I haven't posted much in a while and so I'm sorry if this is somewhat abrupt and/or annoying Anyways, I'm toying with the possibility of picking up a new airgun, probably a springer after X-Mas. I plan on giving away my last few Chinese springers as gifts and selling off my .22 QB (I swore I never would and I know I'm gonna regret it someday...) to an airgunning cousin of mine thereafter.
Right now I'm looking for a compact rifle for cool/cold weather use, primarily on squirrels, at rather short (c. 35 yards max. shooting distance) ranges. I still have a .177 QB for warmer days and longer ranges. I've grown fond of using non-magnifying optics and open sights on my springers as of late, and I'm trying to find a gun that has both good standard 'irons' and the ability to add either a peep sight or red dot (I MAY ultimately try a low-power scope but that is doubtful at this point). As for calibers, I'm looking primarily at .177 for reasons of versatility and economy, but I would and have considered others. I'd like to keep the total cost below $250 and preferably under $200, but I may be able to stretch it a bit if necessary. Also, I have no aversions to buying used if something promising becomes available.
Here's my (rather eclectic I admit) list of potential candidates so far: Gamo Shadowmatic, RWS 34 full-size (looking into all cailbers here, considering the .20 above the others but have heard the"oversize" bore reports and am waiting, in part, for Tanair's accuracy report) RWS 34C, BSA Supersport .177 (possibly .22), Webley Exocet rifle or carbine (really looking at the .25 in this gun, goofy as it is), and Beeman C-1 .177. Note: I'm trying to avoid mult-pump pneumatics if at all possible (been down that road and didn't much care for it) and I've also considered a number of rimfires, though I'm not sure they'd offer any real advantages over an airgun in this category. I admit I like the idea of having multiple shots on tap (my Crosman x77's have spoiled me greatly) and that is the big reason (other than it's excellent fiber optics sights) I'm looking at the Gamo. I don't really need that capability though, and none of my other "alternatives" posses it.
If there is something I'm missing here or if you all have any advice, suggestions, or smart remarks, please fell free to chime in.
Thanks a bunch fellas, and sorry for my (unfortunately typical) long-windedness (?)
I have a 34 in .22 and it shoots very accurate with the open sights. It's over 16 fpe (over 17 fpe with RWS Hobbies). It is also very well made. Simple but strong. The only problem I see is the Diana barrel droop which makes you need adjustable scope mounts, but if you shoot open sights - or diopter - this poses no problem, of course
The Xocet .25 also seems like a fine gun, provided you will not shoot at long ranges.
I have a Weihrauch 77K .25 and it is a marvel. It does around 15 fpe. I suppose the Xocet is slightly more powerful, but not significantly so.
Whatever you choose: Diana/RWS 34 or Xocet, you really can't go wrong, I suppose.
Personally, between these two, I have more faith in the build quality of a Diana.
(Webley comes from the UK and I always think of the very poor quality of British cars. If their guns are made the same way... sorry )
Have a sweet Christmas time with a Diana under the Christmas tree !
I have a 34 in .22 aswell, and it is a great all around breakbarrel. With open sights it's accurate, with a peep it's even better. If you can find one with the T01 it would be great, but the T05 is good to.
I have a model 34 in 177. I like a lot. Had it 3 or 4 years.
But I do like the looks of the stock on the 36. Have just been use open sites. But have a scope and b square mounts on order. At 60 eyes aren't what they use to be.
Yep it is a Diana related Forum, BUT some other fine canadates do exhist! Hey there are lots of airguns, and I even being the Forums Owner admit it!
Personally, my "If it needs to DIE in one shot", (Brush Gun) gun has always been my trusty 5mm Sheridan, at full charge... The poor old Sheridan is tired, shot a LOTsince 1971, and needed to retire. So I bought a current, "Cartrige Valve" Benjamin 392, hoping it could fill in???
Yes the big Benjie is a powerhouse, very similar to the Sheridan. BUT... when I got the Stingray Carbine the whole world changed! That short, medium bore Webley is a cannon! With proper lubrication, a Beeman Peep Sight, and Crosman pointed pellets, it is a real 50 yard Small Game gun! YES it has a big spring, and takes a little to cock, but the trigger, the quality, and preformance are well beyond anything that I had thought the Sheridan ever was!!!
I just got an HW50s in .177 on Monday and it's fast becoming my favorite. Very accurate, light weight, OAL is 1030mm(yes shorter than a D24), and does 11fpe with JSB Exacts. It feels perfect, and is very easy to point and shoulders very quickly. It's built and finished very well, cocks and shoots like a dream. Sounds like a very good medium range brush gun, just ask the sparrows...oh, nevermind.lol!
The 34 is certainly high on my list and ZVP's suggestion has got me looking real closely at the Webley rifles. Asuming this all goes through (i.e. I get enough $ together lol), I will let you guys know which way I go on this one. It's a very interesting concept and a very tough one to pick a "winner" in. I only wish I could handle, maybe shoot a few of these buggers first...oh well, I can always sell or trade and try something else if necessary hehehe.
Thanks Again Guys & Happy Holidays to all of you!
Regards,
~~Nate S ~~
P.S. I used to have a .177 34 full-size and wasn't that crazy about it. I've shot it more since (buddy of mine owns it now) and gained alot more respect for it. I honestly believe it is a rifle that deserves a good set of irons (the factory ones are really useful and a peep/bead combo would be even nicer) and nothing more, no scope, dot, laser, just good old fashioned steel (err plastic and steel??). The .22 version sounds interesting, as does the .20 so we'll just have to wait and see. I only wish they made a nice, ambi, synthetic stock for these things...but that's just me being picky lol.
The BSA Supersport in either caliber is a good choice as is
December 22 2005, 7:36 PM
The 34C. They do i beleave make a plastic stocked 34 you may want to check out the diana web siteand check out all the avaiable mopdels or the 34 avaiable. most retailers sell the 34 in 177 & 22 and the 34C in 177 but there are other versions made and imported Including the 34N with the nickle and black stock (painted wood or plastic I'm not sure) The R9 is a nice compact gun but hAS TO BE USED TO FIT INTO YOUR PRICE RANGE.
PENNSYLVANIA PISTOLERO
Anyways, I'm toying with the possibility of picking up a new airgun, probably a springer after X-Mas. I plan on giving away my last few Chinese springers as gifts and selling off my .22 QB (I swore I never would and I know I'm gonna regret it someday...) to an airgunning cousin of mine thereafter. 
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