GTA
General Discussion To Gateway To Airguns => Gamo Gate => : Trapper June 05, 2009, 03:12:58 PM
-
Hey guys, I hope this is posted properly. Newbie here, been lurking awhile & still trying to figure things out. Really liking it here so far and I can see an serious addiction starting. Looking forward to sticking around this great site! Maybe someday I can help the newbie’s lol Anyways,
I’m getting ready to purchase a Gamo big cat locally for 129.00. I'd upgrade the trigger to a grt3 and use 1 pc rings, probably later a better scope.
For the money should I be considering something else? I do want to stay with a .177
also should I consider cleaning the new barrel before firing, if so what’s the preferred method?
Thanks in advance, Tony
Roseburg, OR
-
Tony, Welcome to GTA:)i think Gamo makes a great gun for the money they are good from get go, in my opinion ..and bonus is it can be tuned, triggered and scoped to perform even better:) I assume price range is in the $129 to $200? not sure if your hunting or target, so will only say .177 is a good first choice. You might call Mike ask about a tuned b-26 as an option ( http://www.airgunartisans.com/flyingdragon/ ) i know they are very accurate and similar to rws34 just a thought. Others will chime in im sure with good ideas too:) good luck on the many chioces out there, Tony.
-
The B-26 is a clone of the great Beeman R9. The big cat will be a good rifle out of the box a nice rifle with the GRT-III, and an Superb rifle if you send it to Gene to get it tuned. Then you will be over $200, but it will shot as good as some $400 guns. Welcome to GTA by the way. I was a newbie once, well technically we are all newbies in a way. lol. You might want to look at a Crosman Quest. It will be the same. Good out of the box, great with a GRT-III, excellent after a tune. Hope you stick around.
-
Thanks for the input guys! I'm looking forward to having something beside powder again to launch some lead. I had a .22 Benjamin in the 70's & couple bottom end BB guns over the years. I’m also looking to get something (Crossman 760?) that can be shot softly and discreet (2 pump dog controll) at low velocity. From what I’ve seen so far this is a fantastic site, it’s the people who make it that way!
-
i agree with the above mentioned .i have a turbo tuned whisper by cdt and awsome shooter but, for the price i could have bought one already tuned in the classified section for about 200 too 300 with a decent scope .think about your choices cause they r many look at the reviews on your choices cause mike mileck does sell great rifles tuned already .the b26 is a great option i m trying now to trade a rifle for possibly a b26 which i wont lose ....good luck and nice to have u with us ....jorge....
-
i have a benjamin franklin 1969.22 sweet shooter and a 1971 sheriden .20 cal blue streak also sweet and hard hitter those r my gems ...
-
First off WELCOME to the GTA FAMILY Tony and welcome to our addiction. :o :) The family here has given you some good advice and the GAMO's are a good place to start and when you add a tune from Gene and trigger they will hold their own against the best of em out there. :) The B26's are real good out of the box and super with a tune and perform great for paper punching or hunting. :) Feel free to ask any questions on the shooter's and if you do any pest control post a hunt story and or pic in our Hunting Gate, us hunters here thrive on them hunting stories and pic's. Ed
-
You said it shadow. If you dont want to bother with a tune. Buy a GAMO CFX. Its probably the best gamo out of the box, and then if you do tune it it will blow away all the other gamos.
-
Yup my CFX.22 is the only shooter in my collection that hasn't had a tune, slight twang but I can handle that when she's deadly accurate and put's a heck of a hurting on the Bandit's and Country Rats. :o :) Ed
-
I don't know what's available to you locally, but one of them AR1000 versions (TF89 etc.) are very good guns for the money (~110$ here). Excellent trigger and good power. Them B26s from Mike Melick have also received a lot of praise. Nothing wrong with Gamos aither but IMO you get a bit more for your money with them chinese guns.
-
Tony,
Welcome to your addiction! I bought a BC at Gander Mountain for $100. I figured I couldn't go wrong. Brought it home shot it about 8 times and couldn't stand it. It was so twangy. It bucked and twisted all over and the trigger was so bad it wasn't enjoyable. I put it away and didn't shoot it for about 8 months.
With the help of some members here I did a home tune using Maccari spring and Apex seal. Polished her up a bit and lubed. Changed out to a Gold trigger and WOW! What a different gun. It just goes "thunk" now. Using an artillary hold this rifle shoots the lights out! Here's a post I made before on this rifle versus the TX200 I use for FT. Check out the picture in Photbucket that shows a 5 shot string head to head.
