Introduction and a LOT of questions.
First post here, and a bunch of questions.
Some info about me; I used to be into shooting sports big time. I shot small bore, archery, trap, skeet, high power, pistol etc. Then work and life came at me and put most of that to an end. I want to get back into shooting and air gun shooting seems like the most logical. I can shoot right in my own yard if time is tight and after the initial purchase the cost of ammunition is a lot less than rifle or pistol rounds.
I am mostly interested in PCP rifles, they seem like a lot of fun for the money. I was hoping to work within a budget as well, and would like to get started for around $1500 – $1800.
The models I am looking at so far are the Weihrauch HW100S, the Air Arms S410 and the FX Cyclone, T12 Whisper and the new FX Royal 400. I know the list is pretty long, but I was hoping to narrow it down with the help of this forum. I am sure I left out some other noteworthy guns, so feel free to add to this list.
First and foremost important for me is accuracy, and I’m sure all these will fit the bill. I intend to shoot mostly between 20m and 75m, but may reach out to 100m on rare occasion, so consistent power is also a factor. I do live with neighbors, so sound is also a factor.
Look forward to your thoughts. Thank you.
All Replies
giggity
Quagmire, looking at my reply from last night, I can see how it could have sounded, didn’t mean to come off that way… (had a few to many last night)
You’re gonna eventually have to do what we all end up doing, which is biting the bullet.. er.. pellet, and make a choice. I’ve never owned those other guns, so I can’t comment on them, or the warranty issues. But from what I understand the 3 gun makers you mentioned are worth a try. Good luck in whatever you choose and come back to show it off when you have the chance. 😉
You’re right, you do have alot of questions… I’d say look at return policies. Get one one of those guns, and if ya don’t like it, get another one.
Millett eh? When you say the lower rings “just” clear the mag clip is it less than 1/8″?
Don’t worry, I don’t think you are trying to cram the S410 at all. I asked for opinions and it is good to hear from proud owners.
I’m getting close to pulling the trigger (ha!) on one of these guns. I’m getting the idea that a lot of guys think the FX guns are overpriced and I have read varying reports on service.
Rating the three; Air Arms, FX and BSA by ease of warranty issues and service which one rates the best/worst?
Thanks.
The scope is a Millett TRS-1 4X16-50 IR. 30mm tube. Quite decent for under 300. The rings are Centerpoint, pretty cheap, but seem to hold it fine. I recently replaced the rings from high, (as seen in pic) to medium high, to bring the scope a bit lower. Fits my sighting better, and JUST clears the mag clip.
Scopes are another whole ball of wax. I’ve seen threads here, and many other places about the ‘best’ scopes, it’s very subjective and is like opening a can of worms sometimes. The Bushnell Legend is popular, for even less. I just like a side AO so had to go with something else. I might stay away from Leapers, I’ve had two, with both having issues, although a few here are happy with them. Just seems like it’s a crap shoot with them and their QC dept. lately. Unfortunaly sidewheels don’t work on the s410, as the mag clip is in the way. I’m kinda wondering why they didn’t mount the clip on the other side. (like Crosman did with the Marauder) As far as bolt vs side lever. I never had a bolt gun, but most seem to like the side lever better, I think it’s great.
Just for the record, I’m not trying to ram AA down anyones throat, there’s obviously many other great choices to choose from, this is just my personal experience, and worked within my budget. Heck if I had the green, I’d have a Air Wolf, custom Rapid, EdGun, AAA .25 Condor… it wouldn’t end lol.
Damn fine looking rifle, even in beech. 🙂
What scope and mounts are you using?
Sounds like you’re in a bit of a quagmire, quagmire. 😆
I’ve only been into airgunning for about 3 years now. Way less than most others here. So when I joined this forum, it was a great help. I’m a freshman compared to many here. Many here have owned, or do own more guns than I probably ever will, and have hands on experience with many different ones. I’ve always noticed the high regard for AA guns not only here, but just about any other related forum. Just about every review I’ve was 95% positive.
My heart was eventually set on the AA s410 erb FAC extra, when I noticed the new Crosman Marauder, which seemed to have all the features of the AA, but for about half the price. I started a thread about that here, and most here suggested the AA over the Marauder, stating the better overall quality, and tried and true AA reputation. They convinced me, and I went for the AA s410. While I did have a issue or two with it in the beginning, I believe it’s sorted now, and I couldn’t be happier.
