Q about Refurbished Shadow 1k, CFx, etc...

Hey all,

I'm new here, though I've spent a great deal of time already researching things on this site. I have little experience with pellet guns, period, and especially with these spring rifles, but from what i've used (my dad has some random .22 Chinese ?underlever?). I just want to make sure what I've picked up so far seems pretty well on track.

#1 From what I've gathered so far, I'm looking for a .177 spring either brake barrel or fixed barrel. As far as my price range goes (as close to $100 as possible, and certainly under $200), some of the best options are the Shadow 1000 (for synthetic) and the B26 (for wood).  So far does that sound right?

#2 It seems people generally prefer the CFX over the Sk1, is that true even with a .177 CFX, and if so why?

#3 The only way I could get a CFX (and perhaps, depending on how much I can persuade my wife, a Sk1), is refurbished. Do any of you have experience/advise about getting a refurbished CFX/Sk1? What if the choice was between a refurbished CFX and a brand new Sk1?

#4 Is there any sense in looking into the Powerline 1000 @Walmart? Obviously the price is intriguing and the one I shot at a friend's, while it felt sort of cheap, seemed to function well.  What about a Powerline 1000 vs a refurbished Sk1?

#5 My last question would be if prices were irrelevant, which would you suggest: shadow Sk1, Hunter 220, or Hunter 440? Is wood vs synthetic basically just preference (from what I understand the powerhouse, or whatever, for each of those is about the same)?

I really don't know much about these things, and have been browsing these forums for literally hours. I really would like to get into this, but I also don't have a big budget. I really want to make a good choice. Even though for a lot of you price doesn't seem like a big thing, for me even spending a $100 is out of the ordinary, lol. I hate making big purchases, and when I do, I try to be very careful. So... any help would be appreciated! And, I may even be asking the wrong questions, so any advice, period, would be welcomed.

-Dominic

[Gene_SC]

A Big Welcome Dominic.. Glad you have been doing your homework..

1. A brake barrel Gamo would be in your price range. Look at the Gamo 440 for $119.00 New at Natchez.. You will find them in our Mall Section.
2.The CFX seems to be the most accurate Gamo Air Rifle out of the box.. Where some of the other models tend to need longer breakin time.
3. The Gamo 440 is the same as a S1K, except for the stock being wood. Your best bet would be buying a new Gamo 440 .177 at Natchez and maybe later on purchase a CFX.
4.You would be much better off buying a Gamo instead of a Powerline 1000.
5. All three of those Gamo's are the same except for wood stock variables and of course the S1K is a synthetic one.

My very first air rifle was a Gamo S1K. And I still have it today along with 3 more modified S1K's... Besides those I have 8 other model  Gamo's that I love dearly..  My suggestion would be to buy the the Gamo 440 .177 new from Natchez because that fits your price range. And you can probably afford a scope and rails for it and still be under $200.00..

Good Luck
Gene

Thanks Gene!

Does that mean you'd rule out Refurbished airguns? What I was looking at the most right now were refurbished: Sk1 or 220 w/scope (I don't know about the quality of the scopes) for $119, or a refurbished CFX w/scope for $135. I liked the idea of getting one of those guns and already having a scope for that price, but like you said Natchez has a new 440, and if the refurbished is significantly worse, or if the scopes they come with aren't really usable, I'd want to chose my own quality of scope anyway, so it would be better to go the new w/o scope route?

Thanks again.

[Gene_SC]

Dominic.. Some have purchased the refurbished air rilfles and find they are great but others have bought them and had to return them for another.. You may get lucky... and if you can find a CFX Refurb with scope for $135.00 it may be worth purchasing it. You can generally return them right away if there is a problem.

Gene

[shadow]

Welcome Dominic, the airguns that Gene mentioned are good choices. I have three Gamo's myself, the ShadowSport .177,Hunter220.22 and the CFX.22. All of them are great shooter's. I myself stay away from refurbs, just my choice. Again welcome, you found the right place to start your airgun addiction er collecting I mean hehe. Ed

[PeakChick]

All the Gamos have pretty much the same powerplant, pretty much the same power. I think the CFX is the best of the bunch out of the box.

You can get a refurbished CFX in .177 from Cabelas for $134.95, comes as a combo with an inexpensive 4x32 scope.

From everything I have seen in posts by our members, they have all been very pleased with the quality of the refurb. Gamos they have bought.

Given your budget, I think you would be super happy with the refurb CFX.

[longislandhunter]

Welcome Dominic,

I agree that the CFX would probably be the most accurate out of the box GAMO.  As for refurbs,,,, like ED (Shadow) I tend to stay away from refurbs if I can.  I ordered a refurb CFX once and had to send it back right away due to poor condition,,, however I know plenty of people who ordered refurbs and received great guns.  I guess it's in the luck of the draw.  

That GAMO 440 at Natchez for $119 is a great buy, and a great rifle, personally I'd go with that one.  Best of luck with whatever you choose.  I'm looking forward to your future posts.  

