For simplicity and your return to the airgun world since being a kid, I suggest getting a quality springer.
You mentioned staying under $300, but if you can stretch your budget a bit more, you can get into much better quality than your typical box store offerings. Look into getting a Weihrauch HW50s in .177 or a HW97 in .177 or .22 (stay away from the .20). They are German quality and will last a life time.
Also, you will need good glass. Spring piston rifles require scopes that can withstand their unique and harsh recoil. Look at Riton Optics or Element Optics.
They are available at Pyramid Air, Utah Airguns and Arizona Airguns. I suggest checking out Krale Scheitsport in the Netherlands for the best pricing though.
You mentioned staying under $300, but if you can stretch your budget a bit more, you can get into much better quality than your typical box store offerings. Look into getting a Weihrauch HW50s in .177 or a HW97 in .177 or .22 (stay away from the .20). They are German quality and will last a life time.
Also, you will need good glass. Spring piston rifles require scopes that can withstand their unique and harsh recoil. Look at Riton Optics or Element Optics.
They are available at Pyramid Air, Utah Airguns and Arizona Airguns. I suggest checking out Krale Scheitsport in the Netherlands for the best pricing though.