GTA
General Discussion To Gateway To Airguns => Airgun Gate => : daved October 07, 2006, 02:59:14 PM
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I know this should probably be in the Review gate, but the whole review thing feels like it's been orphaned, so I'm putting this here. Gene, I promise I won't fly to SC and super glue all your door locks if you feel like it needs to be moved :-).
First off, when they say Magnum, they mean it. I actually had to quit shooting this afternoon because this thing was beating up my shoulder! Back in the day, I'd shoot 4-6 rounds of trap on Saturday, the repeat on Sunday. Granted, I'm a couple of years (decades?!) older, but there's no question in my mind, this is a serious weapon. When I learn to shoot this beast well, nothing I decide to shoot at is going to be safe.
I actually have a nice selection of .22 pellets on order from Pyramyd, but they won't be here 'til Tuesday, so I had to see what I could scrounge locally. I don't think I did too bad, especially considering where I live. Five different pellets in a place where these things are considered toys isn't bad. One weird thing, the tin of Crosman wadcutters was way short on the count. Supposed to be 175 pellets, when I opened the tin it didn't look right, so I counted, only 126 pellets. This was a bubble pack, not a loose tin. Anyone else have this happen to them?
I did finally get the trigger sorted out, my thanks to all that helped out. I currently have it set up with a very long first stage, and just enough second stage to feel it. I'm sure more tweaking will be in order once things wear in a bit, and I expect it to smooth up some, too. For now, it's very useable. Still a little heavier than I like, but very consistent. As I said earlier, the cocking stroke is a little rough, and quite a bit heavier than the CFX or S1K. Considering that I was both cocking and shooting with the same right shoulder, the 100 or so shots I put through it today was a bit of a work out. I also put 100 or so shots though my CFX today as well, if I keep this up, my right arm will look like Lou Ferrigno's, and my left like spaghetti :-). The actual shooting cycle is sweet. At present, maybe a tiny bit of twang, but otherwise a very solid THUMP! (into the aforementioned right shoulder!), and virtually no spring torque. Considering the power, this is a very pleasant rifle to shoot, although the very definite recoil does take some getting used to.
The initial impression of this rifle is that it's very long, but it's actually only a couple inches longer than my CFX. Not sure how they managed it, since both the barrel and the spring cylinder are a couple of inches longer than the CFX. I think a lot of that impression comes from not having a muzzle brake on this rifle, plus the brake on the CFX is more than 2 inches longer than the barrel. The slim lines of the barrel seem to make it stretch out more. I think the CFX points a little quicker, but the 350 feels more solid once it's on target. And for a pretty basic beech stock with machine cut checkering, it's quite presentable. All in all, a nice looking, feeling, and shooting package. Since I think almost everyone here is familiar with the CFX by now, I shot the two side by side for comparison. I've seen a lot of complaints about the 350 Magnum stamped into this side of the stock, but it doesn't bother me. But that's why I shot this side, all the other pix I've seen of this rifle are of the other side, which doesn't have it.
Now we get to the fun part, the actual shooting. As you can see from the chrony testing, this thing likes Crow Magnums. These were the heaviest pellets I could find locally, I have some Kodiaks and Barracuda Match coming. To explain my abbreviations, the others are, in order, Beeman Silver Sting pointed, Crosman wadcutter premium grade (not Premiers), Crosman Copperhead pointed, and Daisy MaxSpeed flat nosed pellets. I suspect the last are relabeled Gamo Match pellets. The Silver Stings had an interesting quirk, every time I shot one, the gun made a peculiar metallic ping. I've never noticed that in anything else I've shot so far. Accuracy so far is still a struggle. At present, I think the limiting factor is me. I still haven't figured out just what it takes to shoot this thing well. I think my CFX has spoiled me a little, I think it's much less hold sensitive than the 350. So far, the best I've managed is around 1" at 25 yards, but it feels like it wants to do a lot better. Part of it may be pellet selection, but I'm sure it's mostly me. So you other 350 owners out there, ANY tips would be much appreciated!
