Benjamin Genesis vs. Hatsan 1000 Vortex

[Casca041]

Hello Members,
Your learned input is requested. Last week I purchased a Genesis model 33005 from a local Walmart for apx., $158. It was shown on their web site for $147.12, but the stores do not have to match their web price. When I took the rifle out of the box the plastic grip cap fell out of the package. This was not a major event, but did not instill added confidence. I have inspected the rifle and read the manual as well as reviews. I have not mounted the scope or shot the rifle. While accuracy is important, most shots will be made standing offhand at paper and not in formal competition: bragging rights only. Durability is important. I enjoy cleaning my tools not rebuilding them. Noise is not an issue. We wear eye and ear protection when we shoot. We live in a rural area. Like our neighbors we discharge center firearms on our property. We have livestock and legally use real firearms to hunt predators at night.  All of our other pellet guns are .177 caliber. On this purchase our budget is stay less than $200.00. 
Should I keep it or should I return it NIB and purchase a Hatsan 1000 Vortex  for $180.00 delivered or yet a third choice?
Thank you,
Cas

[Kailua]

There was a gentleman who once sold upgraded parts for the Benjamin Nitro piston rifles.  No longer sells them I think he mentioned shipping prices were not worth it.  The point is the parts were made to fix the weak points of these rifles.  One part was replacement brass washers for the plastic ones used on the break barrel pivot area and the other was a guide for the piston to take up the slop in the compression cylinder.  There was one review on the Hatsan being solidly built.  One down fall that may not matter is getting replacement parts for the Hatsans.  If the rifle is under warranty I have heard Hatsan great customer service but after that if something breaks not so sure if parts will be available.  JMO

[Roadworthy]

Okay, Crosman - Benjamin break barrels are Chinese.  There is room for improvement - but they can be improved.  Crosman also has excellent service and support and pretty good parts availability.  Hatsan is Turkish and possibly (probably?) better constructed than Crosman.  To my knowledge there are no after market parts available.  They are what they are.

You could possibly find a used Diana D34 for near your budget.  There is also the Ruger Air Hawk.  Sometimes you can get good deals on refurbs at Airgun Depot and Pyramyd.

Another choice might be to check with Mike Melick at Flying Dragon Air Rifles to see what he can do for you.  He will tune on request and offers a lifetime warranty.  His prices are really good, too. 

[Casca041]

Kailua and Roadworthy,
Thank you both for your posts.
I have a RWS in .177 but wanted to try a .22 with a piston, mostly out of curiosity. After I hit the lottery and retire I will ultimately get one the higher priced  bigger bore rifles. I have continued to research the rifles in the price range of the Genesis and the Hatsan 1000. This is part of the fun for me. Thank you for the good information and insight. I still have not shot the Genesis, so I could return it with a clear conscience and wait for the truck to deliver the Hatsan or another RWS (springer) in .22 or ?.
Thank you,
Jim

[Kailua]

Know what you mean.  With all the pros and cons make ones head spin at times unless a person does not have the money problem on making a decision.  GL

[HatsanPhantom]

The 1000x is a solid rifle. Its probably a bit more powerful than the genesis and i know for certain that its more robust.I own a 1000x and I have handled the genesis.I like crosman as a company..but I also like Hatsan too.

[Casca041]

Thank you All,
Your posts and messages were very much appreciated.
There most desirable solution is to purchase more gun safes and buy one of all that is available. Since my last post: I returned the Genesis which was re-shelved not for the sale price that I paid ($157.),but for $199.99. I got to try a Benjamin Trail NP All Weather. I bought a Ruger Impact. The Ruger Impact .22 somewhat reminds me of my .177 RWS....at a distance, if you squint. The Impact came with a 4X32 "Ruger" branded scope and open sights. I read the manual and researched online. After pulling a patch from breech to muzzle, I took a dozen pellets from a "Benjamin Discovery" pack. I took my first shot at what had previously been an aluminum 3" clothesline pulley at a distance of about 40 feet. First shot using open sights drilled one side of the pulley and made a protrusion on the outside of the other pulley half. Even though I have 70 foot pistol range(back yard) and a 100 yard rifle range one pasture away, and have been involved with shooting sports for over 50 years, I am not a good shot and am getting worse with age. The next 11 pellets were not a disappointment.
Thank you,
Cas