Not sure if anyone made this recommendation, but I would recommend getting a Weihrauch HW95, or a Beeman R9. They are the same model, as Beeman imports the Weihrauch. Weihrauch is a German manufacturer who makes excellent quality airguns. You get what you pay for, and I've shot many sub-$500 air rifles. Some are accurate, but many are not. I think the HW95 is one of the best bang/buck, and the Rekord trigger is exceptional. I have a friend who shoots one to 50 yds. Learning to hold all springers (break-barrel rifles) correctly while firing is a MUST.
It's a break-barrel and, as someone mentioned previously, will benefit from using an "artillery hold". See below:
Achieving the greatest accuracy from an air rifle requires some changes in one’s typical shooting habits. Instead of holding the rifle with a firm grip, you have to use the loosest grip possible and allow it to recoil freely.
www.louisianasportsman.com
Because piston-driven air rifles have a piston moving forward, the gun moves backward slightly to compensate. This can cause the barrel to move, throwing off the aim point. Using the artillery hold, is allows the gun to move more freely, compensating for the rearward gun inertia.
The movement of the gun when firing is jarring to most scopes, which is why you want one rated for this. As an example, my neighbor has a cheaper Gamo model that he said was not aiming correctly. I spotted it in for him, but 5 shots later, it was out of aim again. The constant jarring of the springer caused the cheap scope to loosen internally.
Many manufacturers build quality scopes, but few are inexpensive AND work well. Hawke makes great scopes that are designed for this. Here is a good recommendation:
Specialist scopes designed by airgunners for airgunners! Airmax scopes feature our H2 optics in a variety of configurations designed to suit airgun characteristics. Capped Low-Profile Turrets. 1 Inch Mono-Tube Chassis. Wide Angle. 16 Layer Fully Multi-Coated Lenses. High Torque Zoom Ring. Fast...
us.hawkeoptics.com
You don't need high magnification for the range you'll be shooting, and this will exceed your needs.
Last thing, DON'T SKIMP ON THE PELLETS! Many ppl buy nice guns, but don't understand the importance of quality pellets, and the consistency of machining, facilitating better groupings.
Also, don't zero the scope using funky pellet shapes like pointed, hollowpoint, etc.
These pellets are not cheap, but they are of excellent quality. I've taken rabbits, large crows etc with them.
Stock up on JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Express .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed, 250ct at Pyramyd and get the best price for your next outdoor adventure!
www.pyramydair.com
They come in different grains, so I would get a small amount of 13(ish) to 16(ish) grain pellets, and see which your gun likes, assuming you get a .22 flavor.
Often, high quality pellets come in slightly different widths, as all barrels are not machined the same. In .22 cal, you can get from 5.52mm to 5.54, in varying sizes. That .02 difference can make a huge difference in accuracy, and distance. You might want to get 3 sizes, like 5.5, 5.52, and 5.53, and pattern your gun with all three, to see if there's a big change
It's a lot to consider, but planning ahead makes it a lot more fun when you get consistently good results in the field.
Good Luck!
D