I do have a couple of complaints. First, THE OWNERS MANUAL SUCKS! Three pages in English, and the tiny amount of information there is something only a moron would actually need after looking at the rifle for 45 seconds. The sad part is, this is typical of almost any owners manual for anything you buy these days. Second, the rear sight was broken on my rifle. I haven't dealt with this yet, the packing job wasn't the greatest, so I'll start with Midsouth, where I bought it. Since I don't shoot iron sights, it's only middlin' important to me, but it should be fixed. All that aside, this is a remarkable gun, and I can't wait to get it well and truly broken in. As I said in my first post, THIS THING ROCKS! More later.
Dave
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Thanks for that partial review daved.
Gave me alot of important information that I like to see. Definately makes me still want one this christmas.
Double kudos on the chrony numbers.
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LOL Dave
I think this should eventually go into the review section Dave, but for now let everyone see it. You do such a fantastic job with your reviews I could not possibly move it at this point..:) Nothing wrong with putting up reviews on the forums and moving them later to the review section.
Now let me finish reading your review..:) No review is to long by the way.
Gene
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I love the stock on your 350. The color is very pleasant to the eye and also the lite color shows the quality of the wood. Midsouth are good people to deal with. You should fair well with them and the site problem.
Ok, now I have to say that I was in your same position when I bought my Hunter Royal 1250 .22, 8 months ago....:) First thing I noticed when UPS dropped it off was this thing is heavy. After taking it out of the box I was in love.. But it still was to heavy.. It was and still is hard to shoot for me. At first I shot it consistantly and developed a very sore right shoulder.:) In fact I have switched to my left arm for all cocking... he he At 58lbs of cocking force it is a bit much. That is the age talking..:)
I to had a problem with accuracy. Could not shoot anything less than 30 yards with it because it would just tear everything up. So after I realized how powerful it was I started shooting out to 50 - 60 yards. It is to heavy for me to hold while standing. It is 9 something pounds without a scope.
Anyway Dave you have a real winner there and I think you made a great choice for a springer magnum. Can't wait to hear more about the pellets and groups. Especially what you feel is the best hold for shooting that monster..:)
Gene
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Daved,
What kind of scope mount do you have on the rifle ? When I got my first RWS model 36, it took me almost 3 weeks of everyday shooting to learn how to shoot it and I was a practiced shooter. I was about to get disgusted and one day it all came together and it turned into an aspirin buster and still is. Stick with it and keep a positive attitude because you have plenty of time. Remember it is a MAGNUM rifle. Best of luck...
Rabbit :)
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Excellent review, enjoyed it very much. Glad to hear you're so happy with your 350, I know the feeling, I absolutely love mine !! 2 best pellets I've found for my rifle were the Crosman Premium Hollow Point and the Kodiaks. Both of them consistantly punch almost one hole groups. I have my scope sighted dead on for the CP Hollow Points and need only use the mildots to hit dead center if I switch over to the Kodiaks.
When shooting my 350 I find that holding the rifle just firmly enough to keep it steady is all I have to do to maintain accuracy. I experimented and tried using a very firm hold, and also a very light hold, and for me it had a negative impact on consistent accuracy. I realize shooting a rifle, or handgun, is a very personal thing, and what works for one may not work for another, but that's what worked for me with the 350. That and of course proper trigger control. I never adjusted the trigger on my 350, I liked it the way it was, but I did make a concerted effort to get the "feel" for it. Having had time to get used to the trigger I find that if I concentrate on each shot and practice good trigger control the rifle will do it's part and hit my target where I'm aiming. I have also found out that if do jerk the trigger, even slightly, my 350 is not very forgiving and the shot may miss. Most of my other air rifles are a bit more forgiving when it comes to trigger control, not so with my 350. Not sure why, but that is the case.
You mentioned that the cocking was a little rough, so was mine at first, but that soon disappeared and it is now very smooth. I'm glad the "350 Magnum" stamped on the stock doesn't bother you, it's not really all that aesthetically unpleasing I guess,,, but I personally wish they had left it off. If you plan on carrying the rifle afield for long periods of time do yourself a favor and put a sling on it. It will help you tremendously. Besides just being able to carry it more easily it will help relieve fatigue on your arms from having to carry it around all day, which will equate to better accuracy. Tired, fatiqued arms have a negative impact when it comes to shouldering, holding, and aiming your rifle at that furry little woodland creature.
