>>615850
I shoot two different 22 LR classic rifles that are still functional without any problems. Ones a hundred years old, the other eighty years old, that old Glenfield is as good as you can find a bolt action in some ways, shoots like a dream. As long as they are cleaned and oiled they will continue to function just fine. The cartridge was old when those rifles were made and its even older now with no end in sight.
What bothers me with air guns is only their longevity, air seals and specs can cause problems over time. Many air guns need to be rebuild/refurbished over time, wither or not you shoot them a lot. Next thing you know you're on "equal terms' with the rimfire firearm, 20 years later you shoot a squirrel and it walks away. While I might have to put 200K rounds through my old legacy rifles to wear out the barrels, with age being of no concern with maintenance, the air gun has its issues.
Also it is better for practice in many ways because the muzzle flash, report, residue and everything else helps prepare shooters for shooting more powerful firearms. I like doing some dry firing once and a while, and an air gun is a great way to keep practicing, but too much of both will leave you a bit off when it comes time to jump back into a combat caliber handgun, or even a low power pocket pistol, or a high power rifle. Good practice for the beginner and a good supplement for the old shooter, but hardly a replacement for high volumes of firearm firing.
Also, what is a decent grade 22LR compared to a comparable air rifle? My CZ Manlicher cost me $450, a man can buy a cheap Cricket or whatever those junior kids bolt actions are called, for like $100-150.
Things to consider.