New Squirrel Gun for This Fall????

[Marc]

Looking for recomendations on this one.  Criteria are:

1.  Power to take squirrels out to 25-30 yards (my self imposed limit)

2.  Under 7.5# - the lighter the better

3.  $350 or less

4.  Prefer .22 cal (fumble fingers)

May scope or peep sight - iron sights a plus.

This gun may see some duty on bunnies too, which is more walking and less sitting, so light weight is a big plus.

Thanks Guys!

[White Eagle]

You just described my D34 T06 in .22!   Mine wears a Williams peep sight, which keeps the weight down, and shoots dime size groups at 25 yards.

[longislandhunter]

One of my favorite squirrel and bunny guns is my  .22 34 Panther.  Accurate, hard hitting, quality build, just a pleasure to hunt with. 

Jeff

[robert w]

Diana 34 in 22 is about the best choice, only choice if I was buying a new gun for what you are wanting it for. so far 3 for a 34 looks like you need to get yourself a 34

[RedFeather]

If you can find a Cometa Fusion or Fenix, they are nice, too.  Hey, there ARE other guns besides a 34.  :-)

[OleTomCat]

Gamo Silent Cat, 5.2lbs w/scope $149.00, Gamo Big Cat 6.1lbs w/scope $129.99...

Silent Cat also has Iron sights, Big Cat does not.  Full synthetic stock with platic molded over steel barrel so they are durable and you won't cry when you drop it or scratch it like you would with one of those expensive rifles.

SC only available in .177, BC is available in both .177 or .22...

And before anyone chimes in about .177 not being a hunting round look at my sig, 30+ TreeRats and 4 Possum with a .177 Silent Cat....

[robert w]

If you can find a Cometa Fusion or Fenix, they are nice, too.  Hey, there ARE other guns besides a 34.  :-)

now redfeather dwc king lol

[Bullit]

Marc,  saw your request for info, in the other post.
I personally use the Gamo CFX as my hunter for them.  I can easily get to the 35 yard range, as I'm sure you can.  The CFR I've shot is just as good as the CFX...actually the new trigger is better. I did add a little lube to the spring, and that's all.   Anyway, still plenty of power at 50yds, and deadly accurate .177 is a good choice for small game.  Look at http://www.airgundepot.com/

[Marc]

Thanks Bullit.  Is the CFR much less hold sensitive than a break barrel springer?

I like the whole concept, just not sure I like the funky stock on the CFR - looks more like a SWAT Team gun than a squirrel gun.

[OleTomCat]

Thanks Bullit.  Is the CFR much less hold sensitive than a break barrel springer?

I like the whole concept, just not sure I like the funky stock on the CFR - looks more like a SWAT Team gun than a squirrel gun.

I just tuned one of these for a client with the low powered, 8fpe, gas ram it was a tack driver at 10yds with everything under 9gr and it didn't mater how I held it.....

With a full power tune it should still be accurate, the CFR is a fixed barrel gun so it is inherently more accurate than a break barrel...

[Bullit]

Marc,
The CFR is much less hold sensitive, as are all underlevers, versus a similar 12-14fpe breakbarrel.  Especially as power goes up, versus total rifle weight.  IMO, a lot of new airgunners buy higher power breakbarrels, in lightweights, (Gamo, Crosman, as well as the others).  To me, they are setting themselves up for frustration.  Again Guys, this is my opinion   I'm a fixed barrel convert!
I do like the riser adjustment of the stock. Especially for scopes, an advantage.   I felt that the Thumbhole might be a pain, but it was real easy to use.  I now have learned that I was wrong in my resistance to the Thumbhole stock on an Ambi-shooter.   No shame or pride here!  And I'm sure not too old to learn 
Gamo does sell the standard CFX stock.  I think they still do.  Trigger guard has to go for SAT trigger.  It's just the stock, but it's Cheap enough to play with.  Here's the Link that I've added for ya to look at. HTH some.
http://www.gamousa.com/family.aspx?familyID=68&family=Air%20Rifle%20Stocks

[Marc]

Is the CFX stock available from Gamo direct?

I'll check their site too.

Thanks Bullit

[Bullit]

I did edit my post so you can see what's available to you.
They're cheap, for the guy who wants to try stuff, and isn't looking for a "bolt on dress model".  Many of the powerplants (within a series), are the same.  So logic says the same bolthole pattern for the steel, unless you shorten them, or such...should be very very close, if not the same.
 Gamo famously, dresses them different, as many do, and rename them, rather than numbers.

[limbshaker]

How bout a pumper? An old Sheridan .20 or a new Benjamin 392 would make an excellent hunter. Put a scout mounted low power scope and you have the best of both worlds as far as scope vs. peep sight goes. Plenty accurate within 30 yards... They are WONDERFUL to carry as they are short and light. And no hold sensitivity so its great for resting on trees or shooting sticks.

Two obvious downsides, but not near as bad as you think once you try it:

1) No quick follow up shot due to the pumping. Solution: Hit what you're aimin at 
2) Little louder than a springer. Solution: Not much other than adding a hammer debouncer shim. 

[Marc]

I only wish there was a good new pumper to be had.  Reports on the new 392's put them on the don't buy list for me.

Would be really nice to see someone bring out a new pumper that is well made.  To me they are the ultimate - it's a self contained PCP.

[limbshaker]

I've seen used FX Independence go for $1200. Maybe you could bump your budget a little?  They are ugly, but man one of those would be awesome!

Yes, the new 392s are a little hit or miss with the accuracy. An older Sheridan or Benjamin 312 would be the way to go really. Used prices are reasonable, at around $120.