Air rifle...don't know where to put this...

IrishCannon

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I have a big back yard, but still can't shoot a 22lr (at least unsuppressed). I want to teach my kids to shoot and only have access to ranges and land designated for adults.

I said F it, and impulse bought some Gamo Swarm Whisper 10x .177cal at a local box store. Reddit apparently hates Gamo as I assumed they would, because there is always something better than what a big box store sells.

All that said, I'm excited to get my kids out shooting to learn safety and fundamentals. I've taught them the four safety rules, and it's time to get them behind the trigger.

Did I make a giant mistake getting a Gamo? I typically do a ton of research before I buy something and I didn't this time as I just got tired of putting it off.

I just got some cheap pellets for it. If you guys have recommendations on what pellets I should get and where to get them that would be solid. Any other info would be appreciated.
 
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Just like with regular firearms, there are varying opinions on them.
Have you made a huge mistake?
No, I dont think so.
I have a Gamo Whisper Fusion .22 and it is accurate, does what I need it to, and hasnt had any type of issue.
Im not sure about the .177s, but mine is definitely ammo picky like a real .22 is. I had to try about six or seven different pellets before I found one it liked.
The Gamo is gonna be just fine.
Be safe and have fun with the kiddos.
 
Just like with regular firearms, there are varying opinions on them.
Have you made a huge mistake?
No, I dont think so.
I have a Gamo Whisper Fusion .22 and it is accurate, does what I need it to, and hasnt had any type of issue.
Im not sure about the .177s, but mine is definitely ammo picky like a real .22 is. I had to try about six or seven different pellets before I found one it liked.
The Gamo is gonna be just fine.
Be safe and have fun with the kiddos.
Ya I debated the 22 vs 177 and ultimately went with the 177 due to it being flatter shooting for a little more distance. It will mainly just be for plinking coke cans off my fire pit I think.
 
Gamo makes many decent, well-built, & reliable air rifles. I have a spring break action Gamo that I bought in the mid eighties and it works as designed. It accurate but I confess to replacing the rear buckhorn sight with a peep sight. It’s trigger is heavy & hard on the finger but breaks crisply. Funny thing is it is rated at only 280 fps yet I have killed squirrels on the bird feeder @ 80’.
 
I’ve nearly bought a Gammo at tractor supply countless times. We still shoot the kids red riders in the back yard regularly.

It’s not a big deal, just have fun with the kiddos.

Also, for targets I have old circular saw and diamond quickie saw blades that I have spray painted white and mounted on trees at the wood line. Makes for fun plinking and I don’t have to set up or clean up targets.
 
My brother and I had those cheap daisy spring lever actions and it taught us more about shooting and safety than anything. We could hit the flag pole at probably 30 yards.

It taught us trajectory, how to aim for the drop, I had to aim about two feet to the right but could hit it nearly every time.

We took turns shooting each other when making laps around the yard on the motorcycle so we were also practicing leading a moving target....

My point is, dont get hung up on brand, just get them out there.
 
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Nothing wrong with Gamo. They've been around a long time and make respectable air guns. Yes, there are better, but at much higher cost. You can go to dedicated sites like air gun depot and research.


ETA - And Pyramid Air
 
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Nothing wrong with Gamo. They've been around a long time and make respectable air guns. Yes, there are better, but at much higher cost. You can go to dedicated sites like air gun depot and research.


ETA - And Pyramid Air
Can you say with certainty that their reviews are legitimate? I came across those sites when looking at stuff but wasn't entirely sure. I always thought those MK18 looking pellet knockoffs and such were just expensive plastic junk...are those actually decent quality training tools for kids?

I never knew those PCP rifles existed. They look pretty rad but I wouldn't want to drop the $2k on a tank/compressor.
 
