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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 03:50:30 PM

Title: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 03:50:30 PM
Hello Everyone,

I've been having the itch to buy a new gun and I have some gift cards from PA.

I would like recommendations for my next gun.  See my signature for an idea of what I currently have.  Here is what I'm looking for:

.22 magnum springer
Synthetic stock
Priced under $200 - might be able to stretch it a little more.
Available at PA
Hunting accuracy out to 35+ yards
Not a monster to cock

The ones I'm thinking about are and some of the drawbacks:

Hatsan Edge - I don't love the skeleton stock.
Ruger Air Magnum - Seems not well built in general (cheap Chinese?).
Hatsan 125 Sniper - HARD to cock (I already have one in .25) and a little over my budget.
Gamo Big Cat 1250 - Not as powerful.
RWS 34P - Over my budget and not as powerful but very accurate (based on what I hear people say).

Am I looking for a unicorn? Or does it exist?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: BenjiHunter on February 10, 2016, 03:58:06 PM
RWS 34P.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Methuselah on February 10, 2016, 04:08:48 PM
Maybe add the Hatsan 95 to that list, the ones with a spring...

Why not consider a flyingdragon tuned rifle?  Or a used that has been tuned (watch the classifieds)?

People have had very good luck with the wood stock Remington Express too.  Mine had issues but I chose not to send it back, and I got it for a good price and in .22 caliber.

Also, the D34's sometimes sell as refurbished for under your budget.  Problem is if you live in the USA, Umarex doesn't honor warranties...
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: mobilehomer on February 10, 2016, 04:37:31 PM
Here is what you are looking for. Honest 21fpe and accurate. 25 to 28 lbs. cocking force. Very quiet.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle (http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle)
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 05:33:43 PM
RWS 34P.

Plain and simple??!! *smile*... I've heard a lot of good things about those rifles.  It's tempting.  Thanks for the recommendation.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 05:43:34 PM
Maybe add the Hatsan 95 to that list, the ones with a spring...

Thanks for the recommendations.  I already have a Hatsan 95 and I love it.  I'm looking for one in synthetic stock unless it's something too nice to give up and only available in wood stock.

People have had very good luck with the wood stock Remington Express too.  Mine had issues but I chose not to send it back, and I got it for a good price and in .22 caliber.
That might be a good option as well.  Do you know if the advertised velocity measured with lead pellets or lightest non-lead pellets they could find?


Why not consider a flyingdragon tuned rifle?  Or a used that has been tuned (watch the classifieds)?
I'm only interested in guns available at PA because I have few gift cards to use.  I want to buy a fully-tuned FlyingDragon rifle but that will have to wait.

Problem is if you live in the USA, Umarex doesn't honor warranties...
Does that apply to new RWS guns? I thought they all have lifetime warranty.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 05:51:49 PM
Here is what you are looking for. Honest 21fpe and accurate. 25 to 28 lbs. cocking force. Very quiet.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle (http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle)

Thank you for the recommendation.  The NP2 line of guns all seem interesting.  PA has a sale on the Trail NP2 with an upgraded scope for $200.  However, I don't trust gas pistons too much.  I hear that they fail a lot more often than a good old metal spring.  I had one fail before and Hatsan's customer service were nice enough to switch it, at no extra charge, to a metal spring for me on my Mod 95.

I really appreciate the suggestions and the help.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Methuselah on February 10, 2016, 06:40:55 PM
People have had very good luck with the wood stock Remington Express too.  Mine had issues but I chose not to send it back, and I got it for a good price and in .22 caliber.
That might be a good option as well.  Do you know if the advertised velocity measured with lead pellets or lightest non-lead pellets they could find?

Below is a cut and paste from an e-mail I sent to Remington when I asked if they minded me tightening the pivot bolt and sending or selling me a seal (in case I messed it up taking pressure off that pivot):

Chrono Connect
 10/31/2015


 RWS SD          Avg fps                      Premier HP              Avg fps
 14.5 Gr           776                             14.3 Gr                   801
 771                                                 794
 779             avg fpe                         781                        avg fpe
 793             19.4                              806                          20.4
 761                                                 802
 780             Std Dev                         813                        Std Dev
 774             10.7                              810                          11.8

                   Span                                                             Span
                    32                                                                 32

 It says 19 FPE on the Remington Express box.  Despite the issues I'm seeing with mine I do still recommend it but think you need a safety net (return policy, just in case).

