Can you help with my selection

[dikatry]

Ok, I know there are a ton of options out there when it comes to air rifles, just like any other rifle. I live in Southern California and have a very large rodent and coyote problem. I'm not sure how big of animal you can kill in California with a air rifle, but I remember seeing it in the regs. Either Way, this gun would be used for ground squirrel, rabbit, certain ground birds, and coyotes that get too close to my dogs and plinking around the farm of course.. I am looking not to spend more than $600. I would also like one that comes with a scope, but that is quality enough rifle I could put a Leupold on it later on. Does anyone have any suggestions? I was looking at getting a Gamo, but it seems like a lot of people here don't think Gamo makes a quality product. Any way, thanks for any help in advance.

[machine]

I think if you can spring for a PCP, then go for that!
Gamo is fine for a lower dollar rifle..........


$.02.............

[dw33]

I don't have a PCP, but I did check out the AR6 by Evanix, (around $550 without scope at Pyramid Air). It shoots a .22 caliber pellet at 1,300 fps., (at least that is the claim). It is probably not as fast as the claim, but that should take care of any small game. I would think you would have to be pretty close to a coyote and hit it in the head, but I wouldn't know as I have never done it. I have a Gamo springer in .177 and it shoots fine, but I don't think Gamo makes anything as powerful as a PCP.

[dikatry]

Thanks for the help. I didnt even know the real difference between PCP, Spring, and CO2 in power. So if I did spring for a PCP, is that Evanix AR6 about as good as Im gonna get for that price? Is it an accurate gun? I mean, all the power in the world is great, but if it wont stay on target its not worth it. Thanks again for the help.

[EMSFlyer]

dikatry,
Since it sounds like you're new to adult airguns, I suggest visiting a few of the airgun-dedicated forums and do some major homework before laying out your hard earned cash. You will be surprised to learn what is out there and what these modern airguns can do.

Here're some links to get you started:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/

http://www.network54.com/Forum/414006/

http://www.network54.com/Index/12861

http://www.talonownersgroup.com/

Find out what kind of gun you want and what power source, then narrow it down to a select few by asking questions and reading reviews. Only then will you get the most "bang" for your buck.

Here's a bit of an overview:

Springer--self contained, single stroke powerhouse. Can be hold sensitive and has adverse recoil. Some consider them scope destroyers.

Multi-stroke--self contained, variable power. Can get tiresome pumping and makes noise during the stroke. Accurate and without recoil.

CO2--Accurate without recoil. Temperature sensitive (doesn't like cold temps) and can get spendy with CO2 purchases.

PCP--massive power and extreme accuracy without recoil. Needs charging support equipment, which adds to over all cost.

Other things to consider: multi-shot or single shot; shrouded (for stealth quiet) or not; caliber size; wood or synthetic; standard length or carbine; take-down capability or not; traditional or not.


As for killing coyotes with an airgun, its been done, but I'd suggest the big bores like the Sumatra. Just like rimfires, most .22s just don't have enough punch to take coyotes humanely and certainly doesn't offer any margin for error. However, a big bore might be just a bit too much for smaller game. SO, again, do some major research.

Good luck to you and hope you find what you want.

Let us know how it turns out.
http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-faces-toast-beers.gif

[dw33]

EMS, great info. Do you recommend any PCP? Which one is the quietest and most powerful? Thanks.

[machine]

The ones that are the most quite, I think would be like EMSF&#39;s Logan, or a BSA super ten.
And I think the power would have to go to the .50 Sumatra&#39;s

EMSF;

P/A just now shipped my AR6 (They say???)
GEEEZZZZZZZZZZZ, what a wait!!!! http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/lame-sign.gif

[dikatry]

EMSFlyer, thanks for all the info. After I went to the pyramid air web site, I started doing some research. Plus I just got a few copies of a magazine called Predator Extreme for free with an order from a game call web site. There are some articles in that magazine about the different air guns. Sadly, I think I have decided to get a new 10/22 for the varmint issue (I’m only going to be in California another 8 months and then I’m going back to the farm in Washington) and an 870 Express Youth for my wife. I can get both of them and a Leupold scope for the 10/22 for the same price as a decent PCP with a decent scope. A good air rifle is definitely in my future; I just may have to wait until some more of my big gun needs are met. Again, thanks for all your help. I has aided in my decision greatly, and when it comes time to be in the market for a air rifle again I will know where to start.