source to power it.....it's all in the arms and you can vary that power to suit the situation. Topped with a Weaver K4 Scout, it's very accurate.They've been around as long as I can remember...I had access to one as a kid (40's) and they last forever if cared for.
75324

[otter5555]

ear canal ? really ?

really. the rifle will do it no prob on a standing coyote.
direct route to the brain


shooting a springer makes you a better shot with EVERY thing else. springers are totally unforgiving. your technique must be perfect.

[Railbuggy]

I bought my 22 Disco from PA in Cleveland, Ohio in June of 2014. With a 3-9x40 Nikon Prostaff BDC scope I'm taking down starlings at ranges out to 70 yards using 14.3gr CPHP pellets.

[hendere]

I have an RWS (Dianna) model 34 that I've had long enough that is says "made in West Germany". I love that gun and I'm very happy to see other like that model also.

[besk]

I have had a Crosman 130 22cal pistol from the early 1960's but this summer purchased a Weihrach HW80 in 22 cal.
It is almost 100% steel and wood. Still learning to shoot it accurately.

[besk]

My dad brought a Diana (RWS) back from Germany 1945 as a WWII "war trophy." My brothers and I shot it a lot. Recently we replaced the spring and it seems almost as good as new.

[pme166]

http://eickpm.com/picts/beeman400.jpg

Wow you don't see too many folks with Diana 75's (or Beeman 400's as in my case).

Great guns and exceptionally accurate. I had mine rebuilt by Urmarex about 3 years ago. Works great and glad I did. It is a lot of fun to still shoot.

http://eickpm.com/picts/400_factory_target.jpg

Here is my factory target.

http://eickpm.com/picts/400-1.jpg

I shot this picture last month when I was out banging away with it in the back yard.

http://eickpm.com/picts/400_trigger.jpg

I do enjoy the 5.5 onz trigger. I had to turn it up from its usual 2 onz since that is hard to control if you are not used to it.