Why not consider a flyingdragon tuned rifle?  Or a used that has been tuned (watch the classifieds)?
I'm only interested in guns available at PA because I have few gift cards to use.  I want to buy a fully-tuned FlyingDragon rifle but that will have to wait.

I jumped in too quick, should have noted you were not a beginner and knew what you were asking for - sorry!

Problem is if you live in the USA, Umarex doesn't honor warranties...
Does that apply to new RWS guns? I thought they all have lifetime warranty.

Diana has a lifetime warranty on guns stamped with RWS, but the administrator of that warranty in the USA, well, just look at all the complaints on the BBB against Umarex.  It's OK to use words like Umarex, honor, integrity, and doing the right thing, but I would not normally expect these words to appear in the same document, and this may be the only time in history you see them in the same sentence ...
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 07:19:46 PM
People have had very good luck with the wood stock Remington Express too.  Mine had issues but I chose not to send it back, and I got it for a good price and in .22 caliber.
That might be a good option as well.  Do you know if the advertised velocity measured with lead pellets or lightest non-lead pellets they could find?

Below is a cut and paste from an e-mail I sent to Remington when I asked if they minded me tightening the pivot bolt and sending or selling me a seal (in case I messed it up taking pressure off that pivot):

Chrono Connect
 10/31/2015


 RWS SD          Avg fps                      Premier HP              Avg fps
 14.5 Gr           776                             14.3 Gr                   801
 771                                                 794
 779             avg fpe                         781                        avg fpe
 793             19.4                              806                          20.4
 761                                                 802
 780             Std Dev                         813                        Std Dev
 774             10.7                              810                          11.8

                   Span                                                             Span
                    32                                                                 32

 It says 19 FPE on the Remington Express box.  Despite the issues I'm seeing with mine I do still recommend it but think you need a safety net (return policy, just in case).

Why not consider a flyingdragon tuned rifle?  Or a used that has been tuned (watch the classifieds)?
I'm only interested in guns available at PA because I have few gift cards to use.  I want to buy a fully-tuned FlyingDragon rifle but that will have to wait.

I jumped in too quick, should have noted you were not a beginner and knew what you were asking for - sorry!

Problem is if you live in the USA, Umarex doesn't honor warranties...
Does that apply to new RWS guns? I thought they all have lifetime warranty.

Diana has a lifetime warranty on guns stamped with RWS, but the administrator of that warranty in the USA, well, just look at all the complaints on the BBB against Umarex.  It's OK to use words like Umarex, honor, integrity, and doing the right thing, but I would not normally expect these words to appear in the same document, and this may be the only time in history you see them in the same sentence ...

Thank you very much for the information.  I will look into the Remington.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 07:20:16 PM
I'm still open to suggestions.  Please keep them coming.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: GP2004 on February 10, 2016, 07:31:20 PM
I bought two Remington Express when Midway had them on sale. I really like the stocks on the Remington. One required quite a bit of work to make it good and the other just needed a break-in. It would be good to have a return privilege.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 10, 2016, 09:56:45 PM
I bought two Remington Express when Midway had them on sale. I really like the stocks on the Remington. One required quite a bit of work to make it good and the other just needed a break-in. It would be good to have a return privilege.

Are you referring to the wood stock or the synthetic one? The wood looks beautiful but I already have too many (if there is such a thing) wood guns.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Methuselah on February 10, 2016, 10:52:29 PM
I bought two Remington Express when Midway had them on sale. I really like the stocks on the Remington. One required quite a bit of work to make it good and the other just needed a break-in. It would be good to have a return privilege.

I thought I dug up that you spoke of a breach seal, and a barrel?  I'm working on mine soon and would love to know what all it took to get your "bit of work" one shooting?

Prolly got mine same sale...
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: SteveP-52 on February 11, 2016, 01:38:53 AM
Go back to PA and look for the Hatsan Striker 1000S....comes in spring or gas ram, the S is for synthetic stock...same rifle as the Edge without the skeleton stock. Rated for 800 fps, my Edge version with the Vortex shoots around 755 average with H&N FTT 14.66gr so the Striker springer should be real close.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Charles Outdoors on February 11, 2016, 02:21:16 AM
Another option is a  Walther Terrus.  Made in German. A liitle less than a RWS 34. Power about the same as a 34. 
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: GP2004 on February 11, 2016, 07:54:31 AM
I bought two Remington Express when Midway had them on sale. I really like the stocks on the Remington. One required quite a bit of work to make it good and the other just needed a break-in. It would be good to have a return privilege.

