Hi again everyone,
Just FYI, this is only the second springer that I have ever fired. I shot an RWS Diana Model 48 several years ago, but only a few shots. (maybe 5 shots or so, is all)
Today, I finally got things set up so that I could shoot my new Mike Melick tuned B26 (with Maccarri Merlin spring and Lube tune).
When I shot the first pellet, I was amazed. First thought...Recoil? What recoil? This gun is very smooth and only gives a gentle thud.
Second thought...wow, this gun is really quiet and has no twang or buzz at all.
After 5 shots or so...hmm, noticed that the trigger has a little bit of take up, but then it is really great, I can feel when the first stage stops, and the second stage is very crisp.
At this point, I realized that my old eyes do not focus well on fixed sights and a target if it is much past the end of the barrel, so I mounted the CenterPoint 4-16x40 scope and one piece mount.
The one piece mount works great, but I either need to lengthen the stock or get a shorter scope for more eye relief. I have the mount as far forward as it will go. I may need to look for a shorter mount so that the rear ring is farther forward. All I need is 1/2 to 3/4" more eye relief.
I am 6'4" tall, and even though the stock length is adequate, it would be more comfortable if it were and inch or so longer.
At the short distances that I have available to shoot indoors, this weapon does not seem to be very hold sensitive. After I got the scope dialed in, I could easily put together 5 shot groups that were under 5/8" while shooting offhand at about 25-30 feet. Keep in mind that I am really rusty shooting offhand with anything except a shotgun.
I was shooting Crossman Premier HP pellets. These were the Crosman's that you can buy in the tin at WalMart. I weighed them, and they averaged 14.4 gr. I expect my pellet order to get here next week. Looking forward to shooting some RWS Superdomes.
Next, as a comparison, I shot the D-18 Canadian Hunter .177 that I won from Mike.
First thought...Is the safety still on? Nope...just keep pulling on that trigger...it will fire eventually. Kinda like my old Ruger 10-22 trigger.
Second thought.....Wow, this gun is noisy...then I could smell the smoke, so I knew that it detonated. It did quiet down a bit after 5 or 6 shots, but it is still much noisier than the B26.
Third thought...This gun feels violent compared to the B26. It jumps when you shoot it, and has a bit of twang. I was shooting the same type pellet in .177 cal 7.5gr. This gun is advertised to shoot around 490 FPS. It will be a fun gun to shoot cans with, but I won't use it for hunting.
The difference is considerable, and after shooting the D-18, I went back to the B26. First thought...Wow, that went off early...and it took 2 or 3 more shots to adapt to a good trigger again. Then, I proceeded to use the door frame as a steady rest, and set the forend across my arm. I shot a 5 shot group that I could cover with a dime. If I practice every day for a year or so, I might be able to do that offhand. (You ever feel like you are leading a band?)
Final thought.... I am happy with my decision to purchase a B26, and even happier that I got it from Mike Melick. He does a great job tuning these guns.
Thanks Mike!!!
