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Category: Hunting Air Rifles

Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL Air Rifle air Rifle

The Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL air rifle is a high-powered, precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle that is designed for hunting and target shooting. It is available in various calibers including .357, .45, and .50, and features a Quattro trigger system for a smooth and consistent trigger pull. It also has a QuietEnergy barrel that reduces noise, and an integrated air pressure gauge. The rifle has a synthetic stock with an adjustable comb and a built-in pressure relief device for added safety. It also has an anti-double pellet feed mechanism and a manual safety. The rifle is designed for powerful and accurate performance, and is suitable for both experienced and novice shooters.

So what do product reviewers say they like about it?

Product reviewers generally have positive things to say about the Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL air rifle. Some of the things they like include:

-Powerful performance: Many reviewers comment on the rifle’s impressive power, with some saying it can take down large game with ease.

-Quiet operation: The QuietEnergy barrel is praised for reducing noise and making the rifle more suitable for backyard shooting.

-Accurate: Reviewers appreciate the rifle’s ability to shoot accurately at long ranges, making it suitable for target shooting and hunting.

-Comfortable and adjustable stock: the synthetic stock is praised for being comfortable and adjustable, making it easy to get a good fit for different shooters.

-Reliability: Reviewers report that the rifle is reliable and easy to use, with minimal maintenance required.

-Bang for the buck: Many reviewers think that the rifle is a great value for the price, especially considering its powerful performance and accuracy.

-Safety feature: Many reviewers appreciate the built-in pressure relief device, and the anti-double pellet feed mechanism that increases safety during the shooting.

What do they not like?

Product reviewers generally have positive things to say about the Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL air rifle, but there are a few things that some reviewers do not like. Some of these include:

-Weight: Some reviewers find the rifle to be heavy, which can make it difficult to hold steady for extended periods of time.

-Recoil: Some reviewers report that the rifle has a significant amount of recoil, which can make it uncomfortable to shoot.

-Trigger: Some reviewers have criticized the trigger, saying it can be heavy and difficult to adjust.

-Barrel: Some reviewers have reported that the barrel is not very consistent in terms of accuracy and performance, which can affect the overall accuracy of the rifle.

-Ammo: due to its powerful caliber, some reviewers have reported that it can be difficult to find suitable ammunition for the rifle.

-Cost: for some reviewers, the rifle is considered to be a bit pricey and not affordable for some.

It is worth noting that these are not common complaints and that the majority of reviewers have had a positive experience with the Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL air rifle.

Any other interesting facts or things to note about the Hatsan BT Big Bore?

-The Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL air rifle is available in a variety of calibers, including .357, .45, and .50. This allows shooters to choose the caliber that best suits their needs and preferences.

-The rifle features a Quattro trigger system, which is designed to provide a smooth and consistent trigger pull. This can help improve accuracy and make the rifle easier to shoot.

-The rifle also features an integrated air pressure gauge, which allows the shooter to easily check the air pressure in the rifle’s reservoir. This can help ensure that the rifle is always operating at optimal pressure.

-The rifle also has an anti-double pellet feed mechanism, which prevents more than one pellet from entering the barrel at a time. This can help improve accuracy and reduce the risk of jamming.

-The rifle has a built-in pressure relief device, which automatically releases air from the rifle if the pressure becomes too high. This can help prevent damage to the rifle and improve safety.

-The rifle is suitable for both experienced and novice shooters, it’s easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance.

Conclusion:

-In general, the Hatsan BT Big Bore Carnivore QE SL is a powerful and accurate rifle that is suitable for hunting and target shooting. With its adjustable stock, pressure gauge, and integrated silencer, it is a great choice for any shooter looking for a versatile and reliable air rifle.

January 21, 2023
Umarex Octane Nitro Piston Review

The Umarex Octane nitro-piston air rifle easily makes it onto our Editor’s Best Value List with a combo that exemplifies the amazing level of quality and performance that today’s air rifles can deliver – all at a price point that would be unheard of just five years ago. OK, so it is obvious that we are big fans of the Octane, but so are many other commentators. The real question is what do prospective buyers need to know before “pulling” the trigger on a potential purchase? This beast is not perfect, much less for everyone, regardless whether it falls within your budget. Please follow along as we, in typical unbiased fashion, tick through the features and issues that matter to arm you with the facts.

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What we love about the Umarex Octane

HUGE power and pellet velocities

The Umarex Octane may have its critics – but none of these could in good conscience deny that this is an insanely powerful break barrel that is pushing the boundaries of gas-strut technology. Yes, you are going to hear inflated velocity ratings by Umarex; this unfortunately is the norm with air rifle marketing. Umarex reports that the .22 caliber will reach 1250 FPS with alloy and 1050 FPS with lead; the .177 caliber supposedly hits 1450 and 1250 with alloy and lead pellets, respectively. Field reports, however, suggest that the .22 for example is generally capable of more like 920-950 FPS with a 14.3 grain pellet. This is by no means disappointing though, since these figures plugged into our FPE calculator confirm that the Octane .22 produces roughly 27-29 FPE at the muzzle!

That is pretty ridiculous power for a break barrel, much less for an affordably priced nitro piston. To give you some idea, the Octane has more than two times the 12 FPE minimum we recommend for a small game hunting air rifle. This means that you can hunt just about any air-rifle-suitable small game and pests, such as starlings to squirrel, rats and woodchuck. Even larger pests species like raccoon are no match for this kind of power, at least in the .22 bore. In addition, this muzzle energy means that you are able to engage targets at ranges exceeding 50 yards fairly easily.

