First purchase

[I. J.]

Hi, of the three pistols that you have listed above the CP1 and Air force 1 are basically the same, however the SMK CP1 can be found for about £100 if you shop around.
The Gamo Compact has the best grip of all three mentioned, the grip does make quite a difference on a target pistol. In my opinion the CP1 or the Compact would serve you well starting out, try and handle both first, BUT if you find a Fwb 65 or an 80 at a price that suits you, go for it as the quality is superb and they last for ever.

There was a FWB 80 for sale on here recently for £220 so they still do appear now and then. http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....tch-air-pistol

(p.s. I have NOTHING to do with this sale. )

[NeilnrLincoln]

I've got the Gamo compact & I think it's superb. I bought mine new for £170 but they regularly come up 2nd hand for around £100.
Accurate, easy to use & no co2 caplets to think about.

[nige346]

Of the pistols you have listed on one has a trigger anywhere near good enough & that is the Gamo compact, The CP1 and all its derivatives fall well short in terms of their trigger,

As for CO2 you can pick up some bargains with match grade triggers, FWB, Walther CP1, CP2 etc (not to be confused with the SMK CP1) can be purchased now for around £200, are superbly accurate and have proper match triggers, they do require bulk fill but this is actually very easy and no more equipment is required other than a cylinder, an old CO2 fire extinguisher can be used and there are plenty of posts regarding filling, If i were looking for something at the budget end I would not hesitate in buying any of these, chances are you'll use it for a while and be able to sell it at exactly what you paid for it,

Mechanical options would be any of the FWB65/80/90 series, Original/Diana Mod 6/10 great pistols, superb triggers and accurate, there are still example around at sensible money although these do often get high prices also for nice examples. Walther Lp2/3's can also be found for around £200 and can the FAS604, again all very good. Gamo Compact would also fit this category and often come up at around the £120 mark,

Another very viable option is the Drulov lov21, not a pretty pistol but very accurate, a better trigger than the SMK and a chap on here even make a palmshelf and accessories to fit which will give you far better grip and stability, do not underestimate how accurate these little ugly ducklings can be, I would consider selling mine simply as I purchased it for my son who has now upgraded, not a selling pitch as i'm more than happy to keep it but an option if you want it,

[I. J.]

Another very viable option is the Drulov lov21, not a pretty pistol but very accurate, a better trigger than the SMK and a chap on here even make a palmshelf and accessories to fit which will give you far better grip and stability, do not underestimate how accurate these little ugly ducklings can be, I would consider selling mine simply as I purchased it for my son who has now upgraded, not a selling pitch as i'm more than happy to keep it but an option if you want it,

I have to agree the Drulov 21 is a very competant and often overlooked pistol. With a little work (lubing, trigger, grip etc.) they produce good results. There only draw back is that compared to say FWB 65/80 and Diana/RWS giss they are expensive to run.

ATB
Ian

[Phut]

Hi everybody and thanks for all the replies. All my replies to you thus far have gone to the moderator for approval as I am a newbi but although other contributions elsewhere are now appearing unmoderated those to this thread seem to be AWOL, sorry about that.

It seems that CO2 is not the way to go according to the majority and I hadn’t given trigger action a thought. Some good mechanical options to look out for on the second hand market so that’s where I’m off to now, searching for that elusive bargain. I’ve found a FAS604 already but it is in Ireland and I’d much rather have a face-to-face.

Once again many thanks for taking the time to help this confused newbi out.

John

[AstroMike]

As another 'newby' I am in a similar position.......

I have a Webley Alecto MkV which is pretty accurate and - important for me as I like to shoot in my garden and garage without disturbing elderly neighbours - very quiet with a Stumpy moderator fitted.
However, I really fancy trying a 'quality, dedicated match pistol'.

I too don't really fancy the 'faff' and expense of air tanks and finding somewhere to get them filled but realise that I might have to bite the bullet at some point.

Having read lots of comments/recommendations here and elsewhere, I had considered the Tau CO2 but can't find anywhere that sells them?

I had also considered an older FWB but prices seem high for what they are and I'm not sure how noisy they are?

The 'cheap' end of the pcp market seems to offer the AA Alpha or the Hämmerli AP20 - I have read mixed reviews about both and don't feel confident to 'jump in' and invest best part of £1000 including air kit?

[Phut]

Gents, to all many thanks for you replies. Lots there to consider and pointing me in directions I hadn’t appreciated. It looks as though CO2 might not be my best idea and PCP isn’t something I want to get involved in as a first gun although I appreciate it is the only way to go when I step up a level. If only I kept my tank when I finished diving! I hadn’t considered triggers, something else to bear in mind.

If my replies and thanks have been slow forthcoming it’s because my posts are still being moderated but I am very grateful to all. So much to get my head around and without a physical club and it’s membership to query this site and it’s collective knowledge is invaluable. Now to peruse the various second hand sites.

John