I agree 100%, my first airgun was a MM tuned B-26 in .22. Dano recommended it, and others too. It is a pretty accurate and powerful springer, shoots CPHP's with maybe a 1" pattern at 30 yards. I mounted an inexpensive Centerpoint scope, and have had minimal or no issues in a two year span. Solid, consistent performance.
My expert tuned Gamo Whisper .177, OTOH, was never consistent. Jammed the stop pin back into the cheap aluminum extrusion riser making it a long oval, and even when firing carefully at close range with open sights off a rest, well, it cannot pattern tightly. Tried about 8 types of recommended pellets. I used to get both my rifles (B-26 and Whisper) and shoot the same target to compare patterns. The BAM was better, every single time. Dozens of trials, three different scopes and mounts (not counting the ridiculous scope Gamo ships). I have been told I really need to learn how to handle a springer, etc.
Then TCups tells me to get a Slavia CZ-634. I ordered one on Gunbroker, had it shipped to Gene. Mounted a Bushnell scope. First time I tried it, it was so accurate, I was amazed. The very first pattern of five I shot at 25 yards or so was the tightes I had ever shot with an air rifle. I have settled on the JSB Exact pellets, and this rifle has never had any issues. I may have to give the scope a couple of clicks, but then it commences to hit the POA just about every time. Done it dozens of times in the past year or so, the last one yesterday shooting with the NTAGM group. You know, I'm not sure anyone was shooting a Gamo yesterday. I don't recall.
The BAM and the CZ both have a smoother firing cycle, and have good triggers from the factory. The are lower velocity, it's true...
The guys I respect the most tell me that the earlier all steel Gamos could be good shooters. I have seen a Whisper that was very accurate, but I think it all starts with the barrel, and the later shrouded models start with inferior barrels, so you had better hope everything else is great, which is also uncommon.
Causes 1) they have cost reduced the product to the point of inferiority. The old metal trigger group was balky, required way too much pressure. It could be replaced with a good afermarket group. The newer plastic ones - you're stuck with them for the moment (Bob Werner must be working on this).
Life is too short, and there are better choices from China and Czechoslovakia. Crosman has some promising stuff, too. Caveat emptor.
