What entry level PCPs beat higher price point competitors?

[Tater]

Moved to the PCP Gate.

[JimD]

All 5 of my PCPs were under $500 and I like them all.  Marauder Pistol was the first, then a 25 caliber Avenger, then a 25 caliber P35 (SPA), then two more P35s in 177 and 22.  I know of no high priced PCP that matches the weight/performance specs of the P35.  FPE of mine are 19 (177), 32 (22) and 32 (25- detuned).  With the plastic stock they come with the weight is just over 5 lbs and the length is under 30 inches.  I made wood stocks for mine which dropped the unscoped weight just under 5 lbs.  I get about 100 shots/fill for the 177, 70 for the 25, and 60 for the 22. 

I like shooting the 30 yard challenge discussed in a thread on AGN.  It's a 30 yard benchrest game where a 200 with 20Xs would be the top score.  My P35-22 has done a 199 with 18Xs.  All the guns with higher scores (200s) cost several times as much.  There are also many guns costing several times as much with worse scores than this.  I have not done this well with my others but the P35-177 has shot a 194 and the Avenger shows promise.  You could argue my P35-22 has better accuracy than many higher priced guns.  But the shooter and other factors also affect scores, obviously.  But I don't think I am a great shooter.

But my main point is that while I am confident there are things about higher priced guns I would really like, none of them are as light as my P35s and the ones that get close don't have 450mm barrels so they don't have similar power and shot count.  For hunting, my favorite way to use my airguns, the weight with adequate power and shot count are pretty important.

A Stoeger bullshark is also made by SPA and very similar to the SPA P35.  A little longer barrel (490mm) a different stock and about 6 lb weight. 

[threesuns]

+1 for a Marauder pistol/Prod.

Have you checked out Angie’s 50yard test of the Barra 1100z? It’s no slouch! I purchased mine last year. Plink with Crosman premiers and reach out a little farther with JSB 15 or 18 grain pellets. And parts are available now direct from Barra.

[Jayrotx821]

I'd say what's your goal?  Punching paper? Pesting? If pesting, at what ranges? I see $1k+ with 950 fps  setups for people shooting squirrels.  I can't wrap my brain around it??

I'm convinced, you will have fun with most of the lower cost PCPs you'll find on the net.

[starlingassassin]

something to ponder............

all pcp's are good       except the evil ones lol

[avator]

The evil ones don't live long around my place.

[anti-squirrel]

My SPA M-25 (.35 big bore) punches really well out to ~ 120 yards.  I paid ~ $320-ish, IIRC

My Gen2 .22 Fortitude shoots incredibly well; $220-ish from Crosman several years ago

My ShinSung Ultra .357 big-bore was bought (used) for ~ $400 or so, and is The Lightswitch of Death- though good luck finding one now for under $800

My .177 SPA PP700 was among the first bought; direct from Krale Schietsport for $200 and shot 18 different pellets accurately enough for headshots on squirrels out to 30 yards

My SPA PR900 was a dud in .22 originally, but a new barrel from PA solved that.  It's a feather-weight pest-destroyer out to ~ 50 yards and I've just used iron sights on it.  Bought used for $100 or maybe $120?

So, now that I named those, my other PCPs are EdGuns.  They are not entry-level.  I don't think any entry-level PCP will shoot as accurately as my wife's Lelya at 100 yards.  And regarding my Leshiy Classic - nothing made has the sheer amount of capability as it (compact, powerful, easy to tune, easy to change caliber/barrel length in seconds, shoots pellets and slugs well, fits in a backpack, and able to be serviced in the field with minimal tools)

The takeaway is before committing to anything, figure out what you want/need, what type of shooting you're doing, and if shooting longer distances, will you be looking to shoot slugs as choked barrels -as a general rule- don't favor slugs as much as pellets.  Adding onto that, will you be tuning for shotcount, power, or consistent accuracy?

There are several PCPs almost everybody loves:  the Urban and Notos, and both are affordable and have been praised for accuracy and reliability.

One more thing to think about: used PCPs can offer a big cost savings.  Most folks here won't screw you over, so don't be afraid to check the Classified for deals.

[aluminumfetish]

   I have discovered that getting a rifle/pistol that suits my "actual" needs was most important. I have lusted for some guns to find out perhaps they are heavier than I want or more powerful than I need. Of course I want a bench rest gun capable of repeatable accuracy. Honestly, I will never shoot bench rest so it's a lark to think about.

  I did end up getting 2 very nice rifles and I am cautious to shoot them ( they are in fine shape and i will ruin them ). My "perfect" gun turned out to be the QB79HPA conversion that Jason worked on. It's robust, perfect power for my needs, It's simple, parts available, and more importantly, inexpensive enough that I booger it up, it's not a catastrophe.
 
 I have also found that I love the mechanical aspects of most thing especially of how these PCPs work and how the tech is evolving but I really like to shoot more than to tinker. If I were to go again, for me that is, I would pick up a lighter weight, robust .22 PCP carbine in the 12 fpe range. That is what ticks my boxes, boring right ?
 
 The nice thing about lesser expensive guns is that they are fun to shoot and trade. The GTA is full of enablers willing to sell you just about anything.
If I lost every gun today, I would bite the bullet and get a new or gently used Daystate Revere in .22.

