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Category: Spring-Piston Air Rifles

  • SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1A Underlever Pellet Rifle review

    The Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle is a popular air rifle that boasts a number of impressive features. In this article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of this air rifle and examine what makes it stand out from other options on the market.

    Features of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle

    The Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle is a spring-piston air rifle that shoots .177 or .22 caliber pellets. It features a built-in muzzle brake and an adjustable trigger that can be set to match your shooting preferences. The rifle also comes with an adjustable rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight for improved accuracy.

    One of the standout features of this air rifle is the underlever cocking mechanism. This allows you to cock the gun without breaking the barrel, which helps to maintain accuracy and consistency between shots. The underlever design also helps to reduce recoil, which can be a problem with other air rifles.

    The Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle has a solid wood stock with a raised cheekpiece for improved comfort and accuracy. The stock also features checkering on the grip and forearm for improved grip and control.

    The rifle has a maximum velocity of 1100 feet per second, which is more than enough for target shooting and small game hunting. It also has a single-shot bolt action, which makes it easy to load and shoot.

    Pros of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle

    One of the biggest advantages of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle is its underlever cocking mechanism. This allows you to cock the gun without breaking the barrel, which helps to maintain accuracy and consistency between shots. It also helps to reduce recoil, which can be a problem with other air rifles.

    The adjustable trigger is another great feature of this air rifle. It can be set to match your shooting preferences, which can help you shoot more accurately and with greater control. The adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic front sight also help to improve accuracy.

    The solid wood stock is another highlight of this air rifle. It is comfortable to hold and provides a solid grip, thanks to the checkering on the grip and forearm. The raised cheekpiece also helps to improve accuracy and comfort.

    The maximum velocity of 1100 feet per second is more than enough for target shooting and small game hunting. The single-shot bolt action makes it easy to load and shoot, and the rifle is relatively quiet compared to other air rifles.

    Cons of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle

    One of the drawbacks of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle is its weight. At over 9 pounds, it is heavier than many other air rifles on the market. This can make it difficult to hold steady for long periods of time, which can be a problem for target shooting.

    The rifle also has a long cocking stroke, which can be tiring for some users. It may take some time to get used to the underlever design, especially if you are used to using other types of air rifles.

    Another potential downside of this air rifle is its price. It is more expensive than many other options on the market, which may not be ideal for beginners or those on a budget.

    User Reviews of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle

    User reviews of the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle are generally positive. Many users appreciate the underlever design and the solid wood stock. The adjustable trigger and sights are also popular features.

    However, some users have noted that the rifle is heavier than they expected, which can make it difficult to hold steady for long periods of time. Some users have also reported issues with the rifle jamming or misfiring, although these appear to be relatively rare.

    Conclusion: Overall, the Springfield Armory Underlever Pellet Rifle is a solid choice.

  • Our Review: Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro

    Our Review: Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro

    The Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro has a lot to live up to; including Gamo’s claim that it is one of the “quietest” air rifles you can buy thanks in part to a “patented double integrated noise dampening technology.” But what’s the real story on the Whisper Fusion Pro and, ultimately, is it worth the money? In usual style, we try to cut through the noise and give you our unbiased opinion.

    Gamo Whisper Pro Fusion Review
    CHECK PRICE AND MORE REVIEWS

    Very Good power and velocity

    This is a single-cock, spring-piston break-barrel air rifle that does not come up short in the power department. As usual, Gamo reports velocity using PBA platinum pellets, which, in the .177 caliber are reported to reach 1,400 feet per second. Assuming a weight of 5.4 grains for the PBA ammo, this results in approximately 23.5 foot-pounds of energy, i.e., “FPE,” at the muzzle using our FPE calculator.  We have heard similar numbers by users of the .22 caliber model, although somewhat lower, around the 20-21 FPE range. Regardless, this is plenty of power for anything from long-range plinking to serious small game hunting, and we expect users will not be complaining that the Gamo Whisper lacks guts. This rifle also does not disappoint if you want a nice arm workout – as it requires about 41 pounds of effort to cock.

    Fairly good accuracy with combo scope

    This model comes with a 3-9×40 with adjustable objective scope and a one-piece dovetail mount.  Most will probably find the scope pretty good for plinking and casual small game hunting; however, it does have its limitations and if you are seeking reliable, tight groups, a scope upgrade may be in order at some point. Having said all that, this is a fairly accurate air rifle, assuming you are patient during break in period and know how to sight-in an air rifle.

    We should also point out that, as with a lot of spring-piston rifles, some may struggle keeping the scope zeroed and ensuring that the mounts remain tight. We’d recommend re-zeroing and tightening the scope mounting every couple dozen shots or so to prevent wandering, especially when pursuing small game – where precision shooting is required for humane kills.

    A pretty decent trigger

    So Gamo has also put a lot of emphasis on the SAT, or “Smooth Action Trigger,” an adjustable two-stage trigger that Gamo claimed is nothing short of revolutionary.

    In our view, the SAT trigger is pretty good and light, with just under a 3.74-pound pull. Nevertheless, we would not consider it to be a game-changer by any means and there are plenty that may find the trigger much stiffer than its pull rating would suggest. Again, if you are looking to take this rifle to the next level in terms of accuracy, this trigger may not be for you. Still, this is a good trigger by general standards and the average user is likely to be pleased with its performance out of the box or after some minor tweaking.

    Not very quiet, really

    OK, so this is where Gamo’s claims fall flat in our opinion. This is not a particularly quiet air rifle! In fact, it is pretty darn average and, while certainly acceptable for a spring-piston model, it is by no means stealthy. In fact, some users put the cracking of this rifle on par with shooting a conventional .22 short round.

    Of course, some of the complaints of this rifle being downright loud are probably because people are using PBA ammo in the .177. As we have explained time and time again, if you break the sound barrier (which is around 1,000 FPS), you are going to make a lot of noise – so don’t do it! Breaking the sound barrier will also cause you to miss at anything beyond very close ranges due to the sound pressure wake that is created behind a supersonic pellet. PBA and other lightweight alloy pellets are, in our opinion, gimmicky and not useful except to pick up the trajectory of underpowered airguns and rifles  – this does not apply to the Whisper Fusion Pro. Stick with lead.