Here's the thread url: http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=17362&posts=7#M141807
My thought is that you can get lucky and get a really good inexpensive gun that shoots like nobody's business and you can pay a lot of money on an expensive rig and get a scattershot. However what you are paying for is a bit more fit and finish, much nicer stock and better odds on getting a good shooter. That said, the B25 I have shoots really nice and has a really nice trigger right out of the box. I just lube tuned it today and its setting up tonight with loctite. For $139 with an AO scope this is the deal of the century.
So here's the thing...buy a decent rifle. Shoot the heck out of it. Do some mods on it because that's where the fun is. Finally, don't fret over the purchase because it won't be your last!
Andy Wong aka larspawn
-
If you want a 760, I have one in the clasifieds cheap! along with a Gamo Delta.
-
The Big Cats are abit light.....I already have rags stuffed into the hollow stock. If you shoot off-hand it might sway. Just last week I shot my Big Cat and Viper at 30 meters distance off a camera tripod....and the twang and lightness of the BC really hurt its performance. The Gamo Viper (rag stuffed too) is abit heavier with less twang so it's groups were better. Yesterday I opened them both up and applied heavy tar onto their springs.....and cocked the guns (compressed the spring) and let them sit for over 10 hrs.....hopefully it'll lessen the jolt and twang when shooting them later. Hope this helps in your decision to what to buy.
-
When I upgraded my BC to a Maccari spring the thing I noticed was that the stock BC spring was kinked a bit. Not bad but the thought is that it compresses irregularly and thus when it decompresses it has to take some of that kink out. I.e., translates into a bit of twang and jerk. If the Maccari spring is more linear and compresses evenly it decompresses evenly. Hence the smoother recoil back and not all around. Translation is better accuracy.
If you take a kinked spring and "set" it by leaving it cocked you just get a less powerful but still non-linear spring. You are probably right in that it is less noticable because the spring will have less energy stored. But it still doesn't fix the fact that it is non-linear. You are right that less power means most likely more controllable and accurate shots. That's why lots of shooters 'detune' and why a super magnum like TF89 or RWS 350 are in general not so accurate and need a pro-tune to bring out their best. Stock spring was shooting CPLs at 890 or so and the Maccari is about 840. I figure what good is the extra fps if you can't hit what you're aiming at!
Well the joy of this hobby is there is so much to learn by trial and error and the worst thing that can happen is you just have to try something else. Its not like the gun will blow up on you. That's why I feel comfortable trying all sorts of goofy ideas that come up in my head!
Good luck and just remember its an adventure and the journey is half the fun!
Andy Wong aka larspawn
-
Hey Andy, you're right.....all the springs that I've looked at from well shot springers (Over 2000 shots) have one or two slight bends in them. For sure those bends add to the torque and twang to the gun. I've read a few posts where the shooters left their springers cocked accidentally and then lost some fps/power after....and I said that's a cheap fix for my jumpy air rifles. Will see how it works out later in the week.
-
Decisions, decisions… lol, Thanks kindly for all the input, It’s been very helpful! This newbie’s not here to ask questions and run, planning on sticking around this great site.
I got a quote for the B26 from Mr. Melick, he was very prompt in his reply to my questions, Big thumbs up!
As much as I’d like to purchase the B25 I’m leaning towards the Gamo BC (w/scope) due to the initial savings (I really need the scope). Later on I’m planning to upgrade the trigger (GRT3) and switching to 1 pc. Scope mounts. then probably kick myself in the behind… lol
Any recommendations where to purchase a GRT3 and 1 pc. scope mounts? I think what I need is a 3/8 dovetail mount for a 1†tube? My preference would be ordering both from same vendor.
Happy shooting, Tony
-
There's only one place to get the GRT III trigger blade.....that's at Charlie Da Tuna webpage....you can find the link here at GTA. I think you can find the link by clicking on "Product Review" on top. BTW....welcome to the GTA forum and family. 1 piece mount...need someone else to chime in on that.
-
TRAPPER WAIT! You will quickly find that the fixed non AO scope on the BC (6x32?) is destined for the trash can. As much as I love the BC, I'd actually recommend the B25 combo. It comes with a Xisico 3-9X40 AO scope and mount. It is actually a pretty nice scope. You will end up paying about the same money for a BC and then have to spend another $60 getting a decent scope. AND the BC has no open sights so you HAVE to get a scope.
