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chuckles · Member

Ok guys brand new to air guns. last one i owned was a crosman 2100 classic as a kid. want something a little more adult but not looking to spend 500 dollars either. i like the idea of pump but would consider break barrel as well. propbably will end up getting a pistol and rifle both. i think i like a benjamin 397 rifle and the hb17 pistol (i think thats its name) Both are pump and look to be nice quality for the price. (nice quality being way better than the plastic bb guns they sell for kids at walmart). If i go break barrel ive considered the rws34 rifle the R5 pistol i think its called. I will be sitting on my porch shooting targets and cans mostly. maybe a rat or two if i catch them in the trash. striclty will be used for plinking and fun and as a way to feed my shooting itch when i cant get to the country to shoot my real guns. Any suggestions or comments about my picks for starting in this sport. Ive done a little home work but it alway seems people want to suggest a 700 dollar rifle and never take into account that not everyone is going to competition matches or using the gun to ward off ravenous swamp rats. Thanks for the imput.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I, personally, wouldn't rush off and buy a collection of pump guns- you may find now that you're not a kid that they are more of a pain in the a$$ than anything (maybe not- but don't blow the whole bankroll to find out the hard way!).

I might suggest buy one pump gun, such as the HB22 and see if you really can get along with it, then decide which route to take for the next gun. Nothing wrong with your choices- there are certainly worse products out there.

And- Welcome to AirGunHome.com !

cw · Banned

I would go with the RWS. JMO.

Slavia · Moderator

I second the opinion about pump guns. That's a lot of pumping with a little shooting; it may not be for you. Only you can decide.

Your search has come up with some fine examples; nothing to criticize there. I would offer this: Make sure the gun fits you. Trying to wrap yourself around a "youth" gun can be really frustrating.

Add the Beeman P17/Marksman 2004 to your list of pistols to consider (two names for the same thing). There are lots of posts on this forum about it.

As for taking your "real guns" to the country: Be prepared for the day when you take your airguns instead (because they're more fun).

broommaster2000 · Moderator

My EHO (European Humble Opinion) is to get a European springer, preferable Weihrauch (Beeman, in most cases) or Diana (RWS, if I recall well) or Slavia (just Slavia). Then you'll also add a bit to our failing economy. Mr. Green

cw · Banned

So, your economy is failing also? That seems to be happening
everywhere. What is the cause of yours? Do you have republicans
over ther too reeking havok on the unsuspecting masses like here?

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

Lets not turn this political.

Ever get the meaty part of your thumb pinched between the pump grip and the barrel? I hate that.

The only thing I pump now is my pcp hand pump. And I'm a better man for it.

chuckles · Member

well its double the money to buy the RWS's. Are they really worth it to go right to that? I could get the 397 for 125 and hb17 for 120 vs i believe the other two together will cost me over 500. Ive read lots of post and my wife allready told me to buy the one you DONT want because you will just go back later and get the one you do costing me even more money... i got big hands and i remember now pinching them on my old pump. Im glad someone reminded me of that. LOL. I dont want CO2. are there other nice pistols that are easy like the R5? Thanks for the info guys i appreciate it.

cw · Banned

I bought one of these used and tuned it and it
is a very accurate gun with a very nice trigger.

It shoulders and handles exactly like a Beeman
R9 or HW95 of which it is a copy.

Sometimes you can find them for as little as
$126.

Unfinished.

Finished.

Under $200 with Bugbuster scope and mount to your door.

CW

broommaster2000 · Moderator

chuckles · Member

what if i was die hard on getting a pump gun. Are my choices for rifle and pistol good ones? are there better "bang for you buck" choices out there?

chuckles · Member

ALSO!!! just bought a new house in a subdivision neighborhood so sound is a big issue because this is gonna be a shooting off the back porch kinda hobby. Any suggestions appreciated.

Slavia · Moderator

Invite them to shoot with you, and when they get their own guns noise won't be an issue.

chuckles · Member

good idea but still need to take this into consideration.

Slavia · Moderator

I do understand.

In my town, it is unlawful to discharge an airgun anywhere within the city limits, so I head three miles north of town to the gun club if I want to shoot outdoors. This also makes my basement 10 meter range illegal, but I'm fairly confident that the secret BB gun police aren't going to peer through my windows. So I understand what you're saying.