Unusually quiet shooting for any air rifle

We are frankly numb to manufacturer hype about how great their noise suppression technologies are reputed to be. So we were beyond impressed when we realized that the Umarex Octane may just be one of the quietest high-powered break barrel air rifles on the market – particularly for a break barrel that delivers so much punch at a reasonable price point. The ReAxis gas-piston and SilencAIR integral silencer are a winning combination in our book that makes the Octane a backyard-ready cannon. Indeed, some reports have this rig producing the report a single shot Red Ryder! The biggest sound produced by a well maintained Octane is more often going to be the sound of a pellet doing violence on a hard target! Assuming you are complying with all applicable laws and regulations, this makes it absolutely ideal for knocking anything from pigeons to coons into last week without drawing undesired attention from the neighbor or community busybodies in the process.

Having said that, please be fair: don’t send us nasty comments that this rifle sounds like a rimfire just because you are using lightweight alloys. We said it before and will keep saying it: if you crack the sound barrier (around 1100 FPS) you are going to make a lot of noise. Period. I don’t care what rifle you are using. And this rig is going to easily deliver a loud report if you are using alloys, especially in the .177 which needs a heavy lead pellet to avoid going supersonic. Folks, if you are using alloy with this rifle in the .177, you deserve to be slapped like a rented mule! Oh, we should also add that the first few dozen shots are going to be loud; this is part of the initial break in and the rifle will continue to settle down. Cleaning the dirty barrel that you are likely to encounter (more about that later) will also reduce break in noise and a lot of dieseling that would otherwise occur.

Decent combo scope and fantastic out-of-the-box accuracy

The bundled 3-9×40 AO scope (with parallax adjustment and duplex reticle) and mount that comes with the Octane is not going to compete with a solid upgrade; however, it is a very good scope for a combo that is fairly easy to sight in out of the box and can give you outstanding accuracy after a short-break in, so long as you are properly using an artillery hold.

Reports from the field are extremely positive, with users achieving dime sized groups at 25 yards and quarter to nickel groups at 50 yards. We are not surprised and feel that this rifle’s accuracy is limited mainly by the quality of the scope and technique of the user. As we will get to later, one must also to some degree make peace with this rifle’s lackluster trigger before getting the most out of it. The Octane seems to perform well on a steady diet of H&N Barracudas, among other pellet choices.

Incredibly sturdy construction and good finish

You know how some air rifles can feel cheap – light and inexpensive parts that just scream mass produced? This isn’t one of them. The Umarex Octane is a veritable Sherman Tank of the nitro piston world and is built to possibly withstand a direct RPG hit! In all seriousness, there is a real comfort to this rifle’s very solid build and clear favoring of all steel parts. As we discuss later though; this means that it may be a real POS if you plan on covering a lot of ground on a hunt, for example.

On the sex appeal factor, there are plenty who would disagree but we feel that the Octane is a pretty sharp-looking gas ram that, while a bit angular in some respects (especially the stock), is put together nicely enough and look a hundred bucks better than its modest price tag would suggest.

Smooth firing with modest recoil

With this kind of Magnum power, one would expect a bone-jarring recoil and a generally rougher ride than that delivered by the Octane. A springer with equivalent power would be even worse. However, these new-generation gas struts are making real progress in this area and we are pleased to see that in this case, you can have your cake and eat most of it too!

Better than average warranty

With a three-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, this air rifle is a good bet that you can afford to properly test-drive.

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Things we don’t love…so much

Big and heavy

With an overall length of nearly 49 inches and weight of 10 pounds, this is not the kind of air rifle you want to be hiking around with all day. With a proper sling (wish it came with one), most adults will have no trouble carrying it around but is something to consider if you value covering a lot of ground when hunting, for example.

Hard to cock

Although the gas-piston cocks smoothly, it is hard to cock (42 pounds) by most standards. No, you don’t need to be over six feet tall or more than 200 pounds to do so, but you probably need to be an adult male in good shape. Again, this is not so big a deal really, especially if you are hunting and being judicious with your shots. Conversely, if you are interested in this rifle for plinking, you are going to cursing the Octane for making you work for your kicks!

Stiff two-stage trigger

Yes you can try and do a home trigger mod on this, but if you aren’t comfortable with either that or an upgrade, be ready for a somewhat challenging trigger. Although rated at 3.5 pounds of pull, the trigger feels noticeably stiffer than that and is sadly not terribly smooth either. If you haven’t fired many air rifles, this is likely to contribute greatly to some inaccuracy when getting used to the Octane. Nevertheless, the trigger is not quite as bad as some people make it out to be; overall, the trigger is at least well-constructed and can be managed with some patients and practice.

Struggle to hold zero

While the combo scope is pretty decent, many complain that it’s easily rattled off zero. This is unfortunately to be expected, especially with the inevitable recoil this rifle generates. We recommend keeping a jar of loc-tite handy and using it liberally on all main scope/mount screws to help with this.

Hold sensitive

The Octane is definitely as hold sensitive as a Magnum spring-piston rifle; still, if you cannot properly use the artillery hold (a very “light” hold technique) you are going to get some ugly groups.

Filthy barrel

This is another not-so-big-problem. Yes, your Octane is likely to arrive with a downright messy barrel and your first rounds through this rifle are going to diesel like crazy with terrible accuracy – that is if you don’t clean it will first before firing.

Do I get the .177 or .22 caliber?

