Coming back Need some advice

[caseyk]

Hi All, just coming back into shooting during quarantine here and could use some advice.

BACKGROUND
______________________________________________________

I have a 25yd outdoor range, so i need something fairly quiet.  I would like to be able to hunt small game pigeons, doves, etc.  I am open to PCP I think .22 cal is my target.

That being said, I have 2 younger boys and have them shooting a Daisy 880 that I shortened the stock on.  I have a crossman 1377 ive had for probably 20 years and a new addition Hatsan Dominator Vortex Carbine .25 cal (love it but heavy and cal is a bit big good clearance deal though). 

I am leaning to getting a bullpup as I like the compact shoulder mount and I think it is something I could help the kids shoot.


__________________________________________________________
Okay, so now the request for help.
I am considering the following and was looking for some more advice:

Hatsan Bullboss Synthetic   $433 from field supply.
Hatsan Flash QE  342 Field Supply
Kral Puncher Walnut 480 Syn 500. from Pyramid and AirGunDepot.

I care more about accuracy, reliability, and durability than I do maximizing power.  I think I would rather get a used tuned one like this.
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=173604.0

I just don't know enough about the tune if its worth the price for a used gun.   Any help would be appreciated! 

PS:  I was thinking about the Hatsan Alpha QE to graduate them to .177 pellets but seems out of stock everywhere, anyone have experience with this one?


Thanks for reading!
Casey

[TreeburnerCT]

I just picked up a Hatsan Flashpup .22 synthetic stock for my wife, I was originally considering other options but after reading through RallyShark's thread titled "Sythetic Flashpup Adventure Started" I was sold on the easy assembly/disassembly, wide range of tuning options, and especially the light weight and small size!  It just arrived a few days ago so haven't had a chance to shoot it yet since the local ranges are closed but I did test it out in the backyard and its surprisingly quiet but definitely has the power for small game even without any tuning.

[Arch_E]

Hi All, just coming back into shooting during quarantine here and could use some advice.

BACKGROUND
______________________________________________________

I have a 25yd outdoor range, so i need something fairly quiet.  I would like to be able to hunt small game pigeons, doves, etc.  I am open to PCP I think .22 cal is my target.

That being said, I have 2 younger boys and have them shooting a Daisy 880 that I shortened the stock on.  I have a crossman 1377 ive had for probably 20 years and a new addition Hatsan Dominator Vortex Carbine .25 cal (love it but heavy and cal is a bit big good clearance deal though). 

I am leaning to getting a bullpup as I like the compact shoulder mount and I think it is something I could help the kids shoot.


__________________________________________________________
Okay, so now the request for help.
I am considering the following and was looking for some more advice:

Hatsan Bullboss Synthetic   $433 from field supply.
Hatsan Flash QE  342 Field Supply
Kral Puncher Walnut 480 Syn 500. from Pyramid and AirGunDepot.

I care more about accuracy, reliability, and durability than I do maximizing power.  I think I would rather get a used tuned one like this.
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=173604.0

I just don't know enough about the tune if its worth the price for a used gun.   Any help would be appreciated! 

PS:  I was thinking about the Hatsan Alpha QE to graduate them to .177 pellets but seems out of stock everywhere, anyone have experience with this one?


Thanks for reading!
Casey

Welcome, Casey, to the GTA and congrats on training your sons well.

You've headed to the Darkside with little expressed interest in better multi-pump, CO2, or breakbarrel options. Is there a bias against such...?

First,  625+FPs will kill small game/pests out to 30 yards (I'm doing it all the time) without a problem. My two favorite rifles that shoot easily are the HW30 (Spring, break barrel) and the Hammerli 850 gen 1 (CO2), which averages over 50 shots per 12 gram cartridge. I've killed nearly 80 squirrels with the break barrel and about a dozen with the CO2, which I shoot less frequently. The HW30 is shootable all year; the CO2, only during warmer seasons. Both are excellent for younger ones (I'm training my grandsons on the 880 and the HW30.

Certainly, PCPs will suffice, quite easily...just more expensively once you add in the cost of adding air--which I'm guessing you would want the young ones to do the pumping. I've got no experience there. Head over to the PCP gate and you'll get tons of counsel.

