Air Gun Home :: View topic - Want an accurate, reliable break barrel rifle.

swackhammer · New Member

I have alot of varment problems, squirrels, rabbits, ground hogs. I realize a pellets gun maybe alittle small for some rabbits, and ground hogs (I figured a head shot would at least stun them enough to get up on them and get another shot point blank).

These are the guns the rifles I am interested in

Crosman:
Phantom 1000X
Quest 1000X
Storm XT

Ruger:
Air Hawk
Black Hawk

Winchester:
1000X

Remington:
Vantage

I am leaning toward the Rugers or the Remington.

I would like to know the differences between the 3 crosmans and which is more accurate.

I would also like to know the differences between the Rugers and which is more accurate.

And out of all of these rifles the one that is most accurate and reliable.

Slavia · Moderator

The Crosmans and the Remington (and a host of other models) are really the same gun, with different stock/sight configurations. Some will say "made in the U.S.A." and others "made in China," but to my mind assembling Chinese parts in the U.S. doesn't make the gun American. One difference is that the Vantage is a more recent offering, and is rated at 1200 F.P.S. rather than 1000 F.P.S. like the rest. The G1 is a sibling - check this thread for pictures of groups before and after modification:
http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?t=1760&start=0

And here for the parts diagrams to compare the designs:
http://www.crosman.com/airguns/service/manuals/crosman-rifles

The Rugers are the same gun with different stocks. Supposedly they are a copy (but not a clone) of the RWS Diana 34. Check here for information on accuracy:
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2008/06/ruger-air-hawk-elite-part-3.html

The Winchester is a rebranded Daisy made by Hatsan in Turkey.

So really you're only looking at variants of three different guns. Whichever way you go, remember that it will take up to 1000 rounds to break in the gun. Also, the posted velocities are only possible with the lightest pellets - real world velocities will be less.

kanyon · Silver Status Member

Hi...I picked up a used Remington Genesis a while back..
dam its a great wee gun...Talk about pop bunny's.... its very
light & small...but very picky on what it shoots...so far the only
pellet that I have found it loves are Crosman Accupell's...
but with them I can put the pellet in the eye of a bunny at 30+metres
from the shoulder...

The Ruger's are Chinese...As is the Crosman Quest..

fritz · Silver Status Member

Just get a Diana 34.

If your budget will fit, a Beeman R1 or R9.

With the Chinese rifles you will get a better price, maybe a bit more power. I say who gives a rat's a$$ if you can't hit your target. Out of the box good European design will give you the edge.

MNgophergetter · Member

I just got a new Ruger Air hawk combo (Don't buy from Cobra) And I love it. It took me about 10 shots at 30 yards to get it sighted in and I'm able to take MN gophers. At 40 plus yards head shots with Crossman Premium hollow points are a breeze. I'm getting 1 inch 5 shot groups at 30 yards. This gun has met all of my expectations and some. For the money it's a heck of a gun.

I never bothered to use the stock sights so I can't comment on them.

MNGG

broommaster2000 · Moderator

aircube · Veteran Member

If your willing to spend a bit more, check out a Diana 34 with a scope or a benjamin superstreak.

The Phantoms and quest get the job done to, but you will have to disassemble, clean, debur, lube and reasemble to get a smooth power plant.

I'm no vetran airgunner, but what I am learning is that accuracy is found in guns that produce very smooth, consistent power using very consistent pellets. Sneaking up on critters helps immensly.

Stick to 1000fps rated .22's and youll' be fine for anything up to bunny size.

The JSB Predator and BeeMan Crow Magnum pellets are amazing for accuracy and damage. With the predators the entrance hole is .22" and the exit is the size of a nickel Shocked

MNgophergetter · Member

Just for the heck of it my neighbor and I just measured out 50 yards in my backyard. From the edge of my deck to the fence. I put up a shoot n see target and was able to put 4 out of 5 shots in the center 1 inch ring. That was just using a table to rest my arm on, no bags or gun rest. Not bad for a $135.00 gun w/scope and that's less than 500 rounds thru it. I would guess about maybe 250 so far.

If it takes 1000 pelets to break the gun it I can't wait thing this is great compared to the benji 397

Jason

fritz · Silver Status Member

I wouldn't buy another Super Streak. Not worth my effort, even after 2k rounds and a couple times left cocked for an hour or 2 (to set the spring) it still shot harshly.

Still put my vote on lady Diana.

BSA also sells some nice guns near the Diana section. Similar power and some are quite nice looking.

Just get a Diana 34 and don't look back. If you want to spend the extra money a JM kit will do good. You can't do her justice without some glass, even the 4x32mm that came with mine did a great job on the tree rats.

Some accuracy expectations I try to maintain: 10 shots under 1/2" at 15 yards. 5 shots under 5/8" at 35 yards and 10 under 3/4". 1" 3 shots at 50 is acceptable, no more than 1 3/8" 5 shots though. The way to figure it is a squirrel's kill zone is about a 7/8" circle.

flank · New Member

hey guys, new member here

I was trying to decide between the ruger air hawk and the similar crossman air rifles. I was searching the internet for reviews/comparisons and it lead me here and from what I've read the ruger air hawk seems to be a pretty good air rifle. And now considering sports authority has the ruger air hawk w/scope on sale for $108 this week, I will be getting one.

Slavia · Moderator

Welcome to the forum, flank!

"Nope, I'm not going to modify my nice new air rifle. I'm just going to leave it alone. Well, maybe one little thing, just to see if it makes a difference. But then there is that other thing I read about. Oh heck, as long as I've got it apart anyway..."

We'll be there for you. Keep us posted on your shiny new friend.

tundrawolf · Member

donwalk · Veteran Member

beeman...RWS...

bltefft · Member

I picked up the Ruger Air Hawk and love it. It is supper accurate and shoots 8 gr pellets at around 845 fps (I chronied a few). A 25 yds, with a good rest, I can cover a 3 pellet group with a dime.

I did replace the scope that comes with it with a Tech Force 3-9x44 AO scope. It is a tack driver.

It is under $100 at Sportsman Guide. I'm a member and got mine for 89.97.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/ruger-air-hawk-177-caliber-air-rifle-combo.aspx?a=436725

Hack

dummyracer36 · Senior Member

i have a .22 SuperStreak, and love it. i bought a GRT trigger for it, that i have yet to bother installing mainly cause i really dont have any complaints about the stock unit. it is a bit hold sensitive, but thats par for the course with most spring guns.