Both the .177 and .22 caliber options are screamers. The .22 bore is by far the better choice if you want to hunt furred animals at any distance for reasons we’ve already discussed and the Octane in this caliber is a very serious small game air rifle in our book. The .177 is also capable of hunting of course, although this caliber is best suited to feathered game such as starling, pigeons and the like. As we mentioned earlier, the key is to keep pellets from going supersonic – for the .177 in particular this means that you are going to want a heavier, not lighter pellet. We will say it again: if you are using alloy .177 caliber pellets in this rifle, you are badly misguided.

Price and value

So this could have been put into the things we “love” about this air rifle but it deserved its own section. Make no mistake, this is probably the best value new combo we’ve seen lately and is an unbelievable deal. It is difficult to find anything in its current price class that provides more power, accuracy and ultra-quiet shooting than the Umarex Octane. In addition, the gas-strut does in fact make this a relatively newbie-friendly air rifle for a model approaching 30 FPE at the muzzle. In fact, the Octane is a very good alternative to the Benjamin Trails. Benjamin, are you listening!?

Concluding thoughts on the Umarex Octane

If you are an adult male who doesn’t mind a heavy, hard-to-cock air rifle, the Umarex Octane is almost too good to be true. This model delivers Magnum-level knock down power and shockingly stealthy shooting, in addition to excellent out-of-the-box-accuracy, all for a price tag that blows away the competition in the bang for the buck department. Yes, you will have a word or two with the mediocre trigger and you will need to keep a close eye on your stock scope adjustment, but who the hell cares!?

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More information and resources:
Octane user manual
Forum discussion
Octane v. Ben Marauder thread
Octane Yahoo user group

January 18, 2016
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.

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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.

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!

January 10, 2016
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.

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

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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!!

July 3, 2015
Top Value COMBO for $200 – Browning Leverage

While 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.

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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.

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!

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!

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

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!!<<

June 18, 2014
Editor’s Pick For $400 – Diana RWS 48 / T06 Trigger

There 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.

>>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!<<

June 13, 2014
Crosman Nitro Venom – Deal or Dud?

The Crosman Nitro Venom air rifle is a gas-piston breakbarrel that comes in an especially affordable combo that puts it in direct competition with other value-oriented gas rams, such as the Benjamin Titan. But how does the Nitro Venom perform? And what are the big tradeoffs lurking behind all of this apparent value, if any?

Please read on as we discuss both the good and the bad, as we see it, so you can decide for yourself whether the Nitro Venom is a good deal – or an unfortunate dud.

>>Check Price, Ratings & Availability!<<

Crosman Nitro Venom – The Good

The Benefits of Gas-Piston Technology

Rather than a coiled spring, the Nitro Venom is powered by a sealed volume of inert nitrogen gas, which compresses and expands during the cocking/firing cycle. The benefits of this gas-piston technology are numerous. The first thing you’ll notice (especially if you’ve shot springers before) is that the Nitro Venom cocks more easily than a spring-powered counterpart, and shoots more smoothly. Without all of the large spring mass uncoiling and then recoiling after the shot, there is much less vibration and considerably less “kick” with this gas ram too. In addition, after this rifle is broken in, you will also enjoy comparatively quiet shooting – again, largely a result of the fewer moving parts in the power plant.

But that’s not all, unlike a spring, which if left cocked for extended periods can ultimately loose some of its explosiveness and power, the gas piston can be left cocked pretty much indefinitely (although I wouldn’t advise this). Consequently, you can leave the rifle cocked and ready to shoot for a full day of hunting, if need be, without fear of spring fatigue. Finally, gas rams also have the edge over their spring-powered kin in terms of low-temperature operation. Cold weather can significantly affect spring power, whereas nitrogen gas is relatively temperature insensitive (unlike CO2) and gives the shooter more consistent power despite temperature variation.

Good Velocity & Power

The Nitro Venom is reportedly capable of sending lead pellets up to 1000 feet per second in the .177 and 800 feet per second in the .22 caliber, which translates (assuming typical grain weights) into a rifle that produces 17 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and about 20 FPE in the .22. Although we haven’t tested this ourselves, based on the information we’ve gathered, this could be overestimating the Nitro Venom’s power. Indeed, one source puts this rifle closer to 13 and 14 FPE in the .177 and .22 calibers, respectively. Sufficed to say, in either case, the Nitro Venom packs more than enough power for target shooting, plinking and comfortably clears our minimum 12 FPE bar for use as small game hunting air rifle.

Solid Fit & Finish

This is a very handsome air rifle, and feels and looks better than what you’d expect from a gun in its price range. It comes with an ambidextrous, hardwood stock that is nicely checkered along the grip and fore. The overall 44-inch length and 7.4 pound weight makes this a larger, yet only moderately heavy rifle that most users should feel comfortable shooting.

Capable Scope and Included Weaver Rail

Most scopes on affordable air rifle combos get slammed mercilessly; however, the Centerpoint 3-9×32 model that is easily installed on the included weaver rail (nice touch) is surprisingly decent. Yes, many people will call this “trash” or “junk”, but the consensus from the vast majority of users is that it is considerably better than one would expect.

You will also hear that it’s essentially worthless because it is not an “AO” scope and therefore cannot be parallax-adjusted, but that’s not entirely true. This scope is factory-set with a parallax setting optimized for about 15-20 yards, which is the shooting distance that most casual users are likely to be comfortable with. However, you can re-set this for more distance shooting.

