Time to take the plunge

If you're going to hunt with it, .22 is the best choice. I've used my R1 .177 on raccoon and though it did work I don't recommend it.

Air guns are rather like muzzleloaders. Your journey begins.

the rws34 has consistantly good reviews. not sure it's quite enow for coons tho.
i'd go with rws48 for an extra 100fps.
there are quite a few guns that you can get, but the more power, the louder.
make sure not to use any super lite alloy pellets. they will go supersonic n sound like a 22rf.
no one can hit anything with those anyway.

The 34 is a good gun, and you are smart to look away from "magnum" springers they can be hard for someone new to the air gun world to master. If hunting is one of your things remember that an air gun kills by hitting something that will kill the animal, there is no shock factor at the speed the pellet is going....so your aim has to be true....brain shots are best unless you really know your way around the critter. Personally I think a 34 is about at the bottom end of the scale for Raccoon sized critter. If you want to stay with RWS I would suggest a 350, not as good for target, but better for critters. Staying subsonic is very good, but remember many of those high FPS numbers are reached with feather weight pellets that can't hit anything anyway.....good heavy JBS or whatever pellet will tame those numbers and get pellets on target.

Personally (and I am at a different point in my air gun journey) I would not hunt anything bigger then a rat with the small (177,22,25) calibers, for a raccoon, opossum or the like I would go for a .30, But that is a huge jump for someone just starting out.

So I am being very wishy washy here I know....running under the assumption that you are going to have one gun and you want to dispatch pests the size of raccoon and such the 34 is good, but a 350 will be better, harder to shoot well, and you will need to practice, but I keep coming back to no animal deserves to die with a pellet in its neck coughing up blood. Raccoons are pretty tough critters.

If I was to buy a single rifle that meets your requirements it would be a Benjamin Marauder. I am not a good rifleman but I can shoot my Marauder .22 very well. The best part is it is suppressed. Almost silent. You won't bother any one. I am not adverse to springers but I really like PCP's. Marauder is the bottom line PCP that has suppression with accuracy. More money it just gets better from there. Only part that falls out of what you want is no built on sights. 30 yards is easy paintball accuracy with AO scope.

Before you consider a side lever you should try one if possible. I personally don't care for the way they cock, and especially for they way you have to load it. Plus, I had a 52 almost mangle my fingers when it slammed closed milliseconds before I put my fingers in it. It skipped right over the safety mechanism designed to prevent exactly that, and the damage to my fingers would've been permanent. Imo that alone is not worth owning those things. Fyi...
The break barrels are very nice to use and load, and far safer. If you want more power they make the 350 which is basically a magnum 34. Just be sure to get it with the full length barrel, not that stubby one which will cost some power and be substantially harder to cock. The 350 is better in 22cal, and the 34 is better in 177 (imo), more fitting cal for each power level. If you get a 34 in 22 and use the standard 14.3gr pellets you won't be getting the advertized 800fps, more like 700, maybe 750 if you're lucky. Something to consider since the trajectory might not be acceptable to you. The 177 will be 850 to 1000 depending on pellet weight, plus there's many more pellets to choose from, they're cheaper, and less dangerous if one should hit something off in the distance. A 350 in 177 will a bit much for 177 and it will cost some power, plus you'll be stuck with using only heavy pellets to keep the speed down. I'd look at the Weihrauch stuff too, like the 95, maybe even the 80. Better guns but more $.
The PCP like the Marauder are sweet, but filling them is a deal breaker for me. Manual pumping for target shooting is not worth the effort imo, and an elect pump is very expensive. Scuba tanks are a pain to have filled and only really worth it if you get an expensive 4500psi tank and can find a place that can fill it to 4500. Deciding on a first airgun is not easy. Most people get a cheap Crosman or similar then go from there. There are also cheaper chinese made versions of the 34 and 350 if you want to try those. Like Crosman their quality is not great so each gun is a gamble as far as accuracy. Even the Diana are a gamble imo, but better odds. The Before you consider a side lever you should try one if possible. I personally don't care for the way they cock, and especially for they way you have to load it. Plus, I had a 52 almost mangle my fingers when it slammed closed milliseconds before I put my fingers in it. It skipped right over the safety mechanism designed to prevent exactly that, and the damage to my fingers would've been permanent. Imo that alone is not worth owning those things. Fyi...
The break barrels are very nice to use and load, and far safer. If you want more power they make the 350 which is basically a magnum 34. Just be sure to get it with the full length barrel, not that stubby one which will cost some power and be substantially harder to cock. The 350 is better in 22cal, and the 34 is better in 177 (imo), more fitting cal for each power level. If you get a 34 in 22 and use the standard 14.3gr pellets you won't be getting the advertized 800fps, more like 700, maybe 750 if you're lucky. Something to consider since the trajectory might not be acceptable to you. The 177 will be 850 to 1000 depending on pellet weight, plus there's many more pellets to choose from, they're cheaper, and less dangerous if one should hit something off in the distance. A 350 in 177 will a bit much for 177 and it will cost some power, plus you'll be stuck with using only heavy pellets to keep the speed down. I'd look at the Weihrauch stuff too, like the 95, maybe even the 80. Better guns but more $.
There are chinese versions of the 34 and 350 if you want to try, but like Crosman the quality is less and accuracy a gamble. The Diana are a gamble too imo, just better odds. If you want guaranteed accuracy get Weihrauch.
The cheaper barrels can often be worked to improve them, if you're willing to do the work.

