Pneumatic Pnews

Tech Force Contender 87: Part 2

2009-09-29T08:13:00.006-06:00

As promised, I'm back with another entry on the Contender 87 from Tech Force. You saw in the first report the aesthetics of the gun, how it looks, and a little about the power of the gun with the posted chronograph results using 3 different types of pellets.

But is it an accurate gun?

I mentioned mounting a scope on it, and I did. The scope rails on this gun are just barely too short to mount a 4-screw 1-piece mount with the factory scope stop installed, so I removed it and depended on the gripping power of the mount to keep the scope in place. So far, it hasnt' moved. Using a 3-9x40 scope, I set about shooting for some groups.

My shooting style for testing isn't like some reviewers.....I usually go for real-world conditions where I'm leaning up against a post or tree, or sitting down shooting off my knees. That's the kind of accuracy I'm interested in since in the field, that's how I shoot. There's nothing wrong with a bench-rested group, but it is simply not the way I test guns.

The first pellets I shot for accuracy were the RWS Superdomes. The Superdomes almost always give me decent results in most any gun I try them in.....but not today. They provided by far the worst groups from the Contender 87, which surprised me. However, I write it as I see it, so here's a pic of the groups I got at only 20 yards with the RWS Superdomes:

As you can see, that group isn't anything to write home about....in fact, it is dismal at only 20 yards. A pattern of nearly 2" takes a gun out of contention when trying to hit the head of a squirrel, or working towards beating your friends at target shooting. But I forged on ahead with some other pellets, and the results did improve.

The next pellet test was with the Chinese domes that are a good bet in many guns. They are uniform pellets, weigh just over 8 grains, and provide excellent groups from the QB-78 CO2 gun from the same manufacturer. The groups with this pellet did improve, but still weren't what I was looking for from my test gun. Here's a pic of the group:

The third option I tested were the heavier Beeman Kodiaks. These pellets provide lots of knockdown in a .177 pellet, and from the last report you see they are still doing over 900 fps from this powerhouse. And they proved to be the most accurate as well. The little circle you see drawn on the box is the circumference of a penny, and I was aiming at the center of the circle each time. As you can see, the Kodiaks did much better than the other two pellets I tested, and I suspect that the heavier the pellet, the better this gun will like it. Here's a couple of pics:

You can cover this group with a penny!

Now that is more like it! That is squirrel-killing accuracy, and I'm certain as the gun wears in, the accuracy will improve. I would love to put about 1000 rounds through this gun and see how the accuracy changes as the gun wears in and the parts all begin to mesh appropriately.

Another nice option on the Contender 87 is the adjustable trigger. I fiddled with the sear engagement somewhat, and lessened the weight needed to fire the gun. It will take some more experimenting, but the trigger IS adjustable, and this will help you, as the owner, to get it shooting the way you want it to.

Now is there a downside to this gun? Well....maybe. It IS heavy. With a good-sized scope on it, you're pushing over 10 lbs here, and this is a handful in the woods for a day's hunt. But if you are shooting targets or competition, that weight can be in your favor. Most FT guns that I've seen would not be suitable for carrying around, and the heavier the gun, the steadier the shooter can be. So the size and weight of the Contender 87 aren't a bad thing depending on the uses you have planned. As a hunter, if I'm going on a short hunt, or shooting pests, it would be a good candidate. If I'm heading out for an all-day hike with an airgun, I'll choose something lighter for the long haul.

At $189.95, you are getting a well-made, solid piece of shooting machinery for your money. It looks good, shoots good with the heavier pellets, and feels solid in your hands. So spend your money wisely, and enjoy the Tech Force Contender 87.

The New Tech Force Contender 87: Part 1

2009-09-25T15:14:00.009-06:00

The Tech Force Contender 87 is a handsome gun, and quite the handful as well. Weighing in a 9 lbs. without a scope, this gun isn't for the small of frame or child-sized shooter. Lengthwise it measures out at 47", and requires an adult-sized shooter to handle comfortably.

