GTA
GTA Intro and Help => Boss's Corner => Topic started by: GTA-Airgunner on March 03, 2025, 04:54:49 PM
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Hello fellow airgunners.. I apologize for the late post today. I had a DR appointment this morning for them to run some routine tests.
Anyway, I'm back in the office and will be doing admin and accounting all week. I may get to do some shooting on Wednesday if the weather cooperates.
The question I had for you all comes down to some communications I've had with folks from YouTube and Facebook and it has to deal with buying your first PCP airgun. What do you all look for? Is it all about the price, performance, and features? Is it a combination of those and more? When I think of a FIRST PCP for someone who's NOT mechanically inclined, I lean towards something like the Umarex Origin Combo with the hand pump. For someone who's already thinking about tinkering and tuning, then I lean towards something like the original AV Avenger.
Let me know what you all think when you get a moment!
Thanks for being a part of the GTA
Cheers
Rick
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Ummm... tough to get in a first pcp head space.
I guess a chinese hand pump for $45 plus a bolt on chrony for $40 and then a gun in their wheelhouse. Some go to's might be a 135x or pinty for a bullpup, an urban or fortitude for a quiet rifle out the box, or a 1322 or chief if loudness is not a priority but budget is.
Barra's got some low price point stuff, but I haven't tried it. So far the p-rifle is unbeatable for the price if you are comfortable buying a moderator and unscrewing the shroud. Airacuda standard is good enough to keep them goin a while too for not a lot of dough,
Oh, duh, the notos. Yep. Handpump and a notos with a chrony if tactical is an ok aesthetic for the buyer.
Also, wishin you well on the health front. We're in your corner, boss.
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Thanks for the feedback..
Notos.. can't believe I forgot that one. And the Barra too.. man there are SO MANY decent budget PCP guns out there. Not like when I first started.
Cheers
Rick
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Yeah, I wouldn't even know where to start if I was looking for a first one.
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Went from a Hatsan .25 125 to a Sam Yang Recluse and a hand pump and boxes of ammo and a lee bullet mold LOL, then I bought an Airforce Escape UL for the smaller targets. Who put that silicone grease around that rabbit hole I will never know :)
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It's a slippery squirrel, that rabbit hole [chuckling]
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I don't own a PCP gun, haven't tried one, so here's my combo of desired traits:
* Small enough reservoir that hand pumping is not horrible.
* Fairly small and light overall with some adjustability for fit--not specific to PCP but important to me due to my own size.
* Basic care and maintenance not demanding even for those of us who are not tinkerers.
* A good owner's manual! Again, this is not specific to PCP.
* Not picky about which pellets are used.
* Ready to use with choice of open sights or scope.
* Removable magazine
* Pressure gauges readable from the side of the gun.
* Good tech/service support.
Oh, and a light "neutral" color as a second color choice. Black things get too HOT in the sun. That tan Barra is a nice color example.
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My first pcp was a disco acturally was a gift from Gene. My second pcp was a bsa lonestar 25, back then very few quarter bores, i still own it well my son does seems he ends up with some really good airguns, he shoots them but no hunting bigger game like deer or coyotes and i have showed him evidence up close. I look for power and shot count myself. David
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The answer might differ depending on whether the prospective buyer had tried any PCPs. If I tried one and disliked it or thought "Why Bother?" and figured out why it didn't interest me, that would start the winnowing process already. OTOH, if I tried one and was smitten by it, that would bias me towards models like that one.
Price does matter in a broad way. I would hesitate to spend $1000 or more for a first PCP unless I had tried the gun and loved it and thought the good points outbalanced the higher cost.
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I bought my 1st PCP, a CZ S200, in 2009 or 2010 when I was still in Asia. They were about $700 and on sale. About 2 years later I bought an AA S500 for close to P50,000 or $1k…They were on sale as well ‘cuz the average Filipino cannot afford to buy something at that price range, and just to clarify, I’m not a millionaire. About 90% to 95% don’t use credit cards; it’s considered a luxury, so it’s always CASH. It has perhaps changed a bit now, I dunno 🤔
Note: Imported airguns normally cost 2x or more in the PI.
Sometimes a buyer will be forced to buy what is only available—-and if he can afford it. At that time, we had extremely limited imported airguns over there and it’s probably about the same way now.
