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Category: Air Rifle Reviews

Top Air Rifle Under $300 – Diana RWS 34 w/T06 Trigger

Upon getting into the hobby, it’s natural to get sucked into fixating on various specifications when comparing air rifles, especially sexy metrics like velocity and FPE. However, after a while, most air rifle enthusiasts inevitably begin focusing more on overall quality, durability and accuracy, rather than muzzle energy or, even less importantly, how fast a rifle can project gimmicky alloy pellets.

The good news for those seeking a truly high-quality air rifle is that they don’t have to spend an arm or a leg. Case in point: the Diana RWS 34 Breakbarrel Rifle with the T06 Trigger. This high-powered and absurdly-accurate springer is RWS’ best-selling model, and for good reason. Veteran air gunners know that it is built to RWS’ legendary standards, yet can still be had for less than $300. Sound interesting? Let’s take a closer look at the RWS 34 and see why it actually lives up to the hype.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability!<<

Diana RWS 34 – Key Specifications & Features

Great Power in Both the .177 and .22 Calibers

Even if you are obsessed with power, the Diana RWS 34 will not disappoint. This rifle in the .177 can fire a lead pellet up to 1000 feet per second (“FPS”), and the .22 can attain velocities of up to 800 FPS. Based on our calculations, this makes for an air rifle that generates roughly 18 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and over 20 FPE in the .22 caliber. Consequently, both rifles well-exceed the 12 FPE minimum we recommend for more serious air rifle hunting, although the .22 is the clearly superior caliber for hunting furred game or eliminating common pests.

Incredible Laser-Like Accuracy

Power is great but just about any experienced air rifle enthusiast will tell you that accuracy is king. Whether it’s zeroing in on the typically small (often quarter-sized or smaller) kill zones for most small game, or merely beating your friends at a friendly field target competition, achieving consistently tight groups at longer ranges is what all good airgunners strive for. And this happens to be where the RWS 34 really shines.

In addition to coming with one of the best triggers available, the quality of the barrel and sophistication of the rifling is second to none, and can make even a novice shooter look like a star – just with the open sights. In fact, we are confident that this rifle can have you consistently nailing “hail Mary” shots that you may not even have attempted before with lesser rifles. Of course, you should never practice 100 yard shots on live game! Always remember that there is a big difference between confident and reckless shooting.

The Best Trigger in the Business

We can’t say enough about the two-stage adjustable RWS T06 Trigger, as this is really one of the greatest features we’ve seen to date on a sub $300 air rifle. Most air gunners lament their triggers, particularly the awkward second stage for most adjustable mechanisms. This was still true for the T05. The completely redesigned RWS T06, however, is often held as one of the very best, or at least rivaling some of the most famous and expensive (e.g., TX models) spring rifle triggers ever. How much will this improve your shot consistency? Try it out and we are fairly certain you will be hooked!

Outstanding Open Sights

Sooner or later an air rifle of this caliber deserves a high quality scope (which is why we are not a fan of most cheap scope combos in the RWS 34). However, in the meantime, and for those who enjoy the freedom of open-sight shooting (including myself), you are in luck, because these sights are fantastic and easy to use. The RWS 34 features a fiber-optic front sight and a rear sight that allows for quick windage and elevation adjustment.

Quality Stock and Well-Balanced Design

This is a gorgeous air rifle that comes with a very durable and rich hardwood stock and deeply blued metal. The RWS 34 is also expertly balanced for ambidextrous use and has a modest length (45″ overall) and weight (7.5 pounds), all of which makes it unusually easy to hold and fire (use the “artillery hold”) for a springer.

Modest Cocking Effort

Rated to require only 33 pounds’ worth of cocking effort, the RWS 34 is much easier to cock than you’d expect from a rifle that can generate over 20 FPE in the .22 caliber. This is fantastic since it minimizes loading fatigue and allows less-burly users to also enjoy this rifle. Of course, this is still not an “easy” rifle to cock, so we wouldn’t recommend it for very young shooters.

Built to Last – and Last

One of the greatest things about the RWS 34 is the craftsmanship. This air rifle can and should last for decades. Moreover, with RWS’ legendary support and lifetime warranty, you are in good hands as long as you own this rifle. We always take pleasure hearing from the steady stream of old timers who come out to brag about owning their RWS 34 for decades with only minimal maintenance. You just can’t put a price on that type of durability, and fortunately for all of us – RWS hasn’t!

Anything Not to Like?

Unless you are unlucky enough to receive your rifle with some type of shipping damage, there is virtually nothing to complain about here. The RWS 34 is a very no-frills air rifle that doesn’t try to do too much, but provides tons of quality and precision where it counts.

Diana RWS 34 User Ratings

Consistently heralded as one of the best air rifles of all time, we didn’t expect mediocre reviews of the RWS 34, and we weren’t disappointed.

Currently, this model is holding an average satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars on amazon.com. Users commend this rifle for crisp power, unbeatable accuracy, a high-quality fit and finish, and tireless durability. They also confirm that this is truly one of the best deals of all time for a sub-$300 air rifle.

Notably, the few negative comments about this rifle were aimed primarily at shipping or other item damage, as opposed to complaints about actual performance.

