Beginner looking for Clubs around Auckland

as mentioned, decide what air rifle shooting you want to do;

Back yard plinking - low power is fine. If you know your neighbours; talk to them and let them know you want to shoot and will set up an appropriate backstop to ensure no pellet leaves your yard. invite them to see to be reassured. If they know what you are up to there is less concern that they will call police.

Target shooting - if you want to get into target shooting there is North Shore air rifle club, and Auckland Air Rifle club based in Howick. Both will allow all types of air rifle, howick I know has a lot of beginners and also junior shooters.

Most work their way up to target rifles,as they hone their skills to get the best score possible, with top of the line being the Air Arms TX200, which last retailed at $1500 for the rifle only, and high magnification scopes from around $400 for a Hawke Vantage.

Then there are PCP rifles ranging up to $3000+

(Remember with target shooting its not always about beating everyone else, but you improve your own skills by trying to beat your own last score)

Target shooting doesnt require huge power - low power is easier to shoot accurately

Hunting / Pest control - killing an animal requires a combination of equipment and skill;

1) You need enough power to ensure an efficient kill

2) Your gun and pellet combination needs the accuracy to ensure consistent shot placement to hit the vital organs to ensure efficient kill

3) You need the shooting skill to achieve the shot placement to ensure an efficient kill.

An animal may be a pest species but doesnt deserve to suffer.

If you are in Auckland, go visit Youngs Airguns on Dominion Road, its a dedicated airgun store and Ron has good knowledge - hes been around 40 years. He has a wide range of guns to look at, Gun City only stocks the few they make the most money on.

A Gamo from Gun City for $1000 is not a wise investment, you can get a German made Weihrauch or Diana for that money and you have a gun with pin point accuracy if you do your part, and will also last decades.

Have fun is the main thing