    Sharp fit and finish

    This is a fairly long (just under 47”) yet moderately heavy (8 lbs.) rifle that comes with an all-weather, ambidextrous stock and jacketed steel barrel. The stock comes with rubber buttplate and “Shock Wave Absorber” technology to dampen that endeavors to reduce the double-recoil of the large spring power plant.

    Overall, this is very handsome-looking air rifle.

    Gamo Whisper Pro butt stock

    Consensus from users

    Generally, the word on the street is that the Whisper Fusion Pro is a good deal; while not very quiet, users appreciate that it is a very powerful and fairly accurate rifle, that is if you don’t mind having to re-zero the scope now and again. Many people struggle to maintain accuracy and groups out beyond 20 yards, although we suspect in many cases that this is because they are not keeping the mount/scope screws tight and/or are wasting time using PBA ammo, which will virtually always deliver unreliable accuracy with a “hot” rifle like this, especially in the .177 caliber.

    Probably the most common complaint about this model is the hollow butt stock, which gives the rifle a somewhat cheaper feel than is deserved. If you are picky about how an air rifle balances – again, if you are looking for outstanding accuracy – this could very well bother you. Otherwise, the hollow butt is mostly a nit-pick that most will get over.

    Overall conclusion

    While we would not consider this among our best value picks, at its current price point at the time of this writing, which is hovering around $250-$275, the Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro does offer a lot of rifle for the money, including an adjustable scope and a decent trigger for its class. In addition, despite the flashy velocity ratings Gamo is known for, at around 20-23 FPE or so, this is a powerful rifle that easily eclipses our 12 FPE minimum for small game hunting and makes the rifle quite good for fairly longer-range shooting (beyond 35 yards) – that is, if you are patient with zeroing every couple dozen shots or so, and make sure to keep the scope and mounting screws tight.

    The big failure in our view is the “quiet” claim; this is not a quiet air rifle by any reasonable standard and is pretty average relative to most spring-piston power plants. Consequently, if you are considering this model because you are hoping to engage in some discrete, backyard shooting, think again.

    Check price and ratings for the Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro Here!

  • The Scoop on the Gamo Hunter Extreme

    The Scoop on the Gamo Hunter Extreme

    The Gamo Hunter Extreme has garnered lots of attention from shoppers looking for the next best spring-piston rifle, but there is not much consensus out there about its value, which begs the question:  is this yet just another sexy model that fails to live up to its lofty price tag? In usual fashion, we cut through the “noise” and deliver you the real deal, as we see it, with an eye towards maximizing performance and quality for your buck.

    gamo_hunter_extremeSE

    Key Features / Overview

    The Gamo Extreme is a break barrel, single-cocking/single-shot spring-piston air rifle that aims to compete with other big ticket springers in the always fierce magnum market. It does this by delivering a more quality look, feel and, of course, considerably more power than the average springer on the market.

    So what about power? Specifically, Gamo reports that the Hunter Extreme SE can send a PBA pellet at velocities of up to 1650 feet per second, with traditional lead pellets reaching speeds of up to 1,250 feet per second. As readers of this blog know full well, velocity figures by themselves don’t much, so we’ve done a bit of math to come up with FPE (foot pounds of energy) for this rifle.

    To obtain FPE, we need both velocity and pellet weight. In this case, Gamo says that it’s 1650 FPS figure is obtained with PBA rounds. They did not specify which PBA round they were talking about but I will assume that they are using their lightest round, the PBA Plantinum. Knowing that this PBA round is about 4.7 grains (considerably lighter than Gamo’s “gold” PBA round @ 5.4 grains), and plugging 1,650 FPS into our FPE Calculator, we get about 28 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The same FPE results when we plug in the 1,250 FPS figure and assume a typical lead pellet weight of 8.0 grains. In other words, when you consider that our minimum FPE requirement for a hunting rifle is 12 FPE, it is obvious that this is indeed a very powerful air rifle!

    Cocking Effort

    Unfortunately as with so many things in life, there is one noticeable tradeoff to all that power. And that is – you can expect a pretty good arm/back workout cocking this beast, which requires a very impressive 58 lbs. of cocking effort according to Gamo. What does this mean? In our opinion, unless you are fit adult male you will have trouble using this rifle. Again, this is not something unique to the Hunter Extreme as it is an issue with just about all high-powered springers. Nevertheless, we often receive many questions about air rifles we’d recommend for back yard pest elimination that are suitable for both men and women – this rifle would therefore not be among them for the cocking effort required alone.

    Scope & Optics

    Hunter Extreme Specifications
    CLICK TO ENLARGE

    The combo comes complete with a 3-9×50, illuminated center glass-etched reticle scope that affixes with a one-piece grooved-rail rifle mount.  The scope does a fair job, particularly as a combo offering, and should make most users reasonably happy (although the rifle would greatly benefit from an upgraded scope in our book view), and the one-piece solid mount is a smart move by Gamo given the heavy double-recoil you can expect from the massive spring-piston powerplant at the heart of this rig. However, as usual, you will need to take care to sight the scope in properly and always check to ensure that all of the screws are tightened to ensure consistent shooting.

    Stock Trigger

    Rated at 4.5 pounds of pull, the two-stage trigger is not too bad, at least on paper. However, users seem to love it or hate it (mostly the latter), with many complaining about its unreasonable stiffness regardless of the second stage adjustment. If you are used to shooting high quality triggers, you will probably want to upgrade it immediately; whereas, most users just getting into relatively higher-ticket models should do well with it – and may even be satisfied.

    Size & Overall Weight

    In addition to being a bear to cock, this is a fairly long (46″ barrel to butt) and heavy rifle that, again, is not a good option for kids and/or slightly-built shooters. Specifically, coming in at just under 11 lbs. with the scope, it is certainly manageable compared to other magnum-type rifles but you will want to use a bench rest whenever possible when stalking your quarry for any length of time.