Diana RWS 34 w/T06 Trigger – Concluding Thoughts

I have no qualms about characterizing the Diana RWS 34 Breakbarrel Rifle with the T06 Trigger as the all-time best air rifle for less than $300. In particular, the RWS 34 in the .22 is a sizzling, “uber”-accurate small game or pest air rifle that you should cherish for a lifetime with only minimal attention. This really is the total package, so to speak. So, if you are looking to buy just one air rifle in this price range that can do just about everything, this would be my first recommendation.

Although you don’t need to wait, the outstanding open sights are so good you can probably postpone buying a high quality air rifle scope for a while. In either case, we are fairly confident that you will be making shots you didn’t think were possible, right out of the box! Also be sure to get a box of high quality air rifle pellets to take full advantage of this rifle’s accuracy.

>>Buy the Diana RWS 34 with T06 Trigger Now!<<

April 20, 2014
Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle Review

If you are looking to maximize velocity, muzzle energy and downrange hitting power for your buck, then you just can’t beat the overall value you get with the Ruger Air Magnum Combo. Not only is this combo superb for hunting and pest elimination, it’s also very well made and is currently selling for less than $200. We call that nearly too good to be true! However, don’t take our word for it, please read along as we look at the Air Magnum in more detail so you can decide for yourself whether it’s the right choice for you.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability!<<

Why We Recommend This Combo.

1) Extreme Hunting / Pest-Eliminating Power & Velocity

Simply put, the Ruger Air Magnum absolutely screams. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a more powerful spring rifle anywhere near its price range. Specifically, the .177 Air Magnum is rated to reach velocities of up to 1,200 feet per second (“FPS”) using lead pellets, and the .22 caliber Ruger Air Magnum can attain velocities of 1,000 FPS, also with lead. This is truly remarkable for any springer, and by our calculations makes for a rifle that produces nearly 26 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .117 and a whopping 32 FPE in the .22 caliber!

Obviously, for those looking to maximize hitting power for taking down game and pests, we strongly encourage you to go for the greater FPE delivered by the .22 caliber Ruger.

2) Good Quality & Features for the Money

The Ruger Air Magnum is essentially a knock off of the RWS 350, and while it does not bring the same level of quality as the RWS, it only costs half as much and is surprisingly well-made. The Ruger has a very nice trigger (which you don’t often seen in value-oriented rifles); it comes with a very good synthetic stock that should last for many years; the front/rear adjustable fiber optic sights are great for open-sight shooters; and it comes with some very nice details, such as a recoil pad (definitely necessary!) and an automatic safety.

3) Decent Scope With the Combo

The 4×32 scope that comes with the Air Magnum Combo is definitely not something we’d recommend anyone buy separately, but you could do a lot worse compared to the scopes included with many other combo air rifles. It’s OK for shooting pests/targets at closer ranges, but for any serious hunting you will want to eventually upgrade to a better quality air rifle scope.

Anything Not to Like About the Ruger Air Magnum?

1) Difficult to Cock

Not surprisingly give the tremendous power this rifle generates, the Air Magnum requires approximately 42 pounds of cocking effort. That is a heck of a lot of force needed, making this rifle suitable only for relatively strong adult male shooters. Definitely not an air rifle for wimps!

2) Big & Heavy

At nearly 49 inches in length and weighing in at just under 10 pounds, this is a beast of an air rifle that feels more like a conventional firearm. This is yet another reason that younger, more slightly-built users are likely to struggle with the Air Magnum.

3) Loud & With a Kick!

If you had any visions of snapping off shots quietly as you hunt near urban areas, think again! The Ruger Air Magnum not only comes with rimfire power, but rimfire sound to match! And as you might guess, it has a very respectable springer kick as well. For shooters used to springers, neither should be very alarming, but if this is your first springer, you might find it a tad unsettling at first.

User Ratings

With it’s over-the-top power, solid build, good feature set, and very affordable price tag, the Ruger Air Magnum Combo has earned some of the highest user satisfaction scores we’ve seen to date.

Users praise the insane power of this rifle and remarkably solid construction for a sub-$200 air rifle combo. The relatively few complaints were aimed at the combo’s lackluster scope and the noise/kick this gun generates – pretty typical gripes for most high-powered springers.

Air Magnum in the .22 or .177 Caliber?

With this much power, we don’t see any reason why you should go for the .177 caliber. Yes, the .177 fires a much lighter pellet faster, but the .22 produces far greater FPE and downrange hitting power than the .177. This makes the .22 the only sensible choice if you want an air rifle for hunting small furred game and/or eliminating pests. The .177 is fantastic for plinking, target shooting (provided you avoid breaking the sound barrier) and taking down pest birds.

The only thing is that making this rifle in the .177 is like putting bicycle tires on a Lamborghini! The .22 generates so more power, and the sizzling high velocities of the .177 are not useful for anything, since any pellet traveling faster than 1,100 FPS is likely to go supersonic. And we all know that breaking the sound barrier causes a pressure wave that overtakes the pellet and totally throws it off its trajectory and makes you miss, badly. As such, if you feel like you must buy this rifle in the .177, remember to use a heavy air rifle pellet to keep the FPS at or below 1,000 FPS.

