PCP Only 1 PCP rifle, Which Rifle

[Billm]

This subject brings to mind the TC Contender/ Encore handguns /Rifles . One frame & multiple barrels, squirrels to moose & birds of all sizes in between. Guess what , NOBODY did that LOL, we all bought additional frames ,grips ,etc! I think that we have to look at what we want to do with the gun at the time when we decide what we're doing "today". HOSp's blasting,, Oh wait I need to pull off the .357 barrel & all that goes into it to put the .177 "stuff" on my
BRK/ EDG/FX, whatever, I know it only takes 5-30 minutes ,then rezero, then realize a Ghog / raccoon / coyote is creeping along the fence line ,ARRGGH ! Yeah ,I know ,wild thought but this is where we all say one gun won't do it. Yes, a 30-30 will kill squirrels and deer/Black Bear , but do I really want to do that? I got by for several years with a certain PCP that did all I wanted with one weight /brand of pellet. Now having accumulated several more in different
brands & calibers (and more "field gear" to accompany me in the field), I find it impossible to get by with one gun. I routinely put one to three guns in the vehicle for the day's quest ,as I'm near it most times for a quick switch out if needed. As I don't compete or shoot long range anything ,this works for me, YMM-WV.

Agreed. That’s the problem with “platform” rifles, very few people buy the options. The options are either overpriced or inconvenient to utilize. I’m probably never going to spend $600 to buy a caliber change for my Ghost. Now that I have a bull barrel on the Panthera I’m probably not going to change liners again. I’ve bought so many things in my lifetime that promised easy expansion, that I never actually used. I like the fact that barrels can be swapped to remedy accuracy issues etc., but to make the rifle a multi-use platform - not so much. Maybe a different story if you want to use one gun for different species with different seasons.

 

[Danman]

This subject brings to mind the TC Contender/ Encore handguns /Rifles . One frame & multiple barrels, squirrels to moose & birds of all sizes in between. Guess what , NOBODY did that LOL, we all bought additional frames ,grips ,etc! I think that we have to look at what we want to do with the gun at the time when we decide what we're doing "today". HOSp's blasting,, Oh wait I need to pull off the .357 barrel & all that goes into it to put the .177 "stuff" on my
BRK/ EDG/FX, whatever, I know it only takes 5-30 minutes ,then rezero, then realize a Ghog / raccoon / coyote is creeping along the fence line ,ARRGGH ! Yeah ,I know ,wild thought but this is where we all say one gun won't do it. Yes, a 30-30 will kill squirrels and deer/Black Bear , but do I really want to do that? I got by for several years with a certain PCP that did all I wanted with one weight /brand of pellet. Now having accumulated several more in different
brands & calibers (and more "field gear" to accompany me in the field), I find it impossible to get by with one gun. I routinely put one to three guns in the vehicle for the day's quest ,as I'm near it most times for a quick switch out if needed. As I don't compete or shoot long range anything ,this works for me, YMM-WV.

Could not agree more! My Ghost I mentioned? Its a .22 and likely will remain a .22. I have a (.22) slug barrel on route and if its good I plan to sell the 600mm pellet barrel....it will not get any use plain and simple.
1 gun with 5 barrels is still one gun. As a bench toy its fine, for pesting not a chance. Buuuut if I had to pick just one pcp a multiple caliber option would be the way.

 

[Auto1191]

Could not agree more! My Ghost I mentioned? Its a .22 and likely will remain a .22. I have a (.22) slug barrel on route and if its good I plan to sell the 600mm pellet barrel....it will not get any use plain and simple.
1 gun with 5 barrels is still one gun. As a bench toy its fine, for pesting not a chance. Buuuut if I had to pick just one pcp a multiple caliber option would be t

Agreed. That’s the problem with “platform” rifles, very few people buy the options. The options are either overpriced or inconvenient to utilize. I’m probably never going to spend $600 to buy a caliber change for my Ghost. Now that I have a bull barrel on the Panthera I’m probably not going to change liners again. I’ve bought so many things in my lifetime that promised easy expansion, that I never actually used. I like the fact that barrels can be swapped to remedy accuracy issues etc., but to make the rifle a multi-use platform - not so much. Maybe a different story if you want to use one gun for different species with different seasons.

