Hi guys,
I need some help! I'm a huge PCP fan and have always used precharged rifles since I got my first PCP - a Falcon FN19TW - about 15 years ago when I was 20.
I've always owned two rifles - it's nice to have a back up just incase!
I currently own and shoot a BSA R10 MKII in .22 cal and it's just stunning. It's by far the best rifle I've ever had. It's also my only rifle at the minute. I haven't thought about a second rifle as I've been having way too much fun with the R10!
Down to business: I had a slight issue with an empty diver's bottle and due to my car not being available and my local gun shop having no air for their PCP charging service either (my nearest dive shop is about 20 miles away now my local dive shop has closed down) I was without a gun for a few days. It meant that I had no rifle for a whole week in prime time Rabbit season and I was doing my nut! Climbing the walls! I suddenly realised that I really must have a second rifle.
I'd originally planned to get another PCP as my second rifle but after this whole 'lack of air' debacle I have thought that I'd be better off having a self contained rifle (springer/gas ram etc) as opposed to another PCP.
I went to my local gunshop today to have a look as they always have a good selection of rifles to have a look at. I had a look at the HW97K and the TX200. Both felt very similar and I was pleased to see the cheap price of these top range springers. I must admit to being a bit surprised by the harsh recoil of these springers, the 97k in particular. I understand that they were both brand new rifles and will settle down in time. The guy who I was chatting to in the shop owned a 97K and was singing it's praises.
I'm going to Weston Park Gamefair in a few weeks and intend to have a proper look around when I'm there. I'm hoping to find a run-in second hand rifle/scope combo, ideally one that's been tuned.
My budget is about £400-£500 for a new purchase. If I must I'll just buy a new rifle from my local shop and get her tuned myself.
Can any of you guys tell me if I'm making the right choice in looking at the 97k? Are they as good as everyone says?
What other rifles should I be considering? I'm a hunter only but do enjoy the odd visit to the range! My R10 is .22 cal so I'd like a .177 ideally. Will there be any noticeable difference in the lively recoil between the two calibres?
So, with my price bracket in mind, what else should I be considering? What's good? If I were to buy a new 97K will the recoil soften up as the rifle is run-in and what options are open to me when it comes to getting the rifle tuned up and what do they cost (approx.).
Thanks folks - thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Ben