>>Buy the Ruger Air Magnum Combo!<<

Concluding Thoughts & Recommendations

Yes, the Ruger Air Magnum is the poor-man’s version of the RWS 350, but who cares! This spring air rifle has got insane power, is well-built, and is selling for a fraction of the price of many other springers, most of which cannot produce anywhere near this kind of muzzle energy. And while it may not be quite as inherently accurate as an RWS or Air Arms rifle, with an upgraded air rifle scope and some experience with the artillery hold, the Air Magnum can be deadly accurate, with tons of downrange power to take down all sorts of game and clear out pests in a convincing fashion. As we note above, the biggest downside of all of this power is that the rifle is difficult to cock and can be heavy for smaller, younger or more slightly-built users.

Just remember to opt for the much harder-hitting .22 caliber Air Magnum if you are using this rifle for hunting/pest-elimination. Of course, the .177 would make a sizzling hot bird air rifle and is great for laser-like target shots at long ranges. If you go for the .177, steer clear of gimmicky lightweight alloy air rifle pellets made for supersonic speeds – for accurate shooting, try heavier pellets instead, something closer to a 10-grain pellet.

April 19, 2014
Why We Love the RWS .22 350 Magnum Air Rifle

If you are looking for an elite spring-piston air rifle that you can use to hunt small game, eliminate pests, shoot field targets, or simply plink around, we suggest you strongly consider the RWS .22 Model 350 Magnum air rifle combo. As we discuss in more detail below, this is one of our favorite springers for all-around power, performance and beauty, and is a rifle that you can enjoy for a lifetime with proper care. Please read on as we take a closer look at the RWS 350 Magnum and explain why we rate it so highly.

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RWS .22 350 Magnum – Overview & Key Features

Fantastic Long-Range Hitting Power

The first thing you should know about the RWS .22 350 Magnum is it has outstanding stopping power for a spring-piston air rifle. Specifically, it’s reported to attain velocities of around 850 feet per second with a standard, 14.5 grain lead pellet. This translates into an air rifle with over 23 FPE (foot pounds of energy) at the muzzle. This is roughly double the 12 FPE minimum that we generally recommend for air rifle hunting. Consequently, unlike many other springers on the market, the 350 Magnum is capable of long-range kills with the same stopping power as many higher-ticket PCP rifles. Simply put, if hard-hitting, downrange power is what you seek in a springer, the 350 is definitely your rifle.

Legendary RWS Accuracy

There’s no question that springers can take some getting used to. Their greater noise, recoil and all-around heft is something that users new to spring rifles may find challenging at first. However, with a bit of practice using the “artillery” hold (a method in which the gun is very lightly held), the 350 Magnum is ridiculously accurate. Indeed, the high-quality of the barrel, along with the massive power it generates, can have you easily nailing game or targets well-beyond 50 yards consistently.

Outstanding Trigger

Many would consider the 350 Magnum to have an ideal two-stage adjustable trigger. With a pull of 3.3 pounds, we’d have to agree. This of course also contributes to this rifle’s dead-eye accuracy.

Scope & Mounts

This rifle comes with an 11mm dovetail-type mount, and the combo package referenced comes with a 4×32 scope that is not top-of-the-line, but should meet or exceed the expectations of most users. Again, this is an extremely accurate rifle right out of the box, so any wandering of your groups is most likely a consequence of inexperience on the part of the user!

Cocking Type & Effort

The 350 Magnum is a breakbarrel rifle that requires approximately 45 pounds’ worth of cocking effort. This is substantially more cocking effort than your average springer; but this is unavoidable given the massive power the Magnum brings. Cocking is toughest during initial break in, and typically gets smoother in time. Nevertheless, this is not the type of rifle for young or most female users.

Size & Weight

In addition to being a bear to cock, this is a heavier, longer air rifle than many are used to. It measures 48 inches in length overall and is just over 8 pounds, without the scope. This is yet another reason that younger and/or female shooters may have a bit more difficulty firing this rifle.

Additional Specifications

The 350 Magnum comes with a beautiful hardwood beech stock that is adorned with detailed checkering along the fore region. It uses a Monte Carlo-styled buttstock. The blueing is deep and gives the metal a very attractive luster. Elevation and windage is adjustable.

User Feedback & Ratings

Positive Comments: The consensus from users from a variety of sources is that this is a 5-star air rifle that reeks of high-quality German manufacturing and precision. The most common observations throughout this model’s reviews are that this is an extremely powerful springer capable of remarkably accurate downrange shooting, right out of the box and without any tuning. They also roundly praise this rifle for simply being a cut above most other spring rifles with unusual attention to detail and a very robust construction that you can feel immediately.

Negative Comments: There were scant reports of anything to complain about with the RWS 350 Magnum, and most could not find any fault with it. Nevertheless, some users indicated more neutrally that the rifle is a bit hard to cock; is larger than they’d expected; and the scope mounting screws required tightening during the initial break in period.

Price and Value

Currently on sale for just over $400 shipped, the RWS .22 Model 350 Magnum air rifle combo is a fantastic deal in our book. Yes, this rifle is considerably more expensive than many other popular springers; however, it is built to much more exacting standards than most other springers, and is made of better quality components all-around. From the rich and intricate wood stock, to the precisely rifled barrel and deep blueing, the Magnum is truly a first-rate air rifle built to be admired and enjoyed for a lifetime with proper maintenance. As such, we think its unusual quality easily justifies the higher price.

