RWS34 in .177 or .22???

Gosh, I have a 177 model 40, which is a 34 without sights and its the fastest gun in the rack (I also have an R9).  I just ordered a blemished .22 barrel from UMAREX as a swap barrel for it.  I have an HW 50 in 22 that sends my airgun sihlouettes flying compared to the 177 which just knocks them down.  Either caliber is accurate with the right pellet.  The .177 shoots flatter for long distance accuracy cause its just faster with any given power plant, but the 22 is no less accurate if you can dope the elevation.  Good luck.

Two things that weigh heavily in my mind:

One, the Panther comes with a buttpad installed, yes?

Two, have you ever heard the pop from a .22cal hitting an english sparrow, or better yet, the breast of a  pigeon.

If I was going to spend money again, I'd go with a big slug and a buttpad. Unless you're gifted with a band saw and a keen eye, you can't put a buttpad on a 34 without it looking ... well, you know how it looks.