The Wileman's Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Hey people Im a dead keen pigeon shooter and have been going out for quite a while. However i have turned my eye to trying abit of bunny bashing! My old man used to go out years ago for em and i went out when i was a nipper (but didnt have much of a clue then), but now id like to give it a go. So im just wondering what are the best make of air rifles out there, prefably a .22 but if its a .177 im not too fused. Im looking to spend about £150 max (maybe a tad more) and id like one with a scope. If you could help me out id be grateful Thanks p.s. i know i posted this in another area but i thought this would be a better place to put it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaggyRS6 Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I'm sure I saw this post in Other Country Sports. Anyhoos, see here http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/ind...showtopic=35057 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Right if you do a search on past threads you will get about a million hits all asking this same question But incase you don't fancey that the same answer is usually given and it goes along the lines of.......... "For that price you will be looking at second hand guns. A BSA Lightning is a good place to start. Very capable guns and well worth getting, regardless of calibre. These are spring powered guns and are consistent and reliable. Don't ever get a cheap new gun as they will have been made in China and will be rubbish. You will lose intrest in no time. Have a look in the for sale section on this forum or maybe on www.airgunbbs.com as that will have more in the sale section" Hope this helps and let us know how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted May 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thanks for the site, having a look now and some decent stuff on there Right so what would you say would be a good air rifle? im prepared to go up on the price to £250-£300 as i have been looking about that seems to be a good price for good guns (goin from what i have heard from others) Prefably im thinking of a .22 just as it will pack that bit of a bigger punch on the bunnies. Also im definatley looking to get one with a scope! and also another question(s): What would you say to a silencer? I know that the spring will be a bit louder than the pre-charged but is there any difference really apart from sound? Thanks i appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naddan28 Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thanks for the site, having a look now and some decent stuff on there Right so what would you say would be a good air rifle? im prepared to go up on the price to £250-£300 as i have been looking about that seems to be a good price for good guns (goin from what i have heard from others) Prefably im thinking of a .22 just as it will pack that bit of a bigger punch on the bunnies. Also im definatley looking to get one with a scope! and also another question(s): What would you say to a silencer? I know that the spring will be a bit louder than the pre-charged but is there any difference really apart from sound? Thanks i appreciate it. huge difference! Firstly the cost, springers don't require any charging gear like PCPs, althou a good PCP rifle can be uprated to FAC power far greater than a springer, for example Daystate Air Ranger's can produce 80ftlbs! The major difference is in the shooting though, pcp's are recoil free allowing more accurate shooting. Also, PCP's can be magazine feed allowing a multi shot capability, that on every stroke of the bolt the magazine indexs itself and loads a new pellet into the magazine. As for silencers, well a springer with a silencer may not sound much different to without from your perspective but it does help eliminate the sound downrange. PCP's with a silencer are whisper quiet and unaudible downrange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted May 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 i have just spotted this http://www.airgunbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196831 a BSA Lightning Xl, from what i have heard/read they are a good gun? what do you reckon to this people? p.s. i am new to the air rifle crack so please forgive me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naddan28 Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 i have just spotted this http://www.airgunbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196831a BSA Lightning Xl, from what i have heard/read they are a good gun? what do you reckon to this people? p.s. i am new to the air rifle crack so please forgive me BSA Lightning's are really popular first time springers (in fact thats what I have and brought for my first!) the good thing about buying a springer, is although they are "less accurate" you learn how to handle recoil and provide a good stepping stone up to the bigger calibres. Which is one of the reasons I went for mine! I would say as long as its in good knick thats a cracking price, as I paid £160 for my Lightning 2nd hand with a fair few marks on the bottom of the stock (from leaning shots on fence posts) with 3-9x50 tasco sights, so £165 aint bad at all! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted May 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thanks alot Dan i might have to have a word with the guy an sort it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 the good thing about buying a springer, is although they are "less accurate" you learn how to handle recoil and provide a good stepping stone up to the bigger calibres. Not right at all A springer is just as accurate as a p.c.p. but requires a higher level of skill to be that good. If you manage to control the recoil you will become as accurate as you would be with a p.c.p. What bigger calibres are you wanting to step up to then Naddan28? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted June 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 Hey guys im wondering if you can help me out! The guy has sent me back an email with some more details: "its in perfect working order. It used to be a Tacticle but because he is left handed he got a wooden stock for it. The new stock is unmarked. As fot the use, I'm gussing at about 2, may be 3 tins of pellets, certianly no more." What does he mean by tacticle (does he mean tactile or tactical) ? and does it still have the left handed stock on it? Please excuse im not the brightest on the subject yet Thanks and i really appreiciate your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axe Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 The tactical stock is plastic and is shaped quite a bit different. But he has replaced the stock with a left hand stock which the gun is now fitted to. So yes its a left hooker. http://www.bsaguns.co.uk/?ID=53&CategoryID=55 Ask him if he still has the tactical stock, unless you want it left handed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted June 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 Thanks Axe, wasnt sure what he meant by tactical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naddan28 Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 the good thing about buying a springer, is although they are "less accurate" you learn how to handle recoil and provide a good stepping stone up to the bigger calibres. Not right at all A springer is just as accurate as a p.c.p. but requires a higher level of skill to be that good. If you manage to control the recoil you will become as accurate as you would be with a p.c.p. What bigger calibres are you wanting to step up to then Naddan28? snakebite hence the "" ! Although, you could argue that the more regular power delivered by a regulated PCP would by more accurate than a springer due to consistent power delivery?? Also, the existance of seperate leagues in FT for springer and PCP would also indicate they are potentially more accurate! As for bigger calibres, well I am considering rf or a big (as in 50ftlbs+ ) FAC air rifle. