Air Arms springer - .177 or .22?

[tinbum]

At less than 35 yards .177" has nothing but disadvantages.
Both calibres are the same regarding accuracy
In the same gun .22 is smoother to shoot than .177 at the same power
It is also easier to cock
There is no real trajectory advantage for either at that range
.22 pellets are easier to pick up and load.
.22 pellets are less likely to overpenetrate live targets at close range

[robhw97k]

theres a old saying .177 for feathers and .22 for fur,if ya just want shoot magpies/woodies bit target practice then id say .177 i have two .177 and a .22 and i like .177 better.

[severnsider]

At less than 35 yards .177" has nothing but disadvantages.
Both calibres are the same regarding accuracy
In the same gun .22 is smoother to shoot than .177 at the same power
It is also easier to cock
There is no real trajectory advantage for either at that range
.22 pellets are easier to pick up and load.
.22 pellets are less likely to overpenetrate live targets at close range

Well, there are lots of opinions on this but you really need to try before you buy. Based on my own experience of owning a TX in both calibres I would not necessarily agree with points 1, 3, 4 and 5 (above).

I've never managed to get within 20 yards of a magpie or crow though... magpies seem to drop very easily; crows much tougher.

The best solution is to go for a .20 of course

[Barryg]

With a factory spring I mesuared the cocking effort of my .177 HC at 28 lbs perhaps someone can post the cocking effort of a .22 this might help you make up your mind

[Phil Russell]

With a factory spring I mesuared the cocking effort of my .177 HC at 28 lbs perhaps someone can post the cocking effort of a .22 this might help you make up your mind

Good information ... but to make an accurate comparison can you tell us where along the u/l you measured the effort required.
For example: a scale placed at the very end of the u/l will record less than a scale placed half way along.
Cheers, Phil

[Barryg]

Good information ... but to make an accurate comparison can you tell us where along the u/l you measured the effort required.
For example: a scale placed at the very end of the u/l will record less than a scale placed half way along.
Cheers, Phil

Yes I used bathroom scales at the end of the lever.

[creed]

Thanks for the input,gents.
Food for thought - I'll try cocking one or two rifles and that might give me more of an idea.
The forward load position on the TW200 will probably suit me;at least it's not under the scope.
Thanks to you all again.

[jm5*]

You mention arthritic hands. You may want to consider a break barrel, rather than UL and .22

[Telephonepete]

having had both guns i would say that the tx200 is a far better gun than the pro sport,and i even prefer the looks of the tx. pete

[Blackrider]

Its all open to question but from the OP (which I think is not disimilar to my own situation) I'd favour .22 Cal.
And if shooting either a Prosport or a TX (I own three TX's) plus a good few other air rifles, I like .22 and i would concentrate on this caliber for all practical distances.