Best Air Rifle for the money

[RodentRidder]

Hi guys,
I was wondering on which air rifle was the best to get.  I only want to spend 200 dollars on one and read some post that the Gamo ones are not really the ones to go with so which brand and model is best for the price.  I would like to get .177 cal high power like 1000fps any help you can give in choosing would be great.
Rodent Ridder  :blaster:  :gun4:

[Third_Rail]

This and this both fit the bill nicely. Free shipping on orders that expensive, too.


If you'd like other suggestions, ask. Do you want a pump, break barrel, CO2, etc?

[RodentRidder]

I was thinking on more of break barrel type I really don't know I am more into centerfire rifles and was just thinking about getting an air rifle I could use around my home to take birds and maybe squirrel.  I'd like to get something fairly accurate.

Thanks Rodent Ridder

[Third_Rail]

Birds are TOUGH. Squirrels aren't too hard with a .177, but birds are... tough.

If the primary use is for birds, you want a .20 or .22 airrifle. I'd recommend the BS Legacy 1000 in .22. This page has .22 caliber pellets. I'd recommend the Crow Magnum and the Crosman pointed pellets for birds - get some similar weight wadcutters for sighting in, etc.

Hope this helps.  :-)

[Lawdog]

RodentRidder,

The Benjamin Legacy 1000 is available in either .177 or .22.  From the ones that I have held they don’t seem all that well made.  At 6.5 lbs. they are very light and some of the metal parts look to be made of tin.  Another excellent choice for those on a budget check out the offerings from Compasseco, Inc.  Mainly the Tech Force line, with the Models 97, 99 and 25 as ones I can recommend.  Go to http://www.compasseco.com/shop/products.html?maingroup=Tech%20Force%20Air%20Guns&secondgroup=Air%20Rifles to check out the complete line of Tech Force rifles offered by Compasseco.

If pest control is your main reason for getting an air rifle then I would go with the .22 as it just plain hits harder.  A .177 is a good choice but a bit light for squirrels as they are tough.  Birds are no problem IF you use the right type pellet.  In a .177 that has 1,000 fps. velocity rating pointed or domed pellets just pass thru without imparting much shock.  Too many birds just fly off to die in your neighbors yard, which doesn't make for good neighborhood relations.  Use a good wad cutter/target type pellet of birds.  For squirrels I use hollow point pellets(my favorite is the Beeman Crow Magnum) due to their expansion for quicker/surer kills.  Lawdog
 

[tallpaul]

don't let anyone talk you outa a .177. My first twenty 8 or so years ago was a breakbarrel in .177 at about 700 fps Now adays some say it isn't enough. I used mine for what you say and as a teen was extremely proficient and successful.  I tell you the pellet prices for the .177 is alot less and for what you are wantin it for is about ideal. Watch your pellet choice on the squirrell. I just lent this to a friend for some pest control this fall and he had alot better success than the cheap crossman he was using and was amazed at the power.

[toytruck]

I have a RWS Diana mod.34 in .177 and it is deadly on birds in my back yard out to 25 yds. with open sights and  Beaman hollow points and is less than $200 at natchez shooting supplies.

[victorcharlie]

Lawdog, which of the 3 (25, 97, or 99) do you recommend?  Do they all have adjustable triggers?

[Lawdog]

Lawdog, which of the 3 (25, 97, or 99) do you recommend?  Do they all have adjustable triggers?

The M97 doesn't have an adjustable trigger nor does my M99(both are singel stage) but the M25 does have an adjustable trigger.  The trigger on my M99 is a single stage and since breaking it in there is no creep to it.  Breaks at 3.23 lbs. which is excellent for a hunting rifle.  As far as accuracy/power is concerned I would give the edge to the M99.  Cost, weight, ease of cocking and loading I would give the edge to the M25.  Personally I prefer the weight and accuracy of the M99.  A bit tight to load when using a scope that extends over the loading port but not enough to make me change scopes or quit using it.  Lawdog
 

[victorcharlie]

Funny thing, the wife's pissed at the starling that keep getting in her bird feeder......the little $20 dollar daisy isn't accurate enough, and strangely enough, she what's something she can hit with.......you would have to know my wife to appreciate that..........

I had a benjaman when I was a kid, but think one of the  tech force might be the ticket for her......

Looks like the 25 might be just what the little lady needs......thanks...VC

[OTR Hunter]

Gamo CFX Fixed Barrel Air Rifle .177, with a velocity of1000 ft/s.
It's Gamo but it's good, it's what I own :grin: I'm telling you best value for the price!

[Third_Rail]

I've always had bad luck with Gamo, but I'm glad you are happy with yours.  :-)

[Lawdog]

Gamo CFX Fixed Barrel Air Rifle .177, with a velocity of1000 ft/s.
It's Gamo but it's good, it's what I own :grin: I'm telling you best value for the price!

I'm sorry but there a couple of things that need to be known about Gamo products.  One, they over rate the velocity ratings of their guns, drastically.  I have run more than a few Gamo rifles over a chronograph and that 1,000 fps. actually turns out to be around 900 fps. and less.  Two, Gamo is widely known for not honoring the warrantee on their products.  Been around the horn too many times over one of their top rated rifles to ever purchase one of their products or trust them again.  Gamo has one of the worst names in the air gun industry.  Buyer Beware when dealing with Gamo.  Lawdog