To adjust the parallax, take off the retaining cap that is on the objective bell (furthest from your eye) by unscrewing it (counter clockwise). You will now notice a ring seated within the rim of the inner scope tube – this is the parallax adjustment. You can turn the ring in a clockwise direction to set parallax further out, and turn it counterclockwise to come back. It’s recommended to set the scope to 9x while doing so and to use an image located at the desired distance and adjust until you’ve achieved visual clarity – for example, place an object at 35 yards and, while looking through the scope, turn the ring clockwise until it comes in clear, then simply put the cap back on and tighten. You shouldn’t need more than a complete turn of the ring to dial things in.

…And The Not So Good

Stiff, Creeping Trigger

If there’s one obvious weak spot on the Crosman Nitro Venom, it would have to be the trigger. This is a two-stage adjustable trigger with a stiff first stage and a regrettably long and rough pull for a second stage that does not get significantly better regardless of adjustment. In our opinion, this no doubt greatly contributes to reported problems with this rifle maintaining accuracy, but the good news is that with a bit of patience this trigger can be tolerated. I’ve used cheapo triggers for most of my life, and the Nitro Venom’s is not so bad really, especially considering this rifle’s price point. If you feel the need to upgrade, we don’t blame you, but it is definitely not necessary in our view.

Spotty Accuracy

Reports on the Nitro Venom’s accuracy are generally positive, but there are some reviews indicating that it can’t hold a group much beyond 10 yards. We don’t dispute that this could be an issue for many users, but we do recommend that these accuracy complaints be taken with a grain of salt. The vast majority of reviews confirm that the Nitro Venom can be very accurate, at least withing typical shooting ranges (up to 25 yards) if the rifle is working properly and the scope is zeroed in correctly. As with most combos though, there is just so much that can go wrong – bad pellet choice, improper/faulty scope mounting/zeroing, poor use of the “artillery hold,” etc. Consequently, we would caution a prospective buyer to be wary of any sweeping conclusion about this rifle’s reported accuracy limitations, because on average this rifle appears to perform very well.

Quality Control Problems?

Likely related to the issue of accuracy are reports of apparently malfunctioning/defective rifles. It’s difficult to say that cases where, for example, experienced users could not zero in the scope, or maintain groups despite trying to optimize pellets are a direct result of some “dud” piece of hardware or slip somewhere in the manufacturing process. However, you should be aware that some very divergent user experiences have been noted. Some may find this rifle to deliver outstanding accuracy right out of the box with the stock scope and despite the awkward trigger. On the other hand, some may find that, despite their best efforts, they just can’t get this rifle to shoot accurately, and repeatably.

For the most part though, and consistent with this rifle’s fantastic user satisfaction ratings, you are more likely to get a “good” gun, but you should be aware of possible defects in the event your rifle seems incurably “off.”

The Verdict

Barring the unlikely misfortune of receiving a “dud” rifle, we think the Nitro Venom is an outstanding, low-cost deal in the wonderful worlds of gas rams. This rifle brings good power for most users (including small game hunting if opting for the .22 caliber); looks and feels great; is equipped with a weaver rail and decent scope for the price; and can be a very accurate rifle – once you learn to live with the mushy trigger and take your time getting a feel for the scope.

Of course, nothing is perfect and the same applies to the Nitro Venom. We would simply caution you to put as many rounds through it as possible upon receipt so you can try and determine if there are accuracy issues that are not simply a result of user inexperience or improper scope installation. Fortunately, amazon.com (if buying through them) typically has a very generous return policy in the event defects are found.

>>Buy the Crosman Nitro Venom at The Lowest Price!<<

June 12, 2014
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.

>>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!

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!<<

June 11, 2014
Ruger Yukon – a Quiet, Powerful Gas Ram

The Ruger Yukon is one of the more feature-oriented and budget-friendly gas-piston air rifles, but is definitely up against some very stiff competition in its price class. Consequently, if you are considering this as your first “gas-ram,” you will want to pay close attention to this model’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding if its the right air rifle for you.

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

The Ruger Yukon – What We Like

Great Power

With reported velocities using lead of 1050 and 850 FPS for the .177 and .22 caliber versions, respectively, this is a powerful gas ram. In fact, based on these velocities and assuming standard weight lead pellets, we estimate that this rifle produces approximately 20 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and 22 FPE in the .22. This makes the Yukon as powerful – if not a bit more powerful than most other popular gas-piston and spring rifles under the $200 mark. Given this power, you should therefore have little trouble using the Yukon for small game hunting or eliminating pests around the home or business. We suggest you opt for the harder-hitting .22 caliber version in such case.

Relatively Quiet Shooting

Many people want an air rifle that don’t wake up the neighbors and can be used in relatively urban settings without causing needless disturbance. The good news is that the Yukon’s rifled steel barrel, which is fitted with Ruger’s SilencAIR integral silencer, makes it a pretty quiet air rifle, comparatively speaking. This quiet report is definitely one characteristic that is routinely praised by users. As such, this is a very good choice for backyard plinking, target shooting or hunting/pest elimination.

Fantastic Trigger

Finding an air rife for less than $200 that comes with a good trigger is actually quite challenging, and even very expensive rifles are often plagued by awkward, heavy triggers that draw numerous complaints. That is why we were so pleased to learn that the Yukon was fitted with a very crisp, light two-stage adjustable trigger that is rated at just 3.3 pounds of pull. A predictable, light trigger like the Yukon’s really does help you maintain a good hold and facilitates repeatable accuracy – a very big perk in our book.