    Fit & Finish

    This is a handsome rifle that definitely represents a step up in quality that is evident when picking it up. The stock is composed of high-grade beechwood and features a raised Montecarlo-styled cheekpiece; the forearm and pistol grip are tastefully adorned with laser-engraved checkering. Indeed, this is a beautiful, solid rifle that makes a nice focal point in one’s collection, even for serious collections.

    Performance & Accuracy

    There are few consistent themes that emerge from reports from our various sources about what this rifle can actually do and, as usual, we suspect that many users struggle with basic issues of scope sighting, pellet selection, maintenance, etc. However all agree that this is a very hard-hitting rifle that has plenty of power to knock down small game and pests, which is evident from the 28 FPE in the .177 we calculated above.  Among the criticisms, the most common center around: (1) the stiff trigger and (2) lack of consistency from the stock scope. To be fair, while the scope and trigger are definitely the weakest points of this combo, this true for most combos.  Are they good enough for most people and casual hunting – absolutely; however, they are probably the very first things a user may want to consider upgrading if desiring even greater accuracy for more ambitious hunting or field target shooting.

    Price & Value

    This is always the million dollar question when shopping for air rifles, especially ones that cost in excess of $400. In our view, while the Hunter Extreme is overall high-quality and delivers huge power and solid accuracy right out of the box, it is in a very competitive price class with other spring-piston rifles that we think deliver equal or better value. For example, we could not in good conscience say that Hunter Extreme is in any way superior to the RWS 48, for example. Nor is it an overall a better choice than the RWS 22 350 Magnum.  In addition, if you stretched your budget a bit further, the RWS 54 Air King would give you similar power any superior accuracy to boot. Of course, those rifles will cost you more, especially after they are scoped. But keep in mind that if you may end up spending as much, or more, if you decide to upgrade  a scope/trigger later!

    Which Caliber & Pellet is Best?

    If you aren’t up to speed on the confusing and often deceptive marketing about power and velocity then pay close attention:  if you want to buy this rifle in the .177, use heavier, not lighter pellets! Here is our primer on air rifle pellets if you need to bone up.  As we’ve explained so many times, there is no need for or benefit to achieving velocities in excess of 1,000-1,100 FPS.  In fact, exceeding this and breaking the sound barrier will result in inaccurate shooting because the sound pressure wake created behind a pellet upon breaking the barrier will catch up with it and cause it to tumble in flight unless shooting at very close ranges. We suspect this is one of the primary reasons why so many people can’t seem to understand why they can’t sight in this gun or get repeatable groups at any distance – think people!!

    If you aren’t going for one of the larger bores (either the .22 or .25), then by all means get the heaviest lead pellets you can find and try out as many as you can until you find the best match for your particular rifle. We’ve put together a comparison matrix here to make this easier. Forget about all the BS you read about PBA. If you want to take down game, pests or hit anything consistently, use quality lead pellets and steer clear of alloy. In addition to slowing a .177 pellet to avoid breaking the sound barrier, a heavier pellet (in any caliber) bucks the wind better and carries more energy to the target, making traditional lead the gold standard for hunting or field target shooting.

    Likewise, consider carefully what you intend to shoot with this rifle. Are you interested in mainly furred game? If so, the .22 and .25 calibers are the better choices for several reasons we’ve already discussed. On the other hand, if you are primarily seeking to wreak havoc on the local starling or small bird population – and at long ranges – the Hunter Extreme in the .177 is an easy choice that will handle the task in spades!

    Click Here to Get the Best Price on the Gamo Hunter Extreme!!

     

     

  • Top Value COMBO for $200 – Browning Leverage

    Top Value COMBO for $200 – Browning Leverage

    VALUE PICK1While there are many good air rifles under $200, we can think of no air rifle combo that brings the same level of performance, quality and value as the Browning Leverage. Ironically, it’s also hard to think of another combo that is less publicized!

    Indeed, at a time when air rifle advertising is particularly fierce (and often deceptive), Browning has quietly released its Leverage Combo with essentially no promotion at all. As such, this is a true “sleeper” among other air rifles that anyone shopping for an inexpensive combo ought to strongly consider!

    Please read on as we discuss in detail what the Browning Leverage delivers, as well as some idiosyncrasies you should be aware of before purchasing.

    Browning Leverage Air Rifle Combo Review>>Check Prices, Ratings & Availability!<<

    Key Features & Benefits

    Great Power For Small Game Hunting or Target Shooting

    First off, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing power – the Browning Leverage is a hammer! The .177 and .22 caliber versions are rated reach velocities up to 1000 and 800 FPS, respectively, and we estimate that this rifle can produce muzzle energy (i.e., foot-pounds of energy or “FPE”) in the neighborhood of at least 15 FPE in the .22. This is lots of power for any pellet rifle, and makes the Leverage great for small game hunting (.22 version recommended), target shooting, plinking, spinning or whatever.

    The 3-9×40 AO scope on the Leverage is simply outstanding, with bright, clear optics!An Unusually High Quality Scope & Picatinny Rail!

    We can’t tell you how many good air rifle combos come with crummy to mediocre optics – not the Browning Leverage! This combo is fitted with a very high quality 3-9×40 AO scope with a picatinny rail (hurray!) that would be considered equivalent to a quality upgrade scope for most users. How good is it? We are talking about a scope that is probably worth $80-$100 alone! It produces strikingly bright, clear images – even when distance shooting. In fact, some users claim that this scope is almost too good to be on a rifle under $500, and end up using it on their other (more expensive) air rifles too!

    Exceptional Long-Range Accuracy Out of the Box

    You will want to clean the barrel, get comfy with the scope, and put a bunch of rounds through it – but when you do, you will likely be blown away at just how accurate this rifle is. Withing 20-25 yards, and with the right pellets, you can shoot a ragged hole all day long with the Leverage. However, the beauty of this rifle is how it maintains laser-beam accuracy at considerably longer distances. So what are we talking about?  How about consistent half inch (or smaller) groups at 50+ yards. In fact, the tack-driving accuracy of the Leverage has led some to compare it with the downrange precision normally reserved for PCP rifles!

