Paging Bob La Londe...
In case you don't keep up with HardAir Magazine... link to the latest
monthly teaser email:
https://mailchi.mp/hardairmagazine/04wyzqfp6d-8481586
An article on "Tuning The Benjamin Marauder For Maximum Power" might be
of interest besides some of the new stuff coming out:
https://hardairmagazine.com/ham-columns/benjamin-marauder-tuning-the-thing-almost-all-people-do-wrong/
On 3/31/2023 11:06 AM, Leon Fisk wrote:
Paging Bob La Londe...
In case you don't keep up with HardAir Magazine... link to the latest
monthly teaser email:
https://mailchi.mp/hardairmagazine/04wyzqfp6d-8481586
An article on "Tuning The Benjamin Marauder For Maximum Power" might be
of interest besides some of the new stuff coming out:
https://hardairmagazine.com/ham-columns/benjamin-marauder-tuning-the-thing-almost-all-people-do-wrong/
Thank you. I had not seen that. I will give it a more through read later. I was aware the .25 Marauder is capable (with a heavier
projectile) of up around 100FPE bringing it into promotional round .22LR power ranges. I tuned mine for consistent shooting at a lower power of 46FPE for 26-28 shots (with a bottle conversion) per charge as opposed
to the stock 6-10 at 30ish FPE. I even saw a video of a guy taking a
deer from a stand with a super tune .25 Marauder some years back. Very short range, but it worked. We are legally allowed to take big game
with airguns here in Arizona, but the last time I reviewd the regs there
was a .30 cal minimum bore size.
I picked the power range I did to give me close to point blank range
accuracy from 20 yards to a little over 50 yards for all the vermin and
small game I am likely to take with it.
My long range (for me) airgun is a Chinese made BAM B-50 which is a copy
of a European made Daystate Huntsman, in .22. Shooting Kentucky windage
on a calm cool day its a 135 yard gun. Nowhere near as powerful, and if
I recall I was shooting 34 inches of hold over at 135 yards last time I
took it to the range, but I was doing it with "tin can" Crosman 14.3
grain hollow points. Not match pellets. Not even premium pellets. I
do keep it top off charged with an SCBA bottle when using it the range though. Shots at 1018 to 1053 FPS group under 2 inches at that distance
if I do my part. I've never done anything to tune that gun for
efficiency or power, but I do have a regulator for it in a bag
somewhere. Maybe someday I'll dial it in.
I just read the article. Its a pretty good beginner article on basic
tuning.
On Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:11:55 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
I just read the article. Its a pretty good beginner article on basic
tuning.
Thought you'd understand it better than me seeing you've tinkered with
one ;)
FX has really been raising the bar in design of late. I'm a month
behind in my magazine reading but I see this Panthera in 12 ft/lbs was
going to be reviewed. Radical look with the Buddy bottle on the back
end. Up to 107 ft/lbs in .25
https://fxairguns.com/rifles/the-panthera/
I mostly read about them. I don't shoot enough to warrant the outlay
for a PCP and way to fill it. Springers can set for months on end and
work fine next time I need to use one...
For a simple gun I'm more prone to like a multi pump pneumatic over a >springer. I recently resealed my one owner 1981 Crosman Model 1 1st
version, and when I was working on it I realized... its tunable. Not
for the average shooter, but for somebody who is willing to get into the
guts of it. I may well do something with that. I think just a slight
bump in hammer spring weight could give it a boost in power since it
does not fully dump the reservoir/valve assembly when pumped to the full
ten pumps. Its got a lot of plastic bits in the action though so I may >choose to do nothing with it.
On Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:55:21 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
For a simple gun I'm more prone to like a multi pump pneumatic over a
springer. I recently resealed my one owner 1981 Crosman Model 1 1st
version, and when I was working on it I realized... its tunable. Not
for the average shooter, but for somebody who is willing to get into the
guts of it. I may well do something with that. I think just a slight
bump in hammer spring weight could give it a boost in power since it
does not fully dump the reservoir/valve assembly when pumped to the full
ten pumps. Its got a lot of plastic bits in the action though so I may
choose to do nothing with it.