Agreed. That’s the problem with “platform” rifles, very few people buy the options. The options are either overpriced or inconvenient to utilize. I’m probably never going to spend $600 to buy a caliber change for my Ghost. Now that I have a bull barrel on the Panthera I’m probably not going to change liners again. I’ve bought so many things in my lifetime that promised easy expansion, that I never actually used. I like the fact that barrels can be swapped to remedy accuracy issues etc., but to make the rifle a multi-use platform - not so much. Maybe a different story if you want to use one gun for different species with different seasons.

I heard thrugh the grape vine , changing liners with the Bull Barrel is tough do to tight fit ?

 

[PapaT]

Hold the phone! @PapaT you have the AF Brush gun? I know you have the bigger model, how you like the brush gun? Might be a bit much for rats n such
The FPE it makes with that small barrel is wild.

No sir, but I'd love to.

 

[Auto1191]

I will have to say , I have read everyones post here it really makes 1 think, To have what we have & enjoy this Hobby/ Sport & having fun with it

 

[Pumacarl]

This subject brings to mind the TC Contender/ Encore handguns /Rifles . One frame & multiple barrels, squirrels to moose & birds of all sizes in between. Guess what , NOBODY did that LOL, we all bought additional frames ,grips ,etc! I think that we have to look at what we want to do with the gun at the time when we decide what we're doing "today". HOSp's blasting,, Oh wait I need to pull off the .357 barrel & all that goes into it to put the .177 "stuff" on my
BRK/ EDG/FX, whatever, I know it only takes 5-30 minutes ,then rezero, then realize a Ghog / raccoon / coyote is creeping along the fence line ,ARRGGH ! Yeah ,I know ,wild thought but this is where we all say one gun won't do it. Yes, a 30-30 will kill squirrels and deer/Black Bear , but do I really want to do that? I got by for several years with a certain PCP that did all I wanted with one weight /brand of pellet. Now having accumulated several more in different
brands & calibers (and more "field gear" to accompany me in the field), I find it impossible to get by with one gun. I routinely put one to three guns in the vehicle for the day's quest ,as I'm near it most times for a quick switch out if needed. As I don't compete or shoot long range anything ,this works for me, YMM-WV.

I really agree with you in principle when it comes to airguns, but you chose the wrong example for firearms because I still have my T/C Contender and all the barrels and swapped them often and quickly. That's the difference. With the T/C in under a minute I could be running something else, with an airgun, -forget it. I currently swap scopes now all the time using a laser to maintain zero between swaps, but caliber changes on airguns are a hard pass for me. I know there are some models that make it easy but I'm not convinced that accuracy is dead nuts maintainable between swaps either.

 

[Solo1]

I really agree with you in principle when it comes to airguns, but you chose the wrong example for firearms because I still have my T/C Contender and all the barrels and swapped them often and quickly. That's the difference. With the T/C in under a minute I could be running something else, with an airgun, -forget it. I currently swap scopes now all the time using a laser to maintain zero between swaps, but caliber changes on airguns are a hard pass for me. I know there are some models that make it easy but I'm not convinced that accuracy is dead nuts maintainable between swaps either.

So you might have to fire a few shots after changing caliber are you in that much of a hurry?

 

[Pumacarl]

So you might have to fire a few shots after changing caliber are you in that much of a hurry?

Honestly? Sometimes I have been. And I just grab a different gun. When someone can up with a system where you can do a quick swap and being on zero is expected and not the exception, then I would swap away, like I can do with my T/C.

 

[Solo1]

Honestly? Sometimes I have been. And I just grab a different gun. When someone can up with a system where you can do a quick swap and being on zero is expected and not the exception, then I would swap away, like I can do with my T/C.

So with your tc a 22 hits the same place @100 as a 223 or 30-30 or what ever wildcat you have?

 

[Pumacarl]

So with your tc a 22 hits the same place @100 as a 223 or 30-30 or what ever wildcat you have?

All of my barrels shoot their zero. You just remove the forearm screws and the hinge pin and whatever you put in the frame shoots just like you left it. It's quick, it's awesome, but it is a firearm too. There is no aigun equivalent. It's apples to oranges but I would like to see someone try. To be clear, each barrel has an optic mounted directly on it too.

