I want advice on a piston or springer for hunting.

[SteveP-52]

The usual go to brands to try at the start are H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 grain (my Edge .22 likes the 5.53 head size) or JSB in either the Jumbo RS 13.43 or like Ed aka Old Corps said, the JSB Exact 15.89. I have all 3 and they all shoot very well in all my .22's.

Thank you, sorry about going off the subject but still relate to Hatsan Edge recommendation.
More question, I chat with PA, they don't carry tune parts for this rifle. Where do you get these seals, spring or gas piston for the Edge? Are they Crosman's parts compatible? I read about nitro with some modified parts.

I just chat with PA, I can not use both discounts, only one I was ready to pull a trigger on this order but put safety switch back on.

The Edge already comes with a Vortex gas piston in it. Air Rifle Headquarters has the piston seal, $12.00 and also a great place tobuy the moly paste for lubing. The rifle comes with a 1 year warranty so if you have a problem in that first year, they'll fix it.
After that you'd have to talk to Hatsan about how much they charge to fix it or PA about how much to convert it to the Crosman nitro piston. If you decided you wanted to convert to a spring instead, I think ARH sells a couple springs that will fit the Hatsan rifles, the E3650 or the Tarantula, but you'd actually have to call them to make sure.

Like Ed said, $90 is a great price for the rifle considering it's normally $119.99 but they usually have them on sale every other month, so does Airgun Depot, so if you miss this sale, watch both sites, they will be again. It's a nice rifle for the price and my .22 Edge over the chrony is shooting 755fps average.
I got the Touchdown deal on my .177 but apparently the .177 isn't on sale, so mine was $109.99. Sent them an e-mail asking why the difference and Erika e-mailed back saying it's hunting season and that's why only the .22 and .25 are on sale. Apparently PA doesn't consider .177 a small game caliber so it wasn't included in the sale.

[seitg74]

Any of you guys heard of Robert Hamilton, airgun hunter/author and proponent of legislative changes to 'legalize' airgun hunting? Also a prolific farm pester on the west coast, and frequent contributor to airgun forums in years past. Some of his 'hunting airguns' of choice and their proven effective ranges may surprise you.

http://www.airgunadvice.net/viewtopic.php?p=94420&sid=f51dcf6647b364816cbfe5a091acdd94

Makes me want to push forward and get a HW 50 which I have been contemplating for some time now.  But recently that Walter Terrus is sounding really good for its accuracy and price tag. 

[SteveP-52]

Any of you guys heard of Robert Hamilton, airgun hunter/author and proponent of legislative changes to 'legalize' airgun hunting? Also a prolific farm pester on the west coast, and frequent contributor to airgun forums in years past. Some of his 'hunting airguns' of choice and their proven effective ranges may surprise you.

http://www.airgunadvice.net/viewtopic.php?p=94420&sid=f51dcf6647b364816cbfe5a091acdd94

Makes me want to push forward and get a HW 50 which I have been contemplating for some time now.  But recently that Walter Terrus is sounding really good for its accuracy and price tag.

You might also consider the HW95. Mine is silly accurate as long as I do my part and sweet deal for $299.95 + shipping. The target is about 30 shots at 30 yards using a lawn chair for a rifle rest...I need a better bench but I'll take this....

[seitg74]

That is a hard deal to pass up.  I don't understand why the HW 50 would be $70 more than the 95.  I just want an in between gun.  Sub 12 ft lbs and only 40 inches.  HW 30 would be sweet but sounds like the 50 would be just right.  I don't hear people mention the 50 like they do with the 95 and 30.  Always wondered why...

[Gump]

Heee hAAA!!! I finally pull the trigger on Hatsan Edge Vortex .22 at PA ($103.42 shipped). I would like to thank all of you for sharing with plenty of info more than I(newbie) can handle.

My final thought, this Edge is a lowest deal with highly recommended among other. I prefer spring, this vortex one is lower price and it's a chance to try out a gas piston as many people seem to like it. I can get a spring kit later which is cheaper way than get spring then convert to gas. It is a good bottom price starter rifle(I think) and left me plenty for an upgrade scope under my $200 budget. It's time to go to waly-world for scope and pellets.

