Getting started in air gunning

[DirtyF9]

So I've spent a lot of time lately shooting a Crosman 66 Powermaster in my suburban backyard, and it's given me an itch to dive deeper into air gunning. At the time I didn't realize how technologically advance air guns could be, much less how versatile they were. I knew you could use them to dispatch varmints, but didn't realize the expansive use they have. I live in a suburban neighborhood, and due to my profession I don't have time to go to the range and shoot traditional firearms anymore. They also cost a considerable amount to enjoy these day, which makes it more difficult.  I'm much more educated in this now.

To get to the point, I'm interested in doing some backyard shooting. After much research, I know I want to start with a coil spring powered rifle. I'd perhaps be interested in a gas ram (gas piston, spring piston, etc..) down the road, but for the moment I want the ease of use and maintenance that's associated with a coil spring rifle. I also see value to learning the proper way to shoot this specific power plant accurately for general air gunning and firearms use. I know I don't want to start in cheap. I have an inexpensive Crosman already, and it's fine, but isn't what I'm really looking for. I really want a wood stocked rifle, preferably something heirloom quality build. I'm a fairly large adult, 6'4", 220 lbs, and have long arms, so I'd prefer a longer rifle, rather than a carbine. So, this took me to the Beeman R9/Weihrauch HW95 and the Diana 34. Those two are the two main contenders for choices so far, but would like some added input. I am not of the opinion that more expensive is better, and like most people, don't have inexhaustible funds to put towards this sport or any other for that matter. I do however value quality and precision engineering. Typically that adds to cost and I'm willing to accept spending more for something I won't ever have big buyers remorse with.

I have just over 50 feet of area in my backyard that is an acceptable shooting trajectory that doesn't intersect any homes and has a fence, then an alley, then another fence. I'm not planning on using that as a pellet trap or a back stop. I have plans to construct a proper trap and back stop, in case the trap is missed. That in mind, I also don't want to have such a high power springer, that it'll penetrate through the back stop, or heaven forbid, the fences and end up in another yard. I don't see that being likely, but I'm new to higher powered air rifles and I'm sure many of you have far more experience with this.

I'm very interested specifically in 10m competition in the future (I know those are PCP not springers), and have room to practice that sort of thing in my yard. I don't have any interest in specifically hunting. I haven't ever hunted before, and may in the future, but that's not the intention with this purpose. I'm a believer of having a specific tool for a specific job, not an all round do everything type of tool. I'm also not really for huge velocity, as this is more about precision work. Another reason velocity isn't my concern, is I'd prefer my shooting to be as quiet as I can possibly make it. I know PCP is probably the way to go for that, but I'm willing to accept the decibel of a coil spring smacking it's piston to a stop, rather than a pellet breaking the sound barrier.

The R9 is advertised at 950 fps, which isn't fast enough to worry about that issue, and I don't plan on using alloy light pellets, so I have no doubt it'll be a bit lower velocity than that. What is a more realistic velocity to expect from a rifle like the R9, or the RWS 34, using lead pellets? Also am I perhaps going to high up on the coil spring rifles too prematurely? Is there something else I should be looking at to make my wallet feel a little better about diving into a new hobby/sport? Thanks for reading my long rant. I appreciate any response.

Dirty

Edit: I also wanted to note that I'm looking for a rifle with iron sights. I'm not interested in a scoped rifle at the moment. I want to learn the basics from the beginning and move forward methodically.

[BenjiHunter]

My Diana 34 shoots 15.9 pellets at 670 FPS

[DirtyF9]

Thanks BenjiHunter. That gives me a better idea of real world energy I need to displace at the other end. Do you mind telling me what you like and dislike about your specific RWS 34? Also, do you feel this is a good rifle to start with for accuracy shooting on a 10m range? Is it too much, or just right for this kind of application? I've read that the RWS can be a fairly versatile in it's use, but I don't want to get something that's way overkill for just target shooting.

Dirty

[Tater]

As long as you have the patience for a springer, I think you're going in the right direction. I don't have any of the nice springers you mentioned, but I know others here will steer you right with suggestions.

[BenjiHunter]

It is all likes, Adam.
It is great and it is very accurate.
Not very hold sensitive either.
If you want a first springer, the D34 is it.
You can shoot it accurately up to 40 yards easy. Probably even further than that.
10m is no problem at all.

[kj]

if you're only shooting 10m or so perhaps consider an used fwb300. jim e. sells some really nice ones and they come in many grades. a true classic. of course the d34 is an excellent rifle as well.

peace
kj

[Doug Wall]

Since you're interested in 10M competition, I'd say stay away from the R9 or the RWS 34. Both of those are fairly powerful, and somewhat louder guns. I would suggest something like an R7. These are really easy shooting, quiet guns, that are perfect for backyard use. I have an older Diana 27S that is in the same class, that is a really sweet shooter. Very quiet and accurate. I should also mention that it has taken quite a few close range squirrels an smaller pest birds.
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/beeman-r7-air-rifle?m=1899

[Doug Wall]

Hare's a review of the R7.