The stained-wood finish is nice and even, and the fit of the stock to the action is much above average. The butt pad of the gun also has been well-fitted to the rear of the stock, and provides a nice soft shoulder rest.

Fresh out of the box, you can easily see the fine finish on the metalwork. Though not the deep, rich blueing of a European gun, the oxidized finish is even and deep, with the logo of the gun embossed just behind the breech opening of the action.

The pressed checkering of the gun is positioned on the grip and forearm of the gun. It works well to provide a tactile surface if you are shooting in damp conditions or have sweaty palms on a hot day.

A scope rail is provided for mounting a scope, with a factory-installed scope stop to aid in keeping your scope mount from creeping away on you. Part 2 of our report on the Contender 87 will feature shooting results while scoped.

The factory open-sights feature fiber-optic inserts, green at the rear sight and red at the front site. Lining up on your target is quick and easy with this arrangement, and plinking is a breeze with the open sights.

The cocking mechanism of this gun is, of course, the underlever style. Once you've brought the arm all the way down to open the breech, a beartrap safety device engages and locks it into place. In the trigger group you will find the release for this safety feature at the front of the trigger group. Pull this back and the cocking lever can be returned to firing position. The safety is located between the beartrap release and the trigger. All three, the beartrap safety release, the safety, and the trigger are easily accessible with your finger inside the trigger guard.

Now, if you look at the stats on the description page of the Contender 87, you'll see it claims that the velocity is near 1100 fps with .177 caliber pellets. And they aren't kidding, either! Look at the figures below on the three pellets I tested today.

Beeman Kodiaks - 917 fps

Chinese Domes - 1057 fps

RWS Superdomes - 1082

The above pellets are not the lightest you'll find, rather they are of average weight except for the Beeman Kodiaks. And if you do your math, you'll find foot-pound energy (fpe) levels that prove this gun has the power to deliver in the field!

In part 2 of our report, we'll mount a scope, shoot some groups, and play with the trigger just a little bit. But you can already see that for $189.95, you'll get a lot of gun for your hard-earned money. So stay tuned for the rest of the report coming in the next few days.

Can you hunt with a pistol? And should you?

2009-09-23T08:47:00.005-06:00

By far, the most popular hunting tool in the world is the rifle, and this holds true for the airgun hunter as well. It provides ease of use, a steady platform, and a longer sight plane for the beginning and intermediate hunter.

However, if you hunt often, the day may come when bagging your game, though still exciting, becomes almost predictable. When that happens, many hunters lose their sense of excitement, or try and up the challenge level by extending their range at which they will take shots.

Another way to increase the enjoyment of the hunt is to switch gear, and to try something a little different. If nailing your prey with a rifle has gained some yawn factor, then consider using a pistol to up the challenge.

I went hunting this morning with a little gem of a pistol called the LD. The LD pistol is the brainchild of Larry Durham, and is a custom rig that is phenomenal in its accuracy and shoot-ability. In .22 caliber, this gun is very suitable for small game and pests. The squirrel I shot this morning was shot at over 25 yards.....with a pistol!

Other guns that provide the needed power for pistol-based hunting are the RWS 5G Magnum, Beeman's P1, the Benjamin HB series, Crosman's 1377 and 2240, the Evanix pistols, some Brocock pistols, and of course the custom high-power pistols of individual makers, some of which are hard to find! This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, but gives you an idea of what is out there for consideration.

The Benjamin Sheridan HB Series Pistol

Mastering the hunt with a pistol often requires more patience, more practice, and a willingness to pass on shots that you would have certainly taken with a rifle. But if you go into the pistol hunt with the right attitude, it becomes an enormous amount of fun.....after all, hunting with an airgun is just like bowhunting....it's about how close you can get, not how far you can shoot!

For sighting aids, many hunters opt for better optics on their pistols. You need a long eye-relief scope for most pistol applications, though some folks enjoy holding the pistol closer and can use a rifle-type eye-relief. Others like the electronic red-dots, and I've used them before myself with good success. It really is a judgment call on your part as to what you enjoy using the most and feel the most comfortable with.

