The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Hide > The Art of the Rifle: General

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old February 25, 2014, 07:56 PM   #51
Peter M. Eick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 3, 1999
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 2,991


Heck, my Beeman 400 was $400 back in 1980. I have no idea what that would be today, a couple thousand?

Why do we buy them?



Did your rifle come with a 5 shot factory target like this?



Did your rifle come with a 5.5 onz factory trigger? Actually I turned it up. It used to be 2 onz and that was a bit light.



5 shots per bull, 10 m shot in a competition. Admittedly my best shooting ever but hey that is what precision air rifle is all about.

So why spend thousands on a precision air rifle? Because if you wanted to compete back in the day it was either the Dianawerk 75's (my Beeman 400 was a clone) or the FWB 300's. You did not win without one.
__________________
10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!
Peter M. Eick is offline  
Old February 25, 2014, 11:22 PM   #52
Jimro
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 18, 2006
Posts: 7,097
I'd love to find a Diana 75, FWB300, or best of all a Walther LGR at some garage sale.

Still, I should pick up a few more Daisy 853's from the CMP while they are still around. They will shoot tight, and it is fun to go SSP vs. SSP with a friend.

Jimro
__________________
Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.
Jimro is offline  
Old February 25, 2014, 11:36 PM   #53
JohnKSa
Staff
 
Join Date: February 12, 2001
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 24,928
Quote:
I'd love to find a Diana 75, FWB300, or best of all a Walther LGR at some garage sale.
Keep looking.

They do turn up from time to time on the used market. That's how I bought my FWB 300 some years back. In fact, one sold on ebay just a month or so ago.
__________________
Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?
JohnKSa is offline  
Old February 26, 2014, 06:41 AM   #54
B.L.E.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 20, 2008
Location: Somewhere on the Southern shore of Lake Travis, TX
Posts: 2,603
Peter M. Eick, or someone else who shoots competitive air rifle, what kind of backer do they use on those targets to make nice clean bullet holes instead of difficult to score bullet tears on the paper?
__________________
Hanlon's Razor
"Do not invoke conspiracy as explanation when ignorance and incompetence will suffice, as conspiracy implies intelligence and organization."
B.L.E. is offline  
Old February 26, 2014, 10:46 AM   #55
Jimro
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 18, 2006
Posts: 7,097
Quote:
what kind of backer do they use on those targets to make nice clean bullet holes instead of difficult to score bullet tears on the paper?
First off you get better holes from actual target paper targets. The paper has the fibers arranged in a manner to have nice round holes cut in it. I've been using the ISSF/NRA 10m targets from National Target. A pack of 100 is pretty cheap considering you get 12 bulls per sheet.

My last match there were no backers on the targets, they were held in place by clips and gravity. We had no issues scoring. If that doesn't work for you, double wall cardboard seems to work as a backer.

Second, you have to use wadcutter pellets, domed or pointed pellets will make ragged holes.

Jimro
__________________
Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.
Jimro is offline  
Old February 27, 2014, 12:53 PM   #56
seanc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 28, 1998
Posts: 588
I've tried heavy card stock and printed targets from my computer, but you still get tears. I use those for most of my practicing and every once in a while use the good targets to really see how tight I'm getting.

The Daisy/Avanti 753/853/953's are a bargain. Every home should have at least one .


ETA: Peter M. Eick ---> Damn! Nice shooting.

ETA: Article evaluating Daisy 953
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2009/...ro-part-1.html

Last edited by seanc; February 27, 2014 at 01:01 PM.
seanc is offline  
Old February 27, 2014, 07:09 PM   #57
Garycw
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2011
Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida
Posts: 1,221
Daisy isn't a name I would associate with a quality air rifle. I've shot them plenty when I was a kid & wore a couple out
Garycw is offline  
Old February 27, 2014, 10:00 PM   #58
gk1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 31, 2002
Posts: 108
The Avanti line is definitely not a Red Ryder. While "quality" may not be the best word to describe them, they perform well above both their price and most expectations.
gk1 is offline  
Old February 28, 2014, 06:24 AM   #59
Garycw
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2011
Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida
Posts: 1,221
Why do people spend $300+ on a pellet rifle?

I started out with the red Ryder around 6yo.and completely wore it out. When I was upgraded the following Christmas with the Winchester model 94 version, I was ready for big game haha. 55 years later.. I still have it! A little loose & beat up, but still works... Kind of. I wouldn't trade my RWS for anything. The Steoger isn't bad either, just no comparison with the RWS in quality

Last edited by Garycw; February 28, 2014 at 03:53 PM.
Garycw is offline  
Old February 28, 2014, 09:30 AM   #60
mapsjanhere
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 6, 2009
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 2,832
Just realized my RWS 48 nowadays qualifies for this thread. Short answer - because it feels like a real rifle and doesn't fall under the "no firearms in the city" rules.
__________________
I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.
mapsjanhere is offline  
Old February 28, 2014, 06:09 PM   #61
DannyB1954
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 10, 2013
Location: Pahrump Nv USA
Posts: 480
Pellet ammo is a lot cheaper and easier to get these days than .22lr, and the neighbors don't get bent out of shape when I set up a pellet gun range in the back yard.

