Posted by Bill B on August 15, 2001 at 16:52:32:
I'm gust getting started
in the sport, and would like to find out which rifle to get started with. Used,
new, CA,? I'm going to be shooting standing air-guns only. Thanks to anyone's
help.
Posted by Don W. on August 15, 2001 at 19:55:28:
Bill: Check out
http://members.aol.com/washsmallbore and his Stuff for Sale list. There are
usually some good, used air rifles and equipment listed. Most any of them will
work okay, at least to start with. You may want to change to something else
later, hence the need for such a list. Personally, I want to keep it simple so
that means no tanks, no pumps, no other stuff to bother with. And, as noted in
another post, you have little to worry with regarding temperature changes, etc.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Michael Ray on August 15, 2001 at 20:57:53:
Used FWB 600/601 or
Anschutz 2002 would be your best bets for starting in ISSF air rifle with the
least cost. They sometimes sell them without sights so make sure it's specified.
You will typically find them for $600-900 range.
Posted by Phillip Reedy on August 15, 2001 at 21:23:16:
Hello Bill,
I
would agree w/Michael in that a FWB 6xx or Anschutz 2002 would be great choices,
but you don't have to spend the kind of money that he mentioned. A good used FWB
300s or Diana (RWS) 75s TO1 would be a great starter rifle, and these can be had
for under $500. These are full-sized recoilless springers from Germany, and are
made to the same exacting standards as the rifles mention above. You won't see
these at the Olympics, but a good example will serve you well, and into the
expert category.
Have fun,
Phil Reedy
Posted by Charles Cammack on August 16, 2001 at 02:10:02:
You should be
aware that there are some very old RWS 75 T.01 rifles floating around out there
that were made as long ago as 1978. At some time in their manufacture RWS
changed to an improved piston seal material. The old seals get brittle, chip and
ruin the compression chamber rendering the rifles useless. Unless you know a 75
has the new seals I would not buy one. I speak from experience. Airgun Express
is the RWS factory authorized repair facility for these guns. A complete
overhaul costs $135 including seals and springs, IF there is no other damage.
I have also seen old, ex-shooting team 75's that have worn out barrels from
extreme use and improper cleaning. The bottom line is that I would suggest you
buy your used rifle from a reputable dealer like Pilkington who will have
checked the gun out and will stand behind it or from a person who you know will
give you a refund if the rifle is defective.
Cheers,
Charles
Posted by Coach Burns on August 16, 2001 at 08:53:18:
RWS will rebuild
these for free, they did all our team guns last year
Posted by Charles Cammack on August 16, 2001 at 11:59:16:
Coach
Burns,
I talked on the phone with Tim Challener at RWS's US headquarters in
NJ and he told me that all RWS repairs had been moved to Airgun Express. I got
the impression that if they receive a rifle at the NJ location they will repair
it depending on who sent it in and their mood of the moment. AGE's web site
confirms that they are the RWS repair center and I corresponded with Lorraine at
AGE via e-mail and she confirmed it also.
The model 75 rebuild used to cost $
75 for individuals at RWS-NJ, but the cost has doubled since the operation was
moved to Montezuma.
My personal opinion is that these rifles were good,
reliable guns when new, but are overly complicated Rube Goldberg contraptions in
this day and age. I think new shooter would be much better served with a modern
more simple design single stroke pneumatic target rifle that can be cheaply
repaired by just about any competent airgunsmith.
Charles
Posted by Joacim on August 15, 2001 at 23:56:57:
I agree with Michael that
a used FWB 601/602 or Anschutz 2001/2002 would be a great choice. You should
also look at Walther air rifles as they usually are cheaper and they have the
same quality and accuracy as the other rifles. The barrel of an air-rifle won't
wear out due to normal use so you can buy a 10 year old rifle without having to
worry about accuracy, just change the seals and it will be like new.
Good
Luck !
Joacim
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