Tech Force's economical red dot sight

So if you want a challenge, or are getting close to the edge of boredom with rifles, then try a pistol for your next hunt. They are fun, adequate, and easy to pack around in the field.

The Tech Force 89 Contender: Now With a Gasram!

2009-08-22T12:26:00.005-06:00

Compasseco has been carrying their Model 89 Contender for several months now, and the gun is a good seller for them. And now, Compasseco has upgraded the TF-89 with the addition of an optional gasram for the powerplant.

Before addressing the powerplant, let's review the features of the Contender 89. First, be sure to note the attractive and functional pressed checkering on the forearm and grip area. The stock on the '89 is one of the nicer ones available on the Chinese guns today.

Next, the muzzlebrake and rear sights are metal, and fiber optic aids help the shooter stay on target.

The trigger group includes the safety immediately in front of the trigger, close at hand and easy to reach.

The Tech Force Contender 89 is a big gun, and meant for an adult. The cocking action of the gasram option powerplant is easier than the spring version, and makes this behemoth a very pleasant gun to shoot. I had no trouble whatsoever keeping my target in the field of view while using a scope, something that cannot be said of all guns in this power category.

I chronied the Tech Force Wadcutter pellets in .177 caliber, as well as some RWS Superdomes. Both patterned decently, with the Superdomes edging out the Tech Force pellets in the accuracy department. Here are some pics of the chronograph results of each pellet:

This is the Tech Force Wadcutter chronograph reading

This is the RWS Superdome chronograph reading

With the Superdome pellets, I was just over 17 fpe, and in a .177 gun, that's some pretty good power. During the testing of this gun, a foolish birdfeeder squirrel got too close, and at just over 35 yards, this TF 89 Contender, with its new gasram powerplant, put a RWS Superdome pellet all the way through him!

For taming those harder shooting breakbarrel airguns, consider the gasram powerplant. And now that the Contender 89 comes with a gasram, put it on your list of powerful rifles that are fun to shoot!

What would you like to see on the blog?

2009-08-19T11:26:00.004-06:00

Just a quick note to gather your thoughts on what kind of reviews and articles you would like to see here on Compasseco's Pneumatic Pnews Airgun Blog.

What we've got coming up is a review on the TF-89 Contender that has a gasram installed in it. It should be the very next review after this one, and I'm looking forward to sharing my findings about it with you.

The hunting season is getting into swing with the early opening of squirrel season here in the midwest, so expect some more hunting articles soon.

Just a reminder that one of the best ways to keep up with all the new stuff that Compasseco has coming is to subscribe to their mailing list. They don't share it with anyone, and you will receive timely updates on new products, special sales, and other news that benefits you, the airgun consumer.

Compasseco has started posting used guns, scopes, and mounts on a special page located here:

Used Guns/Scopes/Mounts

You'll find items that are in good working condition, but at a bargain price. There are several items there at the moment, including a Rohm Twinmaster pistol at a bargain price. That isn't a common item at Compasseco, and the price makes it a must have for the pistol shooter in our midst.

But as our post this week started out, please share with us what you would like to see on the blog. Do you want more ammo articles, more reviews, stories, or perhaps an article on the latest big thing to hit the airgun world? If you'll let us know, we'll do our best to provide interesting and useful news for you to enjoy.

Thanks for taking the time to read. I look forward to hearing from you about your interests in the great sport of airgunning.

Benjamin Marauder Takes on the Prairie Dogs

2009-08-12T12:30:00.003-06:00

From time to time, as I browse the internet in search of enjoyable airgun-related material, I find a really good post. This post I'm going to link you to also happens to reference one of the most affordable PCP airguns made in American, one that is fast garnering a loyal following both here in America and abroad.

I am, of course, referring to the Benjamin Marauder, from Crosman. I've written about this gun before, and have enjoyed hunting with it myself during the spring squirrel season here in Kentucky. But this article takes us out west to where the ranges are extended, and proves that the Benjamin Marauder can hold its own with the higher priced PCP's that are out there.

