Traded off my Crosman 1377 for a B-20, used of course. Gun arrived today, first impression was very good. The previous owner had stripped and refinished the stock, did a pretty nice job. Looks like an oil finish, fairly light in color, but the wood looks nice enough that it works well. The stock is a classic style, right hand Monte Carlo, shoulders and points well. I've read complaints on the pistol grip on these being uncomfortably long, but this one fits me fine. LOP is 14 1/2", which happens to be perfect for me, I have fairly long arms.
Metal looks good, blueing is nice and even, and the polishing is also well done. The only gripe out of the box is that the cocking link rattles, but I suspect some kind of shim will solve that problem. The only markings on the gun are B20 and the caliber on one side of the barrel, and the serial number on the other. Sights are typical, hooded front and notch rear, seem servicealbe but the first thing I did was take them off. I can't shoot open sights worth a damn! Overall, it really looks like an R9, and could easily be mistaken for one at first glance.
Okay, time to shoot! Cocking was a big surprise, smooth as silk and silent. The breech seal is a little different from what I'm used to seeing, more of a flat washer instead of the usual oring type of thing. Seems to work, though. Firing was equally surprising, also very smooth and quiet, no torque, twang, nothing but a quick, linear "THUNK!". And I do mean quick, it reminded me of my CFX after I installed the gas ram. The trigger was adjusted a little heavier than I like, and I noticed a little roughness. It also displayed what I've heard is a typical B-20 trick, the adjustment screw backed off a little with every shot, until it finally fired when the safety was released. Still need to figure out a way to lock it down without eliminating the adjustablity. BTW, it is a Rekord copy, and a pretty good one. I'm confident I'll get it sorted out.
I pulled the action out of the stock to work on the trigger assembly, and noticed that the spring looks pretty over-lubed. The accuracy was a bit erratic, and I think that may have something to do with it. That said, even with minimal shooting and pellet testing, I was able to keep JSB Exacts inside an inch at 30 yards. I expect that to improve a fair amount after a tear down, clean and re-lube, and getting the trigger sorted out. I haven't chronied it yet, but it seems to pack a punch. I'm expecting 800-900 fps, depending on pellet, with pretty decent accuracy. All in all, for my first Chinese rifle, I'm very pleased. I was looking for a knock around "truck gun", and I think this will be perfect. I think I will change the stock, though, B-26-2 stocks are available from Best Airguns, and will be a drop in fit. I've always wanted a thumbhole, so this will probably be it. One last note, as good as this is, the B-26's must be outstanding. More later.
Dave