Hi newbie wanting some advice

hi, for $600 I would be looking for a Second hand Diana or Weihrauch. I don't know much about the umerex octane elite, but if it's as grunty as advertised, you would want the .22 as the .177 will fly to fast to be accurate with standard weight pellets. I would not spend $600 on a Gamo (again ) The more expensive gamos are no more accurate or powerful than the cheaper ones (except for a few cases). Where about's in Canterbury are you?

I would be looking at .22 . The speed of the Gamo they are claiming are with PBA pellets so you can easily drop 200 fps off that total speed when using real pellets. personally i wouldnt be getting a gamo, the triggers are crap and anyone that has owned one would tell you the same.

Cookies wrote: Hi all great site been reading through a few topics . My question is I'm looking at spending approx $600 on a air rifle want it for rabbits been looking at the gammo swarm .177 10 shot cartridge or a umerex octane elite both $599 with Ao scopes anyone give advice on the best one or are they very similar Thanks in advance

For hunting, .22 is generally the preferred cal.
I would stay away from Gamo, and not convinced on the Umarex.. Their scopes are usually not that good either. I would go for:

A) used Weihrauch, Diana
B) New - Cometa Fusion or Fenix - both a good step up from any gamo, crosman, benjamin etc.
You can get a good package deal from airgunsnz.co.nz - $629 for the fusion with 3-9x40 AO scope, or $569 for the Fenix. the scopes are Hawke brand, one of the only brands I would put on a high powered spring rifle. 

Also, a great deal on that site is the Diana 31 Pro Compact package:

http://www.airgunsnz.co.nz/airguns/227-diana-panther-31-pro-compact.html

A very good deal for german quality, with a good scope and new gun warranty. basically the price of a second hand rifle.. with free shipping as well!