Here's the link:

Marauder vs Prairie Dogs

Enjoy this article from www.yellowforum.com where Compasseco advertises. Quite a few airgunners contribute here, and this article is an excellent example of some of the quality posts from airgun users all over the world.

And check out the custom stock you'll see on that Marauder. Isn't it great? The aftermarket goodies are really starting to appear for this new airgun, and once you get your Marauder from Compasseco, you can really add the bling to it if you wish!

One other thing.....buy lots of ammo! With the 10-shot clip on this gun, and factoring in the shooting fun-factor that accompanies it, you'll need lots of ammo!

Prof Hoff's "On Killing and the Why of It"

2009-07-28T13:00:00.002-06:00

Several years ago, a forum member of one of the forums I frequent made this unusually well thought-out post as to why he enjoys airguns in the taking of game and pests. I will post this short article of his since it is in the public domain, and in honor of "Prof Hoff" who has since gone on, leaving this world a few years ago.

Read this article and mull it over, all of you who hunt or shoot pests. I enjoyed it, and certainly wish that "Prof Hoff" were still around to contribute such articles to the growing body of airgun lore that we all enjoy.

************

It is both the curse and blessing of being human that enables us to sit as judge and jury on the fate of those creatures with which we compete in the ecosystem. Unlike the organisms displaced, we humans have the power to decide that a shopping mall surrounded by forty acres of asphalt is more valuable to our ends than the wildlife cover it destroys in its making. It is the unexamined arrogance of power that sometimes causes us to thoughtlessly elevate our desires above the well-being of all other creatures.

Indeed, we feed the birds we like -- and then we kill those at the feeders which we deem to be a threat to our concept of jungle justice. I have never seen a starling do the horrible things described in Steve's article. However, I do know enough about Mr. Starling that I have taken it upon myself to eliminate every one I can. Likewise, Mr. and Mrs. Brown Headed Cowbird have convinced me that their way of propagation is an offense to my sense of parental responsibility -- thus they are welcomed under my crosshairs. Woe unto Mr. Rat should he ever appear in range of my airguns. And so it goes, for these and a few other species, I have set myself as the arbiter of their destiny. And I do so without sorrow.

That one can behave so dispassionately is not to say that one cannot have a twinge of guilt. Speaking personally, as I grow older and increasingly come to recognize the fragility of my own machinery, I reflect on the glorious complexity of living systems. Sometimes, at the moment of "thwack" I ponder the lack of compassion that would drive me to send a pellet through a pest species. And then, in an instant, the thoughts evaporate when another (arbitrarily condemned) target moves into view.

I try not to think much about the conflicts that rage within regarding my behavior as an avian assassin. I assuage my discomfiture by taking Mr. Squirrel for the stew-pot -- comforting myself by the unuttered and all-but-unrecognized fact that I have eaten him instead of Mr. Steer or Porky Pig. I dare not examine why I would kill the cowbird and eat of the cow. I really don't want to know that part of my being -- especially when another cowbird cruises in for a landing.

It is a simply brutal truth: Be it for competition in the ecosystem, or for nourishment, life sustains itself only by the taking of life. There is virtually no likelihood that science will one day synthesize a cheeseburger (or a veggieburger) from those dead elements listed on the Periodic Table of the Atoms that hangs here on my chamber wall. We are nourished and enabled by the unwilling sacrifice of that which was (or is) alive.

Alas, it's far more complicated than merely killing for food -- or hiring a surrogate murderer at the butcher shop to do that which we are too cowardly to perform for ourselves. To pluck from the tree and then crush a sweet apple in our jaws is to destroy living, respiring cells by brutally macerating them, thence depositing them in a bath of acid and enzymes so that the nutrients in the apple may become living, respiring tissue in our own machinery.

