Anyone into shooting/guns?

One of my targets from the weekend. As you can see the scope was set for more than 30 yds, but the shots were grouping nicely. Ignore the two stray shots, that was my son with a little assistance from a table, a towel, and an adult

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Thank guys. I'm interested in the PCP option, but had ruled it out (perhaps incorrectly) on the basis of cost and usability in the field.

I also had some nerves about buying secondhand, because I don't know enough about what I'm buying, to know if it's been looked after. Rusty barrels, knackered springs, PCP's that have had the o-ring seals knackered, etc. If I buy new, I know it's in good condition. A naive perspective I know, but being honest, that's where I am right now on the subject of guns. We are in a 'little bit of knowledge is dangerous' territory here.

I'm not sure my budget will stretch to a new PCP, plus a gas bottle, etc, etc

So we know what we are talking about in terms of budget, I can pick up a new HW77 for £300, plus the cost of a scope puts it up to about £350. http://www.allgunsdiscounted.co.uk/W..._Air_Rifle.htm

I would be interested in a recoilless gun, and I ruled out the cheaper HW57 and extended my budget because lots of reviews said it was quite hold sensitive.

Thing is the CO2 bottles themselves don't seem to come cheap? How much are refills? Where do you get them refilled? What if you've used your 40 odd shots and need a refill in the middle of a field?

for a start they're not CO2 they're air. Ignore CO2 they're a good option for backyard plinking but not for hunting, too much temperature variation in power and other issues.

The charging setup for a PCP (precharged pneumatic ... air), is either a pump or a diving cylinder. They're not overly expensive in fact I've got a 12l steel cylinder with loads of test on it for sale...


I wouldn't worry about seals and stuff on PCPs, if you can take a mate along or something. If they shoot alright chances are they are right, they aren't particularly complicated. The biggest worry with any of them is that a previous owner has messed with them and made them FAC power...

My gun is about the worst out there for shots per fill, like around 30. This is because it has a very short barrel, is a .177, a small air tank, and is unregulated*. How many times do you need 30 shots out hunting? I don't even bother taking spare pellets, just one full magazine.


There's a BSA super10 for sale on airgunforum for £330 including optics and silencer...


*Re regulators, some guns (mine) are unregulated... the hammer opens the valve and lets 190bar squirt into the chamber. More expensive regulated ones have an intermediate pressure, say 20 bar, so the gun will be completely consistent right through the air fill. Many more consistent shots but costs more.

Thanks Chris, will look into the cost of a diving bottle. How much are you asking for yours? Don't you need a diving certificate of some sort to get them refilled? I need to do some more research on PCP this evening

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[yorkie_chris]

Nah some places can get funny about it I've heard but I've never had any problem. Or indeed ever been asked to show my qualifications when getting my tanks filled for diving when showing up with regulators on the cylinders etc.

I dunno, was hoping to get £100 for it but that's top end. It got hydro and visual test this time last year and hasn't been wet.

Ok, and that's what put me off PCP's in the first place, 100 for a bottle makes a £350 gun £450 in reality. I can't imagine that kind of pressure is quick or easy with a hand pump?

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[yorkie_chris]

Depends on the size of cylinder on the gun.
My PCP was £300 ish including a cylinder and filling whip and scope.


I still have a few springers for target shooting, it's good fun and a challenge. But for clean easy kills it's PCP all the way. If I was going to get one these days I'd get a heavy gas ram powered one.

[Bluepete]

Ralph, don't get hung up on the cost of refills.

I have a Falcon PCP which allows me to choose which eye to hit a bunny in at 40 meters.

I didn't have a charging system for the first year, my local gun shop did it for £1 and with about 100 shots per fill...

I managed to find a secondhand pump for £45. Many people scoff, saying it's too much effort. Soft shoits!

PCP's are awesome. The accuracy will blow you away and if you want to put meat on the table, clean, instant kills are the ONLY way to go.

Christmas is coming up. Nudge nudge, wink wink eh?

Pete

[yorkie_chris]

Cool! But for a £1 a fill don't buy a .177 ultra multi whatever you do!! I think it uses more air than me on a dive to 50m...

Also to get zero'd in and practice local gun clubs often have club filling arrangements.

I have 400 cartridges and the weather is looking good which leaves only one question, shock choke should I use?
I have been running with a cylinder choke but think I will give a 1/4 choke try.

Any advice welcome

I'm now looking at getting a rifle either .177hmr or .22lr for target shooting. I have permission to shoot on a 1000 acre moor however I am not sure if target shooting will be classed as a good reason unless I join a club.

Any ideas?