need some advice

[notyal50]

Hey guys, I have just recently this year got into the world of airgunning. I started off my collection with a Hatsan 95 Vortex in .22. I have really enjoyed this gun and have taken a couple squirrels with it this season. I love the gun, but it is very heavy. I ve been through 2 rotator cuff surgeries and am simply a big pud when it comes to arm strength.  I am looking to soon add a new airgun to the collection, hopefully something that is a bit lighter.  I m a young broke nursing student who has picked through countless posts and forums trying to find the best mix of affordability, size, and power. I donīt need much. The guns main purpose will be squirrel hunting but Iīm sure it will see plenty of action on paper targets as well.  From what I have read, I m thinks of a QB 79 with a ninja tank, a Hammerli 850, or trying to do the mods on a 2240 or 2400kt. My one hang up is I m still young. Ha I do not have a shop or a bunch of tools yet. I can probably come across basic stuff from my dad and father in law. My question is which would be my best bet. I think I could do the mods on the 2240 and like the idea of it being small and light on account of some shoulder problems I suffer from. Also thought about the QB 79 with the ninja tank if just the tank alone will give me enough power for a squirrel. I just do not want to put to much money into the 2240 if I can get a better platform for the same money. Only gonna be shooting squirrels and paper from 40 yards tops. Just looking for a decent priced gun that I can enjoy the sport with until I can get out of school and start my career. Any thoughts or advice from other members would be great. I d love to hear what you guys think would be the best bet, or even give me some other options to research.   Thanks Guys.

[David Mccann]

hello here, i turned several 2240 into awesome target rifles. some are bulk co2 and some are pcp only now. this one is very light and powerful.

[vigilandy]

If going with PCP you will have to invest in either a hand pump or air tank.   Not sure if pumping is an option with your injuries.  Pumps start at about $150 and air tanks are even more expensive.

I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that there $$$ involved than just the cost of a the rifle.

So how's the weather in Mississippi?  Warm mostly?  If so, I'd think about trying out CO2 before making the jump to PCP. 

[notyal50]

I would be hand pumping most likely! If I don't go co2 I then I know I def need a pump! And it's fairly warm right now but it ll get colder by the end of the month! I would be fine with co2 for now if I can get enough ft/lbs for squirrels.

[nervoustrigger]

Getting enough energy from either the Crosman or QB platform for squirrel hunting is no problem with a little shadetree gunsmithing.  Basically opening up the air passages is what I mean, and either HPA or CO2 will do the trick.  However I will say for the 30+ yard shots, I'd much rather have the temperature independence of air.

The QB barrels on average will be better and the trigger definitely so.  Crosman will have the advantage of being more lightweight.

[notyal50]

Might check out some more about the QB. I d like HPA and would also love to go ahead and atleast have a pump for future use.  I ll check into especially if I can talk myself into thinking I can do Bob's stage one mods.HaHa

[Ribbonstone]

QB79 with cheap (800-850PSI output) Ninja tank would work.  With NO work, are likely to be in the same power range as a stock fully pumped Benjamin 392 (or the old 342 or even older 312, or the old Crosman 101).  That level of power (something between 12 and 14 foot pounds) has been working for 30-40yard squirrel hunters for something like 80-85 years. With an HPA QB79, you'd do all the pumping (with a hand pump) ahead of time, easily able to mount a scope, and shoot something like 140-180- shots before having to refill (although if you work some mods and are careful with adjustments, might get a little over 12 foot pounds for 200 shots per fill).

[notyal50]

OK that sounds like a great Avenue to look down! I will probably go that route and maybe see how it shoots with just the bottle! Then hopefully go from there as I keep learning.  Thanks for all ya'lls help!

[sr1sws]

QB79 with cheap (800-850PSI output) Ninja tank would work.  With NO work, are likely to be in the same power range as a stock fully pumped Benjamin 392 (or the old 342 or even older 312, or the old Crosman 101).  That level of power (something between 12 and 14 foot pounds) has been working for 30-40yard squirrel hunters for something like 80-85 years. With an HPA QB79, you'd do all the pumping (with a hand pump) ahead of time, easily able to mount a scope, and shoot something like 140-180- shots before having to refill (although if you work some mods and are careful with adjustments, might get a little over 12 foot pounds for 200 shots per fill).

My scoped QB79 with Ninja V2 Pro SHP bottle/regulator (1100 psi output) is much lighter than my Synrod.  It is currently pushing .177 AA 10.3gr pellets at about 780 fps for just under 14 foot pounds.  I recently dialed it down from 825 fps to improve accuracy a bit.  I have never tried to max out the velocity, so I don't really know what the top end is. 

With a homebrew half-shroud, it's very quiet.

I usually fill to 2100 psi from SCUBA tank and shoot it down to 1600 psi in maybe 30 shots.  Perhaps not super efficient, but I like shooting it.  The "pseudo 2 stage trigger" mod using ball plungers is very worthwhile and easy and the cock-on-open mod makes it cock like 99% of all bolt actions.  Valve mods are pretty easy too, if you're looking to max out the velocity.

In short, I love my bottled QB79.

Steve

[Skinard88]

Hey Layton, Welcome to the darkside. your going to have some fun here in the darkside. the QB79 is on my list when I get done with my crosman build. let us know what you get and how your doing with it. good luck

[Mod90]

Disco
Can use Co2 or air, its light, its accurate, its powerful enough for nutters, plenty of mods and add ons available for later when youre ready and its a relatively cheap and proven platform. Available from amazon for just over $200