John, I thank you for start this thread. It's your turn to pull :-)

[John Woodskills]

Heee hAAA!!! I finally pull the trigger on Hatsan Edge Vortex .22 at PA ($103.42 shipped). ...

John, I thank you for start this thread. It's your turn to pull :-)

I'm green with envy my friend. I had life happen this weekend at almost the same moment I was going to pull the trigger on an Edge in .25

Darn furnace took a dive!
My "Extra" money is now warming my house, the wife and 3 boys. Maybe in a week or three...
Be sure to post your fun. I'm still looking by default.
John.

[Iamscotticus]

steel is steel, no different than anyone else's.

I don't think it matters much in air rifles, but no, there are grades in quality of steel

[anuthabubba]

That is a hard deal to pass up.  I don't understand why the HW 50 would be $70 more than the 95.  I just want an in between gun.  Sub 12 ft lbs and only 40 inches.  HW 30 would be sweet but sounds like the 50 would be just right.  I don't hear people mention the 50 like they do with the 95 and 30.  Always wondered why...

IMO, it is because there is enough 'real world use' overlap between the HW30 and HW95 that it cancels out the HW50, with its jointed cocking link. Can slightly up-tune a 30 and can go either up or down with a (get the 'k' barrel for a shorter OAL) 95. Did you note that R.H. was able to take many ground squirrel and crows at 40+ yards with an HW30? This should reduce some of the anxiety over the power level needed to kill small game.


 

[smfyr241]

I may be late on the conversation but the Ruger Yukon is a solid gun at $200 price point... I have one going on 1 1/2 years now and its accurate and powerfull... my personal preference is a nitro piston gun over spring. Most take 300 - 500 shots to pass a break in period. Good luck

[39M]

Heee hAAA!!! I finally pull the trigger on Hatsan Edge Vortex .22 at PA ($103.42 shipped). I would like to thank all of you for sharing with plenty of info more than I(newbie) can handle.

My final thought, this Edge is a lowest deal with highly recommended among other. I prefer spring, this vortex one is lower price and it's a chance to try out a gas piston as many people seem to like it. I can get a spring kit later which is cheaper way than get spring then convert to gas. It is a good bottom price starter rifle(I think) and left me plenty for an upgrade scope under my $200 budget. It's time to go to waly-world for scope and pellets.

John, I thank you for start this thread. It's your turn to pull :-)

I'd check Natchez Supply online for a scope. They always have some smokin deals. Look at the closeouts.

Here's ON SALE link for you. $25 to $100
http://www.natchezss.com/optics/rifle-scopes.html#dir=asc&istock=202997&order=position&price=2,25.00,3,25.00,4,25.00&ribbon=29

[Gump]

I'd check Natchez Supply online for a scope. They always have some smokin deals. Look at the closeouts.
Here's ON SALE link for you. $25 to $100...

Holly scope!!! another head spin :-) something that I'm not even familiar with terms, a lot of reading to do. Thank you for the info. Any tip what to look for and avoid? Just few general tips, don't want to flood info off the topic.

John, sorry! If you don't mind.
Later I will start a new post about a scope.

[39M]

I'd check Natchez Supply online for a scope. They always have some smokin deals. Look at the closeouts.
Here's ON SALE link for you. $25 to $100...

Holly scope!!! another head spin :-) something that I'm not even familiar with terms, a lot of reading to do. Thank you for the info. Any tip what to look for and avoid? Just few general tips, don't want to flood info off the topic.

John, sorry! If you don't mind.
Later I will start a new post about a scope.

I've never had a scope break on a springer, but I've only had one. I have had a reticle come loose inside one on a 30-06 though, so I'm guessing that's the weak link.
With this in mind, I'd probably get the BSA with etched reticle. I think I saw it on there for $65 or $89.

Although this Bushnell Trophy looks like an outstanding deal. http://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-trophy-xlt-riflescope-150889.html
I've used one of these before in a 3-9x40 and really liked it. For an economy scope, you'd be hard pressed to find a better scope at a better price.
This one doesn't have high magnification, but I like the 36mm size. And the crossbow reticle should correlate well to an air rifle.
Only problem is, it has a 5" eye relief. Meaning you'll have to mount it fairly far forward, and the field of view could be slightly narrower than a similar scope with a shorter eye relief.

