Looking for a .177 cal "hunting" spring-piston rifle .....

Game would likely be rabbits, squirrels, grouse, quail, pigeons or similar-sized prey. What would anyone recommend if money wasn't limited?

If one had a $450 budget?

$250 budget? THANKS.

I would get a R9. Light, accurate, power enough for every game you mentioned, and not hold sensitive.

A fiend of mine recently bought a Ruger airhawk and says he's been pretty impressed with it's power and accuracy. He's an experienced airgunner so I don't take his endorsement lightly and have been seriously considering buying one myself.

First of .22 for fur, and .177 for feathers

Second gamo is fine for most application, Sheridan or diawa of you have too much money

RWS magnum 350.

I've killed some stuff with mine, in .177. Decisive on grouse, snowshoe hares, and squirrels. And maybe on larger critters as well..............

Stick with the German made guns. The R9 that was suggested is a great shooting rifle and not as touchy as the magnums. For pure hunting the RWS350 is a cannon. The .22's are better for hunting but I've used .177's to kill squirrels, cats, and even groundhogs. You just have to be more careful with your shot selections and ranges.

R9 for the under $450. You can save a few bucks by getting the HW95 version (same gun as R9). RWS/diana model 34 for the under $250 budget. A tune kit makes either of these guns very, very nice.
regards, Scott

I have an rws 48 and have taken ferrel chickens at a measured 60 yards resulting in instant death. Mine really likes heavy pellets. It does get particular about how it recoils when not picking at range. I beat on a homemade gong at 60 yards very often.

All the "name brands" make good products
22 cal is MUCH better for most "hunting" though

Over the past few years I have shot lots (1,000+) rock chucks with air rifles. From underlever RWS .177 @ 800 fps, to .22 cal RWS 34's, Benjamin pumper and Beeman R7 .177 @ 500 fps. For a hunting gun the bigger .22cal is a much better killer, from birds to critters as big as a porcupine, the .22 flat works better. - Now as for what gun? Nice R-9, cheap but good RWS 34. Be sure to put on a good scope and great mounts.