Might want to search on this, see what's already been done. It didn't interest me at the time... but I've come across "full dump" while doing research on other Crosman guns.
Their recent Model 362 has garnered all sorts of mod info. This was a
HUGE thread on modding the 362 from a couple years ago. Tedious to read
but a lot of good leads and links were in it...
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?PHPSESSID=eb8bc78059d4520d63be71e4219fb5c3&topic=182911.0
FYI: I am persona nongrata on GTA. I refuse to accept "because I said
so" as an answer and I think EZMAN604 (the admin) is a total douche bag.
On Sun, 2 Apr 2023 09:51:42 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
FYI: I am persona nongrata on GTA. I refuse to accept "because I said
so" as an answer and I think EZMAN604 (the admin) is a total douche bag.
There seems to be a lot of that behavior with stuff like this.
Elon is putting on a good show playing the douche too...
I'm not signed up there, just came across that thread while doing
a general web search. At least I can read most stuff as an anonymous
user ;-)
There's a guy named Jim Tyler that writes a tech article for Airgun
World most months. He takes a more scientific approach testing mods
to springers. A larger port is not necessarily better. Nor are stronger springs. Really complicated stuff in a springer...
In hindsight... I wish I'd skipped getting the Hatsan 155 and coughed
up more money for a Weihrauch HW97 or HW98 in .25. From what I've
experienced and read, a Hatsan is like a kit, thrown together really
rough. If you want to take the time to tear it all down, replace seals,
poor hardware, remove burrs and rough edges... you can make a pretty
decent gun with one :)
Same thing with the Crosman 362. Per that thread... they're putting
Benjamin Discovery (disco) .177 barrels on them along with the steel
action block that has scope rails on it. If they'd make a 361 (.177)
I'd be a lot more apt to get buy one...
I did hand pump for my first two PCP guns though. Its a good workout.
Not as bad as you might think if your gun is dialed in. Fill it up and
then go shoot/hunt for a while. If you have an extra high pressure PCP >(4500 PSI instead of 3000) I do not think hand pumping is an options. I
had one for a while. A Kalibri Cricket. Great gun. It was far
superior to the Marauders, but it cost. I got nearly as much as I paid
for it when I sold it.
On Sun, 2 Apr 2023 11:30:42 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
I did hand pump for my first two PCP guns though. Its a good workout.
Not as bad as you might think if your gun is dialed in. Fill it up and
then go shoot/hunt for a while. If you have an extra high pressure PCP
(4500 PSI instead of 3000) I do not think hand pumping is an options. I
had one for a while. A Kalibri Cricket. Great gun. It was far
superior to the Marauders, but it cost. I got nearly as much as I paid
for it when I sold it.
Those Cricket guns get good praise from the UK guys too👍 They've come
out with several more models in recent years. Problem with some of
those is getting parts. I ran into that with the Hatsan. The gas ram
died maybe 6 months after getting it. I'd only shot it twice. Only
source is Hatsan USA and they would only sell one if you ship the
gun in for repair (warranty). Cost me ~$40 to ship it. It's really
long, 48 inches and 10 lbs. Haven't checked but I'd be really surprised
if the replacement piston still works today...
I've got welding bottles that need cert, not something I plan on
messing with when their empty. Just let it go, craps too complicated
nowadays for us piss-ants...
Humidity is a huge issue here. If I touch something metal in the warmer months it needs an oily rag wipe down afterwards or it'll rust. I run a
small 2hp 20gal compressor to blow off my mower after each use. It runs
for maybe 10 minutes for the job. I'll drain maybe 2-3 tablespoons of
water from the tank afterwards. I've seen the pictures of guys
Marauders that haven't kept their air dry and are now junk. Just not
worth the hassle for me to mess with in this climate. I kinda envy
where you're located and what you can get away with ;-)
You know what. You are right. I like the desert too. Envy me. LOL.
On Sun, 2 Apr 2023 15:27:17 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
You know what. You are right. I like the desert too. Envy me. LOL.
