New member needing New Gun

[SR71]

I'm looking at the RWS 34 and the Beeman R9.  From the quotes I have recieved the R9 with same scope and mounts is going to run me about $100 more than the 34.  I will use this gun for squirrel hunting, small pest control, and some plinking.  Is the R9 worth the extra money and more specifically what can anyone tell me about the following:

Triggers
Accuracy
Cocking effort (my son will use this gun also)
Sound (type of sound &/or sound level)

[Lawdog]

SR71,

Well, both rifles are made in Germany.  While I prefer Beeman imports RWS are a good product also.  The R9 is available in .177 and .20(the caliber I prefer) while the M34 is available in .177 and .22 caliber.  Both have two-stage adjustable triggers(I feel the Beeman is better, smoother), cocking effort is 33 lbs. for the M34 and 40 lbs. for the R9.  The velocity for both are about the same even though the RWS M34 is rated at 1000(.177) in .177 and the Beeman R9 is rated at 930(.177) don't bet on the RWS having more velocity as RWS is known for using the lightest pellets they can get for velocity data.

As you can see they are near the same so it is going to boil down to preference.  Mine is the Beeman.  I believe they are a better finished product, just a little nicer and a little more accurate.  How big is your son?  Is he going to be able to cock either of these rifles?  For your stated purpose go with either the .20 or .22 caliber as they are better suited for hunting.  Whatever you choose keep us informed on the progress as it takes some time to break them in to get the best accuracy out of a springer.  Lawdog

[Wise Master]

Get the R9 its worth the extra money. It takes birds and squirrels easily. Its my first and favorite airgun. I use Kodiak .177 pellets and at 20 yards it can hit pennies 4 out of 5 times with a semi rest. It is made out of all metal and wood which I liked. The RWS guns I looked at had a plastic trigger. I don't know if this is a big deal but I think that all metal would last longer. I have also heard that RWS uses the lightest pellets they can for velocity ratings. I don't know if this is true but I have tested my R9 and found its ratings to be correct. It gets 930 fps with a Silver Bear pellet as advertised. Good luck and if you spend extra for the R9 you'll be glad you did!

[Dand]

I'm pretty inexperienced with air rifles but after I read your post yesterday I had a 2 hour session with my 3rd hand BSA SuperSport.  I know the RWS 34 does not come with a recoil pad.  Last night I decided that I REALLY like the pads on my BSA and R7.  They keep the butt on my shoulder better.  I think that can be an important factor when one is shooting the harder shooting, light weight springers.  I'm surprised how much kick the BSA produces - I'd guess the R9 and 34 would be similar.

BTW the BSA may be another option for you.

Shoot, I like rubber pads on all my guns, .22 rf included, for the shoulder fit and so they don't slip around if I stand them against my bench etc.

[SR71]

Thank you all for the replies.  I have ordered the R9 and am waiting on the little brown truck. :roll:    This will be my 4th springer so I have several cans of pellets around to try (no Kodiak, yet).  Has anyone had good results with any of the following in an R9, or should I definitely do some shopping?

RWS - Superdome
RWS - Supermag
RWS - Meisterkugeln
Gamo - Hunter
BS - Diabolo

[Dand]

there's an outfit on line - Straight Shooters. They offer a sampler of 18 different .22 cal pellets, 25 of each type for $15 or so.  I'm burning up my sampler right now.  They offer 36 types in .177 for about $25

[Lawdog]

SR71,

You may want to check out this report on Terminal Pellet Testing.  Go to http://home.hiwaay.net/~ispellan/PelletTest02.html and see the many different pellets tested.  Most of the time the most accurate pellet is a wad cutter type like the H&N match and others.  I find these pellets work the best when shooting birds.  They seem to deliver more shock and I have less birds fly away after being hit with them than any other type pellet.  For pest control and small game I use Beeman Crow Magnum pellets.  They expand nicely and since we started using them we have lost fewer brush bunnies and squirrels than we did using doomed or pointed pellets.  So far I have taken two nice tom turkey's with body shots using the Crow Magnum pellet.  Good quick, clean kills with my .20 Crow Magnum IV.  Lawdog