Ravens have just been declared a pest in my town, so maybe I will hunt them when they are on the ground, ( in the air the pellet could still do damage to something or someone else if it went through, or I missed).
DannyB1954 is offline  
Old March 1, 2014, 01:37 PM   #62
RC20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 10, 2008
Location: Alaska
Posts: 7,014
My wife is interested in a air rifle that matches the Lewis and Clark rifle ( .35 caliber or so, doesn't have to be a .5 or bigger)

No she does not want to hunt, but she wants one in that category.

What would be a good accurate one and what caliber offered in something in 60- $800 range and 50 yards?.

It wold have to have good accuracy but not match grade. Satisfaction part.

I am thinking air tank as she can't do the pump stuff but I could so would consider a pump type.

This area is not close to my expertise as is probably obvious so no problem with being educated.

Last edited by RC20; March 1, 2014 at 01:50 PM.
RC20 is offline  
Old March 1, 2014, 02:27 PM   #63
B.L.E.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 20, 2008
Location: Somewhere on the Southern shore of Lake Travis, TX
Posts: 2,603
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimro
First off you get better holes from actual target paper targets. The paper has the fibers arranged in a manner to have nice round holes cut in it. I've been using the ISSF/NRA 10m targets from National Target. A pack of 100 is pretty cheap considering you get 12 bulls per sheet.

My last match there were no backers on the targets, they were held in place by clips and gravity. We had no issues scoring. If that doesn't work for you, double wall cardboard seems to work as a backer.

Second, you have to use wadcutter pellets, domed or pointed pellets will make ragged holes.

Jimro
Maybe the higher velocity of air rifles has something to do with it. Where I was having trouble with was air pistol, around 400 fps. Even glued to cardboard, using 3-M Super 77 aerosol contact adhesive, I would get some hard to score hits.
I finally did something completely different. I used solid steel plate for a backer. The pellets just flatten and stick where they hit leaving nice round holes. I even had a perfect double once that was easy to prove because two pellets were welded together on that hole.
I imagine that in the Olympics, they use a new target for every shot, or maybe some high tech elecronic hit scoring device.
__________________
Hanlon's Razor
"Do not invoke conspiracy as explanation when ignorance and incompetence will suffice, as conspiracy implies intelligence and organization."
B.L.E. is offline  
Old March 1, 2014, 04:26 PM   #64
Jimro
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 18, 2006
Posts: 7,097
At the olympics they use electronic target scoring with a moving paper witness. Same as if you shoot at Camp Perry's 10m range. Use them once and you get spoiled, instant feedback, no target changes, and printable shot by shot record.

Jimro
__________________
Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.
Jimro is offline  
Old March 1, 2014, 06:00 PM   #65
Peter M. Eick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 3, 1999
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 2,991
The backer is just hard cardboard. They were fired at 10m in 3 position. I think the best target was from Standing which was my specialty back then but to be honest it was now 34 years ago that I was shooting competitively.

I looked at the 300s that was sold last month. I decided to pass on it for various reasons. I know I am still on the hunt for a 300 or another 75 maybe.

By the way, if you believe the CPI (inflation calculator) then my gun today would have costs about $1150.
__________________
10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!
Peter M. Eick is offline  
Old March 1, 2014, 11:58 PM   #66
Jimro
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 18, 2006
Posts: 7,097
Quote:
My wife is interested in a air rifle that matches the Lewis and Clark rifle ( .35 caliber or so, doesn't have to be a .5 or bigger)

No she does not want to hunt, but she wants one in that category.

What would be a good accurate one and what caliber offered in something in 60- $800 range and 50 yards?.

It wold have to have good accuracy but not match grade. Satisfaction part.

I am thinking air tank as she can't do the pump stuff but I could so would consider a pump type.

This area is not close to my expertise as is probably obvious so no problem with being educated.
Crosman Marauder PCP in 25 caliber would be my first choice, as if she isn't hunting and you are looking for 50 yard accuracy.

If it is really a 35 caliber or bigger she wants, then I would just recommend you read the reviews between this http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Evanix...0/5818#Reviews and http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Sam_Ya...1/4996#Reviews or the sam Sam Yang with a bigger reservoir http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Sam_Ya...Specifications as they seem to be the only two options in your price range.

