I'm thinking Gamo, any suggestions?

[DanoInTx]

The very first air rifle I bought after becoming an adult was a junky Gamo Delta, which I returned after a day to buy an RWS M92.  I've been reading peoples posts here for awhile now and have been thinking alot about trying Gamo out again.  I've only been into this hobby since January of this year, 11months.  But I've collected quite a few guns along the way...Cr2240, Cr2300, Cr1322, QB78, Mike Melick tuned AR2078, RWS M92, a Norica (unknown model #), KL3B Fast Deer, another old Chinese side cocker(could be an early Fast Deer), XS B30(which I no longer own).  Anyways, long story short, I'm interested in a lightweight magnum springer again.  Preferably with a wooden stock(never cared much for plastic).  I do have some difficulty cocking a heavy springed gun(bad shoulder), but this would be more of a "shoot once in awhile" gun, so I think a reasonable cocking effort would be ok.  Is there a Gamo out there that's right for me?  Love my CO2 guns, but it's cold here right now, making them useless.  I like my 1322, but hate pumping forever(think I may sell this).  Which leaves me with my Chinese springers(low end), and my RWS (a little on the small side).  Need to fill that gap.  Anyone got any good low cost suggestions?

Dan

[vinceb]

Or no sights and just use a scope?

The reason I'm asking is that pretty much all the new Gamo models are sightless. Scopes only.

The old 220 and 440 (the wood-stocked 1000fps breakbarrels) I believe are currently limited to retailer's stock-on-hand. Natchezss.com currently still has both, $140/$170 respectively.

The 440 stock is nicer than the 220, the 220 has a shorter reach to the trigger and is a little lighter. Barrelling, triggers, and powerplants are the same. Oddly enough, even though the 440 is supposed to have the better rear sight, it's actually inferior to the one on the 220. The 220 sight actually have a finer adjustment in both windage and elevation and, I believe, a greater range of adjustment in elevation. In addition, the 440 sight seems to have some sideways play in it that is absent from the 220's sight.

If you get one expect 920's with CPL's, very good accuracy with or without a scope, a very twangy firing cycle, and a stiff and creepy trigger. The trigger does tend to improve very rapidly, and within a relatively short period of time usually goes from stiff and creepy to smooth and creepy.

All the above issues are readily addressed. In general the Gamo is a well made rifle with a nice, solid breach lockup. All the above unpleasantries (and they are merely annoyances) can be addressed fairly easily and at moderate cost.

I saw this on the yellow . gamo 220 hunter with scope almost new 100 bucks.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/message/1164757720/For+sale+Gamo+Hunter+220+w-Dasiy+3x9-30+scope+%24100

[daved]

So Dano, two questions.  What are you considering a magnum springer?  And what do you consider low cost?  Oh, make that 3 questions, what caliber are you looking for?  

Vinces's suggestion of the Hunter series is good, but I'm not sure those qualify at magnums.  Usually, when people talk magnum springers, they mean Gamo 1250, Patriot/Kodiak, or Diana 350.  Sometimes the Diana 48/52/54 is included.  None of these are "low cost", the Diana's are typically $300+, the Patriot/Kodiak is double that, and I don't know what a 1250 goes for.  

If you want a .22, that leaves the Gamo's out, unless you get lucky.  There were some .22 Hunter 890's around (same as the 440 but no sights), but I havent' seen any for awhile.

Since you already have some Chinese guns, have you checked out Wallis's new site?  Look for the link to L&M Sports in the China Gate and Classified.  Maybe in the Mall, too.  The B26's look really good for the money, and the B30 is interesting, too.  Less than $150.

Well, that's enough rambling.  Good luck.

Dave

[DanoInTx]

Thanx to everyone,,

Had a B30, does qualify in the power department, but was way too heavy in the lightweight department(was about 11+ pounds with scope).  I want light and fast, similar to my QB, but with no CO2...and maybe a tiny bit heavier and more powerful.  I do prefer .22, but I'm thinking .177 might be ok too.  Was thinking alot about Wallis's B26 .20, but can't make up my mind.  I do have this Cr1322 that I JUST finished building last night.  It shoots nice, and shoots hard, but I don't really care for pumpers, I kinda built it as a project with no real huge intention of ever keeping it for long.  Maybe I'll stick that thing in the classifieds here and on the Crosman forum, ask for a springer in trade or cash towards a nice springer.  It's got all of the bells and whistles, steel breach, extended 14" barrel, custom bolt, flat top adjustable piston, modded ported polished valve with lighter spring, Crosman brushed aluminum muzzle brake, steel barrel band, and of course my one of a kind maple and walnut grips and pump arm.  I think I should get a decent trade for it, I think it has 20 shots through it...hehe.

