Brand new shadow is deadly!!!

[BPHurney]

Just joined the Gamo team today with a the purchase of a new Shadow 1k. My first high-powered air rifle. Took it out of the box, read (skimmed) the manual--cracked the barrel--didn't see any oil--pushed a patch through anyway and we were off. Couldn't wait to try it out---walked down to the nearest field just outside the neighborhood. After some scouting found a tree stump--took two practice shots--nice feel. Shortly thereafter found a bird perched in the middle of a tree----not sure what type---brown back ,mottled front--4 inch body 3 inch tail feathers---noisy---15 yds. away--took aim---thwap---down! Fluttered a bit and then still. A few hundred yds. later another of the same, this one about 15-17 yds.---thwap--dropped dead upon impact! Sweet, nothing better than hitting what you aimed at! I know they were pretty close, but it was dusk and of course---open sights. Never went two for two before--(rimfire and centerfire only)---can't believe the accuracy out of the box!!!. Happy to part of the club---thanks for everyone's input (specifically, Gene, CDT, YoteH,Daved,JP and reviewcentre)all your greatifno sealed the dealon purchasingthis great rifle---can't waitto order a grtIII and scope in the near future.

Regards,

BPHurns

[longislandhunter]

Good story,,, enjoyed it :)   Glad your S1K made you smile,,, I know I love mine.  Good luck with the rifle.  

Jeff

Nice purchase,and your welcome for the input,you will enjoy the rifle even more,it will grow on you,good luck...

great purchase,your welcome for the input,you will enjoy...

[daved]

Hey, BP,

Glad to hear of your purchase, considering what I was doing with a Shadow tonight, I know you'll be happy with it, especially after a GRT trigger and a decent scope.  Don't remember if I already told you this, but I really like the Leapers 3-12x44 AO full size.  Don't take this wrong, but your choice in targets seems a little indiscriminate.  If I were you, I think I'd want to be a little more sure of my target ID before I shot.  You could be shooting birds that have Federal protected status.  That includes most birds classed as song birds.  From the description you gave, the birds you shot could be Swainsons Thrushes, protected, or Starlings, major pest and one of my favorite targets.  So do yourself a favor, and get a decent bird book.  Or stick to birds you know are pests.  BTW, what pellet did you start with?  And do you have a selection to test with?  FWIW, I was shooting tonight with JSB Exacts, 4.52 and 4.53 head diameters.  The 4.52's seemed just a hair better, but I was having an "on" night.  Check out my post on the Gamo forum.  Later.

Dave

[BPHurney]

Hey, Dave

Thanks for the input---probably right about my targets---need to be more discerning--I'll look'em up. Where'd you get your scope--I know gene likes the bushnells--any experience with the "bug busters". Started with what they had at Walmart---crosman pointed. Shot well for me as far as Iknow ;-)

Thanks,

BP

[daved]

Got my scope and mounts from Pyramyd Air, total was less than the $150 needed for free shipping.  Had to order a tin of pellets to get there.  I haven't used one of the Bug Buster models, but plenty of people have.  I have seen some mixed reviews on the other forum.  Bug Busters are fixed power, trust me, your Shadow warrants a variable.  If size is a consideration, Leapers makes a 3-12x44 mini version.  It's about 3 inches longer than the Bug Buster, but it's a 30mm tube and larger objectice than the BB.  I intended to get one, but switched to the full size because of slightly better eye relief, and 8 clicks to the minute instead of 4.  Plus, the big scope just looks cool!

I'm surprised you're doing well with pointed pellets, both guns I've shot hate them.  Cheap pellets are just that, and false economy.  They also take the fun out of shooting, since you never really know what they will do.  Get yourself some good pellets, you'll be glad you did.  Later.

Dave

[longislandhunter]

My S1K shoots Crosman Copperhead pointed pellets exceptionally well, giving absolutely fantastic tight groups.  I've used them many times while doing pest control and have found them to be very effective.  And the best thing is they are always in stock at Walmart and are dirt cheap.  Matter of fact my .22 cal Black Shadow, my RWS 350 .22 cal  and my .177 cal CFX also shoot the Copperhead Pointed pellets like a dream.

[daved]

Okay, I've only shot Gamo and Beeman pointed pellets.  Will have to try some Crosmans the next time I'm at Wally World.  Will keep you posted.

Dave

[longislandhunter]

I think you may be pleasantly surprised.  The Crosman copperhead pointed pellets, if you look closely at them, really aren't all that "pointed", and I think that's why they shoot so well.  They are pointed just enough to make them penetrate well when striking a target (critter) but are not so pointed as to create aerodynamic stabilization problems when the pellet is in flight.  Anyway, give a try, they really do work well for me.