Saturday, June 2, 2012

My Beeman R7

I got this gun in stock form from a nice gentleman on the Yellow Forum Classifieds. It came with an upgraded set of fiber optic open sites that were quite nice, but I had other plans for this little beauty.

First thing I did was to mount a Centerpoint 3-9X40mm scope using an Accushot one piece medium scope mount. I later added a bubble level as well to help with rifle cant. Let me tell you, everything they say about these fine rifles is true. They stack pellets in one hole over and over again, at anything less than 30 yards. This springer rifle is almost boring to shoot, it's that accurate. The famous Rekord trigger that Beeman/HW are known for, makes this rifle's trigger a dream to use. Very light, smooth and short first stage with just the slightest 'bump' then any additional pressure and it breaks like a glass rod. It was set so light by the gentleman that sold it to me, it's almost scary to shoot, but I like it that way. I took it through it's paces and shot target after target and hit everything I aimed at. Just a bunch of tiny little ragged holes where I shot anywhere from 5-10 pellets through. This gun loves JSB Exacts in 8.4gr 4.52mm the best, I haven't found another pellet it likes as well as them. I just love everything about it, it's looks, it's very easy cocking stroke, it's accuracy, it's trigger and I could just go on and on about it. I would recommend this rifle to ANY first time springer user because it will make a believer out of you that springers can be gentle, smooth and accurate to shoot. If you've never tried one, it's a must. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. If you don't have one in your collection, you are missing the boat.

Over the next several months I added some custom upgrades to it as you can see. These upgrades include an engraved aluminum trigger guard by GinB, a MuzzleMack brake by Joe McAllister and a rear site cover plate by Tim Einck. I think they give the gun a touch of class and make my shooting experience even that much more enjoyable. She sure is pretty to look at now, don't you agree? I'm one happy camper indeed.











My Beeman R9 Double Gold

I picked this beauty up from the classifieds, the Beeman R9 Double Gold. I think it's a terrific looking gun overall with excellent bluing on the metal and a nice dark hardwood stock with checkering on the grip and forearm. The Double Gold package means it comes with a gold trigger and adjust screw, a nice looking muzzle brake to use as a cocking handle and a 3-9x32mm scope and mounts(this gun has no open sights). After cleaning the gun with a silcone cloth, I immediately swapped the 3-9x32mm scope that comes on the gun with a Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x42mm and a one piece mount. There, that's better!

I took the gun out back and shot about 50 rounds through it to see how I liked it. It's got a gentle cocking stroke for a rifle of this power. I was easily able to cock it throughout my shooting session without much strain. It's spitting out JSB Exacts 8.4gr(4.52mm) at around 840 FPS, which means she's a healthy specimen which I was glad to see. I sighted in the new scope on paper at 15 yards and shot some nice tiny groups with my new sweetheart. I was impressed with the accuracy and the shot cycle. I didn't notice much "twang" in the rifle as I have heard a few guys complain of. I actually thought it was quite tame considering. The trigger is all everyone says about them and then some. Very nice 2 stage trigger with a nice crisp break, no creep or over travel. Mine came set a tad heavier than I would like but I will adjust it to suit my preferences. I didn't find it to be particularly loud either and as with most springer rifles the majority of the sound comes from the spring and piston. After shooting some groups, I shot at my new Arimo field targets and had an absolute blast with the new gun. This one's a keeper fellas!

I had contacted Hyun Kim on the Yellow forum about purchasing a GinB engraved brass trigger guard for it as it's first "upgrade". I think it looks absolutely beautiful and I am very glad I got it. There are a few photos of the new brass guard below for you guys to check out, along with some photos of the rest of the gun.

All I can say right now is that I am a happy man! I got one more "new gun" to post about coming soon...












My Air Arms TX200 Mk3

I was lucky enough recently to get my hands on one of these fine rifles in a trade for one of my custom Crosman's. The rifle I am referring to is the Air Arms TX200 Mk3.

The gun I received was a barely used specimen(25 shots through it) and I would rate it at 99% overall condition. She shoots smooth and hard and spits out JSB Exacts 8.4gr(4.52mm) at a healthy 920FPS. The accuracy of these rifles is legendary, although I really need to get out to a range where I can use it at it's full potential. Stacking pellets on top of each other all day long at 15 yards is way too easy with this gun. I can now see why so many guys have won FT matches with them.

The trigger is phenomenal in every way. It's light, and breaks clean just like glass with very little over travel, if any. Very sweet just the way it came, I didn't even feel the need to adjust it.

The cocking effort is fairly stout but really smooth. I could see if you had shoulder or elbow problems that this gun may not be for you. I am able to cock the gun fairly easily, but my shoulder and elbow are healthy. It doesn't seem to bother most owners though. I found loading pretty easy as well. I have heard complaints of it being difficult to load but I didn't think so. I also didn't mind the anti bear trap release that you have to hold down to reset the lever to it's ready position. Not a big deal either. I liked the automatic safety feature, that is nice to have and you get used to clicking it before firing.

I was quite pleased to find out how quiet they really are. For a gun that is in this power range, it is very quiet IMHO, a pleasant surprise! My neighbors will be thankful lol.

The overall fit and finish of the rifle is impeccable. I have never owned such a beautiful and well made rifle up until now. The bluing is deep, dark and so highly polished it's like a mirror. The factory beech stock that mine came with is absolutely gorgeous, with intricate fish scale checkering on the grip and forearm. There is even a beautiful grip cap added for a touch of class. Nice stain and finish as well. Considering that this is a factory beech stock, I was very impressed with it. I am still interested in obtaining a walnut factory stock though, from the photos I've seen they are even nicer.

Here's a few photos of my new toy.