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Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy an air-rifle for 30m target shooting at Bisley and have no idea what to buy, I don't want to spend loads (£200 tops) as it may be a phase that runs out in a few months.
Also, what's best? Gas Ram, Co2 or Spring

Target shooting is normally done with a .177" (4.5mm). They have a much higher muzzle velocity as the pellets are lighter for the same energy. That means that the trajectory is also flatter when compares to a .22" (5.5mm).

A pity you are not way up North - there will be a large number for sale in Scotland over the coming months - so you could keep an eye out for bargains.

We really could do with a sniggering emoticon however in its absence:

Cheers, I'll look for a .177, Now what type is best do you think?

tobester1963 wrote:Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy an air-rifle for 30m target shooting at Bisley and have no idea what to buy, I don't want to spend loads (£200 tops) as it may be a phase that runs out in a few months.
Also, what's best? Gas Ram, Co2 or Spring

For a budget of £200, you are either looking at a new SMK or Gamo springer, or a used rifle. While Gamo and SMK make decent rifles, they are definitely not target quality. Are you thinking about competitive target shooting, or something a bit more informal? If you want to compete at Bisley, I can't see you doing it for £200.

I agree with Les. Your budget is more towards a spring powered plinker for the garden, than something even remotely suitable. One thing that surprises a lot of shooters is the cost of air rifles! Quality kit is expensive. But, there are some real gems out there.

One of the best PCP rifles on the market is also one of the cheapest, the Air Arms S200. They also did a target version with a really good set of diopter sights on it. But, you're also going to need a means of keeping the gun filled, so either a dive bottle or stirup pump. A second hand package with everything you need us going to be between 3 and 350.

Springers are cheaper, but really agricultural compared to a nice PCP.

My Lincoln Jefferies is in no way agricultural, it is smooth, elegant and guaranteed to ring the bell when I do my bit.

The one with the bicycle pump tube for an air cylinder and a gas tap for the pellet loading trap.....?

That is the one, however the execution is far more sophisticated than the crude explanation.

Polchraine wrote:
A pity you are not way up North - there will be a large number for sale in Scotland over the coming months - so you could keep an eye out for bargains.

Spoke to our local FEO the other day, they had 14 Air Rifles handed in the first day, let me look at three examples, a BSA Airsporter a Webley Mark 3 and a Chinese springer, the first two were a bit rusty but they were examples of quality guns of the day.

He admits to knowing nothing about guns, I asked him to maybe let us have a look at some before they are sent for destruction and especially be careful of any scopes that may be handed in also...We'll see, may be able to save some good ones.