Air Rifle Recommendations?

[ninenot]

Well, we're at the point where using the .22LR in the back yard will be a little too noticeable, especially for the frequent chipmunk/squirrel shooting.

So we are now looking at obtaining an air rifle. Since distances will be generally less than 25 yards, we will most likely use iron sights, or whatever's stock. No optics.

Further, I think the .17 will be optimal, and air, not CO2.

Any reccomendations? Brand names, whether to buy break-top or 'pump' guns? Should I look harder at the .22 cal in preference to the .17?

Thanks, all.

 

[41mag]

Wierd that this thread pops up tonight.I just came up from shooting my RWS model 48 in the basement.It's a side lever cocking .177 cal open sighted spring piston design.I've had it for a dozen years.Whenever I get the itch I just set up a target in the basement & plink away.Quiet & accurate.(can't shoot outside with"firearms"around here ).There are quite a few dealers online for guns & parts.
This is the only pellet rifle I've any expierience with.Sorry.
I was online earlier looking for a larger caliber.The .22 cal looks good to me.& it's available on the same platform,as the model 4822.I guess that I'd buy another RWS makes that a recomendation.On the list anyways.
jeffw

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I recommend a spring piston rifle. They tend to be more accurate and last longer than lower priced pump-up guns. You'll get the best $$/power ratio this way. Note that if you scope it you MUST get a scope meant to handle spring-piston recoil, otherwise you'll be replacing it in short order.

I have an RWS 34 break-barrel rifle which would serve you well. Since you'll be using it on squirrels, consider a .22 air rifle. They give you slightly more margin for error on game, but you still need to place your shots very precisely. The .20 would also be a good choice, sort of a compromise between the higher velocity of the .177 and the great pellet mass of the .22.

As for pellets, Crosman Premiers are considered top of the line. Use round nose pellets on game. Flat nose pellets shed velocity too quickly while pointed pellets have poor terminal ballistics.

Airgun Express (www.airgunexpress.com) is a good place to buy from.

 

[Piney]

We have a Crossman Magnum in the gun cabnet that I bought for my son when he was learning to shoot. It's a pump and pretty powerful for a pellet gun. It's used for shooting snakes, squirrels and chipmunks that become pests around the house. Only problem is that it makes almost as much noise as using a .22.

 

[El Tejon]

Beeman C1.

But if you want to really whack those squirrels--Beeman Crow Magnum in .25.

 

[ninenot]

Thanks, all, for your thoughts and time. I'll do a bit more homework on the various sites for purchase.

No scope--we'll go iron, because we aren't going past 50 yards, and in reality won't often go past 10 yards.

Thanks again.