$500 for a new rifle....

[patton123]

How about a RWS 34  either cal. Nice light weight gun, not to hard on scopes. Perfect for target shooting  or small game hunting.

Just a thought.

BTW you want something fun to shoot, buy a RWS 850.

[Tpatner412]

Well the tx is on a very short list of higher end springers that I'm interested in but I can't swing the extra $100 or so right now.  The 34 is on my list and I've been contemplating getting that and a Benjamin Trail series rifle at the same time.  I am kind of wondering why the RWS 48 is a scope killer though, any insight?  Pyramyd has the anti barrel droop mount with it but since its a fixed barrel rifle does it have barrel droop?  Anyway thanks for all the comments and help

[Mryan21]

Do you own any pcps? I just got a discovery and am amazed at the accuracy and power. Pumping isn't a problem at all. Decent power and alot of accurate shots per fill.

[Progun]

Tyler, the droop compensating mounts you refer to for the RWS Diana models will give you a solid platform for mounting a scope.They prevent the mounts from scooting rearward on the scope rail when you shoot.The RWS Diana models all share the same scope rail that has the inherent problem of too shallow stop pin holes that usually allow stop pins to dig out.So if you get a 48, get that Leapers mount. Since you won't know if the barrel has droop issues until you shoot it, you could order both versions of this mount (droop, or no droop) so to have your bases coverd. They don't cost very much. If you chose either the TX200 or an R-9 you can mount up easily with just about any rings. No inherent complications like the Diana models. Man what a problem to have. There are lot's of nice guns that are available in your budget so look before you leap.Don't forget to factor in the cost of a decent scope, mounts and ammo for whatever you choose.Don't overlook the classifieds for some of the bargains.

[Tpatner412]

Thanks for the info Pro. Myran, I have thought about a oxo but I am
really interested in building my springer collection because they don't need co2 or hpa to work. Also I just like springers more. I have a qb 78 and I'm just not as interested in it as I once was (mainly
because I bought my first springer). Still not sure
if I want to go with the 48 or the 34 and a benji trail but I suppose I am
well armed with info now to make
a well
informed
decision. Thanks everyone

[atchman2]

I just think there is a big difference between the 34 and the 48 in power and capabilities.  I'd think either one would be great.  Since I'm more of a hunter I'd get the 34, maybe get it tuned up a bit, and get a nice scope it I had your level of money to spend on one.  

However if I had $500 to spend, it would be one of these guns 1) a Beeman R-9, 2) a Cometa Fusion 3) or a Mike Melick tuned R-9 clone with a nice scope

Randy

[daveshoot]

I will respectfully run against the grain and recommend the 48, given your purpose. This is going to be based on my experience with the brands you mention. I have a 48 in .20 like Jeff, a 34 and a Lightning in .22, and I have gotten to shoot a 54 although I don't own one.

For bench shooting my 48 willshoot at least aswell asthe BSA and has a better trigger. It is one of the few rifles I am choosing to shoot with iron sights for now, because I like thesights it came withThe Lightning can be tuned, but mine is not. The BSA trigger is complex and not a DIY project for my meager skills. The 48 is a big heavy rifle, and the BSA is a short light carbine. For hunting I would want the BSA but for target I like the 48.

I did not care for the recoilless operation of the 54. I think it is too mechanical for my taste, meaning more stuff is moving around. It is a scope killer because it is recoilless to the shooter, but not to the scope, which rides back on the carriage when you shoot and takes the shock of the sudden stop. It is even heavier than the 48. Both are really well-made rifles... the 48 is just more tomy personal taste. With the 48 you would get a quality scope and a very good scope mount, and you'll be fine. The 48 is just a magnum springer when all is said and done, and not even at the high end of what is considered "magnum" any more. With the 54 it seems that additional measures are necessary to keep the mount from moving and you'd want an even better built scope, due to the recoiling carriage.

I think the 52 is the jazzed up 48 in appearance, which is fine if you like elaboratecheckering and stuff. The 54 is the recoilless version of them.

I also really love my 34 and as a field gun I could pick up either the BSA or it, and be just as happy. It is longer than the BSA but a comfortable weight for walking all day. It is also accurate and has a nice trigger, but I don't think it is quite in the same accuracy league as the 48.

Frankly I kind of like side lever guns. I don't necessarily prefer them to break barrels, but if you already have some break barrels and want to try something a little different, the side lever is nice for bench and bipod use. I don't personally like underlevers as well.

I will qualify this by saying they are just my personal experience based on the guns I happen to have. I think I need to spend some $$$ to get my Lightning tuned by a pro, and I just haven't gotten around to that. It certainly has potential, but they are not cheap to have work done on. The 48 is the "Yard Commander" meaning it is a cool bench gun and will also strike unwelcome visitors with ease and authority.

And to make matters worse, I would add to your dilemma by suggesting you also consider a Cometa (either Fenix 400 or the new Fusion)... I only have the old RWS94 versions but I just freakin' love this break barrel and the new ones are even better. You could buy some pretty nice glass with the savings.

[Mark 611]

You are right about the Cometa Fenix 400's I have a compact model it is an exelent rifle the trigger is better than an RWS its  deadly accurate in .22cal I'm getting around 750fps w/14.3 cphp's and its light weight, good enough for the bench or field use I've shoot alot of pigeons with mine at 50 an 60yds with it with ease!

[jpokorski]

I agree - look for a good used R9 (or R10). A bit less power (still plenty), but lighter, quicker to load, better trigger, much nicer stock...For a short while I had both a 48 and an R10, and I far preferred shooting the R10.

Jay

[Meann-Machine]

Ya pays yur nickle and takes yur chances. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[kf9vh]

I second the Discovery. For $500 you can get the rifle, pump, rings and scope. Since it has no recoil you don't have to buy a spring gun rated scope. If you need more than 30 shots on a hunt or plinking session get a springer but there is nothing like the power and lack of recoil the Disco provides for the price.