Decent Scope on the Combo

Aside from trigger complaints, most people are very unhappy with combo scopes included with more affordable air rifles. Yet again, however, the Yukon delivers better than expected quality. Now don’t misunderstand – the 3-9×32 scope (which comes with a duplex reticle and 35-yard parallax setting) is not one we’d recommend to buy separately of course, but hey, it’s definitely workable and considerably better than most we see on air rifle combos under $200. The picatinny optics rail is also good. Overall, this is a capable scope if shooting within around 30 yards or so.

We should add that if you are into open-sight shooting, you will like the fiber-optic front sights – you may even prefer them over the scope!

Solid Build and Great Fit & Finish

This is a beautiful air rifle that comes with a rich wood ambidextrous stock adorned with detailed checkering along the trigger grip and under the barrel. It has a rubber butt/recoil pad. In addition, the rifle has that “quality” feel that is evident in the heft of the model when first picked up. Overall, we have to applaud Ruger for using such a bold, attractive design on the Yukon!

Moderate Cocking Effort

If you’ve only used underpowered and inexpensive pump/spring guns, you may find the Yukon a bit challenging to cock. However, relative to the very impressive muzzle energy this rifle produces, we think the 30 pounds (rated) cocking effort is actually quite modest. Try cocking a powerful metal-spring rifle! Nevertheless, we suspect that younger/female users are likely to struggle with it, particularly during the initial break-in period.

Good All-Around Value

When you consider this rifle’s quiet report, above-average power, impressive build-quality, light trigger, and the usable scope on the combo, its current price tag of roughly $180 shipped is very good in our view. This is definitely a lot of rifle for your money, and would make a great first gas-ram for users interested in giving them a try.

Things We Don’t Like

Too Heavy?

This is actually a minor issue, since we tend to like heavier rifles. But, the 9.0 pound weight coupled with the rifle’s overall nearly 45-inch length could be a bit much for some users. In particular, we could see some people getting tired of carrying and holding this rifle for a long day of shooting.

Scope Insufficient for Distance Shooting

Unless you upgrade to a better scope, the model included with the combo will largely limit your shooting (if you care about accuracy) to within about 30 yards. Beyond that, your shots may start wandering and/or you could have some issues trying to keep it zeroed in. Of course, this may not be problem for you… and we happen to think that most shooters should limit their shooting to within 30 yards anyway – especially if small game hunting and one-shot humane kills are desired. But just keep in mind that this is an optics issue; the Yukon has plenty of FPE to keep even the .22 version shooting relatively flat, so the rifle has the capacity for delivering tight groups at 50 yards. Of course, as we always say, make sure you are using quality air rifle pellets, since even the most expensive scope cannot overcome a cheap/poorly-matched pellet.

Quality Control

We’ve heard some reports of users having triggers that won’t adjust, parts falling out, or faulty mounts or other hardware issues. This happens to varying degrees with just about any rifle, but be sure to inspect your rifle carefully upon receipt, and make sure to tighten any screws (particularly around the trigger and scope mounts) that appear loose before shooting.

>>Buy the Ruger Yukon at the Lowest Price!<<

Concluding Thoughts & Recommendations

We can’t say that the Ruger Yukon is necessarily better than other sub-$200 gas-piston air rifles, such as the Benjamin Titan or Crosman Nitro Venom, for example. However, it does have its virtues and is an unusually solid offering for the price. In particular, we think its quiet report, impressive muzzle energy and surprisingly good trigger make it an outstanding backyard rifle that is perfect for close-range hunting and pest elimination, right out of the box. Just remember that if you really want to tap into this rifle’s longer-range shooting capability, give it good pellets and an upgraded scope for maximum impact!

June 10, 2014
Maximum Value PCP Rifle – Benjamin Marauder

No, it’s not cheap, but for the money we have to say that the Benjamin Marauder fairly easily wins the top value spot among the PCP crowd for us. Indeed, what you get for your money in the Marauder (or “Mrod” as it’s affectionately referred to by forum junkies) is not just a capable rifle, but near match-grade accuracy right out of the box and the power to maintain tight groups out to 50/60 yards easily. And if you are an air rifle hunter, pay close attention – this thing is an ultra-quiet killing machine!

Of course, there are some sacrifices that one must make when optimizing value (aren’t there always though?). However, we are happy to say that these are pretty minor in the case of the Marauder. Please read on as we tick through what we love about this rifle, and what we don’t.

>>Check Prices & User Ratings!<<

What We Love About The Benjamin Marauder

Here’s what we think are the key features of the Marauder, and why you might want to consider this rifle among other PCPs.

Laser-Beam Accuracy Out of The Box

Yes, you could spend several hundred dollars more than the cost of the Marauder and might get a slightly more accurate rifle, but in its price class the Marauder’s high-quality factory barrel delivers near competition-grade accuracy. Moreover, you don’t have to struggle with “tuning” it for this type of precision either.

What do we mean? We are talking about punching very tight groups out to 50 or 60 yards repeatably, with the capacity to make 100 yard kills with just a bit of practice and a good air rifle scope. For our money, there is really nothing else that comes close to its one-hole accuracy anywhere close to its price class.

A Multi-Shot Killing Machine With Huge Power

If you are like the many that are concerned with purchasing the best air rifle for hunting they can afford, you will be delighted. Not only can you place numerous pellets (magazine size varies by caliber) with nearly surgical precision and get anywhere from 17-30 shots per fill (depending on caliber), but they will have the downrange knock-down power that air rifle hunters dream about.