 

[Solo1]

All of my barrels shoot their zero. You just remove the forearm screws and the hinge pin and whatever you put in the frame shoots just like you left it. It's quick, it's awesome, but it is a firearm too. There is no aigun equivalent. It's apples to oranges but I would like to see someone try. To be clear, each barrel has an optic mounted directly on it too.

Right you have a separate scope for each barrel. There is no rifle (pb) that could do that either.

 

[Pumacarl]

Right you have a separate scope for each barrel. There is no rifle (pb) that could do that either.

Correct, and I did say that the T/C was a poor example to use, for that reason. A heavy enough airgun barrel, at its base, like the SubMOA, could be drilled and tapped and have the optic mounted to the barrel forfast swaps; a consistent air supply would be the big problem then. Nothing right now is close to good enough.

 

[Solo1]

Correct, and I did say that the T/C was a poor example to use, for that reason. A heavy enough airgun barrel, at its base, like the SubMOA, could be drilled and tapped and have the optic mounted to the barrel forfast swaps; a consistent air supply would be the big problem then. Nothing right now is close to good enough.

It was kind of funny you mentioned tc i have 1 and 2 barrels

 

[Chief 10-Beers]

I like simplicity since I can't work on one myself, so I would say My Condor SS. I also have a JTS Airacuda Non Regulated. I only have 1 Regulated Rifle.

 

[Auto1191]

Thats so true keeping it simple

 

[JungleShooter]

What a CLICKBAIT question....!

And it worked, too.
Just like on all the other people on this thread....


So, let's narrow it down one criteria at a time:

I think, what this thread is really asking is:
What is the all-round do-it-all gun?


Caliber

The .177cal is limiting me to smaller game, so I'd have to move up to at least a .22cal.
The ammo choices for .22cal are huge, and economical, certainly better than for .25cal. But the .22cal JSB 25.39gr with its inconsistency is overshadowed by the .25cal JSB 33.95gr, while both have a high BC.

And .25cal allows me to go for medium game (and if I really pushed to some extreme power and used slugs, I might be able to go for larger).

Whereas in .30cal, the ammo choices are shockingly small. And for shots where I could damage stuff behind the target, that's really to large. Also shot count is very limited, and prices go up real high when moving from .25 to .30. The shot noise also goes up, so this puts limits on backyard shooting (which could be fixed with a monster silencer, OK).

⮕ .25cal it is


Gun adjustability
I would want a gun that I can easily adjust power without taking it apart.
That way, I can adjust from barn shooting, to squirrels in the woods, to pigeons on the grain elevator at 80y, to XLR (extreme long range) shots at 200y.
There are few brands that offer external adjustment of both hammer spring AND regulator.
Since I hear so many complaints of FX barrels getting bumped and loosing POI —
I go against the current and —
⮕ I opt for RTI
Their guns are rock solid, like the RTI owner Rock.
AirMaks would be another option, but I can't stand the silly- and flimsy-looking adjustable buttstock of AirMaks bullpups.

Also, to be a true do-it-all gun, it should offer easy barrel and caliber changes. These three brands offer that.

Also, I like guns that are tough and don't look like I have inherited them from my grandfather — so wood and blueing is out. These three brands fit well.


Gun Type
Not a pistol, not even with a buttstock.
Because I want to be able to shoot from vehicles, pack it for airline travel, and generally hate to increase bulk without gaining function.

⮕ A bullpup it is
Why have a gun with the same power, but a whole foot longer than necessary....?!?


Model
Though the RTI Mora is the newest RTI model, and extremely powerful, while extremely quiet,
⮕ I go for the RTI Prophet P3
(Due to its lighter weight, as a do-it-all gun must be fit for a walking hunt).


Scope
The magnification ranges of 6-24x, 4-16x, and 3-12x are the most common magnification ranges — but they are not do-it-all ranges....
The most common do-it-all magnification ranges are at least 6-fold and would be
3-18x and
4-24x.
If I have a lot of long range shooting, or if my eyes have a production date more than 40 years ago, I'd go with 4-24x.
But the 3-18x is better for the closer shots (squirrels, ratting).
3-18x in the $400 to $700 bracket are plentiful.
4-24x are much less common. Vector has a good option if you can get it on sale.


I have played through these options for years, looking at pro's and con's of each of these decisions....

