Kindly critique my choice(s)

[BonnyDoonDad]

Hello all,

What a wondrous forum.  I've had a grand reading your posts, and hopefully in the process, learned a bit.
Following your collective recommendations, I've chosen a couple of candidates for my first airgun.  Kindly let me know what you think of my choices.

My application:

Ridding our garden of squirrels (25 yards max).
 Plinking with my son, once the pesky squirrels get scarce.
[/list:u]Limitations:

Low noise will help keep peace in the neighborhood.
  I'm left handed, and left eye dominant, but vary adaptable.
  Less than $300, everything included.
[/list:u]I’m considering one of the following:

TF97 in .22 with a BSA 3-12x40 on Beeman 5030M mounts.  (probably from Compasseco)
  Beeman GS950 Combo, also .22 with a 3-9x32 scope (who makes the scope/mounts?) [/list:u]
Or maybe a wildcard.  Has anyone had any experience with this guy?

http://www.nexusgolf.com/b-4-2-pages/b-4-2A.htm
Sure would leave a chunk of my $300 available for another toy (um, I mean tool).

My reasoning for a .22 is that it should hit 'em hard, and hopefully make less noise than .177.  Am I on the right track here?

Other thoughts:

Just about everything from Straight Shooters looks to be out of my price range.
  A multi-pump gun will surely scare the squirrels.
  I’m a pretty big guy.  Cocking force is not an issue.
  I’d go for a .22 rimfire, using CB caps, but that sort’a precludes trading back and forth with my son and his Red Ryder.
[/list:u]I look forward to your suggestions / critique.
Thanks,
-BonnyDoonDad

[doc_kreipke]

I see that the max'ed out B4 tune up puts the rifle up to only 10 - 12 foot pounds muzzle energy. That's on the very rock-bottom of muzzle energy recommended for hunting on a number of web sites. I have a .177 rifle rated at 17 ft-lbs (haven't measured it myself, though), and it requires a head or chest hit to instantly send Mr Bushytail to that big happy walnut tree in the sky.

The TF 97 probably has the energy you need. I have a BSA 3-12 x 50 scope with Beeman 5039 mount and am pleased with the setup.

[Lawdog]

BonnyDoonDad,

Of your choices my thoughts are this.  The TF97 in .22 with a BSA 3-12x40 on Beeman 5030M mounts is a good choice.  Do yourself a favor and pay the extra $25.00 for the MacCari spring system.  You’ll never regret doing so.  I don’t much care for the Beeman Spanish import, the GS950, and the combo, depending on where you get it will dictate what brand scope/mounts it will come with.  As for the B-4-2A I wouldn’t have one around kids, PERIOD.  Main reason is safety.  They have no “Bear Trap” safety to protect the kids fingers while loading thus the child could end up loosing a finger or two should the lever snap back(and they have been known to do so on a number of different under/side lever air rifles).  For the budget minded BSA scopes are a great deal.  And Compasseco, Inc. is a great company to do business with.  Lawdog
 

[BonnyDoonDad]

Thanks much for your input.  I'll avoid the B-4.

A TF97 with a Maccari spring sounds like the hot ticket, unless anyone else has suggestions...

Again, thank you for the feedback.
-BonnyDoonDad