Budget .177 rifle recommendations

[Ronfiveo]

I participated in the Casual Match #1 of 2023/2024 and liked it a lot.

The thing is I don't know if my modest score of 177 , I think, was due to me or the inaccuracy of the rifle I
was using.

The rifle was a Umarex NXG APX multi pump .177 rifle.
Let's face it it cost $54 including tax and shipping. It now cost $70. It's a low budget rifle but shoots pretty good.
I'm ready for more than "pretty good".

I'm looking for a plinker and one that can be competitive in matches like the casual one I just did.

I'm don't want to have to fill a tank every time I want to shoot so PCP is out.

I really hate the idea of a Co2 cartridge and the added on cost to shoot besides the pellets so Co2 is out.

Break barrels are ok I like them in pistols but I may not be strong enough for a springer and the effort to break the barrel
would have to be at least not too difficult for this old man to cock.

Nitrogen Piston seems to be a good option, I think, but again it has to be easy or not to difficult to cock again.

I like the idea of a multi pump because I don't really need much over 600 fps to shoot 50' which is about the maximum
distance in my back yard.

What I'm looking for I guess is a blend of user friendly and accurate shooting rifle that won't break my bank.
I'm thinking $125 to $150 is going to be about it as far as price range.

I'm also thinking being upgrad-able would be pretty cool as well, which I could do as money became available so that I could afford the mods and changes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ron

[bantam5s]

How about a daisy 853 refurb from the CMP ?
I've wanted to order one for a few years now, but don't have my printer up and running to be able to print out the order form.
I never felt like going through all the printer hassle just so I could order this one gun, because I obviously have little to no use for my printer or it would be up and running .

[Ronfiveo]

How about a daisy 853 refurb from the CMP ?
I've wanted to order one for a few years now, but don't have my printer up and running to be able to print out the order form.
I never felt like going through all the printer hassle just so I could order this one gun, because I obviously have little to no use for my printer or it would be up and running .

I don't know what CMP stands for.
Is that a retailer?

Ron

[ER00z]

Pyramyd currently has an option for a 495fps Stoeger S4000. It's at the high end of your budget, and I'm not sure of build quality but it is a gas ram. Stoeger also has a S3000 break barrel springer that shoots about 600fps that's cheaper. Similar to the S3000, there is the Diana 240 or "Two Forty", don't know which is current, but costs about $100 if you can find them. I'm uncertain if any of these are upgradeable or not, and you'll basically be playing the barrel lottery as to if you'll get an "just ok" shooter or a great one.

A few years ago I picked up a 495fps Umarex Forge gas ram break barrel. Cocking effort is basically non existent, it takes more effort to knock the barrel loose. Velocity was closer to 470fps than 495fps. You cannot use tight fitting pellets or they will jam in those super reduced power break barrels (normally "rated" at 1000+fps). I ended up polishing up the lead and chopping the barrel down, this helped to greatly reduce jams and better balance the rifle. Cocking effort raised with the loss of leverage, but far less effort than pumping a multi pump 4 or 5 times. Accuracy is good, can't say match grade, but for fun I could hit a gopher rimfire target out just past 80 yards constantly, with my scope elevation about maxed and lots of hold over, Lol. On a calm day, of course.

I find reduced power break barrels to still have some degree of hold sensitivity, maybe best if you could score an SSP for a great price if looking for great/repeatable accuracy...

Oh, and I think CMP = Civilian Marksmanship Program? I don't know for sure about that...

[Ronfiveo]

Pyramyd currently has an option for a 495fps Stoeger S4000. It's at the high end of your budget, and I'm not sure of build quality but it is a gas ram. Stoeger also has a S3000 break barrel springer that shoots about 600fps that's cheaper. Similar to the S3000, there is the Diana 240 or "Two Forty", don't know which is current, but costs about $100 if you can find them. I'm uncertain if any of these are upgradeable or not, and you'll basically be playing the barrel lottery as to if you'll get an "just ok" shooter or a great one.

