Best airgun for small game hunting..??

Question

IM ONLY 13 AND I CANT HAVE A .22 UNTIL MY PARENTS SEE IM RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH WITH A .410 IM GETTING FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!! SO DONT SUGGEST IT!!!

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Anyways, what is the best PELLET gun i can get for small game hunting that is $150 and UNDER.

Im looking at a Crosman Quest 800X .22 cal.

Answer 1

A .410 shotgun has a lot more power than a .22lr.But the quest 800x is pretty good.

Answer 2

The Crosman Quest 800X or 1000X(.177) are both reasonable accurate and reasonable powerful.

If you want to do a lot of shooting, I will warn you that the Crosman rifles are "generally" not very durable.

If you don't plan to shoot much, if you take very-very good care of the rifle(maintenance/etc) and, don't ever make a mistake in handling the rifle it is possible the rifle will last you for several(or many) years.

-Giving you a few options to consider-

The Benjamin 392(.22) or 397(.177) are not quite as powerful as the Crosman Quest, but they are reasonable accurate and very durable rifles. Yes, you can hunt small game with either the 392 or 397. They are accurate and powerful enough to take a rabbit at 35 yards or so.

Pros

Well made/durable rifle

Multi-pump pneumatic, so you can control the power, 3-4 pumps and you have a nice plinker, 6-8 pumps and your rifle is powerful enough to hunt small game.

Cons

Ugly rifle(IMO)  

>If you have to, or want to scope your rifle, the 392/397 are better suited to a peep sight than they are a scope(IMO)

Gamo Big Cat

I'm not a Gamo fan, but this one is within your price range and it is a better rifle than the Crosman(Phantom/Storm XT/Quest/Etc) - Too bad this one does not have iron sights -

The RWS 34 is over your $150 limit, but , IMO, for $187-$225(depending on the stock & package)  you get many-many times the rifle.

Or, you could go the other way with your first air rifle. A rifle such as the Tech Force 34(TF34) will only run you around $55 - They are not as powerful* or as accurate as the Crosman guns, but they are capable of taking small game out to 35 yards or so**.

http://www.airgundepot.com

*850fps with the .177 -

**My Dad has one that he uses to keep squirrels away from his bird houses

Answer 3

Mike-

You might have your parents look at the Pellet Rifle I own.

Benjamin Sheridan .177 Cal Pellet Rifle.

I have had this rifle for many years.  The thing you need to keep in mind is this.  You cannot shoot BB's through it.  It will ruin the barrel.  

The Rifle should run about $125.00 from most retailers.  It is a very good little rifle and should serve you well for many years provided you take good care of it.  I have had mine for nearly 20 years.  

I know that you can still get them new, as Benjamin Sheridan still makes them.  This is a pump style with a bolt handle, so its a single shot, but if you have some open area on your parents property, it will definately kick cans around pretty good.

They make two other calibers too.  There is a .22 caliber, (meaning it takes .22 Caliber Pellets, and a .20 Caliber).

You might also talk to you parents about getting a Ruger 10/22 which is a .22 LR.  I had one about your age, that I was given from my father.  I still have it, and it works just fine.  Just be sure that you understand the need for supervision, and make that deal with your parents.  I'll just bet that you might get that rifle.  Just be sure that you let your Pop's have the control.  Just don't be afraid to ask him to go and shoot.  Its important, and will help him trust you in later years when you decide to get something a little larger.

In the meantime, check out the Benjamin Sheridan Pellet Rifles.  I think you will like them.  I have seen them at Big-5 and many other Gun Shops.

Good Luck, and happy shooting!