Friend asked me lowest price point to get into PCP .22's

[LAalex]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BSA-Buccaneer-SE-SILENTIUM-22-Caliber-Beech-Wood-Stock-PCP-Air-Rifle-w-Silencer/293633539833?hash=item445dec3ef9:g:a4wAAOSwb05e~JRv

Mine is .177 and a one holer.  Love my Maximus too but bsa is a cut above.  The pickle on the end is obnoxiously big but does it’s job.  Very good trigger.  Good luck whichever way you go.

[Ribbonstone]

He's got to come in, scope and pump, at $400 (lets take the budget literally until told otherwise)..even a cheap scope and pump is going to eat into that budget by $120-$150.

Otherwise, it's a naked Barbie doll...and some of them are.


The “nickel and dime” stuff adds up.  An LDC or  better LDC, a spare mag with a repeater comes with only one, fill probe adapter to quick detach...whatever you gotta have that it ain’t got.

NOT that I don't like cheap PCP's..still own, use, and like them....just that few of them are still sold.

YEAH...I have a fixation on cheap PCP’s...but I wouldn’t have that fixation if they didn’t do all I ask of them to do.


They all were in .22 at the time of the pictures (a couple got changed):

DSCN1507 by Robert Dean, on Flickr


1. Discovery....that was the ONLY cheap PCP at the time....Maxi took that over, Disco got dropped. Really not a bad single shot rifle, the barrels weren't (then) up to the challenge.

2. FDPCP...."no one" wants a single shot 1500psi limited PCP (well...no one but me?).  Still the best $100 I ever spend on an airgun, but it is no more. Learned that power was NOT only for the high-pressure PCP's, but that shot count was directly proportional to energy out put.

3. GAmo Urban.  Ugly isn't up for debate (should be a plastic surgeons ad for a "nose job").  As a moderate power "urban" rifle, it works great....I've done nothing to it but put a scope on it (haven't had to reseal/repair it yet).  Extra mags are costly, but you will want at least one spare mag.

4. Beeman Chief.  If it were; not for the spare parts situation, could full endorse it….have suspsicons that the valve poppet is going to die about a year or two, and there wren;t any to buy other than DIY.

5. MrodAir/SPA M10 single shot....big rifle, really powerful, but a single shot in a world that wants a repeater.  First time I started seeing +50 foot pounds out of a factory .22 and accuracy to match the energy/range it could be used.

6+7. BAM 51/50...."no one" wants a no-gauge PCP  single shot that you really have to adjust to get to run right. Aren;t too many PCP’s folks liked enough to on-line write a whole “book” about, but this is one.  Still working and a great shooting rifle. SHOULD have been a "kit gun" as they just weren't set up right out the box.

(thinking you might find an old-stock BAM 50 from a Canadian dealer….you’;d need a full seal change by this time, and a good bit of adjusting/tuning to get it to run right….but it’s an option for the committed/ PCP shooter looking for a “beat it up” airgun).

8. MrodAir/Spa...call it a Gen. I of the Diana Storm-rider.  Wonderful lite weight rifle for me...no real compromise in stocking/feel, just light weight.  Magazines are “munchkin” sized for human fingers, but they work.

(Although out of stock/pre-order...do notice that AirGun depot has the Diana gen II as $200.  They’ve been easy to deal with, haven’t screwed me, so they’d keep he price in pre-order.)

9. HOW BREW.... just a Qb79 converted to HPA...not that it's easy to find a QB79 these days.


Even with “better” (which I will take to mean more expensive) airguns at hand, the above cheap ones get more shots per year...it’s been going on for +10 years, so it’;s  reasonably large base line comparison.

Likely you won’t go “whole hog” on the low end PCPs….but even a committed PCP nut should have one plain/starter gun..

So if you start at the low end, like what you find with PCPs, then buy your next one “UP” towards the things you like (be it just being pretty, or more power, or more shot count, or more of anything...PCP shooters are definitely into more of something)….you’d still likely use the starter/cheap PCP .

