Best springer for a new shooter?

[fxud]

Have you (or anyone else) had any experience with a tuned gun from Vortex ? Just wondering about the quality and thoroughness of the tune. Buying the tuned gun from them would be much cheaper than buying a factory gun then sending it out to a custom tuner -- if the outcome was the same.

[thebookdoc]

I think starting out with something inexpensive and that has some power and performs is what got me sticking with springers. If you can latch on to a deal like one of these Remington Vantage 1200s for just under $80, you can see what even an inexpensive springer can do:

http://www.airgundepot.com/refurbished-remington-vantage-air-rifle-177-cal-1200-fps-w-scope.html

Not so powerful that it'll be finicky about aim and hold, but powerful enough to be exciting, and light enough to shoot for fun for hours.

If you want something a little nicer, I like the TF89s, which have a little more heft and character. But then the price doubles even to get that 'cheap' chinese rifle.

[thebookdoc]

ray1377 - 4/20/2010  9:50 PM
Maybe something like, most forgiving springer for around $250.

You can get that Remington Vantage 1200 I suggested for $80 and then have it turbo tuned with a trigger replacement and be at $260! I think mine's great.

I liked the TF87 for smooth shooting out of the box. @ $180 it is just under your range. I never shot one of those tuned, and if it gets better than out of the box, you'd have a real gem.

Daveshoot has his finger on value when he talks about the Cometa Fenix/RWS94 (same gun). I like the Cometa Fusion Star a bit more but you'll be more likely to get a Fenix or RWS 94 for $130-$150, and with a $150 tune you'll have a wonderful gun. I have a Cometa Fusion Star and a Fenix. I think they are the best values I got in my various purchases, and I look for bargains...