Grass is always greener on the other side ;-)
Just remembered to look this up:
https://buck-rail.com
3D prints and sources several interesting airgun accessories. Located
in Texas, not so far away from you...
Suppressor for underlever? Is that a springer? I didn't think
suppressors did much for springers with the spring noise and piston
clack usually being far louder than the muzzle report.
On 4/3/2023 12:42 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Mon, 3 Apr 2023 11:40:16 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
Suppressor for underlever? Is that a springer? I didn't think
suppressors did much for springers with the spring noise and piston
clack usually being far louder than the muzzle report.
Ask the UK guys. They put suppressors on EVERYTHING because they are so
LOUD😏
Even when my Diana 48 diesels it sounds more like a .22 misfire than
any powder burner I've ever heard... I like shooting airguns because
they are pretty quiet and most people don't take any notice.
I was looking all around that website for clarification on how his
suppressors are legal, knowing they aren't with out a special
permit for powder burners. You more or less answered my question. It
depends on how ATF feels the day they happen to check you out😬
Airgun suppressors are legal. If not then Crosman/Benjamin would not
make the Marauder with one. Many many years ago when Benjamin was still
its own company the owner/president went on a tirade about how
suppressors weren't needed on airguns and Benjamin would never sell a
gun with one on it.
If you haven't read it there is an appeals court case where the BATFE
decided to make an example out of a convicted felon named Crooker. The
guy sold an airgun suppressor for an airgun with intent that it be used
on an airgun. They obviously cherry picked a case they thought they
could abuse against a easy target (felon) to set a precedent. They did
get a conviction in the lower court. The BATFE lost at the appeals
court level. I don't recall what district it was. The court said they
had to show that Crooker had intent to use it on anything other than an airgun. Since airguns are not firearms under federal law airgun
suppressors are not firearms either. The BATFE utterly failed to prove intent. The initial conviction was overturned making it case law at
least in that district.
I do occasionally buy potatoes, pillows, and two liter plastic bottles.
I've even owned an oil filter or two.
Companies have been making airgun suppressors for airguns ever since.
(and before)
Almost talked myself into a folder stock for my P1377 till I read it
blocks the rear sight. I'd like to get the metal action-block for it
but the price has always went up some more when I go look at them
again... Very deep and expensive rabbit hole time you add the
action-block, longer barrel, folder stock, fatter pump handle ;-)
At one time I thought about getting a Crosman 2240 and doing all the
mods. I even bought one. Then I realized I could build the gun from scratch better and for less. I sent the gun back. The fact that it was manufactured and assembled crooked might have been a factor.
You know this is a metal working group? You could make your own airgun receiver, folding stock, etc. We would all cheer you on.
On Mon, 3 Apr 2023 11:40:16 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
Suppressor for underlever? Is that a springer? I didn't think
suppressors did much for springers with the spring noise and piston
clack usually being far louder than the muzzle report.
Ask the UK guys. They put suppressors on EVERYTHING because they are so LOUD😏
Even when my Diana 48 diesels it sounds more like a .22 misfire than
any powder burner I've ever heard... I like shooting airguns because
they are pretty quiet and most people don't take any notice.
I was looking all around that website for clarification on how his suppressors are legal, knowing they aren't with out a special
permit for powder burners. You more or less answered my question. It
depends on how ATF feels the day they happen to check you out😬
Almost talked myself into a folder stock for my P1377 till I read it
blocks the rear sight. I'd like to get the metal action-block for it
but the price has always went up some more when I go look at them
again... Very deep and expensive rabbit hole time you add the
action-block, longer barrel, folder stock, fatter pump handle ;-)
I should add when it comes to airgun suppressors you are more likely to
run afoul of state laws than federal law. New Jersey (one of the most
anti gun states) I've heard doesn't allow them at all.
On Mon, 3 Apr 2023 14:56:57 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
I should add when it comes to airgun suppressors you are more likely to
run afoul of state laws than federal law. New Jersey (one of the most
anti gun states) I've heard doesn't allow them at all.