    The Leverage's trigger is fairly light and very crisp and predictable - no need to upgrade here!Solid Trigger That Doesn’t Need Upgrading

    Yet another perennial weak spot of combos is their trigger mechanisms. Well, we can honestly say that the Leverage once again pleasantly surprises with a very decent single-stage trigger that most will enjoy using and never need to replace. And while it is not the lightest trigger out there (rated at about 5 pounds of pull), it is crisp and very predictable, which is really all we think a triggers should be. Kudos to Browning for not skimping yet again!

    Fixed Barrel & Easy Underlever Cocking

    We have a soft spot for fixed barrel air rifles, and the underlever design of the Leverage is another huge perk for us that seems misplaced against its extremely modest price tag. Fixed barrels have certain advantages, primary of which is they are immune from potential barrel misalignment issues that can develop after time due to the constant breaking/re-breaking of breakbarrels; for us, this provides a level of confidence that once everything is dialed in, you shouldn’t need to worry about shots wandering over time due to breakbarrel misalignment/droop.

    In addition to the accuracy benefits of a fixed barrel, the Leverage is remarkably easy rifle to cock. Specifically, it’s rated to require just 28 pounds of effort! This is very low, and particularly impressive given the good power and velocity the Leverage generates. Consequently, even more slightly-built and/or  younger shooter should be able to cock this rifle. This is definitely one of those rare situations where you can have your cake – and eat it too!

    We really like the simple, yet high-quality wood stock & classic finish of the Leverage.Very Good Fit & Finish

    Besides ticking all of the performance and quality boxes for us, this air rifle looks and feels like a model costing much, much more. It has an undeniably “beefy,” masculine design that is classic yet obeys modern ergonomic standards. At roughly 45 inches long and 8.6 pounds in weight, this is a larger, but very well-balanced air rifle. In our view, the slightly greater heft of the Leverage nicely offsets the longer barrel and provides a more solid base that you’ll appreciate when aiming for more distant targets.

    The hardwood stock with ventilated buttpad is also quite good, and while not adorned with any checkering or other artistic touches, is very solid and should last a lifetime with only minimal care. What else can you ask for in a sub-$200 combo!?

    Any Downsides to the Leverage?

    Although just about everyone agrees that the Leverage provides ridiculous value in its price class (see amazon ratings), there are some issues to keep in mind to get the most out of this combo. Based on our own analysis and by scouring input from users, here are the following quirks to be aware of.

    Likely to Come With a “Dirty” Barrel

    As with many more affordable air rifles, there’s a good chance that your rifle will come with some residual “gunk” in the barrel from the machining/manufacturing process. While this is not a real drawback of the Leverage, per se, this residue could really make sighting in difficult, so we suggest buying an inexpensive Airgun Cleaning Kit and giving the Leverage a good scrub before using. Some users will even go so far as disassembling the barrel to clean it out, but this shouldn’t be necessary in most cases.

    Factory Barrel Droop

    Barrel droop, which simply refers to a barrel that is out of alignment to some degree (in any direction) with the scope, can affect rifles in any price range. In this case, rather than the misalignment that can occur in breakbarrels (from breaking/re-breaking), the Leverage often comes out of the factory with a very slightly downward pointing barrel (the most common droop orientation). Unlike breakbarrel-caused droop, the good news is that, once this is fixed in the Leveage, it’s fixed for good!

    So how to deal with this droop? Browning is keenly aware of it and has included a rear shim at the back of the scope to attempt to compensate. The only problem is that this shim may be insufficient and is a bit soft in our view. Fortunately, you can easily fashion your own shims (there are many sources on line to instruct you how), or you can get a droop compensating scope mount if you don’t want to go the DIY route.

    A Noticeable “Break-in” Period

    Don’t be one of those people that expect an air rifle to shoot perfectly smoothly and accurately as soon as it’s fired. The Leverage is definitely one of those springers that will be a bit jumpy at the beginning, but should continue to get smoother, quieter and more consistently accurate the more rounds you put through it. Also, as with any springer, you will need to practice your hold to get the most performance out of this air rifle.

    Awkward Breech Location

    Many note that it can be hard to load this rifle, as the scope can get in the way and leave you precious little space to access the breech. This can be dealt with, for the most part, by simply mounting the scope on the picatinny rail towards the back, so the rear ring is on the last slot – with the front ring placed on the slot 4th from the front. By using this configuration, you should have enough room to load pellets, even if you have fat stonemason hands!

    Quality Control Issues?

    Invariably, some individual rifles may come out of the factory with more issues than others. Some users have noticed dents, crooked underlever mechanisms and extreme barrel droop. Again, this can happen to any rifle, and the chances of getting one of these “duds” is relatively low; however, we encourage you to clean and put lots of rounds through the rifle soon after your purchase to take advantage of any applicable return policy should it be necessary.

    Concluding Thoughts on The Browning Leverage Combo

    The Browing Leverage Combo - easily the best you can get for under $200 bucks!Simply put, we cannot think of another air rifle combo that delivers such well-rounded power, accuracy and quality as the Browning Leverage that is anywhere close to its $200-ish price tag. This rifle is a small game hunting machine that is equally capable of field target shooting, spinning and plinking. Moreover, its fairly quiet report and ease of cocking makes it a handy backyard rifle that is lethal to pests and other undesirable vermin around the home.

    Finally, the Leverage is simply a joy to shoot and has more going for it out of the box than combos costing hundreds more. Indeed, even old-school air gunners that have a large collection of air rifles admit that the Leverage is the one they tend to pick up first – and is the combo that provides the most bang for their buck. With all this performance for your money, we suspect that the Leverage may be very hard to find once the secret of its stellar value truly gets out!!

    >>Get the Best Price on The Browning Leverage Air Rifle Combo!!<<

  • Editor’s Pick For $400 – Diana RWS 48 / T06 Trigger

    Editor’s Pick For $400 – Diana RWS 48 / T06 Trigger

    VALUE PICK1There are many, many great air rifles you can buy for $400 or less; however, in our view, none can compare to the total package that is the Diana RWS 48 with the T06 Trigger. And while it may not always be available for $400 or less, when you can get it for this price, we say GO FOR IT!

