Pellet Gun Advice Needed

Will definitely be my next airgun purchase.

Of the two, I think the Nitro is more deadly, and quiet, but not by much.

The Benji definitely has an old school cool factor.

I want one. DEFINITELY.

Carl-
 
I absolutely love my RWS D34 in 177 cal which is tuned with a James Maccari spring kit.
However, after i shot the Benjamin Marauder I am totally hooked to PCPs. This thing is super quiet with a fully shrouded barrel. The multi-shot feature is great for follow up shots on game.
 
I sort of collect the older walnut stocked benjamins and sheridans, I currently have 5. I also have a cannon of a daystate PH6 in .25 cal, as well as a custom built, by me, 2260.

Like almost evverything else air rifles are very subjective and people tend to be very opinionated about their favorites. What gun you chose has a lot to do with what you want out of it. My favorite air rifle is a Benji 392PA with a very nice walnut stock with a bit of figure, williams peep sight, and a very slightly modded valve. It is hell on anything within 30 yds jackrabbit size on down and with crosman premiers will shoot one raggged hole at 15 yds, after that my eyes aren't what the used to be and my groups open a bit. Another thing I love about the benjis, with a little practice they are dead easy to work on yourself should they need it.

As you are looking at guns remember power and speed is good but accuracy is fatal. Chris

EDIT: My PH6

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My 2260

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Fairly rare f series sheridan, bought in a pawn shop for 30 dollars, shoots like a dream.

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Even if my neighbors would not hear a sub sonic .22 the problem is that I could still get in hot water for dis-charging a firearm....... A air rifle seems to not be under the microscope at all compared to a actual firearm.

Raised by Wolves: I am interested in the NPSS although it does not seem like it is a proven technology yet at this point. One of the nice things about the Benjamin 392 is that it seems like it is a proven design that will be very reliable.

I would rather stay away from CO2 at this point.
Thanks for all the info so far.
 
I've had a bunch of different airguns over the years and I'm back in love with the old Sheridans. The .20 (5mm) is a great compromise between speed and knockdown. They hit hard! As already mentioned, I really like the ability to pick the power you need depending on where and what you're shooting.

The dependiblilty is also great. I have a Silverstreak built in 1978 that still shoots like brand new. ALWAYS keep a couple of pumps of air in them and the seals and valve will stay tight.

I made a great score a couple of weeks ago on gunbroker. There was a Sheridan Silverstreak that was listed as a Benjamin Sheridan Silverstreak. (Benjamin bought Sheridan, Crosman bought Benjamin. The older Sheridans made in Racine Wis. are the ones most sought after because they're just better built.) Anyway, because it was listed as a Benjamin Sheridan it got a lot fewer looks to begin with, then the seller said it didn't hold air very well so that meant even less interest. I got it for $93 including shipping to me, figured even if I had to have it resealed it would still be a good price. It's a beautiful 1972 Silverstreak in very good condition. A couple of days of putting pelgun oil on the pumper and it holds air like new. I think I'm going to put a peep sight on this one.

Partly because of that score, I've now got a Benjamin 397 (.177) that I'll probably get rid of, just keep em all 5mm to simplify pellet choice. I haven't decided on local craigslist or for trade or sale here on bladeforums. Read up on stuff at pyramidair and then watch gunbroker, search word sheridan. Don't buy right off, watch it for a few weeks. You'll see some of the same guns come up all the time because they're overpriced for their condition. You'll learn what the prices should be for what you want.

good luck,
lukus
 
what would you suggest for a Canuck? all our guns don't go past 495 fps for the .177... I do want to heavily modify to make it "work" for small game /pest control. I have a very old RWS that is on her last legs. My dad sat out in the back yard and tried to get rid of the squirrel problem with it but it didn't work. We also toyed with BB caps in my CZ 527 but It's too loud and SUPER illegal.
 
As posted previously, check a 5mm. Also, I have not seen a .25 mentioned. A Sheridan 5mm pumper is a fantastic amount of gun for the money. I have killed 100's of squirrels with the Sheridan. We harvest the pecans from the trees on our property and play hell fighting the squirrel invasion. Another thing I have learned over the years is to try every pellet you can find. In .177, one of the best performing pellets I have used were some dirt cheap Russian pellets. They outperformed my best RWS pellets and cost 20% or less than the RWS. Another suggestion is to buy one of the variety packs offered that contain a small amount of a wide variety. Some of the rifles recommended in this thread are great guns, but cost some big $. You can spend a grand on a Crow Magnum.
 
petah said:
what would you suggest for a Canuck? all our guns don't go past 495 fps for the .177... I do want to heavily modify to make it "work" for small game /pest control. I have a very old RWS that is on her last legs. My dad sat out in the back yard and tried to get rid of the squirrel problem with it but it didn't work. We also toyed with BB caps in my CZ 527 but It's too loud and SUPER illegal.
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AFAIK- and I'm not a canuckian- the crosman 2289 is the best thing you have going in a pumper. AKA the 'backpacker'- super decent gun. Essentially what I have built my custom into (plus a few mods to let me get 650fps out of it)

Canadian tire stocked it as of 5 months ago, but I can't find it now. It's probably still in stores here and there.

