Which .22?

[thebookdoc]

I have a Daisy 953 and 880 that got me into shooting, and then got a TF97 and more recently a TF89. Of these I like the TF89 best for accuracy and power, and unlike the TF97 it doesn't buzz, twang or vibrate... but I think I made a mistake when I got it in .177, and should have gotten the .22. I shoot the TF89 just about every day. Well, now I want to get a .22, but as there is nothing in stone that says I need to get the TF89, I am wondering which to get. I was looking at the following:

TF99
TF89
XS-B28
XS-B26-2
Walther Falcon

I want power, accuracy, and I want it for under $300. Most of these rifles I can get for under $200 -- and some well under (I got the TF89 in .177 for $121, new). Now that I've been spoiled by the TF89, I'm not interested in buzz, twang, smoke, loudness or ridiculous kick. I hesitate on the TF99 because I have read about the anti-beartrap failing...though I assume that was earlier models...and I know it makes me skiddish using the TF97. I really like the TF89, but wonder if I am missing something if I don't take the opportunity to try another model. I like the power of the XS-28, and the design and reviews of the XS-26. The Falcon has the power I want -- though I could do without the camo stock, and I know I prefer wood.

Considering all this, which of these would you get and why? And if you'd get something else entirely, what and why?

Thanks!

[daveshoot]

"not interested in buzz, twang, smoke, loudness or ridiculous kick"

Remove Walther Falcon and TF99 from your list.

Replace with RWS34 Panther.

Now you have a list!

I haven't tried the B28 but you really couldn't go wrongwith any of the ones on your "adjusted" list. I DO have the Walther in .22,and had the TF99 in .177. They may have their places but I don't think they are what you are looking for.

[mackeralboy]

I agree stay away from the Walther Falcon. In that price range I would be looking at a Mike Mellik (sorry if I miss spelled you name Mike) tuned BAM 26, or BAM40. Now if your interested in going to the dark side I would look into a MAC1 tuned Benjamin Discovery.

[thebookdoc]

Do you know what FPS a tuned B26-2 .22 will throw? I'm leaning to the B28 because I have greed for speed.

[thebookdoc]

RWS 34...not the Diana in wood? If not, why not? I like my wood.

Thanks for the suggestion. Really the TF99 and Falcon were lowest on that list. I'm leaning toward the B28...

[daveshoot]

Same gun in wood- I am just used to the Panther. There are a lot of combos and deals due to its popularity, but the 34is the value-for-the-dollar choice in the Diana line. Being more of a hunter I am always afraid of messing up nice wood.

[mikeiniowa]

B-26 is around 650 with 14 gr. pellets, B-28 is around 750 to 800+, it does have a kick to it that can make some folks unable to shoot it well....

[tjk]

Dave's right,...a tuned 34 "woody' or synthetic stock is a tough act to follow for the money. But power and speed  isn't the most important thing for me either. Accuracy is the name of the game to me.  The 34 has plenty of juice to take a BT at 40 yards with a well placed shot. Also, if you want to go true Magnum, the B-28A is a sure fire winner. It's got plenty of kick though, and at 4 foot long,..it's a bear to carry around for an afternnon of hunting, plinking, etc. It will take a while to learn to shoot if you're not used to the shere power. The B-26 has a very enthusiactic following among AG enthusiasts,...so I would keep that one in mind as well. Good Luck choosing you next rifle, tjk

[thebookdoc]

Thanks for the info. What about tuning a TF89 .22?! What would be cost and expected result? I see the site says $80 for a tune...is the result more or less interesting than a tuned B28? I think it comes down to these two for me. The suggestion of the Diana is obviously a great one, but I think I'd rather have just a bit more power. I'm not sure it is completely off the table...

Thanks to everyone for their responses and help!

[thebookdoc]

I saw a Benjamin Sheridan Super Streak for $289...Shoots 1100 FPS @ .22. That sounds like huge power. Has stock something like the B26-2...Maybe that's the one!

[thebookdoc]

Anyone seen the "New" AR2000!? Looks like 48.6", 940fps @ .22, Thumbhole stock, checkered grip...This looks like all the power and size of the B28 with the styling of the B26...

[Jaymo]

I'd get a B26 and a Benjamin 392, though not in that order.

[Gopher]

You may also want to add the B-25 .22 from MM to your list. It's a bump up in power from the B-26 and has a two stage trigger.
Mine is getting 730-770 FPS depending on the pellet and very accurate. An added bonus is that it's cheaper than the B-26.
It is supposed to be the clone of the RWS Diana 34.

[thebookdoc]

Thanks, the B-25 is a good idea. I just heard about the release of the AR2000FC and think there will be a Tech Force equivalent, and that may be the one I go with when they come out. But the B-25 seems like an interesting and simple choice. Is it the same as a Ruger Air Hawk? I had one of those and thought it was loud...

[Gopher]

I think the Ruger Air Hawk was .177 only that's why BAM came out with the B-25 in .22 cal.
Loud is diiferent for everybody. I shoot it and my B-26 in the yard all the time.
I haven't had a neighboor stick his head over the fence to say..."Hey! what chew doin?"
That is ever since I made one of those silent traps. The impact on the metal trap definately made them nosey.