I have friend who is looking for a gun to handle the squirrels in his yard. I think that a gas piston breakbarrel with a relatively decent trigger would do the trick. He is not ready yet to spend $300+ for German technology. Any suggestions, experience?
Thanks!
QB 78 would be my first choice, RWS 34 is the second. Both solid platforms with great accuracy.
Its hard to say under 200, if you live where it doesnt get too cold in the winter I would second the qb78 in .22 accurate and easy to shoot. The trouble with lower priced springers is they are hard to shoot accurately, power is secondary to accuracy. At a little more than 200 the Diana 34 is a proven hunter and less likely to move to the scrap pile if he loses interest
rws 34 in .22 and .177 will do the job for birds and beast. I have both!
Gamo urban maybe or hatsan flash?
I saw a 200 dollar self containing PCP I think a seneca aspen. No air compressor needed.
A Mike Melick (Flying Dragons Airguns) tuned .22cal QB78 or XS60C will do the trick.
If he is willing to take a chance the Liberty Freedom parts rifles are a good buy. So far I have purchased 3 and all I have done is tighten all mounting screws- put mechanic air gun oil in pump- work pump about 20-30 times- re oil and let sit overnight - when I fill from my compressor I put 2 drops crosman pell gun oil in and have not had a single problem. They are only $115.00 delivered to your door. They have adjustable hammer springs and are a fine rifle. Shoot 1 magazine and pump 25 times to get back to full pressure. Like I said it is a crap shoot as I may just be the lucky one.
Been holding questions in...time to ask.
1. How big is his back yard? Is it like suburb's 15-30 yards....or like the country's 50-60 yards of cleared/mowed back yard?
2.Is he use to shooting springers well? (it doesn't come naturally).
3.Is he planning on a scope, open iron,or adding a "peep"?
4.How big a deal is noise level?
I have friend who is looking for a gun to handle the squirrels in his yard. I think that a gas piston breakbarrel with a relatively decent trigger would do the trick. He is not ready yet to spend $300+ for German technology. Any suggestions, experience?
Thanks!
If CO2 is an option, I'd give serious thought to the Plinkster -- a $119 (shipped) repeater.
https://yhst-139878093962642.stores.yahoo.net/airmaxplco2c.html
A Gamo CFR from GamoUSA right now is 199. Refurbs are less if you find one. Mines shooting quarters at 30 yards. My old accu was far better but good luck finding one.
Besides all above options are great and I like the plinkster. Thinking about that myself for my nephew who lives with me.
I can wholeheartedly second the Plinkster. GREAT gun, AMAZING value out of the box, easy to work on and highly modifiable, if you choose to go down that road. But still a very handy and user-friendly rifle just the way it comes to you. At the current price, I'm even thinking of buying another one for myself.
Thanks for the input! Here are the answers to the questions:
1. The yard is more like a suburb’s size yard. Perhaps a little larger. 30 yards. might be the longest range.
2. He does not have a lot of springer experience. But I don’t think that will be a problem for him.
3. I expect he will get a scope.
4. Noise is not too much of an issue.
We live in the Ozarks of Arkansas, so CO2 is a reasonable solution. What form of CO2 does the Plinkster use? Does it hit hard enough for squirrels?
I did some googling which answered a lot of questions. The Plinkster looks like a nice solution!
The Ruger Airhawk has a decent trigger for under $200. It's basically an old RWS 34 clone. The scope it comes with is nothing to write home about - so figure on an upgrade there at some point. I had one in 177 for awhile and thought it handled better in 177 than an XS25 (basically the same rifle without the Ruger branding) in 22. My preference would be 177 for this rifle. Still plenty of power for backyard squirrels and flatter shooting than 22.
I've no personal experience with one, but the Hatsan 95 also looks interesting at this price point. I'd be thinking 22 for this one though. The Hatsan 95 is reported to be a bit too fast for 177 pellets. Too much of a good thing. And for the same reason, not the easiest introduction to a springer.
Either can be ordered for ~$150 now.
Best option? Triple the budget and get an HW95 in 177 and 4-16x40AO UTG Hunter scope with UTG high rings (medium are just a touch too low for the bell). You know he's going to eventually anyway - might as well do it right the first time 😉
