Good PCP Rifle for Under $500....What's the TOP Choices?

Hey all.

I'm wanting to get back into shooting in the near future.  I am also wanting to make the step to a PCP rifle.  My problem is that I don't know very much at all about what's out there and then what a good choice would be.  I can't spend a lot of money and I would prefer to buy a good USED rifle.  But if I have to buy NEW, I'd like to keep it under $500.

The only ones I know about are all from Benjamin.  The Marauder, Fortitude, Cayden and Akela.  I haven't decided whether I'd like it in .177 or .22.  I have a .177 Diana break barrel now so it might be best to stay with 1 caliber.  What I would like is a rifle that is as accurate as I can get in that price range.  That's what I'll be doing with it, target shooting.  I don't hunt at all.  I'd like to maybe shoot out to a maximum of 100 yards, but most likely 50 yards and under.  I also have no idea if it needs to be regulated or not.

Any help and advice you can give will be much appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

BD

While on backorder I expect the new air venturi avenger is probably going to rank pretty high on the list.

This answer for me is easy in the used market.  An AA S400 (single) or 410 (multi).  There is no better value that I have seen in the used market at or under your price point.  You can even acquire an AA S500 if you like single shot. 

Marauder is a great rifle no doubt. But the Diana Outlaw seem to be more refined and I’m thinking it is regulated. While I have never owned one I did get a chance to shoot one and it seemed really nice. 

Take Sonny's advice. 

The S4xx/5xx series are the best all around pcps one can ever wish to have. if you opt for a single shot S400, you can get it used for very close to $500. 

If you can live with 12 fpe you can also find a used AA S200/ CZ200. Not quite as refined as the 4xx series, and only available in single shot though an aftermarket magazine option exists, but just as accurate. There are online instructions to set the trigger up pretty nicely. As a added bonus the S200 is quite light and handy, had a small airtank that can be filled from a handpump easily. 

+ 3 on Sonny's advice on the AA.  I would stick to .177 if you are just target shooting mostly out to 50 yds.

First impressions of the new Benjamin "Kral" guns are good, with promo codes and free shipping you can get them around $500. 

Hard to point to an American made PCP under $500 other than Crosmans or a good used gun. 

I just gave my bud a Diana Stormrider .177 with a hand pump and 4x12 scope. Looking at what I paid for all of it puts me at less than 300 bucks. Add a 100 regulator and you are still under 500 with excellent accuracy and enough power for small game. Repeater or single shot. Lightweight to boot.

Just another option to consider. Also, can't say enough for my AA T200. Fantastic accuracy and quality.

I’m in the same boat.  I’ve been thinking the Gamo urban. Aaron Cantrell has nothing but good to say about them and he’s pretty good as far as you tubers go. Besides with the groups I see online that people get with them I’m pretty sure I could do better with all the care I’d put into it.   

Thank you all for your help and advice.

What do you all think about the new Benjamin Akela PCP?  I like the looks of that bullpen design and I bet it's comfortable to shoot as well.  I'm just curious as to how the Benjamin stuff matches up against the others.

Have a good week everyone!