A few years ago I picked up a 495fps Umarex Forge gas ram break barrel. Cocking effort is basically non existent, it takes more effort to knock the barrel loose. Velocity was closer to 470fps than 495fps. You cannot use tight fitting pellets or they will jam in those super reduced power break barrels (normally "rated" at 1000+fps). I ended up polishing up the lead and chopping the barrel down, this helped to greatly reduce jams and better balance the rifle. Cocking effort raised with the loss of leverage, but far less effort than pumping a multi pump 4 or 5 times. Accuracy is good, can't say match grade, but for fun I could hit a gopher rimfire target out just past 80 yards constantly, with my scope elevation about maxed and lots of hold over, Lol. On a calm day, of course.

I find reduced power break barrels to still have some degree of hold sensitivity, maybe best if you could score an SSP for a great price if looking for great/repeatable accuracy...

Oh, and I think CMP = Civilian Marksmanship Program? I don't know for sure about that...

Thanks, ER00z.

What is an SSP?

When I was doing some research, I saw that Stoeger also has a S3000 break barrel springer on Ytube and I didn't hear much good
about it except that it was a solidly made gun.

I like the Seneca Dragonfly MK2 with it's equal pumping system, but it's a little but out of my price range, but I'll keep it
in mind just in case.



Ron

[ER00z]

SSP is just a Single Stroke Pneumatic, like the Daisy 853 or 953. They are essentially recoiless and have fantastic barrels to my understanding. Never had the opportunity to shoot one, but I hear they get around 500fps just with that single stroke. 

[Roadworthy]

SSP is a single stroke pump.  It is a bit harder than pumping up a multi stroke pump as you're doing it all with one stroke.  If you can't handle the strain of a break barrel then a gas piston is probably out, too.  Most break barrels require a cocking force of 34 pounds and up.  You may wish to investigate the Seneca Dragonfly Mark II.  It is a multipump rifle that is almost $200 but It could fill the bill for you.  I think it has more leverage for pumping and is capable of higher velocities than most multi pumps.  You may find online reviews or demos.

[Ronfiveo]

SSP is just a Single Stroke Pneumatic, like the Daisy 853 or 953. They are essentially recoiless and have fantastic barrels to my understanding. Never had the opportunity to shoot one, but I hear they get around 500fps just with that single stroke. 

Thanks, ER00z.

I like the idea of a pneumatic.

Ron

[Ronfiveo]

SSP is a single stroke pump.  It is a bit harder than pumping up a multi stroke pump as you're doing it all with one stroke.  If you can't handle the strain of a break barrel then a gas piston is probably out, too.  Most break barrels require a cocking force of 34 pounds and up.  You may wish to investigate the Seneca Dragonfly Mark II.  It is a multipump rifle that is almost $200 but It could fill the bill for you.  I think it has more leverage for pumping and is capable of higher velocities than most multi pumps.  You may find online reviews or demos.

I was sort of leaning towards the Dragonfly because of the equalized pumping.
I might have to give it a lot of thought.
Pyramid Air is selling them for $199. I might just "pull the trigger" on that one.


It's a little funky looking, but form and function before fashion.

Ron
 

[EdinGa]

Like David said above, Daisy 853 from the CMP. It is a little more difficult than clicking buy it now, but it will be well worth the effort. You won't find a better target rifle in your budget.

[Ronfiveo]

Like David said above, Daisy 853 from the CMP. It is a little more difficult than clicking buy it now, but it will be well worth the effort. You won't find a better target rifle in your budget.

Thanks, EdinGa.

I can't find one for sale and this might be the only way to acquire this model.
I can't find it on the Daisy website.
Is this model out of manufacture now?

I think I might lean more towards the Dragonfly.

Ron

[EdinGa]

Like David said above, Daisy 853 from the CMP. It is a little more difficult than clicking buy it now, but it will be well worth the effort. You won't find a better target rifle in your budget.

I don't know if you can order one online. The only way I know of is to mail in the order form. It is worth the effort though.

Thanks, EdinGa.

I can't find one for sale and this might be the only way to acquire this model.
I can't find it on the Daisy website.
Is this model out of manufacture now?

I think I might lean more towards the Dragonfly.

