Help in New Rifle Selection

[hiroller]

Man, I was all excited about receiving my electronic IRS rebate, then found out yesterday it would be mailed to me instead (because I used turbotax). What a bummer. In any event, that gives me more time to do a lot more research on my next big purchase. I'llbeusing 250.00 of that for a rifle and I'd like feedback before selecting that new rifle. I'm mostly target shooting, but will from time to time hunt small game and take care of some pests around the house.

The first rifle I'm seriously considering is the CFX for its accuracy and overall reviews I've seen. That'll run a bit over 200 with shipping. Now I just noticed theHunterMaxima at pyramyd this morning and haven't heard anything about this rifle. Would this rifle be the same underneath as say the 440, with the exception of a nicer exterior design, better sights and a cfx style muzzle brake? I still haven't decided the route to take - whether to buy something for around 2-250.00 off the bat and eventually get a tune when I've saved up for it, or get the 100.00 Natchez 440 and use the left over to have CDT tune it? I do want something with an all-steel barrel this time (I already have 2 of the plastic bull ones from Gamo) and something with more than enough power to hunt with.

If you could choose any Gamo rifle up to 250.00, which would it be and why? Any feedback/input would be appreciated. It'll probably be another 2 weeks before I make this purchase so I have a little more time to do more studying and research. Thanks!

Jay

[TCups]

Consider this
My brother, the world's biggest bargain hound and most careful shopper (spends a week researching what kind of toothbrush to buy kind of guy) just bought his first air rifle:
XS-B26 "springer" .22 cal, Chinese copy of a Beeman B9, tuned $140
see:  http://www.airgunartisans.com/flyingdragon/special.html
Leapers Accushot 1-Pc Mount w/1" Rings, 3/8" Dovetail  1 x $15.99
Plano Rifle Case, Single, Scoped   1 x $19.95
CenterPoint Adventure Class 3-9x40mm Red/Green dual illuminated riflescope  1 x $69.99
Gamo .22 Hunter, Caliber-0.22", Qty-250, Weight: 15.3gr  2 x $4.29

Total:  $270 for a tuned .22 cal springer with scope, mounts, and case

[daved]

I think I'd go for the 440, Jay.  Unless you're dead set on a fixed barrel this time.  The power plants are the same, although I've never shot a 440, the Shadow 1000 is the same gun with a synthetic stock.  Shot one of those a LOT, right along side my CFX.  I'd rate the CFX as more accurate by a hair or two, the break barrel more powerful by the same margin.  Both can be extremely accurate, and either one responds very well to a tune.  The CFX is probably one of the easiest springers to shoot well, it's very forgiving of hold and not hugely pellet picky.  Loading a CFX is a bit more hassle than a break barrel, but once you figure out a technique that works for you, it's not a big deal, unless you have extremely large hands and fingers.  A quick follow up is never going to be as fast as the breakers, though.  You could have the 440 shipped direct to your tuner and save at least one shipping charge.  Okay, enough of my thoughts, hope they help, and I'm sure others will chime in.

Dave

[hiroller]

Dave - Everything you've mentioned is why I'm leaning more and more toward the 440 option.  Plus, you've just answered the question lingering in my head about having a rifle shipped to CDT directly (though I would confirm with him first).

[leftcoast1]

I would have to agree with TCups. I'm not a Gamo fan after dealing with their customer service sold my last one about 3 weeks ago. I got a B-26 sporter in .22 tuned from Mike Melick (flyingdragonairrifles.com) 140.00 shipped. Accushot 1piece high mount 19.99, BSA Air rifle 3-12x44 A/O from Natchez 55.00, pellet sampler from strightshooters.com 25.00. Solid small game hunter. Mike does a real good job with his OE tune on this gun. Gun is getting close to 800 fps with super points and domes. Check him out you will not be disappointed

[vinceb]

If you don't get one now, dollars - to - donuts you'll be kickin' yourself sooner or later.

I know the B26 is roundly recommended, but the 2 I tried (one in each caliber) left me unimpressed. Build quality on those examples was nothing to write home about, and one needed some trigger work before it actually functioned as a 2-stager. Don't misunderstand me, there was nothing seriously wrong with them - but I was a little disappointed.

[vinceb]

The RWS 34/Panther and the RWS94. Both are a lil' under $200, and more refined than the Gamo overall. Much better trigger and firing cycle, and either one should handily out-power the 440.

On the down side they are a bit harder to cock, they are a little heavier (1/2 bound or so) and are a bit tougher to tear down.

[hiroller]

Man now I've got a lot more to decide between.  I've ruled out the CFX (for now) as I'd the ability to do much quicker follow-up shots and am now looking at the Panther very closely.  I was at a local sporting goods store the other day to see if they had anything new and they had a few Whispers for just under 200 bucks.  I've read a lot about these and in the back of my mind have always wanted to try one out so that's definitely on my list now.  I just posted my recon with accessories for sale - that'll go toward another GRT-III and perhaps a tune.