My first tune of a springer

[mick1]

I’ve just completed my first ‘tune’ of a springer and the results are pretty pleasing.  After my Gamo 440 suffered a broken spring I obtained a Maccari spring and lubes (parts listed below for reference).  While waiting for these to complete their transatlantic journey to South Africa I took time out to make a spring compressor, basically following Charlie’s design but adding a few touches of my own.  I have put some info about the spring compressor on a local airgun forum I belong to and if anyone is interested the link is: http://www.airrifle.co.za/forumdisplay.php?s=56f18f2de4aab2b8b7fbe9b99c3d42da&f=2448
I had little difficulty taking down the air rifle and doing the de-burring and the lubes largely thanks to Charlie’s excellent notes from the GTA Library.  This Maccari spring is intended as a ‘drop-in’ for Gamos so I used the stock top hat and lower spring guide.  In practice, however, they are not a snug fit with the spring and this is something I would like to improve on.  I’m getting the springer tuning bug.  I’m not a machinist and I would have the top hat and spring guide machined for me locally.  I would appreciate any info on this GTA members could give me.  I would also like to tweak the trigger a bit if possible (it already has the GRT111 which is a huge improvement).  It’s the Gamo parts I would like to sweeten to make the trigger pull a bit smoother and lighter.  Again, if anyone can offer advice/pics to do with this I would appreciate it.

With the new spring, de-burring of parts, and the lubes, the Hunter 440 feels like a different gun. I tried it out and before finishing zeroing the scope properly I shot a few targets, off-hand at 15 metres.  This was the my best result (attached).

The GTA is a great community and I appreciate the advice and information that have come my way.

Maccari Parts:

Spring: E-3650   Prod. Code:  E3650  
Apex Seal:          Prod. Code:  APV 65798
Heavy Tar:          Prod. Code:  LHT432
Moly Paste:           Prod. Code:    MM657

Ol’ Mick

[ezman604]

Chris, that's a nice looking piece of equipment you built there. I would just suggest something on the adjustment bolt end to prevent scarring or slippage.Congrats on your first tune.There's just so many benefits to doing a home tune. You learn the inner workings of an airgun. You learn what not to do and what not to do.And after assembly and cycling it through the cocking and firing cycle, you have an earned sense of pride in your work. Or, you find out about some mistakes and start over.

And that too is an adventure and learning experience. Learning something new is generally a very good thing.

Good job.

HappyShooting....and tuning!!!!

Dave

[gamo2hammerli]

That`s a very good looking spring compressor....looks sturdy and well made.  Thanks for sharing.

[jay morgan]

GOOD GOING MICK1 looks good on compressor & congrad's on tune, keep it going!!!

[Magnum]

Hi Chris, Nice work on the spring compresser and the tune thanks for sharing:) I also have a GRT111 on my Gamo  and its a  sweet shooter now. Tony

[larspawn]

Hey Ol' Mick, nice compressor you built.  Even took the time to poly the wood!  I'm so lazy mine is still a cut "c" clamp bolted to a piece of 3/4 plywood with a hole cut in it to drive end cap pins out!  The barrel end is just a 2x4 with two clamps holding it to the board.  One of these days I'm going to have to take a break from tinkering to make me a real compressor!

Congrats on your first tune.  There's something very satisfying about doing it yourself isn't there?  Called sense of accomplishment!

Great job!

Andy Wong aka larspawn