I would say by what you are wanting, you would be much happier with a PCP. For one thing most of the PCP's in your price range can shoot 30 fpe or more. Second thing many are very quiet and under 10 db. For instance the Crosman M-Rod in .22 and .25 are under $500.00.Save a bit more money and get buy the right gun for the right job that you want to use it for.
With your new budget. RWS Diana model 48 is the first to come to my mind. It's no louder than any of your average spring guns. But the power and accuracy are hard to beat. I have 2 of them. A 177 and a 22. Squirrels are dead meat from distances in excess of 50 yards with no problem at all. They cost approximately $400 brand new. But deals are common. It's a heavy gun, but it's a "heavy duty" gun. Other members will have many more choices for you, but I'd not chicken out of any type of competition with a 48.Richard
I'm a lefty also. I own a Marauder. The stocks are for either left or right hand shooters. Sure, the bolt and magazine are on the right, but it's never posed even a hint of trouble. I didn't mention PCP guns because you didn't seem interested in your opening post.Richard
IMHO, PCP is a PIA. You Need a Dive Shop to fill your tank, or invest in an expensive compressor set-up or destroy your Rotator Cuff pumping the thing up. Consider a Trail NP in .22.Pyramid Air will ship free. $229 to your front door. 50 yd. Woodchucks are no prob. with mine.Those Nitro-Piston guns are awesome. Put one of Charlies (CDT) triggers($35) and you will have one sweet shooter.P.S. The Trail NP comes with a CP 3-9X scope.
TFB, we are left handed folks living in a world full of mostly right handed stuff. I only own 1 gun that is specifically for left handed shooters. It can be a pain because I can shoot either way if the need arises. But not with that gun. The way stock is designed it's terribly uncomfortable to attempt to shoot right handed. On all of my powder guns, the actions are made for right handed shooters. Adapting and over coming makes you better all around.Richard
RWS34 (-P version for synthetic) in .22. You'll have enough left for a great scope, mount, pellets, and miscellaneous.I do not know why people are trying to up your budget when you already have plenty for your (clearly) stated purpose. This is the greatest break barrel for the $$, will place pellets as well as you can, and will clean dispatch all the critters on your list if you do your part. You don't need another darn thing to shoot it, temp doesn't matter, no tanks or pumping, what's not to love? Life is long enough to trade up if you want later, and this is a very desirable rifle in trades or classifieds. Ambi and quiet. Try one, you'll see.