[John Woodskills]

I'd check Natchez Supply online for a scope. They always have some smokin deals. Look at the closeouts.
Here's ON SALE link for you. $25 to $100...

Holly scope!!! another head spin :-) something that I'm not even familiar with terms, a lot of reading to do. Thank you for the info. Any tip what to look for and avoid? Just few general tips, don't want to flood info off the topic.

John, sorry! If you don't mind.
Later I will start a new post about a scope.

I don't mind at all. I'm learning stuff, I'm good.

[Charles Outdoors]

Heee hAAA!!! I finally pull the trigger on Hatsan Edge Vortex .22 at PA ($103.42 shipped). I would like to thank all of you for sharing with plenty of info more than I(newbie) can handle.

My final thought, this Edge is a lowest deal with highly recommended among other. I prefer spring, this vortex one is lower price and it's a chance to try out a gas piston as many people seem to like it. I can get a spring kit later which is cheaper way than get spring then convert to gas. It is a good bottom price starter rifle(I think) and left me plenty for an upgrade scope under my $200 budget. It's time to go to waly-world for scope and pellets.

John, I thank you for start this thread. It's your turn to pull :-)

I'd check Natchez Supply online for a scope. They always have some smokin deals. Look at the closeouts.

Here's ON SALE link for you. $25 to $100
http://www.natchezss.com/optics/rifle-scopes.html#dir=asc&istock=202997&order=position&price=2,25.00,3,25.00,4,25.00&ribbon=29

Those BSA Essential Air Rifle Scopes look pretty decent from 42.00 - 62.00. I have a BSA Contender 3-12X40mm and really like it. I prefer the non-lighted to save weight. I never even put the batteries in the ones I have. 

[Methuselah]

John,

PM sent

[mista meener]

That is a hard deal to pass up.  I don't understand why the HW 50 would be $70 more than the 95.  I just want an in between gun.  Sub 12 ft lbs and only 40 inches.  HW 30 would be sweet but sounds like the 50 would be just right.  I don't hear people mention the 50 like they do with the 95 and 30.  Always wondered why...

IMO, it is because there is enough 'real world use' overlap between the HW30 and HW95 that it cancels out the HW50, with its jointed cocking link. Can slightly up-tune a 30 and can go either up or down with a (get the 'k' barrel for a shorter OAL) 95. Did you note that R.H. was able to take many ground squirrel and crows at 40+ yards with an HW30? This should reduce some of the anxiety over the power level needed to kill small game.

   yes killing is all that matters

[Bullit]

I can see that you are pretty set on the .25 caliber. As someone who has been around the block with quite a few springers, I'd strongly recommend against it. Get something docile in .177, maybe .22

People way overestimate the power that is needed for ethical hunting. 99% of airgun game can be hunted extremely effectively with 12 fpe airguns.

Exactly.  We all tend to get hypnotized by the .25 caliber.  For pigeons, rabbits, squirrels, and plinking?  The .25 you have to order and cost about the same as my 22 lr ammo.  I don't like wasting it on paper or cans usually.  It is nice to run down to the store and get a can of cheap stuff and not worry about not ordering.  A crosman nitro .22 will not disappoint for your first break barrel.  Mine was a Benjamin Trail NP and after a long break in I love that gun.  I don't know why so many people diss the .177?  For your purposes it would be ideal.  Have lots of tins laying around and the kids can use it in their Daisy 880s or Flying Dragon XS 12s.  Want a bigger hole?  Look what a fire tip gamo can expand to or a crow magnum!  Good luck on your decision.  Don't over think as you are losing out on trigger time.  Get in the game!  T

100% agree.  When the first gas piston rifles came out, they were all the rage with a lot of claims of being stronger and more reliable/usable than a traditional springer.  Time told the truth as folks started seeing failures from leaking pistons and scope damage due to the shock of the piston slamming home.
Our EU brethren are limited to 12fpe (no matter the caliber), without an expensive FAC they have to buy to be legal.  .177@10.3 or 10.5g pellets40 yards taking rabbits and vermin have been no problem for them.  They take much pride in their accuracy.  I love the flat flying, accuracy of the .177 heavy for hunting up to the 35yd area.   That's my limit based on my confidence for responsible and ethical hunting.  Pellets like the Beeman Crow Magnum is a great expander!  The headshot is the key.  Accuracy is paramount.   The .22 gives you a little more luxury with body shots...but if you miss vitals...it makes no difference.  The .177 Heavy &.22s are capable hunters.  Good Luck to U.