From what I'm reading here on the forums the biggest downfall of the Gamo's is the trigger, but it looks like Charlie and Peterdragin have figured all that out with their aftermarket parts.  I'm also hearing about spring twang, is this the kind of "Fast Deer spring twang/try to twist the rifle around in your hands" spring twang, or more like the "If you take it apart, clean, hone, lube properly the spring twang will go away and the gun will get silky smooth" sorta spring twang?  I don't know anyone locally that owns any Gamos, but there does seem to be quite a following.  Also saw the panther http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.aspx?baseno=78432&CN=Diana-Panther-21-Air-Rifle

edit:Nevermind, I think the muzzle velocity rating on this one rules it out as anything I want to mess with right now:(


Dan

[vinceb]

...in the Gamo (in my experience) is really annoying, but doesn't seem to impact the shooting performance. Others might have a different opinion.

While twang can be subdued with spring tar (a very thick and sticky lubricant), I believe the better solution is a tight-fitting guide. Makes a world of difference in shooting behavior. They can be homemade or bought from

http://home.comcast.net/~peterdragin/index.html/

My 440 was absolutely transformed by a delrin guide I made for it.

I took a peek at the "Model 21 Panther" - looks like a cheap rifle. Any new gun with a "direct trigger" shouldn't be sellig for $100. I'd stay away from it. The RWS34 is available for about $170, it generally gets good reviews but I've never shot one.

The B26 might be a good bet as well - although it might be a bit shy of the Gamo's power. It's a more sophisticated design in some respects than the Gamo (the trigger), although I do like Gamo's articulated cocking link that reduces side pressure on the piston while cocking. This should tend to reduce wear, but in all honesty a properly lubed rifle shouldn't have a problem either way. If my B20 (its predecessor) is any indication, the B26 is a smoother shooter out-of-the-box.

I don't expect that you are, but don't get hung up on how the term "magnum" springer is applied... after all, I don't know if there's a springer out there that is capable of matching the power of a .22 CB cartridge. It's all relative.

[DanoInTx]

That kind of spring twang is exactly the kind of spring twang that would bother me alot.  The other kind is the kind where when you cock the rifle it sounds like you're sitting on an old box spring.  I've only tuned one crummy springer, a Fast Deer, which did improve quite a bit with the heat shrink treatment and proper lube.  Also tore my B30 apart when I had it and the light tune I gave that also helped alot, but I still wasn't totally happy with it.  Probably right about the proper spring guide and maybe a quality spring.

Not totally hung up on the term "Magnum", I was more using it to say I want something with decent power.  My RWS M92 chronies in at around 710-720 in .177(claimed MV of 700, so I think this is pretty good), but I want something with JUST a little more oomph...maybe mid to high 900's in .177, or high 700's in .22.  More I think about it, the more I'm thinking I'll go with .177, cheaper ammo, better selection of ammo locally, and flatter shots for longer yardage shots.  Not planning on doing any hunting anytime soon, if I do it'll be a powder burner vs. Bambi scenario.

Thanks for all of the info guys!

maybe I'll just take a road trip to SC and go shoot Gene's guns, he has everything, and it will make my descision easier.....hehe...lookout Gene!

Dan

[Gene_SC]

Dano

If I knew what I know now, I would of bought the CFX .117 for my first Gamo. OUt of da box it is dang accurate if dat is what you are looking for. Or the Shadow 1000 if you want higher FPS and something to tinker with..

But for sure the CFX stock as a rock springer is the best choice in my opinion for a decent shooter.. Or take a Shadow and put a nice barrel on it and you have another fantastic shooter... hehe

Gene

[vinceb]

Ahhh, yes.. the ole' screen-door effect.

Anyway, it kinda depends on what you wanna spend. If you want to go cheap, pick up a Crosman Quest and be prepared to mess with it a bit.

Of course, if you want to experiment a little, you could try an IZH MP513 Russian rifle, about $130 in .177 or .22. Never shot one, but the stories I've heard seem to say that it kicks, has a stiff trigger, but is very well made, powerful, and accurate.

Seriously tempted to go for one myself...

[DanoInTx]

Yea, he who also knows of the screen door effect.  I hate that, reminds me of something that isn't working right.  I have some projects to do, like going clothes shopping with my wife for my works xmas dinner, then I'll be home.  Plan on cleaning up the 1322 and getting some good pictures of it.  I'll post it in a few classifieds looking for a trade.  Never know what I might turn up:)  Maybe there's some nice fellow out there who hates his springer but just lllooooves pumping:)

Dan

[vinceb]

...you can recognize him by his 25" biceps....

Anyway, the "screen door" effect is the spring not sliding over something properly, or something not sliding over the spring. Oftentimes a lube and deburring will take care of it.

CFX Royal without a doubt. Good looking, solid, powerful and accurate and in your country, cheap. It's heavy enough for a steady aim offhand (my XS78 was too light) but not too heavy. I'm only 5ft 7" and 165lb and I'm not built like Arnie! A buddy has had one for a year - never missed a beat. I received mine last Monday and I'm as happy as a pig in muck! I'm sure it would be up with the high dollar guns, but why pay for a name?