Can I get a decent 1- cock air rifle (.177 @ 1,000fps) for around $200?

[mannyrock]

Dear Guys,

   I am in an area where I could use a good air rifle alot.  I would only use it with a scope, as my eyes are way too bad for iron sights.

   As a child, I had a Sheridan Blue Streak (5mm).   Man, did I get sick of pumping that gun 4 times before every shot!  My brother has a like new Sheridan Silver Streak, that he gave to me, and now I'm getting flashbacks when I pump that thing up.

  Yes, I know that the Beeman R1 is the lowest price EXCELLENT air rifle to consider.  But, I don't have $500.

   Is there any rifle out there that is reliable, accurate, not prone to spring wearout/damage, that I could get for around $200?  (I'm not looking for a combo set. I'd buy the scope and mounts separately)?   I would probably not put 2,000 rounds in it in my lifetime.

   Also, I would be shooting squirrel, rabbits, and birds, at 30 yards or so.  Would I be better off with a .22 caliber in the 800 fps class???

   All I keep hearing on the internet is to forget Gamo (made in Spain) and forget anything made in China (bad springs, and seals prone to damage).
   
   Thanks for all advice.

Mannyrock

[Ahab]

Hmmm, I've put my Gamo Shadow 1000 up against many a RWS and won. Yes, you can pop a rabbit in the eye in 30 yrds or less and bring it down quick.

[argocat]

Check out the Beeman RS2 series Model 1073 2 barrels .177 cal. 1000 fps .22 cal. 800 fps one cock max. velocity and a 4X32 scope at walmart for less than $150. I love mine and shoot it everyday

[mcwoodduck]

I have a Gamo and like it a lot.
I have shot the Winchester and the Ruger guns.  They are in the 100 to 150 range.
as for a scope get a pellet rifle scope.  I had a BSA that came with my Gamo as a package that I killed after about a year.  I now have a Bushnell pellet gun scope that is great.  I think it was about $65.
Also I had to buy a bunch of different pellets to find ones that would all go into the same spot.  For me it's the RWS heavy target ot the Gamo Gold things.  I like the RWS better, more thump on critters.  But the Gamo rifle is still kind of loud.  I have gone to a tube fed bolt action with a forward mounted pistol scope and shoot 22 CB longs out of it.  No pumping or cocking real quiet ( the longer the arrel the quieter) fast follow up shots too. It takes a little bit to cock the rifle and after an hour of plinking I'm done with the 177 rifle.
But a good place to start looking is either Cabela's or Bass Pro on line to see what options you have.

[mcwoodduck]

Caela's has a Gamo Hunter on sale for 149.  www.cabelas.com
Just Type Gamo in the search engine and it will pop up along with 3 other pages of Gamo stuff.
Hope this was helpfull.