[Bullit]

As far as scopes go,
It's hard to select a scope without the rifle you plan to use it on.  The reason is that they react differently to the power of the 2 way shock they see in a springer or gas piston rifle. Some rifles are proven to be very hard on scopes, but you may get a beauty that's docile.  By the same token,  there have been folks who received very rough examples of models that were supposed to be very good.   So I say that it's best to get and break it in first.

The Crossman Centerpoint scopes are generally in stock at your local Box store or Sporting goods store.  Lets you play with it, look thru it, and if it fails you can quickly get replacements.  If you mail order and it fails, it costs you $10 minimum to mail it back and some require you to pay postage to return your replacement. 

[John Woodskills]

I can see that you are pretty set on the .25 caliber. As someone who has been around the block with quite a few springers, I'd strongly recommend against it. Get something docile in .177, maybe .22

People way overestimate the power that is needed for ethical hunting. 99% of airgun game can be hunted extremely effectively with 12 fpe airguns.

Exactly.  We all tend to get hypnotized by the .25 caliber.  For pigeons, rabbits, squirrels, and plinking?  The .25 you have to order and cost about the same as my 22 lr ammo.  I don't like wasting it on paper or cans usually.  It is nice to run down to the store and get a can of cheap stuff and not worry about not ordering.  A crosman nitro .22 will not disappoint for your first break barrel.  Mine was a Benjamin Trail NP and after a long break in I love that gun.  I don't know why so many people diss the .177?  For your purposes it would be ideal.  Have lots of tins laying around and the kids can use it in their Daisy 880s or Flying Dragon XS 12s.  Want a bigger hole?  Look what a fire tip gamo can expand to or a crow magnum!  Good luck on your decision.  Don't over think as you are losing out on trigger time.  Get in the game!  T

100% agree.  When the first gas piston rifles came out, they were all the rage with a lot of claims of being stronger and more reliable/usable than a traditional springer.  Time told the truth as folks started seeing failures from leaking pistons and scope damage due to the shock of the piston slamming home.
Our EU brethren are limited to 12fpe (no matter the caliber), without an expensive FAC they have to buy to be legal.  .177@10.3 or 10.5g pellets40 yards taking rabbits and vermin have been no problem for them.  They take much pride in their accuracy.  I love the flat flying, accuracy of the .177 heavy for hunting up to the 35yd area.   That's my limit based on my confidence for responsible and ethical hunting.  Pellets like the Beeman Crow Magnum is a great expander!  The headshot is the key.  Accuracy is paramount.   The .22 gives you a little more luxury with body shots...but if you miss vitals...it makes no difference.  The .177 Heavy &.22s are capable hunters.  Good Luck to U.

I'm still in the consideration and research mode. I hope to decide soon. Thanks for your input.

[anuthabubba]

My take on the gas strut type airgun powerplant.

When they first showed up (30+ years ago?) it was on high end/near custom built airguns from the UK. There were 'bugs' to be worked out but the guns themselves were very well made, powerful, accurate, had limited availability and were expensive. Part of the attraction.

These new strut guns were indeed powerful and the cocking action was 'smooth' but very heavy and the movement of the piston on discharge, was 'smooth' but rather violent. Scope killer? Then Beeman/HW decided to cash in on the wave and made the RX/HW90. I was associated with a '5 Star Beeman Dealer' dedicated airgun shop during this period and was exposed to almost every 'new' trend.

Many years later, makers realized they could adapt the, now inexpensively mass produced, struts made for the auto industry and reduce production/sales cost in their low end, big box airguns. At the same time could advertise the 'new breakthrough in POWER and smoothness'. Big selling points when successfully contrasted with the 'noise and vibration' of the 'old tech' (un-tuned) spring powered airguns in advertising campaigns.