If you're looking for a quiet shot, spend a little more for the heavier .177 pellets.
I also have a gamo swarm and with light pellets there is a definite sonic crack. The built-in suppressor can't help with that.
heavy pellets will stay subsonic, which is helpful if you have nosy neighbors.
I found that out the hard way up in MI. not sure if it was 2 or 3 cop cars that responded...
 
All I know about a Gamo is when the Whisper came out a buddy asked me about buying one and I told him I didnt like the idea of a break bbl air rifle even though there are a blue million of them sold every year. He was immediately sorry he bought it. I came as a combo with a scope. Couldnt zero and couldnt hit $#1t. I bought a side lever Diana in 177 as you could not get a 22 a few years ago. I have been on a wait list for one for almost 3 years. They were back in stock at Pyramid this week but they want $500. The side lever Diana is a tack driver. It aint cheap and I wish I had the 22 for more knock down power. I got one for squirrel population control and it has been very good at that. You need a scope mount with cross bolts and the little studs that fit up into the rings so the rings dont move. I think the mount and rings cost like $25 total 3 years ago. I mtd a Sightron hunting scope that will focus down to like 10 yds. Set up works great. My only regrets is cost and its not 22. Meisterkuglen (sp) are very accurate target pellets and they will kill a squirrel.
 
All I know about a Gamo is when the Whisper came out a buddy asked me about buying one and I told him I didnt like the idea of a break bbl air rifle even though there are a blue million of them sold every year. He was immediately sorry he bought it. I came as a combo with a scope. Couldnt zero and couldnt hit $#1t. I bought a side lever Diana in 177 as you could not get a 22 a few years ago. I have been on a wait list for one for almost 3 years. They were back in stock at Pyramid this week but they want $500. The side lever Diana is a tack driver. It aint cheap and I wish I had the 22 for more knock down power. I got one for squirrel population control and it has been very good at that. You need a scope mount with cross bolts and the little studs that fit up into the rings so the rings dont move. I think the mount and rings cost like $25 total 3 years ago. I mtd a Sightron hunting scope that will focus down to like 10 yds. Set up works great. My only regrets is cost and its not 22. Meisterkuglen (sp) are very accurate target pellets and they will kill a squirrel.
Thanks for the recommendations, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

I'm happy to report your friends experience was not mine. I had it zeroed in seven shots and was shooting half dollar groups at 25y with cheap dome pellets. Had the occasional spin off in the next twenty rounds I shot. Hopefully the plastic parts don't fail me and I can get some good use out of it for the kids.

Next go, I'll make sure to do more research before hand.
If you're looking for a quiet shot, spend a little more for the heavier .177 pellets.
I also have a gamo swarm and with light pellets there is a definite sonic crack. The built-in suppressor can't help with that.
heavy pellets will stay subsonic, which is helpful if you have nosy neighbors.
I found that out the hard way up in MI. not sure if it was 2 or 3 cop cars that responded...
Ya I was shooting 7gr pellets and there was definitely a nice little crack. Fortunately I'm kinda out in the country and my neighbors are cool, mostly military. My yard is fenced at about 50y out and it's all forest behind me. I'm just shooting at a box I filled up with packing material.
 
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I have a Ruger and a Beeman. The Ruger is in .177 and the Beeman is in .22. Both have an audible "Crack" when fired due to the pellets exiting the muzzle supersonic. Tough when you live in an HOA. I will look into a heavier pellet myself. If you have a garage, set up one of those pellet traps and shoot in there.
 
I have a Ruger and a Beeman. The Ruger is in .177 and the Beeman is in .22. Both have an audible "Crack" when fired due to the pellets exiting the muzzle supersonic. Tough when you live in an HOA. I will look into a heavier pellet myself. If you have a garage, set up one of those pellet traps and shoot in there.
Ya I live in an HOA area but the town is real country, always guns going off. Nobody cares
 
For a youth shooters who have little experience I see no problem with a budget pellet rifle like the Gamo … as others said they do have their limitations but does it really affect teaching a kid first steps? As long as it sends pellets or BB’s down range and you can hit a can at teaching distances have at it. Now as they progress then move up to something better and because they’ve had experience with the Gamo you’ll also not worry as much about them messing up a more expensive rifle.

