Thoughts on air rifle. 177 or 22?

[merlin]

Thanks for all the help and advice.
I have decided to go with the springer though.

If you find a good condition fwb sport mk II in .177 for sensible money, have their hand off.
If you find a fwb mastersport have their arm off.....

(Owned a few sports when I was younger. ....wish I'd never sold them.....!)

 

[tuck1]

Some good advice here, I've recently been where you are, looked at PCP, loved their laser accuracy, magazine reload, lack of noise etc, but really couldn't justify the gear. I had an old HW35 that was past its best, finished up trading it in for a synthetic HW 97 k. In .22, because I like a challenge! It's great, and I'm learning to shoot springers all over again. The Air Arms come with equally good reputations. I'm glad I spent the cash to get a quality gun, I've shoved an old cheap hawke variable on it, which does the job (although I'm told a mildot may be more suitable, this one is a duplex) and, although I'm no expert, several magpies, rats etc have met their downfall. Definately handle a few, and see what suits. I stuck a cheap adjustable butt plate on mine which was dead easy and transformed it, plus there is infinite tinkering you can do if that's your thing...

 

[Mr. Gain]

HW90K - solid, accurate and holds its money

I thought it was no longer in production... but it's still on their web site. Thanks for the tip.

BSA Lightning XL.....available as gasram or conventional mainspring.

Another thing I hadn't realised.

On balance I'd probably go for the BSA over the HW as being more than 6" shorter than an unmoderated 90K and just 3/4 of the weight.

 

[Hereford]

Yeah, I've got the 90k also and its heavier than my 30-06!

Having said that though, it groups amazingly prone off bipod, bag or off my branch steady - the XL is nice though too! Buy both!

 

[private fraser]

HW90's are pretty snappy.
If you get one, get the "Dampa" mount to reduce chance of damage to the scope.

 

[crazyfrog]

Headshot just behind the eye using .177, as has been said trajectory is flatter so as long as the shot placement is correct a quick humane kill every time. Please remember not to shoot any rabbit that is close to the entrance to a burrow or close to cover. Even if you kill it there is the possibility that it may need a follow up shot and if it goes into a burrow or cover you will not get the follow up shot and you won't know 100% if it is dead.

 

[danban]

Bisley pest control in .177 and a head shot gave me the effect of a rim fire wound. Never had head shot run. Did jump and kick with their nerves.