[lizzie]

I am admittedly pretty biased (and getting more so by the day )

Vintage or 80's-90's German.
Due to your size, I would have a difficult time recommending the R7 or HW30. I love mine, but my thoughts are that it would be too small for you.
I have an R1 which I love, and two FWB124's that are also a dream.
The Diana 34 is a classic- a little of a plain jane, but they enjoy a marvelous track record.

The older target shooters aren't huge, but they are heavy. You might like them.

I have the number for a guy who sells quite a few of the older classic Germans, and he has the same appreciation for them as I. If you decide you want to go that route, let me know, and I'll pass his number on.

[jusanothajoe]

Your first two choices are right on the money.
Can't go wrong with either one.
It's a little heavier, but look at a HW97K also, it would be my first choice.

[SteveP-52]

Although mine is in .22, the HW95 is a very sweet rifle. Excellent open sights, the fit and finish you expect from a German made rifle, not one bit loud and I say that because the neighbor working outside on his back deck only came looking because he heard the pellets hitting my backstop. I also didn't need to consider getting a droop mount when I finally put a scope on it. Something to consider as, although the 34 is a favorite of a good many forum members and a great rifle, they tend to have barrel droop and when the day comes that you decide to scope it, you'll need a droop compensating mount.
If you haven't already, wander the German Gate. There are plenty of members who own (or have owned) both rifles and have posted real world numbers and the pellets they used to give you a better idea of what you can expect fps wise.
As far as heirloom quality, both rifles are and like jusanothajoe said, you can't go wrong with either one and if you stay on GTA long enough, you may just decide later on to get whichever one you didn't buy

End of my lame 2 cents...lol

[anti-squirrel]

I cannot fault any of the choices made, but I have a special place in my heart for the R-7 because it is the springer I learned how to shoot springers with.  As it were, I've also performed eye-surgery on pest birds at 25 and 30 and more yards with them.  They are that accurate.  But then, so aren't the others.  Keep in mind what Lizzie said, you might find the R-7 more like a "kid's gun".

The Diana 34 is a very plain-Jane rifle, but it also is essentially unchanged in forever.  And the Weirauch HW-30 is a superb shooter for the money (order from Krale Schietsport for the best prices)... but like the R-7, it is a smaller springer.

You also cannot go wrong with a quality underlever like the Weirauch HW-97.

But if it were my money and I was looking for something crazy accurate, I'd go searching for something Feinwerkbau.

[c_m_shooter]

You are looking at good guns, the HW95 or RWS34 are proven reliable.  Since you are in Dallas, come out to a couple field target matches and shoot some guns.  Most will let you try their toys.

The next match is at Arlington on the 23rd and 24th, this is the ROT Gran Prix event not a regular match.  The normal monthly matches are the 4th Saturday of the month at Arlington.  The second Saturday is swapped between Dallas and Granbury.  At the normal monthly matches if you don't have a rifle you will be partnered with someone and use their rifle and gear to try it out.  The results are usually much better than trying to shoot an unproven gun and incomplete trajectory chart.

[GatorCountry]

If you're looking for a wood stock, high quality, iron sights, paper punching under 20 yards - don't rule out the HW30S.  It is a smaller rifle than likely all the other choices (the specs on PA will help in comparisons), however I'm an only an inch shorter and a couple pounds lighter...I never think of the size after the first couple shots in a session.  The ease of cocking, light weight for longer offhand shooting and the accuracy at 25 yards block out most other thoughts.

The Diana 34 is another solid choice but a lot more rifle for the stated current goals and distance.  I suspect the HW97K is another great choice too, but I haven't justified those funds (yet) to confirm.

Just my $0.02.

[DirtyF9]

if you're only shooting 10m or so perhaps consider an used fwb300. jim e. sells some really nice ones and they come in many grades. a true classic. of course the d34 is an excellent rifle as well.

peace
kj

I would love something like the FWB300, but for my first rifle I'd prefer to go with a new one so that I can learn more before I delve into the used market. I know new items still run risk of issues out of the box, but I feel the chances are less. I may hit you up about jim e's rifles in the future about getting one though.

Since you're interested in 10M competition, I'd say stay away from the R9 or the RWS 34. Both of those are fairly powerful, and somewhat louder guns. I would suggest something like an R7. These are really easy shooting, quiet guns, that are perfect for backyard use. I have an older Diana 27S that is in the same class, that is a really sweet shooter. Very quiet and accurate. I should also mention that it has taken quite a few close range squirrels an smaller pest birds.