Now as to a .22 rimfire there are little work arounds as long as the local ordinances do not ban firing a gun (which many times includes air rifles) you could go bolt or lever and use certain ammunition and be as quiet as many pellet rifles. Bolt guns usually can run everything from the little .22CB’s if you can find them up say CCI’s .22LR Quiet ammunition (40gr LRN 710 fps so it will not cycle say a 10/22) which is decent plinking ammo at a good price. My 455 American can pop tree rats with CCI Quiet real easy and is quieter than an old Crossman pump pellet rifle. So if you have a bolt or lever .22 down the road you might be able to bump up to it depending on your local ordinances.
 
I got a Gamo Swarm Magnum. The scope it came with was horrible junk. The crosshairs started rotating in it sighting it in. The replacement they sent me was decent enough (different brand). I will say that high power spring piston airguns are a pain in the butt to shoot accurate. It is jumping forward before the pellet leaves the barrel. I can do marginally OK on the bench... standing in the woods chasing bushy tails is a crap shoot at best. I remember many years ago shooting a RWS 45 in .177, dime size groups @ 35 yards with very little effort.
The next one I get will be a precharge gas gun
 
I got a Gamo Swarm Magnum. The scope it came with was horrible junk. The crosshairs started rotating in it sighting it in. The replacement they sent me was decent enough (different brand). I will say that high power spring piston airguns are a pain in the butt to shoot accurate. It is jumping forward before the pellet leaves the barrel. I can do marginally OK on the bench... standing in the woods chasing bushy tails is a crap shoot at best. I remember many years ago shooting a RWS 45 in .177, dime size groups @ 35 yards with very little effort.
The next one I get will be a precharge gas gun
Ya I'm sure the scope is garbage. I have a Simmons scope I used on a 22lr previously I can put on if I have any issues. Shot pretty well this morning. Time will tell I suppose.
 
Ya I'm sure the scope is garbage. I have a Simmons scope I used on a 22lr previously I can put on if I have any issues. Shot pretty well this morning. Time will tell I suppose.
A firearm scope has lenses cushioned for rearward recoil. A high power air rifle will destroy it.
 
I’ve got a Gamo Whisper Cat or something in 22 cal. It’s been fun. Hard to recreate pinpoint accuracy but it’s close enough. No mechanical or reliability issues.
 
BEWARE; As DrPhudd said regular Rifle Scopes are not designed to handle the reverse recoil.
Look up Hammers scopes. I purchased a 3×9 with an adjustable objective lens that works really good. The price was pretty good too.
 
Yes, springers have a double recoil and will eventually shake loose most scopes, even high dollar ones.

I believe BSA started as an airgun scope company. So, some of their stuff might be suitable.

IIRC, springers also require a free recoil style hold for accuracy. Light, not heavy, due to this double recoil.

I believe the .177 Ruger Air Hawks are Umarex and are decent copies of the Diana RWS 34 air rifles. I have one and it shoots great. I also have an older RWS Model 48 side cocker.
You can get lost in the world of air rifles, in technology and cost.

I'd really like to get into one of the big boys, like a pre-charge .357.


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Want some inspiration?
 
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Pellet rifles can be very pellet picky. Of the ones I have, none of them like pointed pellets. I literally had one shoot a 4” group at 7 yards with pointed crosman pellets. Same gun shoots 1” at 25 yards with JSB 7.87s.

For nicer, more accurate pellets I’ve had good luck with JSB or H&N. If you are getting good results with Crosman domes then be happy with plentiful, cheap ammo.

If the crack is from the sound barrier, then go with a heavier pellet to slow it down.
 
