or airguns that require tools, tanks, devices separate from the
gun to provide power?

Do you prefer access to all the power in one cocking or pump
stroke or a few to dozens per shot?

I prefer built-in power plants and full power with one pump
or cocking stroke per shot.

I prefer a firearm as the next "shooting tool" up from the
aforementioned preference in airguns.

I agree %100, airbethere.

I personally don't see any point to gun that requires more than just ammo in order to be able to shoot. When I'm out to buy myself an airgun the springers are the only type that exist as far as I'm concerned. There are some pumpers that have my interest as well like a "36.5 .20cal Sheridan that's good for around 14FPE at 8 pumps and the Nibecker Arms Quigley that can make over 30FPE at 12 pumps with the maximum pumping force of 25lbs. For any job thats too big for an of airgun to handle at a penny or so per pellet (plus some maintenance) I would much rather invest in a nice firearm like.

I love the "grab your rifle, pellets and go" aspect of springers. Many are very accurate once you learn how to shoot them properly. But...at the Field Target Club I shoot at, the top springers can't even come close to the top PCP guns. The recoil, all the moving parts and hold sensitivity can make me pull my hair out sometimes! I know many who've gone to the "dark side" and ended up selling all their springers?! I may end up getting a PCP one day just to improve my scores, but I don't think I'll ever get rid of my favourite springer.
(I got an 850 Mag...my first non-springer;-))

50rds/<$6
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000383177

A nice rifle with a 4 and 7 shot magazine and open sights/$240
http://www.galleryofguns.com/gunlocator/gunsearch/Product.asp?item_num=917&other_page=true#