Newbie in search of-----

[eggman1989]

Hello everyone, I have been reading on here for several days now and figured it was time to ask my questions. I have only owned 2 air guns one is a old (30+ y/o) crossman BB gun that looks a lot like the Red Rider. The other was a crossman co2 pellet pistol that looked like a colt saa. I have looked at some Gamo rifles in a gun store in Jackson TN and a couple differant brands at gander mountain in Paducah KY.

I have been looking here at all the rifles but am lost. What brands should I look at and what brands should I stay away from? Right now I think I may only for plinking,blackbirds, starlings and other pests. But due to the economy I can't spend 400+ on a rifle.

thanks for any help
eggman

[Bullshooter]

Welcome to the forum eggman1989,

You have a lot of options but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. I highly recommend Beeman/Weihrauch adult airguns simply because they are among the best you can get. You will spend more for a Beeman/Weihrauch but you will also be able to pass that gun down from generation to generation. Check out the HW30S: http://www.straightshooters.com/Weihrauch/hw30s.html this gun is the same powerplant as the R7 but it has open sights instead of a muzzle brake. The HW30S/R7 is about the best backyard/plinker/short range pest control rifle you will find. I own two R7's and will not part with either one of them. Some people have taken squirrels & birds at 40 yards with a R7 but it takes a lot of practice and perfect shot placement so if you intend to shoot past 25 or 30 yards, you will be better served with a HW50S or R9 but these guns are close to or over $400.00 so the HW30S is my recommendation based on the info you posted. Do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before you buy and better yet, find someone who lives near you who owns one of these babies and ask them to let you shoot it.

HTH,

Bullshooter

[Knobs]

Frankly, I'd look for a used R-9. The older models with the short stock can be found for under $300 shipped, and the newer models with the long stock and the muzzle break can sometimes be had for $350 shipped.

Knobs

[Ambush Hunter]

Indeed, look for a used R7/HW30S, or HW50, or R9. Another option is RWS34. You can find it new for around $200. This entry rifle is not in the same leage as Weihrauch but it has a decent quality that is MUCH, MUCH higher than ANY Gamo...

[Vulcanator]

Good quality brand new rifle for not a lot of money is the jolly old RWS 34. Depending on the model it can be had for between $200-300.

[eggman1989]

Thank you for the advise on the air rifle recomendations. I will look to see if I can find a used don't know of where but I will look. I do like the look of the RWS34's.

Thanks eggman

[Rob Hawkins]

I wish Straight Shooters would bring all the 34's back to their inventory. A lot of new airgunners just can't afford the more expensive guns.

:cool: You have to get them addicted first! :o

[FireMarshal]

Thank you for the advise on the air rifle recomendations. I will look to see if I can find a used don't know of where but I will look. I do like the look of the RWS34's.

Thanks eggman

Eggman,
If you have a littl;e time some Saturday, you might want to drive over to Pulaski, TN. Not too far from you and you would enjoy seeing the varieties of air rifles and get to meet some of the guys and gals at the GOB club. We usually shoot thge second Saturday at Roz's Hollow just south of Pulaski and there may be a new range set up at Minor Hill soon..
Pat
FireMarshal

[grobjc]

Another Perspective: I'm a relative newcomer as well; have a Gamo Whisper in .22 ... spring failed after 1000 pellets, but Gamo replaced on warranty and it is doing fine now at 1500 on the new spring. My boys shoot it. It is very quiet and accurate. I'm not sorry I bought it.... but....

When the spring failed I talked to the experienced guys and bought a HW95 (R9) in .20 for myself. There's no comparison in quality... the Weihrauch is definitely 10X the rifle and will last a lot longer than the Gamo.

HOWEVER at the rate I'm going, I could buy a new rifle every year for the money I spend on pellets... and I'm just shooting FTS... nothing expensive. If you're going to get an air rifle, you need to practice, practice, practice (at least I do!... I'm a lousy shot but would be even worse without so much practice). So, in the long run, you're probably money ahead to buy a decent rifle, since the real expense is the thousands of pellets you're going to buy over the next few years... get a rifle that will shoot 20,000 pellets without a hiccup.

[FLY5465]

I was in the same position as you not that long ago. On the advice of my local airgun store, I bought the Weihrauch HW50s. I love it!

Just wanted to throw my $.02 in.

Dale - Arizona

[The Verminator]

Another Perspective: I'm a relative newcomer as well; have a Gamo Whisper in .22 ... spring failed after 1000 pellets, but Gamo replaced on warranty and it is doing fine now at 1500 on the new spring. My boys shoot it. It is very quiet and accurate. I'm not sorry I bought it.... but....

When the spring failed I talked to the experienced guys and bought a HW95 (R9) in .20 for myself. There's no comparison in quality... the Weihrauch is definitely 10X the rifle and will last a lot longer than the Gamo.

HOWEVER at the rate I'm going, I could buy a new rifle every year for the money I spend on pellets... and I'm just shooting FTS... nothing expensive. If you're going to get an air rifle, you need to practice, practice, practice (at least I do!... I'm a lousy shot but would be even worse without so much practice). So, in the long run, you're probably money ahead to buy a decent rifle, since the real expense is the thousands of pellets you're going to buy over the next few years... get a rifle that will shoot 20,000 pellets without a hiccup.

Well said! TV