My first real aka non daisy air rifle was a rws 34 in .177. Great and accurate rifle that I sold a couple years later to fund my first 22. 15 years ago I purchased a Gamo varmit hunter .177. Don't believe the posted velocities as they are nonsense using 4 grain etc pellets. I used to have 20+ squirrels in my yard at a single time when the dogwoods were ripe and the hickories and acorns were dropping... used to joke I'm going shopping and sit on my back deck. That rifle worked well for me and I sold it and bought a rws 350 magnum in .22. It's a magnum springer. More powerful but much more difficult to shoot accurately. Learn the artillary hold as its different than shooting a 22 or centerfire etc.

My last house was safe to shoot but I had neighbors close by on the other side of the house. They couldn't see what I was doing but they were maybe 100' so they definitely heard the shots.
 
My first real aka non daisy air rifle was a rws 34 in .177. Great and accurate rifle that I sold a couple years later to fund my first 22. 15 years ago I purchased a Gamo varmit hunter .177. Don't believe the posted velocities as they are nonsense using 4 grain etc pellets. I used to have 20+ squirrels in my yard at a single time when the dogwoods were ripe and the hickories and acorns were dropping... used to joke I'm going shopping and sit on my back deck. That rifle worked well for me and I sold it and bought a rws 350 magnum in .22. It's a magnum springer. More powerful but much more difficult to shoot accurately. Learn the artillary hold as its different than shooting a 22 or centerfire etc.

My last house was safe to shoot but I had neighbors close by on the other side of the house. They couldn't see what I was doing but they were maybe 100' so they definitely heard the shots.
Ya my neighbor is on our HOA and he said it's technically against the rules but considering my location, backstop I made and the woods behind me, he didn't see a problem. He said it's basically there just so wahoos don't go shooting all around the neighborhood.

County ordinances only say you can't shoot a gun that "causes an explosion" to send a round downrange...at least where I'm at in a residential neighborhood.

I've read the UTG Bugbuster scopes are good for air rifle. - After reading everything you guys said I wish I waited and ordered something else but it should do for now. I am a little worried about this cheap Gamo magazine.
 
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Ya my neighbor is on our HOA and he said it's technically against the rules but considering my location, backstop I made and the woods behind me, he didn't see a problem. He said it's basically there just so wahoos don't go shooting all around the neighborhood.

County ordinances only say you can't shoot a gun that "causes an explosion" to send a round downrange...at least where I'm at in a residential neighborhood.

I've read the UTG Bugbuster scopes are good for air rifle. - After reading everything you guys said I wish I waited and ordered something else but it should do for now. I am a little worried about this cheap Gamo magazine.
I love the UTG bug busters and have 3 or 4 on air rifles but they are on PCP guns. With those, I don't have to deal with the springer recoil that kills regular scopes. If you end up enjoying shooting regularly in your backyard, look into PCP guns. I think I have 7 or 8 now and probably shoot 100 or more times the rounds a year through them then I do my regular guns. Mostly for convenience. We have a few targets setup around the backyard and have neighbors that don't care. Also, most of the PCP guns have built in suppressors so they are near quiet. I mostly have swinging targets that are the plastic/rubber resealing type so they are not too noisy.
 
I love the UTG bug busters and have 3 or 4 on air rifles but they are on PCP guns. With those, I don't have to deal with the springer recoil that kills regular scopes. If you end up enjoying shooting regularly in your backyard, look into PCP guns. I think I have 7 or 8 now and probably shoot 100 or more times the rounds a year through them then I do my regular guns. Mostly for convenience. We have a few targets setup around the backyard and have neighbors that don't care. Also, most of the PCP guns have built in suppressors so they are near quiet. I mostly have swinging targets that are the plastic/rubber resealing type so they are not too noisy.
@IrishCannon I agree 100% with the above statement from @Carolinatlc

I started with a Gamo Whisper in .22. It was fun for plinking, and you can adjust the trigger down to about a 1lb pull with just a little bit longer setscrew. Especially having the 10rd magazine on the barrel, it was a HUGE plus. Outside of about 20yds though, the accuracy was poopoo…

That being said, I entered the PCP world two years ago and I will never look back to springers or nitro-pistons… I currently have three: Benjamin Marauder in .22 ($450), an Umarex Gauntlet 2 in .22 ($500), and an FX Dreampup in .30 ($1,500). I use them primarily for pesting English Sparrows, European Starlings, Brown Headed Cowbirds, and squirrels. I needed something more accurate to take care of small targets in my neighborhood.

