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First Airgun - Recommendations
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Author:  badreau [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  First Airgun - Recommendations
Hi all,
Looking for some input from the experts on picking out my first airgun. Having quite a bit of analysis paralysis at the moment.
Here is what I think I am looking for:
- Primary use is pest control (gophers, squirrels, birds, etc.)
- I live in a rural area and have my PAL so no concerns about fps
- Budget is the $300-$500 range. If I go with a PCP I'll need to factor in the cost of a hand pump
- Use will be occasional, but ideally it will be ready to go at a moments notice if I see a pest
- I like the idea of a multi-shot incase I miss and need to get another shot off quickly
- I imagine I will get hooked and will enjoy target shooting / plinking as well

So far I have considered:
- Umarex Gauntlet .22 (seems only V1 is available, but V2 has been released?)
- Diana Stormrider .22
- Umarex Synergis .22
- Diana 34 .22 (single shot, not sure if it meets my needs)
- Crosman 1322 with stock (might not have enough power?)
Author:  Dukemeister [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Of the guns on your list, I'd choose the Diana 34. Really, if you target practice and learn to shoot that rifle, you will never need a second shot at a pest. The cheapy cheap PCP will eventually leak, and may not be ready for the task one day when you need it. My 2c.
Author:  notec [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Hello, welcome to CAF. Please take a moment to introduce yourself. Where are you from?
Author:  YepYep [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
From the list, I pick the Diana 34 too~
Author:  badreau [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Thanks for the replies gents.

As for an introduction - born and raised just outside Edmonton, AB. Lived out here on an acreage as a kid, and after doing a stint living in a condo, am now raising my growing family out here on 4 acres. We enjoy the peace and quiet, nature, space, and freedom that comes with being out of town. And the toys of course.

Have been meaning to grab an air gun for fun and pest control for awhile now. Several times almost pulled the trigger on whatever was on sale at Crappy Tire or Cabelas, however instead of making a rash decision I've decided to educate myself and buy something that should last.

I do really like the Diana 34, best price I have found so far is $407 from D&L. Any concern with the spring in winter?

I have read a few threads where people are recommending HW50s from the forum store, however that is 0.177 and not sure if that will meet my needs?

Anything else to consider outside of my list?

Really appreciate the input.
- Chris
Author:  YepYep [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
If let me choose again adding the HW50, I would pick the HW50.

The Weihrauch springer got its great reputation with long lasting, accuracy, great Rekord trigger, reliable, good 2nd hand value, lots of 2nd source, lots of parts.... Too many pros...

And the forum store provides the best price you can find in Canada without doubt.

And 177 vs 22... I can just say it depends on personal preference. They both have their own pros and cons. Finally, you just pick what you like. And the best solution might be buy both~ [emoji38]

Just ask Google or search the forum, you can have an idea about what to pick...
Author:  jckstrthmghty [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Welcome to the forum.

Pest control, 177 is fine for the small stuff but I much rather prefer 22 for stuff with 4 legs. The extra kinetic energy goes a long way to ensure an ethical kill and bucks the wind better. The trade off being 22 will have more drop over distance. It's really not bad and many pest at 50y or more with 22.

Most springers are hold sensitive and require practice to maintain proficiency. I notice this even with my higher end tuned springers. If noise isn't an issue I'd consider a Benjamin Discovery and hand pump but I'm pcp biased. For sure I'd contact Wes from archeryairgunfun for his opinion, he stocks many great value options. Used works too.

I've never had a problem with a springer in winter.
Author:  eSteve [ Thu Sep 16, 2021 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
badreau wrote:
Anything else to consider outside of my list?
I'm having great fun with a newish Cometa springer. A fantastically good value from Canadian Air Collector. They have more posted there.
Author:  Daryl [ Sat Sep 18, 2021 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
My suggestion runs to HW's. The HW50 is a good example of a great entry-level air rifle, suitable for your needs
in a quality rifle.
For a little more money, I would suggest the HW80 in .177 or .22.
This is a BIG rifle.
Mine, in high power .177 shot decently with a variety of pellets, but best with JSB 4.51MM, 8.44 gr. RN's and Crossman 10.5gr. Ultra Magnum pellets.
This, is a heck of a buy at the airgun forum store.
HW50 .177 in high power for $375.00.
https://www.airgunforum.ca/store/produc ... cts_id=233

I've shot gophers to 55yards with my HW97 in .177. Liked it so much, I bought an HW97 in .22.
It is almost as accurate & might match the .177 once it's broken in.
The target included is from my HW80 .177 high powered model.
My HW97 in .177 does better than this, at 25yards, but is a lot more money.

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Author:  eSteve [ Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Daryl wrote:
The target included is from my HW80 .177 high powered model.
Daryl, sorry, I'm not trying to steal your thunder, it's a good opportunity for a little comparison. Please keep in mind that I'm sort of a hack who's only really been shooting for 8 months. Ok

It's the Cometa Fusion .22 shooting RWS Super-H-Point at 520 fps.

The first target is 17m indoors, 2 inch targets. CPHP left, RWS SHP right, JSB XJ middle. The top left and right are off my elbow, seated. The others are bench rest, just the front bag. Yesterday.

The second target is 30m outdoors, 3 inch targets, hold over 1.5 mil dot. RWS Super-H-Point left. Bench rest, front bag only. Today.

I've just started shooting outdoors, maybe a half dozen sessions.

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Author:  badreau [ Tue Sep 21, 2021 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Hey all,
Thanks for the advice. Decided .22 was the calibre I wanted, so I ended up going with a Diana Panther 31. Not a lot of guns in stock out there right now with all these supply chain issues.
The Diana 34 I had found last week sold out before I could pull the trigger. The 31 should be the same gun with synthetic stock from what I could find out.
Will let you all know how it looks and works out once I receive it.

Cheers,
Chris
Author:  YepYep [ Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
Good choice ~

Actually every gun is good because you stepped out the first step of this wonderful journey ~ :thumb:

Enjoy every shot you make and come back here any time~ we would like to introduce you some more other nice guns~ [emoji38] [emoji38] (don't forget to start saving up you coffee money now~ :drinkers:
Author:  YepYep [ Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
I remember I started with a 1322... But have no idea what reason made me to buy the 1322 now...
Author:  IanC [ Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Airgun - Recommendations
My favorite spring rifle so far is the HW95 in 177. Good luck finding one now though. Light, compact a powerful enough for most small pests. Mine is capable of taking grackles at 40 yards easily. I shot it for years in .22 as a plinker but the flat trajectory of 177 lets me shoot further without adjusting my scope. I also have an HW80 in 22 but I detuned it a bit due to a really rough shot cycle. The diana 34 is a decent rifle but I never really like how the balance vs a Weihrauch.
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