Jimro
__________________
Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.
Jimro is offline  
Old March 3, 2014, 09:17 PM   #67
darkgael
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 9, 2006
Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania.
Posts: 5,473
air

Benjamin Marauder....a fine gun.
In .357, your choices are limited to Evanix and Sam Yang.
I recommend a carbon fiber tank if you go with either.
Those big bullets use a lot of air.
Keep a hand pump for back up.
Between the cost of a high pressure pump and a high pressure carbon tank....you have doubled your investment.

Pete
__________________
“Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ...
NRA Life Member
darkgael is offline  
Old March 3, 2014, 10:23 PM   #68
JohnKSa
Staff
 
Join Date: February 12, 2001
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 24,928
There's an FWB 300 for sale on ebay right now. External condition looks pretty rough.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Feinwerkbau-...item54058613dc
__________________
Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?
JohnKSa is offline  
Old March 4, 2014, 02:41 PM   #69
Stevie-Ray
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 22, 2007
Location: The shores of Lake Huron
Posts: 4,783
Well, my air rifle is a Sheridan pneumatic, that I got for my birthday at 13. It is a great rifle for shooting in a basement or garage, where a firearm needs proper ventilation. It is also amazingly accurate, or rather used to be when my eyes were 13 instead of 58. It's still fun shooting off my deck, though.

I wouldn't mind having a modern one in .177 cal.
__________________
Stevie-Ray
Join the NRA/ILA
I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.
Stevie-Ray is offline  
Old March 4, 2014, 10:42 PM   #70
JohnKSa
Staff
 
Join Date: February 12, 2001
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 24,928
Stevie-Ray,

Williams makes an aperture receiver sight (the 5D-SH model) for the Sheridan rifles. Most of the older Sheridans (maybe all of them?) are already pre-drilled for installation of the peep sight. They're a nice addition to the rifle, especially for someone whose eyes (like mine) are starting to complain about open sights.

I have one of my air rifles equipped with a Williams aperture sight and a Merit adustable aperture similar to the #4 Hunting disc in the link below. It screws into the Williams sight and allows the aperture size to be adjusted to suit the lighting conditions. In bright lighting, you can screw it down to a pinhole to improve the clarity of the target and front sight. Or in dim light, you can open it up a little--accuracy will suffer a bit but at least you'll be able to see the front sight and target.

http://www.meritcorporation.com/products.html

If you really want to go all out, Merit even makes an aperture with a place to install a custom prescription lens.
__________________
Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?
JohnKSa is offline  
Old March 5, 2014, 01:23 AM   #71
Slopemeno
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 19, 2007
Posts: 2,663
That's a pretty sleeper hunting rig. A friend of mine had one of the nickeled Sheridans set up that way, and I borrowed it frequently.
Slopemeno is offline  
Old March 7, 2014, 12:09 AM   #72
Stevie-Ray
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 22, 2007
Location: The shores of Lake Huron
Posts: 4,783
Quote:
Stevie-Ray,

Williams makes an aperture receiver sight (the 5D-SH model) for the Sheridan rifles. Most of the older Sheridans (maybe all of them?) are already pre-drilled for installation of the peep sight. They're a nice addition to the rifle, especially for someone whose eyes (like mine) are starting to complain about open sights.
Sweeet! I've always wanted to stop in to Williams Gunsight, whenever I go by it. Now, I've got the perfect reason to. Thanks, John!
__________________
Stevie-Ray
Join the NRA/ILA
I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.
Stevie-Ray is offline  
Old March 7, 2014, 12:26 AM   #73
JohnKSa
Staff
 
Join Date: February 12, 2001
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 24,928
Found a picture of my Sheridan with the 5D-SH installed.



http://www.thehighroad.org/attachmen...1&d=1051498983
__________________
Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?
JohnKSa is offline  
Old March 7, 2014, 12:29 AM   #74
Stevie-Ray
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 22, 2007
Location: The shores of Lake Huron
Posts: 4,783
Very nice. Looks like just what I need, and not a bad price, either!
__________________
Stevie-Ray
Join the NRA/ILA
I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.
Stevie-Ray is offline  
Old March 16, 2014, 03:17 PM   #75
Peter M. Eick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 3, 1999
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 2,991
I had my Sheridan Silver Streak set up just the same way. I actually took it to Williams for the install since I lived in the general area of downstate michigan.

Unfortunately, like nearly all of my guns, it had to be sold to get through my undergrad in college. Excellent gun and very fun to shoot.

Of that vintage, I only have my Diamondback and my Beeman 400 (shown above) that I would not sell (or more accurately, I graduated before I had to).
__________________
10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!
Peter M. Eick is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.07867 seconds with 9 queries