For under 1K, the AA 410 has to be one of the top deals out there for the price. Many reviews I read said it shoots side by side with some other guns costing much more. The fit and finish is great. Very good accuracy. I went for the beech stock to save a bit, but for a bit more the walnut stocks are beautiful. The overall design makes it one of the best looking rifles out there, and with 30+ ft lbs of power, it serves as a great hunting tool, and because of the accuracy, a good target shooting gun. Have you noticed how many AA rifles you see at FT events? It seems theres always at least a couple, if not more.
You said you noticed the AA being “Amazingly popular” well, there’s probably good reason for that.
Here’s a pic of my new s410, it’s a rifle I’ll cherish for years to come, I’m sure. And thx to my fellow members for helping to steer me in a good direction. Good luck in whatever you decide.
I was also looking at the BSA Scorpion T10 bull barrel, it is a little cheaper than the Super Ten. BSA wasn’t even on my radar until I started looking at them yesterday.
The S410 is amazingly popular from what I can see. They all look about the same in terms of performance and relative price.
I still don’t know. 🙄
Go here and buy the AA410 FAC with bolt
http://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/catalog/item/2944343/2533691.htm
Then get yourself a Bushnell Legend and a scuba tank with yoke. That will be in your $$ range for everything.
You could also look at the BSA Super Ten Bull barrel
What about the design is different? I am not too familiar with all the designs yet. I really like the HW100, but the US model does not have the silencer, so I hear it is pretty loud compared to the 410. It does have a removable air cylinder though so I could carry a spare out in the field if needed. The HW100 is over $200 more though, that would get me on my way to some nice optics. Have you shot both?
410 vs hw100 is a matter of preference, they both have advantages
i like the part of the 410 that is the fully adjustable speed dial….you can have it real quiet, or real powerfull….like 2 guns in one…plus you can dial in the exact speed the pellets perform the best
take the aa410 wallnut if you really wanna have some nice wood on it…plus its lighter than the beech, and you still have money for a real nice scope and mounts….bushnell 6500 sidewheel maybe ?
i would take the aa410 over the FX rifles, build, design, fit and finish is better on the aa410
410 vs hw100 is a matter of preference, they both have advantages
i like the part of the 410 that is the fully adjustable speed dial….you can have it real quiet, or real powerfull….like 2 guns in one…plus you can dial in the exact speed the pellets perform the best
take the aa410 wallnut if you really wanna have some nice wood on it…plus its lighter than the beech, and you still have money for a real nice scope and mounts….bushnell 6500 sidewheel maybe ?
Saw the Edgun on this forum. I’m not a fan of the bullpup, especially with that bolt being a cheek rest. Doesn’t look to comfortable, but the gun looks like it is good.
$1500 to $1800 seems about right. I’m including optics, fill tank, etc in that number. I see I can get started for a LOT less than that with some very nice guns. What I want to avoid here is the scenario that took place with my other hobby, photography. I started out with a “prosumer” camera and got lots of middle of the road accessories. Then I moved up to a DSLR and got some lower top end accessories. Now I have what works and what I should have purchased in the first place, quality lenses, a professional grade tripod etc. The problem is I spent 2 times as much getting to that point as I would have just getting the stuff in the first place.
I know there are a lot of really high end air rifles out there, but I’m trying to start out below that without starting at the bottom. Name brand recognition does not matter to me. What matters most is the fun. If I have fun I won’t mind spending the $$$.
Anyone have any experience here with the FX guns?
Thanks. You guys are giving me a lot to think about… decisions, decisions. 😀
1500 bucks.
If I had that to spend on an air rifle I would probably go get that new edgun. Plus, you’d make everyone on here jealous. 😛
I don’t know much about those, but I have heard the AA s410 is a VERY good gun.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
You’re gonna eventually have to do what we all end up doing, which is biting the bullet.. er.. pellet, and make a choice. I’ve never owned those other guns, so I can’t comment on them, or the warranty issues. But from what I understand the 3 gun makers you mentioned are worth a try. Good luck in whatever you choose and come back to show it off when you have the chance. 😉
It’s all good. 😉
Yeah, it is pretty exhausting trying to get the perfect do it all gun on my first try. All the reading, studying specs, wading through the manufacturers hype etc., it is about time to just get it done. If I spent this much time doing my assignments in school I would have done a lot better. 😆