Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
Select Gate
READ GTA FORUM RULES BEFORE POSTING
GTA Forum Help Desk
GTA Announcement Gate
Dealer Area
GRIP
AirgunWeb Airgun Videos
Airgun Repository of Knowledge
Vendors and Vendor Videos
AirGun Expo 2021
Airgun Expo 2022
Contests and Giveaways!!!
Welcome New Members
In Memoriam
GTA Contributing Members
Shot Show Videos
Hajimoto Productions
Airgun Detectives
Air Gun Gate
BB Guns and Such
"Bob and Lloyds Workshop"
American/U.S. Air Gun Gates
European/Asian Air Gun Gates
PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside"
Air Archery
Vintage Air Gun Gate
Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates
Hunting Gate
Machine Shop Talk & AG Parts Machining
3D printing and files
Buyer's, Seller's & Trader's Comments
Bargain Gate
Back Room
Target Shooting Discussion Gate
Target Match Rules
Shooting Match Gates
Field Target Gates
The Long Range Club
100 Yard Match
Discussions By States
Welcome,
Guest
. Please
login
or
register
.
Did you miss your
activation email
?
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Forever
Login with username, password and session length
Home
About
Help
Old GTA
Gallery
Search
Stats
Login
Register
Advertise Here
GTA
»
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General
»
Air Gun Gate
(Moderators:
dk1677
,
GTA-Airgunner
,
Tater
) »
Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
« previous
next »
Print
Pages: [
1
]
2
3
...
5
Go Down
Share This!
Author
Topic: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer (Read 4941 times))
Fightinggoat
Shooter
Posts: 51
yes
Real Name: Brian
Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
on:
December 03, 2018, 09:26:54 AM »
Looking to add a .177 springer to the arsenal, I enjoy shooting my sons xs-12 and the ammo is both cheap and plentiful, just want a full size stock and more power.
Already have a D52 .22, xs-28 .25, Benjamin Prowler .22, and a 392 pumper.
So this won't be for hunting or anything more than informal hole punching at close range. I do however want a powerful rifle, accuracy is important, but this is more for fun and power is fun.
Doesn't have to be superb out of the box, I plan on doing a home tune on anything I buy anyway as I enjoy tinkering, including the trigger. My sons XS-12 trigger left much to be desired, but after cleaning up some things inside, it breaks nice and clean and rivals some of my centerfire rifles.
I do want 800-1000fps with lead, not trying to spend much on a casual plinker that I plan on tearing into and experimenting with.
Say under $175, prefer $100-150.
Some candidates so far
1. Hatsan 95
2. Hatsan 87 or 85? (A little confusing as they don't give a description and differences aren't obvious)
3. Kral No.1
4. Hatsan Stryker 1000 or Edge
5. Beeman RS-2
6. Ruger Airhawk or variants
7. XS-25
8. Winchester/Daisy something
What do you know about the above choices that can help me decide? Do you have any other suggestions that I am overlooking?
I missed the boat on the Cabelas 34 deal, oh well, that would have been a no brainer.
I can't find any reviews on the Kral No.1, PA has them on clearance for $70, looks good but know nothing about them, any info anyone?
Obviously Hatsan is a real contender hear and with so many models listing similar specs it's hard to pick one, I would want a 125 in .177 same as I wouldn't want a D350 in .177 lol.
Realistically which model should I be focused on here, I suspect it's the 95?
Ruger Airhawk or whichever Ruger is currently in season is another strong contender, they look nice, are easy to find, and check many of my boxes.
I don't need a scope or bundle with accessories, I have optics I can use but will probably keep using the irons for the short ranges I will be using it for.
Want to stay with .177, I don't have a full size .177 and that's the whole reason for this acquisition.
I demand minute of tin can accuracy and power to spare, all for a large budget of $150. Any takers?