What a great time to be getting into the hobby, so many offerings ! Good luck !!

[USAFANG6799]

NOTOS from what I've been reading.
Once I get mine setup I'll confirm it.

[EdinGa]

If I was into it more like a lot of folks here…I might  be tempted to spend more….but as a shoot at my leisure backyard plinker..my 4 PCPS that I may have $1200 total in….counting scopes …do me just fine…I probably have 50 AG’s can’t be more. Than 4K in the whole bunch….now that is a guesstimate….like what u shoot,and shoot what u like…good luck

Should we start a club for those of us that own more than 50 airguns? 

[EdinGa]

All 5 of my PCPs were under $500 and I like them all.  Marauder Pistol was the first, then a 25 caliber Avenger, then a 25 caliber P35 (SPA), then two more P35s in 177 and 22.  I know of no high priced PCP that matches the weight/performance specs of the P35.  FPE of mine are 19 (177), 32 (22) and 32 (25- detuned).  With the plastic stock they come with the weight is just over 5 lbs and the length is under 30 inches.  I made wood stocks for mine which dropped the unscoped weight just under 5 lbs.  I get about 100 shots/fill for the 177, 70 for the 25, and 60 for the 22. 

I like shooting the 30 yard challenge discussed in a thread on AGN.  It's a 30 yard benchrest game where a 200 with 20Xs would be the top score.  My P35-22 has done a 199 with 18Xs.  All the guns with higher scores (200s) cost several times as much.  There are also many guns costing several times as much with worse scores than this.  I have not done this well with my others but the P35-177 has shot a 194 and the Avenger shows promise.  You could argue my P35-22 has better accuracy than many higher priced guns.  But the shooter and other factors also affect scores, obviously.  But I don't think I am a great shooter.

But my main point is that while I am confident there are things about higher priced guns I would really like, none of them are as light as my P35s and the ones that get close don't have 450mm barrels so they don't have similar power and shot count.  For hunting, my favorite way to use my airguns, the weight with adequate power and shot count are pretty important.

A Stoeger bullshark is also made by SPA and very similar to the SPA P35.  A little longer barrel (490mm) a different stock and about 6 lb weight.

The P35/Bullshark platform definitely hits way above the price point they sell for.

[IOWOLF]

You are in Nebraska, talk to Big J on here. But I am kind of partial to Hatsan the AT44 10 QE in 25, suits me fine.

[K.O.]

If I was into it more like a lot of folks here…I might  be tempted to spend more….but as a shoot at my leisure backyard plinker..my 4 PCPS that I may have $1200 total in….counting scopes …do me just fine…I probably have 50 AG’s can’t be more. Than 4K in the whole bunch….now that is a guesstimate….like what u shoot,and shoot what u like…good luck

Should we start a club treatment center (  )for those of us that own more than 50 airguns? 

[3crows]

The problem I see with high end is that owners wind up doing the same sort of mods to them that are decried for mid price guns. The entry price for a PCP is not the retail price but the retail price plus mod parts and spares. It is easily possible to double the price of many PCP regardless of price point. I purposely chose the Marauder .25 and the Urban .22 because they are simple rifles with easily obtainable parts and at least for the Marauder a fairly available aftermarket supporting them. Yes, after modding out my Marauder .25 into what I call my Super Light there is very little Marauder left in it original but it is powerful and accurate and while the price begins to approach the lower end of FX or similar retail price after adding up everything I would need for one of those my eyes watered and then there were complaints of not holding zero. I think I may purchase in due course a Maverick or similar but except for the less (low) shot count in my powerful and lightweight Marauder, not sure what I gain as primarily a hunter/pester. I guess slugs with the slug kit and barrel (well, just $$).

And aside from the pickle aesthetics, the Gamo Urban performs above price point, especially for accuracy. And with some determination, pickles can be made to go away if one just cannot live with it.

[jusanothajoe]

I have a Daystate Huntsman Regal .22 bought for $1k, hits where I aim every time.
I have a JTS Airacuda Standard .25 bought for $320, hits where I aim every time.
I'll probably buy another Airacuda in .22

[Struckat]

Interesting topic.

I bought my first pcp used last year, AA500s Extra FAC.
Full size 30+fpe, the stock was walnut or perfect, but the rest othe gun was spotless. I put a walnut stock on it and it is fantastic. Far more accurate than will ever be.

Wait, save and stalk the classifieds, you will find a a deal on something you otherwise wouldn’t “Afford.”

[subscriber]

If one does not mind the Notos' tacticool look, then that seems like a really good choice.

[USAFANG6799]

If one does not mind the Notos' tacticool look, then that seems like a really good choice.

I never thought I'd switch to the 'tacticool'as concept but I'm a believer.

[subscriber]

Re-reading the thread title, I am not sure that the Notos beats higher price point competitors.  More like it comes close, at a much lower price point.

The Notos is hard to beat, when it comes to meeting or exceeding expectations.  So I gather from many user reports, because I don't have one.  Yet.

[Jay308]

I have been looking for same and I think the Avenge-X is going to be it. The receiver and picatinny rail are all metal, the regulator is improved with better materials and the stock is made from better plastic.