>>Buy the RWS .22 350 Magnum Now!<<

Concluding Thoughts

The RWS Diana 350 Magnum .22 air rifle is – pardon the sexism – a man’s hunting air rifle. This model can stop larger game well over 50 yards and has the downrange power and extreme accuracy to make even novice shooters look like pros with a bit of practice. Moreover, the all-around robustness and solid feel of this elite hunting air rifle is something that we can’t put into words, but, when you hold it for the first time, will become immediately evident. In fact, we are confident that it will be your favorite springer to shoot, even if you have a large air rifle collection. It’s no secret that we are huge fans of RWS/Diana air rifles for their uncompromising dedication to quality, and the 350 Magnum is exactly why.

The only words of caution we’d offer are for younger and/or female shooters. As we said, this is a big, relatively heavy gun with lots of power and a fair amount of kick to go with it. Therefore, if you fatigue easily when maintaining a hold, or have struggled cocking lesser springers in the past, the 350 Magnum may be a bit too much for you.

April 18, 2014
Air Arms TX200 MkIII – Top Hunting Rifle?

Fortunately for those on a budget, there are many relatively inexpensive air rifles that deliver lots of power and accuracy. However, for those seeking top-quality in a spring-piston air rifle, the field narrows considerably. Along with the RWS 54 Air King, One model that often comes up as being one of the very best springers for air rifle hunting is the Air Arms TX200 MkIII in the .22 caliber. But are these claims of superiority exaggerated? Please read on as we take a closer look at the TX200 MkIII and help you decide for yourself whether it’s really worth the fairly stiff asking price.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability.<<

Air Arms TX200 MkIII (.22 cal.) – Key Specifications

Power & Power Plant

This is a spring-piston rifle that uses an underlever cocking design. Rated to send a .22 caliber pellet up to 755 feet per second, we calculate (based on a 14.2 grain pellet) that the TX200 MkIII generates approximately 18 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) at the muzzle, which makes this a high-powered air rifle that easily clears the minimum 12 FPE minimum we like to see for hunting air rifles. Notwithstanding all of this power, the rifle cocks with only moderate cocking effort (29 pounds), making it suitable for most adults users.

Dimensions & Weight

The TX200 MkIII has a 9-inch long barrel and an overall length of just over 41 inches. It weights 9.3 pounds.

Scope Mounts

This rifle should accept any air rifle scope compatible with an 11mm dovetail rail. Please note that a scope is necessary since this rifle does not come with open sites.

Barrel

The TX200 MkIII is fitted with a very high-quality rifled Lothar Walther barrel.

Trigger

The two-stage adjustable trigger that comes with rifle is well-balanced and has earned high marks from users.

Finish

Stocks are available in walnut and beech. The blueing on this model is particularly rich. All together, this is one the most attractive air rifles available in our book.

Performance – Accuracy in the Field

The Air Arms TX200 MkIII is arguably one of the most accurate spring-piston air rifles you can buy, which is why it is so respected as a hunting and field target air rifle. Moreover, it can deliver tournament quality shooting right out of the box, even without the benefit of professional tuning. Indeed, the laser-like shooting you can achieve with the MkIII cannot be overstated. As long as you sight in your scope correctly and keep a steady hand, you should enjoy extremely tight groups.

Anything Not to Like?

There is really not much to dislike about this air rifle given it’s all-around exceptional quality and construction. However, if we were forced to find some fault, we would have to point to the sliding breech – the opening could be a bit larger. Pretty petty, huh?

User Reviews and Ratings

We are not going out on a limb when we say that the Air Arms TX200 MkIII is one of the most loved springers. Consistently earning 5-star ratings, users confirm that the accuracy, overall build quality and finish on this rifle are second to none. At true must-have springer for the air rifle collector.

Price and Value

Typically available for around $700, this is not an inexpensive springer by any means. However, for the quality and performance it delivers, we think that the TX200 MkIII is very fairly-priced, and is on par with other top-tier hunting air rifles, like comparable RWS models.

TX200 MkIII – Concluding Thoughts

Whether you are an avid small game hunter or seek tournament quality field shooting, we agree that the Air Arms TX200 MkIII air rifle is definitely one of the best quality options currently available.

Like some of the elite RWS models (such as the RWS 54), the TX200 MkIII simply exudes quality. From its well-balanced trigger and fluid undelever cocking design, to its high-quality stock/bluing and overall sultry good-looks, we are confident that you will not be disappointed with this rifle. But more than this, it’s the TX200 MkIII’s legendary accuracy that makes this model stand out, and even inexperienced shooters can achieve astonishingly tight groupings with any capable air rifle scope. This laser-like accuracy, coupled a very impressive 18 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, makes for an outstanding hunting or field target rifle that definitely earns the title as one of the very best springers on the market.

>>Buy the Air Arms TX200 MkIII Now!<<

April 17, 2014
Benjamin Discovery .22 Review

The Benjamin Discovery .22 caliber air rifle has set a new bar in the industry, and may well be the hottest, affordable PCP air rifle on the market right now in terms of combining great long-range power, accuracy and unusual value. This PCP air rifle will be probably be the one to convert many die-hard springer owners into fans of PCP. It’s really that amazing.

Let’s take a closer look at the Benjamin Discovery so you can see exactly what all the fuss is about.

