After three years of ownership and countless pellets down range, I can tell you that purchasing the Beeman R9 was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my airgunning journey. Let me share what it’s really like to own and shoot this German masterpiece.

First Impressions and Build Quality

I still remember the day I unboxed my R9. While everyone was raving about tactical-looking PCPs, I found myself drawn to this classically styled beauty. The deep bluing on the barrel caught my eye first – it’s the kind of finish you just don’t see much anymore. When I ran my hands over the beech stock, I could feel the quality of one of the best spring air rifles for the money. Sure, some might say the finish is almost too smooth (I actually added a bit of grip tape to the forestock for those humid summer days), but that’s just nitpicking.

Living with the R9

Here’s what you don’t read in the specs: this rifle becomes part of your routine. Every morning, I take a few shots in my backyard range before work. The 35-pound cocking effort that seemed a bit challenging at first has become second nature – I barely notice it now. The action has actually gotten smoother over time, like a well-worn pair of leather shoes.

The Rekord trigger? It’s become my benchmark for what a good trigger should feel like. When I shoot other airguns now, I find myself comparing their triggers to my R9’s, and few measure up. I haven’t even felt the need to adjust it from the factory setting of 2 pounds 12 ounces – it’s just right.

Real-World Performance

Let me tell you about accuracy. My favorite pellets are the H&N Field Target Trophies (8.64 grain), and with these, my R9 consistently puts pellet on pellet at 25 yards. I’ve taken it to several local field target matches, and while I’m not winning any championships, my rifle certainly isn’t holding me back. The looks of surprise when this “old-school” springer keeps up with expensive PCPs are priceless.

The power level (around 14 ft-lbs) might not sound impressive in today’s magnum-powered world, but it’s perfect for what I need. I’ve successfully handled the occasional garden pest, and for target shooting, it’s ideal. Plus, the moderate power means I’m not fighting harsh recoil or dealing with scope-destroying behavior.

Comprehensive Beeman R9 Performance Data

Velocity and Energy Performance by Caliber and Pellet Type

.177 Caliber

Pellet Type	Weight (Grain)	Velocity (FPS)	Muzzle Energy (Ft/Lbs)
Gamo Raptor Platinum (alloy)	4.7	1,099.35	12.61
H&N Field Target Trophy Green	5.56	1,052.39	13.67
RWS Hobby	7.0	906.29	12.76
Crosman Premier HP	7.9	889.19	13.86
JSB Exact Diabalo	8.44	859.59	13.84
H&N Field Target Trophy	8.64	857.15	14.09
H&N Baracuda Match	10.65	744.13	13.09

.22 Caliber

Pellet Type	Weight (Grain)	Velocity (FPS)	Notes
JSB Exact	18.1	561-585	Common hunting load
H&N Field Target	11.42	772

.20 Caliber

Pellet Type	Weight (Grain)	Velocity (FPS)	Notes
Benjamin Diabolo	14.3	820
JSB	13.73	740-742	Very consistent

Detailed Accuracy Performance by Distance

Distance	Group Size	Pellet Type	Notes
10 yards	0.16″-0.39″	H&N Baracuda Match	10-shot groups
10 yards	0.125″	Various	5-shot groups
20 yards	0.17″-0.50″	H&N Baracuda Match	10-shot groups
25 yards	0.25″	Various	5-shot groups
25 yards	0.4″	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65gr	5-shot average
25 yards	0.5″	Various	Consistent across users
30 yards	0.49″-0.87″	H&N Baracuda Match	10-shot groups
30 yards	0.75″	Various	Quarter-size groups
50 yards	<1″	Predator GTOs	10-shot groups
50 yards	0.715″	Various	6-shot group

Notes:

• Most consistent accuracy achieved with medium to heavy weight pellets
• Hold sensitivity reported as minimal compared to other spring-piston rifles
• Performance varies slightly with temperature and altitude
• Factory tuning can affect individual rifle performance
• Best results after proper scope mounting and break-in period

The Scope Situation

I’ll be honest – I swapped out the bundled Bushnell scope pretty quickly. Not because it was bad (it’s actually quite clear), but I needed mil-dots for field target shooting. I mounted a Hawke Airmax, and the combination is fantastic. If you’re buying an R9, I’d suggest getting the scope-free version and choosing your own optic based on your needs.

Daily Use and Maintenance

One thing I love about the R9 is its simplicity. There’s no need for filling tanks, no regulators to adjust, no complicated maintenance routines. A few drops of quality oil every few thousand shots, keep the barrel clean, and that’s about it. In three years, I haven’t had a single mechanical issue.

The rifle has developed its own character marks – a few small scratches on the stock tell stories of woodland hunting trips, and the bluing on the barrel has worn slightly where I grip it for cocking. Each mark makes it more mine.

Hunting and Field Use

While I mainly use my R9 for target shooting, I’ve taken it hunting occasionally. It’s dropped several rabbits cleanly at ranges up to 30 yards. The moderate power means you need to be more conscious of range and shot placement, but that’s made me a better shooter overall.

What really impresses me is how the rifle performs in different weather conditions. Whether it’s a humid summer evening or a cold winter morning, the point of impact barely shifts. This consistency is something you really appreciate over time.

The Little Things

There are small details you discover only after extended use. The way the barrel locks up with that satisfying click. How the automatic safety, which I initially found annoying, becomes a natural part of the shooting routine. The solid “thunk” when it fires, without the twang some springers develop over time.

Even loading becomes a zen-like experience. The breech design makes it easy to seat pellets perfectly every time – no thumb-destroying pellet loading here. It’s these little things that make shooting the R9 so enjoyable.

Value Over Time

Yes, I paid $570 for the Elite Combo version, and at the time, it felt like a lot of money. Looking back, it was a bargain. When I consider the thousands of enjoyable hours I’ve spent with this rifle, the cost per hour of entertainment is minuscule. Plus, unlike many modern airguns, I’m confident this one will last long enough to pass down to my kids.

What I Would Change

If I could change anything? Honestly, not much. The manual could be better – I had to learn about the decocking procedure from an online forum. And maybe the stock could use a bit more texture. But these are minor quibbles about what is otherwise an exceptional air rifle.

Final Thoughts

The R9 isn’t just an air rifle I own; it’s become a trusted companion. While others chase the latest innovations or highest power levels, I’ve found satisfaction in mastering this classic design. It’s taught me the importance of good technique, the value of consistency, and the joy of simple, well-executed engineering.

To anyone considering an R9, I’d say this: if you appreciate quality over flash, if you enjoy the process of becoming a better shooter rather than letting technology do the work, and if you value long-term reliability over short-term excitement, this rifle will not disappoint. Three years in, I’m still discovering new things to appreciate about it.

Every time I pick up my R9, I’m reminded why it’s earned its reputation as a modern classic. It’s not just an air rifle – it’s a lifetime investment in shooting enjoyment.