My Gamo Big Cat Spanked my TX200 today!

[larspawn]

So I was shooting today and marvelling that my home tuned Big Cat actually outshot my TX200!

TX200 stock with BSA 6-24x44 scope. I got the scope used and the TX was a month or so old so I've got about $525 into this rig. Everything functions fine so there are no excuses on this one.

BC I got on a deal at Gander Mountain for $99. I got a 6-24x50 Tasco (I think it is fake?) illuminated mil dot from Deal Extreme for about $54 shipped. I home tuned with a Macarri spring and Apex seal. I think another $35 or so. Installed a new gold trigger about $32. Grand total about $220.

At 25 yards I was stacking CPLs on top of each other. TX was no slouch but more like clovers and strings. The BC is shooting at 825-850 fps. About 75 fps slower than the TX.

I'll say this though that the BC downright sucked out of the box. I shot it about a dozen times and put it away for about 8 months. It twanged and bucked all over the place. Post tune it was a different rifle. Twang was replaced with thunk.

I can't believe how accurate this rifle is!

Andy Wong aka larspawn

Andy aka larspawn@ameritech.net

[xschug3]

Andy, it sounds like you've got quite the gun! I own a Big Cat as well and love it. I have only done the GRT upgrade and slapped a Centerpoint 16x40 on it but it shoots great. I'm gettin the turbotune next unless I can figure out how to do an Apex seal and Maccari spring myself. My question is, how hard is that to do? I know I need a spring compressor, but is it something I could do on my own without it being a massive undertaking? I am relatively new to springers but I did install my trigger myself. I'm also fairly mechanically inclined as well. What's your thoughts?

[larspawn]

It isn't that hard.  The action is pretty standard B18/19 like affair.  In fact it looks similar to the Quest and Summit rifles as well.  There is only one tricky part and that is the Maccari spring is not preset.  So it is about 2" longer than the stock one when initially installed.  Just need to make sure your spring compressor is made from at leas a 5" c clamp.  The rest is very well documented on the forums.  CDT has a nice post.  I'll try to hunt up the exact spring but I remember it is a small Apex seal.  I'll see if I can post or email links to the tuning information.  If you are mechanically inclined you can save yourself $100 by DIY.

Andy

[larspawn]

Here's what you need to order from Website: http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com

LARGE Heavy Tar
  Code:     LHt432
  Price:    7.00
  Quantity:          1
  Subtotal: 7.00

Apex Small Seal, RWS-Diana,24,26,28,RWS94,B18-19,Gamo 220,440,880, B20-26
  Code:     APV65798
  Price:    8.95
  Quantity:          1
  Subtotal: 8.95

New- E3650 Ultra Spring
  Code:     E3650DC
  Price:    17.00
  Quantity:          1
  Subtotal: 17.00

You can look up a spring compressor.  Mine is just a 5" C clamp bought for about $6 at the HW store.  Cut off one end, drill a couple holes, bolt to a board and your are ready to go.  You'll need a stop block for the barrel and it would be wise to use some type of retaining system in case the spring gets away from you.


To do the tune you'll need some 400 grit sandpaper, 3/4" dowel, a power drill, a 1/2 dowel, and a file to dress up the tube and prep for the lube.  Again, check out CDT's website and pull the b18 tuning guide the BC is the same thing.

Other than that you need an adjustable wrench, a punch and a hammer.  You're good to go.

[larspawn]

Update:  I just noticed the trigger guard was loose on the TX.  Loose enough to move up and down.    I tightened it up and checked the stock screws.  Sure enough they were pretty lose.  I lock tited them and will let sit overnight.  I'm sure this had a negative impact on the groupings this weekend.  They weren't that bad but well have to see how it does against the BC.  Game on!

[ShadowShot]

Dude, where have you been hiding?
Its good to see you again.
Are you still on the AA owners forum?

I had a weird shoot day with my TX the other day.
I tightened screws, checked for something in the barrel,
I don't know what the deal was but I was all over the place.
I was this close to yanking off the scope and going to get another one and trying it.
I thought it must be bad. Strangest thing, I think there must have been some build up or
something in the barrel. It would shot a good shot, adjust and shoot again. Next shots would walk all over the place.
After about 30 minutes of this, it just cleared up and started stacking lead again.
I am guessing I had missed seeing something in the barrel and it finally worked its way out.

[larspawn]

Okay it was nice today so I got out and had the big show down.  BC vs TX.  Who wins?

Well as you can see from the picture it was a close race.  I didn't break out the calipers but it looks like TX only because of the one pulled shot on the BC.  

TX on left and BC on right.  This was 5 shots at 25 yards from a bench.  Shooting CPLs but I think the Gamo prefers CPHPs.  

I could give this round to the BC because of the $54 scope and the overall 1/3 price differential...

This could only mean one thing...a rematch this weekend.  Might have the throwdown with the MM tuned QB78 or 2250.  I don't think either at .22 stand a chance...

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww46/larspawn/txvsbc.jpg