(from a use point of view...I really should dump the pretty/expensive ones… on a cost-per-use basis, they were not earning their keep).

[avator]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BSA-Buccaneer-SE-SILENTIUM-22-Caliber-Beech-Wood-Stock-PCP-Air-Rifle-w-Silencer/293633539833?hash=item445dec3ef9:g:a4wAAOSwb05e~JRv

Mine is .177 and a one holer.  Love my Maximus too but bsa is a cut above.  The pickle on the end is obnoxiously big but does it’s job.  Very good trigger.  Good luck whichever way you go.

If you look at many of those aftermarket 'soup cans' out there that some folks put on their guns, that 'pickle' don't seem so obnoxious.

[Ribbonstone]

May as well own up to the other 3 cheap PCP’s...bought either used or on close out.

And they are all Hatsans.

DSCN1546 by Robert Dean, on Flickr


#10.  Single shot side lever?  Hatsan Penuma .177.  Bought used (but long ago) and still running.  Typical reseal now and again, but it’s been a long time in between.

#11. No one seemed to like the Hatsan versions of the Webley Raider.  When they went to close out price ($300) I had to buy the 5mm version….just ‘case I like 5mm and where would I find a PCP 5mm for $300?

#12.  Few liked the Hatsan  pump action (this on in .25). Still make them, so they evidently did recover from the “close out” pricing they once had. Not my favorite to shoot from a bench...even with an LDC, still have a 12ga. type ”cunk-a-chunk” sound to reload.

[subscriber]

Considering the budget to be FIXED….if it’s $400, it’s not “just a little more”...but a little less would be fine.

Not picking on you Ribbonstone.  Your post seems the most definitive; so here goes:

I must be blind, because I have not seen a fixed budget for the total stated by the OP.  Just a suggestion that it would be $400 for the PCP, plus for the sights and pump.  What am I missing? 

I take my impression from what the OP posted.  Not other numbers for suggested products.  That said, the price is obviously of huge importance to answer the potential buyer's question.

[subscriber]

If you look at many of those aftermarket 'soup cans' out there that some folks put on their guns, that 'pickle' don't seem so obnoxious.

If you look at how quiet the DAR is with its very skinny shroud, when set at around 20 FPE, one would think the DAR should be a contender on this "list".   It should be, if one could recommend them with the confidence that their O-rings would not leak out of the box...

[avator]

Love my DAR... Loved my MRodAir Varmint before I sold it, but Customer Service plays a big part in sales... and word of mouth can make or break you.
My advice for the OP.... give Mike Mellick at Flying Dragon Airrifles a call.

[CableStop]

I hate people who just post links as answers but given that it was started a week ago the information is still very current. Basically, Avenger, Flash, DAR, Gauntlet, Fortitude, just to name a few.

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=185316.0

[Firewalker]

If you look at many of those aftermarket 'soup cans' out there that some folks put on their guns, that 'pickle' don't seem so obnoxious.

If you look at how quiet the DAR is with its very skinny shroud, when set at around 20 FPE, one would think the DAR should be a contender on this "list".   It should be, if one could recommend them with the confidence that their O-rings would not leak out of the box...

I just shot 200 pellets (hand/hard cast 22.5 gr WC) today in the shop from the NEW! DAR, .25 cal. 941 fps for 44.25 fpe!!  Good Gravy!
3 Hundo, no tax, delivered from DAR. Agreed, needs to be on the list!

Quiet? Shooting steel at 50y, the pellet hitting steel is louder than the shot.

[avator]

I would love to have a full shroud on my Urban.... just defeats the purpose of an inexpensive gun for me. If I were going to invest that much I think I would have better options. Mods are great, you just never get back what you put in... 

[csitas]

you know .if anyone has a memory, the urban was hot, not that long ago. As far as gettin back, a---heeem

[subscriber]

I hate people who just post links as answers...

