archer qb78 deluxe . .177 or .22 ??

[BOOTYMONSTER]

i want to get something powerfull enough to take out a tree rat or woodpecker at up to 25-30 yards and also punch paper , id also like to be as quiet as possible . i might once in a while go to a family members out in the country and go for a few rabbits . i will be putting a scope on it , im considering the centerpoint 4-16x40 scope . IF.......if i do my part will this fill my bill ? and would .177 or .22 be better ? im thinking for critters .22 , but .177 pellets should shoot farther flatter for better shot placement . whats your thoughts ?

i went to wally world and got a storm combo , but even with the elevation on the scope all the way up it was shooting about a foot low at 15 yards . it was also much louder than id like , so i took it back . im thinking all break barrels are gonna be that loud and i dont really wanna be pumping up every shot .

[Graybeard]

I know NOTHING of that rifle but for the uses to which you say you'll put it I'd go with a .22 personally. I've got the hots for one of the Gamo Whispers in .22 but just don't have the spare bucks to make it happen. When I can see my way clear I'll bring one home for somewhat similar use to what you mention.

[dwalk]

i have both; .177 & .22...

for taking out tree squirrels, I'd opt for the .22 and putting the PROPER pellet in the PROPER place

there are websites devoted specifically to mods of these rifles to glean more 'power' from these rifles; do a search on them.

valve modifications are easily accomplished by simple home shoppe tooling if you care to undertake it yourself. i gained nearly 100 fps by doing mods myself...but it did increase gas consumption.

BTW...these rifles tend to be VERY accurate, right out of the box.

[S.S.]

The .22 caliber is far more effective in low to mid velocity guns.
I have tried just about every .22 cal pellet I can get my hands on
and the Beeman Ram Jet is the best I have found in these guns.
The PBA pellets SUCK! not to put it too delicately.
Also, I recommend replacing the factory breech seal.
It is quite easy to do and I have not found a pellet in a Squirrel since
I did it, All passthroughs now. I made the new seal from 1/4 inch
Ice maker water tube..
http://www.compasseco.com has made a PCP version that is said
to get almost 900 fps. in .22

[lamerabbit]

At factory velocites the 22 caliber wins hands down, because while it does drop more at this power level the 22 will drift less, (less wind deflection).  Pellet choice is important here, Crosman Premiers, domed, not hollow points, no pointed pellets, just plain round nosed will give the best BC value, believe me I know as I have tested them all.  The same goes for the JSB, while you can shoot any pellet you want, and they will shoot, but you will probably get the best accuracy with the type of pellet mentioned, plus they hold their velocity far better.

As already mentoned, for hunting the 22 kills better at this power level

Jim

[Macphoto]

CO2 guns get pretty sluggish when the temperature drops into the 50s.

[S.S.]

This is true, and so far, that is the only down fall
I have with the c02 guns. The QB is a bit more vulnerable
to this because it uses 2 cylinders and does not run out
of Gas too quick like single cylinder guns. Gas has longer to get cold
and not get that nice warm new cylinder from your pocket.

[Macphoto]

S.S., a buddy of mine had one all tricked out with an extended reservoir.  In colder months, he wrapped two of the little heat packets to the tube.  Worked great.  Just a thought

[swampthing]

.22 with Kodiaks  {21g pellets} anywhere around 600fps and youl'll be al set, may want to do H#*d Shots on game biger than squirrell. 

[S.S.]

S.S., a buddy of mine had one all tricked out with an extended reservoir.  In colder months, he wrapped two of the little heat packets to the tube.  Worked great.  Just a thought

I will definately give this a try!
I was thinking about a piece of foam tube water
pipe insulation around the front of the resevoir too.

[poncaguy]

I just got into the air guns again, Crossman Storm XT and Gamo Big Cat, both 177. They are very accurate and powerful, shoot through 1/2" plywood with lead pellets.My old Crossman I've had for 20 years, is very accurate, but not near as powerful. Wanting a 22 next...........