I remember, Gene, I had an "interesting" run in with him, myself. Definitely not my first choice, but he was the only one I could think of at the time. Regarding that barrel, if it's a .177, I'd be happy to take it off your hands, Gene. Not interested in a .22, I don't like the loopy trajectory a mid power springer produces in that category, and I can't shoot the magnum springers worth a damn :-). Besides, I had one of the .22 CFX's when they first became available again, didn't like it, although it was the last springer I sold when I switched to the Dark Side.
Regarding CFX velocity, I guess my first one was the exception. After Bob tuned it, it was doing 895 with Gamo Hunters. After the spring collapsed, I installed a Theoben gas ram, last I heard, it was still doing a very consistent 900 fps with Superdomes. And yes, I did a LOT of work getting the rotary breech sorted out :-). I'm not expecting miracles, but I learned a thing or two about the rotary breech with my first CFX, so I'm pretty sure I should be able to get this one into the mid 800's at least, and still have a good shot cycle. And if I'm wrong, I KNOW I can make it a sweet 700 fps shooter.
I know the barrel in my current one is crap, pushing a pellet through the bore will barely engrave the skirt, and doesn't touch the head. Pellets just drop into the breech, and will drop out again if you turn the muzzle up before closing the breech. All the previous CFX's I've shot required at least a slight push to fully seat the pellet. I really believe that a previous owner (not the one I got it from) was way too aggressive with an abrasive bore cleaner.
The previous owner was convinced this rifle was cursed (why do I keep buying cursed rifles?), but I've regretted letting my first one go, so was happy to add one to my small collection. Now I just want to get it shooting the way I know it can. Let me know on that barrel, Gene. Later.
Dave