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I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

netranger6

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 15, 2009
2,649
225
Vicoria, Texas
..worth a fuck. Anyone find themselves pulling their hair out with a pellet gun? Or am I just used to very tight groups with my GAP's and DTA's? Anywho, trying to get my 3 year old into it, so I bough a Benjamin Nitro Trail. Let's just say it sucked donkey balls, and I tried 10 different pellets and weights. Plus, it was too loud and scared the crap out of him.

Soo, today I traded it in on a Stoeger X20 Suppressed. I have been running lead 7.5 Gamo's in it and the Gamo Gold PBR's all afternoon. At 25 yards, and 50 feet, both suck ass for consistency. Maybe I need a few more dozen down the pipe, or maybe I just suck.

Anyone with experience with this pellet gun, please chime in for the love of GOD. What pellet, and what distance, is a good zero. Albeit, at 50 ft., with the Gamo Gold, I was having some luck, just not every pull. More like 3 out of 6 in the ten ring. Do I need a 10-15 gram pellet? This shit is making me gray....

.net/
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

I had a similar experience with a Gamo Big Cat 1250. I tried about half a dozen different pellets and the best "grouping" I could get consistently was about 1"..... at about 10-15yds. It didn't matter what I did so I junked it and got a 22.

My brother in law recently got one of the quiet/suppressed type air rifles for pest removal around his house as he lives in a subdivision. He hasn't tried shooting any groups yet but he has confirmed on multiple occasions it is in fact minute-of-squirrel.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

an air rifle will show you your weaknesses. Consider this, you are shooting a springer type weapon with a totally different recoil action, this means that you need to learn how to manage that recoil differently than with a center fire rifle. Secondly your in barrel time is huge in comparison to a center fire rifle, this means that, that recoil is affecting your shot while it is happening. Third as a result of that in barrel time your follow through is so much more important. An air rifle will humble a very good rifleman for quite a while in the practice, after a few thousand rounds you will get the hang of it, and it will improve your center fire performance. I know most will argue with me on this, but I will put up in my defense that I coach the 3rd place Air Force national championship team and 13th place ROTC national championship team with 3 of the top 50 shooters in the US on my resume. Jeff....
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Try some heavy pellets like JSB 10.34gr... Pellets dont like to go transonic. You lose accuracy for every FPS past 930.

Also, break barrel pellet guns are finicky about how their held... thats one reason is gave all mine away and went to compressed air... heres some critical info on getting a springer to group well...

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/04/how-to-shoot-airgun-accurately.html
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Just make sure the nut behind the trigger is tight.
grin.gif
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MontanaKid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just make sure the nut behind the trigger is tight.
grin.gif
</div></div>

Damn. Now I think about it, the shots that really sucked is when I was pronged out like I was running my .338. Should have seen me in the back yard cussing up a storm and getting sun burned. So, what's a good zero range? 50 feet? I mostly wanna pick off doves, breast them out, wash them, stuff it with a jalapeño, wrap two slices of bacon around it and toss on the pit. All while my little one watches and helps.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

I've never had a problem shooting them.

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Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

I have the X20 suppressed in .177 caliber.
After I discovered that I had the scope rings swapped, and after I got it to stop dieseling, it has been a laser at 25 yards with the Stoeger X-Power solid copper pellets. It's decent with others, but it loves these.
http://www.airgundepot.com/stoeger-pellets-30368.html

They had a coupon deal when I got mine. Sent it in and got an assload of free pellets.

Check your rings if you got the factory scoped model. There is a difference.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

I have an entry-level Anschutz air rifle designed for 10m competition shooting. It's amazingly accurate with match ammo. It's worth noting the 10 ring on a 10m air rifle target is 0.5mm in diameter, or 0.197". You're using 0.177" pellets. That gives you .010" in any direction to clean the 10. Air rifles will definitely reveal weaknesses but their triggers are ridiculously light, on the order of 2-8oz. persistant7500 nailed it when he said the in-barrel time is huge, especially for low velocity 10m competition rifles. Follow-through is critical.

It's also a different kind of shooting using a diopter and globe sight. You're not quartering the target, but keeping the black of the target centered inside the ring insert of your front sight. That's different than most of my centerfire rifles using irons or optics. I've got the same diopter/globe sights on a Walther GX-1 .22LR and they're amazingly accurate.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

All good comments so far.

Maybe persistant can add to this but it has been my experience that you need to cradle, not hold the forend of the air rifle. The difference in recoil physics requires a different method of presenting the air rifle to target. Try a couple of air gun forums to get you started with proper technique. I used to visit this one for some good pointers -

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/inde...mp;action=forum

There are plenty more out there. I've found air rifles to be a sport all their own with only physical appearance to be the major commonality with shooting firearms.

If you like to improve and customize your centerfire rifles be careful, custom air rifles is a whole new disease!
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Go HERE and find an old Spanish Gamo Shadow 640, or an RWS you can afford with low enough spring tension that your kid can cock it, then try shooting RWS or Gamo flat nose Match ammo. I have killed dozens of squirrels out to 25yds with that ammo - you don't need fancy stuff with special coatings and points - it's all about shot placement with an air rifle. I've also killed a few raccoons and possums at closer ranges.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

In Alaska high power shooting tended to taper off in the winter (we were wimps) so to keep in shape I shot indoor Small Bore and Air Rifle.