I actually originally was eyeing the R7 over the R9 and was really searching hard to find something more like the R7, but in R9 size. Without actually handling an R7, I would feel uncomfortable purchasing a rifle of that cost sight unseen. I do have an M1 Carbine from the early 1940's that I really love shooting. This being a powder burner, not airsoft or pellet. If it's similar to holding one of those, I would probably lose all hesitation about the R7 purchase or Weihrauch equivalent.

I am admittedly pretty biased (and getting more so by the day )

Vintage or 80's-90's German.
Due to your size, I would have a difficult time recommending the R7 or HW30. I love mine, but my thoughts are that it would be too small for you.
I have an R1 which I love, and two FWB124's that are also a dream.
The Diana 34 is a classic- a little of a plain jane, but they enjoy a marvelous track record.

The older target shooters aren't huge, but they are heavy. You might like them.

I have the number for a guy who sells quite a few of the older classic Germans, and he has the same appreciation for them as I. If you decide you want to go that route, let me know, and I'll pass his number on.

I agree with your thoughts. As mentioned above, I'd have to handle the R7/HW30 before purchasing one. I don't feel those hesitations for the R9/HW95 due to their more full size. Also as mentioned earlier in this post, I'm looking for new in box to start with. I have no doubts used can be as good as new, especially something that's received some good TLC and proper tune ups, but to reduce possible issues with my first high end air gun, I want to go NIB. I may contact you sooner than later, as I'm sure I'll have a bug to have more than one rifle. That's how these kinds of hobbies go, right?   

Your first two choices are right on the money.
Can't go wrong with either one.
It's a little heavier, but look at a HW97K also, it would be my first choice.

Does the HW97K come with iron sights on it, or is it typically only a scoped rifle? I poked about a bit, but the ones I saw were all no sights

Although mine is in .22, the HW95 is a very sweet rifle. Excellent open sights, the fit and finish you expect from a German made rifle, not one bit loud and I say that because the neighbor working outside on his back deck only came looking because he heard the pellets hitting my backstop. I also didn't need to consider getting a droop mount when I finally put a scope on it. Something to consider as, although the 34 is a favorite of a good many forum members and a great rifle, they tend to have barrel droop and when the day comes that you decide to scope it, you'll need a droop compensating mount.
If you haven't already, wander the German Gate. There are plenty of members who own (or have owned) both rifles and have posted real world numbers and the pellets they used to give you a better idea of what you can expect fps wise.
As far as heirloom quality, both rifles are and like jusanothajoe said, you can't go wrong with either one and if you stay on GTA long enough, you may just decide later on to get whichever one you didn't buy

End of my lame 2 cents...lol

I figured the German made guns are a pretty safe bet as far as lifelong rifles go, which is what made me start looking at those. I worry about the experience I'll have with a Gamo. Another thing that turns me off from Gamo and some of the more entry level priced rifles is their focus on velocity. Faster does not make better or more accurate. Synthetic stocks also are just an aesthetic turn off for me. Is there a big benefit for just target shooting for going with a .22 rather than the .177? I know cost is less for ammo for .177, but both ammo types seem pretty readily available.

I cannot fault any of the choices made, but I have a special place in my heart for the R-7 because it is the springer I learned how to shoot springers with.  As it were, I've also performed eye-surgery on pest birds at 25 and 30 and more yards with them.  They are that accurate.  But then, so aren't the others.  Keep in mind what Lizzie said, you might find the R-7 more like a "kid's gun".

The Diana 34 is a very plain-Jane rifle, but it also is essentially unchanged in forever.  And the Weirauch HW-30 is a superb shooter for the money (order from Krale Schietsport for the best prices)... but like the R-7, it is a smaller springer.

You also cannot go wrong with a quality underlever like the Weirauch HW-97.

But if it were my money and I was looking for something crazy accurate, I'd go searching for something Feinwerkbau.

I guess I need to still consider the R7, since it gets so much support. I need to just find one and shoulder it and see how it feels. Perhaps at the local match someone will have one. I'd love a Feinwekbau, but those are way crazy far out of my price range. Even the sporting rifles that run around $700. I did look at them though, because beautiful...

You are looking at good guns, the HW95 or RWS34 are proven reliable.  Since you are in Dallas, come out to a couple field target matches and shoot some guns.  Most will let you try their toys.

The next match is at Arlington on the 23rd and 24th, this is the ROT Gran Prix event not a regular match.  The normal monthly matches are the 4th Saturday of the month at Arlington.  The second Saturday is swapped between Dallas and Granbury.  At the normal monthly matches if you don't have a rifle you will be partnered with someone and use their rifle and gear to try it out.  The results are usually much better than trying to shoot an unproven gun and incomplete trajectory chart.

