Dilemma

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I'm trying to convince myself I need a 22 to add to my collection just in case the squirrels rise up and go on the warpath. While I've taken em with my .177s, I think the .22  is better suited.  I'd like one that hits hard so here's my dilemma: there's several in the $200 range that'll do what I want but which one? I do like the TF89 but it should be tuned and with Mr. Gene so busy and all covered up I'd have to wait until July sometime to send it to him. That's a long time to wait.That leaves the B25 or B26...can anyone tell me the difference  between the two models and the cost of one tuned? I see many of you recommend a Mike Melick tuned rifle....what does a MM tune consist of? I don't see any prices at all in the Flying Dragon site for the rifles nor a discription of what MM does when he tunes one. I surely could use some snswers. Thanks folks.
 Larry

[BWANA]

Clip,
I think this is Mike's web site, http://bestairgun.stores.yahoo.net/  I am also thinking I need another .22. I sent Mike an email about a B25-S and he responded that he had one tuned with stock parts for $200. They are listed on his site for $139, with a scope. You would be paying $61 for the tune. I have a Quest800, .22, which I use for rabbits, up to 30 yards. I like the gun a lot. It's a little smaller and lighter than the Quest1000, .177  Send Mike an email if you have any questions. He answered mine at 4:00 a.m. I think I'm going to get the B25-S. I would like another gun with a synthetic stock. Happy hunting.

[Mark 611]

Sure if squirrels attack you'll need a good .22cal to keep'em at bay lol  their is a big difference in the 25/26 rifles the 25 is a clone of a RWS m34 and the 26 is a clone of a beeman HW95

[Mark 611]

Mike offers all levels of tuning depending what you want, I have a B25.22cal  and a B26 .177cal but I also have an HW95 in .22cal and I love my HW its not all that powerful but it'll do the job Ive shot piegons with it at 50+yds and it has no problems with KIA's the B25 is probly the most powerful of them I've done some tuning on it myself and I'm getting 750fps with a 14gr pellet its pretty accurate but its pellet fussy it wont shoot cphp's accurate enough for me to even hunt with but it will shoot other pellets with 1/2'' or better at 30yds so for the money it not a bad gun, the B26 has a better trigger but not as powerful I think guys are getting 670's 680's with 14.3gr pellets and that's not bad for that gun if you keep your shots 40yds an under on squirrles you be ok, I'm a big fan of the 89's thier the real power house of this bunch 800fps but its a bigger gun as well, keep in mind that all the guns your looking at need to be tuned to get the best performance out of them.

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Yeah, Mark  the squirrels around here are starting to take scalps. Would you say the 25 is the hardest hitter of the two? That's what I'm looking for, a HARD hitter. I also know about the 28, but I think I'll pass on that one because I hear it's a tough one to learn to shoot. Thanks for the replies, fellas.
  Thanks, Paul.....I have sent Mike emails asking the same questions I just posted. He did reply but gave no answers as to the differences, prices of the guns nor what he does to tune em. I just re-read his emails to me, just to make sure I didn't miss anything, and can't find anything but general answers. I have to assume he's so busy that he doesn't have time to go into the answers in detail. He recommended that I research the Yellow Forum to find out what I need....I hate to admit this but I have NO idea what the Yellow forum is, where it's located or how to get there. I've seen it mentioned countless times here, but have never been on it.
 Thanks for your help, guys...it's appreaciated very much.
 One more thing, Paul...do you know what's meant by" Stock Tune"?

[atchman2]

I  have a TF 89 and it was accurate out of the box.  Sure it is a bit harsh at first, but it smoothed out really well.  Eventually I took it apart and lubed it which helped it even more.  It is powerful and I was bragging to someone today that I put a couple pellets in the UPC seal on a beer can at 35 yards in the wind today!  Mine LOVES RWS Superdomes!  

For $134 without scope and mounts it would be my choice for a first magnum springer.  It is FAR easier to learn to shoot than a 350 did I also forget that it cost a half to a third of a 340 and about 80 less than a B28.  

You might try Adventures in Airguns.  They sell "tuned" clone rifles by Mike Melick.  Mike is a great guy but he is so busy!

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I'm well aware that they all benifit from a tune. I've had some done by Mr. Curtis in the past and could see the difference right away. The problem is, he's so blinkin' busy that he states on his site that he can't accept any tunes until July. I feel good for him to be so busy  but that's a long time to wait for a rifle. That's why I asked about Mr. Melick. Everyone I've read says he does great work and perhaps the turn-around time for one of his rifles won't be as long.

[Mark 611]

Yeah if your looking between the 25 or 26 and want a hard hitter get the 25!  almost all the parts to tune it can be used from the  RWS 34  tune kits or parts.

[atchman2]

I guess what I'm trying to say is you don't "need" the tune, it just works better with one (I'd guess).  I'm serious I was hitting from day one.  Just make sure you tighten up the stock screws good.  

Compared to an 89, the Air Hawk, B25, feel like toys

[noisemedia]

Hey there, for whatever it's worth I owned a .22 B-28 that had been tuned by Mike not too long ago. It was probably the hardest hitting rifle I had used at that time....very powerful and good range. Prior to having it tuned I had a hard time learning how to shoot it consistently, It was tuned a short time later and afterward I noticed a much smoother shooting cycle, easier cocking, and noticeably less recoil. I was able to get alot better at handling the magnum spring thing but I eventually got PCP fever. I sold it to another member who has since told me a couple times how much he's enjoyed it and how well they've been able to shoot with it. The man does good work and if I had that much money to work with I'd probably buy it again. Anyway that's just my two cents...good luck.

Edit: Don't take my experience at not learning how to shoot it accurately as anything against the rifle at all, in retrospect I realize I had a lot to learn about shooting springers...I probably still do.

[Meann-Machine]

I'd second the "Atch". An 89 is a lot of rifle for the money. And yes, a tune may make it nicer, but it isn't necessary. I had one, untuned and not even fully broken in yet, with a 3-12x44 scope on it. A friend of mine liked it so much that it is now his.

[atchman2]

Since I own both, I can tell you the TF 89 is a lot easier to shoot, is lighter, shorter but it doesn't hit as hard.  With all of that said I still like "THE BEAST" better as it is a lot better in quality and is just overall more consistent.  I see the difference more though at longer ranges.  

I like em both though!  

Not to mention it looks very nice

[pindog2000]

got a b-21 from mike for my buddy, i think with a tune should be less than or about $200 the  b-21 is rated at 900 fps in a .22 cal or get a bam 25/26 either with a tune will suit ur needs

[mlrs_27m]

One more vote for the TF89. I pulled mine out of the box and started shooting it. It is very accurate with plenty of power. I love it.

[Zzyzx]

For your price range and looking for a hard hitting .22 calibre rifle take a good look at the RWS 350 Magnum(used) and the Walther Falcon Hunter. The 350 Magnum is in that price range on a number of 'ForSale' ads on this and other forums. The Walther Falcon Hunter is under $200 new at some of the stores now. It comes with the scope as part of the package.