The accuracy jump from springers to PCP guns is exponential, as well as the quietness and ease of use. With PCP guns, I can put pellets in the same hole at 30yds with my .22’s and at 50yds with my .30. I can shoot quarter-sized targets consistently with my .22’s at 40yds, and quarter sized targets out to 100yds with my .30. The reason I can do this is because the FPS deviation between my shots is +/- 2fps (@850fps) with my FX, and about +/- 10fps (@800fps) with my Marauder.

If you can spend the money on the front end for a decent PCP gun and a scuba tank setup to fill them, you can get the tank filled at a local fire station or a paintball store. They charge me $5 to fill a 90cu/ft tank at my local paintball shop, and it lasts me about a year. I shoot A LOT. I get about 80 shots per fill out of my Marauder @3,000psi and about 30 shots per fill with my Dream Pup @3,300psi.

After the initial startup cost (which is pricy), you’ll only have to buy pellets ($20/500 match grade .22 cal), O-rings for repacking off you have leaks (Pennies per o-ring ordering online), and filling your air tank ($5/year). Coming from the center fire world, the price drop for operating cost was exponential.

If you’re local to Thomasville, I’d be more than happy to let you try mine out! :) I’ll warn you though, you’ll be hooked once you try one!
 
All I hear is good things about PCP. My first concern would be finding a place to fill the tank. I used to play PB when I was younger and had a scuba tank. I know the hassle of finding people to fill it. Idk if that has changed.

So if the Bugbuster isn't good for springers, what is? I had no idea scopes got worked so hard by these guns.
 
All I hear is good things about PCP. My first concern would be finding a place to fill the tank. I used to play PB when I was younger and had a scuba tank. I know the hassle of finding people to fill it. Idk if that has changed.

So if the Bugbuster isn't good for springers, what is? I had no idea scopes got worked so hard by these guns.
I got this scope for a Benjamin Titan I had and it was wonderful. They have to be rated for the forward, backward, and centrifugal recoil. This motion from springers kills normal scopes.

Hammers 3-9x40AO .177 .22 Magnum Spring Air Gun Rifle Scope with Mount https://a.co/d/5CcCSEj
 
I got this scope for a Benjamin Titan I had and it was wonderful. They have to be rated for the forward, backward, and centrifugal recoil. This motion from springers kills normal scopes.

Hammers 3-9x40AO .177 .22 Magnum Spring Air Gun Rifle Scope with Mount https://a.co/d/5CcCSEj
What's up with this knob/pin in the rear ring on these? My scope ring has that too, but I don't see it on all of them...is this required for gas piston guns due to the weird recoil?

I was looking at the Hawke Vantage 2-7x32 which doesn't come with rings. I'm assuming I can just use the rings I have.

Dang it...now I'm looking at PCPs and these chicom air compressors. I'm still a little confused about what equipment is necessary to fill a PCP. Some people use just compressors, some people fill tanks and then fill the weapon from that (for portability?) Some people using hand pumps...this is an entire world I didn't plan on getting in to.
 
As he disappears down the rabbit hole...
 
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What's up with this knob/pin in the rear ring on these? My scope ring has that too, but I don't see it on all of them...is this required for gas piston guns due to the weird recoil?

I was looking at the Hawke Vantage 2-7x32 which doesn't come with rings. I'm assuming I can just use the rings I have.

