.22 or .25? Need help deciding.
Hello everyone, my name is Manny.
This is my first post here & would like to ask you guys for any thoughts,info, suggestions about the AF rifles.
I’m planning on using the rifle for plinking,target practice, pest control.
So, here are my ?s.
1. Rifle —— Im leaning towards the Talon SS for its compact size
2. Caliber —– Im want a .22 at least, or .25 is the way to go? Any suggestiongs?
3. Accessories ——What are the basic items needed to start shooting off once I get the rifle?
Any suggestions, advice will be greatly appreciated. thank you.
All Replies
Shoe box compressor.
I got mine from Joe at airtanksfrosale.com. His gauge is easier to read, the hose has strain reliefs on both ends (very important) check out this link –
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/message/1329397965/%2440+Off+97+CuFt+GREAT+WHITE+Carbon+Fiber+Tank+Combo+Package+%26amp%3B+%2439+on+
Scopes – recently discussed see link
http://talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22498
Let your VISA, MC AMEX, NOVUS, etc, be your guide…. 😆
I gotta say thank you for all the info/input/suggestions you’ve all given me. Very much appreciated.
I’ve ordered the the condor on .22 cal. 😛
Now, what would be the easiest way to keep enough air around to shoot whenever?
I’ve been doing some searching, and this Air Venturi Carbon Fiber tank seems to be the best way to go. here is the link. (sorry if I’m not supposed to put links to website vendors)
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Carbon_Fiber_Tank_4500_psi_88_cu_ft/350
Also, I’m looking to get a scope. What are you guys using?
Thanks
I’ve got both.Â
The .22 is my rifle of choice when i have to track or hunt. It’s a little lighter and slightly shorter so it’s easier to shoot off hand.
The .25 is my choice if I’m going to shoot from a fixed position. It’s a little heavier and slightly unwieldy do to the increased weight and length.
Both are very accurate and more than enough power to knock down the pest and varmint that end up in my scope.
So do like I did, get both!Â
:tag:
What size pests will you be shooting?
At what range?
How much power do you you really need?
I cant speak for a .25 but I know a .22 condor is a very versatile rifle.
I really do not need any other rifle for all of my pesting needs. The pest I shoot range from mice to large raccoons, and everything in between.
Another thing that keeps me away from the .25 is noise and air usage. I know shrouds keep the muzzle quiet but the impact noise from the .22 is loud enough.
I managed to build a shroud to keep the .22 fairly quiet, but I dont think I have the skills, tools or the time to build a shroud for .25 that is not too long. A 24″ condor with a short shroud still quite long.
I know there are plenty of people here that can build a really quiet shroud for any caliber that you can buy, but I like to build things myself.
I cant get a 4500 psi tank filled around here so I use a 3500 psi steel tank. I get good mileage with it but I would not want to use any more air. I am not interested in setting up a shoebox, or buying anymore equipment.
I guess I dont need a .25 – ya I will keep saying that to myself. 😆
Just my 2 cents.
.22 is still a great, versatile caliber with a wide variety of pellets. The .25 is gaining ground but still way behind in choices and availability.
With the 12″ Talon SS barrel, it will still have plenty of punch and accuracy for pesting with well placed shots, well within reach out to about 40-50yrds if you do your part. There are plenty of threads in the “Hunting” section that show the capabilities and effectiveness of a .22 Talon SS against pests 😉
If you outgrow the .22, down the road you could always pick up a .25 barrel. The beauty of the Airforce platform is its modularity. Swapping barrels is pretty easy.
As far as accessories, a good pump (Hill), optics and quality rings. Get used to the gun, don’t go crazy accessorizing at first. Spend the money on getting pellet samplers and find out which pellet(s) shoot best out of your gun. My philosophy is “buy once, cry once”, you get what you pay for.
There are plenty of options to upgrade and customize your rifle down the road if you decide to invest more money into your gun. I was happy with my stock Talon SS for 10 years before I decided to do some upgrades.
I also wanted to point out… If you’re in the market for the most compact rifle you can get, the standard Talon has a shorter frame than the Talon SS. It can be made into a carbine with it’s compact frame and the addition of a 12″ barrel.
You can also add an endcap and you’ll have a super short Talon SS look a like. Click on the large ad at the top of the page where it says Talon Tunes. Surf around there a bit and look at all the possibilities. Do your homework (read a shit load) and then contact Tony if you want one custom set up for you.
Keep in mind that any rifle can be made compact. For example, a Condor can be set up with a 12″ or 18″ barrel and will be compact, but more powerful with its bigger valve. I have a Condor SS and love it.
When choosing caliber, try to base it on your needs. If you pick something you regret, you can always buy a different caliber barrel. I like the .22 because it has plenty of stopping power for my needs and it is the most common caliber. This means that there are more used parts available and more options as well. Pellets are cheaper too and much more common!
Buy a good scope and don’t spend money on colorful retcles. You’ll get better glass as a result. If you are into getting it as quiet as possible, many here make shrouds /moderators for them. Tony of Talon Tunes makes an amazing one. Many feel it is the best!
If you get a Talon you can put an internal baffle to make it even more silent. I bought one for $45. from Subsonic (a member here). There are also many DIY mods like drilling the frame and making or buying a vented bushing.
This should get you started. Remember, the “Quick Refference” section is your friend and you should do many searches here. If you need more help, fire away. Welcome and good luck. These guns are amazing and so is this club. You’ve come to the right spot to learn! 😉
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I live at the beach, so it was easy and very affordable to find some used scuba tanks. I got two full sized ones in amazing shape for $30. each.