Yeah, it was just a few years ago here (MI) that they legislated
changes so we could buy a pellet pistol without having to get
background check and register it same as a powder burner. It took
numerous attempts and years to get changed. There were some
"suppressor" changes for them made at the same time. Shrouded
barrels were a no-no as I recall before the changes. I'd have go look up
what was finally decided before getting one. The point is kinda moot
though without tearing off the molded front sight assemble to fit one...
I'm in complete agreement with your modding these conclusion. The steel-breech is $65 + $65 for a new steel rear sight to fit it. That's
why I always let the crazy thought go until I add up the costs again...
You're right I could build one but at this point in my life I'd rather
just dream about it and type on the keyboard while eating lunch ;-)
It might be a little more be fun to pepper pests with a Hatsan Blitz.
On Mon, 3 Apr 2023 16:10:02 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
It might be a little more be fun to pepper pests with a Hatsan Blitz.
If it actually worked it would be fun to play with👍 My confidence in Hatsan quality and longevity though is pretty low...
Several Twitter users have tagged them with some interesting issues
like this🙄 There were others too if you just search on @HatsanUSA.
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheBaldBaritone/status/1602377742007562240
As a teen I used to sit on a porch step and shoot flies off the wide
cement approach with a Crosman 760 and BB's. Deadly out to ~8ft. I
think the BB would kick up a bit of cement dust if you hit a tad in
front of them. Three pumps was plenty. Ants were a lot tougher. They
rarely stayed still for long so you had to track a moving target. One
shot and then they would really kick it into high gear if you'd missed.
There was nothing to worry about the ricochet hitting either for
hundreds of yards. Old friend ended up with that gun...
Maybe I should get another BB shooter and try that again. Wonder how
the dust BB's would work with those kind of vermin ;-)
https://www.amazon.com/Air-Venturi-Dust-Devil-Frangible/dp/B07BL3DDXW/
For a springer plinker I'd probably talk to Dragon Air Rifles about a
tuned noname Chinese import or maybe see what Xisiso is importing.
When you check in on Flying Dragon check Mike's Blog. Sometimes there
is a gun or a deal listed there that isn't on the website. I bought my >Sentry off one of those deals. Pay full price, but do a comprehensive
review and write it up for a huge payback. I think it was 150 he paid
for the review. I asked him if it could be an honest review, and when
he said yes I bought one. I just notice the latest one is from last
year for B-51s. The B-51 is the .177 version of the B-50 (.22) I have. >That's the Day state Huntsman knockoff. I know you aren't interested in
PCP, but still I might just buy one. I have a second B-50 in a basket.
His B-51s might make a good spare parts kit.
On Tue, 4 Apr 2023 10:43:29 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
For a springer plinker I'd probably talk to Dragon Air Rifles about a
tuned noname Chinese import or maybe see what Xisiso is importing.
Thanks for these. Very interesting and tempting. Looks like their stock
is very limited just now (Dragon). I'll check back now and then when I remember or get the urge. I like this statement on the Home page ;-)
"WE DO NOT WORK ON HATSAN, GAMO, AND CROSMAN AIR RIFLES."
That's the Day state Huntsman knockoff. I know you aren't interested in
PCP, but still I might just buy one. I have a second B-50 in a basket.
His B-51s might make a good spare parts kit.
I think I might airgun hunt more if I had a high cap bullpup in .25 like
my Kalibri. PCPs tend to be on the heavy side making off hand shooting
a little harder. A bullpup design moves the weight back towards the
body. Still heavy, but better weight distribution.
On Tue, 4 Apr 2023 14:21:37 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
That's the Day state Huntsman knockoff. I know you aren't interested in
PCP, but still I might just buy one. I have a second B-50 in a basket.
His B-51s might make a good spare parts kit.
If you happen to follow through, get in contact I'd be curious to know
what's up with inventory. In reading some "praise" I come across the
model XS28M in .25 cal. It's a hefty break-barrel but I'd be willing to
buy one with the basic tuneup.
I know buying .25 cal springers is a fools errand but I have a weakness
for that caliber🙄 The big Hatsan is a .25 and shoots pretty well when
it's working right. That's the only good thing I can say about it...
