Help me pick an air rifle/pistol combo

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cslinger said:
My HW75
View attachment 904414

One of my HW30's next to a Ruger 10/22. The HW30 is a FAR nicer rifle.
This was just some off hand plinking at like 20 yards.
View attachment 904415

Here is another HW30 with a rested 10m group. Yes that is 6 shots in one hole. Yes I was sweating those last couple shots. :D
View attachment 904416
Click to expand...

Just looking at that beautiful HW75 makes me want to jump. One thing now about Air guns, A lot of us will be getting a lot of trigger time while many just sit back and look at their guns. My Walther CP88 will be getting plenty of range time. Love that handgun. DA trigger is fantastic.
You have a beautiful collection.
 
Ernie Bass said:
Just looking at that beautiful HW75 makes me want to jump. One thing now about Air guns, A lot of us will be getting a lot of trigger time while many just sit back and look at their guns. My Walther CP88 will be getting plenty of range time. Love that handgun. DA trigger is fantastic.
You have a beautiful collection.
Click to expand...


Yeah.......you could say I have a little airgun obsession and plenty of indoor shooting at hand. I can stop anytime I want though. Really I can. I just need a fix right now but I can stop.....:)
IMG_6826_zpsqnfhqkoa.jpg
IMG_6825_zpshunjcvfs.jpg
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....and so on.
 
ok maybe I do have a problem. :( I have a few more pistols floating around too.

Seriously though I am largely a springer/SSP guy. PCP is too much work and I don't need the power, as I have real guns for that. C02 I have dabbled but in general they are great for replicas but tend to have crappy triggers and so so accuracy beyond the old match guns. That and they tend to REALLY bark, especially indoors.

And yes....that rusty lever action to the left of the cabinet is technically my first gun. Basically my red rider carbine action bb gun. Full disclosure I did actually have a ricochet as a kid that parted my hair so I guess I did almost shoot my eye out. :D

IMG_7851_zpsshilkni8.jpg
 
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I need to get some Pics. I also have a nice RWS Model 460 magnum which I had detuned with a Macarri Spring kit. A really nice Beeman C1 (had two, gave one to Tom at Vortek when he tuned my R7). A Vintage HW 30 tuned by MZ for my son. And the Walther LGV, which is IMO one the best shooters I have shot. Seriously lock ups like a Bank vault.

Love your collection. What is the gun on the far left in the cabinet? Looks like a old Walther. Man, I wish you would quite taunting me with the HW75's. What Peep sight is that on the other? Still use it?
 
Far left is an Air Arms Pro Sport

Diopter is an Airforce unit IIRC. I do still use it. I have changed sights on a couple.

Only one of my guns that is tuned is my HW95 that I did myself with a Maccari kit. The original piston seal was nicked pretty good. Pretty big chunk out of it so I tore it down and replaced/tuned.

My HW30’s also have a delrin insert just in case of galling.
 
I think one thing I needed to decide, regarding a rifle, was purpose of use. I was vacillating between a gun just for marksmanship or for both marksmanship and hunting. After two days of web surfing the issue, I've decided I need to just go with a target gun. If I try to get a gun that will do both, it will do neither really well and, if I need to shoot a critter, I have guns for that.

SO...with that said...I really like the idea of the Daisy 753. These are what CMP uses in their "sporter" division, which is what the less well funded high schools use in the Riflery teams. (The well funded schools run the "precision" class Anshutz guns, and those are way beyond my price range. I also like the 753's low velocity and report. (Although, I see there is a 753S which is about $250 and a 753 that is about $360-I wonder what the difference is.)

The only two things I dislike about the 753 is the stock and front sight. I would prefer something with a more traditional ("hunting" for lack of a better term) pistol grip/wrist area, primarily because I shoot a Garand; I would prefer a stock like that of the RWS 34 or the HS30. I think I would prefer a front post sight, again, due to the similarity to the M1 front sight.

