Break barrel airguns have come a long ways and have more power than they used to. Since your specific situation is for raccoons only in a nearby garden, investing in a PCP would increase the cost by around $200 over that break barrel and you wouldn't get full use of it. Now if you were planning on hunting more critters with an airgun, that could be a different story. Also, consider shooting IdahoRon a PM. He uses an Air arms TX200 in 22 caliber to devastating effect upon his groundhog population in Idaho. If you look back through this sub forum, you'll see impressive photos of some of the huge hogs he's killed. That TX200 costs more than your budget and his scope likely costs more than his gun but it is a very impressive rig. From his posts, you can really see what is possible with a break barrel airgun and learn more about how an airgun kills and why. Plus cool pictures of course.
