Crossman 1701p, Reximex RPA, or Snowpeak for beginner?
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:57 pm
I'm only willing to drop 500$ on a starting pistol and upgrade later when I get more experience.
If the Crossman trigger is anything like their 2300T (T for "target", what a joke...), avoid it like the plague.
The Reximex is pretty much a complete unknown in this country. The real issue is service if anything goes wrong. For the price, they can't spend a lot of time on quality control. Target PCP pistols are complicated beasts.
The Snowpeak has a poor reputation for quality/reliability. The Air Venturi Comp10 is the same pistol, but is being imported by Air Venturi, who will presumably A) insist the Chinese keep the quality up, and B) support them with parts & repairs. Surprise, it costs more than a Snowpeak.
If you have to go PCP, you'd be much better off being patient & getting a used Hammerli AP20. While you wait, save up money for a scuba tank.
Another approach is to get a non-PCP and get started without the expense of a SCUBA tank. A FAS 6004 or a used IZH 46M would get you going.