    But why all the fuss over this spring-piston side lever you ask? Please let us explain why we’ve given this rifle the top spot in a very competitive price class.

    Best Air Rifle for $400 - Diana RWS 48 T06 Trigger Review
    >>Check RWS 48 Prices & Options!<<

    Why We Love the Diana RWS 48

    First-Class Build Quality / Fit & Finish

    There’s nothing particularly flashy about the RWS 48, but it simply oozes quality throughout. This rifle comes with a gorgeous beechwood (a hardwood) stock with metal that is blued to perfection. Everything is tight and just feels solid on this model. And at roughly 42 inches in total length and 8.5 pounds in weight, this is one extremely well-balanced weapon that is not light, but is easy to hold and reminds you that you are firing a serious piece of air rifle craftsmanship. Think the BMW of air rifles!

    Competition-Grade Accuracy

    The unparalleled match-grade accuracy of the RWS 48 is well established and beyond reproach, which is precisely why this rifle is used by the U.S. field target club! As such, you will not have to worry about wild fliers here! The RWS 48 can go toe to toe with the most expensive pellet rifles and is capable of maintaining dime/nickle-sized groups at distances that most other elite rifles simply cannot match. In addition, the super high-quality rifling on this barrel also produces absurdly consistent velocities. In short, this rifle delivers consistent, tack-driving accuracy that is limited only by the skill and technique of the user – in fact, we know of no other rifle that brings this level of shooting precision and reliability out of the box for less than $500!

    The New & Improved T06 Trigger

    The RWS 48 was an instant classic back when it was fitted with the T05 trigger. However, the superiority of the new T06 trigger puts this rifle on an even loftier position. The T06 is in our view the perfect trigger: light, crisp and extremely predictable. Together with the 48’s precisely machined barrel and overall superb balance, you simply cannot ask for a more optimized pellet rifle out of the box. But the T06 not only feels better and more efficiently harnesses the accuracy of this rifle, it is also more durable and just better made than the T05. Consequently, be careful not to purchase any older versions of the RWS 48 as they are likely to come with the T05!

    Outstanding Front/Rear Adjustable Open Sights

    For those (including myself) that appreciate the rapid target acquisition and simplicity of open-sight shooting, you will love the RWS 48. Both the front and rear sights are adjustable and allow extremely precise positioning thanks to a rail-type mount in the front and a ball bearing elevation adjustment in the rear. Indeed, with quality sights like these, you could postpone buying a quality air rifle scope for some time – or indefinitely!

    Outstanding Small Game Hunting Power

    While many rifles built for accuracy sometimes lag in terms of long-range knock-down power, the Diana RWS 48 is a sharp-shooting hammer! The .177 caliber sizzles in its own right, but if you are anticipating doing any hunting, we say go for the .22, which packs up to 25 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) at the muzzle by our calculations – significantly more than the minimum 12 FPE we recommend for hunting rifles. It is this combination of great power and legendary (50  yard+) accuracy that has also earned the RWS 48 (in the .22) our pick as one of the very best hunting air rifles!

    A Smooth-Cocking Sidelever

    Just about everyone who uses the RWS 48 will confirm that it cocks remarkably smoothly, despite the nearly 40 pounds of effort technically involved. We suspect this is in large part due to the overall quality of the spring/cocking mechanism and the fact that this is a sidelever – which is arguably the easiest cocking configuration you can get in a springer. Regardless, most users will find the RWS 48 quite easy to cock, particularly considering this rifle’s impressive muzzle energy.

    Another nice advantage of the sidelever, as compared to a breakbarrel, is the elimination of possible barrel/scope misalignment that can occur with breakbarrels – i.e, the slight change in barrel position over time due to constant breaking of the barrel during cocking. With a fixed barrel sidelever, you never need to worry that the cocking the rifle may over time affect accuracy.

    Smooth-Firing & Relatively Quiet for Springer

    Among all of the powerplants, spring-piston rifles are typically the loudest and suffer from the most recoil due to the coiling/uncoiling of the heavy spring mass that drives them. However, the RWS 48 shoots so smoothly and quietly (for a springer) that you may think you are using a gas-ram! The recoil is also very minimal, which contributes to this rifle’s pellet-stacking accuracy.

    Anything Not to Like?

    It is extremely hard to nitpick a rifle of this quality at this price, but in a perfect world it would be nice if it came with a swiveled sling, and perhaps some detail (like checkering) on the pistol grip and fore. An option for upgraded stock or addition of a raised cheek piece would also be nice. As you can see, this is all just minor/cosmetic stuff; the RWS has no real weak spots we can see!

    Price and Value

    At the moment, the RWS 48 is available for around $400 shipped. Yes, this is pricey for a springer, and we wouldn’t blame anyone for opting for something more budget-friendly. Nevertheless, this is the kind of air rifle that can do everything; do it better than most (even compared to more expensive models), and should last a lifetime. It’s also supported by a lifetime limited warranty. Consequently, when you consider the superior performance, craftsmanship and durability of this weapon – and then project this over decades of use and enjoyment – it is worth every penny in our book.

    Concluding Thoughts on the RWS 48

    No matter how big, small or expensive your air rifle collection, we are confident that the Diana RWS 48 is likely to be the first rifle you grab when power and competition-grade accuracy is needed. Its hard-hitting nature and extreme accuracy in our estimation makes it one of the very best hunting air rifles you can buy, regardless of price class, but the RWS 48 is also ideal for everything from plinking/spinning to competitive field target shooting.

    And while one can always complain about its hefty price, in reality, this rifle delivers elite-level performance that is typically found in rifles that cost several hundred dollars more. As such, we’d easily recommend the RWS 48 to anyone searching for an accurate and reliable air rifle – even if price were no object!

    >>Buy the RWS 48 T06 Trigger in .177 Caliber!<<

    >>Buy the RWS 48 T06 Trigger in .22 Caliber!<<

  • Beeman R9 / HW95 – An Uber-Accurate Springer!

