TargetTalk

I know very little about air rifles, but I shoot NRA highpower (M14) and I shot on the smallbore team at college (win 52D).

Looking at the price of 22 ammo has gotten me interested in my air rifle. I am shooting in the basement which affords me 25'. I don't mind shooting positions, but to be honest, I'll be shooting offhand only.

Right now I have a Daisy 853. It's definitely at the bottom end of the build quality scale. I've improved the trigger as much as it can go--it now qualifies as "Not Too Bad." But the feel of it in my hands is just lacking.

I shoot lefty. I like wood stocks. I'm used to some weight. I think I'd like the equivalent of a Winchester 52D. Something older; decent aperture sights. Good build quality. I'd rather not mess around with CO2 or canned air. I'd like to spend $600 or less. Again, I'm shooting this offhand, so it doesn't have to be superb.

Any thoughts on what I should be looking for?

Walther LGR (single stroke pneumatic). When new, it was a world beater. Easy to rebuild/maintain, too.

+1 for the walther... or fwb 300, 601,602,603 all will do what you need.

Look in the for sale topic for a reputable seller named Jim E, he imports a lot of like new used German match rifles and refurbs them for sale, good prices too.

Here ya go:

http://www.targettalk.org/viewtopic.php?t=38800

Also consider the AirArms S400 MPR precission, Its a PCP, wood stock, left or right handed or ambi, your choice. Adjustable cheek piece and butt plate
Comes complete with match sights, air cylinder adaptor and tool kit. Extra stock and muzzle weights are available.
Around £600 so in your ball park.
Check the Air Arms web site

Walther LGR is hard to beat. It has the actual barrel mounted ahead of the air cylinder, so follow through is really critical, but if you can hold it still as you break the shot it will shoot 10's all day. Many world records set by it when it first appeared. The trigger is fully adjustable and really good. Walther made it in left hand stock but always a right hand cocking lever. Fienwerkbau 600 was really good also.