Some general Gamo (Viper) questions

Hello all.  This is the deal.  I bought a Gamo Viper a couple weeks ago on a whim.  I enjoy shooting firearms, and have done extensive work with high end paintball guns, but know absolutely NOTHING about this type of gun.

I have already ordered a new trigger form Bob, after about ten minutes of internet research that one seemed like a no brainer.  Above and beyond that, are there good schematics available anywhere online so that I can figure out exactly how this thing actually functions without taking it all apart?

What type of accuracy should I expect to be able to achieve with this type of rifle, and at what ranges (I'm asking about the rifle's capabilities, not my own personal (in)ability to hit anything)?

Aside from replacing the trigger, what options are available to me in terms of upgrading and/or customizing?

What improvements are recommended for out right performance increases as opposed to personal preference?

Will I be able to do much without the need for specialized tools and milling equipment, or will I be better off having work done by other people already set up to do it?

Did I make a decent choice for a first air gun, or will I soon find myself looking to upgrade?  I don't want to sink a ton of money into trying to turn what I have into a better gun only to find out I could/should have spent the money on a better platform to begin with.  If a better platform is suggested, what ones, and why?

I know I just asked a crap load of questions, but from what I've seen so far, this seems to be the best place to find unbiased, rational, knowledgeable input.  

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I am looking forward to any and all advice.

-Tim

[Splash]

Tim, you can look in the library, the 220-890 action is the same as the viper. Taking it apart and giving it a good clean,polish and lube will help alot. That along with Bob's trigger will make a fine shooter, 1" groups at 40yrds, should be no problem. Oh and Welcome to the forum.
Mike

[Gene_SC]

Hi Tim

Well you have started off in the right direction so far... The GRT-III trigger is a fine replacement for the standard Gamo trigger on any Gamo Air Rifle.. Now you can slow down a bit.. Shoot your Viper a bunch before you put the GRT-III trigger in. Then shoot is a bunch after you get the trigger in.. Maybe put a thousand pellets through it before you think of haveing a lube tune.. The lube tune will smooth out your Viper 100% I might add. You will not know until you do get it lube tuned though.. You may even want to replace the stock spring with a Macarri Spring, which is probably one of the best springs in the country.. Thats it.. I have a few of the Shadow 1000's which have the same power plant as your Viper and at best I get on the average around 1/2 inch groups at 40 yards with my stock Gamo barrel Shadow's. Two of my S1K's, I have replaced the barrels with L/W choked, riflled barrels which shoot dead on at 40  yards almost consistantly unless I mess up.. hehe.... Depends on if I shoot in the morning after 3 or 4 cups of coffee... or in the afternoon. hehe

Keep us posted on how you like your Viper and how the accuracy is working out.

Good Luck Tim
Gene

Good day mate and welcome. Something you will learn is that no matter how much you spend on your first airgun, another will follow and then another and another and another and so forth. Just have fun.

Thanks for the tips.  I wish I had found the Library sooner, I wouldn't have had to ask so many questions.  That is an incredible collection of knowledge.

[nyairman]

Welcome Tim. This is the place to be for all of your air gun questions. Keep in mind that most springers take about 1000 shots through them before they settle down. At that point the gun's accuracy will be much more consistant. Patience is the key in shooting these guns. The library covers virtually everything about this world of airgunning. Above all just have fun

Greg