I used CB Longs as well, and they are much quieter than a good air rifle, at least when the CB is fired from a rifle barrel. What takes many to the good air rifle is that they are legal in situations where the firearm is a dicy choice. Personally I like the RWS air rifles but I have been able to "get by" without one due to the CB Long. There has been some discussion of air rifles in the Small Game, Predator and Trapping forum.