Had a Game air pistol in my youth and found it very accurate and fun to use. However when the seals finally perished I was unable to buy new replacements, Youngs Airguns were unable to help. 

No internet then so after many phone calls I had to throw it away (very sad).

Now I am looking for an .22 air rifle (not PCP) for targets and rodents. Got quite keen on the "Gamo Swarm 10x Gen3i" but when doing research found a few cons that existed and the memories of the pistol seals.

So I have been looking at more traditional makes on the web and available in NZ. Getting more confused by the minute.

 The Diana 350 N-tech looks exiting as does the Weihrauch 80 SL. Both are at the limit of funds (allowing for a poss scope).

I'm no expert by any means, but knowing what I do now and if I were in your position again, I'd spend the extra to buy a decent quality brand.

You can't go wrong with a Weihrauch or air Arms and I do like my Cometa Fenix 400.

From my personal experience (meaning I bought one, hated it and sold it) I wouldn't buy another Norica, Stoega, Benjamin or Air Chief.  That leaves a few others such Diana, BSA, Hatsan, Umarex, Beeman  and Crosman that I have no experience with.  It's also possible the more expensive of the Benjamin range may be OK.

I'm sure that there are plenty of members with far more experience than me who will chirp in and help narrow the field down for you.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated. Will take it on board.

Cheers.

Bryan.

Yes that's correct, sold it last weekend to another guy with his name spelt exactly the same as yours. I can now move around my shed (and indoor shooting range) without having to worry about damaging the paintwork....

Great advice, I have been reading your very knowledgable posts.

Probably won't bother the Gamo distributors as I did get rid of the pistol some 20 years ago.

Seems that as in most areas you get what you pay for.

Really enjoy your gun reviews.

Cheers.

Bryan.

Yes there is so much information that it will get confusing.

My advice: define the usage and take your time, read the forum reviews.

The British do great stuff with sub 12 ft/lbs so it is not all about power.

Quality second hand units would be my choice.

Most important: trigger, trigger and the trigger.

Gamo: from my posts, you will see I own many, but will never recommend the magnum units.

Multi-Shot units, I struggle to see the benefit, air guns are meant to be simple and easy to maintain.

Gamo make some mid-power rifles where the trigger is not as stressed so remains usable.

Walking about for pest control then consider weight.

Scopes - go for lifetime warranties.

You do know you are asking one of "those" questions right, like how long is a piece of string....

For my 2 cents worth, if you can afford a Weihrauch, get it.

End of story.

I could write two pages on why u should get a Weihrauch, or an AirArms, but the short version is if you have taken the time to reach out to an air gun forum you are obviously serious about getting an air rifle, so get yourself a quality rifle and just be a happy air gunner...

Life's too short for cheep crap 

Buy that Weihrauch 80 SL!!! You'll never be happier!   And as it's so powerful and so accurate, .22 would be best in my opinion if you're thinking of hunting with it too?

Welcome!

Airguns are fun. any you get will be fun to use.

It really depends on what you want to use it for... my recommendations:

if its pest control - go for .22, something around 18 footpound.

If its targets then go for .177, flatter trajectory, smaller holes. something around 16 footpound is fine.

If you want to do a little pest control too, the .177 will be fine for birds and rabbits.

Dont buy gamo, they arent made to last, theyre over-sprung and horible to shoot.

Hatsan, Crosman, Benjamin, Stoeger - kinda all on par - they are ok as low budget pest control guns - accuracy fine with the right pellets, trigger average but ok for out in the field.

Step up in price to Cometa - a vast improvement on the trigger - nice and adjustable, can be made predictable, crisp and light. Build quality is good, good accurate barrels.

I got a .177 Cometa Fusion as my first proper air gun, and it would stack pellets all day at 25yard range i shoot at.

Diana would be a step up from Cometa - german made, quality guns, better trigger.

Step up again to Weihrauch - the HW80 in .22 is a great pest control gun - high powder, solid, youll be able to hand it down to your kids and grandkids with their build quality.

Rekord triggers are among the best of the sporting air rifles. Theyve been around for decades, and parts are readily available if you do need a repair.

HW97 is a fantastic gun, lower in power means less recoil, heavy weight i find helps stability. Great gun for serious target shooting.

HW95 - great option for lower power and easier to shoot than the HW80 with less recoil

Air Arms TX200 is awesome, finished with a deep shiny blueing you only see on fine British firearms. Triggers are every bit as good as the HW97 (i prefer the AA), just as accurate - it'l stack pellets in the same hole if you do your part.

Shoots smoother than the HW97 as it has synthetic bearings on the piston to reduce frisction and generally less twang than the HW. 

Problem is finding one, theyve been sold out quite some time, and I believe the new stock coming will be the newer Ultimate Sporter ones, whioch i cant see being less than $2k RRP