Are you referring to the wood stock or the synthetic one? The wood looks beautiful but I already have too many (if there is such a thing) wood guns.
Actually both. I bought a synthetic stock version from Amazon when they had it on sale to give it away to my friend so we could shoot in his back yard. I understand how you might prefer synthetic to wood, or the other way round, but I don't understand the 'too many'. I guess I not close enough yet.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on February 11, 2016, 08:00:27 AM
I also recommend Hatsan. A lot of gun for the money. You state that you want a .22 with Magnum power. That can be a trick to find, but not with Hatsan. they are pretty true to their advertised FPS rating, unlike so many others that may advertise at 1000 fps, & the best they will do with lead pellets is 750 , etc !
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: SteveP-52 on February 11, 2016, 11:30:57 AM
I just found out I have to take back considering the Hatsan Striker in .22 at least from PA as they only show the rifle in .177 and .25 which is strange because AGD shows it in  a .22 caliber version. Maybe if you call PA they can say why??

It also brought the Webley Spector to mind because I have the .177 version and Ed aka Old Corps has one in .22 he says he really likes. That one also has a screwy side as PA wants $149.99 and you can buy that same rifle on Amazon for $69.17.

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/webley-spector-air-rifle?m=3624 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/webley-spector-air-rifle?m=3624)

Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: mobilehomer on February 11, 2016, 11:49:42 AM
Here is what you are looking for. Honest 21fpe and accurate. 25 to 28 lbs. cocking force. Very quiet.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle (http://www.cabelas.com/product/benjamin-174-steel-eagle-jim-shockey-signature-series-air-rifle/1954591.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsteel%252Beagle%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=steel+eagle)



Thank you for the recommendation.  The NP2 line of guns all seem interesting.  PA has a sale on the Trail NP2 with an upgraded scope for $200.  However, I don't trust gas pistons too much.  I hear that they fail a lot more often than a good old metal spring.  I had one fail before and Hatsan's customer service were nice enough to switch it, at no extra charge, to a metal spring for me on my Mod 95.

I really appreciate the suggestions and the help.


I have a Trail NP2 with over 10000 through it. No problems at all with the ram. Plus, I spoke with Crosman CS, it is only $8.00 for a new one. And with very little preload, it is easier to tear down for maintenance. 
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Old Corps on February 11, 2016, 02:32:49 PM
I just found out I have to take back considering the Hatsan Striker in .22 at least from PA as they only show the rifle in .177 and .25 which is strange because AGD shows it in  a .22 caliber version. Maybe if you call PA they can say why??

It also brought the Webley Spector to mind because I have the .177 version and Ed aka Old Corps has one in .22 he says he really likes. That one also has a screwy side as PA wants $149.99 and you can buy that same rifle on Amazon for $69.17.

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/webley-spector-air-rifle?m=3624 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/webley-spector-air-rifle?m=3624)

Didn't realize they had the .22 at that crazy low price again. FOR THE $$$ it's a steal. I managed to get mine for $61.XX the last time they had the price down--it actually started at $57.XX that time, then the price continued to rise until it ended up somewhere close to that PA price. It was a good shooter out of the box and after running a 100 or so rounds through it, it quieted down and the shot cycle smoothed out a lot. Filling the stock with silicone took care of the "twang" & replacing the adjustment screw with one a bit longer made the trigger very acceptable. It's powerful and very accurate with just the open sights.

Ed
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: bmb on February 11, 2016, 06:52:49 PM
Browning Leverage. I believe it is the same as the Xisco XS46U. A quick search here will show you many praises of it.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 11, 2016, 08:22:27 PM
Browning Leverage. I believe it is the same as the Xisco XS46U. A quick search here will show you many praises of it.

Thanks for the reply.  This is another one to consider.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 11, 2016, 08:23:37 PM
Just an FYI, I'm leaning towards the Trail NP2.  For those who own one, what kind of accuracy are you getting?
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: mobilehomer on February 11, 2016, 08:47:30 PM
With JSM Exact Jumbo 18 gr. - 1/2" - 3/4" at forty yards. No wind, stars aligned and feeling good.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Charles Outdoors on February 11, 2016, 08:56:07 PM
Here is a running review of the NP2.  http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=103659.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=103659.0)

He's also doing a hog hunt with the NP2 in another thread.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 12, 2016, 03:52:18 PM
Here is a running review of the NP2.  http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=103659.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=103659.0)

He's also doing a hog hunt with the NP2 in another thread.

