Almost settled on a 22 cal, RWS 460. Stop me if there is a better choice

[NitroSteel]

 Almost settled on a 22 cal, RWS 460. Stop me if there is a better choice
I grew up shooting squirrels with a pellet rifle. First a Daisy 880 and then a 922 (my favorite). Then I had a chinese break barrel and some Crossman pumps.

I loved the old 22 cal, even at a slower velocity than the 177 cal 880, it just seemed to knock the squirrels down better and the wind didn't effect the pellets as much. It wasn't good for more than 15-20 yards though.

I was debating on buying a bolt action 22 long rifle or a strong pellet rifle to shoot in my back yard (100 acres) and have started to lean more toward the pellet rifle. No ear plugs for my son, less worries about what is 1 mile away, etc...

I've looked through all of the PCP models (turned away from them) and have narrowed through most of the RWS models, really down to the 48, 54 or 460. I'm left handed and like the 460 better (having never actually seen or shot any of them). I'm not so worried about the money of the situation, since I'm only buying one - - I just want to try and end up with one that will shoot powerfully, accurately and will not rattle my teeth when I shoot it.

I've read much about scope issues with RWS, but had read that the UTG scope mount and a good scope can solve most of that.

I've not looked much outside of the RWS rifles, and didn't know if there might be a better similar rifle(Beeman for example). I don't care that much about a follow up second shot (such as with a PCP).

You may also want to know that I ruled out the PCP's because I don't want to be dependent on filling up a scuba tank and dealing with all of that. Also, I thought that more consistent velocities would probably be had with the spring-air type rifles.

By the way. I'd be happy with 30-60 yard accuracy - - basically the same I'd expect from a 22 long rifle. I can't shoot that good without (or even with) a prop beyond that at a squirel anyways...

Any thoughts on what might be better for my money ($550'ish) or more if it is absolutely necessary for a significantly better long term result?  Someone mentioned the Beeman R-9, but I've done as much research on it.

Thank ya'll for your help.

NitroSteel

[S.S.]

I am moving away from spring guns.
Nitro-Piston is the way to go. I am still a big fan of
CO2 for hunting though. My QB78 dropped a lot of squirrels
last season! Try a Crosman Titan, Mine is accurate and has
Very good power.

[kmbrown]

I haven't shot either, but the RWS 350 seems to get better reviews than the 460. Power is about the same and the 350 is cheaper. I've got a Beeman R9 in .20 cal and love it. Very well built with an awesome trigger.  Does a great job on squirrels.

[kingpin1779]

ive got both the rws 48,52,and 350 they are fine guns but difficult to shoot well. i also have an r-9in .20 cal and it would be my choice. nice trigger out of the box and very easy to shoot well. the only problem with a .20 is somewhat limited ammo choices.    yeo the r-9 in .20 wins hands down in my book

[jlwilliams]

  You may want to take a look at the Sheradin offerings. They have a few nitro-piston air rifles out this year.  Overall good stuff.

  Of those you mentioned, the 460 is probably the best bet.

[simplicity]

The one problem my buddy had with his 460 was the seal wore out extremely fast and from what we found out it is normal for the 460's to do that. He ended up trading it in and getting a 52 in 22cal. I have a 48 in 22. we kill a ton of squirrels with them.

[Fred McIntire]

Well, I would vote for a Marauder in .22 caliber. Its the gun of choice. If you could find a B40 under lever, thats an awesome gun but they aren't making it any more.

Go to http://www.pyramydair.com/ .  Look at their video reviews of the different guns.

I would suggest you call Anthony Storey at (317) 695-1794.  He is a World Champion Match shooter, well known in the air gun world as one of the best. He can definitely give you the inside scoop and point you in the right direction. Tell him Fred referred you to him.

Good luck !

[keith44]

Nothing wrong with any of those, but if you find a Beeman Kodiak in .22 (used) buy it, send it to Beeman for refurb and super tune.  The last I heard that was THE top of the line springer, and hard to find too.

[Dand]

Spend some time on the Straight Shooters website - they have a ton of info and personally test many of the rifles they sell. Google them.