[Jeff Higgins]

The Sheridan only comes in .20 caliber. The Benjamin is virtually the same gun, but comes in .177 and .22 calibers. The .177 is by far the cheapest to shoot, and will do just fine for plinking. .20 caliber is kind of an oddball, with the only pellets available being the proprietary Sheridans or some of the Beeman variety, like their Silver Jet and whatnot. There are no "bargain" brands of cheap .20 caliber pellets. That said, however, they are still dirt cheap to shoot compared to even the cheapest .22 rim fires.

Benjamin and Sheridan merged something like 20 years ago after being competitors for years. Both are quality, American made pneumatic air rifles. The distinguishing features of the two makes started to blur after the merger. Then, in the last decade or so, Crossman bought them. The only difference between the Benjamin and Sheridan lines today is the caliber. The .20 caliber is traditional for the Sheridan. It never caught on with anyone else, save for a few European (mainly German) manufacturers that recognized its superiority as a hunting caliber. It really does hit noticably harder than a .177, and has better range than a .22 caliber. It's the perfect compromise for most air rifles power plants.

Air rifles are obviously extremely limited in the power they can produce. At least the fully self contained ones; the pre-charged (from a scuba tank) pneumatics are a whole different kettle of fish. So, when restricted by a mainspring a man can actually cock by himself or a pneumatic he can actually pump up, maximum air rifle power is limited. Like anything else in this world, that power can be used in a number of ways. High velocity, in the form of .177's, is one way. High power, in the form of the .22 caliber (and even .25 caliber now). Or somewhere inbetween. That's kind of where the .20 lies. It does shoot a very heavy for caliber pellet (like I said, heavier than most .22 pellets) so it ranges better and penetrates better than the .22. Other than the highly specialized (and expensive) .25 caliber spring piston guns, that makes the .20 caliber Sheridan the best "everyman's" hunting air rifle.

Anyway, if you don't need that, the .177 is a better choice. Every bit as accurate (with similar quality pellets) at short range, and somewhat cheaper to feed. And, like I said, the Benjamin is essentially the same rifle as the Sheridan these days.

Joe - just buy a new one from Mac1; they have them in stock, ready to ship. Either factory original or their Steroid tuned version. Airguns of Arizona has them as well, as does Pyramid Air, and many others. I bought my son a Sheridan locally at a Big 5 Sporting Goods. Look around and you'll find one fairly easily.