RWS 94 Vs. Beman R1

[cwallis]

I'm getting back into squirrel and rabbit hunting, but JOHNNY won't let me use my trusty old Remington 572 fieldmaster like he used to 20 years ago.  shotgunning is not an option anymore, nor do I feel the challenge is great enough.  I want to buy a high quality airgun.  Today I went to the local gunstore and he let me fire an RWS model 94.  It was built with much higher quality than I expected, but I really was disappointed with the plastic trigger gaurd and trigger.  I really think the Beeman R1 in .177 or .20 is my ultimate choice, but I wanted to hear some expert opinions. Is the R1 $250 better than anything in the $200 price range?  I could buy the 94 next weekend, but I'm thinking of holding out and using my Crosman 2100 until February and getting the R1 instead.  Any  expert opinions?

[Dand]

I can't say from personal knowledge but from the reviews etc. I think the Beeman R1 would greatly out perform and outlast the RWS 94.  The 94 gets a lot of good reviews from average shooters but the truly serious shooters and sellers don't give it much attention.  At least one dealer well known for standing by its products, won't carry the 94 because they don't feel it will hold up to heavy use.  I saw one review where the shooter was losing power pretty quickly and again after replacing the spring both times from less than 1000 rounds.  Some of the Beemans aren't broke in until they've fired 500 to 1000 rounds.

I have been  very close to buying one several times in the last year but the reviews by the serious folks make me shy away every time.  

I have a used BSA Super sport in .22 coming in the mail now.  They are powerful, durable, relatively accurate, and affordable. That picky dealer does carry these rifles.

[Lawdog]

cwallis,

The Beeman R1 is the work horse of the Beeman line.  A high quality air rifle that is capable of great accuracy.  You won't go wrong getting one and I would get it in the .20 caliber.  I shoot the .20 in my Crow Magnum IV and with the Crow Magnum pellet it's a deadly combination on squirrels.  Jack rabbits out to 50 - 60 yards are no problem.  Let us know what you get and give us a report on it.  Lawdog

[cwallis]

Thanks for the input.  It really seems that you get what you pay for.  Although I have no experience with any high quality air rifle, and RWS may be an excellent product, I cannot get passed the plactic trigger and gaurd, even on their higher end models.  I was pretty much sold on the R1 until yesterday.  I stumbled across the Air Force Talon SS.  I know it is an entirely different creature, but it has really piqued my interest.  Do you guys have any opinion on this rifle?

Thanks,
Chris

[Deaf Smith]

Look at the RWS 34 german made diana adult airgun has 94 beat hands down and only $140 in 177. I don't personally like pcp too much work to shoot either pumpinh or buying and usinf scuba taNKS NOT FOR ME.
The RWs is a first class beginner magnum airgun. If you want a little fancer gun get the RWS 36 same powerplant as the 34 but in a classier stock.
A third choice is always the BSA supersport in either 177 or 33 a better carbine springer is not made today.
jmho from 6 years of intence airgunning experience

[thebookdoc]

Granted this is an old thread, but one thing that bothers me from one forum to the next is that people voice opinions without comparing guns first-hand, side-by-side. I don't have an R1, but I assume it is an excellent gun. Other people don't have an RWS94, but immediately assume it is a piece of junk?! why?

I started shooting a few years ago again after a long separation. I started shooting with a chinese springer which surprised me with its quality and accuracy. And then when I bought an expensive gun to compare, I was not at all impressed for 5 times the price.

I have a Cometa Fenix, which is a twin of the RWS 94. I also have a Cometa Fusion, which is the best gun I own (out of 10). The 94 needs some breakin time. It might need a tune. I bought it for $130 new, and if it stacks up to a $600 gun with a $170 tune, I've saved $300.

From my experience, it will stack up. And it is because I take the 'chance' on a manufacturer I already know makes great stuff that I get a bargain.

I GOT what I paid for, and it is a LOT less than what you did. 

[AirCajun]

RWS 94 is an outstanding rifle at 1/4 the cost of the Beeman R1.  I bought my first one in 2004 and still prefer it for hunting.  It chronys around 940 fps (.177 Cal) and is accurate as any springer I have and I have a bunch.  I liked the first RWS 94 (made by Cometa so much that I now have two. I also have quite a few Diana's and HW rifles and while HW is alleged to be better made, my 94 is still working just fine and my Beeman R9 is broken. 

The HW's are nicer, no doubt, so in the end, it depends on how much you want to spend and what you expect for your money.  I expect accuracy and power at a reasonable cost and the RWS 94 provides that.  I really like my HW50S, but the 94 is more powerful, plenty accurate, and gets the nod for hunting every time.