Logged
USA, OH, Westerville
SADave
Marksman
Posts: 312
yes
Real Name: David
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #1 on:
December 03, 2018, 09:58:17 AM »
Of the guns listed Id probably try a Hatsan 95 or Striker. They respond well to tunes. My 95 has smoothed out alot and the trigger is nice and predictable. Only beef is that the stroke feels long.
If it were me I'd probably pick up a Walther Terrus or BSA Comet or Meteor The BSAs have Gamo compression tubes and BSA barrels. My Comet is as accurate my HW30 but with a lot more power. They can be twanging at first, you'll need to set the spring and put some tar on it or get a spring guide made. I think the Terrus is still on sale and within your price range at aoa. Best of luck.
Logged
San Antonio
AA TX200 .22
HW30S .177
BSA R10 MK 1.221
BSA Scorpion SE .25
BSA Supersport .25
BSA Supersport .177
FWB 300
BS AS392
BSA Goldstar .177
BSA Superstar .22
mac
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 786
yes
Real Name: scott
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #2 on:
December 03, 2018, 10:43:54 AM »
For a cheap pinker I,m pretty happy with my crosman Optimus and with the longer trigger adjustment screw I like the trigger better than the one in my 95 Hatsan. I also prefer the slimmer stock of the Optimus.
Logged
IL
wheelie
Plinker
Posts: 132
yes
Real Name: Kevin
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #3 on:
December 03, 2018, 11:07:06 AM »
I have a few on your list but out of all on the list I would absolutely take the Ruger Airhawk because of the availability of parts. Tune kits, spring, to aftermarket triggers or do your own trigger. They are very accurate, full size stock. The full power spring is a little harsh. My best out of my three Airhawks shoots 690 FPS. One shoots 525 which is my main in house gun. My full power I just put in a stock spring shooting 946 FPS. It is very hold sensitive. They say a Vortek PG2 (Diana 34/Ruger Air Hawk/BlackHawk Tune Kit) smooths it out lots which I may try someday. CHEERS!
Logged
Ont. Canada
A.K.A. Tommy Boy
No High Quality Guns Here. All "Bottom Shelf" Air Rifles Small Game Hunter
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 9659
Rusty the Dog & Elvis the Cat Pals Forever
Real Name: Tom
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #4 on:
December 03, 2018, 11:07:21 AM »
Thru Hatsan USA you can get either a new Hatsan 85 Sniper Vortex with a Camo Stock
or a new Dominator Spring 200S Carbine.
Both are offered in 117cal and either one sells for $159.99
Both are new guns and not refurbished and both come with full warranty
Here is their link if you are interested
:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjm0oai-IPfAhVGT6wKHVhdBBEQFjAAegQIABAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhatsanusa.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw0D3tAmIKkHmSqwJDX-Yx5b
Best Wishes & Good Luck in Your Search - Tom
«
Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 11:10:45 AM by A.K.A. Tommy Boy
»
Logged
The North Woods - We have 2 seasons, Winter & Mosquito/Tick season
********* My Menagerie of Bottom Shelf Air Rifles *********
.25 cal. Hatsan 125TH Magnum - Coil Spring
.25 cal. Hatsan Edge - Crosman NP Gas Spring (Now a Mini Magnum - Thank's to mikeyb)
.22 cal. Walther Talon Magnum - Coil Spring (A Hatsan 125 Magnum)
.22 cal. Gamo Magnum GR - Coil Spring
.22 cal. Crosman Summit Ranger - NP2 Gas Spring
.22 cal. Crosman Diamond Back - NP Elite Gas Spring
.22 cal. Umarex Surgemax Elite - TNT ReAxis Gas Spring
.177 cal. Hatsan Striker - Vortex Gas Spring
.177 cal. Stoeger S3000C - Coil Spring
.177 cal. Umarex NXG APX - Multi Pump
The Crosman Nitro Gas Spring conversion parts in the Hatsan Edge were a gift from
mikeyb
The 22 cal Walther Talon Magnum Rifle - A 22 cal. Hatsan Edge/ Striker Barrel - The Edge rifle stock on the Hatsan Striker - were gifts from
SteveP-52
A Picture of Some of My Rifles:
>
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=202334.0;attach=413068;image
SteveP-52
I just lurk, I'm no longer a
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 8002
Real Name: Steve
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #5 on:
December 03, 2018, 11:11:34 AM »
I have both an 87 Vortex QE .177 and a Webley Tomahawk .177 which, except for cosmetic differences, is a Model 95. Both shoot a touch over 900 fps depending on the pellets used, can be worked on easily and the Quattro triggers with a few simple tweaks can be made way better than out of the box and will be better than the ones in the Edge/Striker/1000X (Ihave a couple Edge's and a 1000X, just not in .177). There's plenty of info here on tweaking both triggers and rifles if any of them are what you finally decide on. You'll also get a better stock with either the 87 or 95 as the Striker synthetic stocks have a reputation for breaking at the forearm screws.