Thanks for the link.  It looks like his gun is loosing power or something.   This takes me back to why I don't trust gas piston air rifles too much.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 12, 2016, 03:53:24 PM
With JSM Exact Jumbo 18 gr. - 1/2" - 3/4" at forty yards. No wind, stars aligned and feeling good.

Very nice accuracy.  Is the power holding up?
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 12, 2016, 05:43:30 PM
I decided to go with the Hatsan 125 in .22.  It was a bit over my budget but that's okay.  It is a bit hard to cock but I can shoot my .25 for a couple of hours or so without a problem.  I just pulled the trigger on it.  I hope I get a good one.

Thanks everyone for the commons and suggestions.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Charles Outdoors on February 12, 2016, 07:00:12 PM
I decided to go with the Hatsan 125 in .22.  It was a bit over my budget but that's okay.  It is a bit hard to cock but I can shoot my .25 for a couple of hours or so without a problem.  I just pulled the trigger on it.  I hope I get a good one.

Thanks everyone for the commons and suggestions.

The 125 is a powerhouse. Very accurate once you get the right pellet and hold down.  My 125 was the point at which I had to go PCP to get more power. They do get heavy with a scope on though.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: smfyr241 on February 16, 2016, 07:24:52 PM
I would have looked at the Ruger Yukon.... Mine has 8000 rds or so through it and still hits hard (.22) ,,, Don't shy from NP guns they are reliable like any other..actually you can have just as many issues with a spring gun and leaving them cocked will create spring memory resulting in power loss... hatsan 195, RWS 34 .. all good too
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on February 16, 2016, 08:10:08 PM
Walther terrus
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 17, 2016, 11:10:56 PM
Again, thanks everyone for the input.

I received the Hatsan 125 yesterday but unfortunately it had a damaged stock.  It had some uneven areas and some rough areas that look like dried up superglue or something.  PA will take it back or replace it for me but they will not pay for shipping because they don't consider it defective.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Old Corps on February 18, 2016, 11:24:04 AM
So if a brand new gun is messed up cosmetically but still functions the customer has to pay to return it? ::) ??? I've purchased several guns from them but if that happened to me I don't think I'd be back. NOT cool! That simply is not right.

Ed
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: tjk on February 18, 2016, 11:25:56 AM
Diana 34. Magnum power in airguns is OVER-RATED.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Charles Outdoors on February 18, 2016, 11:32:25 AM
I would post a few pictures of the bad areas on the stock here. Hard for people to tell from words.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: SteveP-52 on February 18, 2016, 11:39:47 AM
PA doesn't consider .177 a small game caliber either, so I'm not real surprised they don't consider cosmetic issues in a stock a defect.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: DanD on February 18, 2016, 11:44:25 AM
Again, thanks everyone for the input.

I received the Hatsan 125 yesterday but unfortunately it had a damaged stock.  It had some uneven areas and some rough areas that look like dried up superglue or something.  PA will take it back or replace it for me but they will not pay for shipping because they don't consider it defective.
I wonder if would be worth contacting Hatsan to see if they will warranty the workmanship defect in the stock without charging you shipping.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Methuselah on February 18, 2016, 01:28:15 PM
Again, thanks everyone for the input.

I received the Hatsan 125 yesterday but unfortunately it had a damaged stock.  It had some uneven areas and some rough areas that look like dried up superglue or something.  PA will take it back or replace it for me but they will not pay for shipping because they don't consider it defective.

After you have your refund or replacement I would call back the Customer Service Manager and maybe they will reconsider?  It is their policy you do pay return shipping, but I'm pretty sure I've seen others post saying Pyramyd sent them a return shipping label.  Hope you have better luck with the next one!
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 25, 2016, 09:20:43 PM
Just to let everyone know, PA agreed to replace it for me.  I received the replacement today and I put about 50 pellets through it.  So far it's pretty accurate and HARD HITTING.
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: Mikec714 on February 25, 2016, 09:34:32 PM
Just to let everyone know, PA agreed to replace it for me.  I received the replacement today and I put about 50 pellets through it.  So far it's pretty accurate and HARD HITTING.
So did they pick up the return shipping or did you ultimately get stuck paying it?
Title: Re: Next Rifle?
Post by: AHMSA on February 25, 2016, 10:13:41 PM
Just to let everyone know, PA agreed to replace it for me.  I received the replacement today and I put about 50 pellets through it.  So far it's pretty accurate and HARD HITTING.
So did they pick up the return shipping or did you ultimately get stuck paying it?

No, they paid for shipping.