Matthias

 

[Auto1191]

What a CLICKBAIT question....!

And it worked, too.
Just like on all the other people on this thread....


So, let's narrow it down one criteria at a time:

I think, what this thread is really asking is:
What is the all-round do-it-all gun?


Caliber

The .177cal is limiting me to smaller game, so I'd have to move up to at least a .22cal.
The ammo choices for .22cal are huge, and economical, certainly better than for .25cal. But the .22cal JSB 25.39gr with its inconsistency is overshadowed by the .25cal JSB 33.95gr, while maitaining a high BC.

And .25cal allows me to go for medium game (and if I really pushed to some extreme power and used slugs, I might be able to go for larger).

Whereas in .30cal, the ammo choices are shockingly small. And for shots where I could damage stuff behind the target, that's really to large. Also shot count is very limited, and prices go up real high when moving from .25 to .30. The shot noise also goes up, so this puts limits on backyard shooting.

⮕ .25cal it is


Gun adjustability
I would want a gun that I can easily adjust power without taking it apart.
That way, I can adjust from barn shooting, to squirrels in the woods, to pigeons on the grain elevator at 80y, to XLR (extreme long range) shots at 200y.
There are few brands that offer external adjustment of both hammer spring AND regulator.
Since I hear so many complaints of FX barrels getting bumped and loosing POI —
I go against the current and —
⮕ I opt for RTI
Their guns are rock solid, like the RTI owner Rock.
AirMaks would be another option, but I can't stand the silly- and flimsy-looking adjustable buttstock of AirMaks.

Also, to be a true do-it-all gun, it should offer changing barrels and changing caliber. These three brands offer that.

Also, I like guns that are tough and don't look like I have inherited them from my grandfather — so wood and blueing is out. These three brands fit well.


Gun Type
Not a pistol, not even with a buttstock.
Because I want to be able to shoot from vehicles, pack it for airline travel, and generally hate to increase bulk without gaining function.
⮕ A bullpup it is
Why have a gun with the same power, but a whole foot longer than necessary....?!?


Model
Though the RTI Mora is the newest RTI model, and extremely powerful, while extremely quiet,
⮕ I go for the RTI Prophet P3
(Due to its lighter weight, as a do-it-all gun must be fit for a walking hunt).


Scope
The magnification ranges of 6-24x, 4-16x, and 3-12x are the most common magnification ranges — but they are not do-it-all....
The most common do-it-all magnification ranges are at least 6-fold and would be
3-18x and
4-24x.
If I have a lot of long range shooting, or if my eyes have a production date more than 40 years ago, I'd go with 4-24x.
But the 3-18x is better for the closer shots (squirrels, ratting).
3-18x in the $400 to $700 bracket are plentiful.
4-24x are much less common, Vector has a good option if you can get it on sale.


I have played through these options for years, looking at pro's and con's of each of these decisions....

Matthias

Outstading post write up. I think you covered any & all aspects, makes one true think about their arsenal

 

[Holden Over]

Kind of a tossup for me. For simplicity I'd go with either an unregulated Daystate Huntsman Revere or an Air Force of any caliber. I own both.

Copy that on the Huntsman Revere unregulated. If I couldn’t have anything else ever I would still go with it. I could plank with 177 with the right ammo out 35 to 50 yards and kill small game like squirrels and rabbits at 25. It is smooth and flawless and beautiful just like my wife!

 

[Auto1191]

Copy that on the Huntsman Revere unregulated. If I couldn’t have anything else ever I would still go with it. I could plank with 177 with the right ammo out 35 to 50 yards and kill small game like squirrels and rabbits at 25. It is smooth and flawless and beautiful just like my wife!

I have been preaching this to myself. Daystate in the Woodstock reg dele In safari stock. Another thing to look up is the old Daystate Harper slingshot internals. Why they changed that Idea I have no idea Acually The Daystate Wloverine 2. probably a hidden treasure. Built extremely well . Harper Sling shot

 

[Solo1]

I have been preaching this to myself. Daystate in the Woodstock reg dele In safari stock. Another thing to look up is the old Daystate Harper slingshot internals. Why they changed that Idea I have no idea Acually The Daystate Wloverine 2. probably a hidden treasure. Built extremely well . Harper Sling shot

Had a wolverine didn’t get along with the stock or shot count