In fact, sources report that the .177, .22 and .25 versions of this rifle produce up to 21, 32 and 45 FPE respectively! And as far as the .22 and .25 caliber models are concerned, this makes the Marauder powerful enough to go after larger game and pests, including turkey, fox and even coyote! Tip: I would definitely pick the .25 if dispatching coyote!

The .177 with a heavy pellet can also be used for hunting, but in our view is best suited for those looking to brag about their groups at 100 yards, and/or hunters who want a truly devastating, long-range bird rifle. As between the .25 and .22, go with the .25 if you are dealing with bigger game (e.g., fox, coyote, raccoon). However, for those primarily hunting squirrel, rabbit, woodchuck, etc., the .22 is more than adequate and has the advantage of having a larger shot magazine, cheaper ammo, and greater pellet selection. Here is a good forum thread discussing the .22 vs. .25 debate.

The Quietest Shot Around

There has been a lot of talk on the forums about “quiet air rifles,” and the consensus from the most reputable sources in our view is that the Benjamin Marauder is one of quietest – if not the quietest air rifle you can buy. Indeed, the Marauder’s integrated resonance dampener and full barrel shroud produce shots so stealthy that you’d think you were firing an underpowered pneumatic rifle. This allows you to play with your rifle closer to home without irritating the wife or the neighbors and, if you are a hunter, it may allow you to get several shots off and enjoy multiple kills without sending your quarry running for cover. Please note, however, that the .25 caliber is significantly louder than the .22 and .117 models.

Don’t believe us? Check out this Crosman video showing the .25 caliber Benjamin Marauder (the loudest of all Marauders) quietly devastating prairie dogs at 70 yards. Note: the real action starts at 4:30.

Match-Grade Stock Trigger

The Marauder uses a match-grade, two-stage adjustable trigger that is outstanding and has plenty of leeway to please the vast majority of users without any further modification. And if you’re one of those who want an even lighter pull, you can find many cheap “tips and tricks” on the web that should suffice to get things just where you want it. For most airgunners (even more experienced ones), we suspect this would be the nicest trigger they’ve ever used. No need to drop $$ for any trigger upgrades here!

Rare User Friendliness & Lots of Tuning Opportunities

This is a big point. Given the numerous aspects that allow for user-adjustment, and Crosman’s legendary support, the Marauder is easily the easiest PCP to use and dial in for most users. In addition, unlike other highly-acclaimed PCPs, parts are much more accessible for the Marauder, and there is certainly a ton more information on the web to help even newbies get the most out of this rifle, or tune it to their precise specifications.

Unbeatable Value!

Quality PCP rifles are generally among the most expensive of the lot, which is why most would agree that the Benjamin Marauder’s roughly $500 price tag gives you more bang for you buck than any other PCP rifle you can get. Even the Benjamin Discovery, which is also one of the best value PCP rifles out there, still would require some costly upgrades to match the performance of a stock Marauder, and the “Disco” is only a single shot rifle.

What’s Not to Like About the Marauder?

It’s actually quite difficult to find any fault with this extremely high-quality and affordable PCP rifle. Some may complain that the stock is nothing special and that it could have deeper bluing, etc. However, beyond these relatively insignificant gripes, there is one real issue to keep in mind in our view.

The Risk of Receiving a “Wild Shooter”

Unfortunately, there has been several instances where users received rifles that – for some reason or another – are just off and don’t shoot accurately or reliably. These apparent “duds,” some say, are less likely to be noticed with the .25 caliber (which reportedly has a barrel that is made outside of the Crosman factory); however, the truth is that no one can be sure just what is underling this apparent quality control issue. We don’t think this risk is serious enough to avoid a purchase, but one should be on the lookout for poor accuracy out of the box, regardless of the caliber involved.

Concluding Thoughts & Recommendations

>>Buy the Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle!<<

It doesn’t matter whether this is your first PCP rifle or your 15th, the Benjamin Marauder is an insanely-accurate, quiet and high-quality killing machine that has no true weak spots that we can identify, besides some possibly spotty quality control issues in the manufacturing process.

Moreover, this potent, sophisticated weapon just happens to be selling for what we believe is a steal when you compare its features and performance relative to other, much higher-priced PCPs. Yet, what ultimately puts this model over the top for us is its sizzling power and accuracy right out of the box, and its unusual ease of use and capacity for simple user-adjustment. No need for fancy tuning, or burning tins of ammo, to get this rifle purring. Indeed, the factory settings are probably perfect, as is, for even the die-hard “tinkerer.” As we say, why mess with something that doesn’t need fixing!

As between all of the calibers, we would probably recommend either the .22 or .25 versions. For an all-around plinking and blistering small game hunting rifle, the .22 is ideal, with the .25 being better suited to taking down larger quarry like coyote and fox. Of course, you can also hunt smaller game with the .25, but you will pay more for, and have fewer choices between, your ammo. The .177 caliber fails to take advantage of this rifle’s hitting power in our view, but if you are most concerned with one-hole groups and/or are doing a lot of long-range, small bird hunting, the .177 caliber is hard to beat! In that case, just remember to use the heaviest .177 pellets you can find to keep velocities under the speed of sound for accuracy’s sake!

June 5, 2014
Benjamin Titan Nitro Piston – A Good Deal!

If you are looking for a quiet, powerful and accurate gas/nitro-piston air rifle that is suitable for hunting, plinking and eliminating pests around the home, one model to strongly consider is the Benjamin Titan. This air rifle not only brings all of the benefits you’d expect from a “gas-ram,” but is currently available for roughly $150, making it one of the best buys in the nitro-piston category.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and the Titan is no exception. Please read along as we take a critical look at this model so you can decided for yourself whether it’s the right pellet rifle for you.