In regards to a pistol, I don't know where to go with that. I can't spend the money on the W75, nice as it looks. Not sure if I want to go with a purely target single shot gun as I don't really shoot NRA Bullseye matches. Given that I mostly shoot USPSA, I think I should get a replica with a good (meaning accurate recreation) DA/SA trigger, so maybe a 92FS look-a-like. Then again, if I go with a single shot pump of some sort, I'm free of the need to buy CO2 cartridges-especially considering that CO2 cartridges can't be shipped to Alaska.
 
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D.B. Cooper said:
I think one thing I needed to decide, regarding a rifle, was purpose of use. I was vacillating between a gun just for marksmanship or for both marksmanship and hunting. After two days of web surfing the issue, I've decided I need to just go with a target gun. If I try to get a gun that will do both, it will do neither really well and, if I need to shoot a critter, I have guns for that.

SO...with that said...I really like the idea of the Daisy 753. These are what CMP uses in their "sporter" division, which is what the less well funded high schools use in the Riflery teams. (The well funded schools run the "precision" class Anshutz guns, and those are way beyond my price range. I also like the 753's low velocity and report. (Although, I see there is a 753S which is about $250 and a 753 that is about $360-I wonder what the difference is.)

The only two things I dislike about the 753 is the stock and front sight. I would prefer something with a more traditional ("hunting" for lack of a better term) pistol grip/wrist area, primarily because I shoot a Garand; I would prefer a stock like that of the RWS 34 or the HS30. I think I would prefer a front post sight, again, due to the similarity to the M1 front sight.

In regards to a pistol, I don't know where to go with that. I can't spend the money on the W75, nice as it looks. Not sure if I want to go with a purely target single shot gun as I don't really shoot NRA Bullseye matches. Given that I mostly shoot USPSA, I think I should get a replica with a good (meaning accurate recreation) DA/SA trigger, so maybe a 92FS look-a-like. Then again, if I go with a single shot pump of some sort, I'm free of the need to buy CO2 cartridges-especially considering that CO2 cartridges can't be shipped to Alaska.
Click to expand...


I think you made a excellent choice. Especially for starting out. I have a feeling you will become addicted to this sport like many of us. Not to take away from this forum, but I think it is time you join a dedicated Air gun forum. All kinds of great advice from some serious experts.
In order to answer and give you a example of what I am talking about. Your question 753S vs 753 can be answered in DETAIL with this link. Good luck and have fun.

https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=130974.0
 
I have an HW30S as well as some other HWs in .22 and they are all smoother shooters then the .177 guns. It’s really noticeable in the HW45 .177 vs .22.

.177 is the better caliber choice IMO but I do feel, even box stock, the .22’s are smoother/quieter.
 
D.B. Cooper said:
I think one thing I needed to decide, regarding a rifle, was purpose of use. I was vacillating between a gun just for marksmanship or for both marksmanship and hunting. After two days of web surfing the issue, I've decided I need to just go with a target gun. If I try to get a gun that will do both, it will do neither really well and, if I need to shoot a critter, I have guns for that.

SO...with that said...I really like the idea of the Daisy 753. These are what CMP uses in their "sporter" division, which is what the less well funded high schools use in the Riflery teams. (The well funded schools run the "precision" class Anshutz guns, and those are way beyond my price range. I also like the 753's low velocity and report. (Although, I see there is a 753S which is about $250 and a 753 that is about $360-I wonder what the difference is.)

The only two things I dislike about the 753 is the stock and front sight. I would prefer something with a more traditional ("hunting" for lack of a better term) pistol grip/wrist area, primarily because I shoot a Garand; I would prefer a stock like that of the RWS 34 or the HS30. I think I would prefer a front post sight, again, due to the similarity to the M1 front sight.

In regards to a pistol, I don't know where to go with that. I can't spend the money on the W75, nice as it looks. Not sure if I want to go with a purely target single shot gun as I don't really shoot NRA Bullseye matches. Given that I mostly shoot USPSA, I think I should get a replica with a good (meaning accurate recreation) DA/SA trigger, so maybe a 92FS look-a-like. Then again, if I go with a single shot pump of some sort, I'm free of the need to buy CO2 cartridges-especially considering that CO2 cartridges can't be shipped to Alaska.
Click to expand...

The 753 is a fantastic target gun. I believe the S is the synthetic stock version. Being a single stroke pneumatic it will be easy for you to learn it and shoot it accurately.

