Old guy with a need for something new...

[obx-shooter]

I missed an offhand shot at a deer the other day at 100 yards. What!? I would like to blame the rifle...but I had bench shot it the day before at 100 yards...less than a moa and 1.5 inches high of poa. I just...missed.

I was on my Army division combat rifle team..and I won the division combat pistol competition...but... other than bench sight in... I rarely practice any more. I didn't think I needed to.

The Army doesn't buy my ammo any more ... and the local gun range is too crowded on weekends... so how to get quality practice shooting offhand? Well I have a 30 yd archery range in my backyard with a large 2 bale deep hay backstop.

So I need an air rifle that will suitably mimic my scoped centerfire hunting rifles. I'm thinking RWS 34...but I am open to suggestions... Many years ago I had a Benjamin pump .22 air pistol so I am leaning towards .22. Reasonable accuracy, a half decent trigger and probably a scope because of my old eyes...

[dk1677]

Welcome to the GTA!

[amb5500c]

Welcome to the GTA.
Richard

[OleTomCat]

OBX,

A springer will improve your overall shooting by bringing you back to the basics, site picture, breathing and follow through.....

Welcome to our Addiction.........

[Roadworthy]

Hello and welcome to the GTA!!  If you opt for a springer (any springer) you will need to master some new techniques for shooting.  If you really want to mimic your deer rifle I suggest a PCP rifle.  That means pump or air tanks but it is the smoothest transition.

[Gertrude]

Hello and welcome to the GTA!!  If you opt for a springer (any springer) you will need to master some new techniques for shooting.  If you really want to mimic your deer rifle I suggest a PCP rifle.  That means pump or air tanks but it is the smoothest transition.

Agreed (Mostly),.... but a Co2 rifle will also mimic a centerfire pretty well.
 Obx, answer a few questions for us first, and we can better suggest a rifle for you.

1- are you ONLY going to be punching paper with it ? or, plinking ? Varmint shooting/Small game hunting?
2-  If yes on shooting critters,... What kind of critters, and at what range ?
3- what are you comfortable spending on your first rifle, (yes,... you will get addicted, and want to by more)

[maripaul]

Welcome from another newbie, as well as an older guy. My Army shooting was limited to what we did in Basic training. After that it was random shooting of coyotes with carbines while stationed at a remote semi-desert radar site next to the Hanford Works in eastern Washinton.

You've received some excellent recommendations already and take a look at my arsenal posted below to get an idea of the variety I have picked up. My purchases have usually been as refurbished units from the most popular suppliers that are mentioned throughout this marvelous site. Early on I picked up a chronometer to verify and learn the characteristics of several pellet types with individual air guns. I also located multiple YouTube videos on pellets and air guns.

Shoot, shoot, and keep shooting to break in your new guns and to familiarize yourself with the idiosyncrasies of each gun.

Welcome.