Best .22 Air Rifle

[Mark 611]

The TF89 is a good gun they need a little TLC but over all thier a good gun, but thier not an RWS and thers really no comparison between the 2 guns. Don't get me wrong I own and use TF89's for my field use but I have had alot of work done to them. But a good stock TF89 adjusted correctly and or a tuned gun is very hard to beat for the money, they work! they have very adjustably triggers, the .22cal's are very accurate and hit very hard on game.  my stock TF .22cal cleaned and lubed only shoots CPHP's at 790fps and that's respectable for a .22cal airgun. My RWS m48.22cal lubed only av's 815fps TF costs about 150$ the RWS can be had for around 315$ the quality of the RWS is much higher and if bought new has a life time warranty.

[cole5169]

It's a multi-pump gun, so you can control how much "oomph" you get.  You mentioned shooting "in the house", as well as hunting, that's why I bring this point up.

The 392 is very lightweight (much, much lighter than the RWS Model 48 -- shorter than it, too).  Additionally, being pneumatic, there is virtually no recoil.  They retail for around $150, which is a pretty inexpensive jumping-off point to get into airgunning.  And there are a number of people, including Tim at Mac1 Airguns, who can do some remarkable tuning down the road, if you like.

In a similar category, another quite surprisingly nice gun is the Daisy 22 SG.  This is also a multi-pump .22, and includes a scope, for right at $100.  Both of the pumpers are pretty pellet-friendly.

Probably confused you more

Welcome to the insanity, be safe, and happy holidays!
-Joel

[thebookdoc]

I disagree that there is no comparison between the RWS350 and the TF89. I have a TF89 that was shooting right on par with the RWS 350 I have and I just sent the TF89 out for a tune, expecting to get it back with about 3 more foot-pounds or so. After the cost of the rifle and the tune and $120 in pellets, it is STILL cheaper than the RWS350, will shoot nearly as hard, and as accurate (it was shooting .25 groups at 10 yards before the tune). I bought the RWS 350 to test side-by-side with the TF89 just to put in my own hands what people were saying about euro-gun craftsmanship. Well, for 3 times the price, I wasn't all too impressed.

The gun I am impressed with is a Cometa Fusion 400 .22 which I got tuned from Gene @ $270! New they run $350, I think. If you can get one and have Gene tune it, it'll run just under $500. Powerful, accurate, and sweet-cocking (unlike the RWS which I find a bit stiff). I don't know how they are out-of-the-box, but the TF89 .22 and the Cometa are the two best rifles I own, with my preference leaning slightly to the Cometa right now. We'll see when the TF89 comes back from the tune.

[thebookdoc]

longislandhunter, Wish I'd read this before getting the RWS350, I'd have gotten the RWS 48! Your suggestion makes great sense.

[xschug3]

Madpuma, this is a great place to learn a ton of valuable airgun information! Welcome aboard!
You've got alot of choices and alot of great responses from people. I'm sure you're a bit confused now....
I would like to help remove the confusion-

You mention a price range of $500, give or take $100. You can get a fantastic air rifle for that price, and even less. Longislandhunter, aka Jeff, gave you some really good details and info that I completely agree with. He mentioned 2 RWS guns that are both excellent options for what you desire. Both guns have the power to dispatch larger critters, have a great reputation, and quality is way above average. RWS guns are very accurate as well.
He also proposed the precharged pneumatic option, where you could buy the Benjamin Discovery and the hand pump that goes with it. This is another great option if you'd like to get a fixed barrel, non-springer air rifle. The Discovery has a great reputation on here and is very accurate and powerful. I've read many posts of guys taking 50+yd shots and making 1 shot kills on larger critters with this gun. Also, like Jeff mentioned, you don't have the recoil with the Disco that you'd get from a springer. So, they tend to be easier to learn to shoot quicker. You can pick up the Disco and pump for anywhere between $315-400, which would leave you enough $ leftover to get a good scope for it. You can pick up a Centerpoint 16x40 with illuminated reticle for ~$65 and it will serve you really well.

The Discovery, out of the box, is slightly loud. Most guys purchase a TKO aftermarket muzzle brake from here http://www.tko22.com/. I've heard this brings the gun down to near silent.