And so it is that the sanctimonious vegetarian is in no position to criticize the hunter of flesh. Like we hunters who are the sometimes-reviled members in the community of the omnivore, inescapably, the vegan shall be forced to meet his/her need for protein by sacrificing peas, beans and lentils. These PETA-headed guardians of my destiny hear not the cellular screams of anguish when their digestive corrosives dissolve the tissue that sustains them. There seems to be little room in their pointy heads for a recognition of their own brutality. Yet, they would excoriate the hunter.

I have no quarrel with those who prefer tofu over a tenderloin. Nevertheless, I am unsettled and agitated to action and resistance by any who would -- wielding the club of guilt and intimidation -- opt to legislate their menu in my domestic restaurant.

So at the bottom line, each person must decide the extent to which he/she would intervene in what is euphemistically referred to as "nature's balance." Examined carefully, one recognizes that what is thought of as 'balance' is really a dynamic equilibrium that oscillates under the influence of humankind. We can decide what stays or goes. We can influence the fate of all creatures even as we influence the fate of our own prospects. It is an awesome responsibility that at least requires some quiet contemplation in the doing thereof.

I have no wish to upset those who think differently from me. I merely suggest that we give a little thought to the consequences of our acts when we unilaterally decide which lives are to be taken. As for me, I shall continue, to hire the services of surrogate butcher-shop murderers, I shall continue to take game for the table, I shall kill critters I deem to be pests, and I shall continue to be repulsed by roaches and flies -- and wantonly smite them, sans twinge of conscience or guilt. Yet in the doing thereof, I will more than occasionally ponder the consequences of my acts and recognize that I shall probably never understand the why of it all.

Regards,
ProfHoff

*********************

Hope you enjoyed it,

Randy

Predator Xtreme Podcast

2009-07-21T07:39:00.004-06:00

From time to time we have the opportunity to listen to airgunners with vastly more experience than we ourselves have, and such times are important for everyone who enjoys airguns. Jim Chapman, from The American Airgunner, is a very experienced airgunner who has a monthly column in Predator Xtreme magazine. His insight into hunting and predator control using airguns is a welcome resource to those of us who hunt with airguns. I've enjoyed several hunts with Jim, and count him a good friend who is also a good resource for airgun hunters the world over.

Jim recently participated in a podcast with Predator Xtreme magazine. Here is a link to the podcast. It is about an hour long, and well worth the time to listen to it.

PODCAST

In the conversation you'll hear, Jim talks about the different kinds of powerplants, the uses he has put airguns to, some of the hunts he's experienced, and a good sharing of information that many airgunners would find useful, especially in regards to hunting and pest control/predator control. Take the time to click on the link above and enjoy the podcast. And if you get the chance, thank Jim by dropping a line to Predator Xtreme and letting them know how much you enjoyed the cast.

Walther Talon Magnum

2009-07-08T07:03:00.004-06:00

The Walther Talon Magnum is one of the newer offerings from Umarex USA, and this gun is a powerhouse. It has several nice features, so let's take a look at it.

First, the gun I'm testing is a .22 caliber version. Using a quality pellet such as the RWS Superdome, I registered 980 fps in .22 caliber over my chronograph. From a spring-piston airgun, that is pretty fast! It is even faster than the advertised velocity, and we all know THAT doesn't happen very often!

With that level of power comes the trade-off of a heavy cocking effort. The spring in this gun is stout, and the gun is a long one. This isn't a gun for children or shooters on the small side. You really have to reach out there to grab the end of the barrel in order to cock it! The recoil is stout, but not unmanageable.

One advantage this gun offers is an adjustable length of pull. You can change the inserts in the buttpad to lengthen or reduce the length of pull, giving you some amount of control in this area.

The front sight offer a TruGlo fiber-optic post that lines up well with the rear sight, which also features the TruGlo fiber-optics. This really helps in dim light if you are shooting early or late in the day, or in an area with less-than-perfect lighting.

The Walther Talon Magnum comes with a scope and mounts, but I found that you will need a good, stout mount to really hold the scope in place. There is an included scope-stop on the scope rail, and it helps some, but I would recommend a steel set of rings with some serious bite, not some of the cheaper aluminum mounts.

