I’ve seen these promoted as high powered long range springers. Stock design and lack of recoil would seem to make them a good fit as a 20fp FT gun. Any experience with this gun (accuracy, reliability compared to the TX200 or HW97)?
I had a tuning customer with first name "Michael" who often used to place in the top 3 in FT matches using the RWS 54, which is basically the same rifle without a thumb hole stock, and with a few other differences that shouldn't affect accuracy. The recoil-less nature of the rifle is a big plus for maintaining a sight picture after you pull the trigger, which aids in accuracy. (Before someone tells you the rifle is only recoil-less to the shooter, since it still slides on rails when fired, yes I know that very-well).
The TX and HW rifles you mention are 'regular' recoiling guns, so maintaining a sight picture isn't as easy. That said, they have also placed well in many an FT match--obviously the persons shooting the latter rifles had good springer technique and knew what they were doing--they may have also tuned those rifles for less power to get less recoil.
You'd need to purchase a very-tough scope to handle the abuse your optics will suffer via the sliding rail system. Such scopes exist, that's not the issue. Instead, I mention it because you should be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on your scope. Also, someone will need to check, and possibly adjust the sled's adjustment screw setting for maximum possible accuracy. But, that 'someone' can be you if you're willing to do a Google search about it.
Worth mentioning with any springer with a helical coil mainspring (as opposed to a gas spring/ram): a proper tune will also negate some torque issues that may arise from the helical coil spring.
Now that I've touted Michael's past success using the RWS 54, I should add that I did some checking a while back and it appears that he has since switched to using PCP rifles. With those, you get true recoil-less operation without all the springer abuse to the scope. Now, if you're willing to shoot with a little less velocity/FPE in the 54/56, you can install a softer spring in the rifle and the scope won't get hammered as hard. Yes, you get a little more 'loop' to the trajectory that way, but if you know how to range find and properly-click for elevation, it's mostly a moot point.
HTH.
I’ve seen these promoted as high powered long range springers. Stock design and lack of recoil would seem to make them a good fit as a 20fp FT gun. Any experience with this gun (accuracy, reliability compared to the TX200 or HW97)?
I currently use a detuned and short-stroked D54 in open piston class. the gun recoils, but is not felt and I can maintain a sight picture very well during follow through.
Hector Medina did the build for me and has it shooting a JSB 8.4 pellet at, or just under 12fpe. Of course the higher in elevation, the lower the velocity. At sea level, it does 800 fps. In Phoenix (1200 ft) it does 780 fps, and at Mormon Lake (7200 ft) it does 730 fps. I have range cards made up and just use the one for that elevation after I re-zero.
If I do my job shooting the gun, the gun will certainly do its job, and it is fun to shoot. I like the self-contained aspect of shooting a piston gun. Don't get me wrong, I shoot PCP as well and will switch back and forth depending on the situation and personal whim.
As for scopes, I use a Bushnell 4200 but have it mounted in an RWS ZR (zero recoil) mount that is spring loaded and moves to prevent the back-and-forth recoil impulse that destroys scopes. I think they work marvelously and maintain scope zero.
Mark
I’ve seen these promoted as high powered long range springers. Stock design and lack of recoil would seem to make them a good fit as a 20fp FT gun. Any experience with this gun (accuracy, reliability compared to the TX200 or HW97)?
I currently use a detuned and short-stroked D54 in open piston class. the gun recoils, but is not felt and I can maintain a sight picture very well during follow through.
Hector Medina did the build for me and has it shooting a JSB 8.4 pellet at, or just under 12fpe. Of course the higher in elevation, the lower the velocity. At sea level, it does 800 fps. In Phoenix (1200 ft) it does 780 fps, and at Mormon Lake (7200 ft) it does 730 fps. I have range cards made up and just use the one for that elevation after I re-zero.
If I do my job shooting the gun, the gun will certainly do its job, and it is fun to shoot. I like the self-contained aspect of shooting a piston gun. Don't get me wrong, I shoot PCP as well and will switch back and forth depending on the situation and personal whim.
As for scopes, I use a Bushnell 4200 but have it mounted in an RWS ZR (zero recoil) mount that is spring loaded and moves to prevent the back-and-forth recoil impulse that destroys scopes. I think they work marvelously and maintain scope zero.
Mark
Mark is your ZR Mount one that Hector modified?
UglyJohn,
Yes, My ZR mount was accurized by Hector. He added two adjustable delrin plugs at the back end of the mount. these can be minutely screwed in every so slightly to minimize any perceived movement other than linearly. I think they work great.
One thing I failed to mention is that I had Mike McKeown make a Claro Walnut FT stock for it. I wanted the adjustability in the comb and length of pull, along with butt plate positioning. I also wanted the added weight. As set up, it is a very stable platform. I might add that it is fun to shoot.
Mark
