Hi I am just now getting into the deer industry and trying to get all the things I need. My next item is a dart gun. I am looking to see what's the best dart gun for the money and the most reliable and user friendly?
I did some research last summer when I had to purchase my first one. Everyone seems to either like the Pneu Dart X Caliber or the Dan Inject. Both are pricey. I thought about buying a cheaper one but I figured I would have to upgrade eventually so I decided to just bite the bullet the first go around. I ended up with the X Caliber and I love it.
We use the Pneu Dart Model 389 Cartridge Fired. It has worked well as a less expensive alternative. I have never used the x-caliber so cant compare. Those that have used both say the x-caliber is a game changer and worth the money. That being said... the 389 works too.
Joined Nov 2015
8 Posts | 0+
Corsicana, TX
We had a 389 and I upgraded to a X-Caliber. If you can afford it...buy it. We love ours and have 100% confidence in it. We even had to take an ill advised 50 yard shot the other night and were able to do so. I don't like to take shots like that and would not even try that with our 389. I think we got a bad 389 because it has been plagued with accuracy and consistency issues from the beginning. I have changed scopes, weighed charges, and everything else they suggested. I even put another barrel on it. Obviously tons of people use the 389 and love it with great success. I am just giving our experience as new breeders.
my 389 will shoot near cloverleafs at 50 yards, always been accurate. The newer X-Calibre is waaaayy quieter, which can be very important.
I have the 178B air projector and I must say it is very accurate, of course I try to keep it 15 yards or under. My biggest complaint is if you don't get your shot of fairly quick the gun will bleed off air then you have to pump it again, and as you all know these critters learn that sound real quick. Thinking about the X-Caliber, should of just started with it I guess. You all that have it are happy with it?? Thanks
Joined Nov 2015
8 Posts | 0+
Corsicana, TX
We have been very pleased. I wouldn't say it was silent but it is quiet. We bought a 45 angle picatinny rail and so we would easily mount a flashlight and take it off between the scope rings when we need it. The only thing that seems a little wasteful is when you have to go dart just one deer you aren't suppose to keep CO2 in it so you waste it after you get done. I don't think it is a real deal breaker. They just use the cartridges the bb/pellet guns use.