Ron

[Ronfiveo]

Like David said above, Daisy 853 from the CMP. It is a little more difficult than clicking buy it now, but it will be well worth the effort. You won't find a better target rifle in your budget.

I just sent an email to Mr. Whitten to see if he is still selling these used Daisy rifles.
If so, I'm going to get one and hope it's not too hard to do that one single pump repeatedly.

Ron

[Back_Roads]

 If you want to test the waters on the cheap the Bara 1966 jr. is accurate and fun, I bought one as a gift a few years ago and enjoyed testing it with the recipient.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Barra-Airguns-1866-Junior-0-177-Caliber-Youth-Pump-Action-BB-or-Pellet-Air-Gun/299035852

[HOSPassassin]

A Daisy 880 or 901 will do everything you want and more. They are very easy to pump and you could get away with only five or six out of ten for how far you shoot. If you get a good barrel they are sub-2 MOA shooters out to their usable range. There are also lots of mods for power and accuracy out there. They run around $75.

[Ronfiveo]

A Daisy 880 or 901 will do everything you want and more. They are very easy to pump and you could get away with only five or six out of ten for how far you shoot. If you get a good barrel they are sub-2 MOA shooters out to their usable range. There are also lots of mods for power and accuracy out there. They run around $75.

If you want to test the waters on the cheap the Bara 1966 jr. is accurate and fun, I bought one as a gift a few years ago and enjoyed testing it with the recipient.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Barra-Airguns-1866-Junior-0-177-Caliber-Youth-Pump-Action-BB-or-Pellet-Air-Gun/299035852

Thank you, Back_Roads.

Ron

[Ronfiveo]

A Daisy 880 or 901 will do everything you want and more. They are very easy to pump and you could get away with only five or six out of ten for how far you shoot. If you get a good barrel they are sub-2 MOA shooters out to their usable range. There are also lots of mods for power and accuracy out there. They run around $75.

Thanks, HOSPassassin.

Ron

[Blowpipe Sam]

I'd wait for the Crosman 367 or get a Winchester model 1977XS.  They are both going to run you around $100.  I don't know if that is cheap for you but it's the upper end of cheap for me.

[anti-squirrel]

A Daisy 880 or 901 will do everything you want and more. They are very easy to pump and you could get away with only five or six out of ten for how far you shoot. If you get a good barrel they are sub-2 MOA shooters out to their usable range. There are also lots of mods for power and accuracy out there. They run around $75.

This!

These air rifles have capabilities exceeding cost.  The Crosman 2100 is another respectable choice and warrants a look.  I also feel the Crosman 362/392 is worth checking out.

There's another superlative choice- a CCS (Crosman Custom Shop) 1377 carbine with a 14" Lothar barrel.  Even with a Williams Peep Sight, you're talking under $24o.  I have a CO2-powered CCS airgun with the regular Crosman 18" barrel and it shoots every bit as good as my EdGuns out to 35 yards.  I built a 1377 carbine using "leftover" parts with a spare 14" Crosman barrel and it is just as capable considering open sights.

Build one for giggles and check out the cost:  https://www.crosman.com/custom-shop#

[Ronfiveo]

A Daisy 880 or 901 will do everything you want and more. They are very easy to pump and you could get away with only five or six out of ten for how far you shoot. If you get a good barrel they are sub-2 MOA shooters out to their usable range. There are also lots of mods for power and accuracy out there. They run around $75.

This!

These air rifles have capabilities exceeding cost.  The Crosman 2100 is another respectable choice and warrants a look.  I also feel the Crosman 362/392 is worth checking out.

There's another superlative choice- a CCS (Crosman Custom Shop) 1377 carbine with a 14" Lothar barrel.  Even with a Williams Peep Sight, you're talking under $24o.  I have a CO2-powered CCS airgun with the regular Crosman 18" barrel and it shoots every bit as good as my EdGuns out to 35 yards.  I built a 1377 carbine using "leftover" parts with a spare 14" Crosman barrel and it is just as capable considering open sights.

Build one for giggles and check out the cost:  https://www.crosman.com/custom-shop#

Thanks, anti-squirrel.

Ron