But, to add my own: I would think that the smaller, lighter Crosman PCPs would be great for starters, especially given the smaller cc tanks that might be manageable for your sons to pump up. Of course, the Discovery and Maximus have pros and cons, with the single shot limit and trigger (and lower shot counts) being named somewhat often.  Do take a look at Mike Melick's tuning options and gun options at Flying Dragons Air Rifles. He actually has some cheaper starter rifles. Word around here is that he's truly excellent and provides a great product.

Take care, have fun, enjoy whatever you get, and teach those children good gun safety!

Archie

[caseyk]

You've headed to the Darkside with little expressed interest in better multi-pump, CO2, or breakbarrel options. Is there a bias against such...?

I actually really like breakbarrels I prefer not to go the CO2 route. What appeals to me with the PCPs is being able to load up a magazine (the quality break barrels are single shot) and the quieter aspect as I will be backyard range in suburban area (already checked local ordinances but I don't want to bother people as much as possible). 

I like the non reliance on extra equipment for the break barrels as well.  I am still open to directions, I got a good suggestion in chat for the Daisy 853 CMP for the kids and I think that is a winner route.   I definitely want something quality as I grew up using both and I really remember loving a spring rifle.

As far as break barrels, I think I would want something on the more compact side (bullpup / carbine / short rifle) that is really accurate up to 40-50yd, Light weight.  I would want something that I can / want to keep forever.  Quiet is important.

[c_m_shooter]

For a break barrel that will last a lifetime, look at the HW50 or the HW95/R9.  Bullpups are not going to be availible from any good manufactures of spring piston guns.

[Arch_E]

So, what I hear is,

(1) 40-50 yards
(2) sterling quality, as a life-time heirloom
(3) QUIET
(4) Carbine style; shorter is better
(5) NO CO2
(6) loadable magazines preferred
(7) less reliance on accessories (assuming that's pumps and O-rings)
( Daisy 853 sounds great but shoots only 510 fps

Sounds like a PCP carbine pistol until you specify 40+ yards.
Sounds like a PCP until you specify less supplement equipment.
Sounds like a British or German break barrel until you specify 50 yards (and, yes, there are plenty quality ones that will shoot that far. However, that's more difficult with a break barrel; and, fewer break barrels that are really quiet will do that fit this trait.

Sounds like YOU NEED SEVERAL AIR RIFLES and not just one!

But, hey, that's a good and fun thing--just not cheap.

These are all good options. I wish that all PCPs were quiet: some are; others, not. More powerful break barrels, without suppressors, are typically louder and the magnum recoil makes some more difficult to shoot. For me, doing my best with a break barrel is all part of the fun. My Hammerli really makes me want a PCP. Again, all good options.

If you're in no rush, watch the classifieds and some great guns might grab your attention,

Archie

[caseyk]

So, what I hear is,

(1) 40-50 yards
(2) sterling quality, as a life-time heirloom
(3) QUIET
(4) Carbine style; shorter is better
(5) NO CO2
(6) loadable magazines preferred
(7) less reliance on accessories (assuming that's pumps and O-rings)
( Daisy 853 sounds great but shoots only 510 fps

Sounds like a PCP carbine pistol until you specify 40+ yards.
Sounds like a PCP until you specify less supplement equipment.
Sounds like a British or German break barrel until you specify 50 yards (and, yes, there are plenty quality ones that will shoot that far. However, that's more difficult with a break barrel; and, fewer break barrels that are really quiet will do that fit this trait.

Sounds like YOU NEED SEVERAL AIR RIFLES and not just one!

But, hey, that's a good and fun thing--just not cheap.

These are all good options. I wish that all PCPs were quiet: some are; others, not. More powerful break barrels, without suppressors, are typically louder and the magnum recoil makes some more difficult to shoot. For me, doing my best with a break barrel is all part of the fun. My Hammerli really makes me want a PCP. Again, all good options.

If you're in no rush, watch the classifieds and some great guns might grab your attention,

Archie

I think I will get the Daisy 853 for family fun and teaching for sure.  I think I will watch the classifieds for an HW95 or eventually buy one on a holiday deal.   A Quiet PCP Bullpup / Carbine Pistol sound like a lot of fun as I really probably only need 30 yd of really good accuracy (Eurasian doves)