Author Topic: Inexpensive rifle needed  (Read 714 times)

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Offline LittleJerry

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« on: March 27, 2005, 06:06:13 PM »
I am sure you have heard this before, but i need an inexpensive air rifle.  

My requirements are:
1.  Less than $150
2.  Powerful enough to take down game with ease(i'm impartial to calliber, .22 or .177 is fine)
3.  Relatively accurate

We are having some problems with various animals around here.  The other night a opossum got in the house(not the first time mind you...) and I had to take it down.  I used an old pump up .177 daisy we had.  It was absolutely horrible... the poor animal took 2 in the eye(i have no idea why the first didnt kill it) before it went down.  I DONT want that to happen again.  I refuse to use that rifle on anything larger than a rat now.

The ranges will more than likely be less than 30ft.  If indoors more like 15-20 at most.  Useful open sights are a must as alot of shooting takes place in low light conditions.  

I have been lookint at various rifles like the Benjamin Sheridan 392, Winchester 1000X, and Crossman Legacy rifles.  I'm not picky about the appearance of the wood, etc etc.  I just need a rifle that functions well.  The TechForce rifles sound good but I hear they have cheap sights.

Offline Yukon Gold

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2005, 07:29:11 AM »
:D

I asked the same question a short while back, in addition to Third_Rail.

I think you can glean the info you might want by looking at these two posts and corresponding threads -

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=55722&highlight=

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=59272&highlight=
Vegetarian - An Old Indian Word For Lousy Hunter

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Offline Yukon Gold

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2005, 07:33:29 AM »
Quote
The TechForce rifles sound good but I hear they have cheap sights.


You are right about that, could be better, but they work just fine.  The other positives of the TechForce more than makes up for it.

In the end, I put on a scope - one recommendation, do not purchase the scope mounts from TechForce.  The Chinese mounts were garbage.  Otherwise, I am already looking to buy another air rifle from them.
Vegetarian - An Old Indian Word For Lousy Hunter

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SASS - Silverback
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Navy Vet. - USNA 83

Offline LittleJerry

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2005, 04:53:12 PM »
Thanks for the info.  

I'm wondering what kind of velocity would be adequate for the short ranges I plan on takind down animals at.  The greatest range will probibly be around 35 feet...  The Tech Force 22 is appealing.  Only ~$40 and offers 600fps in .22.  Half the price,  80% of the power...

Offline Yukon Gold

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2005, 03:55:54 AM »
Little Jerry - you may want to read some of the continued inputs to the following topic and thread - some new info on another brand may also be of interest!

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=59272&highligh t=
Vegetarian - An Old Indian Word For Lousy Hunter

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Offline Lawdog

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Re: Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2005, 12:30:22 PM »
Quote from: LittleJerry
I am sure you have heard this before, but i need an inexpensive air rifle.  

My requirements are:
1.  Less than $150
2.  Powerful enough to take down game with ease(i'm impartial to calliber, .22 or .177 is fine)
3.  Relatively accurate

We are having some problems with various animals around here.  The other night a opossum got in the house(not the first time mind you...) and I had to take it down.  I used an old pump up .177 daisy we had.  It was absolutely horrible... the poor animal took 2 in the eye(i have no idea why the first didnt kill it) before it went down.  I DONT want that to happen again.  I refuse to use that rifle on anything larger than a rat now.

The ranges will more than likely be less than 30ft.  If indoors more like 15-20 at most.  Useful open sights are a must as alot of shooting takes place in low light conditions.  

I have been lookint at various rifles like the Benjamin Sheridan 392, Winchester 1000X, and Crossman Legacy rifles.  I'm not picky about the appearance of the wood, etc etc.  I just need a rifle that functions well.  The TechForce rifles sound good but I hear they have cheap sights.


LittleJerry,

While the Sheridan is an excellent rifle BUT I don't care for it for small game hunting.  I have one and the pumping creates way too much noise for that purpose.  Stay away from the Win. 1000 as they are now being made in South America and the ones I've seen are JUNK.  The Tech Force M97 offered by Compasseco, Inc. is an excellent choice.  Very accurate(a C-T-C rating of 0.15" at 10 meters(especialy after you get them broke in - 500 or so shots)) and has power to spare.  My sister has killed a number of pests at ranges up to 35 yards with the one I bought her.  The Tech Force M25 is another good choice for those that want a barrel cocker.  By the way Compasseco, Inc. is a good company to work with.  Lawdog
 :D
Gary aka Lawdog is now deceased. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2006. RIP Lawdog. We miss you.

Offline LittleJerry

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2005, 03:41:25 PM »
what is the benefit to having a barrel cocker and an underlever cocking rifle?

are there any?

Offline Lawdog

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Inexpensive rifle needed
« Reply #7 on: March 31, 2005, 09:30:25 AM »
LittleJerry,

Quote
what is the benefit to having a barrel cocker and an underlever cocking rifle?


Air rifles that cock using either a side lever or under lever are usually noted to be more accurate due to the rigid barrel.  The main drawback to them can be the difficulty in loading when a scope is attached.  The scope can extend over the top of the loading port on some models.  Barrel cocking rifles are usually easier to load, somewhat lighter but can have what is known as barrel droop.  To cure this most times one will need to purchase adjustable mounts.  For me I prefer the accuracy of an under lever in spring or gas ram powered rifles although I have and like to use both.  Lawdog
 :D
Gary aka Lawdog is now deceased. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2006. RIP Lawdog. We miss you.