Had one of those fancy RWS 75 HVs and extremly accuate. Got match pellets from the guard.

Got big headed thinking I'm some kind of hot shot Air Gun Shooter............that is until I started shooting ISU Air Gun Matches.

Dern High School and Collage Kids showed up and made me look like I was throwning rocks.

Air Rifles are unforgiving but they are also an excellent training tool.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

You can't drive a Springer like you do a Centerfire Rifle. It requires a loose hold on the Rifle. I believe they call it an Artillery hold. The recoil has to be tamed by holding it.
You shouldn't use a solid rest as it makes the Rifle recoil differently.
Also your scope might leave alot to be desired. My Diana 34 used to eat scopes like candy until I broke down and put a Leupold on it.

Make sure your base and rings are tight.

I read this old article about taking 9mm hulls and shooting them at 25 yards with your Air Rifle. It was claimed it was the same as shooting a Human sized target at a 1000 yards.
I drilled out the primers and hung four of them on a string so that they would spin around if hit solidly. I had a blast doing this.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

A model 34 RWS is owed much of my riflery skills. Most important with a spring powered air rifle is a clean trigger pull and following through with the shot. You have to try to be on target after the shot(though in reality the recoil pulse will cause the gun to pulse a little). You can't yank a good shot off consistantly like can be done by experienced firearms shooter. Prone can cause problems. My particular rifle required hand support or shooting across a pack/etc. to be accurate. If I was chasing accuracy I would buy a beeman gas piston if your stuck on a break action or RWS in a fixed barrel side/under lever. Scoping a break action in my experienced diminished accuracy. I have a theory that minor variations in lockup were magnified by using a reciever mounted optic vs an iron front sight that is pinned to the barrel and therefore somewhat self adjusts if the gun has minor lockup variations. I would go side charger or underlever if I was stuck on a scope, or just go precharged. I still pull mine out every so often after 18 years of use. It dispatches garbage raiding pests with ease and is cheap fun!
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VA-Varminter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the X20 suppressed in .177 caliber.
After I discovered that I had the scope rings swapped, and after I got it to stop dieseling, it has been a laser at 25 yards with the Stoeger X-Power solid copper pellets. It's decent with others, but it loves these.
http://www.airgundepot.com/stoeger-pellets-30368.html

They had a coupon deal when I got mine. Sent it in and got an assload of free pellets.

Check your rings if you got the factory scoped model. There is a difference. </div></div>

What is this you speak of? It has the rings that came with it. I torqud them at the base and on glass.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Consider yourself lucky. Kalifornia now trying to make it a crime for a member of your family under 18 to not be able to have a BB gun, pellet gun, or Airsoft anywhere anyone can see it.

NRA link

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Assembly Bill 2333 – Liability for negligent storage of BB, airsoft and other toy guns

AB 2333, introduced by Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-69), as amended, would expand California’s negligent storage law to any person who knowingly or reasonably should have known that a minor is likely to gain access to a BB device without the permission of the minor’s parents or legal guardian and the minor carries the BB device in a public place. The definition of “public place” includes “A front yard, driveaway, doorway or entrance to a building or dwelling.” If a minor possesses a “BB device” that is visible from your own private property YOU and YOUR CHILD HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME. Violators would be subject to a civil penalty and/or community service. AB 2333 would impose an unnecessary and potentially severe criminal liability on everyday toys (not just BB guns and pellet guns) leading to severe penalties.
</div></div>
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: netranger6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What is this you speak of? It has the rings that came with it. I torqud them at the base and on glass. </div></div>

Mine wouldn't hold zero, so I checked the mounts. There are pins inside the rings. The rear pin protrudes from the bottom of the ring and fits into the slot on the receiver. The front one fits flush.
If it's accidentally put on the front ring it will bind against the receiver and create an unstable mount.
I found that to be the case with mine.
I assume the pin is some sort of stop to negate the gun's recoil.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VA-Varminter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: netranger6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What is this you speak of? It has the rings that came with it. I torqud them at the base and on glass. </div></div>

Mine wouldn't hold zero, so I checked the mounts. There are pins inside the rings. The rear pin protrudes from the bottom of the ring and fits into the slot on the receiver. The front one fits flush.
If it's accidentally put on the front ring it will bind against the receiver and create an unstable mount.
I found that to be the case with mine.
I assume the pin is some sort of stop to negate the gun's recoil. </div></div>

I noticed that. It's like a make believe pic rail, rear screw fits into the slot. Mine is gtg, thanks for giving me a heads up!
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Obviously, you need an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!