Anyway, very happy to hear you are enjoying your new 350. Best of luck with it. I don't know if you hunt or not but if you do I look forward to seeing some pics of harvested small game from your 350. Congratulations again.
Jeff
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Thanks, guys, glad everyone is enjoying my review. I woke up to rain today, and since my bench isn't covered (yet!), I'm stuck inside doing other things. Anyway, here's some responses to responses and questions.
Gene, this rifle really isn't any heavier than my CFX. Of course, I do have a pound of Duct Seal in the butt... the rifle's butt, not mine :-)! Besides, I do pretty much all my shooting off a bench, never could hold a rifle free hand worth a damn. That's one of the main reason I mostly shot hand guns for years. I suspect I'll be packing this one around though, so that will be part of my scope considerations.
Jeff, thanks for the info on how you hold yours, I'll give it a try. I haven't tried firming up my hold yet. Regarding pellets, I have Kodiaks on the way, it'll be interesting to see how they compare to the Crow Mags for power and consistency. You also said Crosman Premium HP's, I assume you don't mean Premiers? From what I can tell, Crosman has 3 different lines, Copperheads, Premium, and Premiers. I'm starting to think I have a mental thing where Crosman pellets are concerned, they've yet to work well for me. But if you can clarify which ones you mean, I'll certainly try them. I suspected the cocking stroke would smooth out, I think it's already starting to feel a little better. I'm surprised you never adjusted your trigger. Mine was turned all the way in, I think I had to back it out almost 2 full turns to get it where it is. I have my CFX with one of Bob's triggers set super light, now I'm going to have to adjust it up just so both triggers are similar.
Rabbit, scope and mount actually came off the CFX, and will probably be going back on. Mount is an Accushot 1 pc. high mount, scope is a Leapers 3-12x44 full size AO 30 mm. The one on the CFX is temporary, a Simmons .22 Mag that I picked up cheap locally. Don't know if it will hold up or not, and at $40 don't really care. Just needed something temporary 'til I make up my mind what's going on the 350.
Thanks again, everyone, and be watching for more later.
Dave
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Dave,
These are the Crosman pellets I'm using. They are giving me incredible accuracy and have been working excellent on small game and birds.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/pellet.pl?pellet_id=415
Jeff
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Jeff
Ya I got a tin of those pellets but never used them. Will have to try em out. Thanks for the tip.
Gene
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Dave,
Thanks for the good review, and especially for the picture. I always wanted RWS 350, but was taken aback because of the size. Your picture prove me wrong and my next purchase definitely will be it.
How do you like the plastic trigger? How does it feel?
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Actually, the trigger being plastic doesn't bother me. What I don't like is how straight it is. I like the curve of the GRT on my CFX much better, both looks and feel. My finger just seems to fall in place better with the CFX. Also, because of the single adjustment screw, getting a light pull with the 350 means a VERY long first stage. I suppose I'll get used to it, but if I could find an aftermarket trigger like the GRT for this thing, I'd buy it in a heart beat.
I'm still struggleing with shooting it accurately, but I'm more and more convinced that it's at least partly my scope. I'm not someone that blames his equipment when things don't work the way they should, but I think my Leapers may be coming apart internally. I know what I'm capable of, and the poor groups I'm getting can't be entirely explained by my unfamiliarity with the new gun. And that includes some allowance for less than optimum pellet selection, too. So I need to order a new scope, but I can't quite make up my mind. I like the 30 mm tubes on the Leapers, but I'm a little hesitant to get another one right now. The Simmons 44 Mag 6.5-20x44 is tempting, but it's a 1" tube. Has a big following on the Yellow forum. Anyway, enought rambleing.
Dave
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Dave, what caliber is the 350 and how are the velocitys compared to the advertised ones? (1250 fps in 177 caliber & 900 fps in 22 caliber) Just wondering as i keep hearing that the 350's don't even come close to advertiszed velocitys unlike the Gamo 1250 rifles. I wanted to get the answer from someone who has one of the (RWS 350)rifles and has used a chrony on it. Also what do you think about the overall quality of the RWS rifles? I have been pleased with the quality of both my RWS rifles (A 24C in 177 & a 46E in 22) both in fit and finish as well as the mechinics of the guns. accuracy and power is very pleasing as well with the 2 of them. How so with your 350 magnum? Thanks.