At this point in your journey I would stay FAR AWAY from PCP as well. They are expensive to get up and going. I have a mrod as well and get about 40 shots per fill....that ain't much. So you haul the thing to the tank fill it and go again. Mrod is also not regulated, that means the air pushing the pellet is the air in the tank....you will find that filling the gun to 3000psi might not give you good results....my gun likes to shoot between 2600 and 2400, no point in going anywhere else but that....it will not shoot straight....and goes double true at any distance over 30 yards.

Check out Mike over at Flying Dragon air guns (just google that and you will find it) They make some very fine clones of the 34 that are inexpensive....pay for the tune as well, it will still be much less money....and you will get a VERY good rifle.

Let us know where you end up.

40 shot accurate string sounds about right. It depends what grain pellets your pushing and if you run a de-bounce device. Then your up to around 50 per string.

How long does it take to refill with 4500 psi tank for another 40 shot string? Well if you count hooking up the quick release foster fitting and disconnecting it, around 15 seconds. No problem by any means.

If your stationary within 20 feet of your shooting bench / tank with limited running around PCP is the way to go for accuracy and ease. If your not and you want true accuracy for hunting PCP wins there too. If you want that upper body work out in between every shot go break open.

Albeit not the cheapest but it comes down to the adage you get what you pay for.

Can't forget the suppression for the neighbors piece of mind. You might be out $700-$800 for PCP setup but with the trigger time "did I mention adjustable to a 3/8 of a pound" it is a good value.

I like hunting but rarely do I get to shoot at 40 squirrels before lunch so the "limits" of the Marauder are being over stated.

I guess it all comes down to budget. I can tell you this I have all of the platforms, guess what I shoot the most?

Ps: if you want a really nice rifle buy once buy Edgun

I'm not an airgun expert, just an enthusiast, so keep that in mind...

If I were to think about hunting with an air rifle again, I'd be looking at a Benjamin 392 or a Sheridan Blue Streak. Older models really are better in this case. I think an old model Benji would be a 342- but not sure. An rocker safety sheridan with a peep sight is a beautiful thing.

The guns are relatively light, once pumped will hold air for eternity, and do a really good job on small animals out to 25 yards or so.

Anyway, just my druthers.

Have you thought about an MSP (Multi-Stroke-Pneumatic)? Lots of accuracy and enough power for small critters, though iffy for something as big as a 'coon. Kookla mentioned one of the best; the Sheridan Blue Streak. I had one a long time ago and took out countless chipmunks at about 25 yds or better. None of the recoil hold-sensitivity problems of springers and not too loud for what it does.

Here are some basic videos on selecting what you need:

http://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-academy-videos/category/airgun-education/page/3/

scroll down the page to see them all.

Hope this helps.

Crawfish1 said:

40 shot accurate string sounds about right. It depends what grain pellets your pushing and if you run a de-bounce device. Then your up to around 50 per string.

How long does it take to refill with 4500 psi tank for another 40 shot string? Well if you count hooking up the quick release foster fitting and disconnecting it, around 15 seconds. No problem by any means.

If your stationary within 20 feet of your shooting bench / tank with limited running around PCP is the way to go for accuracy and ease. If your not and you want true accuracy for hunting PCP wins there too. If you want that upper body work out in between every shot go break open.

Albeit not the cheapest but it comes down to the adage you get what you pay for.

Can't forget the suppression for the neighbors piece of mind. You might be out $700-$800 for PCP setup but with the trigger time "did I mention adjustable to a 3/8 of a pound" it is a good value.

I like hunting but rarely do I get to shoot at 40 squirrels before lunch so the "limits" of the Marauder are being over stated.

I guess it all comes down to budget. I can tell you this I have all of the platforms, guess what I shoot the most?

Ps: if you want a really nice rifle buy once buy Edgun

Click to expand...

Just not totally sold on PCP yet. I fill off a used $100 SCUBA tank so no 4500lb here....only 3000. If I am out back shooting...I will shoot till it is out of air then pick something else up....IF I go back to the house I will lug the thing back up there and fill it, but I am not hauling that heavy tank out back....same goes if I am on the front porch...I will not go all the way to the basement just to refill ONE gun. Yea I know I could spend more on a tank then on the rifle and have a nice small tank but that still sticks in my craw...carbon fiber tanks are just too spendy.