Since you plan on tinkering anyway, the 87 can be had as a refurb for $130 plus $5 shipping at HatsanUSA:
https://hatsanusa.com/collections/parts-and-refurb-buys/products/_refurbished-mod-87-vortex-quietenergy
The 95 springer refurb can be had for $100:
https://hatsanusa.com/collections/parts-and-refurb-buys/products/mod-95-spring-combo-refurbished
The Striker refurb can be had for $70:
https://hatsanusa.com/collections/parts-and-refurb-buys/products/_refurbished-striker-spring
Logged
NY, USA
Taso1000
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 3610
yes
Real Name: Taso
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #6 on:
December 03, 2018, 11:20:25 AM »
The XS-25 SFB is $85 on Flying Dragon Air Rifles. You could also get a fixed barrel XS46U for $140.
http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/index.php?route=product/category&path=59
Thanks,
Taso
Logged
Orland Park, Illinois
Roadworthy
Honorary GTA Moderator
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 9703
yes
Real Name: Thomas
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #7 on:
December 03, 2018, 11:49:29 AM »
The XS-25, Ruger Air Hawk, and Ruger Black Hawk are all essentially the same gun - clones of the Diana 34. If you're in no rush you MAY see some super deals on the 34 again. There were three rounds of the sales last summer. You could also give the Diana 250 consideration. It's based off the Chinese B19 but supposedly with some improvements to compensate for the inherent problems with that platform.
Logged
Near the Southern Coast of Washington State
Real knowledge is knowing the extent of one's ignorance.
Fightinggoat
Shooter
Posts: 51
yes
Real Name: Brian
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #8 on:
December 03, 2018, 12:51:47 PM »
Thanks for all the info everyone, while not in a rush I am looking to pick one for my Christmas list, so enough time to order it before then is required.
I have been eyeing the bargains at hatsan USA for a week or so, they look like what I am wanting, but having never handled one in person I just don't know.
So many similarities in all the guns I listed at around the same price point, makes for a hard decision when buying sight unseen.
I just want a good solid platform and a strong/powerful power plant to start with, everything else should be fun to tweak to my liking.
Anyone know about that beeman rs2 or the kral no.1?
Logged
USA, OH, Westerville
unionrdr
The Airgun Shootist
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 2824
Air Rifle shooter-collector
Real Name: DB Books
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #9 on:
December 03, 2018, 01:02:48 PM »
Crosman has the .177cal Optimus wood-n-steel springer on sale now for $59.99. I bought one sans scope (hence the lower price) for my brother. already have a scope for it. Rated 1200FPS with alloy pellets. 1000-1100 with lead in my experience. Darn good rifle with the power of the Striker 1000's (I have the .22 Striker 1000x), but about 1.5lbs lighter. Darn accurate too. Some of us are fairly certain that it's based on the old Quest?
«
Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 01:09:32 PM by unionrdr
»
Logged
Snowflake Village, NEOH
Never take life too seriously...unless someone else does it for you!