I will absolutely do that. If you want to email or message me some more information about the match on the 24th, I will have that day off. My only day off that weekend, but to even get to shoulder a few rifles and see how they feel would make the trip out there worth it. I really appreciate the info, and hope to see you there. Getting to know people is definitely the best way to enjoy a hobby.

If you're looking for a wood stock, high quality, iron sights, paper punching under 20 yards - don't rule out the HW30S.  It is a smaller rifle than likely all the other choices (the specs on PA will help in comparisons), however I'm an only an inch shorter and a couple pounds lighter...I never think of the size after the first couple shots in a session.  The ease of cocking, light weight for longer offhand shooting and the accuracy at 25 yards block out most other thoughts.

The Diana 34 is another solid choice but a lot more rifle for the stated current goals and distance.  I suspect the HW97K is another great choice too, but I haven't justified those funds (yet) to confirm.

Just my $0.02.

I will definitely keep the HW30 and R7 in mind. I love my 1943 Underwood M1 Carbine, and it's definitely a smaller rifle. Just concerned about buying a smaller rifle that I haven't held or shouldered. Not that you really shoulder a springer like a modern firearm. Still though. I have right around a 30" reach, so it could be iffy.

Thank you all for your responses, and I apologize for the extremely long post. I like to respond to individuals though, instead of grouping everything. I do have a question that I've been chewing on for a bit. Is the Beeman really any different from the Weihrauch equivalent? Should I be looking at the HW versions rather than the Beeman versions? The HW95 for example is actually almost an identical price to the R9, not taking shipping into account.

[Marc In Iowa]

If you're looking for a wood stock, high quality, iron sights, paper punching under 20 yards - don't rule out the HW30S.  It is a smaller rifle than likely all the other choices (the specs on PA will help in comparisons), however I'm an only an inch shorter and a couple pounds lighter...I never think of the size after the first couple shots in a session.  The ease of cocking, light weight for longer offhand shooting and the accuracy at 25 yards block out most other thoughts.

I'll second this. I'm 6' 1", with long arms (36" sleeve) and I've just started shooting the HW30S. It's pretty easy to shoot accurately. This is my first springer I've done much shooting with and I'm getting nickel sized groups at 25 yards with a scope set at 9x. I'm shooting .177 JSB Exact RS pellets.

At the end of a shooting session, I'm not having ANY thoughts like "Gosh, this rifle is small." Instead, I'm appreciating the quality build and smooth shooting ability of the rifle. I did a lot of reading and research before buying. People love their HW30S rifles. I've often seen the comment "If I sold all of my rifles except one, I'd keep my HW30S."

This is a thorough review of the rifle that also discusses how to shoot a spring rifle accurately. The rifle you see in the video is a deluxe model with an even nicer wooden stock.

[Doug Wall]

Your comment about loving shooting the M1 carbine got me a little curious, so I looked things up.
R7/HW30 - Length 37", Weight 6.1 lbs.
M1 Carbine  - Length 35.6", Weight, loaded with sling, 5.8 lbs

Close in size and weight, easy cocking, accurate, quiet.

[Marc In Iowa]

Is the Beeman really any different from the Weihrauch equivalent? Should I be looking at the HW versions rather than the Beeman versions? The HW95 for example is actually almost an identical price to the R9, not taking shipping into account.

I know the Beeman R7 and Weirauch HW30S are the same rifle in all essential aspects. The R7 comes without sights but with a nicer wood stock. The HW30S has excellent, all metal sights. The choice between Beeman/Weirauch seems to come down to features/appearance.

[Doug Wall]

Is the Beeman really any different from the Weihrauch equivalent? Should I be looking at the HW versions rather than the Beeman versions? The HW95 for example is actually almost an identical price to the R9, not taking shipping into account.

I know the Beeman R7 and Weirauch HW30S are the same rifle in all essential aspects. The R7 comes without sights but with a nicer wood stock. The HW30S has excellent, all metal sights. The choice between Beeman/Weirauch seems to come down to features/appearance.

Marc,
The R-7 from Pyramyd comes with sights.

[Marc In Iowa]

The R-7 from Pyramyd comes with sights.

That does seem correct. Their picture and specs indicate sights. I guess I was remembering the text from the description "The gun has no sights so you must mount a scope  ..." This brings up another useful comment for the new buyer, try to confirm features/specs before purchase. I've seen errors in descriptions/specs, etc. on many web sites.

Unlike firearms, there aren't that many retailers that carry the best air guns. If you can get to a retailer like Airguns of Arizona, you'd be able to handle the various rifles and know better what you are getting. Otherwise, finding a local air gun club or contacting a member through the "members map" on this forum is likely your best bet for seeing before buying.

The folks at Pyramyd Air are very good about answering your questions and explaining.