Jeff

[daved]

Hey, Dominic, welcome aboard.  Figured I'd put in my 2 cents worth, as well.  I tend to agree with Gene, the 440 is probably the best deal going right now.  The scopes that come with the Gamo rifles are okay, but for the money, you can usually do better on your own.  Seems they all come with 32 mm objectives, and for me, that really limits their usefullness.  How do you plan on using an air rifle?  That's usually everyones first question.  If your primary use is going to be hunting birds and squirrels, I'd probably go with the 440, just because there's less fiddling around with loading, and a quick follow-up shot is easier.  However, shot placement is vital, and watch the range.  For slightly bigger game, consider the CFX .22 from Pyramyd Air.  Probably out of your budget, but a great rifle.  Unfortunately, you won't find a refurb in .22

One very important consideration if you're new to springers, I'm sure you've read about it, is hold sensitivity.  The CFX is probably one of the most forgiving rifles available in this regard.  My first rifle was a .177 CFX, I just got one in .22.  I'm selling off the rest of my springers, one of which was a Beeman HW 77.  Do some research on that rifle, and you'll know my opinion of the CFX :-)!  About the only thing you need to make a good CFX a great one is a Charlie Da Tuna trigger.  Yeah, tunes are nice, but that can wait, with Bob's trigger and some practice on your part, the CFX is quite capable of regular 1/2" groups at 30 yards, even better with some tweaking.  The more I think about it, the more I'd say CFX for a newbie, even the refurbs.  The last one I heard about, the guy said he couldn't find a mark on it, looked and felt brand new.  Guess I'll quit running off at the keyboard, good luck and keep us posted on your choice.

Dave

Thanks all,

One thing I noticed about you airgunners as compared to other hobbies I'm into (primarily Chess), for people who really know their stuff about their hobby, you guys seem to be very kind and helpful, and I've seen little arrogance everywhere I've looked here (and on a couple of blogs).

As far as how I plan to use it, I'm really not a hunter. In fact, I've never actually killed anything intentionally or while shooting. I don't have a moral problem with it or anything, especially if you're gonna eat what you kill (and from what my Dad tells me, Squirrel is very good eating, and I'd be up for trying to clean/cook them), its just that my natural inclination when I see a nice fuzzy woodland creature isn't: "shoot it!" haha

The reason I am getting an air gun is primarily because my wife's (we are newly weds), brother and grandpa are starting to get into it (though they've already both hunted that way many times before, her grandad was up to 50+ squirrels from his patio with a much less powerful rifle), and I'd like to be able to do some things like that with them without them having to always have us take turns target shooting. I also enjoyed shooting my dad's chinese .22.

So, basically, I'd probably mostly use it for target shooting on my own, but I may hunt with it sometimes with them or even when I go up to Minnesota (I'm in FL right now) for vacation.

I appreciate all the feedback. I still haven't made my decision. I think I like the idea of a woodstock (btw, how good is the quality of the wood and finish) and a new gun, but I also haven't heard as much positive feedback about accuracy and other things about the 440 (and I'd have to figure out what scope to get, as well). I like the idea of the CFX because its out of the box nature, I really don't plan on doing much of anything to my gun until I use it as is for a good while and get the confidence to know what's needed and how to do it. Any other thoughts would be appreciated, I'll keep browsing and considering.

One more question, has anyone who has gotten a refurbished one ever had any problems other than cosmetic ones?

-Dominic

[longislandhunter]

The CFX, the Shadow and the 440 all have the same powerplant, so power is all within the same basic range.  Dave is absolutely correct about the CFX being the least "hold sensative" GAMO rifle, and the accuracy of the CFX is truly outstanding.  Like Dave I also have the .177 and the .22 CFX and they are both amazingly accurate and easy to shoot.  

Granted, they do take a little longer to load, and this can at times prevent a problem with a quick second follow up shot while hunting,,, however with a little practice you get the "knack" of reloading with the rotary breech and it becomes less of an issue.  With regard to the hunting application...... all my rifles were purchased for hunting.  It's my passion and, except for occasional target practice or scope sighting in, it all I use my rifles for.  The key to effective and humane airgun hunting is very simple...... SHOT PLACEMENT.  I will choose accurate shot placement over raw power every time !! That being said, considering the fact that the CFX is the most accurate GAMO "out of the box" perhaps a refurb CFX might be worth a try for you.  I've taken many a squirrel, starling, pigeon, and rabbit with my .177 CFX and very rarely ever needed more than one shot to make a kill due to the incredible accuracy and resulting dead on head shots I made.  

I still am not one to order a refurb, but that is based only on the one bad experience that I had, however since you are a new airgunner perhaps the CFX refurb is worth a try.  The others are correct in that you can always send it back if it's not a good one.  But if it is a good one then you will have a wonderful, accurate and powerful airgun to plink with and hunt with if you so choose.

I guess what I'm saying in my "long winded" way is that I am changing my vote    

I'd try the CFX and if you get a good one then you're all set to shoot and shoot well.

Oh, forgot,,,, as for a cheap, good and accurate scope.............I'd go with a Tasco Golden Antler 3x9x32 available from Optics Planet for #40 bucks shipped.  I have several of em and they are outstanding for their price.  I just put one on my new .22 CFX and it's awesome.  If you have the money for a "high end" scope that's great,,, but if you are looking to keep the cost as low as possible try taking a look at the Golden Antler.     Ok, that's it,,,I"m done now.......

Jeff

I think the Cabelas deal of a CFX for $135 bucks with a scope is a heck of a deal for a first timer.  Get a Refurb...if it doesn't suit you, they'll be happy to trade for another and your chances of getting a perfect one are very, very good.  This makes more sense financially than any other and the CFX is a mighty good rifle.
Second choice would have to be the 440 for 119 dollars.   Good rifle, great price and I'm sure you'd like it.  Only drawback is it's more hold sensitive than the CFX and for a new shooter, that could be a problem, for a while.

Bob

Well guys, thanks for the input.

It looks like I'm going with the Refurbished CF-X. I'm ordering it now.

-Dominic

[PeakChick]

Good for you Dominic!  Let us all know how it shoots.

Yeah, I may not be able to do any sort of decent review for a while. I'm probably not a very good shot to begin with! Looks like I've got more reading to do in the Library portion of this forum, now...  

[longislandhunter]

congrats on your choice.  I have no doubt you'll be shootin dead center bullseyes in no time

Looking forward to your review of the rifle.

Jeff