Given a $500 budget, I'd opt for a .22 cal. HW95 at $315 and buy a decent scope/mount. This really isn't a "new school" airgun, but an excellent quality gun with a great trigger and enough power in .22 to hunt small game.
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes." szihn