What you pay for? Really, I have springers that (I) can shoot just as well, if not better then the PCP. With PCP it takes less skill on the part of the shooter....I am sure you will agree with that.

Just how loud the gun is really depends on where you are....myself it does not matter, but for the OP, if he is worried about that he better check local city laws (I don't live in a city) many places treat an air rifle just like a fire arm.....check into that.

For target shooting IMHO PCP is a pain....you are going to have to haul a tank, and to get shooting on the cheap with a Disco or Mrod you are looking at a huge and heavy SCUBA tank....plan on taking that thing everywhere you take the rifle, then plan on another $100+ to get air out of the tank and into your gun. I plan on a shoebox later this year....perhaps that will change my mind, and the 2hrs in the car to get the stupid tank filled will be behind me.

heron said:

Have you thought about an MSP (Multi-Stroke-Pneumatic)? Lots of accuracy and enough power for small critters, though iffy for something as big as a 'coon. Kookla mentioned one of the best; the Sheridan Blue Streak. I had one a long time ago and took out countless chipmunks at about 25 yds or better. None of the recoil hold-sensitivity problems of springers and not too loud for what it does.

Here are some basic videos on selecting what you need:

http://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-academy-videos/category/airgun-education/page/3/

scroll down the page to see them all.

Hope this helps.

Click to expand...

Now this is a good idea. A nice 392 can be a good gun. A 2100 is good enough for mice, and starlings....I have taken many a starling with mine.....however last year I picked up an old (actually two) 2200 and put new pistons in both and an entire valve assembly in the other...they shoot fantastic and really do thump the starlings, plus I feel better with the 22 on mice, and thump them in the barn and around the equipment if they seem to get out of hand.....usually hawks keep them in check.

Check out the review on youtube on the 2100 from ted's holdover....he usually reviews guns more "upper classed" I guess I would say, but he did do a review some time ago on the 2100 and gave his thoughts. It might be a good way to tip the toe into the air gun world...it is a well under $100 gun and can shoot amazingly well for its price point. I have two of those as well, and they are different as night and day, one will only group with JSB heavy's the other will shoot anything pretty well.

The other thing I would suggest is to head over to Straight Shooters on the net and get one of their pellet sample packs, they are the most wide ranging and use that sample pack (you get a ton of pellets) to find out what you rifle likes....some are VERY picky.

Only real down side to MSP is all the fricken pumping....it is not for everyone.....there are also SSP....one pump, great for target shooting, not so much for pests. And if you do go with one of these pumpers also get a tube of pellgun oil, and oil that little felt washer by the piston....your gun will thank you for it, and storing the gun with one pump in it is getting to be more and more popular with people, they think the little bit of pressure keeps the o-rings tight...I just oil the crap out of mine....no worry about diesel with where you are putting oil in a MSP.

Now go buy something so you can report back to us.

I went down the same road you are on last year. For my needs I ended up choosing a springer. I bough it because I wanted more trigger time while .22 long rifle was still scarce and ammo was a lot cheaper. I can get 10K pellets for around $120. I settled on a Ruger Airhawk .177 cal. It has the feel of my bolt action rifles with a real wood stock. Safety is ambidextrous. It is a loud gun but I am still breaking it in. For hunting .22 caliber is recommended. I am mostly hunting clearance easter eggs and can lids with mine. RWS is a great brand and can be had for a good price if you look. Cabelas had a Benjamin (can't remember the model) on sale last week for about $109. For ultimate quiet I would look at one of the models with the built in baffle system built in the muzzle. I suspect that .22 caliber will be a tad more quiet than .177 just based on the velocities of projectiles.

I ended up purchasing a Crosman Pumpmaster 760 go along with my Ruger because it can shoot bb's and pellets. Also the maintenance is a lot lower on the multi pump guns as compared to springers. It set me back a whopping $35. No it doesn't feel like a real gun but it knocks cans over more quietly than the Ruger and I don't feel bad about leaving it propped up next to the back door. The Ruger gets put in my safe.

Just not totally sold on PCP yet. I fill off a used $100 SCUBA tank so no 4500lb here....only 3000. If I am out back shooting...I will shoot till it is out of air then pick something else up....IF I go back to the house I will lug the thing back up there and fill it, but I am not hauling that heavy tank out back....same goes if I am on the front porch...I will not go all the way to the basement just to refill ONE gun. Yea I know I could spend more on a tank then on the rifle and have a nice small tank but that still sticks in my craw...carbon fiber tanks are just too spendy.

What you pay for? Really, I have springers that (I) can shoot just as well, if not better then the PCP. With PCP it takes less skill on the part of the shooter....I am sure you will agree with that.