Dang it...now I'm looking at PCPs and these chicom air compressors. I'm still a little confused about what equipment is necessary to fill a PCP. Some people use just compressors, some people fill tanks and then fill the weapon from that (for portability?) Some people using hand pumps...this is an entire world I didn't plan on getting in to.
The pin is to secure the scope mount. Not all rifles have a hole, but most do. You just screw it down into the hole in the top of the receiver to keep the mount from sliding.

As far as compressors, there are a tons of options for less than $500. I chose to get a tank and get it filled locally because they have really expensive screw compressors with water traps, so the air is dry. Most of the cheapy compressors just have a foam insert to trap moisture, so you run the risk of contamination. On cheaper guns, I wouldn’t worry too much. On my $1,500 FX, I’m not taking a chance.

I would t recommend a hand pump unless you have a very small tank to fill. I think they take about 300 strokes normally for a small plenum on a rifle, so you’ll have arms like Popeye if you do it often!
 
Good lord. I opened this thread thinking I was going to leave experience from my days shooting .177 from a Crossman/Daisy/Marksman long ago. I'll just go back to minding my business. A great reminder that sometimes you don't know what you don't know.

One last remark. Any air rifle that reliably teaches the kids safety and respect for a rifle is a good one. They can advance to something more powerful as their skills dictate.
 
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I would t recommend a hand pump unless you have a very small tank to fill. I think they take about 300 strokes normally for a small plenum on a rifle, so you’ll have arms like Popeye if you do it often!

I picked a Gamo Urban for a PCP over others similarly priced due to the cylinder size. At 105cc it is very pretty easy to fill with a hand pump. I don't get as many shots per fill with the small cylinder but I didn't want to get a compressor.
 
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I picked a Gamo Urban for a PCP over others similarly priced due to the cylinder size. At 105cc it is very pretty easy to fill with a hand pump. I don't get as many shots per fill with the small cylinder but I didn't want to get a compressor.
How do you like the Urban? I looked at those pretty hard before picking up my Marauder. Seems like they’ve been really hard to come by since they hit the market.
 
How do you like the Urban? I looked at those pretty hard before picking up my Marauder. Seems like they’ve been really hard to come by since they hit the market.
I really like it for my purposes. Ragged hole at 25 yards with the few H&N pellets I've tried. 1" group at 50 yards with H&N 18.13s. I haven't tried JSBs as they were out of stock for awhile. I get 30 shots per fill at 12 turns on the hammer spring and it takes about 80 pumps to get it back to 3000 psi. I wouldn't use for all-day shooting but for backyard pesting it is fantastic and the moderator keeps it quiet. You can also turn back the hammer spring for less power and a higher shot count.

I think Gamo has been focusing on their new Gamo Arrow which came out recently. It looks like it has a slightly bigger cylinder, less power, but higher shot count.
 
I really like it for my purposes. Ragged hole at 25 yards with the few H&N pellets I've tried. 1" group at 50 yards with H&N 18.13s. I haven't tried JSBs as they were out of stock for awhile. I get 30 shots per fill at 12 turns on the hammer spring and it takes about 80 pumps to get it back to 3000 psi. I wouldn't use for all-day shooting but for backyard pesting it is fantastic and the moderator keeps it quiet. You can also turn back the hammer spring for less power and a higher shot count.

I think Gamo has been focusing on their new Gamo Arrow which came out recently. It looks like it has a slightly bigger cylinder, less power, but higher shot count.
I run H&N’s through my Gauntlet 2 (Baracuda Hunter 18.21gr) and they’re fantastic. My Marauder loves JSB Hades though. I’ve killed around 300 pest birds and squirrels the past two years, and not a single one walked away from a Hades pellet. It’s one nasty little round!

My Marauder isn’t regulated, but I get about 80 shots per fill, and it seems like all the shots across the spectrum are consistent. My extreme deviation is only about 10fps, and with an unregulated gun, I find that amazing!

Glad you know there’s more people out there enjoying air guns! I had loads of fun with my springers, but I fell into the PCP vortex hard lol
 
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