.22 Decision help needed

[daved]

I'm difinitely in the market for a .22 air rifle, now I need to decide what to get.  My budget is $3-400.  I currently own a CFX, but I think I'm ready to step up to a higher grade rifle.  At present, I'm torn between an RWS 350 and 52.  I like the refinement and side lever of the 52, but I also like the straight forward simplicity of the break barrel 350.  The 34 sounds like a bargain, but I do want more power, and something a little less "Plain Jane".  I've read that the 350 can be touchier to shoot due to the long stroke piston, and I wonder if the extra power costs some accuracy, which is really more important to me than raw power.  But as much as I love my CFX, I've also shot a Shadow enough to really appreciate the capability of a break barrel.  This is why I'm torn.  And this is why I need some help.  I'm open to other suggestions, as long as they are springers.  At this point, I'm not interested in the complexities of PCP, and I live in a place where the temperature extremes make CO2 somewhat problematic.  So any help here would be much appreciated.  Thanks, people!

Dave

Consider the 22 caliber R9 gold finger combo from Cabelas. Runs about $400 or so(and I am tild its a real bargin at that price. Should be what you are looking for. Another altertative is a real powerhouse the Gamo 1250 in 22 caliber. You will have to relly look for one of these as they are rare noe since Gamo usa desided to stop importing 22 calibers early this year. But it is possible to find one new or slightly used very powerful 22 and the ONLY gun I have read about who actually GETS the factory advertised velocitys with a real gun. The gun is made in england at the BSA factory(which Gamo also happens to own)

[Gene_SC]

Yes the Hunter 1250 .22 is a power house all right. I just chronied mine and it was 1095 with RWS Superdomes. If you do go out to find one watch  out for the one's made in Spain. They do not seem to be as worthy as the ones made in England. Only the last batch were made in Spain and there are not to many of them around. Just thought I would add that...

The RWS 350 also would fit right into your budget, but not as powerful as the 1250 though. Really not to many .22 springers will get close to a Hunter 1250 .22.

Gene

You wouldn't regret buying the 350.  I have a model RWS 40 and a 350.  The 350 is lighter than the 52 and just as accurate in my opinion.  1/2" or less 40 yard groups are rutine for either of my rifles.  I like the slim lines of the RWS breakbarrels, good trigger and easy handling.  Get an adjustable mount and a good rugged scope.  Bushnell Legend 5-15 comes to mind.

Mike

[daved]

I'd considered the 1250, but as you say, no longer being imported, and hard to find.  Don't want to sell yours, do you, Gene? :-)  And although I want a powerful .22, that's not the primary consideration.  Besides, as I understand, the 1250 is also really hard to cock, as bad or worse than a Patriot.  Another plus for the 350.  Another thing in favor of the 52, the solid stock because of the side lever allows slings or a bipod to be mounted.  See?  I keep going round and round.  And of course, the only place I've seen the 890 in .22, Pyramyd Air, is now out of stock 'til next month sometime.  Which means it might be Xmas and it might be never.

I'll look at the R9.  Is that the model with the famous Rekord trigger?  I do love a great trigger, and that could be the deciding factor.  Thanks for the input, guys, keep it coming for awhile yet.

Dave

[daved]

Thanks, Mike,

That's exactly the information I'm looking for.

Dave

[Gene_SC]

LOL Dave... NOT FOR SALE... he he he

Ya Mike is right about the 350. I am going by reviews I have read though and what he says. Yes the 1250 is an arm buster to cock. If you like to shoot allot then I would not suggest the 1250 or any other air rifle that has such a high cocking effort.

JB Shelton has an R9 and he does allot of hunting with it. It is a bit heavy for me.. but a good choice for quality. The R9 in a .20 would be the best choice all around... I have converted my S1K to a .20 with one of Riche's barrels and I have to say it is the best shooting air rifle I have next to my CFX's.

Ya that is another choice... There is the RWS 34 which is ok and it sells at Midwest for $167.00. It comes in a synthetic and wood. I have only read good reviews about it. Well I should stop giving you more decisions... You will probably hate me now.. he he he

Gene

I also shoot 22 rimfire and the power difference between the AG and the rimfire is dramatic.  If I wanted to kill something (from cows to dogs) I'd use a rimfire.  An 177 will reliably kill foxsized animals (15 lbs) and down out to 25yards reliably.  The 350 firing the Beeman Silver Arrows will kill out to 50 yards if you pick your shot.  A 177 can kill a Rotweiller at point blank range, if you have to.  (dogs are the biggest nuisances in my neighborhood).  

I use AG to calm down.  An hour after work off the back porch helps focus my mind on something else, control my breathing and shoot tiny groups.

Good luck, Mike

[longislandhunter]

I have both the RWS 350 and the Gamo 1250 in .22 caliber.  Absolutely love both guns, each for their own specific strengths.  1250 definately more powerful but it really is a bear to cock !!  350 is much easier to cock and I personally find the thinner, streamlined stock extremely easy to shoulder and very comfortable, much more so than the 1250. The trigger on my 350 is nice and crisp, and while the trigger on my 1250 is good  the 350's is nicer.  As for accuracy, I get the same fantastic accuracy out of both guns, nice tight groups out to 40 -50 yards. My 350 absolutely loves Crosman Premier Hollow Points and will spit them out all day in amazingly tight groups.  If I want to shoot a  heavier pellet  my gun  fires Beeman Kodiaks into  almost 1 hole groups.  I have it sighted dead on with the CPHP's but using the mildots in my scope I can instantly adjust  for  the Kodiaks.  I  personally don't find either gun to be difficult to shoot at all.  