To tell you the truth, the RWS cloned trigger as stock on the B25 is way better than the stock trigger on the BC and quite honestly as good as the GRTIII. Argh, I'm in trouble here for saying that but that's my totally uneducated, heathen opinion.
So you buy a BC for $129 add $60 for a scope and $32 for a trigger and you are at $220. Buy the b25 for $139.99 shipped?
Okay just my thought but I STILL LOVE MY BIG CAT.
Andy Wong aka larspawn
-
Thanks for the input Andy,
I realize the scope shipped with the BC isnt anything to write home about but the initial savings is 56.00 under the cost of a B26 from Flying Dragon.
I would consider the B25 with open sights as its only 10.00 over what I'm planning to spend on the BC and I could purchase a decent scope later when funds become available.
Where could I buy the B25 for $139.99 shipped?
-
Trapper sounds like you are on a tight budget, but if you can wait and save a bit i would go with the gamo CFX fixed barrel over the bigcat. The bigcat is a great starter air rifle (was mine too) but if i could return mine i would have went with a fixed barrel CFX.
i don't think this question came up but what do you plan on using the rifle for mostly? if you do any varmint control you will soon find out sometimes .177 just doesnt cut it. anything bigger then a bird then you would want headshots. I made the mistake of a body shot to a squirrel with a .177 bigcat and it ran out of reach so if i can't hit the head i don't take the shot with my bigcat no more.
for pellets you should stick with domed shaped for best accuracy.
after you get your first good air rifle and you are addicted and want more power from a .22 you can get a PCP discovery. they go for about $400 with a pump and have all the power you will need for varmint control. the accuracy and power for the price on the discovery is unmatched. you don't get a lot of shots per fill like the higher dollar PCP which is more then double triple the cost but for hunting i do just fine with my 30 shots.
-
Try here they're on sale. With scope and mounts.
http://bestairgun.stores.yahoo.net/xixsairri3sc.html
-
I was origionally looking for a .177 but thinking .22 now for more power for tree rats. I'd like something affordable, say to hit a target the size of a coffee cup at 30 yds. Mike's deals for his tuned rifles at flying dragon is really tempting except for the fact I'm on a budget and wanting a scope right away. Could I expect the above results from a B25 w/scope out of the box sold at bestairgun.com?
-
Hey Tony, Mike does great work on his Chinese shooters. I am very pleased with mine. But if you are looking to buy and shoot only one rifle and use that as a sole air-gun shooter,..then I would strongly recommend the Diana 34. Gene as well as a lot of tuners can tweek them to their best performance level,...and it will be a rifle that you can count on no matter what. I've said this before to another person getting into this fine sport and hobby,...."if I could only keep one rifle (air-rifle) from my collection,....it would be my Diana 34,...hands down,...no question. It's the best $200's you'll ever invest in. Add some more for a decent scope set-up and a tune, and you'll have all the rifle you'll ever need. Good Luck finding your shooter. tjk
-
my advice if you like to hunt those tasty tree squirrels is definitely a .22 im not saying you can't manage with a .177 but shot placement will be much more critical. I personally spent around $1400 (which is nothing to the real addicts) on air rifles going through 3 different springer to finally a PCP before satisfying my needs for an air rifle. so I say if you can't afford what will satisfy what you want then just save your money and do it right the first time. im a firm believer in fixed barrels for better accuracy but that doesn't mean break barrels can't be accurate, they real good ones just cost a pretty penny.
-
Tony, you state that you are new or want to get involved again with AGs. Go ahead and buy the BC. Try it out, see if you like shooting AGs. Make some improvements to it. Keep your investment low until you see if you really want to make larger investments ie. more expensive AGs. Put better scope mounts on your BC with a better scope. Order a GRT111 trigger from Charliedatuna. Many here I am sure started low budget and advanced as skill and cash flow improved. Just shoot and have fun.
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
-
Trapper,
I was in the same boat as you. I wanted to move up in power to .22 thinking that .177 wasn't enough. I was wrong.
The .177/.22 debate will go on long after we are gone.
The .177@850 FPS = about 14 FPE (pounds of muzzle energy).
