Hunter 220/440 Questions

[hiroller]

I found a few places online who have these both at what I thinkare reasonable prices. I like the the fact they both have sights and all steel barrels. It's about a $50 difference in price between the two though and I'd like to know if anyone can tell me what the major differences are between them. I know the stocks are different and from the looks of it the sights are different as well. Are stocks interchangable and can if I want a synthetic stock, can say a Shadow stock work for these? Can anyone with these riflestellmeabitabouttheperformanceandyouroverallrating? I'm looking to use it for mainly plinking and pest control (all within 50 yards) and will probably use the sights a lot more than a scope. Thanks!

[vinceb]

Mechanically they are the same rifle - same powerplant, same trigger. The rear sight is different - frankly, the one on the cheaper 220 (which is shares with the Shadow) is better in several respects! On the other hand the 440 has a raised scope rail as opposed to a milled receiver, which can be an advantage.

The 22 stock is lighter and shorter than the 440, it brings the trigger closer to the shoulder. For younger shooters or those with short arms it fits well, but others might find it a bit awkward. The 220 stock is also very plain, the 440 looks much nicer. The stocks do interchange between the Shadow, the 220 and the 440 - but the clearance cut-out in the stock for the rear sight might be different between the 440 and the other two since the 440's sight is different. I believe it will work, but I'm not positive.

I believe that natchezss.com still has the 440 on clearance for $100. Right now, that's about the best deal you can get on a breakbarrel.

In either case, figure on about 900fps with Crosman Premier 7.9gr pellets with good accuracy. The triggers tend to be rough at the beginning, but there are fixes for that (CDT's trigger and the Rich in Mich insert)... and if you leave it alone, it does eventually wear in nicely. They also tend to be buzzy and twangy while firing, but again there are ways of addressing that.

Accuracy should be very decent as well - plugging a soda can at 60 yards should pose no problem.

[hiroller]

Wow 100 bucks at Natchez!  Now from what I've read about them, they deal with refurbs only right?  I've read about 2-3 exchanges before people have ended up with a decent rifle from them which makes them kinda hit and miss if I'm correct.  Is that the case with them?  100 bucks is a steal; however I'd hate to go back and forth for a couple of weeks and spend that cash in shipping when I could have just bought a factory new one.  Has anyone here ordered the 100.00 440's from Natchez?

[leftcoast1]

Reguardless of price they are required to notify you if it is not factory new. I've heard the same that they only sell refurbed stuff. I'm not sure that's true. I bought a couple of scopes from them at great prices but the were factory new. I know they sell refurbed items but they are labled as such. I think you'll be ok.

I have purchased two 440's from Natchez.  The first one was for my wife.  I liked hers so much I ordered another one for myself.  Both guns were on special and both were new not refurbs.  They are fun, lightweight guns.  Mine came with a prettier stock due to quite a bit more grain showing.  Hers has less tang.  Have not changed the trigger with an insert.  Can bear the trigger until I shoot one of my Beeman guns and then you notice how bad Gamo stock triggers are.  The trigger is the only shortcoming.  The guns are well worth the Natchez price.  I paid $119 for ours and the price is lower now.  Good deal.

[NMCA_Ron]

I have had my 440 for about a year now with no problems. One thing I would suggest....  If you are going to mount a scope on it, use the Accushot 1-piece mount. Save yourself the aggrevation of scope creep!

Ron

[Walt]

I bought the $99 440 from Natchez around the end of December last year. It was brand new. No referb. The only thing I noticed was, depending on how you read the date code, in the serial number mine was built in 2003 or 2004. I gave it a lube tune and put a CDT trigger in it and its a great shooter. The wood was very nice and so was the bluing. The only other thing I needed to correct was a little barrel droop. I would recommend one to anyone looking for a decent rifle at a bargain price. Be sure to order your CDT trigger at the same time. That's what truly transforms the gun.
W

[hiroller]

Yeah, a CDT trigger is a no brainer now for any compatible rifle I get.  Thanks guys - I think I'll be going with the Natchez 440 as soon as that IRS rebate deposit shows up.

[Gene_SC]

The Gamo Hunter 440 from Natchez is not a refurb or reman., they are new. I have bought one myself and it is the very latest Gamo 440 that were made. Just check the serieal numbers and the barrel lockup and you will know they are the newer ones..

Gene

[vinceb]

Refurb Gamo's have a mark on them... a dimple put into the metal just ahead of the rear sight. And no, my Natchez-bought 440 does not have one.

[leftcoast1]

IT WAS ME. HAHAHAHAHA. :p