On Wed, 5 Apr 2023 13:43:53 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
I think I might airgun hunt more if I had a high cap bullpup in .25 like
my Kalibri. PCPs tend to be on the heavy side making off hand shooting
a little harder. A bullpup design moves the weight back towards the
body. Still heavy, but better weight distribution.
There were some Walther Reign Bullpups in .25 on the bay the other day.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=walther+bullpup
They've received decent reviews in all three UK Airgun Magazines I've
read. Not saying much though, kinda think those review guns have had a
good going through before the reviewers ever see them...
That's one of the least expensive named pups I've seen. Lots of new
pups coming online lately per the UK magazines <shrug>
Oh, I don't know about that. Its less power than my Marauder .25. I
guess if I want to hunt with it I'll just have to carry shooting sticks.
Plus I'm cheap.
On Thu, 6 Apr 2023 09:47:00 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
Oh, I don't know about that. Its less power than my Marauder .25. I
guess if I want to hunt with it I'll just have to carry shooting sticks.
Plus I'm cheap.
Oh I think I'd be a good competitor for matching your "cheap" ;-)
I took a look at the Pyramyd reviews and they managed to piss off a lot
guys by importing a crippled version compared to what's selling in the
UK. This second version was sounding pretty decent (for the $) when I
was reading about it as the UK version. So many of the Bullpups are just
too darn heavy in my opinion and well over $1000😑 The FX guns have the power and weight in the NICE range but so expensive...
That bit about importing a crippled version makes no sense to me.
Usually the UK versions are the "crippled" version to meet their
stringent low power limit.
On Fri, 7 Apr 2023 09:33:23 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
That bit about importing a crippled version makes no sense to me.
Usually the UK versions are the "crippled" version to meet their
stringent low power limit.
Probably a bad description on my part, "crippled"...
They removed the barrel shroud and hard affixed a muzzle brake rather
than the moderator. Guy's say if you tear it off there are threads
underneath but it wasn't meant to be removed and if they add a
moderator it's still louder than it should be because of the missing
shroud. UK version had a Lothar barrel and it sounds like this doesn't
have that either <shrug>
Yeah, I saw that. I thought maybe it was to be 50 state legal since NJ
and maybe one or two other states don't allow silencers even on air
guns. However the elimination of a Lothar Walther barrel would be
pretty egregious if you still have to pay full price.
On Fri, 7 Apr 2023 14:46:59 -0700
Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
Yeah, I saw that. I thought maybe it was to be 50 state legal since NJ
and maybe one or two other states don't allow silencers even on air
guns. However the elimination of a Lothar Walther barrel would be
pretty egregious if you still have to pay full price.
I can understand the moderator problem in the US. But why not leave the barrel shroud and have a thread protector or air stripper or brake... I
guess that's why I'm not in charge ;-)
Got through reading the Gas Ram tuning article:
https://hardairmagazine.com/reviews/weihrauch-hw90-tuning-guide-how-to-do-it-what-results-to-expect/
Fascinating to see the results are more-or-less what I had expected...
It would be interesting to add a threaded spring pre-load adjustment to
a springer that had a long soft spring. Might be able to tune out the
surge and/or vibrations at pellet exit for better groups.
Paging Bob La Londe...
In case you don't keep up with HardAir Magazine... link to the latest
monthly teaser email:
https://mailchi.mp/hardairmagazine/04wyzqfp6d-8481586
An article on "Tuning The Benjamin Marauder For Maximum Power" might be
of interest besides some of the new stuff coming out:
https://hardairmagazine.com/ham-columns/benjamin-marauder-tuning-the-thing-almost-all-people-do-wrong/
I never understood hollow points in air guns. They shoot pretty much
dead soft lead, but generally the speed isn't high enough to to get
hollow point expansion. In pellets round domed tend to perform the
best, so I would assume the same with slugs.
I'm glad he makes the disclaimer worlds most powerful "production" air
rifle towards the end. There are some very talented small airgun builders.
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