My pair of RWS rifles:
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Hey, Jim,
Don't know why the PDF wouldn't come up, I think my system is using V. 7, so if your is older, that might be why. The rifle is a .22. What do you consider coming close to advertised? The lightest pellet I have right now is a Daisy Max Speed flat nose. I think it's about 14 gr., averaged just under 850 fps for 22.3 fpe. Heaviest I have are Beeman Crow Magnums, 18.2 gr. They averaged 780 fps for 24.5 fpe. Seeing as my CFX .177 is rated at 1000 fps and shoots high 800's with Superdomes, I'd say the numbers are pretty typical for advertised vs. real world. RWS Hobby pellets are 11.9 gr., I bet they'd hit right around 900 fps.
I agree with you, I think fit and finish is excellent. Metal work is well polished, blueing is nice and even. And for a fairly utilitarian beech stock, the wood is very straight grained with no blemishes I can see, the stain is very even, and the machine cut checkering is very clean and even. As you can see from the picture, a very nice looking package. In fact, the pic doesn't quite do it justice, it looks even better in person. About the only thing I'm less than thrilled with is the trigger. But that's mostly because I'm spoiled by the trigger on my CFX. So I'll probably get used to it in time. One thing's for sure, this thing definitely packs a punch, albeit not quite the punch of the 1250. But I don't have to work nearly as hard cocking and shooting it, either :-). Hope that answers your questions.
Dave
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Daved ,
I have never heard of a RWS trigger doing the way yours is. After a lot of break - in shooting you might want to call RWS and let them give your trigger a good going over. Best of luck...
Rabbit
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Actually, Ronnie, I don't think there's a thing RWS can or should do here. I think it's just a totally different trigger from what I'm used to, and given time, I'm sure I'll quit *_*_*_*_*_*ing about it :-). Keep in mind, this is only my second air rifle. And I got my CFX just this last June. Had I realized what I was going to end up spending on my CFX, this trigger would be the norm for me. Because of cost, I bought a CFX instead of a 48. Considering the total on the CFX to date, the new 350 is quite a bit cheaper! Glad my wife doesn't know! Don't get me wrong, I still love my CFX, and Gamos in general. It's just a learning thing. Hey, that's why we hang out on these forums, right? I will say this, I'm becoming familiar enough with the trigger to feel a little bit of inconsistency in it, which I'm sure will smooth out with use. And after all, in the 3 days I've had it, I've probalby only put maybe 300 pellets through it.
Side issue, when the gun came in the rear sight was damaged. Called RWS (actually Umarex USA) this morning, they said send the sight back and they'd either fix or replace it. And I was actually able to talk to a real person instead of a machine! More later.
Dave
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That velocity is more than enough as long as accuracy is there. Yes you did address all my questions and I agree with you if i wanted another powerhouse the RWs 350 would top my short list. But since I just traded away my Patriot for an R1 carbine in 20. Let me assure you tghere was NOTHING wrong with the patriot either in fit finish or quality. The reason it went was simply it was too much of a bear to cock(50 lb cocking ptressure!) It was just too much worjk to shoot it and no fun. Also what with my carpel tunnel not getting any better I just got tired of fighting the gun to shoot it. the R1 on the other hand is a joy to cock and shoot. Since I have 2 of them now(1 each in 177 & 20) I feel pretty much set for powerhouse's in my airgun arsenal. Also since I am buying to please nobody but myself I tend to buy what intregs me. Witness my latest purchace an HW35 in 22 caliber - A gun that compares in size and weight to an R1 but in power to an HW50S. But its a joy to handle and shoot so I am very pleased. Mostly I am a pistolero but lately I have been adding rifles to the collection. Mostly becouse i seem to own all the intresting pistols ALREADY! ;-)
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Daved,
Good news. Give yourself lots of time and you will get used to it. It will be like night and day. I do my shooting on a bench and I hold the rifle real litely with one hand. Best of luck...
Rabbit :)