Need input on an air rifle

[Joe Demko]

I'm looking to buy an air rifle to de-pest my back yard. My municipality has rules against firearms but not air guns. I need to eliminate some pigeons, a stray cat, and perhaps a racoon.
Looking around the web, Pyramyd Air seems to have the best prices. Three guns have caught my eye.
Walther Talon
Gamo Big Cat 1200
Crosman Nitro Piston Short Stroke

The Crosman comes standard with a venturi air ram, the other two rifles have it available as an upgrade. Pyramyd's site makes it sound like a must have.

Absolute pinpoint accuracy is less important to me than a gun that will not be fragile or temperamental. Anybody have input on these three or another gun to suggest in the $350 or less range?

 

[7X57chilmau]

I'd personally recommend that you stick with coil spring rifles. If the rifle's in good condition and undamaged (seal damage from the factory is not uncommon), the gun should shoot almost as smoothly, and be without the extra cocking effort and extra seals (on the air ram) to fail. An air ram rifle can be expected to be non-functional in 5 to 10 years. A spring rifle will function almost forever, and spring replacement is a quarter of the cost. Many people find the firing cycle of air ram guns to be harshly quick. There is no great power advantage.

The Gamo is of Spanish manufacture, while the other 2 are likely of eastern origins, though I'm uncertain of that...

Gamo rifles have a good reputation for good accuracy and survivable builds. With a CDT trigger, they can have a beautiful trigger action.... Stock they're usable...

I'd urge you to also consider arms by Diana (RWS). The 34 Panther gets wonderful reviews, as do their higher end ones. The big 350 is reputedly wonderful, once the shooter masters it. Higher power spring rifles begin to become a challenge to their operator, and that's something to consider.

Any small bore spring rifle is gonna be at its limits taking 'coon. Definately a high powered .22 model is called for here. They have hard skulls, and head shots are really the only humane choice.

Good luck!

J

 

[Mp7]

..

have you thought about getting one in .22 instead of .177?

What distance will you be de-pesting?

A cheap chinese made .22 air rifle might be enough, once you have
sighted it in.

 

[Joe Demko]

That Panther 34 is an intriguing looking gun.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I'd take an RWS 34 over any of the three in the OP. They are extremely well made and accurate. It'll last a long time if you care for it.

Remember that if you scope it, use an air rifle rate scope. The two-way recoil on a spring piston air rifle will destroy even the best scopes in short order, if it's not an airgun rated scope.

 

[7X57chilmau]

I've been using a M34 wood stock version for almost 2 years now, though in .177 cal. It's dispatched dozens of squirrel, about a dozen hare, several crows and countless sparrow and one car-injured porcupine, at ranges from 10yds to 70yds. It holds 1/4" groups at 20 yds (though I rarely manage them, it's my fault, not the gun's), and is going strong about 5-6K rounds later. Trigger is creepless, crisp at about 3.5#. Cocking effort is low, though it took some doing when new, it broke in very well.

I've had good luck with a Bushnell Sportsman 3-9X32 on 2 piece rings, but one would be well advised to invest in a 1 piece adjustable mount.... Paramyd has a new one out now (IIRC) made to grip the somewhat chincy Diana rails very well.... Scope mount rail has long been a weakness of the Diana guns. The scope must be TIGHT on a spring rifle, and airgun rated as the above poster noted...

In the last 2 years, Diana's QC on their guns has improved noticably, from what I've seen on airgun related fora...

J

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Now this isnt the most accurate, most powerful, or fastest loading air rifle ever made, but ive had one since I was 11 years old and it never failed to drop a pest sized critter within 30 feet. $30 and they even have it at walmart.

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/crosman-760-pumpmaster-air-rifle.shtml

Ive got one in .45 acp