Really, truly, excellent choice. And all sorts of assorted parts are available.

jw2n said:
As posted previously, check a 5mm. Also, I have not seen a .25 mentioned. A Sheridan 5mm pumper is a fantastic amount of gun for the money. I have killed 100's of squirrels with the Sheridan. We harvest the pecans from the trees on our property and play hell fighting the squirrel invasion. Another thing I have learned over the years is to try every pellet you can find. In .177, one of the best performing pellets I have used were some dirt cheap Russian pellets. They outperformed my best RWS pellets and cost 20% or less than the RWS. Another suggestion is to buy one of the variety packs offered that contain a small amount of a wide variety. Some of the rifles recommended in this thread are great guns, but cost some big $. You can spend a grand on a Crow Magnum.
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The crow magnum pellets are expensive, which is why I don't shoot them except to know my POI in 2 specific guns. They have enough extra knock down to make it worthwhile at short ranges in those two - but... $$$$

Definitely sort through various pellets. I stick with the Crosman heavies in .177 and premier round nose 14.3 in .22 because I've tuned my airgun collection to work with them. And they are cheap, and always available. (though, with over 15000 pellets.......)

I would take a .22 over a .20- but only because of that same availability of different ammo, to find the best one for the rifle.
 
cgmblade said:
Don't mean to hijack the thread, but why not just use a 22LR?

There may be a real good reason to prefer a pellet gun. I just don't know what it is.

Less noise is the one advantage pellet guns might have, but I've been told that they're not really that quiet.
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i agree with you... noise is no big issue anyway...use subsonic 22lr ammo..CCI makes some called CB's..ive personally used them in noise sensitive areas without a problem.

what is the point of playing around with an airgun if you can use a 22lr? what would be the reason? If you are in a big city, you shouldnt be shooting anyway..if you are talking about a SHTF scenario, noise wont matter anyway, unless you are trying to evade capture...either way, i would still go with a 22LR.

you could get one for the price of one of those fancy schmancy airguns that everyone is talking about...heh, i guess its all about preference.

but for value, accuracy, down range energy and flat out effectivness..i think a 22lr wins hands down, plus there are all sorts of survival guns out there in 22 lr.

-Gaurdian
 
Gaurdian_A1 said:
i agree with you... noise is no big issue anyway...use subsonic 22lr ammo..CCI makes some called CB's..ive personally used them in noise sensitive areas without a problem.

what is the point of playing around with an airgun if you can use a 22lr? what would be the reason? If you are in a big city, you shouldnt be shooting anyway..if you are talking about a SHTF scenario, noise wont matter anyway, unless you are trying to evade capture...either way, i would still go with a 22LR.

you could get one for the price of one of those fancy schmancy airguns that everyone is talking about...heh, i guess its all about preference.

but for value, accuracy, down range energy and flat out effectivness..i think a 22lr wins hands down, plus there are all sorts of survival guns out there in 22 lr.

-Gaurdian
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value? I have an airgun sitting here that I got on sale for $90, that develops 625 fps on a 14.3 grain .22 pellet. That I can shoot 300 rounds out of for thew price of one 100 round box of .22subsonics that won't cycle my .22 rifle anyhow. In .117 that's closer to 500 rounds for the price.

Not all airguns are 'fancy schmancy'- and not all answers are .22LR. There are a lot of places I can go shoot out here with an airgun where I can't shoot a firearm- because down here, they are different.

I have some accurate .22 powder burners, but I have airguns that develop .30 inch groups at 25 yards. and groups half that size are possible in the hands of a good shooter. (I haven't managed it yet, but someday)

I can and do repair, customize, and build my airguns with much more ease than a .22LR- and much more legality. I can have a 12 inch barrel and a shoulder stock if I want. Oh, did I mention that airguns down here are NOT power limited and are NOT firearms?

I can hunt small game in areas legally sensitive to the discharge of firearms AT ANY NOISE LEVEL. I can hunt small game indoors (I have varminted indoors with a delta. requires head shots.)

I can challenge myself to make head shots on bunnies at 40 yards.

So, aside from some idea that a .22LR is...better, since I can hunt with an airgun, and shoot it legally in more places...and transport it legally in more places.....and since I like shooting them- I ask you- why not an airgun? I've got kids, I know my man parts work. I can run a tactical course with a 12ga. I'm not going to lose manly or ego points shooting a pellet. :D

If you want real downrange energy, then yes- you have to spend $500 on a good 9mm setup. Personally, I'm considering a .32 upper for a discovery, though. Unless I can score a used .308 custom.
 
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I would not be too concerned with Gas Rams being new technology.