    Beeman R9 / HW95 – An Uber-Accurate Springer!

    The Beeman R9 (aka Weihrauch HW95) is considered by many to be one of, if not the most accurate spring-piston air rifle you can get for under $500. And although we can’t confirm that claim, we’d be hard-pressed to disprove it too! In any case, there is no denying that this is a world-class, elite springer that should be considered by anyone looking to maximize quality and precision for their dollar.

    However, what else should you know about this legendary breakbarrel? And is it really worth the stiff price tag?  Please read along as we take a closer look at the Beeman R9 so you can decide if it’s the right airgun for your budget and needs.

    Beeman R9 Weihrauch HW95 Spring Piston Air Rifle Review
    >>Check Prices, Ratings & Availability!<<

    Key Features & Specifications

    Power / Muzzle Energy

    The Beeman R9 is available in three popular calibers (.177, .20 and .22) and has plenty of guts in each. Now, we are not talking about Ruger Air Magnum-type power, but, sufficed to say, you will not be disappointed by the punch delivered by this rifle. Specifically The R9 produces about 14 foot-pounds of muzzle energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and just over 17 FPE in the .22 by our estimates. This is more than sufficient for everything from plinking to field target shooting to small game hunting/pest elimination, with the .20 and .22 calibers being better suited to knocking down furred game/pests.

    And while the R9 packs plenty of power, it is definitely one of the more smoother-cocking air rifles, and most users are likely to be pleasantly surprised at the moderate effort needed to do so.

    Trigger Quality

    The R9 is equipped with the legendary 2-stage adjustable Rekford trigger, which is notable for its very light first stage and crisp second stage that is devoid of annoying “creep.” It’s rated at just 2.1 pounds of pull. This is hands-down one of the best production triggers ever made, and if you’ve never enjoyed a trigger of this quality, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. In short, you will fall in love with this trigger!

    The Beeman R9 Weihrauch HW95 comes in a beatiful, dark hardwood stock with fine checkering.Fit & Finish

    The extreme care and attention to detail used throughout the manufacturing process becomes evident the moment you pick it up. This rifle is clad in a gorgeous and richly-stained hardwood ambidextrous stock with fine checkering on the grip, and the bluing on the metal is deep and gives this weapon a luster that smacks of high-end German engineering. In addition, the high level of precision of the fittings and small/moving parts is outstanding, and is just something that you don’t see in most affordable air rifles. A truly beautiful and solid piece of crafstmanship that you will not get tired of admiring.

    Beyond its sultry good looks and superior construction, this is a very comfortable rifle to use.  And at 43 inches in overall length and roughly 7.5 pounds in total weight, the R9 is balanced to perfection – something you will grow to appreciate even more after you get the hang of holding this particular springer.

    Accuracy

    More than any other, the thing that sets the Beeman R9 apart from most springers south of $500 is accuracy – we are talking about stacking pellets-type accuracy! Remember that this model does not come with open sights, so you will need to purchase or use your own 11mm dovetail-compatible air rifle scope. And assuming you do the right thing and get a quality scope that is fitting for an instrument with this level of precision, the groups that you can achieve with the R9 will simply blow you away.

    Yes, we often characterize many air rifles as “accurate,” and the truth is that most modern pellet rifles (coupled with decent optics) as a whole really are. But the R9 is on another level altogether. What are we talking about? How about sub-quarter inch groups at 20 yards? Folks, this rifle has hole-in-one accuracy for most types of shooting at close ranges, and with some practice with your hold and scope configuration, you can consistently make “Hail Mary” shots out to 50 yards that will amaze you (and any unlucky quarry if using this rifle for hunting). Simply stated, if you have a problem with repeatably achieving dime-sized groups – it’s your fault!

    Price and Value

    At its current price, which is at the moment hovering around $470 shipped, we think the R9 is one of the best-value, elite spring rifles you can buy. No, you are not paying for flashy things like monster muzzle energy or gimmicky silencer add-ons. Rather, what you get in the Beeman R9 is a true laser-beam of an air rifle, that is just made better and delivers more accurate shots than many air rifles that cost hundreds more. Moreover, this precision firearm should last a lifetime with only minimal attention.

    Recommended Uses/Calibers

    There are no real restrictions with the R9, which can do just about anything. If competitive target shooting or long-distance plinking is your thing, you will definitely want to take advantage of the flatter trajectory of the .177. This is also the caliber of choice if you are looking to hunt primarily small, passerine birds (heaven help them!). If, on the other hand, you anticipate using this rifle for more typical small game hunting, definitely go for either the .20 or .22. caliber version. As between the two, both are excellent, but we usually recommend going with the .22 absent some strong user preference, simply because .22 ammo is cheaper and there are more choices.

    Concluding Thoughts & Impressions

    While the Beeman R9 may (understandably) not be within everyone’s budget, it really is one of the most accurate and best-built spring-piston air rifles south of $500. Indeed, in terms of precise shooting, there really is no limitation with the R9, beyond the technique of the shooter and the quality of the scope used. This is a rare thing these days, when prices are often dictated more often by things like super-sonic velocity, ever-increasing power and cosmetic gimmicks that simply do not help shot placement.

    The R9 is the antithesis of flash and hype – it is an air rifle that simply does what an air rifle is supposed to, albeit much better than most!

    >>Buy the Beeman R9/Hw95 Spring Piston Air Rifle!<<

  • Crosman Optimus .22 – Extreme Value Pick

    Crosman Optimus .22 – Extreme Value Pick

    VALUE PICK1There are many air rifles that provide great value for their respective price point, but what we wanted was a model that provides rare, unusual…no – truly extreme value relative to the field.

    To clear this high bar, the rifle had to be exceptionally affordable, yet still provide good power, accuracy and a build that can hold up to routine use. Moreover, we wanted to ensure that model was capable of typical small game hunting and pest elimination, as well as target shooting and plinking.

    The result?

    The Crosman Optimus .22 Break Barrel Air Rifle.

    Crosman Optimus .22 Air Rifle Review
    >>Check Price, Ratings & Availability!<<

    Why is this our “extreme value” pick you ask? Let me explain.

