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Gateway To Product Reviews => Air Gun Reviews => : daved May 24, 2007, 05:44:59 PM

: B-20 Swap
: daved May 24, 2007, 05:44:59 PM
Traded off my Crosman 1377 for a B-20, used of course.  Gun arrived today, first impression was very good.  The previous owner had stripped and refinished the stock, did a pretty nice job.  Looks like an oil finish, fairly light in color, but the wood looks nice enough that it works well.  The stock is a classic style, right hand Monte Carlo, shoulders and points well.  I've read complaints on the pistol grip on these being uncomfortably long, but this one fits me fine.  LOP is 14 1/2", which happens to be perfect for me, I have fairly long arms.

Metal looks good, blueing is nice and even, and the polishing is also well done.  The only gripe out of the box is that the cocking link rattles, but I suspect some kind of shim will solve that problem.  The only markings on the gun are B20 and the caliber on one side of the barrel, and the serial number on the other.  Sights are typical, hooded front and notch rear, seem servicealbe but the first thing I did was take them off.  I can't shoot open sights worth a damn!  Overall, it really looks like an R9, and could easily be mistaken for one at first glance.

Okay, time to shoot!  Cocking was a big surprise, smooth as silk and silent.  The breech seal is a little different from what I'm used to seeing, more of a flat washer instead of the usual oring type of thing.  Seems to work, though.  Firing was equally surprising, also very smooth and quiet, no torque, twang, nothing but a quick, linear "THUNK!".  And I do mean quick, it reminded me of my CFX after I installed the gas ram.  The trigger was adjusted a little heavier than I like, and I noticed a little roughness.  It also displayed what I've heard is a typical B-20 trick, the adjustment screw backed off a little with every shot, until it finally fired when the safety was released.  Still need to figure out a way to lock it down without eliminating the adjustablity.  BTW, it is a Rekord copy, and a pretty good one.  I'm confident I'll get it sorted out.

I pulled the action out of the stock to work on the trigger assembly, and noticed that the spring looks pretty over-lubed.  The accuracy was a bit erratic, and I think that may have something to do with it.  That said, even with minimal shooting and pellet testing, I was able to keep JSB Exacts inside an inch at 30 yards.  I expect that to improve a fair amount after a tear down, clean and re-lube, and getting the trigger sorted out.  I haven't chronied it yet, but it seems to pack a punch.  I'm expecting 800-900 fps, depending on pellet, with pretty decent accuracy.  All in all, for my first Chinese rifle, I'm very pleased.  I was looking for a knock around "truck gun", and I think this will be perfect.  I think I will change the stock, though, B-26-2 stocks are available from Best Airguns, and will be a drop in fit.  I've always wanted a thumbhole, so this will probably be it.  One last note, as good as this is, the B-26's must be outstanding.  More later.

Dave

: RE: B-20 Swap
: JMG May 25, 2007, 03:38:15 AM


Dave, My B26-2 has been a great shooter out of the box and the more I shoot it the more it settles in. The only thing that bothered me was the high cheek on the butt. You can buy high mounts and risers but I really do not like the look of a gun with the scope jacked up so high off the receiver I like the low riders... same way with my trucks I dont wanna climb a ladder to get into it hehe. I am very pleased with my B26-2 .177 It has become my fav gun out of the 3 I own now. Maybe when the QB gets here that will change but thats yet to be seen. I even think that if someone asked me to recomend a gun in the 100 -200 dollar range I would tell them the B26. That way they wouldnt have to mess with high scope mounts or risers or cuttin that cheek down like I did. I have yet to tear it down or tune it because it shoots well now and I see no need to.



John

: RE: B-20 Swap
: Splash May 25, 2007, 03:48:18 AM
The 26-2 is a perfect stock to make a cheek well on. Shoulder it and mark the top of the stock where your cheek touches, front and back and scoop out inbetween. This is not mine, but it is not hard to do. :)
Mike
: RE: B-20 Swap
: daved May 25, 2007, 06:35:32 AM
That would be cool except I HATE the look of Tyrolian stocks :-)!  I'm a pretty good woodworker, at this point I'd probably try to duplicate the feel of the HW 97 stock I have on my HW 77.  That's a very comfortable stock, especially when you shoot it side by side with a typical stock like the one on the B20.  Later.

Dave