I'm looking at buying a new rifle. Not because I need one, simply because I fancy buying one. And because I haven't bought one in a very long time.
I'm only looking at new rifles at the moment, for reasons I can divulge later if need be.
I would like to buy something I've not owned or tried before. I have a couple of a springers (BSA/Webley) and have used other springers from these makers in the past. So I essentially want to buy a 'not' a springer or at least something different to the regular .177 or .22 offerings out there. I also see the appeal of owning something, shall we say somewhat more modern in design and feel. So synthetic stocks and like appeal for this purchase.
Budget isn't 100% fixed and I see there is quite a choice of guns from as little as £150. Although £200-380 is what I had in mind.
I don't have any particular use in mind for the gun. I'm not a hunter, so it'll be used purely for fun, which could include shooting tin cans or targets. That said, I would expect any such purchase to be as accurate and reliable as my .177 BSA Meteor is.
Not fussed on a scope either way.
Currently I'm considering these two and would welcome some feedback or views from anyone who has owned or shot these.
1. Remington ThunderCeptor .22
+ I've never owned or even shot a gas ram powered airgun before. So this appeals on this level. I also like the look and the built in baffle. The low noise/report and smooth action also appeal.
- Not too sure if it's heavier than what I'll like. Typically I shoot standing in a non resting position. Also unsure how it really differs to the Remington ThunderJet, as finding detailed stats out online has proven more difficult than I'd have thought. On that note, the main Remington site makes no mention of either of these rifles...
2. Hatsan Dominator Synthetic .25
+ The biggest appeal here is the .25 calibre. I understand it's limitations with Non-FAC power levels. But it still appeals as again, I've never owned or shot such an airgun before. And I imagine at open sight ranges it's probably quite effective at decimating tin cans and 2 litre Coke bottles. I also like the look of this gun.
- Weight is a concern again, the stats I've seen online claim this weighs 4.5kg. Which seems heavy to me. I also don't know how this compares to other .25 offerings. I see Hatsan also do the 1000S and the Sniper 125 in .25 calibre, although as I understand it, the 1000S uses a different trigger. Also, is a .25 with <12 ft-lb really going to be a bit of let down?
Other musings:
PCP's sound great in principle, but are a price category too high to consider. As I don't have any of the supporting equipment for one.
Co2's could be a contender, although I do already own a Crosman 2260. But I have looked at the Umarex 850 Magnum. Which I like apart from the auto safety. And it's maybe somewhat pricey compared to the guns I've listed above.
I've also looked at the Walther Winchester Lever Action rifles. They look great, but are pretty much the most expensive guns I've considered thus far and worry they might be a little too much gimmicky and toy like for the price, i.e. look better than they perform. If they where sub £200 it'd be a different story. And for this purchase I think I'd prefer not to buy .177 calibre. Not that I have anything against .177's, I don't. But I do like the punch the larger pellets offer.
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