Just how loud the gun is really depends on where you are....myself it does not matter, but for the OP, if he is worried about that he better check local city laws (I don't live in a city) many places treat an air rifle just like a fire arm.....check into that.

For target shooting IMHO PCP is a pain....you are going to have to haul a tank, and to get shooting on the cheap with a Disco or Mrod you are looking at a huge and heavy SCUBA tank....plan on taking that thing everywhere you take the rifle, then plan on another $100+ to get air out of the tank and into your gun. I plan on a shoebox later this year....perhaps that will change my mind, and the 2hrs in the car to get the stupid tank filled will be behind me.
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"With PCP it takes less skill on the part of the shooter....I am sure you will agree with that." Dual stage adjustable trigger really help's here.

I can understand your frustration as having to constantly recharge a 3K scuba would get old fast. The way I am set up is I shoot from a large deck on a 100 yard range. I can refill and snipe blades of grass or dandelion stems from a bipod an AO scope from my deck. I don't have to pack the tank thank goodness. I just leave it outside next to the deck.

I don't have any experience with the small scuba tanks for recharging the PCP's. The best option for my near stationary range is a 4500 psi tank like listed below. I get over 10,000 shots and refill once a year for $30.00 . Downside to this size it is a man killer to move. So Its best to get help to load it.

NUVT4500
4500 psi, ultrasonic tested, leak-before-break, DOT cylinders that can be used horizontally or vertically in vehicles.

Specification DOT-E10869-4500/ TC-SU4369-310
Outside Diameter 9.4"
Height 55"
Weight (empty) 155 lbs.
Service Pressure 4500 psi
Test Pressure 6750 psi
Air capacity at service pressure and 70 F (cubic feet) 437
Minimum water capacity(cubic inch) 2750
Tapping 3/4-14 NGT
Collar and Cap 3-1/2" Diameter 11 TPI
Re-test Period 10 years International
CGA recommended valve outlet for air service 347




I do have a Sheridan Blue Streak and have enjoyed it.

You may want to consider more than one gun. Something for targets, something for pests. Get a decent springer for target shooting, and a decent multi pump for pests. If you don't need to deal with anything bigger than a rabbit or squirrel, plenty of people deal with those with a cheap daisy 880, 40 bucks at Wal-Mart with open sights on it.

If you want to deal with bigger pests a 392 will handle a lot.

The good thing about the multi pump is you can adjust the power so you aren't shooting holes in your roof if you miss a shot in your attic.

Personally I like the 2100 over the 880, the 880 is just a little too plastic for me, not that there is not a LOT of plastic on the 2100, but the receiver is metal on the 2100, has more heft, and feels a little more "adult gun" like. But the 880 is a darn good gun as well.

Multipumps tend to get looked down upon, but they can be some darn fine guns....I really would buy at least one if Crosman came out with a new 2200 Magnum.

Here is a pic of the two 2200, and one of the 2100's.

I ran a test with a cheap gun and cheap pellets....you can see the pellets I used in the 2100 photo. Just to see how the gun would shoot at 25yards....the target I included as well...I shot till I hit the dot....with "good" pellets this gun will group with anything. That all said I have another 2100 that will not group for anything with cheap pellets....beauty is if you get one that will not shoot well....just take it back to wally world and get another.

Edit to say:

The guns I am using are marketed as a Remington Airmaster, but it is the same thing as a crosman 2100.

FPGT22- those are some nice 2200's. The humpback type receiver of the 2200 was always my favorite over the 2100.

I had a 2100 for a long time- can't recall what happened to it now. But it was very accurate and extremely reliable. I was able to get many squirrels with it out to 20 yards or so. The only negative I have with the 2200 and the 2100 is loading pellets- it drove me bonkers until I got the hang of it. Otherwise, they are fantastic.

It might be a little outdated these days, but there's a book called American Airguns by a man named James House. Awesome book. Goes over the american multipumps. To me, the multipumps are the best- reliable, easy to shoot and very easy to maintain- for the most part, inexpensive to purchase.

Kookla said:

FPGT22- those are some nice 2200's. The humpback type receiver of the 2200 was always my favorite over the 2100.

I had a 2100 for a long time- can't recall what happened to it now. But it was very accurate and extremely reliable. I was able to get many squirrels with it out to 20 yards or so. The only negative I have with the 2200 and the 2100 is loading pellets- it drove me bonkers until I got the hang of it. Otherwise, they are fantastic.

It might be a little outdated these days, but there's a book called American Airguns by a man named James House. Awesome book. Goes over the american multipumps. To me, the multipumps are the best- reliable, easy to shoot and very easy to maintain- for the most part, inexpensive to purchase.

Click to expand...

Yup....I lovez the MSP. Don't have to deal with that harsh recoil of a springer, or the expense of PCP. I would love to see someone do a real good MSP again...I guess you could call the FX Independence a MSP....but good greif it is spendy.