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 Although, you could argue that the more regular power delivered by a regulated PCP would by more accurate than a springer due to consistent power delivery?? Also, the existance of seperate leagues in FT for springer and PCP would also indicate they are potentially more accurate! As for bigger calibres, well I am considering rf or a big (as in 50ftlbs+ ) FAC air rifle. Dan Not wishing to argue but if you are going to be giving advice out, especially to newer members it really is best if you get the facts straight, or you run the risk of confusing things further. I have divided your reply into three different sections and will address each one seperatley. 1. A springer and a p.c.p. will both deliver consistent power. The regulated p.c.p will eliminate the power curve found on a non regulated model. However a non regulated p.c.p will still be consistent within the "sweet spot" of the curve, but both springer and p.c.p. are consistent. 2. The seperate leagues cater for different tastes. As I said in my last post a p.c.p is EASIER to shoot than a springer, NOT less accurate. There is a technique to be mastered with a springer, less so with a p.c.p. Shoot a springer well and you will shoot anything well. 3. The increased power level on an FAC air rifle does not equate to a bigger calibre, .22 is the norm. Also the recoil on a springer is not the same sort of recoil found on a rim fire or centre fire rifle. There is subtle difference between the two. (I can't explain the physics i'm afraid!) A springer will help but not totallyprepare you for the difference (or so I am told, having limited experiemce). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naddan28 Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 I have divided your reply into three different sections and will address each one seperatley. 1. A springer and a p.c.p. will both deliver consistent power. The regulated p.c.p will eliminate the power curve found on a non regulated model. However a non regulated p.c.p will still be consistent within the "sweet spot" of the curve, but both springer and p.c.p. are consistent. I doubt a springer is anywhere near as consitent as a regulated PCP, infact I know my lightning is not. 2. The seperate leagues cater for different tastes. As I said in my last post a p.c.p is EASIER to shoot than a springer, NOT less accurate. There is a technique to be mastered with a springer, less so with a p.c.p. Shoot a springer well and you will shoot anything well. Easier to shoot, thus enabling my accurate groupings from the user. Even if you treat the gun as a seperate entity (after point 1 of irregular power delivery) it would in theory be ever so slightly more accurate. 3. The increased power level on an FAC air rifle does not equate to a bigger calibre, .22 is the norm. Also the recoil on a springer is not the same sort of recoil found on a rim fire or centre fire rifle. There is subtle difference between the two. (I can't explain the physics i'm afraid!) A springer will help but not totallyprepare you for the difference (or so I am told, having limited experiemce). I am hoping one day to move right upto .22-250 (maybe .308 for deer) but thats not going to happen anytime soon and this is the airgun section . As for the different type of recoil, yes granted but from shooting a springer you will learn how to handle recoil, thus making you a better shot. Look at the number of people who have brought a PCP and only ever shot PCP, give them a springer and they can't shoot for toffee! I don't think we will agree on this one , Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 I don't think we will agree on this one ,Dan On that we can agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08shooter Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 surely a spring weakens from the word go.i would find it hard to believe that a springer could be as accurate and consistent as a good pcp. pcps are the way to go.i would never shoot a springer again.im not condeming them i just feel they are old skool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 A springer is consistent. It takes a LOT of use to weaken a spring!!! If you were bench rested then a p.c.p. will put pellet on pellet at 30yds. A spriger might vary a little but you are still going to get a "clover leaf" pattern. If you are hunting then as long as you get it in the "2p" sized kill zone then that is all the matters. Springers are "old school" but still relevant in todays shooting, don't dismiss them as obsolete! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerico Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 Im looking to spend about £150 max im prepared to go up on the price to £250-£300 It's started There's one thing a pcp can't beat a springer at and that's the smell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted June 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 I know i was just looking round and i thought........ahhh Balls to it lets get some proper gear! mmm i can wait. I think im pretty much set on getting a BSA Lightning xl (not sure bout either wooden stock or to go for the tactical) Thanks so much for your help guys and gals, i really do appreciate it p.s. what scopes would you recommend to go with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 I've got limited experience with air guns and so am not disputing what people have said about gas v springers. I've got a Cometa Fenix 400 with a Hawke 4x32 scope. It's great for pigeons and magpies and as long as the distance isn't above about 35 yards would knock a rabbit down. It's also silenced - you still here a noise crouched over the gun, but I've been told at a target distance of 25 yards you hardly hear anything. I bought mine over the phone from Scott Country for about £175 a year ago but I think you can get them cheaper or get the similarly powered fenix 300 for less. Good luck. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wileman's Posted June 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 Thanks Keith. and thanks to everyone else ive learned alot! Well ive been out today, drove up to me local gun shop (Melbourne gun and tackle) and they have fixed me up a treat! I ended up getting the BSA Lightning in a .22 calibre with a Simmons 8-Point Hunting (3-9x50) ( i think it was that scope not 100% sure) Bisley mounts, gun slip, 500 pellets and some sights All for £250 spanking new one question however (maybe to BSA owners) Which pellets work best? Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 Bisley hollow point pest control - I've tried a variety and when these hit, whatever they hit stays hit! K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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