One thing that wasn't addressed is noise. The pumpers are about twice as loud as the springers. I have a Sheridan Blue Streak in .20 cal and with 8 pumps it's loud. Not 22 Long Rifle loud, but loud just the same. I could see it being an issue in urban areas. The spring gun is more of a dull "thunk" sound... Its not an issue for me where I live, but I just wanted to mention it should you have neighbors that aren't gun-friendly...cause thats a game-changer..
I know you said you weren't in favor of sending a gun out to be pro-tuned, and I get that. But one of my R9's has been tuned by Russ Best and that gun shoots Crosman Premier 177's at well over 900 fps. and is so quiet, it sounds like a muffled finger snap when it goes off. ..(for lack of better analogy...lol).. It is also deadly accurate and is pure poison on garden-raiding Starlings & Chipmunks...Think I paid $365 shipped for it, used.. They are out there..