    The Optimus is a powerful break barrel rifle that can do it all. Extreme Power in the .22

    There’s no getting around it, power does matter, particularly if you want to take down small game effectively and humanely. In addition, ample power also supports accuracy, especially if you are doing much shooting beyond 35 yards, since more power results in greater pellet velocity – and a faster pellet has a relatively flatter trajectory.

    But as we’ve said many times before, don’t get bogged down with velocity figures in the abstract, however. Do the math and calculate FPE (foot pounds of energy).

    Crosman reports a velocity of 950 feet per second using alloy pellets. Using this figure, and assuming a standard weight of 9.8 grains for such an alloy pellet, our FPE calculator indicates that the Optimus .22 generates a sizzling 20 FPE at the muzzle!

    To put this into perspective, we typically recommend that any hunting air rifle produce a minimum of 12 FPE for basic small game hunting.  The Optimus (in the .22) absolutely blows this figure out of the water, meaning that you can hunt just about any game or pest that you might with a powerful “elite” springer.

    Now, the Optimus in the .177 is no sissy either, but if air rifle hunting is what motivates you, we always recommend sticking with the much harder punch of the .22. If you don’t understand all the fuss about the difference, check out our article on air rifle hunting.

    The Optimus .22 comes with a fairly decent scope, although the iron sights are excellent.Surprisingly Good Accuracy

    What good is FPE without being able to hit your target consistently?

    Fortunately, the Crosman Optimus also does very well on this score. Yes, the CenterPoint 4×32 mm scope that is included with the combo is nothing to get excited about, but it’s workable and can deliver some pretty tight groups if you’ve got some patience when sighting it in and give it half a chance. Besides, it’s essentially a throw-in and can keep you going until you decide on purchasing a better air rifle scope. If you do get a scope, keep in mind that you must get one that fits on a 3/8″ Dovetail rail.

    Of course, if you’re like me, you may even take the scope off altogether if you are struggling with it. This model’s rear adjustable and fiber optic front sights are very good and might be all that you need, particularly for shooting at closer ranges.

    The fit, finish and trigger of the Optimus is of a quality well above its price class!Fantastic Fit and Finish

    Weighing in at a fairly modest 7 pounds and coming with a very nice hardwood (ambidextrous) stock and comfortable butt pad, the Optimus just feels right when shooting, and looks and handles as well as air rifles that are hundreds of dollars above its price class.

    Decent Trigger

    The two-stage adjustable trigger will not be winning any awards, but is crisp, functional and is actually better than many (including those in some much higher-priced rifles)!

    Great Price

    While there are some air rifles that are even more powerful, accurate and well made – we can think of none that also come close to its remarkably low price!

    Indeed, at its current sales price (as of the date of this article), the Crosman Optimus .22 air rifle combo is in our opinion offers some of the best bang for your buck all around hunting/plinking pellet rifle you can buy.

    In fact, if you can find a better value air rifle for this price, please let us know!

    Impeccable User Ratings

    Not surprisingly given all of this performance and extreme value, the Optimus .22 has received outstanding praise from users. This combo has earned high satisfaction ratings by the air-gunning community. Users rave about this rifle’s big time power and good accuracy. Many indicated successfully bagging various game with no problem. Others marveled at how easily it would penetrate inanimate objects, and make other air rifles look like “toys” by comparison.

    In terms of negatives, the only two complaints that arose consistently were that the rifle is a bit difficult to cock, and that it can be a bit loud when fired. Both of these issues are common to most high-powered spring rifles. With respect to the cocking issue, while the gun will likely get easier to cock over time, we do suggest that prospective users be fairly strong/mature to use this model. For that reason, we think it may be a bit too much for more slightly-built and/or female users.

    Concluding Thoughts

    Buy the Crosman Optimus .22 - our extreme best-value pick!
    >>Buy the Crosman Optimus .22 Combo Air Rifle!<<

    The Crosman Optimus .22 combo presents one of those rare cases where something that seems too good to be true actually is for real. This air rifle is unusually powerful, comes with a decent scope and great fixed sites, has a quality look and feel, and is available for a tad over a measly $100 bucks!

    And with that $100 bucks, you can do just about anything with it. Whether you want something for plinking, or are serious about getting into small game hunting for sport or survival preparedness  – this rifle is perfect and will leave more money in your pocket to buy high quality ammo or an upgraded scope.

  • Ultimate Springer – RWS 54 Air King

    Ultimate Springer – RWS 54 Air King

    I must admit, if I could afford a new springer right now, it would be the Diana RWS 54 Air King. RWS is unquestionably one of the most lauded air rifle makers of all time, and the RWS 54 is one of their nicest models available in my opinion. No, they are definitely not cheap, but this is far from your average springer – and is one air rifle that will pay you back handsomely in the form of a lifetime of ultra-high performance, beauty and reliability. But rather than merely telling you about how wonderful it is, let’s take a closer look at exactly what makes the Air King truly rein over lesser spring rifles.

    RWS 54 Review
    >>Check Price, Ratings & Availability<<

    The Power of a PCP Hunting Rifle

    When an air rifle costs over $500, it is usually held up to particular scrutiny. And the RWS 54 is often compared with other elite springers, particularly the Air Arms TX200 MKIII. Both of these air rifles are truly outstanding, and offer extreme precision and superior craftsmanship. However, what the RWS 54 air rifle has the Air Arms does not is PCP-like power.

    The Air Arms is certainly nothing to laugh at, with about 18 FPE at the muzzle. But the RWS 54 Air King is in a different league altogether, boasting about 26 FPE in the .22, based on a reported velocity of 900 FPS and assuming a 14.3 grain standard lead pellet is used. Thus, while the MKIII may begin to struggle to maintain groupings beyond 60 yards, the RWS 54 can still take down game with striking accuracy  – out to 100 yards with a good scope. In fact, we’ve heard of reports of one user dispatching starlings at 100 yards with ease using the RWS 54. That type of range is only possible with the RWS’ exceptional muzzle energy.

