Buying an airgun as a gift for a great friend!

[jonnnyboy]

Guys, I need some recommendations.  I have a dear friend who is an older gentleman who has expressed some interest in my airguns.  As a gift, I want to get him a mid-powered springer that is nice and will not be too heavy for him to either cock or shoot.  He has always been a powder shooter but this is a new endeavor for him.  He wouldn't have the equipment for pcp's and probably wouldn't care about buying co2 carts.  That pretty much leaves me with springers.

Here's the catch, I have up to $100 to $125 to spend on this gift (can we squeeze a scope into that amount?).  My question is, "Which airgun would you recommend I get for him?"  He has helped me over the years in more ways than I can count and its my turn to give just a little back.  What do you recommend?

Thanks and blessings, joe

[Mark 611]

That's a high order your asking! but if your buying for friends I'm always looking for new friend's lol!

[longislandhunter]

How about the Air Venturi  Bronco  ??   Nice light cocking effort, has the Mendoza type "double blade" trigger which is very nice, it's a nice looking gun, seems to be getting good reviews, matter of fact all 5 reviewers on P.A. gave it full 5 stars.  FPS of around 600 so should have a nice light firing cycle but yet good enough for target shooting and pest control, and P.A. is selling it for $125.99.....  $113.91 with a 10% coupon.    Might be just the thing for the gentleman.....   Here's the link...........

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Air_Venturi_Bronco/2013

Jeff

[Big_Bill]

WOW Johnny,

I knew were friends and family and all, but it really isn't necessary to be buying ME a air gun. I got plenty now, and one I haven't even seen yet !

But thanks anyway buddy !!!! And don't call meno gentleman !

Older Bill

[daveshoot]

Ruger Air Hawk and Crosman Phantomare both decent combo packages for about $110 each,with a 4x scope.

I bought a Phantom for someone and it wasa decent little pest rifle. The triggercan be improved. I think most would pick the Air Hawk for the trigger.

[jonnnyboy]

I was afraid that my family and friends circle might immediately grow larger than my cell company could handle!!!  Okay Jeff, I'll look at the Bronco and Mark, Bill you know you're among my favorites!!! hahaha

Any other recommendations?  I've been watching the classifieds for days to find something, but as soon as I start watching the well runs dry!!

blessings, joe

added Air Hawk and Phantom, thanks Dave!

[longislandhunter]

Dave has a good suggestion there with the Phantom.  I bought a G1-Extreme, same as the phantom,  at WallyWorld awhile back and I have to say it was a nice shooting rifle.  Came with a scope and a nice 1 piece mount and both worked very well,,,, they both sit on top of the rifle to this day  

Jeff

[Gene_SC]

Good advice Jeff has given you but Joe I think we discussed an Evanix Rainstorm pcp .177 air rifle. Don't you remember...? It is only 7lbs and there is not cocking involved..

[jonnnyboy]

Let's see, the recommendations so far are:
Bronco
Phantom
Air Hawk
G-1 Extreme
and Gene's Evanix Rainstorm!!!!

Was looking and found the TF58 also.  Any others?

Thanks again, Joe

PS.  Man, I've got more friends than I ever thought I had!  I like this place!  LOL!

[ac12basis]

How is he physically?
I ask this in relation to cocking effort to cock a springer.  Even a mid-power springer can require a fair amount of force to cock.  If the target is not pushing past 30 yards, you might consider a LOW power springer (well not real LOW) as that will be easier to cock. My arms appreciate the lower effort to cock the low powered springers.  And the more you shoot in a session the more you appreciate the lower cocking effort.

[jonnnyboy]

Gary, he's in good shape physically.  That's actually why I feel I owe him so much.  I had some problems at the house and he spent way too much of his energy and time helping me and he would not let me pay him.  This is to be a small token of my appreciation not only of our friendship but also of all he's done to help me and my family over the years.  He's the kind of guy who will immediately drop what HE is doing to come help someone in need.  Actually, I think he would enjoy the kind of folks on this forum!!!

thanks, joe

[BWANA]

I would recommend the Quest 1000X, comes with a Centerpoint 4x32 scope. I bought one at Dunham sports for $80, or the G1, which comes with a Centerpoint 3x9x32 AO scope. I bought one at Dick's sporting goods for $99. The G1 is a little heavier than the Quest. If you want to make it easier to cock, change the spring to 800 fps, Crosman part # B19-00-4A, $5.70 from Crosman. Both rifles have the same internal parts. The Bronco is a Mendoza, I own an RM200. It's a little smaller and lighter than the RM600. Nice little gun and fun to shoot. I paid $99 and the iron sights are decent once you get them adjusted. It's nice of you to buy your friend a gun. What better way to say thanks than handing it to him and saying "Let's shoot something". The great thing about Crosman is the ease of getting parts when you need them. Good luck.

[SUPERFITTER]

BWANA - 3/25/2010  5:21 PM

I would recommend the Quest 1000X, comes with a Centerpoint 4x32 scope. I bought one at Dunham sports for $80.

I bought one a couple of weeks ago at Dunham's and its a great air rifle. I'm shooting H&N Baracudas 10.65 gr at 50 feet and shoot 3/8 to 1/2 inch groups off the bench.  I know that shooting the heavy pellets will shorten the spring life, but you can always replace it with another or the lighter spring, Crosman part # B19-00-4A, $5.70.  It has a new and improved trigger (label on box).  I found it to be smooth but with a long travel before release. You can improve it with a Tuna Gold Trigger. The scope was ok at 50 feet.

[crowpopper]

what about some of the bam rifles tuned by mike melic? i think they run pretty cheap?

[Mark 611]

Yep you could get a good combo from MM like the B25 or a B12!