The .22@720 FPS is around 16 FPE
For tree rats you need about 5 FPE. With the .177 your good to 50-60 yds. with .22 even further (depending on which calculator you use).
If your shooting them at that distance, you don't have a pest problem, you have an addiction :)
Most of my in town shooting is 25-30 yds with my B-26 and with those numbers even head shoots go clean through.
In the country, we all shoot, so I still went .22 just for something different. Being frugal :)... I went B-25.
The B-25, scope, mounts and tuned from Mike M is cheap for what you get.
If you tune it yourself, even cheaper. You saw the link a few posts up right?
It's the clone of the Diana 34 which is a known power house.
We all want good, power & cheap, but once you get going you want to shoot more and more and more.
Just from a frugal point of view you will spend a lot less on .177 pellets than .22's, and If your on a buget that's the way I'd suggest.
There are a lot of good Gamo's out there, but they're more money to start with and still need a $ trigger job, scope, mounts.
Just I thought...are there any local airgun dealers by you that might let you try one out back or something?
All this talk about which one to get could be solved with a little hands on. It might just click after trying one.
Good luck it's never an easy decision!
-
Unfortunately no local AG dealers. Locally its limited supply purchases from Wal-Mart or the over priced (unless there’s a sale going on) Big 5.
I'm narrowing things down thanks to all the fantastic help I'm receiving here, Thanks a million guys!
Unless accuracy is better with the .177 (????) I plan to go with a .22 cal.
(unfortunately the Gamo Big Cat's only available in .177)
Choices: RWS 34 or a B-26-2 from Mike
Pyramid Air has a Diana RWS 34 Break barrel Rifle for $226.85 + shipping
They also have a Diana RWS 34 Striker with Leapers 4x32AO scope for $229.99 + shipping (is it the same rifle aside from the scope?)
Or…..
Order the Low Comb stock B-26-2 from Mike.
I’ve heard so many good things about Mike and his tunes that I’m leaning towards one of his B-26’s. I do like the fact that the RWS is made in Germany. Is there any difference in quality between the German made RWS and the Chinese made B-26, enough to warranty choosing one over the other?
Thanks again guys, I'll be attending some Airoholic Anonymous classes soon, Scouts honor…
-
Tony whichever air rifle you decide on, when you get it out of the box, tighten the stock screws as they might be loose, and clean the barrel and wipe off any visible oils around the breech.A pull thru cleaning floss(Hoppe's Bore Snake) is about the easiest way to clean the factory grime from a new barrel.A little Goo Gone on the front end of the floss and drop the weighted string thru the bore and pull through. You can even make your own patch puller with a length of weed eater line.Good luck and welcome aboard.
-
correct me if im wrong but more weight in pelllet means better accuracy for the longer distance and more FPS means a flatter trajectory up to about 35yrds or so. well i think it is safe to say if he is gonna shoot tree squirrels he won't stop at that, im sure if the occasional slightly bigger game comes in his cross hairs he may want to take that as well so the .22 IMO would be a better fit. the only problem i have with my bigcat for small game is that sometimes if you don't hit a vital organ you walk up to an animal that is still breathing or quickly reload to finish of the limping game. My PCP .22 i don't have this problem, the dam thing is just to dam accurate and even if im slightly off my target it still pack such a punch the game just drops dead.
im sure there are really good airgunners out there that is surgical with their .177 and don't have my problem but for me the .22 leaves a little room for error if you aren't a pro shot.
if you are ordering from pyramid air they offer free shipping for order $150 and up or a 10% coupon but you can't use the free shipping. they also offer a free tin of pellets if you order 3. pyramid does have great deals on rifles and coupons but i would try to order from places that can tune at the same time.
-
Go with Mike. At 30 yards you can hit with open sights after some practice. I have a CDT tuned Gamo SIk with a CDT grt iii trigger on the classified and if I did not need the money for a "situation" would trade geewhiz in a heartbeat the QB he has listed. Mine has a 440 wood stockk that really reduces the "springer effect". This is an addicting hobby. I have a scuba tank on the front porch so I can move up to PCP the easy way. I have 2 crosman's, lots of crosman parts I get here and there trying out new things. Any of my air rifles will take a Raccoon down with a head shot out to 30 yards. I have to park the truck behind the barn, or the squirrels won't come out to play. The .177 is cheaper to shoot, the .22's are more fun. Bigger holes, more energy transfer. Good luck. I would take the cfx over the big cat. John