The problem is the Condor high flow valve. The orifice is HUGE compared to the standard Talon valve. That makes it really tough to dial it down enough for back yard plinking and still get any kind of consistency out of it. The SS and Condor share the same frame length, so you COULD get a Condor and install one of the 12" SS barrels. The problem there is, dialing it back enough to keep the pellets sub-sonic. You can shroud the Condor, but it's an expensive after market accessory. It also makes the rifle too long, IMO, probably in excess of 48".
How much power do you need for the hunting you plan on doing? As I said before, a 12" barreled SS in .22 will give you 30 fpe with 21 gr. Kodiaks, with more than enough accuracy to pick off starlings heads at 40 yards. And you CAN dial it down a lot for back yard/short range plinking. And all the Air Force barrels interchange, so you can always add a different barrel length or caliber at any time. I have 3 barrels for mine, 12" .177, 12" .22, and 24" .22. With the short .177 barrel installed, I can get it quiet enough to pick of starlings without spooking the flock, and do it with enough power to reach out around 100 yards. Swap to the long .22 barrel, and I wouldn't hesitate to take game up to coyote size out to 50 yards or so. 50 yards is my limit, not the gun.
All that said, I suspect you'd be thrilled with a Condor, I just feel that the SS is a more versatile starting point, and maybe a little more forgiving for a first time PCP. Just don't expect it to be perfect right out of the box. You'll need to invest the time to get it set up to shoot the way you want it to, with the pellet(s) you intend to use. I've found that Kodiaks/Barracudas are the best pellets in these guns, and that applies to 2 different SS's with 5 different barrels and 2 different calibers. The only thing else that has come close for me is the Eun Jins.
One thing I didn't mention, but I think is important. I'm not sure that I'd consider any of the Air Force rifles the best choice for a first time PCP. They're great little guns, but you have to be willing to do your homework and invest the time to get them tweaked. If that's not something you're willing to do, pick a different rifle. A good economical choice would be one of the Chinese B50/51's, but only if you order it "pre-tweaked" from Big Ed. I think Gene put a link to his site in the Mall, if not, look at the PCP gate. If you have lots of money :-), get an AA 400 or 410. Expensive, but by all accounts, you get what you pay for. Heirloom quality and near perfection right out of the box. The 400 is a single shot, the 410's are repeaters. If you want to do more homework on the Talon/Condor, check out the Talon forum:
http://talonairgun.com/forum/ Hope this is some help, and like I said, if you want more info, let me know. Later.
Dave