They have actually been out for several years and have proven worthy over tens of thousands of rounds. Definitely more dependable than steel springs..

That being said, there are great choices in all forms of airguns. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Carl-
 
Raisedby wolves said:
I would not be too concerned with Gas Rams being new technology.

They have actually been out for several years and have proven worthy over tens of thousands of rounds. Definitely more dependable than steel springs..

That being said, there are great choices in all forms of airguns. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Carl-
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yep. The nitro is new, but the air venturi mods have been going strong for a while. The jury is out on the "sitting int he garage for 10 years, oil it up and it holds air" level of durability like you get from the crosman pump guns, but they do last, and there's tests on the net where they were left cocked for extended periods.
 
Yorkshire Boy said:
Just a quick question about loudness...Why not fit a silencer?
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In the US, silencers are very tightly controlled items. Some production guns such as the gamo whisper have permanently fitted silencers that pass the ATF rules, but in general if you want to make one (good luck buying one!) you will need a $200 license from the ATF and there's a huge amount of run around getting the license.

Edit: I guess I can add that the causes of excessive noise are very dependent on powerplant, barrel length, and velocity. in the real world, using any hunting weight pellet, you aren't going to be flirting with the sound barrier much- though some of the 4 grain .177 alloy pellets will get a sonic crack. Which leaves propulsion- CO2 guns with barrels under about 16-18 inches tend to be fairly loud from the pressure release of the gas exiting the barrel. My 2240 7 inch pistol is easily twice as loud as a longer barrel 2260 - same power plant and basic internals, but a much longer barrel (and much more velocity)

pnuematics with long barrels can shoot very quietly and efficiently. But in using compressed air, you are looking often at needing a 20-24 inch barrel to get maximum effect.
 
Gosh, that's quite surprising! You can own an AK47 but are restricted in putting a silencer on your airgun.

Over here it's considered polite to fit one to an airgun or rifle, it stops the old ladies from jumping out of their seats in fright and spilling their cups of tea! :D
 
Oops, computer just did a negligent discharge and I sent two identical posts downrange.
 
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I would whole heartedly concur with Carl's assessment. I went through an extensive several month research quest looking for a good pellet rifle for wilderness survival application - particularly with a concern for maintaining noise discipline during a potentially hostile environment where noise could become a liablity.

I heeded Carl's advice and bought one of the Crosman Nitro Rifles in .22 and couldn't be more delighted. These rifles are high quality, powerful and quiet. They come with a great scope and mount. They shoot extremely well and I'm really enjoying training with with my rifle!

I was seriously considering the Benji 392 and may yet pick one up. But the newer models are so crudely crafted I just didn't have a lot of confidence in them. They make more noise than the Nitro. I'm confident they're still a great rifle but they are not the same as I had in my childhood. I'm holding out for finding an older rifle or doing as Carl suggests and pick one up anyway and have it tweeked by MAC1.

~Q

Raisedby wolves said:
Both are fine guns.

Either would serve your purpose.

I am partial to .22 for hunting. They just seem to kill cleaner/quicker.

If you have the money, you might want to look at Crosmans new lineup of Nitro Piston Rifles. They use a Nitrogen filled gas ram instead of a steel spring.

I have the NPSS in .22. They are about $300. The advantage of these guns is you can leave them cocked while hunting for long periods without weakening the spring and they do not require pumping. They come with a decent scope, something you will need to buy on the guns you mentioned (unless you prefer iron sights)

They are marketed under Benjamin and Remington badges this year. They will kill rabbits and squirrels with no problem well out to 50 yards and maybe a bit beyond.

Benjamin Trail NP about $230 (I believe these will be made in China)

Remington Nitro NPSS about $300 ( These ARE made in USA)

Look them up on the Pyramid Air site.

If you do decide to go with a Benji 392, I STRONGLY recommend you look up/call MAC1 and get a steroided pumper. He is the best in the business.

Good luck.

Carl-
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I haven't had good luck with the cheaper break barrels I've handled 3 Crosman Quests and only one has any kind of consistency. Actually that's not quite right, it's not the price. I have a $20 Chinese B3 underlever that shoots better then any of them. Avoid the Quest, Phantom and any other re-namings of the old Chinese B18. They had quite a good reputation back in the day, but that was among hobbyists who didn't mind fixing spotty QC.

One thing to keep in mind, the spring piston rifles are generally fairly heavy and bulky. One thing i really do like about my Benjamin 397 in comparison is how short, light and easy handling it is. It's main downside is being a pump pneumatic it takes about 5 times as much effort and time to prepare a full power shot as a spring piston rifle..and some of the better spring piston rifles are more powerful.
 
I looked up the Nitro NPSS online. The reviews and specs are very appealing, and it's good looking to boot. One question though, I saw that it came with a 3-9x scope. Even on a 30-30 I prefer something more like 1.5-4x.

At the short ranges we're shooting w/ airguns is a 3-9x really needed and how's the field of view?
 
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