There is nothing wrong with posting just a link, if the info there is relevant.  The link you provided was spot on; by the way.  I have a problem with people who ignore posted links that contain pertinent info.  They seem to expect someone to spend and hour restating what has already been stated very clearly at said links... 

What is particularly irksome, is asking a broad question, without providing the specific boundaries to answer such a question.  Then, not coming back to help focus the discussion...

[avator]

I hate people who just post links as answers...

There is nothing wrong with posting just a link, if the info there is relevant.  The link you provided was spot on; by the way.  I have a problem with people who ignore posted links that contain pertinent info.  They seem to expect someone to spend and hour restating what has already been stated very clearly at said links... 

What is particularly irksome, is asking a broad question, without providing the specific boundaries to answer such a question.  Then, not coming back to help focus the discussion...

Or ask a question and disrespect you for the answer because it wasn't what they wanted to hear.

[CableStop]

I hate people who just post links as answers...

There is nothing wrong with posting just a link, if the info there is relevant.  The link you provided was spot on; by the way.  I have a problem with people who ignore posted links that contain pertinent info.  They seem to expect someone to spend and hour restating what has already been stated very clearly at said links... 

What is particularly irksome, is asking a broad question, without providing the specific boundaries to answer such a question.  Then, not coming back to help focus the discussion...

Sorry re reading that I came off a little rude.  I meant I hate when someone only posts a link, then the link goes dead years later with no explanation of what it was.

[subscriber]

Sorry re reading that I came off a little rude.  I meant I hate when someone only posts a link, then the link goes dead years later with no explanation of what it was.

I did not take it as rude.  Just a poor word choice,  perhaps.  Definitely honest. 

If I am honest, I want to contact the OP and strongly suggest he provide his friend with the link to this thread.  Then, for the OP to manage this thread based on his friend's input, so that people don't waste their time adding value that is going to be ignored.  Or that seems to be ignored. 

If the OP is reading this thread, as he should be (else, why ask for info, if you are going to ignore it); then I have just told him to "get with the program".  This might be rude; but by posting my message here, I am testing to see if the OP is reading the thread he started...

[darkcharisma]

I dont think Op is reading this thread due to the "unread threads" button that is gone from gta. that function is gone for good? ya know what i am talking about?

i know powder burners will not be satisfied with max 50 yards and below 60fpe...at some point, we all gravitate toward that hunger for power. i dont think his friends budget is limited to $300. it has got to be around $500. i bet his powder burners are worth more...

that said. buy something that will last and have good customer service to fall back on. there are alot of airguns around $500. add a $50 pump and hes good for a while till he gets into the rabit hole.

Avenger, Flashpup, Liberty, used FX streamline, marauder, pp700 to name a few...lots and lots to choose from...

[subscriber]

duy,

My subscription is set to send me an email every time someone posts a new comment to a thread I started, commented on, or deliberately clicked "notify".  I open such an email and click the link to the newest post.  Perhaps the OP accidentally clicked on "Unsubscribe to this topic by using this link", just below the link that takes on to the latest post in his first email notification...

If I was to open all unread threads I would need a week for every day to keep up...

[Insanity]

I dont think Op is reading this thread due to the "unread threads" button that is gone from gta. that function is gone for good? ya know what i am talking about?

I do and its not gone at some point it was turned off on your end. Look in the top right hand corner of your browser there is a chevron click it so it is pointing up. Then the links on the left hand side will come back.

Yes I did take a pic of me point to it because it was faster than doing a screen shot and circling it...

[darkcharisma]

I like that "show new replies to your posts".

thanks!

and no thanks to email notifications...i have lots of junk emails..

[Insanity]

I like that "show new replies to your posts".

thanks!

and no thanks to email notifications...i have lots of junk emails..

Happy to help and you should see the amount of emails I get from reported threads in a day... Im with you Ill pass on that added noise.