Also I think it’s a smart choice to focus on target shooting. A lot of us “Powder Burner Folks” tend to want the most powerful air rifle we can get when the reality is we really want a fun target gun we can use where we can’t use our powder burners. Powerful air guns come with many drawbacks including noise, steep leaning curve if not a PCP, more difficult to use or in the case is a PCP much lower shot count etc.

Yes I understand there are folks who want to do some small game hunting with their air guns but keep in mind you many not be any more legally able to do so with an airgun vs a firearm.

At any rate good choice on gun and methodology IMO.

As far as a pistol. Look at the Beeman P3 or P17. They are fundamentally the same gun but the P3 is the German made, very robust more expensive offering while the P17 is Chinese made and much less robust but at its price point it’s basically disposable. They are SSP pistols that have a look and feel of a modern polymer handgun (sort of). The weirauch version is the HW40 and splits the price between the beeman P3 and P17. I have the HW40 and it’s a taco driver.
 
I think the Daisy 853/753 is an excellent choice. They are extremely accurate for the distance intended and very quiet. They see heavy use in those youth shooting leagues and stand up to it well. You can order parts cheap from Daisy. I think a rebuild kit and DVD of how to do it is $24? I currently have a 853, target wood stock- had a 953 (non Lothar barrel, non target sights, no longer available) that had a synthetic stock. Between the two, I think the synthetic is much better. It being cheaper only sweetens the pot so to speak.

@Ernie Bass I missed out on those Baikal 60's years ago and regretted it. Missed out on getting a IZH 46 when they were reasonably priced as well. That's why I got a hw75 and Beeman P2 during the past year or so- didn't want to make that mistake again. You have a nice collection of air guns there.

@cslinger It was your recommendation of the HW75 that got me in the "must buy" and haven't regretted the purchases in the slightest. You also have a great collection going.

That pneumatic kit for the spring rifles- it turns it into a single stroke pneumatic? That's pretty cool. Interested in seeing how that pans out. By far, SSP's are my favorite type of airgun- just keep the seals moist with the recommended oil and you're good. I've been using Mac1 Secret Sauce on mine- have enough to last a couple of lifetimes:)
 
There's another air pistol I can recommend, but didn't mention it at first because it's no longer available new. It's any of the Daisy 7xx series air pistols- 717 base line model (most common), 747 with Lothar barrel and the 777 (hardly see these) with Lothar barrel, wood grips and metal sights (all other models have plastic sights). They are also single stroke pneumatic air pistols that are incredibly durable and highly regarded.

If you could find a Daisy 717 for $100 and everything is working good, it'd be worth it. It was mentioned by @Ernie Bass upthread about the Beeman P17. From everything I've read, they are a solid buy. You can read lots of information comparing the P17 (Chinese clone) to the Beeman P3 which is made by Weihrauch and called the HW 40. There was a series on rebuilding them on Pyramid Air's blog I think too- edit- found the article
 
One gun that I did not mention is my HW70. A 177. pellet gun that is Spring Powered. I spent years going on my back yard Porch for coffee in the morning and always with this gun for shooting at target stands around the yard. Nice quiet little sucker, well built. Not bulls eye accurate, but sure a whole lot of fun. Easy cocking, no Co2 so could shoot all year.

MyH5ImO.jpg
 
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Well crap. I went to order a used Daisy 853 straight stock air rifle from the CMP and...they're closed due to the virus until May 4. Now what?

Do a buy new 753 from Pyramid Air, or go with a WS50 or RWS 34 or does anyone know a source for that particular 853?
 
The rws 34 is supposed to be really good, but might be too much for the distance you're shooting at.
 
Kookla said:
The rws 34 is supposed to be really good, but might be too much for the distance you're shooting at.
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That's something I'm wondering, too, and why I initially started out looking at multi pumps; figured I'd just pump it twice for a lower velocity. With the RWS34 and similar, you get full power no matter what.
 
OK. I just ordered a Daisy 753 w/ synthetic stock and about 5 different types of wadcutter pellets ranging from cheap to expensive. Speaking of expensive, shipping to AK was fifty bucks and it will take 10 days. smh
 
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