Best beginner multiuse pcp air rifle

[Tgself1]

I am interested in getting a pcp air rifle that will be good for shooting paper targets or cans but will also be good for pest control for raccoons, armadillos and maybe the occasional coyote out to about 40 yards I have plenty of powder burners that would work, but want something that will be a bit quieter for if I need it close to the house while people are sleeping. I am very interested in either a .25 or .30. If I went with a .30 it would also be legal for deer hunting, but I would only take a behind the ear shot. If I didn’t need or want to use it for deer and just the other reasons listed is there going to be a huge difference between the .25 and .30 at least enough to justify the lower shot count and price of pellets? I have narrowed my choices of rifle down to the air Venturi avenger, jts airacuda and the umarex gauntlet 2sl if anyone has experience with any of them and could help guide me in the right direction. I like the avenger and the gauntlet because they have a bottom rail section or slot to attach one to mount a bipod. Also I really would like to stay under $500 for the rifle. The majority of the time it would just be used for target shooting. Also I would not be carrying very far so weight is not really a huge concern

 

[Chief55]

Of your 3 offerings, I would have picked the .25 Avenger, but when you throw coyotes into that mix I would pick the .30 Gauntlet. I had a modified/tuned .30 Gauntlet that was incredibly accurate, but it reminded me of an old musket because with a moderator and a scope it seemed heavy too me, very long and kind of awkward feeling, but it was the best shooting PCP I have owned. Even though it was so accurate I did not like the gun itself, so I sold it. Weight does matter to me a lot because I am old, it can totally take all of the fun out of a gun in my opinion. I guess if I cared about competition shooting, I might have kept it but every time I picked it up, I said are you kidding me. This thing is a Brown Bess. I also have a thing about going over 3,600psi, I try not to do it, I think it is hard on the gun's seals and the compressor. I will never go over 3,800 in any airgun so I get a few less shots and I can live with that. That's just me.

https://thegunzone.com/what-caliber-air-rifle-is-best-for-coyote-hunting/

 

[Chief55]

Yes, this is not on your list but worth looking at for a very good price but has to be preordered, is the .25 synthetic Benjamin Marauder, at $479.99, that's $150 off before the 20% coupon at Paramid Air. That is a very quiet and accurate gun but not great for yotes kind of like the Avenger, about 45fpe.

Benjamin Marauder | Synthetic PCP Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

The synthetic stock Benjamin Marauder with adjustable comb will give you more shots per fill and reversible bolt for right- or left-handed shooters.

www.pyramydair.com

 

[Chief55]

Again, not on your list but another offering that could work well for your situation in your price range would be the Macavity Arms Agility MA2 in the standard or the long .30 versions both are under $500. Not quiet, would need a moderator.

Macavity Arms Agility MA2 Long PCP Air Rifle | Pyramyd AIR

We've got a great price on the Macavity Arms Agility MA2 Long PCP Air Rifle. Get a great price and expert advice at Pyramyd for your next outdoor adventure!

www.pyramydair.com

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[FL22]

I am interested in getting a pcp air rifle that will be good for shooting paper targets or cans but will also be good for pest control for raccoons, armadillos and maybe the occasional coyote out to about 40 yards I have plenty of powder burners that would work, but want something that will be a bit quieter for if I need it close to the house while people are sleeping. I am very interested in either a .25 or .30. If I went with a .30 it would also be legal for deer hunting, but I would only take a behind the ear shot. If I didn’t need or want to use it for deer and just the other reasons listed is there going to be a huge difference between the .25 and .30 at least enough to justify the lower shot count and price of pellets? I have narrowed my choices of rifle down to the air Venturi avenger, jts airacuda and the umarex gauntlet 2sl if anyone has experience with any of them and could help guide me in the right direction. I like the avenger and the gauntlet because they have a bottom rail section or slot to attach one to mount a bipod. Also I really would like to stay under $500 for the rifle. The majority of the time it would just be used for target shooting. Also I would not be carrying very far so weight is not really a huge concern

Hello and welcome to HAM.

AOA has a used Airacuda MAX .25 for $330.

 

[pan60]

if its mostly used for target or small pest I would go .22 cal and I wouldn't rule out two gun if you want those coyotes : )
two is better then one.

 

[Billm]

If your only criteria for wanting a .30 is because it’s legal for deer - I would say don’t do it. I have three .30s and they’re legal for deer here in Florida. But, I don’t think that I’d use any of them for deer , at least not with a good conscience. Without a doubt the .30 hits harder than the .25. All three are good calibers. If you shoot a lot, .30 and even .25 can get costly. I’d also consider a Barra 250z in .25. Some are going to criticize me for recommending the Barra, because of the barrel discussions. I’m pretty sure that only applies to the .22.

 

[PapaT]

I am interested in getting a pcp air rifle that will be good for shooting paper targets or cans but will also be good for pest control for raccoons, armadillos and maybe the occasional coyote out to about 40 yards I have plenty of powder burners that would work, but want something that will be a bit quieter for if I need it close to the house while people are sleeping. I am very interested in either a .25 or .30. If I went with a .30 it would also be legal for deer hunting, but I would only take a behind the ear shot. If I didn’t need or want to use it for deer and just the other reasons listed is there going to be a huge difference between the .25 and .30 at least enough to justify the lower shot count and price of pellets? I have narrowed my choices of rifle down to the air Venturi avenger, jts airacuda and the umarex gauntlet 2sl if anyone has experience with any of them and could help guide me in the right direction. I like the avenger and the gauntlet because they have a bottom rail section or slot to attach one to mount a bipod. Also I really would like to stay under $500 for the rifle. The majority of the time it would just be used for target shooting. Also I would not be carrying very far so weight is not really a huge concern

I have an Avenger, it's beautiful but just sits because I need to find and fix its leak it's had from day one. Under 40 yards, definitely a shooter no problem.

But, how tied to 25 cal and rifle form factor are you? For raccoon/armadillo and down, I'd consider the Pinty Thumper or Striker as an option. You can get the Striker in 25 cal (on pre-order), but both are available in 22 cal. And I personally know that the weaker of the two (Thumper) is enough to put down armadillos. It is my dad's door gun for just that purpose. Cost, with HAM 20% discount, is about half of your budget, and if you aren't picky about version the current "Pinty Prime Gear Box" under mystery boxes is an even better deal as it includes an optic and accessory for about the price of a Thumper.

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[Chief55]

if its mostly used for target or small pest I would go .22 cal and I wouldn't rule out two gun if you want those coyotes : )
two is better then one.

How does it go, two is one and one is none.