barrel pumps versus side pumps for springers, which is best?

[His lordship.]

I have owned numerous pellet guns over the years and have heard that the barrel pump is not as accurate as the side pump with its fixed barrel.  The only 2 barrel pumps that I have owned, a CZ, and a RWS 34 were disapointments.  The CZ had a loose locking pin but was accurate, and the RWS was moody about shot placement with side to side aspects.  The side pumps were rock solid in accuracy, so why do the barrel pumps continue to be so available with the abundance of model and types to purchase?

If you own one or more, have they been good shooters?

Thanks

[Graybeard]

I once had a top of the line side pump that sure was smooth and easy but heavy as a boat anchor. Like you I've never been totally sold on the barrel pump. My Gamo has a under barrel lever for pumping so barrel is solid like on a side pump but has the convenience of a barrel pump without the loss of accuracy. So far it's been a good choice.

[trotterlg]

I have a side cocking springer that is a cheap China gun.  After I worked on the trigger some it is very accurate.  I have a break barrel springer pistol, and, until I moved the rear sight to the rear of the barrel in front of the break it would not shoot at all.  I also cannot figure out why all the break barrel designs, they are just not a good plan for any consistancy.  Larry

[blhof]

I had a pump up air pistol for years, but the several pumps made for few 2nd shots.  I got one of the break barrel springers and after a trigger job, it places consistent enough shots to keep my freezer in squirrel, rabbit and doves, and with the advantage of a 2nd shot on some occasions. I'm spoiled on the single pump.

[White Foxx]

Break barrel guns shoot just fine, if they have a zero change it is usually due to loose stock screws, or an illadjusted cross bolt.  Of all the piston guns that I ever owned; a Beeman RX was by far the most accurate, and that includes a couple of TX 200's..... and a pair of RWS 48's these were side cockers, with the TX being an under lever.

Other things that can cause zero shifts on spring guns... scopes that are not designed to be on piston guns.  Many scope will fail or shift when put on a spring gun.  This is much more like to happen when the gun is still in its break in period.  The vibration is much higher and harder when these thing are new!

Resting them on a hard surface is a sure way to make them shoot off zero.

White Foxx