OK
First, don't overlook a used match rifle. That will get you up another level. And "most" match shooters take VERY good care of their rifles. Club or school rifles are a crap shoot, some are good condition, others are in disrepair due to lack of caring by the kids, always ask condition.
In your budget you can find
new:
- Daisy 753 (SSP)
- Daisy 887 (co2), I think bulk only
- AR2078A (co2), either 12g cartridge or bulk. This is the target version of the QB78.
There is a version that uses a refillable paintball cartridge, but I don't know how badly it would move the CoG forward.
used:
- TAU-200 (co2), either 12g cartridge or bulk. Comes in either the full size "senior" or smaller "junior" models.
Note the JUNIOR model comes in either wood or lightweight resin stock, so don't assume a wood stock, always ask the seller.
Check out this deal, $150 for a used TAU-200-junior (shorter stock than the full size senior)
http://www.targettalk.org/viewtopic.php?t=20903- FWB-300, Anschutz LG-380, Diana 75 (spring). These are the top end of spring match rifles, and were the best in the world before the SSP/CO2/CA rifles. Good condition will push over your $400 budget. "Shooter condition" may be about $400 or less.
Notes:
- Daisy x53/88x series. The stock trigger is LOUSEY, the pull feels gritty. When they made it, they did not "deburr" the trigger sear. The fix is simple, but you do have to open up the rifle to fix it.
- co2. Not an issue if you don't live and shoot in extreme temperatures. co2 does not behave well in HOT or COLD temperatures, above 50F and below 95F and you should be fine.
- bulk co2. You MUST load LIQUID co2 into the rifle. This requires the bulk tank to either be turned upside down or equiped with a siphon. If you don't have a siphon, do NOT get a tank larger than 10 pounds. 10 pounds is the max size that can be safely turned upside down, w/o using a custom cradle to hold the tank, and even then it is difficult. If you don't use a siphon, the smaller 5 pound tank is a better choice.
- Things to watch out for with used match rifles
- - A cracked pistol grip. The problem is in airlines baggage handlers and freight companies. The pistol grip is a very vulnerable part of the stock and if it will break that is where it will break. The problem occurs when a rifle case is dropped on its end, the mass of the receiver+barrel+forestock will try to move more than the butt of the stock will, and the pistol grip will crack when the butt stock stops moving and the receiver/forestock keeps on moving. If you buy one used, make sure the seller separates the action from the stock, and pack the 2 parts well.
- - Missing sights. People who scoped these rifles many times lost the rear sights. Some school/club guns may be missing their sights also. An "inexpensive" replacement diopter rear sight will cost you about $60, genuine will cost well upwards of $200. IOW make sure the sights come with the rifle.