SteveP-52
I just lurk, I'm no longer a
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 8002
Real Name: Steve
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #10 on:
December 03, 2018, 01:09:53 PM »
For what it might be worth, my 87 QE .177 shoots H&N Sniper Mediums at 910 fps, R10 Match Heavies at 908 fps, H&N FTT's at 911 fps and RWS Superdomes at 898 fps.
My Tomahawk .177 springer which, although not made any more, is the same power plant as the 95 and shoots the Snipers at 952 fps, the R10 Match at 975 fps, the FTT's at 923 fps and the Superdomes at 963 fps so the 95 should be a close match to it.
Your mileage may vary but both rifles are very accurate with those 4 pellets and minute of squirrel accurate (aka head shot accurate) out to the 30 yards or so I shoot, so tin cans should be no problem...lol
Logged
NY, USA
unionrdr
The Airgun Shootist
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 2824
Air Rifle shooter-collector
Real Name: DB Books
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #11 on:
December 03, 2018, 01:15:13 PM »
That's about what the Optimus .177 will do. My son hit the bull's eye his first time @ 15yds with his Optimus .22. That's all I dared around this no shoot anything burg. With the same power as the Striker 1000's/Edge springers, it should be good to about 50yds.
Logged
Snowflake Village, NEOH
Never take life too seriously...unless someone else does it for you!
Fightinggoat
Shooter
Posts: 51
yes
Real Name: Brian
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #12 on:
December 03, 2018, 02:37:57 PM »
I will look into the optimus, I know crosman has been rifles that fit the bill, but growing up the only airguns I had to chose from were crosman and daisy, wanted to try something new I haven't had before.
It's somewhat important that the trigger can be modified to improve weight and creep, most are, but some like my old daisy 25 I think, made by EL Gamo in the 1980s, is one that I can't do much with, it's designed in a way that's super simple but doesn't lend itself to mods. The trigger directly engages the piston and holds the full weight like a bear trap.
Logged
USA, OH, Westerville
triggerfest
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 2196
yes
Real Name: Rudy
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #13 on:
December 03, 2018, 02:48:37 PM »
For a sub $200 springer I would go for any Hatsan Vortex gasram springer I could get for that money !
They are powerful, accurate, well build, have a good trigger and their wooden stocks are gorgeous !
Logged
Hunter Field Target competition & Casual Plinking | Shooter, not Collector
Hobbyman2007
N.U.A.H. Expert
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 3011
yes
Real Name: Denis
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #14 on:
December 03, 2018, 05:55:47 PM »
I’d stick with a crosman or Benjamin . Easier to get parts . Although the Hatsan Quattro trigger is in league of its own in comparison to the others listed . The only springer I have left since switching to PCP is a Hatsan 135 in .22 cal that’s how much I like the triggers .
Logged
Dowling,Ontario, Canada
I like air guns ,and they like me
Bryan Heimann
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 6043
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #15 on:
December 03, 2018, 06:26:50 PM »
I'd take an Optimus for $59. It's worth at least that much, for sure.
Rather have the Optimus than the Winchester 1100SS for sure.
Most of the shortcomings of the Optimus are easy and cheap to fix.
Logged
Knob Noster, MO
regularguy11B/ regular guy/ laid over
Bryan Heimann
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 6043
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #16 on:
December 03, 2018, 06:29:31 PM »
Oh, and for Brian- from the choices you listed, I'd go with the XS25. Ask Mike if you could get just the trigger tune only, and pay for that. Saves you some money, since you can do most of the rest on your own.
Or, just hold out on the next 34 sale.
Logged
Knob Noster, MO
regularguy11B/ regular guy/ laid over
A.K.A. Tommy Boy
No High Quality Guns Here. All "Bottom Shelf" Air Rifles Small Game Hunter
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 9659
Rusty the Dog & Elvis the Cat Pals Forever
Real Name: Tom
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #17 on:
December 03, 2018, 07:01:26 PM »
Brian.....Bud's Gun Shop has a 117cal Crosman Vantage NP on sale for $90. I am not sure about the shipping charges.
