In a bit of a quandry

[RedFeather]

Been going through quite a few guns lately - buying, testing, reselling. Reason is, I've had eye surgeries which have required me to get rid of my heavy kickers (12 gauge, .30-06's) since my doc and I felt direct recoil to the cheek area might not be a good thing. So, I like springers (wouldn't you know it) but it's hard to find some that don't come with recoil. (If it will break a scope, it can rattle the old eyeball.) Bought myself a nice 54 but also like other styles. Some, like my Diana 24 or CFX Royal, don't have a lot of recoil to speak of. Others, it's a crap shoot.

I picked up a nice tuned 34 here from Howie and gave it a good test, even with a cheek weld, to see how she felt. Seemed ok. Today, I received a tuned BAM B40 and, while checking it out, thought I would compare it to the 34. The B40 is surprisingly smooth. While there is some recoil, there is no jump in the shot cycle and it will be perfect for me once it's scoped. Well, I put five through the B40, then five through the 34. Suddenly, I'm noticing more recoil in the 34. A penetration test between the two gave the 34 the nod, so I would guess it's running hotter. Still, I'm now a bit bummed since I thought the 34 was ok. Might a change in the weather here, too, since I'm also pretty sensitive in that cheekbone due to a rather unpleasant session with a wrongly-stocked shotgun (cast-on, sharp toe, thin comb - great if you're left handed which I'm not). Anywho, I also ran some through the CFX, 24 and another gun, no problem. Now I'm wondering if the 34 is too much? Nothing worse than shooting a gun you're kind of leery of.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble but I'm trying to get my head straight. It's hard when you know something isn't right for you but you kind of convince yourself it can be made to work, etc. Worst thing is, I've got a nice FWB124 which I recently acquired and was considering a Paul Watts tune for it, but now I'm wondering if it will just come back like the 34? And I don't like PCP's, so that's not really an option. Such is life. Sheesh. I feel like Charlie Brown. What's a mother to do?

[preez]

Hey Red, how 'bout them PCP's? No recoil, less technique, joy to shoot!

If you're sticking with springer, did you see the Diana 56 Target? It is sweet for a springer. Recoiless based on 54 action, but nice thumbhole stock and suppose to be very accurate.

Also, did you try a soft cheek pad to cushion the blow?

Chris

[RedFeather]

As I mentioned, I just don't care for PCP's. I find those and SSP's to be, well, boring. Had a nice little Crosman 2260 and it was easy to go through a cartridge but not as satisfying on a physical level as cocking a springer. I prefer the 54 over the new 56TH. Thumbhole stocks are not, generally, my thing and the 54 I have is a nice gun to shoot. Would like another in .22 someday. Plus you can retrofit a 54 with a T06 trigger unit and one of Hector's (Dianawerke forum) custom pistons to turn it into a really great shooter at less than the price of a 56.

Yes, a cheek pad would do it but I bought the 34 to shoot iron sights. I have a couple of scoped guns, already. Tried various materials to isolate the shock. What works well is a bicycle gel seat pad, but it raises your head up too high for the sights. I could sculpt the stock and put a nice sobithane type insert into the comb and it would do it, too, but I'm no Timmie when it comes to woodworking and I'd just end up with a butchered stock.

Still trying to get my head around it here. Thanks for the insights.

[daved]

Maybe a dumb question, Red, but have you tried a 34 with a Vortek kit in it?  Despite shooting CPL's right at 900 fps, mine is a really soft shooter.  If that doesn't do it, maybe a soft tune with a lighter spring.  If you'd like to try before you buy, let me know, and I'll send you mine to try out.  One other thought, add some weight to the butt, my 34 is noticeably lighter than my R9, even with the longer barrel, but still shoots quite a bit softer than the R9.  And the R9 is only shooting about 15 fps faster.   As I'm sure you've noticed by now, I've become a huge fan of the 34, it would suck if you had to let yours go, I'd like to help out if I can.  Later.

Dave

[RedFeather]

Thanks for the most generous offer, Daved. My 34 was tuned by John in PA with, I think, a JM GRT spring. I don't think the Vortek kit can do more than John has performed. He's that good, BTW. I will hang on to it and try her, again. Could be just one of those days. The B40 also has had a pro-tune with JM guts. It'll all turn out good.

[geewhiz380]

Redfeather im very sorry to hear of bad news especially a person like u that is very caring of others ,i will pray for u cause i would like for u to get better .Redfeather i have qb78.22 that r great and not expensive and mike will tune it to hit low 700,s with a 14.3 pellet rws domed and no recoil at all and very accurate with a tko brake u will love its trigger,velocity,power,weight,and the stock is also nice like a burgundy color and some bling on it .if u could deal with co2 then u will like it and all this would  come out to about 240.00 and it will consist of everything i mentioned .qb78d.22tuned by mike to hit high 600,s to low to mid 700,s ,a muzzle brake from tko,32.00 ,co2 40a pack about 30.00 with tax and pells rws dome 14.5 and super-h-points 14.2 those r the ones mine like at 35yds they group excellently .God Bless u and Your Family...from jorge lopez

[RedFeather]

Thanks, Jorge. I appreciate your kind thoughts. My operations were sixteen years ago but everything is holding steady. It's not a given that recoil would shake things up some more but why risk it? Regarding the CO2 offer, I've had a CO2 rifle and it's just that shooting one is sort of like plain vanilla compared to my springers. One reason I recently sold the Daisy 953. My multi-pumps are a bit different matter since I can go slow with those. CO2's and PCP's would be like me eating a big old bag of potato chips. One shot after another, and another and another.....

[geewhiz380]

Well u r well experinced and i know u will decide on the right one ,for me im headed toward a b40 but dont know if i should get the .22 or 177 but most likely ill go with the 177 cause i have heard many good about that cal....jorge lopez...

[RedFeather]

Just lucked into a B40 in .177 the other day. It has a JM spring and full tune. I think you will like one of these. Haven't scoped it yet, but I am impressed by the finish. Plus the trigger is great. (Sure that was worked over to, but it shows that it can be done.)