.22 or .177! Very subjective but personally I like my pcp in .177 but prefer the springers in .22 - mainly because I can't shoot accurately much over 25-30 yards with one anywayI had not thought about getting a springer as have shot PCPs up to now, but now you mention it......
It seems the favourite make is Weihrauch for these with a couple of other makes. Chatted to a couple of guys at the range today and they have both now said they have springer's as well as PCPs and agree that when they make the shot with these it can be more rewarding. Wish they mentioned this before...
Also I'm guessing a springer in .22 is best? Please correct me if I'm wrong. (But not trying to start the .22 verses .177 debate - don't want to get into that one! ) Just what may be best for someone who has never shot a springer before in their life. (I know, I know - heinous crime )
So finances allowing (and misses of course) may have to stretch to 3 guns now. Would that be too many though.....
.22 will have a slightly weaker spring as the pellet is more efficient, so in theory less recoil but not sure if its a big enough difference to be noticeable
You can narrow it down by deciding the type of gun you fancy, heavy or light, break barrel or underlever, will you want open sights etc (personally I don't think the effect of moderators on a springer justifies losing the open sights but generally most people won't be interested in iron sights).
On a final note alongside Weihrauch, Walther and Air Arms also consider Diana as these are often overlooked but are high quality and are something a bit different. Many models have large cylinders for 18-20 ft/lbs, but the 280 (break Barrel) 34, 340 and 430 are more geared up for 12 ft/lbs. Diana's have been overpriced till recently but latest models seem far more competitive, this probably due to them having new owners and new uk distributor ( now Edgar Bros). I bought a 430 Stutzen some time back and rate it very highly indeed, in fact enough to take a gamble on a 340 n-tec Luxus despite having never seen one in the flesh.
atb
Ed