I have had mine for about 8 years now and it is still shooting strong.
It is essentially the Optimus but with a Nitro Gas Ram instead of a Spring.
I am not sure of your preference about power plants.
You may wish to fix the trigger with a screw swap, I did.
Best Wishes - Tom
Edit : They also have the Optimus for $102.....Both guns come with a cheap combo scope.
Here is the link to Bud's Gun Shop if you are interested.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwja-PSJ4ITfAhVOQq0KHQlUAD0QFjAAegQICRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.budsgunshop.com%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct_info.php%2Fproducts_id%2F714015043%2FAccessories%2FAir%2BGuns%2FCROSMAN%2BVANTAGE%2BNP%2B.177%2BW%252FSCP%2BWOOD&usg=AOvVaw2zEl5OA1kUvvxJCXjcFoNm
«
Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 07:06:04 PM by A.K.A. Tommy Boy
»
Logged
The North Woods - We have 2 seasons, Winter & Mosquito/Tick season
********* My Menagerie of Bottom Shelf Air Rifles *********
.25 cal. Hatsan 125TH Magnum - Coil Spring
.25 cal. Hatsan Edge - Crosman NP Gas Spring (Now a Mini Magnum - Thank's to mikeyb)
.22 cal. Walther Talon Magnum - Coil Spring (A Hatsan 125 Magnum)
.22 cal. Gamo Magnum GR - Coil Spring
.22 cal. Crosman Summit Ranger - NP2 Gas Spring
.22 cal. Crosman Diamond Back - NP Elite Gas Spring
.22 cal. Umarex Surgemax Elite - TNT ReAxis Gas Spring
.177 cal. Hatsan Striker - Vortex Gas Spring
.177 cal. Stoeger S3000C - Coil Spring
.177 cal. Umarex NXG APX - Multi Pump
The Crosman Nitro Gas Spring conversion parts in the Hatsan Edge were a gift from
mikeyb
The 22 cal Walther Talon Magnum Rifle - A 22 cal. Hatsan Edge/ Striker Barrel - The Edge rifle stock on the Hatsan Striker - were gifts from
SteveP-52
A Picture of Some of My Rifles:
>
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=202334.0;attach=413068;image
Fightinggoat
Shooter
Posts: 51
yes
Real Name: Brian
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #18 on:
December 03, 2018, 08:21:22 PM »
The only gas piston gun I have is the Benjamin prowler, it's smooth and quiet, but feels harder to cock than than of my other rifles including a side lever Diana, or xs-28.
It's not so much how hard it is to cock but the way it feels to cock, seems to have peak resistance from start to finish, it's a chore in comparison to all the other springers I have shot.
A good spring gun is addicting to shoot and I even enjoy cocking the magnums, but I dislike cocking the prowler.
If it had a spring I would like it so much more as it's a very nice rifle otherwise and balances well.
I don't know if they all feel that way as I have no other gas piston experience I can recall except maybe a gamo or two several years back.
@Bryan, I can do the trigger work on the xs25, and even as good as mike is, I would still want to do it myself because I enjoy it.
There are just a couple trigger designs that don't lend them selves well to tuning, at least not that I can see, I don't know which guns have triggers designed that way and which don't.
Logged
USA, OH, Westerville
Bryan Heimann
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 6043
Re: Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer
«
Reply #19 on:
December 03, 2018, 08:31:23 PM »
Well, the xs25 has the same trigger as the xs28m. You already have a good Mike Melick trigger to copy, it's a no brainer. Get an XS25 or a used t-05 34, and copy the modifications.
Logged
Knob Noster, MO
regularguy11B/ regular guy/ laid over
Print
Pages: [
1
]
2
3
...
5
Go Up
« previous
next »
GTA
»
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General
»
Air Gun Gate
(Moderators:
dk1677
,
GTA-Airgunner
,
Tater
) »
Help me choose a sub $200 .177 springer