I read multiple threads around here and am super excited to join the community. hoping to get some insight from y'all seasoned shooters... recalling your less expensive setups.
I just had a Crosman Tyro go down on me. Instead of getting it fixed I want to upgrade to something $300ish. Im thinking break barrel style since its more convenient than PCP.
Second, I do not one a good optic. Just something that came in box. What is a good optic around 200 (bonus for closer to ~100).
My needs are cleaning up the mice and chipmunks, but mostly good practice shooting since I cant get to the range with my real firearm. Trigger time, even though its not the same trigger setup, still helps me keep somewhat sharp. Hey, better than nothing! Im not limiting it to .177, however thats what I have a bunch of ammo stocked up in. and I am not taking rabbits or anything.
Welcome to the forum.
With a total budget like that it would be hard to go wrong with the Weihrauch HW30S, especially for what you intend to use it for. And I'm sure others would agree. And you'd have enough left of your budget for a decent scope and rings. The HW30S is a quality airgun that's easy to cock and shoot, so it won't wear you out, and the accuracy will surprise you. And Weihrauch's Rekord trigger is a great trigger. It may not be very big compared to many airguns, but the 30S is quite the package!
Airguns of Arizona has three versions of the HW30S listed from about $340 to $360, a synthetic stock model, a Deluxe model, and the standard model. Add Hawke's Vantage 2-7x32AO scope ($126) and a set of Sportsmatch rings ($30 and change) and you'd have a nice outfit for your budget, +/- a little depending on 30S model. The Hawke 2-7x32 is a good fit on the 30S and the Sportsmatch rings (T04C 2pc 1" Medium height) will keep it in place. Unfortunately, it looks like all I've mentioned is out of stock right now except for the Hawke scope. But the HW30S is worth the wait. 😉
I enjoy my HW30S so much that I ended up with a Beeman R7 (same action as the 30S) as well, both in .177. I have a Williams FP-AG-TK peep sight on my 30S and an older BSA Essential 2-7x32AO on the R7. I also have a couple of Hawke 2-7x32AO scopes from the older Sport HD series on other spring guns and they've been good scopes.
Good luck with your search!
What Jim said is good advice.
I agree with the R7/HW30. I have the R7. Mine is totally custom, fully tuned with custom trigger and internals. Custom stock and barrel shroud. I went whole hog! But the basic R7/30 would be perfect for your needs. Low power enough not to demand a tune. If you want a bit more power, the HW50s in .22 is also a great choice. I just got one. I did have it tuned, but I have been told it shoots great out of the box. I really like the softer shooting .22s, they will lob the pellet a bit more, but it is a great shot cycle.
If you get a Weihrauch you will be impressed with the quality, and like most first time owners, amazed by the trigger. I bought an HW50S last year from Krale and pre-ordered an HW30S Deluxe from AOA a month ago after they said they expected it to be in stock within 60 days (checking my email 9 times a day in anticipation!). The 50 is . 177 with a UTG Bugbuster 3-12 with side parallax adjustment. Firs the rifle well but eye relief is limited. It's crabapple and cherry tomato accurate at 35 yards with H&N FTT 8.44. It shoots the H&N Barracuda Match pellets well to. I'm sill working on MY 45 yard skills but think the rifle's capable.
Never tried one of the Hawke scopes but probably will one of these days. I also ordered one of the Williams FP-AG-TK sights from AOA to accompany the rifle. Have Foolproof sights on a couple other airguns and one firearm but none with the target knobs. Need them? Dunno, but variety is the spice of life. Plus they look cool.
