Chris,

Again, thanks for the insights. I'm well acquainted with both those websites.

>>I wouldn't say that 825fps is low powered, plenty good for most air rifle tasks.<<

Actually, it's pretty high-powered... for a springer in .22. The 825 is just nominal, with "real" pellets the model seems to chrony about 750 fps.

I rarely shoot it indoors, because even with the steel traps that can handle it (most air gun traps can't), the lead pellets actaully splatter, and fragments easily come back the 30 feet or so. That seems to happen with steel targets and anything that does more than about 550 fps- I have a CZ-631 with a Maccari tune kit that probably puts out .177s at 575 fps or so, and shooting metal targets (hanging "spoons" and such) I've been stung by fragments many times, and can often hear them hitting the wall behind me.. you don't want to forget shooting glasses.

The RWS 94 does work with the "ballistic putty" (duct seal) trap, or with a thick bundle of newspapers, though that makes a mess eventually. As I said, the trigger needs attention, but the piece never fails to bring a smile to the shooter- it's just sweet. Very nice for an inexpensive air rifle (or very inexpensive for a nice air rifle).

>>You obviously love air rifles<<

Like most of my interests, it comes in waves and cycles over time. I also shoot flintlocks, and sometimes pieces.. well, we computer nerds say "any noun can be verbed", and that also applies to "grandfather". :-) Still, although I've enjoyed shooting for decades, airguns have given me MORE shooting to enjoy than anything else.

>>if price is an object<<

Generally not, at least in the range of a few grand here and there.. though it was an object, come to think of it, the last time I bought an air rifle. That's one of the reasons (there were others) that I ended up with the RWS 94 instead of an R9. I seem to recall that a good hand pump for PCP was about $750?

I will consider what you've told me when "new toy" time comes in that area of interest again. :-) Thanks.