Benjamin Discovery .22 Specifications and Key Features

>>Check Price, Availability & User Reviews!<<

Power – Lots of Power

This is a dual fuel PCP air rifle that can accept CO2 cartridges (for indoor shooting/plinking) or be charged up to 2,000 PSI with a scuba tank or hand pump (which is often sold together with this model). Fully charged, this rifle can send a 14.3 grain, .22 caliber pellet up to 900 feet per second. This works out to approximately 26 FPE at the barrel!

With this kind of velocity and power in a .22, the Benjamin Discovery makes an outstanding hunting rifle that can hold a relatively flat trajectory at long ranges, and still have absurd power left at the end of those shots to take down all sorts of small game and even larger pest species. This is much more power than your average springer, even very good ones. And best of all, it comes without the recoil of a springer, which greatly improves the Disco’s accuracy. Likewise, you don’t need to be a muscular shooter to cock this rifle, as you would if it were are spring-piston model. You may spend a bit of time pumping it up, but just about anyone can do it, making it perfect for male, female and younger shooters.

Laser-Like Accuracy

Beyond bone-rattling power, the next most impressive thing about the Benjamin Discovery is just how accurate it is. It’s deadly accurate out of the box, but if you couple this rifle with a good air rifle scope (it has 11 mm. dovetail mounts), this thing is a freaking laser beam! And not only can you shave the hairs off a flea’s rear at close ranges, but with good optics and a steady hand, reports are coming in that you can expect under 1″ groups consistently at 50 yards. This is something you’d be more likely to see in expensive and high-powered .177 caliber rifles; the fact that you can enjoy such tight groups with a much heavier .22 pellet is simply unheard of when it comes to air rifles that the average consumer can afford.

Further, unlike springers, there is no annoying recoil with the PCP power plant, just smooth power that releases in a controlled manner thanks to a well-balanced 3.75-pound trigger pull. Consequently, even relatively inexperience shooters can quickly become adept at nailing seemingly impossible targets. Needless to say, if you are looking for a hunting air rifle that gives you tremendous range, this is a no-brainer outstanding choice for newbies and veteran shooters alike that I would put up against anything on the market.

25-Shot Capacity

This is a single-shot, bolt action rifle that, when fully charged, can fire off up to 25 shots on a single fill before power begins to wane. This is yet another great convenience over spring-piston rifles, which can fire only a single shot with each cocking, and cannot be held it the cocked position for extended periods as this can cause the spring to set and lose power. The Benjamin Discovery, however, can be charged and left in this state for the entire day. This is great if you want to charge it for another shooter and leave it ready to fire when pests or game present themselves.

Light Weight

Yet another startling statistic is just how light this rifle is, notwithstanding it’s first-class power. Because there is no large spring-mass to weigh it down, the Benjamin Discovery is able to clock in at roughly 5 pounds in total weight (without a scope). This lightweight design is great for minimizing fatigue and keeping your sites on the target for as long as necessary until a clear shot becomes available. Again, it’s also another reason why this rifle is also great for younger, more slightly-built shooters.

Top-Notch Quality and Accessories

Let’s not forget that the Benjamin Discovery .22 is a beautiful air rifle. The rifle has a total length of 39 inches (24.25 inches of which is barrel) and is handsomely-clad in a luxurious walnut stock. The bolt action mechanism and full-body design, necessitated by the compressed air reservoir, also gives it a very rugged, no-nonsense look that we can appreciate. It is fitted with a high-quality pressure gauge and front/rear fiber optic sights. An adapter to use with CO2 cartridges is sold separately.

The most important accessory that comes with certain packages is the hand pump. Although we often frown on these as they can be difficult to use, the model thrown in with the Disco is outstanding. Most people are surprised that they can fully charge the rifle in minutes. Some indicate that it took about 70 pumps to charge; some say more. Also, the pumping effort needed is minimal, allowing younger, weaker shooters to charge the rifle with relative ease. Consequently, unlike many other high-powered PCP rifles, you actually don’t need a scuba tank.

Any Downsides to the Discovery?

The user reviews of the Disco are predominantly 5-star, with most users praising the extreme power, ridiculous accuracy, high-quality, and shocking value delivered by this PCP air rifle. They also confirm that it is easy to charge with the included hand pump.

So what didn’t they like? As usual, a few took issue with the trigger pull, but the most consistent note is about the sound produced by this rifle. Make no mistake: this is a relatively loud air rifle. If that is going to be an issue, you should either consider something else or a silencer to bring the decibels down – especially if you were planning to use it near a quiet suburban area. Nevertheless, most people are able tolerate the noise and it did not significantly detract from the model’s satisfaction ratings.

Extraordinary Price and Value

Yes, this is going to be more than most decent entry level spring-piston air rifles. However, if you buy the Disco with the hand-pump included, it is a veritable steal in the PCP market. Indeed, as of the date of this writing, the Benjamin Discovery .22 rifle with the hand pump is under $400, making it just about the best-value single shot PCP air rifle you can get.

The Verdict

We have always loved the recoil-less power and accuracy of good PCP rifles, but are often hesitant to recommend them to most consumers due to price. – not only the price of the rifle itself, but the additional cost of a scuba tank, which is often the only feasible way to charge many PCP rifles.