>>Check Price, User Ratings & Availability<<

What We Love About It

Hard-Hitting Power

Whether you are into small game hunting, or are more interested in getting rid of vermin/pests around your home or business, you’ll be happy to know that the Titan hits hard – very hard. Specifically, by using Crosman’s reported velocity of 800 fps with standard lead pellets, and assuming those lead pellets to weigh about 14.3 grains, our FPE calculator gives us an estimated 20 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This is the kind of power you’d expect from an elite spring-rifle (and some PCPs), and far exceeds the 12 FPE minimum we always preach about for humane hunting. As such, you should have no problem at all bagging everything from wood rats to woodchucks with this puppy!

Good Accuracy

Notwithstanding the issues surrounding the questionable scope included in this combo, the Benjamin Titan is a tack-driver at heart, and most users of this rifle confirm that it can achieve very tight groups that are likely to surprise you. In addition, the ample power produced by this rifle helps maintain a relatively flat trajectory for a .22 at longer ranges, compared to less capable gas rams. Consequently, with a bit of patience, practice and after this rifle’s short break in period, you should be nailing your targets consistently.

Remember, don’t complain that this rifle isn’t performing when using cheap ammo – as we always say, buying quality pellets is the very first step to ensuring repeatable accuracy! FYI: this rifle seems to deliver great results with Crosman Domed Premier Ultra Magnum Pellets (14.3 grains).

A Very Quiet Air Rifle

More and more, we see people searching for a quiet air rifle – one that they can use closer to home or around more densely populated areas without drawing complaints. This is often a challenge for most springers, especially more affordably-priced, powerful models. And even nitro piston rifles that purport to be designed for quiet operation (e.g., the Gamo Whisper series) often turn out to be far from quiet in reality.

However, without any hype whatsoever, the Benjamin Titan manages to deliver smooth, very quiet shots that are surprisingly stealthy and with minimal recoil (another advantage of the gas-piston). Indeed, one user characterized the noise as being less noticeable than “breaking wind.” All kidding aside though, after the break in period (during which noise levels are elevated), this rifle settles down fantastically and is one of the quietest high-powered gas rams you can get, particularly for under $200!

Nice Fit & Finish

For an approximately $150 air rifle, we have to admit that the fit and finish of the Benjamin Titan is remarkably good. The hardwood stock is solid, and the rest of the rifle is reassuringly sturdy. We also like the keyhole grip, but preferences vary. Moreover, at a modest weight of 6.75 pounds and total length of just under 44 inches, you can carry this one around and hold your sights without lots of fatigue. An all-around quality-feel and good looks throughout.

What We Don’t Love About The Titan

Honestly, it’s a bit hard to really complain about this rifle, considering what you get for your money. But one can find fault in just about anything. Here are the two most notable “issues” you are likely to encounter with the Titan.

A Cheapo Scope

We normally don’t expect much from scopes on affordable combos like this, and were not surprised with the lackluster performance of the 4×32 CenterPoint Scope included with the Titan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than nothing; and if you locktite the screws and are patient with it, you can do pretty well under 25 yards with not too much trouble. Nevertheless, to really take advantage of this rifle’s accuracy and downrange power, you will want to eventually consider an upgraded air rifle scope.

Awkward Trigger

The next most obvious issue with the Titan is the two-stage trigger. With a pull rated at 4.75 and lots of travel, you may struggle a bit to get a sense of exactly when this thing lets go. Yes, the trigger is adjustable, but there is only so much adjustment can do. One user reports being able to improve the pull by adding a couple of washers onto the trigger sear pin. However, most people looking to get the most out of this rifle may want an upgraded trigger at some point.

User Ratings & Reviews

Not surprisingly given the Titan’s long list of virtues and low price tag, many users have praised it. But what are people really saying about it?

In short, users glow about the Titan’s tremendous knock down power, good accuracy out of the box, and remarkably quiet report for such a high-powered gas ram. They also appreciated the sturdy feel of the stock and overall quality of the fit and finish. However, the most often-cited benefit of the Titan was its value. Users consistently commented that this rifle felt and performed well above its price class.

As far as the relatively few negative reviews, these were limited primarily to the somewhat shoddy quality of the scope and fittings, which made it difficult for some users to sight in the rifle, as well as the excessive play in the trigger. Some other reviewers indicated that the wood finish looked a little flat compared to product images.

Concluding Thoughts on the Titan Nitro Piston

While there may be no true “free lunch” when it comes to air rifles, the Benjamin Titan Nitro Piston gas ram comes pretty darn close. This rifle has excellent stopping power, is very accurate (especially with an upgraded scope), fires very quietly after breaking in, and looks and feels like a rifle that costs twice as much.

Given its power and stealthy nature, this is an ideal hunting air rifle, and is also perfect for dispatching pests around the home without getting the attention of curious neighbors. And finally, you reap the general benefits of nitro-piston technology – such as the dramatically reduced recoil, lower cocking effort, superior low-temperature performance, and the elimination of spring fatigue due to leaving the rifle in the cocked position.

What else can you ask for in an air rifle selling for about $150!?

>>Buy the Benjamin Titan NP Air Rifle!<<

June 4, 2014
Crosman Optimus .22 – Extreme Value Pick

There 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.

>>Check Price, Ratings & Availability!<<

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

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.

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.

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 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.

June 2, 2014
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.

>>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!<<

May 5, 2014
Best CO2 Air Rifle for Hunting – Hammerli 850 AirMagnum?