Airgun enthusiasts in my native country usually cobble up PCP airguns from eclectic parts suppliers.
Oh, to add, I don’t want something ugly, sorry. Also, I want my guns to have a certain pedigree 👍
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He likes the fine stuff, folks!
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He likes the fine stuff, folks!
For as long as it is within my budget 👍
It’s like people who buy expensive and good quality tools, but I’m not the type who does pricey tools.
My focus is on airguns and powderburners and/or how to beautify them.
I aim to please myself and I prefer something that is 2nd tier like AA, BSA, or HW quality, but if you’re into affordable ones that give you delight, then go for it. I own cheap Crosmans myself but I elevate them to a certain level that would please me.
Different for……….folks, gents 👍
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I first consider the main use of the airgun, then decide on a budget from what is available in that category. From there I watch reviews, and forums to see if I feel the gun is up to the task. Then I watch for the best deal.
Or just buy the next new air rifle that comes out if cheap enough LOL
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Way back in 2015 I picked up a Crosman 700 ( I think ), it wasn't wonderful. I found this website called Gatewaytoairguns.org. I started reading and researching these pages. I probably read half of the entire darkside, everyone said Marauder or Condor. I found a 25 Marauder at the local Cabelas store with a Centerpoint scope with mounts in a kit. It was on sale for less than $500, so I bought it, and a tin of Benjamin 27.8 grain pellets. The local airgun show I found a scuba tank and fill whip and I was in business.
I was very impressed with the kit. If I never had any other airgun then I would be very impressed with the whole airgun experience.
Back in 2016 through 2019 covid Marauder rifles were all the rage. I never modified that rifle at all It could have used a SSG, but it worked so well that I chose to leave it be. I should have kept it but I sold or gave away all my powder burners and most of my airguns when I was going through chemo. You know what that's like.
I pulled it out of the case after 6 or 8 months and it was still aired up. I put a water jug about 30 yards away, one shot with a Benjamin 27.8 through the center of the blue cap on the top.
About two years later I found an older 25 in the classified section and bought it. I told my wife to bury me with it, L.O.L.
I got good advice here. I didn't know what to look for, but enablers gave good advice.
Hunter
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For my first PCP I wanted it to be 2000 psi so it was "Hand Pump" friendly.
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Morning folks..
I think this has been a great discussion topic. I think we'll use it on the Livestream tomorrow. It should make for a great show.
Here's what I think folks are looking for.. can you let me know if I'm on the right track?
1. Cost to get started
2. Cost to (either money or effort) keep filled
3. Aestheticcs, fit and finish, overall build quality
3. Accuracy
4. Performance
5. Adjustability
6. Longevity and ease of maintenance
As I look at that list.. that's not a bad outline for a GRiP review either!
How did your first PCP airgun rate in those categories?
I appreciate all your input.
Cheers
Rick
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Rick.. I think you left out a very important one...
Intended use.
Actually I think that one should be very close to the top of the list.
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Geeezzz. yep.. that's kind of important!!
Thanks
Rick
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My Recluse and Escape UL are still shooting great!
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1. Intended use
2. Budget
3. Accuracy
4. Aesthetic
If I had to choose in this moment, I'd choose that order.
Whenever I choose, if my priorities can't be counted on one hand, I'm overthinking it.
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Not crossing over to dark side in foreseeable future, but when the time comes, it should have
1. Wood stock
2. Hand pump refilled
3. Backyard friendly
4. Single Shot Tray ( negotiable)
If the decision has to be made today , then following 3 are in contention-
1. JTS Aircudda standard ( no discounts :( )
2. Pinty carbine for $219
3. Diana Stormrider for $153
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Not crossing over to dark side in foreseeable future, but when the time comes, it should have
1. Wood stock
2. Hand pump refilled
3. Backyard friendly
4. Single Shot Tray ( negotiable)
If the decision has to be made today , then following 3 are in contention-
1. JTS Aircudda standard ( no discounts :( )
2. Pinty carbine for $219
3. Diana Stormrider for $153
I share your taste in this, tripiy
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Thanks for all the input. I look forward to getting into this topic on our next Livestream.
Cheers
Rick