I'm a springer wimp...

[VictorLouis]

After a few other "taste-tests" and purchases, I finally bought the Stingray....the gun I thought we be my dream springer.

I took a few shots each with the carbine and the rifle side-by-side. I could tell pretty quickly that the cocking effort of the carbine would get really old fast. So, the rifle it was!

Got to run a few pellets through it in my backyard before dusk, so far so good. Next morning, I brought it to the range. The first gun I shot was the easy effort HW. Then I wiped it down and put it away in favor of the new 'Ray. Well, it only took a few dozen pellets of cocking to realize this was not as fun as I had thought it would be. Not exhausting mind you, just not fun. Build quality, feel, looks etc. don't mean squat if the gun just ain't FUN.

I would still contend this is in the big-leagues with an R9, which gets all of the press. However, I see it(and those like it) as more suited to field use. Unless, of course, you have small game in your backyard, and you need the power to take take them out.

IF you have the opportunity to travel to a stocking dealer, there is no substitute for hands-on. :grin:

[Mauser]

I use my Stingray carbine and Tomahawk for hunting and pests which means a few shots here and there.   No fatigue is possible.  The Tomahawk gets crows out past 60 yards.   The Stingray I use for pests around the house as it is quieter than the T-hawk.

My plinking gun is my favorite-my R7.  I can shoot that thing all day and nobody over 75 yards away can hear me.

[VictorLouis]

I have no quarrel with what you replied. I think they are, or would make, great field guns.  The light, little, easy-cockers like that R7 make the best backyard choices, IMHO.

I would caution other newbies like me to take this into consideration when planning their purchases. IOW, an honest and realistic evaluation of your own needs/uses.

[TC Shooter]

I would caution other newbies like me to take this into consideration when planning their purchases. IOW, an honest and realistic evaluation of your own needs/uses.


I agree completely - was trying to decide for myself earlier this year between the R7 and R9 and with the help of some from this forum went with the R7 and have no regrets.

[Dand]

Based on advice found here and other forums I picked up an R-7 for basement target practice.  I just love it.  I think its a fantastic starter gun.  And I've taken 2 spruce grouse with it - head/neck shots only.  I have a .22 BSA super sport I hope to use for small game now but I can't shoot it near as well or like it near as much as the R7.  My confidence with the R7 makes it hard to grab the BSA so far.

[Deaf Smith]

630 and the 631 the 630's can be found on gun broker for $74 plus shipping and they are a sweet guns accurate and fully adjustable triggers the power is in the mid 600's to the low 700's and perfect for indoor plinking and minor pest control and very easy to shoot. The guns are well worth their low price and a real bargin. check them out if you just want a good shooter.  A decent target pistol is the new Marksmen 2004 a licenced copy of the P3 but avaiable from walmart for $38.99 and other places for less than $50. Nice inexpensive plinker pistol.