Air rifle for homesteading...

[cosmose]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a good 22 cal for plinking and squrriel hunting, budget is $150 less is always better. My local wm has the Benjamin Genesis marked down for $125, but i haven't heard or read much info on them. they also have a ruger impact for around the same price, but I'm not opposed to buying online.

 I have never shot a high powered 22 cal I notice that crosman has the strong ones as being able to take raccoons and possums, will they do this humanely? It would be nice if the rifle could be used for chicken coop protection.

Thanks for any info

[amb5500c]

My advise to you is to spend some time reading and investigating here on the GTA before you commit to any one gun. Your mind might change 50 times once you see what all is out there. But, worry not, This is just the beginning. You'll be a multiple gun owner soon enough.
Richard

[Booger]

My advise to you is to spend some time reading and investigating here on the GTA before you commit to any one gun. Your mind might change 50 times once you see what all is out there. But, worry not, This is just the beginning. You'll be a multiple gun owner soon enough.
Richard

+1 What he said. I just wanted 1 real nice gun.

[Benwaller]

I'd steer you toward the Benjamin Titan refurbs on the Crosman site.  $80 on the site - but buy it on Tuesday and it's $65 - and if you do buy it at $65, it's $85 delivered.  Plinking and small critters you say?

Works mighty fine for that.  Throw a decent scope on it and you'll come in on budget.  I'm having a lot of fun with mine, don't even put up targets anymore, just shoot a hole and shoot the hole some more.  Hard to believe the thing is as good as it is for so little money, but it is.

YMMV, certainly.  But probably not.

Ben

[Funnyrunner]

My advise to you is to spend some time reading and investigating here on the GTA before you commit to any one gun. Your mind might change 50 times once you see what all is out there. But, worry not, This is just the beginning. You'll be a multiple gun owner soon enough.
Richard

That the truth. I started with a simple very old Crosman 1377 which made me want a rifle, got a Diana 34 in 22. Then, I HAD to have a pistol, ergo Hatsan SuperCharger, followed by two Crosman 2240's, one for my son. Next a TX200, then a Crosman 2400 from the custom shop. A most terrible infliction, always gotta have just one more. Totally uncontrolable addiction.

Good luck on your choice but never fear, you'll wind up owning several before you know it.

Like they said, read a lot on the forum. There is a wealth of helpful info here and many. many people who are more than willing to give advice and assist you.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

[JimL911]

If that is your absolute budget get something from MM http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/
If you want a GOOD gun get a Diana 34. It is a good QUALITY gun that will last many, many years.

[19Sheridan57]

I still love the old Sheridan Streaks . Well built & trouble free operation for many years !

[Dick Tracey]

Check WM order on line, deliver to store.  Last check the Ruger Impact was about $15.00 cheaper.  Also check for Refurb's, I have bought many of them and have not had any problems with them.  A lot of people over look the Crosman Venum, which I like very much.  It will need the brass washer fix as well as any of the Airguns with the plastic washer breach hinge.  I do agree with the MM at Flying Dragon Air Rifles option.

DT

[DavidS]

You may also wish to look at the MSP's.   The older Benjiman 392's are good.   The Daisy 22SG/22X would more than do what you need (My main hunting rifle now).   Or if you are dead set on something new there is the Crosman 2289g with a few power mods a longer barrel and a steel breach the 2289g is still under $100 total.

Then there are also a few CO2 options, namely the Crosman 2240 (would need a few power mods) and the Crosman 2260.

Point is look at all options, do not be swept in by the springers (including gas piston guns).

[lillysdad621]

I agree with davidS... for about 140 dollars you can get a 392, and leaves you a lot of extra dough for pellets and such... it is self contained, near on indestructible, accurate enough for medium range squirreling (practice with those open sights, i know they are not perfect but they will work...) and try the different power levels so you'll know what kind of power and trajectory you may use for any different occasion. As per raccoons, i have used my 392 and my sheridan for chicken coop duty... the sheridan has 2 pelts to its name. head shots are headshots, and using jsb predators (expanding pellet) it does the job well. I have used the 392 for pigeon hunting and starling control (wadcutter and only 5 pumps) cleared many customer barns... no pass through, one shot kills. And finally. using wad cutters and 2 or 3 pumps i have had many shooting competitions with my wife and daughter in the garage or basement... quiet, no overpenetration and a no exertion. We print the "fly" paper and go shot for shot, scoring depending on fly size... only body shots count, no legs or antenni.Lol. if you need hard numbers here they are:
392 on 5 pumps: 565 fps with 14.3 gr pellets
           8   "      : 642 fps          "
           10  "     : 677 fps          "

sheridan is a bit milder... and it never get pumped over 8 times... (637 fps on with cylindricals)

[cosmose]

I forgot to mention i have a 1377 a Benjamin 397 and a crosman/mendoza.  a 392 is very tempting but how much power is needed with a 22 cal for squirrel at say 40-45 yards?

You may also wish to look at the MSP's.   The older Benjiman 392's are good.   The Daisy 22SG/22X would more than do what you need (My main hunting rifle now).   Or if you are dead set on something new there is the Crosman 2289g with a few power mods a longer barrel and a steel breach the 2289g is still under $100 total.

Whats MSP'S??

[Dick Tracey]

MSP = Multi Stroke Pneumatic.

DT

[fortyshooter]

just over your price, XS28 , makes darn near 28fpe and will protect chickens et al.  .
John

X2 on that!!

[lillysdad621]

if you got a 397 you are set!. just make sure that you can hit 1 inch targets (about the head of a squirrel) 100% of the times at the range you need.

[Bullit]

Country coons and possums of size, are very tough to take humanely and efficiently,  without precise headshots from a .22 pellet rifle.  A 20+FPE breakbarrel rifle isn't easy to master.  Many find out...after they buy them, and sell them off.
Have you looked into a standard 22 singleshot rifle, (cheap on used market), and use the low power Subsonic bullets offered today?  Air rifle quiet, and over twice the lead and energy. Good tool for 50yds or less...on these two guys.
EDIT:  A rifle you have now, has taken a lot of squirrels and rabbits in .177.  Nothing wrong there!    As far as range....that's up to how far you can consistently shoot dime to nickel groups with any rifle.
In hunting, a solid brainshot at 35yds, is a good long shot, once you have to make it