So, it all comes down to what you want. My recommendation would be to get a high quality, accurate shooter out of the box as your first air gun. Hehe (I said first, because it probably won't be the last). Both of the RWS guns you mentioned fit the bill as high quality and accurate, oh and powerful! The PCP option is there as well with the Discovery if you want to go that route. I have the Walther Force and its a good gun for the price. It's a powerful gun and decently accurate if you were lucky enough to get a good one. It's a cheaply made gun and nowhere near the same class as the RWS 350 or 48 though. Since your budget is what it is, I would definitely rule out the Walther and look at the others. If you go that route, you'll have no regrets and a very satisfying hunting gun that is capable of dispatching a wide range of vermin.

I hope my two cents helps! Let us know what you decide, and again, Welcome to GTA  

[Mark 611]

I' am also in the process of getting a Cometa Fenix 400 star compact in .22cal from Ponoma I'm very interested to see what they'll do?

[Mark 611]

Very well put xschug3

[mackeralboy]

For your price range get a Crosman NPSS Nitro. Mine has been VERY accurate right out of the box and I have taken squirrels out to 67 yards with it. It is lighter than the RWS 350 and 48 translating to more comfort lugging it around all day hunting. It is quiet so it will not disturb the neighbors and spook game. Becasue it has a gas piston instead of a spring, you don't have to worry about the spring taking a set if you leave it cocked for hours. Having a gas piston instead of a spring also means no buzzing recoil like you can get with a spring gun. Mine came with a scope and two different scope mounts (single and two piece) so it was a complete package when it showed up. Cost $299.00

[thebookdoc]

I am guessing they are nearly the same gun but for some stock markings and the fact that the Fenix has sights. If yours is anything like mine...just awesome.

[thebookdoc]

Just to mention...the Walther Force 1000 is really the TF89 -- all are variants on the AR1000. If you look at them on the shanghai airgun factory site you'll see one variant or another that fits the description of a bunch of chinese guns.

[Mark 611]

ya I think their the basic model accept the compact has carbine length barrel and the moderator only covers about 1/3rd of the barrel. I dont have it yet but soon very soon

[chuckster750800]

I definitely not rule out the Crosman NPSS Nitro .22.  Maybe not quite as powerful as an RWS 350 but still hits hard, pretty light, easy to cock and is very accurate.

Charlie,

[tjk]

Alot of fine suggestions so far,...but I've 3 that might fit the bill. For close up shots the 392 Benji will  "git  her' done". And let's not forget the world reknowned 34 Diana. You'd be surprised what kinda thump this sweet-heart can lay on a critter,...bigger ones if you can draw em in close and connect with a good head shot. And for the longer shots,...the MM tuned B-28A Xisico. Dollar for dollar, a great value for the jack,...Like Bro' Roger said to me,..."shoots like a 350"!!!!!  Just my 2 cents, tjk

[t165]

I always hate when the words "best" or "better" start getting tossed around. We all have different expectations from our air guns. And we all have varying opinions. If you have a chance to fire some of the air rifles which meet your criteria then that would be great. My local gun range has Sunday nighs set aside for the local airgunners. I have had bad experiences with chinese air rifles in the past. However, after reading many positive reviews, I purchased a Bam B-26about 5-6 weeks ago. It is fantastic. The B-26 is every bit the equal of my RWS 34. It was $150.00 shipped to my door. My only complaint were the cheap plastic factory sights. I scoped it with a Leapers so that is a non issue. The B-26 comes in 22 caliber. I own a RWS 350. Fine rifle. Good power. But I do not need the 350's power for rabbits/squirrels on down. The BAM B-28 is getting excellent reviews also. And the Tech Force air rifles are getting very good reviews. I think airgunners have it very good right now with the selection of affordable quality air guns. Good luck with whatever brand/model you choose and remember that "better" and "best" is subjective.

[doc1310]

take a look at the Crosman NPSS .22. It's a great rifle and there are reviews of it here on this site. Pyramid also has many reviews of this fine rifle. Mine is much quieter than my Gamo Whisper. If you need it, I can send you my chrony numbers, but I believe that I have posted them here on my review. Let us know what you get.

Regards,
Paul