I'm conflicted...

I want a nice quality springer and I quite like the look of the HW98's.

But I am in two minds about the calibre...

I know all the arguments about .177 over .22 re. the more forgiving trajectory.
I don't actually need the better 'knock down' power of .22 or indeed the better penetration of .177 either as I mainly shoot at targets of some sort.

and here's the but...I've had a couple of cheaper .177 springers in the past - but I've sold them both and one of the reasons was that they seemed to have harsh firing cycles that jarred.
I have also shot cheaper .22's and they seemed 'nicer' to shoot if that makes sense?

So...are better quality .177's much nicer to shoot than the BSA's of this world or is it a foible of the smaller calibre?

Please feel free to make other suggestions if you feel that the HW98 can be bettered or equalled by anything else under £400 as well