The Benjamin Discovery has changed all of that. Not only can this rifle be charged with a hand pump, but the rifle/pump combination is remarkably affordable – and is in the same price range as many good quality springer rifles. However, unlike those springers, just about anyone can charge the Disco. Further, the smooth, recoil-less power, coupled with truly big-time power and a flatter pellet trajectory, makes the Disco a much easier rifle to shoot, and we are confident that even inexperienced users will be stunned at how tight their groups will remain out to 50 yards.

In a nutshell: whether you are into long-range plinking or dispatching annoying pests, like raccoons, rats or fowl; or are instead looking for the perfect hunting air rifle to take down rabbits, woodchuck, squirrels, and other weary quarry, the Benjamin Discovery will not disappoint.

>>>Buy The Benjamin Discovery .22 With Hand Pump Now!<<

March 21, 2014
Benjamin 392 Bolt Action Variable Pump Review

While many feared that Crosman’s acquisition of Benjamin would affect the quality of this model, we are happy to say that the Benjamin 392 Bolt Action Variable Pump Air Rifle still lives up to its reputation as a timeless and rugged American-made pump-action rifle that is on par with some of the best rifles out there in terms of hitting power and accuracy.

Please read on for more information on this very affordable and well-built bolt action air rifle.

Why We Like The Benjamin 392

There are many, many reasons to love this relatively short and robust bolt action air rifle.

First, it’s very hard-hitting, especially for a multi-pump rifle. The 392 model in the .22 caliber is capable of sending a traditional lead pellet at 685 fps (alloys around 800fps) and is rated at an impressive 14.9 FPE. This of course well exceeds the rule of thumb minimum 12 FPE for a serious hunting firearm. As such, the Benejamin 392 can easily take down a variety of small game, as well as dispatching larger, grouchier pests as well. This of course requires you to pump the rifle up fully, which requires around 35 lbs of effort (something younger and/or more slightly built shooters may struggle with). Moreover, with its multi-pump design, you can also plink and target shoot to your heart’s content while using less compression: just a handful of pumps is enough to mess around in the back yard and at closer ranges.

As far as accuracy, any old-school user of the 392 will tell that it’s accurate – deadly accurate. Because they use compressed air, these rifles don’t suffer from springer recoil and are typically very straight, consistent shooters right out of the box, although in some cases you may need to work on the windage/elevation a bit. And if you are really looking for laser-like kills, you can pair this air rifle up with a decent scope and really take your game to the next level. The great thing about scoping this model is that you don’t have to be concerned with heavy recoil beating on the scope itself, or the barrel misalignment issue sometimes associated with break barrel springers. Just remember this rifle requires dovetail style mounts.

Other benefits of the Benjamin 392 are its compactness, light weight and near-legendary durability. Although its only around 5 pounds and has a comparatively short (37-inch) barrel, there is nothing dainty about this rifle. In fact, thanks to its outstanding construction and the use of high quality components, this is one of the most robust, abuse-tolerant models you’re going to find, with many praising them for lasting for decades with only minimal attention.

Finally, in case you haven’t noticed, these rifles are beautifully-clad in a hardwood fish, and are veritable steal at their current price point in the neighborhood of $150. We can hardly think of an all around better and more durable option in this range.

Anything Not to Like?

So what’s not so great about the Benjamin 392? Well, it’s really hard to nitpick the quality and value you get with this rifle, but some will likely find the open sites a challenge to dial in. Not sure why, but this is invariably a complaint. In addition, while we can appreciate a firm trigger, it may be a little too firm for some. Beyond that, however, there are few issues that a user is likely to encounter. Just remember that pumping this will take a bit of work, but is definitely worth it once you see how well this inexpensive air rifle performs when fully pressurized.

Recommended Uses

In addition to target shooting, with it’s hard-hitting .22 caliber power, outstanding accuracy and low recoil, this would make an excellent hunting rifle, especially when paired with a good scope (compare top-rated scopes here). Likewise, if pests around the home are a problem, this rifle is well-suited to clear them out in convincing fashion. Our only caveat would be to try and keep your shots within 30 yards or so, since the .22 pellet will arc and be a bit more difficult to sight in at longer ranges. If you are looking to consistently take down game much beyond 50 yards very accurately, you’ll want a gun with a bit more FPE in our opinion to keep pellet trajectory flatter.

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January 20, 2014
Stoeger X50 Review

The Stoeger X50 has gotten a lot of attention lately, and while some of it is due to its apparently inflated FPS ratings, the fact remains that this is a very powerful, well-built air rifle that comes with great optics and is an all around good buy for the money in our view. For more information about the X50, please keep reading.

Stoeger X50 General Specifications

The X50 is a spring-piston air rifle that is available in both .117 and .22 calibers. This is a big air rifle, weighing 8.3 pounds, or 10 pounds if you buy it with the scope combo. It’s also long, with a 19.7 inch blue rifled steel barrel that puts the total length of this rifle at 50 inches.

This is a breakbarrel model that requires roughly 40 pounds of effort to cock; so if you are considering a purchase for a younger user, think again unless they are particularly burly!

The trigger is two stage and adjustable. However, the second stage is very tough to break and get a feel for, particularly at first. The stock comes in a variety of colors, but is solid and otherwise feels sturdy.

