Well, this afternoon gave me an opportunity to put the gun and myself through it's paces.
I set up a target with an 8x12" as the target stand and backboard.
I had 4 types of pellets to try out:
Crossman Premier - Hollow Point (14.3gr)
RWS - Superdome (14.5gr)
Benjamin - Discovery PCP Hunting (14.3gr)
Air Arms - Diablo (16gr)
I wish I'd bought the pellet sampler from straight shooters but didn't find it until I'd ordered a selection from Pyramid Air.
All the pellets bought, had been suggested by other B26 owners.
I shot from a seated position, with my left elbow rested on my left knee. I light but firm grip with the forehand.
Using the open sights over a measured distance of 10meters, I loaded up with the Crossmans to start. I must say I'm very impressed with the open sights, a red fibre front sight and two green fibres on the rear sight. They are a delight compared to the the notch sights on the rifles I shot 20 years ago.
The first 5 pellets were not too badly grouped apart from 1 flyer, which was just as likely down to me as the gun. All were grouped about 1 1/2" to the right of bull. A quick lateral adjustment to the rear sight and the next few shot's were much closer to bull.
I did notice some slight desieling on a couple of shots, but nothing to cause concern.
With so long since I pulled trigger on any pellets I decided to shoot 10 pellet strings per target foe each type.
1st up was the CP-HP: A very shiny finish to the pellets. Impressive consistancy of the pellets, none were mis-shapened.
They seated in the barrel very nicely, quite snug, but not overtight. With a gentle touch of the finger they sit just below the edge, ensuring they won't be damaged closing the barrel.
With 10 pellets I managed to keep most within an inch, not quite at bull, but close enough. There were a couple of flyers but at this point I'm quite willing to accept my own failings for any of those.
2nd were the Benjamins:
First impression of these, is their amazing similarity to the Crossman's. Finish, profile and consistancy of shape, are identical. Same weight and price too, could they be the same pellet? Even the tins are the same with their lids being interchangeable.
The shooting results were as close to the CP's as to make them indiscernible.
3rd for trial were the RWS:
A much duller and more familiar finish to these pellets. Good consistancy of shape, none showed any damage. These pellets seated perfectly into the barrel, each and every time.
Of the 10 pellets only 1 was a flyer and it was only by an 1 1/2", all other 9 were in a 1 1/4" group with several very close to being in a 3/4" of each other. I like that!
Finally it was the turn of the Air Arms Diablo. I must say I intentionally left these until last. Being a fan and previous owner of Air Arms rifles I was looking forward to seeing their pellets. Especially since they were almost double the price of the others Crossman and Benjamins.
Opening the tin I was pleased to see a piece of foam packing under the lid. However once the foam was removed, my pleasure quickly diminished. Many of the pellet skirts were obviously misformed. So many so that I had to carefully select the 10 I was going to use. Upon further inspection of the tin, I bet 30% are mis-shapes, not good especially considEring the $14.99 price tag.
Shooting the 10 pellets, the results were just as disappointing . 4 were flyers and the remaining 6 were only in a 2" group. None of the 6 were close to being in the same hole.
Unfortunately rain stopped play, but from my first session, I'm very impressed with the gun. It is very quiet, with hardly any noticeable report. The thwack of the pellet being loud and very satisfying. The trigger is very responsive, but it is a little lighter than I'm used to, I'll try to get comfortable with it before trying to make any adjustment.
The Auto safety will take some getting used to, but no doubt will soon become second nature.
Overall I can no where to place criticism with the gun, the only disappointment of the day was the Air Arms pellets.
I'll keep you posted as my shooting progresses.
As anside, a squirrel sat on my neighbours fence for a good 20 minutes, throughout my plinking. He was quite safe, for the time being!