Only problem is, you'll shoot your eye out.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

FWIW I have had very little success using non-match grade spring-piston pellet guns for precision shooting. Usually don't hold a decent group at even close range. My $40 Crossman 760 pump gun always shot better than even $100-$150 springers.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

Very much enjoying this discussion. I have been thinking about getting a 'good' air rifle for regular practice. Been years since I shot one a lot, but I spent hours and hours as a kid with a Crossman 760. I mean hours. And I still think that time spent pays off today, over 35 years later.

This thread is getting me motivated to get another air rifle. Some good suggestions above and I've been looking at various models.

A great example of why the 'Hide provides so much good info.

Cheers,

Sirhr
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: persistant7500</div><div class="ubbcode-body">an air rifle will show you your weaknesses. Consider this, you are shooting a springer type weapon with a totally different recoil action, this means that you need to learn how to manage that recoil differently than with a center fire rifle. Secondly your in barrel time is huge in comparison to a center fire rifle, this means that, that recoil is affecting your shot while it is happening. Third as a result of that in barrel time your follow through is so much more important. An air rifle will humble a very good rifleman for quite a while in the practice, after a few thousand rounds you will get the hang of it, and it will improve your center fire performance. I know most will argue with me on this, but I will put up in my defense that I coach the 3rd place Air Force national championship team and 13th place ROTC national championship team with 3 of the top 50 shooters in the US on my resume. Jeff.... </div></div>

Quote:
A model 34 RWS is owed much of my riflery skills. Most important with a spring powered air rifle is a clean trigger pull and following through with the shot. You have to try to be on target after the shot(though in reality the recoil pulse will cause the gun to pulse a little). You can't yank a good shot off consistantly like can be done by experienced firearms shooter. Prone can cause problems. My particular rifle required hand support or shooting across a pack/etc. to be accurate. If I was chasing accuracy I would buy a beeman gas piston if your stuck on a break action or RWS in a fixed barrel side/under lever. Scoping a break action in my experienced diminished accuracy. I have a theory that minor variations in lockup were magnified by using a reciever mounted optic vs an iron front sight that is pinned to the barrel and therefore somewhat self adjusts if the gun has minor lockup variations. I would go side charger or underlever if I was stuck on a scope, or just go precharged. I still pull mine out every so often after 18 years of use. It dispatches garbage raiding pests with ease and is cheap fun!

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">My experience has been like the above fellow shooters' experience. I tried three guns and numerous scopes and pellets to learn spring guns are hard to shoot and they jar hell out of scopes and mounts, and they need work and the right lubes to shoot well.

The piston chamber has to be polished carefully for consistent friction on the piston ring. Many piston rings are dinged from the clown at the factory forcing it into the chamber. The cocking lever slot in the cylinder has sharp edges that need sanded off. Break barrels tend to eventually change poi since the barrel and scope are on different parts as the pivot point wears. A side/under lever eliminates that problem. On the less expensive ones, the trigger is the weak link. They suck, and due to piston and projectile dwell time, that hurts a lot.

Get the .22 or .25 caliber if you will be exterminating squirrels. The .177 that I use isn't as drt. Instead, they end up in the neighbor's yard causing sneaking suspicions you are shooting their squirrels, but he was in your yard when you shot right through him with the .177. This Spring I all but exterminated gray squirrels from the area, as well as jay birds, House Sparrows, and European Starlings that destroy song birds' nests and overtake them.

Check out TedsHolder on Facebook. Watch this guy kill pigeons on grain elevators at 100 yards, inclined, in the wind.

A Benjamin Marauder goes for around $500+, or the Beeman AR15 upper pcp. One of them is on my Christmas list.

There are forums about air guns</span></span>
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

It has been my experience that all of the springer air rifles that I have used have left me disappointed. Granted they are an inexpensive way to get high velocity, they are very hard to shoot accurately. Another problem that has been mentioned a couple times in this thread is the fact that I have never met a scope that will hold up over time with them (1000 shots per week for a couple years). I would recommend the crosman 2000 Challenger PCP. It is a fully adjustable rifle that will generally get 150 shots per fill up, (just buy the tire pump style pump) and has very high accuracy potential. This is the rifle that almost every sporter class team is fielding and is almost comparable to precision rifles costing 5+ times more. Like the song says hold on loosely and follow through for what will seem like an eternity and it will show you your weaknesses and teach you to fix them.
 
Re: I can't shoot a damn pellet gun...

My son and I shoot accurately (for a pellet gun) often 1" groups or less at 50 yards and shoot 100 yards as well. 100 requires calm wind.

As posted above, use a heavy pellet. The high velocity "non lead" pellets suck. Crossman Premier is one of the most accurate pellets we have used. Also don't rest on the barrel, which my son forgets in the video below!

I have an RWS that I have owned for 28 years and it's as accurate as the day I got it. I've also owned other guns and some of the cheap ones are good if you use a decent scope. His Crossman is darn near as accurate as my RWS. However, both have decent scopes.

Couple vids having fun in the background.
smile.gif
Once my son son figured ou the drop and windage, he was right on at 100 yards.

Disclaimer: I'm shooting past my own house and nobody was home while doing this.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuIwmjkihrg&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ecJjdG_93E&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57k72JDDRT0&feature=plcp