    Recoil-less Action

    The biggest drawback of huge power in a spring rifle is normally recoil, and lots of it. However RWS’ recoil-less system uses a floating sled mechanism that absorbs the recoil otherwise transmitted to the shooter. Moreover, because the pellet is actually discharged before it can receive any recoil, it helps maintain astonishing accuracy. Of course, this system is not designed to minimize recoil received by the scope, so you will definitely want a once-piece mount for this monster.

    T06 Trigger in the .22

    If you’ve done any digging about the RWS 54 you will see many talk about a “plastic” or “heavy” trigger. Indeed, this has been the big drawback of the RWS 54 historically.  That has all since changed with RWS’ new T06 two-stage adjustable trigger. This is a steel trigger that is not heavy at all. In fact, this happens to be one of the best triggers currently available on the market today in our view.

    Long-Range Accuracy You Read About

    Frankly, we’re a bit tired of telling everyone how accurate RWS rifles are, but we’ll do it again: the RWS 54 is exceptionally accurate – no, this is a freakin laser beam! The recoil-less action, smooth yet crisp T06 trigger, and precise barrel rifling and quality has created one of the most accurate air rifles of all time. In addition, with 26 FPE in the .22, you can be sure that this rifle can remain accurate far, far downrange where other rifles (including most other elite springers) simply cannot go. Thus, if you pride yourself in taking small game at distances, this rifle is made for you.

    Oh: we strongly encourage you to do yourself a favor and buy a high-quality adjustable air rifle scope rather than purchasing a combo with an inferior scope. Putting a cheap scope on something of this quality should be criminal!

    Side-Lever Cocking

    If you are going to spend this kind of money on springer, a side or underlever action is best, since you don’t have any fears of barrel misalignment (and its impact on accuracy) developing over time due to the constant breaking of the barrel. As you might guess from the massive power this rifle generates though, cocking effort is significant – 39 pounds’ worth of effort to be exact.

    First-Class Fit and Finish

    As you expect from RWS, the 54 Air King comes with a gorgeous beechwood stock and first-class bluing that will not disappoint you. This rifle also just feels extremely well put together, and reminds us of a very high-priced rimfire in terms of overall feel and heft.

    Anything Not to Like?

    Beyond the expected moaning at this rifle’s $600+ price tag, the biggest complaint about the RWS 54 has historically been the plastic, heavy trigger – which is now a moot issue thanks to the new all-steel and sultry-smooth T06 trigger  (in the .22). Aside from that, some have called the Air King a bit too heavy, which is something we don’t agree with. At about 10 pounds unscoped, this is definitely on the heavier side, but that’s because of the better steel and more robust build of the RWS 54. I for one appreciate a slightly heavier rifle.

    User Feedback

    The the RWS 54 Air King is easily one of the most praised elite spring rifles out there, and has a devout 5-star following among veteran airgunners. One user has even devoted an entire website to an earlier version of this model.

    Suggested Uses

    For my money, the RWS 54 is probably the most accurate and powerful springer you can get, and therefore is my dream spring air rifle for hunting small game. Of course, this presumes you are getting this rifle in the .22 caliber, which is the only way to really take advantage of its fantastic muzzle energy in my opinion. This is also a perfect model for target shooting, plinking, spinning or simply showing off when shooting among friends. There is really nothing you can’t do with this outstanding piece of German engineering.

    Diana RWS 54 Air King – Concluding Thoughts

    In the field of elite spring air rifles there are lots of opinions about which is best. However, most seasoned air gunners would likely agree that the RWS 54 Air King is among the top 2 or 3 choices in the $600 range. In our view, the biggest rival of this model is the Air Arms TX200 MKIII, which is a fantastic air rifle that you can’t go wrong with. But does it match up to the Air King? For us, the RWS 54 brings similar accuracy and build quality compared to the MKIII, but it really blows the Air Arms away in terms of power. It is this far greater power of the RWS 54 King that makes it so much better for making deadly accurate longer shots, well over 60 yards. The Air Arms just can’t hang with the King that far down range. Just make sure you get a quality air rifle scope worthy of such an amazing air rifle.

    In addition, the big gripe levied against the RWS 54 in the past – the infamous “plastic” trigger – has been wiped away (at least in the .22) with the introduction of the T06 trigger, which is one of the best triggers currently available. Indeed, if there were any doubts before, we think it’s pretty clear now that the RWS 54 truly is King, making it the ultimate springer in our book.

    >>Buy the Diana RWS 54 Air King Now!<<

     

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

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

    VALUE PICK1Upon 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.

    Best Air Rifle Under $300 - Diana RWS 34 w/T06 Trigger
    >>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 w/T06 Trigger User Reviews & RatingsDiana 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!<<

  • Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle Review

    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.

    Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle Review
    >>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.

    Ruger Air Magnum Combo - maximum "bang" for your dollar!
    >>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.

  • Why We Love the RWS .22 350 Magnum Air Rifle

    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.

    Diana RWS .22 350 Magnum Air Rifle Review
    >>Check Price, Ratings & Availability<<

    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 Diana RWS .22 350 Magnum Air Rifle!
    >>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.

  • Air Arms TX200 MkIII – Top Hunting Rifle?

    Air Arms TX200 MkIII – Top Hunting Rifle?

    Air Arms TX200 MkIII reviewFortunately 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.

    Air Arms TX200 MkIII - one of the most accurate and beautiful springers!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.

    Air Arms TX200 MkIII - one of the best hunting air rifles available.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!<<

  • Stoeger X50 Review

    Stoeger X50 Review

    Stoeger X50 ReviewThe 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.

    Click Here for a Price Check!

    Stoeger X50 Breakbarrel in Monte Carlo (Camo) stockX50 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.

    Buy the Black Synthetic Stock Combo!

    Buy the Monte Carlo (Camo) Stock Combo!

  • Crosman Optimus .177 Review

    Crosman Optimus .177 Review

    Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle ReviewFor 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.

    Click Here for a Price Check!

    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

    Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle ReviewsAs 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

    Buy Crosman Optimus .177 Breakbarrel Air Rifle

    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.

    Buy The Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle With Secure Shipping!!