We often hear people asking for suggestions about quality, high-powered CO2 air rifles. But the truth is that most CO2 models on the market are underwhelming in terms of construction and the power they generate. As such, we normally recommend folks stick to other power plants, especially if they are intending to also use the air rifle for hunting and/or pest elimination.

As most things in life though, there are several notable exceptions – one the most obvious of which is the Umarex/RWS / Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle. This high-quality CO2 repeater is definitely one of the nicest and is reportedly the most powerful CO2 air rifles produced in the world. Seem a bit incredible? Let’s take a closer look at the 850 AirMagnum and see whether these accolades are deserved.

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

Hammerli 850 AirMagnum – Key Features & Specifications

Game-Changing Power for a CO2 Air Rifle

The most amazing feature of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is its incredible power for a CO2 repeater. While we can’t confirm RWS’ contention that this is the absolute most powerful CO2 air rifle in the entire world, we can say that this rifle produces muzzle velocities and FPE on par with or exceeding many spring rifles. And this is saying a lot.

Specifically, Hammerli reports that the 850 AirMagnum produces muzzle velocities of 650 FPS in the .22 caliber and 760 FPS in the .177 caliber models. Since RWS typically uses lead pellets for their velocity testing, we assumed these numbers were generated from standard lead pellets weighing around 14.3 and 8.0 grains, respectively. This gives us an estimated foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) at the muzzle of over 13 FPE in the .22 caliber and just over 10 FPE in the .177. This is a ton of power for a CO2 air rifle, and we are particularly impressed with this model in the .22 caliber – especially since it produces more hitting power than the 12 FPE minimum we generally recommend for good hunting air rifles! Please note that this rifle uses AirSource 88-Gram CO2 Tanks.

Outstanding Accuracy & Convenient Repeat Shooting

Any air rifle manufactured by RWS is going to be deadly accurate, and the Hammerli 850 is no exception. The ultra-high quality fiber optic front/rear open sights that come with this air rifle are so good you may postpone upgrading to a quality air rifle scope, maybe indefinitely. Moreover, the precise rifling of the barrel (something RWS is famous for) will have you shooting unbelievably tight groups at 50 yards with this model. This rifle is an 8-shot repeater; however, you can fire hundreds of shots on a single 88 gram CO2 tank. How can you not love that!?

Ultra-Responsive Trigger

Contributing to the fantastic accuracy of this air rifle is the fact that it is naturally recoil-less and comes with a very smooth trigger mechanism. This is the type of trigger we’d like to see on many more rifles, and greatly compliments the laser-beam accuracy of this model. No hitchy, heavy pull here!

High Quality Polymer Stock & RWS Quality All Around

While many prefer the look and feel of wood stocks, we are confident that you will be impressed by the construction and handling of its all-weather Monte Carlo stock. This advanced polymer is super solid and resists the kind of wear that could quickly mar a hardwood stock. As such, you can enjoy using this rifle in a variety of environments and without babying it – and it should still look like a million bucks. Consequently, for those that are looking to put some serious mileage on this rifle, the polymer stock is a big benefit in our view.

Again, consistent with RWS’ rifles generally, the overall build and feel of this air rifle, including the crisp bolt-action mechanism and factory bluing, is all top-notch. No cheap parts here!

Recommended Uses

The accuracy and power of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum make it excellent for all typical uses, e.g., plinking, target shooting, spinning, etc. And in addition, the over 13 FPE in the .22 caliber also make the 850 AirMagnum a great hunting and/or pest elimination air rifle. In fact, for typical close range hunting and clearing out of vermin within 50 yards or so, we can hardly think of a more effective and FUN air rifle to use. Further, because there’s no need to cock the rifle or mess with scuba tanks or hand pumps, this is a perfect rifle for more slightly-built / female shooters to use around the home as well. We can’t tell you how many people want a pest rifle that their wives can also use – this is a perfect choice.

User Reviews & Ratings

The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum has earned a near-legendary reputation among veteran air rifle enthusiasts for quality and performance, so we were not surprised to find that it currently enjoys an solid satisfaction rating.

Users glow about the power, accuracy and all-around quality of this rifle. And many users report great success hunting small game and pests – for example, one user commented: “The European sparrows are being annihilated. I can retire my collection of pump up and barrel cock airguns.” Among all of the reviews there was only one negative comment, and this was due to an apparently isolated jamming issue.

Price and Value

Currently selling for roughly $280 shipped, this is an amazing deal for such an unusually powerful and well-made CO2 repeater. Indeed, there are many more expensive springers on the market that don’t bring this level of quality. If you are into CO2 air rifles, this one is easily worth the price.

Hammerli 850 AirMagnum – Concluding Thoughts

If you’ve ever admired the convenience and smooth, recoil-less firing of CO2 air rifles but have been hesitant due to their typically limited power and often shoddy quality, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is the answer.

This rifle is made to exacting German design standards and delivers the kind of power we’d expect in a good spring rifle. In particular, the .22 caliber has plenty of power for real small game hunting, and would make an absolutely sizzling air rifle for clearing out heavy infestations of pest species. Moreover, with its repeat shooting and ability to fire well over a hundred shots without power-waning on a single cartridge, we can’t think of a more enjoyable and easy-to-use rifle for the job.

>>Buy the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum Air Rifle!<<

April 29, 2014
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.

>>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 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
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.

Click Here for a Price Check!

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.

Buy the Black Synthetic Stock Combo!

Buy the Monte Carlo (Camo) Stock Combo!

June 30, 2013