Air Rifle Caliber

[EdwardC]

I hope this is the appropriate forum for this..

I'm looking for a new air rifle under $200 (without scope). I'm 90% sold on the Hatsan 95 with the Vortex gas spring. I initially assumed I wanted the .22, but then I started thinking that maybe bigger is better.

One article I read was from several years ago discussing the preference for .22 based on quality pellet availability. It seems that there are enough .25 pellets to make that moot. The cost of the pellets is insignificant to me, I won't be going through enough.

I feel that this comes down to intended use. I will probably never do more than target practice and plinking, which pushes me towards the smaller caliber. However, the prepper part of me feels that the .25 will be more useful in a survival/hunting situation. On the other hand, in a survival situation, I think that I'd be more likely to find a supply of .22 pellets over .25. I keep going back and forth.

Btw, I currently do have a .177 air rifle to play with as well. Also, I'm open to any other rifle suggestions!

Thanks!

 

[UncleDave]

I have 2 beemans myself.

I prefer the .22

.22's the added velocity over the .25 gives superior minute of arc and makes for a more accurate gun, the 177 while even faster doesn't seem to have the same stopping power on small game

UD

 

[hansj3]

.357 . I'd love to get a been an rogue

 

[buck91]

What's the velocity difference? Does the 22 compare to its combustible counterpart?

 

[EdwardC]

They hardly compare to a 22lr, for that Hatsun model, the rating is 800fps for the .22 and 650fps for the .25. These are usually measured with very light pellets.

One review I watched for the .25 is that they used a 19.91gr pellet and that measured at 632fps (17.68 Ft-lb Energy). The same reviewer used a 14.66gr .22 pellet and got 782.6fps (19.94 FPE). It might not be a totally fair comparison because the .22 wasn't the Vortex model, although that model is also rated at 800fps.

Higher speed/flatter trajectory and more energy does make the .22 sound better and better.


Edit: I watched a different review for another Hatsan model and found that it is typical for a Vortex model to put out a little less power. So I think apples to apples, the .22 and .25 should have the same energy out of the muzzle.

 

[WobblyElvis]

I have some air rifles and my experience tells me the .22 is the more efficient calibre.

+1 what EdwardC said.

 

[Whitewolf]

This has been a debate that has been going on among airgunners for decades. The .177 tends to have higher velocity whereas the .22 has more mass and therefore, in theory, more stopping power.

 

[AirgunSavant]

I have been doing this for 40 years
Save another $100 up and get a quality Weihrauch HW95-R9 in .22.
They can be had now because the Euro is down. Decades ago they were $100 more.
Either caliber works but the .22 smoothes out the action and is more docile but also easier and funner to shoot.
Chinese, Turkish, and Spanish guns are poorly built and not on the level they should be.

I wont go into why a spring is better than a gas spring because I produce the former.

In the day before 2000 when I built custom HW95's-R9's people then would spend over $2000 on custom versions using that $295 action. Its that good
and the other modern guns from the countries listed really
is a waste of $200.

I no longer build these so I'm not soliciting. I quit building in 1999
But this is how far you can go. Buy once and forget it. You can't take a Hatsan and make it to this level- plus they have zero resale value. This has my Tyro custom Walnut stock, Custom trigger and TG, Bull barrel shortened rechocked and crowned. Custom internals, spring buttoned piston and so on. Mirror bluing etc. You wouldn't spend money like this on a c-r-a-p-p-y action. This is a .22 btw.......

 

[AZjeff]

AirgunSavant, where would you buy one of these? What aperature sights would fit it?

I don't see them under $450. Thanks

 

[EdwardC]

Thanks for the replies!

AirgunSavant, I wouldn't be opposed to spending a little more if it's worth it. If you don't mind, would you explain your thoughts on gas vs spring? From what I've read, the gas is, for the most part, better (quieter, can be left cocked (not that it matters for me), and has less pronounced recoil).

Also, where could you get it for ~$300? All the listings I've found are in the $4-500 range.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[AZjeff]

He's going to sell both of us a new one for $300! Great guy

 

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted By: AZjeff
He's going to sell both of us a new one for $300! Great guy

Very nice of him!

That would definitely be one way to persuade me to go with that air rifle!

 

[BRZED]

I'd go with a .22, and like AirgunSavant, I suggest you spring for the Weihrauch HW95-R9/Beeman R9.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Hi folks

I PM'd you the deal
I'm not affiliated with these guys and they are actually a competitor of mine. However its a loss leader deal. Reasons are many and the gun sold for this many years ago. I'm sure the supply is very limited. I am an importer myself but gun sales make pennies these days and I am mostly a parts builder- customizer and I shared no links to my website and am not soliciting in anyway. Just trying to help those looking for advice.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Here is a little treat I built for my self many years ago.
Based on the obsolete FWB 124
Double barreled 38 groove .20 caliber barreled airgun.
Shown with breech seal removed. Fully tuned as well.
It has a diverter which allows single fire but it was an engineering feat
and that was the thrill of it. Although it is very accurate and the barrels are regulated.
The stock is of Himalayan Walnut.

 

[EdwardC]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate the information. I'll look out for a pm.

That double barreled rifle is sweet.did it not have he single fire capability before? I love the grain on the stock.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Yes it was a single .177 barreled rifle before.
Thanks

 

[Lapham3]

Very nice of you to do this. I sent a PM as well.