Slingshots Forum banner

Air Rifle Recommendations

4K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  Marbles  
#1 ·
I'm looking for a new air rifle. I've had pump rifles before, but now I'm looking for something a little more robust. I've been looking around at a variety of models and I've seen some product reviews, but I'd like to throw the question out here. Here's what I'm looking for to give you a framework:

* .22 cal (I've already got a .177)
* Break-barrel type
* Nitro piston
* Decent iron/stock sights (doesn't matter if it comes with a scope or not, though a rail would be nice)
* Wood or composite stock (though I'm not really looking for camo)
* Preferably under 1,200 fps
* Under $300, under $250 is a bonus

I've been looking at Hatsan (model 125), Benjamin Trail (I like the style) and some others. Reviews seem to be mixed on all of them. Since I don't currently have $450 + for a Benjamin Marauder, I'll need to take a step down. I won't be hunting with this, but I may occasionally go after some vermin, primarily, it will be for target shooting/plinking.

So, any recommendations? I'd prefer first person recommendations from those who have actually used them. I don't know many folks with air rifles, and maybe some of you folks outside the US that perhaps more experience could help shed some light.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Hi,
I would HiGHLY Reccomend a Hatsan 125 .22 Caliber. I've had one for a couple years, and it has lost no power in the spring after 15,000 shots.

It is extremely accurate, I hit quarters with it at 45 yards, and pop cans at 65 yards with it. After i sighted my scope in on it first.
Also,
Great for pests, or small game hunting.

And again, HIGHLY reccomended.

SMS
 
#3 ·
Hi,
I would HiGHLY Reccomend a Hatsan 125 .22 Caliber. I've had one for a couple years, and it has lost no power in the spring after 15,000 shots.

It is extremely accurate, I hit quarters with it at 45 yards, and pop cans at 65 yards with it. After i sighted my scope in on it first.
Also,
Great for pests, or small game hunting.

And again, HIGHLY reccomended.

SMS
I appreciate the recommendation SMS, I've got the Hatsan 125 at the top of my list at the moment. You mention the spring - do you have the original spring model, or do you have a Nitro Piston installed? I'm hearing good things about the Nitro Piston models.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey IF you can get one where you live; you absolutely cannot go past AirForce Talon, or Condor Models; preferably with a noise shroud.

Sorry I could not find my U.S.A. link; but they sell the 3,000 P.S.I. both models; the talon being classified an air pistol although not as much longer than any pistol; but the condor a longer barrel: the hand pump, or scuba tank attachment for refill; and the shroud.

Not cheap of course; but the effectiveness is outstanding.

I am going to get one and pay whatever bribe I need to one through Thai Customs.

Cheers Allan
 
#5 ·
Hey IF you can get one where you live; you absolutely cannot go past AirForce Talon, or Condor Models; preferably with a noise shroud.

Sorry I could not find my U.S.A. link; but they sell the 3,000 P.S.I. both models; the talon being classified an air pistol although not as much longer than any pistol; but the dondor a longer barrel: the hand pump, or scuba tank attachment for refill; and the shroud.

Not cheap of course; but the effectiveness is outstanding.

I am going to get one and pay whatever bribe I need to one through Thai Customs.

Cheers Allan
Found them both on Pyramidair dot com. Nice looking rifles, but definitely above my price range and very likely above my sound levels (I'm not going to be shooting out in the woods at this time). Have you ever seen the Sam Yang Dragon Claw? 500cc's and .50 cal! :aahhhh: Develops 230 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle. Very impressive. You can find videos of it being fired on YouTube. Just too much for my backyard shooting!
 
#6 ·
Hi,
I would HiGHLY Reccomend a Hatsan 125 .22 Caliber. I've had one for a couple years, and it has lost no power in the spring after 15,000 shots.

It is extremely accurate, I hit quarters with it at 45 yards, and pop cans at 65 yards with it. After i sighted my scope in on it first.
Also,
Great for pests, or small game hunting.

And again, HIGHLY reccomended.

SMS
I appreciate the recommendation SMS, I've got the Hatsan 125 at the top of my list at the moment. You mention the spring - do you have the original spring model, or do you have a Nitro Piston installed? I'm hearing good things about the Nitro Piston models.
I have the original. I have the Nitro piston, But i un-installed it. I like to keep it original, Because i feel like i get cleaner shots on my target, but thats just me.

Any other questions? feel free to ask :D

SMS
 
#9 ·
Sorry, I am not sure, but from reports I have read, it reduces it significantly, so as not to annoy neighbours.

Also if shot from inside a house at pests, with a CD or radio on fairly loud; no could hear anything, obviously.

But with a scope it will kill pretty large pest such as U.S. prairie dogs to very long ranges in the .25 cal. version.

Cheers Allan
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey so called air soft like my own; can be legally or not, modified to fire metal balls, at astounding FPS, with the right refrigerant gases used.

So as to go clean through doubled flattened steel cans.

Then you can get lead moulds made, and make ever so slightly smaller lead balls (just in case of any slight imperfections).

And away you go for expansion ammo !!!!

Not so hard if you use a little bit of ":lateral thinking"; even at 55 year old, and ha ha ha, to the law anywhere.

Cheers Allan
 
#12 ·
I would like to recommend you bellow:

Crosman Stinger P311

TSD/UHC 4" Revolver

TSD/UHC 6" Revolver

Taurus PT 24/7

Crosman Marines CP01

Soft AirDesert Eagle .44 Magnum

For more details: http://bestairsoftgun.net
Thank you for your suggestions Md Golam Rabani, I will be sure to look in to those models!

Hey so called air soft like my own; can be legally or not, modified to fire metal balls, at astounding FPS, with the right refrigerant gases used.

So as to go clean through doubled flattened steel cans.

Then you can get lead moulds made, and make ever so slightly smaller lead balls (just in case of any slight imperfections).

And away you go for expansion ammo !!!!

Not so hard if you use a little bit of ":lateral thinking"; even at 55 year old, and ha ha ha, to the law anywhere.

Cheers Allan
Interesting idea, Allan. I haven't heard of folks making lead ammo to fit an airsoft gun, now you're giving me some ideas that may lead to some testing!
 
#13 ·
Yea well I do, for both standard .177 air rifle/pistol; and 5.95 mm normal air soft.

Then load the these alternate metal/Daisy Copperheads, then lead, in the magazines.

And away I go, both punching some very serious depth holes in stuff, though zero expansion; and alot expansion, and wound channel damage, although not huge depth, but serious enough to kill most pests.

Cheers Allan
 
#18 ·
if you decide to go the airsoft gun route, you can buy 6mm steel bb's, which are actually designed to be shot out of airsoft guns. They weigh a little more then my regular .20 gram bbs, but are very lethal at ~450 fps. Plus I just flip the full auto on my AEG and spray the target, usually hitting my prarie dog target 4-5 times or more in under a second. A virtual rain of death for small vermin, and it makes my airsoft gun dual purpose.