What type of air rifle should I get?

I've got two Gamo Shadows (my son and I) and love them both. I also did the web surfing and had to go "a little lower" than I wanted. However, I couldn't ask for more than I got for the price. Both feel and fire great!
 
For those who want the most bang(psssht actually) for the buck I would recomend the Beeman HW30 (like a R7 but cheaper) or the CZ slavia 631 if you can find one.
 
I'd go with the Beeman R-9 in .22 cal., it's rated on many air rifle test sites as one of the best out there(accuracy & build quality).
 
Second vote for the Beeman R9...

I have a Beeman R9 Goldfinger. Fantastic rifle. Accurate and solid build. Mine is .20 caliber. Wish I had gotten a .22 caliber but none were available. Slightly more range but less power.

As for the Gamo's, I think they are really good for the price. they are not as smooth etc. but I have never had a problem with any of their mid-line rifles. I have a CFX and a 440. Both in .177 cal. Both are accurate and great for plinking etc.
 
Update:

Owning air guns is like owning knives, you can't just have a couple. I am looking into purchasing another PCP air gun, either a Weihrauch H100S or an Air Arms S410ERB. It is amazing how well these air guns are made and how powerful they are. Sold a few things on eBay to finance the next purchase.

Here is a photo of my first PCP, the FX Cyclone:
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I am more of a veteran of airguns than knives. I'll say this: No spring piston gun will really shoot a pellet (of any kind) at 1200 fps.. Gamo and RWS are notorious for exaagerating their velocities... but that's another story. Gamos are known in the airgun circles for being rough guns with bad triggers. The Beeman guns of the series with the R7 and R9 will usually exceed their stated velocities. R7's have very light recoil and nice triggers.

As for PCP (Pre-charged Pneumatics), a friend of mine put it best: A good springer like a Beeman R9 is like good chopped sirloin. A PCP is a top-grade steak. I have a bunch of them- trust me. An Air Arms S410E is powerful and pretty quiet (and more accurate than the shooter is likely to be). Some of the Logans are nicer but louder. The Logun MkII is a nice, smooth, and powerful airgun. Air Force Talons are nice but pretty loud.

I hope it helps a bit. I don't think a Gamo or similar gun is going to satisfy you any more than a $15 compromise vs. a better knife.

Good shooting,
David
 
Yes, I hear you David. I take it with a grain of salt when I saw Gamo touting a 1200 FPS spring air gun. I though going cheap and buying the Webley Patriot would satisfy my cravings for an adult air rifle but after I bought my FX Cyclone, I now realize I should have bit the bullet and just gone PCP all the way. Now I'm itching to get my next PCP. On Monday, I went to the firing range after a long hiatus and had a blast. I shot my 9mm Taurus semi auto pistol and for the first time the FX Cyclone air gun. It was a scream! I shot about 80 rounds of 9mm ammo and about a hundred pellets. It was like first love all over again. Looks like the club will have a new member this weekend and I will have my membership fees in hand. It will be cheaper to join than paying non-member fees each time I go there especially since I want to shoot my Taurus a bit more and it is a lot more safer and legal to shoot there than on private land.
 
$15 Chinese-made Gerber or Kershaw would vs. a Spyderco, Benchmade (or better Gerber or Kershaw) would.
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David, we don't make $15 imports, and with your last comment, I'll assume you are not all that familliar with are upper end models as well.
I am more of a veteran of airguns than knives.
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With the above said, I would look to get more seasoned with knives prior to making the type of cutlery company comparisons that you do.
 
Hello Thomas:

I have a Kershaw knife I bought at Wal-Mart for $10 (or pretty close). It says "China" on it. It's fine for what it is- a cheap knife. I'd guess you were on vacation when those were imported. I have middle-grade knives (Leek, Chive, and Scallion) that are a lot nicer.

Your quote "With the above said, I would look to get more seasoned with knives prior to making the type of cutlery company comparisons that you do." You certainly have a way with words. Others seem to enjoy your postings as well.

David
 
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