"I'm Green" and need some help to decide....

[KONG]

Hello, I have an opportunity to buy a stock .22 RWS M34 for $135 or a stock .22 M350 for $235 (both store Demos). This will be my first rifle as I currently only own a stock crossman 2240.  I am really getting excited about springers and have been doing alot of research, although I am too new to know which gun will make me happier as a 30-yard squirrel killer.  I like the idea of a lighter gun and will hopefully have the gun tuned in the future.  Hopefully both guns will not be too loud as my neighbors are roughly 75-yards away..Thanks.

[Bentong]

Only problem with store demos is, mostly been dried fired..so if you know how to replace seals or springs those are good project guns. If you want a smooth accurate shooter that is quite too is to get one from Mike > http://www.airgunartisans.com/flyingdragon/ and you'll have a shooter out of the box. I just got hold of a used MM b-26 in 22 and it's a joy to shoot. It made my other shooters collect dust.

[KONG]

I should have made it known that both guns are factory refurbished now.  Does that change you stance Bentong?

[JimL911]

Go for the 34 it is easier to "Master". Many new shooters go for power and get discouraged because they can't shoot them as accurately as powder burners.A 15 fpe hit is better than a 23 fpe miss. The 34 in .22 will easily take squirrels at 30 yards. At 75 yards the should barely hear anything.

[onemountain]

Welcome to the GTA Keith! Always nice to have another friendly person around here.

If you have to choose between those two, I think it's the M34 hands down. Both guns have the power for squirrels at that range. But the 350 just is not a beginner friendly gun at all. It takes a lot of practice and technique to shoot, and the learning curve can be pretty steep on a 350, especially a stock one. In addition, the 34 is easier to shoot and should be a bit quieter. It's also lighter. And on top of all that it's $100 less in your case, and that's $100 that can go toward a tune or some accessories.

Good luck in your decision and have fun!

[ledtone]

I agree get the 34 now save the rest of the money because youre gonna need it once you get hooked  theres know turning back

[KONG]

Great insight from some experienced air-gunners, I think the M34 is the one I'm leaning towards.  Being a large guy (6'4", 285lbs) I was thinking I could "grow" into the more powerful gun, although I am probably under estimating the learning curve.  I dont want to lose the "Fun Factor"!!

[Bogey]

Keith, I am going to go against the grain and put my support behind the RWS 350.  It is a much nicer AG.   And lots of power.   Assuming that you are not shopping price.
 Besides you state that you are a good sized person and handling and cocking the AG should not be a problem for you.

I would buy the 350 for $235. if I came across one.

[longislandhunter]

The 34 is a mighty nice rifle and quite a capable small game hunter.  The 350 is a magnum springer and an outstanding small game rifle with the power to reach out a bit further than the 34.  Tough choice indeed, however if I was getting the rifle specifically for hunting I'd go with the 350 for the extra power and range.  

Jeff

[arathol]

Physical size is irrelevant here. The firing cycle of a magnum springer is the same no matter how big or small the shooter is. You can't overpower the gun to make it shoot the way you want. Usually the tighter the grip the worse it gets. Spring guns need to move when fired, its something that takes getting used to. The 350 isn't a beginners gun by any means. Go with the 34 at first until you get the knack of shooting a spring gun, then if you decide to move up you can always sell it. Besides, power isn't everything. You don't need 25 fpe to hunt squirrels and such. Having lots of power and range isn't much good if you can't hit anything. I regularly whack squirrels with a 13 fpe FWB 127 at 30 - 40 yards. I think you will be much happier with the 34.

[Sumcat]

R34

[KONG]

Ok the RWS 34 for $135 and $100 left over for some near future improvements.  Assuming the stock scope is acceptable I like the idea of having a muzzle brake and I am open for suggestions on what improvements the majority of Air Gunners would prioritize for this gun.  Pictures will come when I get the Gun Home...

[pindog2000]

get the 34 you will be back for more this wont be your first and your last gun trust me you will be bitten by the (i just pushed that button bug)lol take your time and enjoy ur shooting

[JimL911]

Make sure you have a solid mount. One of these are great. http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/UTG_Scope_Mount_Base_Fits_RWS_Diana_34_36_38_45_Compensates_for_Droop_Stops_Scope_Shift/2298
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/UTG_Scope_Mount_Base_Fits_RWS_Diana_Rifles_Gamo_Whisper_Others/2639
I don't know what scope comes with it but I wouldn't count on the package scope lasting. Get an AO scope. Then go for a muzzle brake and new internals later.

[cole5169]

Sorry, haven't read all the other comments.
My take:  the model 34 is a much more forgiving gun, especially if you're new to springers.

If they're demos, you might need to replace the springs...  Customers tend to dry fire the demos, and that's no good at all for a spring piston gun.

Good luck,
-Joel