Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Air Guns Suggestions from the experienced..

My old crosman bb gun gave out finally after years of hard work. I just cant figure out which pellet gun to buy. I keep hearing mixed reviews on some brands which is delaying my purchase. I am looking to spend $175 at the most. The use of this gun is to teach my girlfriend the basics of shooting and safety, pest control, small game hunting, and general backyard plinking. All experienced opinions will be valued greatly.

I want one that shoots 1000 fps, so please keep that in mind.

Is .177 the best caliber for my needs?

In spring piston guns,you may get close to 1000 FPS mostly with .177 calibre.Don't know of any spring piston airrifles that will regularly break the 1000fps barrier.RWS airrifles usually have models in .177 calibre that will do this.I think the RWS 46 is one that can do it.Why the interest in 1000FPS?.The .22 calibre airrifles while not sending the pellets out at 1000FPS can deliver more energy at target at similar distances than the .177.I don't know the current price on the RWS 46.But you will be hard pressed to buy a very good spring piston airrifle brand new for the $175.Maybe some others here will know more about this and can chime in.
Compressed air, airguns can produce your 1000 FPS velocity in calibres other than .177.But they are going to be more expensive.

Mid South Shooters Supply has the RWS Model 34's for 159.00. These are made in Germany by Dianawerk and are far superior in fit and finish compared to the Chinese guns for a bit less. I bought the Model 46 for 189.00 - It's rated at 950fps and does a solid 800fps with Benjamin Pellets. I have been very happy with the gun.

The only reason I think I need 1000fps is for killing tree squirrels. The ones we have here are very fat off of bird seed. I would consider a .22 caliber with enough power/tragectory to kill a bunch of robust squirrels.

.177 will do the tree rats easy at under 20-25 yards,,,,they may not drop at the shot but they will drop.

My 2� worth, you want weight more than velocity. The .22 at a slower speed is better at all ranges than the .177. You need to learn the path of the pellet in either. Anguila Super Colobri .22 rimfire ammo uses a 20 gr. bullet at about 500 or so fps and approximates an inexpensive .22 airgun. Try some out on your squirrels, and if they die as you expect, buy the RWS .22 airgun, you won't be disappointed. Have some receipes handy and cook them up.

Properly prepared squirrel is really very good.My friend in Arkansas can make very good fried squirrel.
The .22 airrifle will kill your squirrels for youand are better than the .177 as David said. The 20 grain .22 rimfire is a nice round for squirrels but much louder than the .22 airrifle.

The RWS seems to be very reputable company. I have found there is a broad range of prices for all pellet guns. Where or which pellet gun distributer do you buy from? So far, I have found that Midsouth shooters supply mentioned by centershot to be the best priced (for the RWS). Is there any other stores cheaper than that?

RWS Model 34 will do what you want. You have to get precision not all out power with a spring piston rifle. The noise of even a Colibri rimfire is bad if you have neighbors close by. Get an airgun scope when you can afford it and you will then have some real precision. If you don't listen and mount a conventional scope then use a throw away scope. The double recoil of a spring piston gun will destroy reticles. The airgun scope has a reticle supported in front as well as at the back. If you buy an RWS and give it the recommended care it will last three lifetimes. It is NOT a bb gun: Never use anything but all lead pellets. You will find years of fun in a Model 34. I have a model 45, 6M, and 48 in RWS among other airguns. Rusty Z

I have an RWS Model 34. It is very accurate with pellets it likes and it's velocity when new hovered at +- 1000 fps. However, unknowingly, I left it cocked for probably a week and I weakened the spring. It will only do around 850 - 900 fps now. However, it is still quite robust and will definitely take squirrels cleanly.

If you're still in the market for a pellet rifle, I have a .22 cal BSA Super Sport I'm selling for $180.00. Gently used...adult owned 95+% on wood and metal. Very accurate very hard hitting.....

Just too many other pelletguns to shoot, and this one is in your price rance.

Sincerely
Scott