The combo comes with a 3-9×40 AO scope that is considered by most to be good quality. This model uses a dovetail rail in the event you want to pick out your own. However, if you prefer to use open sights rather than a scope, you will be pleased as the X50 comes with adjustable fiber-optic sights in the front and rear.

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X50 Muzzle velocity & Power

According to Stoeger, the X50 can fire an alloy pellet up to 1,500 FPS in the .177 caliber and 1,200 FPS in the .22 caliber; using lead pellets, FPS drops to 1,200 FPS and 1,000 FPS, respectively. There has been quite a buzz about how inflated these ratings are; however, the lead pellet numbers are not too far off the mark based on actual testing reported by users. In any event, plugging the lead numbers in our FPE calculator and assuming a 7.9 grain weight for the .177 and 14.3 grain weight for the .22, we get estimates of 25 FPE and 31 FPE, respectively. Again, we don’t know the weight of the pellets actually used by Stoeger and can’t confirm their numbers, so this is most likely an overestimate of this rifle’s power – but that doesn’t change the fact that this is still a very powerful air rifle!

Stoeger X50 Reviews

This rifle is fairly new, and there’s been a lot of talk about it being manufactured in China. Also, as we stated, there has been considerable press about its boastful FPS ratings. Nevertheless, despite having a clunky trigger, we find much of the critical reviews to be a bit overblown. Yes, this is a spring rifle and it will take some time to break in and deliver tight groupings. And yes it will generate some recoil; however, this is not unusual.

Overall, people that have used this gun for some time report good accuracy, great power and generally good performance, particularly when using heavier pellets to keep FPS down and under the sound barrier. Indeed, with all of this power, the X50 makes an excellent hunting rifle, even in the .177. In fact, with a proper pellet, like the Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy .177 Cal, 10.6 Grains, the .177 can hit as hard as many .22s!

Price and Value

Although the X50 lists for over $300, at the time of this writing, the .177 caliber combo can be had for about $250 and the .22 combo for $266. This is a pretty good deal in our book for the kind of power this rifle delivers and the quality of the scope and sights. Click here for the most up-to-date discounted pricing.

Concluding Thoughts & Opinions

The Stoeger X50 certainly does not deliver the same quality and accuracy as some comparable Diana rifles, such as the RWS 350 Magnum. Likewise, the X50 cannot match the extreme value of the less expensive Hatsan 95, for example. Nevertheless, the X50 delivers outstanding power, good accuracy and great optics – all for about $150 less than the RWS 350 and $100 more than the Hatsan 95. As such, if you are looking for something that has big time take-down power for serious small game hunting, particular at longer ranges, without getting into the higher price ranges, the Stoeger X50 is a still very good option in our book.

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June 30, 2013
Crosman Optimus .177 Review
For a screaming good deal on a powerful .177 caliber air rifle that’s selling for a tad over 100 bucks, there’s hardly a better deal going right now than the Crosman Optimus .177 Caliber/1200 FPS Break Barrel Pellet Air Rifle in hardwood stock. But let’s take a closer look at what this rifle brings to the table, and whether this value is real or merely perceived. Please keep reading for much more information and our concluding thoughts & opinions.

General Specifications

This is a .177 caliber spring rifle that uses a breakbarrel cocking action. It’s well balanced in size/weight with a total length of 45 inches and a 7-pound heft. The barrel is rifled steel and this model uses a front fiber optic sight and fully adjustable rear site for greater flexibility. This particular rifle does not come with a scope but there is a .22 caliber combo that is equipped with a 4 x32 mm scope currently available. If you plan on getting your own scope, the Optimus uses a 3/8″ dovetail optics rail.

In addition to these basic but very solid specifications, the Optimus comes adorned in a very nice hardwood stock, which certainly does not look like the type you’d expect on an air rifle with such a modest price tag.

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Muzzle Velocity and Power

The Optimus is a great example of how powerful even inexpensive spring air rifles are today. According to Crosman, the Optimus can generate a muzzle velocity of 1000 FPS with lead pellets and 1,200 FPS with alloy pellets. Although we can’t be sure of the actual pellets used, if we assume that the lead pellets tested were a typical 7.9 grains in weight, by plugging this and the reported 1000 FPS into our FPE calculator, we arrive at an air rifle with 17.5 FPE at the barrel!

This is outstanding power for any air rifle, much less one in this price class. Consequently, this is not only enough power for field target shooting, and plinking, but it easily meets the 12 FPE minimum requirement we like to see in potential small game hunting air rifles.

Price & Value

At the moment, the Crosman Optimus has a list price of about $165 but is on sale for roughly $106 – this is simply an outstanding deal given this air rifle’s features and specifications. And as we discuss below, it’s unusual value is one of the reasons why it’s received so much praise from consumers.

Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle Reviews

As of the date of this writing, the Crosman Optimus has a nearly perfect average user satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on amazon.com based on 21 reviews. This is extremely high user approval, a score we rarely see in any air rifle with a decent number of reviews. But let’s dig deeper into these reviews to find out exactly what people liked and didn’t like. Here are the pros/cons as actual Optimus owners characterized them:

PROS:
- Lots of Power – users were consistently impressed by the power of this springer, with several reviewers noting that this rifle broke the sound barrier when fired, especially if heavier pellets weren’t used.
- Great Accuracy – although some reports indicated that it took some time to break in properly, many reviewers praised the fiber optic sighting and the overall precision of this air rifle.
- Relatively Easy Cocking – a powerful springer like this is never too “easy” to cock, but most people indicated that it was far easier than they expected, particular compared to other rifles with this much power.
- Great For Air Rifle Hunting – with its power and precision, several owners stated that they were successfully using this rifle for small game hunting.
- Not Too Loud – spring rifles are notorious for being loud, but the consensus was that the Optimus was “not too loud” and therefore quite tolerable relative to others.
- Great Overall Quality & Value – beyond everything else, the big theme among the reviewers was their amazement at how well-made, powerful, accurate, and attractive this air rifle is – especially for one in it’s price range.
CONS
- Noise? – with only 5 and 4 star reviews, there were really no “cons” per se; however, one reviewer stated that he brought the rifle back because it was too loud. Of course, this was a minority view, since the other reviewers reported that noise levels weren’t that bad. In any event, spring-piston rifle are always going to result in some noise, particularly if you are breaking the sound barrier with fast alloy pellets.
Read the Full Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle Reviews Here!!

Concluding Thoughts & Opinions

Like those who have purchased it, we too are extremely impressed with the quality and unbelievable value that the Crosman Optimus .177 Caliber Breakbarrel brings. Not only does it have small game hunting power, but it’s fiber optic sighting and overall construction make it a very accurate air rifle as well. Furthermore, it’s also a very handsome rifle, with an attractive wood stock that will last for years with only minimal care. As a result, this would make a great target shooting, plinking or small game hunting air rifle for both new users and more experienced air rifle enthusiasts alike.

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June 28, 2013
Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT Review
The Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT is a very popular new rifle that seems to have it all – power, quiet operation, good looks and accuracy. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a critical look at this rifle and see what actual users are saying about it.

General Specifications

This is a gas-piston rifle that uses a nitrogen-gas strut instead of a spring. As a result, it’s already much quieter and easier to cock than a comparably-powered breakbarrel spring rifle. In addition, this model comes with noise dampening system that is reportedly capable of reducing firing decibel level by 52%.

As far as trigger mechanism and recoil, the Silent Stalker Whisper IGT comes with a convenient adjustable 2-stage trigger (“Smooth Action Trigger” or “SAT) and Gamo’s Shock Wave Absorption system that they state can eliminate 74% more recoil. The rifle is equipped with a 3-9×40 scope complete with mounting hardware and uses an interesting skeletonized stock.

Muzzle velocity & Power

Gamo reports muzzle velocity to be 1300 FPS for the .177 caliber version using PBA Platinum pellets and 975 FPS for the .22 rifle. Assuming that these pellets weigh 4.7 grains and 9.7 grains, respectively, using our FPE calculator give us muzzle FPE estimates of 17.6 and 20.5 foot-pounds of energy for the .177 and .22 caliber models.

This is a lot of power and, together with its accuracy, makes this rife an excellent choice for hunting, particularly in the .22 caliber option.

Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT Reviews

This rifle’s outstanding performance is evident in its very high users satisfaction ratings. We’ve done the leg work of combing through these reviews and here are the pros/cons of this rifle as real users see them:

PROS:
- Powerful – reviewers agreed that this is a very powerful rifle that pretty much tore up anything unlucky enough to be shot by it. We are not surprised considering our FPE estimates.
- Extremely Accurate – in addition to power, the most common praise received by this rifle was for its outstanding accuracy. Further, the consensus was that optimum performance was obtained using H&N Field Target Trophy pellets, with one user indicating that dime sized groupings at 30 yards was achieved!
- Great Rifle Stock – users found it very good for maintaining stable stance and steady firing position, once they got comfortable with the proper artillery hold needed for this model.
- Outstanding Sights – in fact, the sights are so accurate that several users mentioned they didn’t even some bother using scope, with one user reporting near perfect accuracy at 50 yards out of the box!
- Cool-looking – there were several comments about how nice this rifle looks. We agree!
CONS:
- Disappointing Stock Scope – in general, most people found the scope average to poor quality. For an upgrade that will make this rifle perform at its best, we suggest you check out the UTG 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Rifle Scope.
- A Bit Noisier Than Expected – despite the silencer, some users noted that they expected this rifle to be quieter than it was. However, most found it relatively quiet (much more than any springer, of course) and some indicated that noise levels dropped a bit after breaking in.
Read the Full Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT Reviews Here!

Price & Value

The silent stalker is usually available for between $250 – $300. However, you can usually find big discounts on this model here. All in all, we feel that this rifle is fairly-priced considering its power, accuracy and advantageous gas-piston technology.

Concluding Thoughts & Opinions

The Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful and extremely accurate air rifle. In addition, with its gas-piston technology, it is also benefits from being quieter and smoother than the spring rifle crowd. And given its power, which we estimate to be just over 17.6 FPE and 20.5 FPE at the muzzle based on Gamo’s FPS data, this rifle is superb for hunting, with the .22 caliber version being the better choice for more serious air rifle hunters.

Finally, even though some users were hoping for it to be a little quieter, there are no big drawbacks with this rifle. Indeed, for its power output, it’s still a relatively silent option. Likewise, if this rifle’s extraordinary sights aren’t good enough for you, and you are not happy with the scope, swapping it out for the UTG 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Rifle Scope should make a world of difference.

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June 26, 2013