Good call on the Umarex Gauntlet. I recently got one in .177 from Buds for under $250 shipped. Hand pumping to 3000 psi is not my idea of fun but you could just go to 2000psi and still get a lot of shots.
Out of a couple dozen air rifles purchased this year, the very cheapest good option I have found so far:
Umarex Surge XT .177 break barrel from Sportsman's Guide. $38 for members, $42 for non-members.
Replace the included scope with one that has a mil-dot reticle. I have a Nikko Stirling 4x32AO on mine and it works pretty good. Crosman Premier HP 7.9g at 910 fps. Very accurate and does not require a loose artillery hold. It shoots under an inch at 50 yards. After figuring out holdover and windage I put four shots in 1.25" at 100 yards today.
Last edited by kenoh2; 11/22/17.
