The lone ranger

[The lone ranger]

Hi to everyone.
This is my first post, so hello and good evening.
I have not purchased a gun yet, but hopefully soon.
Don’t know if this question is in the right spot, anyway.
Could members suggest the best air rifle for use without a scope?
Great to be with you.
Regards john

[Unframed Dave]

Morning John, and welcome to the BBS.

We may need a bit more information as to what you intend to use the gun for, i.e back garden plinking, paper target, pest control (in which case, you'll be advised to use a scope) etc.

Also an idea of your budget will be useful.

Dave

[smallholder1]

hi John a second hand hw97 in .177 be good for most things

[The lone ranger]

Morning all
Thanks for your replies.
I really like the look of the hw .177 , however I haven’t had it in my hands, the weight of the gun will be important to me cos I’m no spring chicken!!! However that’s in the frame.
My budget would be £400ish.
I would be shooting on a friends farm. So I’ll be looking to shoot vermin, and lots of target shots.
My ideal gun would be an air arm 410 .177 however I can’t get that through customs ( the ball and chain).
So if there is anymore advice you can offer I’d be pleased to hear it.
And thanks again to you both for your advice.
Regards
John

[micky2]

Hi and welcome, if l where you l would go to a few shops near to you and have a look at what they in and try a few guns to see what suits you.

[micky2]

Hi and welcome, if l where you l would go to a few shops near to you and have a look at what they in and try a few guns to see what suits you.

Should have said gun shops.

[TonyL]

Welcome aboard.

As said above, try and get to a well stocked shop and try some for size. Even better, one with a range where you can try. And, even better still, a club where you can try and discuss merits etc with owners.

Many PCPs, like the 410 you mention, are designed with scope use in mind. Not impossible to switch to open sights, but this will involve additional expense and the comb height may prove too high.

My leaning would definitely lead towards a springer. And, with your budget, a Weihrauch. I'd be looking at the HW99, 35 and 80. Reassuring quality, superb triggers and excellent open sights. And a Diana 280 if you can find one.

[PCPShooter]

Hi to everyone.
This is my first post, so hello and good evening.
I have not purchased a gun yet, but hopefully soon.
Don’t know if this question is in the right spot, anyway.
Could members suggest the best air rifle for use without a scope?
Great to be with you.
Regards john

A Diana break barrel will be one of the few with open sights that will work well with scope if you go that way in the future, that fits in your budget

[Mach 1.5]

If on a budget!! Remington Express Synthetic Air Rifle .22 at £149.99. With fibre optic open sights and a 4 x 32 scope included it is one package that is very hard to beat. Mach 1.5

[The lone ranger]

Morning all
Visited a well established airgun only store yesterday.
First I held the WH 97, but honestly it was to heavy for me along with most of the others in the store. However I lifted Wierach 99s .22 and I liked the weight the sights and the “feel” of the model, I would have maybe preferred a .177, however I decided to go for this gun, it felt right...
I then decided to have a hawk scope fitted, this was marked up £89
but selling for £69.
I bought a carry bag, and pellets. All new and under warranty.
Total cost £333.
I hope you guys approve.
Regards
John
How can I post a photo?.

[TonyL]

I most certainly approve.

The 99 is one of my favourite air rifles and I know of many more who will approve. Lightweight yet full UK power. Very accurate and with an excellent trigger. It has come to be associated with a certain little trait, but as you're new to it and as they don't all exhibit this anyway, I think better to keep it simple and enjoy for now.

What pellets did you get? My favourites for the .22 HW99 would be the H&N Field Target Trophy, RWS Hobby and JSB Jumbo RS.

Get to know your gun. Practice, practice, practice. Read up on springer shooting techniques and the "artillery hold". Enjoy. Take your time. Look after it. And be sure to shout up for any help or advice if needed.

[The lone ranger]

I most certainly approve.

The 99 is one of my favourite air rifles and I know of many more who will approve. Lightweight yet full UK power. Very accurate and with an excellent trigger. It has come to be associated with a certain little trait, but as you're new to it and as they don't all exhibit this anyway, I think better to keep it simple and enjoy for now.

What pellets did you get? My favourites for the .22 HW99 would be the H&N Field Target Trophy, RWS Hobby and JSB Jumbo RS.

Get to know your gun. Practice, practice, practice. Read up on springer shooting techniques and the "artillery hold". Enjoy. Take your time. Look after it. And be sure to shout up for any help or advice if needed.

Thanks for taking the time Zeb, just wondered if I could fit a silencer
If needs be...
Kind regards
John

[micky2]

Just glad you went along to a airgun shop and tried out what they had in stock, which always seams the best way to buy a gun to me. and that you cams away with one that suited you.

[Diggle]

Thanks for taking the time Zeb, just wondered if I could fit a silencer
If needs be...
Kind regards
John

Hello
Silencers are available but finding the right weight pellet and tons of practice is more important than adding extras, I spent a lot of time modifying a Crosman Ratcatcher for last control.
D.

[TonyL]

Thanks for taking the time Zeb, just wondered if I could fit a silencer
If needs be...
Kind regards
John

Hi John,

Yes you could. It's not really an area in which I have much knowledge, though, and others will be able to better advise. Talking to a more "specialist" airgun shop, like Sandwell Field Sports, should also yield good advice.. Enjoy.