RWS 48... .177 or .22?

[7.62X51]

I've decided I want an RWS 48 but I'm undecided on caliber.  According to the velocity/energy charts on straightshooters it looks like either caliber can make equal energy at a given distance depending on pellet choice.  I'm kinda leaning towards the .177 for the flatter trajectory.  So, if the energy is the same for a given distance, and assuming that said energy is all expended into a target, why would I not want the rifle in .177?

[patton123]

Sounds like you made up your mind.....Great !  I would go w/ the .22 cal.... more punch!! If you decide to go w/ .177 cal get a different rifle that shoots the same speed, but is lighter weight. 48/52 great rifles ,but it's like shooting with a 2x4.....LOL

Why did you decide on a 48 and what type of shooting are you doing?

[Mug08]

If you are going to go the .177 route (like I did) - check out Airguns of Arizona. They have the Model 52 in .177 for only $279. Thanks to "Onemountain" for the heads up on that one. Same beast - nicer stock IMO. I just started the sight in process today, and the accuracy of these guns is impressive to say the least

      Mark

[Mark 611]

Thats a good but at AoA on the 52 in .177, but if it were me I'd go with a .22cal, I've had both cal's and the 22cal was the clear winner in my book!

[Sumcat]

I tend to buy more powerfull springers in .22 and plinkers in .177. The .22 will always do a better job when hunting. Most hunting is done at well under 50yds in my world and the difference in trajectory is small. Use a scope that can mount low to the barrel and you won't notice much difference. I shoot squirrels,crows and starlings at 20 to 30 yards and the difference in killing power is quite noticeable.

[Gene_SC]

If I were mainly hunting I would go for the .22 and paper punching .177... Simple as that...

[Mark 611]

and the 48 power plant is better suited to the .22cal anyway so you might as well get the most bang for your buck, put a good mildot scope on it and learn to use it and you too can shoot rabbits out at a 100yds with ease!

[7.62X51]

patton123 - 5/16/2010  11:35 AM

Sounds like you made up your mind.....Great !  I would go w/ the .22 cal.... more punch!! If you decide to go w/ .177 cal get a different rifle that shoots the same speed, but is lighter weight. 48/52 great rifles ,but it's like shooting with a 2x4.....LOL

Why did you decide on a 48 and what type of shooting are you doing?

I decided on the 48 because I want a fixed barrel rifle.  I'll mostly plink and target shoot and occasionally take a starling or squirrel.  I don't intend to carry this rifle through the woods.  Believe me if there were a lighter weight, fixed barrel rifle that shot at the same speed (or even much less) I'd be all over it! The B40 or QB58 would probably suffice but I like the idea of German quality and a lifetime warranty.   As for the .22 having more punch; that's not necessarily so depending on the pellet.  At 10/20/50 yards the .177 makes 17/15/12 FPE with 10.3 grain JSB heavies and the .22 makes 18/15/12 FPE with 15.9 grain JSBs.  This is just one example but for the most part they are very comparable in energies generated.  So the question remains... with power being essentially equal why would I not choose the .177 with a flatter trajectory?

[Mark 611]

still even in a .22cal it's better as a target shooter the shot cycle is much smoother and if your gonna shoot the heavies why not just go the 22cal route.

[7.62X51]

That's the kind of info I was after.  Thanks Mark.  If all else being equal, the shot cycle is smoother on the .22, then that's the type difference I was looking for.  Same energy, same weight rifle but smoother in the .22...looks like I'm now leaning toward the .22!  Still wonder about trajectory difference though.

[Mug08]

Agree with you there. I was looking for a fixed barreled gun for targets. Originally, I was looking at underlevers, but when I saw the 52's for that price - it was just too tempting. (I'm sure I'll never get TX200 or HW97 accuracy - but it will be fun trying.)  The added power is  a bonus for me, and it MIGHT just be required to keep the squirrels off the bird feeder.
 I had heard a lot of good things about the accuracy - they weren't lying!

[Mark 611]

listen a .177cal will shoot a little flater but it ain't enough to worrie about! I have to use a mildot at 60 yds with either cal and 3 mildots at 75yds with either cal so I mean what the hay ya know your talkin if the dot is in the center of the target or or bottom edge of the target with the same dot and once you figure it out you can't miss!

[Mark 611]

the 48 in .22cal I have is a very accurate rifle this is why I've kept it and my 460mag in .22cal !

[Whip Lash]

I have an RWS Model 48 in .177 and just love it.  I was shooting at a target in my back yard at about 30 feet distance.  Behind the target I have a small wooden wall with a 2x4 Redwood cap on it so I can walk on the wall and cut back Ivy growing behind the fence.  I missed my target shooting RWS Wadcutter pellets and hit that cap which is oriented with the smaller 2" edge facing forward.  Redwood isn't the hardest wood I will grant you that but that pellet entered the wood to a depth of over 1.75".  I think the RWS Model 48 in .177 is more than sufficient for your pest problems.  Recently on "American Airgunner" (a show I get on Directv satellite service) the host said that the this .177 RWS was powerful enough to take squirrels, rabbits, birds, and yes even raccoons.  Raccoons surprised me but a well placed shot will do the job everytime.  If I had it all to do over again, I may have purchased the Model 48 in .22.  I am however not disappointed in my .177 in any way. What ever you decide to buy in RWS you won't be disappointed.  This gun never fails to amaze me.  I like it better than some of my gunpowder guns.  It weighs a fair amount sure but so do my gun powder rifles.  I don't get this...it's too heavy to carry around stuff at all.  Enjoy your RWS.  I know you will.

[Larry]

I'm really impressed with my Diana 48 177 cal, and I plan to own the 22 version very soon. My 177 shoots really well out of the box, and it operates very smooth. I get under 1/2" 5 shot groups at 20 yards and sometimes I get 1/4" groups when I'm doing my part. As the gun breaks in the groups are becomming consistantly smaller! I'm sure you will enjoy either gun, and it's possible that you may end up with both calibers at some point in time!