As the others have said, the 1250 in .22 might be hard to find, where as the 350 can be purchased at Midsouth for $299  and the model 34 for $167    http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/rws_air_rifle.asp

I have a Leapers 4x16x50 mildot illum. reticle scope on my 350, mounted with an Accushot 1 piece mount and I just love it.  I did have a problem with barrel droop, which I'm lead to believe is inherent with RWS rifles, but after shimming the scope that problem was corrected.  If I purchase another RWS rifle I will also buy an adjustable 1 piece mount.

I have no doubt you would love the 350 if you were to get one.  I got mine strictly for small game hunting and after using it during some of my farm pest control outings I know I got the right gun for the job.  All that being said though, I have to agree that the R9 Goldfinger is definately a fine looking rifle and worth serious consideration.  I called up Bass Pro Shop the other day to ask when they will be getting in another shipment of the R9 combo and the woman told me that they are out of stock but are hoping to get a shipment in early October but that the shipment isn't guaranteed.  I've been saving up for another springer and since I already have the 350 and the 1250 I'm planning on getting the r9 Goldfinger.  

Anyway, good luck with whatever rifle you decide upon.  

Jeff

[rabbit]

Daved,

     I have a RWS model 52 and a model 350 in .177 cal. I also have another model 350 ordered. If you want an heirlom quality airgun that you can pass down to your kids, the RWS guns are a good way to go. Every one that I have is extremely accurate and smooth as silk to shoot. They all have great triggers and they all shoot extremely hard. The model 350 is the most powerful airgun I have ever shot. If you get an RWS rifle you will need an adjustable mount for the barrel droop that all of the better European rifles have built in. I have never had any scope problems with any of my RWS rifles. The model 34 Panther will be my next rifle. Best of luck...

                                             Rabbit      

[Gene_SC]

Just had to post again.. lol I am jazed about hearing all the good stuff from everyone about the RWS 350. Although I am bound to run out of funds some day, I would love to have one but also a dozen others too.. I have been looking at the RWS 34 Panther. It is an excellent price for both wood an synthetic. Midsouth is out of stock on the synthetic and hope they get them back at the same price. I kinda like the synthetic stock because of its durability. Wood stocks are beautiful but you have to be very carefull how you handle them..

Good Luck Dave. I think if  you bought any of these guns you would not be disipointed..

Gene

[daved]

Absolutely great info, people, my thanks to you all.  Pistolero, I looked at the R9, if it was available in .22, I think it would win.  But I don't want a .20 just yet.  So, since the overwhelming consensus seems to be in favor of the 350, that's the way I'm going.  I really did want to get a break barrel for my next gun, but I'm more than a little anal about accuracy.  So hearing that the 350 does really well in this area clinches the deal for me.  Thanks again to everyone, and I'll be putting in an order with Midsouth very soon.  Now I need to go shoot my CFX!  Later.

Dave

[longislandhunter]

I don't want to create any confusion for you now that you've decided on the 350 but,,,, you mentioned that the R9 would be your choice if it came in .22 caliber, well the R9 Goldfinger combo they are advertising on Bass Pro site is listed as .22

They don't have it in stock, I know, I called them already, but just thought I'd let you know.  I have no doubt you'll be happy with a 350, it's a great gun, just wanted to make sure you knew that the R9 does in fact come in .22 caliber after reading your comment to Pistolero.  Take care.

Jeff

I have the RWS 34 and if it is any indication of RWS quality in their other guns then I would buy anything with a RWS label.  I really wanted a 52 when I bought the 34 but the checkbook won out.  Of course I say that while I have a Talon SS on the way!

I was at the same point except by budget was more like $200 - $300.  I wanted something of a higher pedigree than my shadow and my beeman gs1000 but in .22 cal.  I decided on a BSA Supersport in .22.  From every thing I have read they are well known as being extremely accurate and a great for hunting.  It is also supposed to be a great value for the money, review centre http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews1566.html has 32 reviews with all of them rating it between 9 and ten except for 1 review.  I have shot my friends RWS 48 and it is a wonderful gun but it weighs almost 10 pounds which is to heavy for me to lug around, the SuperSport only weighs 6 1/2 pounds.  I also agree with the idea of the R9, I have shot that also (but in .177 cal)and it hits really hard and is not so heavy.  I got my Supersport on GunBroker.com for $290 and that includes a tasco scope and one peice mount and sling and swivels, here it is http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55378123  , I would definetly recommend looking for something used for the most bang for you buck, I ahve used both gun broker and auction arms.  My Supersport should be here monday according to the UPS tracking number, I am so excited.  I will let you guys know how it is.  Good luck in whatever you pick Dave. Thanks - Michael

P.S.  I noticed you are in WA.  Maybe if there is ever a gunshow or something up here we could get together