The stock on the Walther Talon Magnum is a synthetic stock, great for all-weather applications and much more able to withstand some of the knocks and scratches that some airguns get put through. For wandering around the field or woods, or for storage in the trunk, this stock will hold up better and be less prone to damage.

The safety is handily located at the rear of the action, just above the wrist grip of the trigger hand, similar to the RWS Model 34. I like that you can reset the safety without having to cock the gun again, a very useful feature in the woods if your target decides to be difficult and not hold still!

The firing behavior of this gun was, in a word, robust. Shooters who enjoy a really good hard "smack" on the target from their airgun will like this one. It is powerful, and that translates into recoil until the insides are massaged by constant shooting or a tuning session with someone who knows their way around the inside of one of these guns. Factories just don't take the time to hone and fit every part to the degree that some shooters demand, and to do so increases the cost for the consumer. So if you've been shooting a very sedate, 500-600 fps plinker, hold on to this gun the first time you shoot it, for it is definitely a different animal!

I did manage to get out to do a brief pest hunt with this gun, and avian pests were the only thing in season at the time of testing. I shot several birds with it, and each one went down with authority from this powerful airgun. This will make a very good small game rifle as well, as it has the needed power for animals up to the size of a raccoon or fox.

Compasseco offers the Walther Talon Magnum for $229.95. For that price, it is worth a look!

What are your Top 5 Targets?

2009-06-30T07:51:00.003-06:00

I figure if David Letterman on the Late Show can have a Top 10 list, then I should be able to come up with a Top 5 List for targets I enjoy shooting. After reading through my humble list, I hope you'll chime in with your offering so that others may benefit from your experiences as an airgunner.

I'm going to lump a few things together, 'cause if I don't, my top 5 will all consist of small game animals.

1. Starlings, squirrels, and other small game.

2. Metal swinging targets - the kind you can buy online or at sporting goods stores.

3. Shaken full soda cans - you get quite a reaction when you hit it, and these are great targets for introducing kids to shooting. They love to see them explode.

4. Paintballs mounted on golf tees. Easy to make, just drill some holes in a 2x4 and set them up.

5. Field Trial knock-down targets - these targets can be a challenge, and the more I do it, the more I want to participate in a Field Trial one day.

These are the things that I shoot at the most. That doesn't necessarily mean that I won't shoot at other targets, but I didn't want a very long list. Just a little something to spur ideas from other airgunners.

Notice that I didn't put down paper targets. Many folks really enjoy the discipline of putting a pellet through a very small spot on paper. They have MUCH more discipline that I do, and I envy them the simplicity of their choice. I'm simply more of a reactive target kind of guy, with a serious bent towards hunting and pest control that rules my target choices as an airgunner.

One of these days, I'm going to have to see if my firearms still work....I haven't hunted with them in nearly 6 years with any sort of regularity. It's just way too easy to grab my airgun, walk out on the back porch, and start shooting! No worries!

So, what does your list of favorite targets look like? I'd really like to have several responses to post so that our readers can get ideas of their own. I know of several more excellent targets, but won't mention them in the hopes that someone will have them on their list when they respond.

Share with us!

Tech Force .22 Caliber pellets: The Wadcutter

2009-06-22T07:29:00.007-06:00

Tech Force offers some very good, economical pellets for the plinker and casual shooter. Recently, I posted a brief review of the domed version of the new .22 caliber pellets that Compasseco is importing and making available for the American market. Now, let's take a look at the wadcutter version of the .22 caliber pellet.

The pellets are made in China, and come in 250 count tins with foam padding inside the cover. This helps in keeping the pellets from deforming during the long trip here, and I found the tin of pellets to be very uniform in shape and appearance. The pellets weight 14.4 grains according to Compasseco, and the skirts on these pellets are very long and very hollow, going all the way up to the base of the pellet head.

This pic shows the Tech Force pellet in the middle, with a Gamo Match pellet on the left and a Crosman Premier HP on the right.

I shot these pellets from a variety of .22 caliber guns. The LD pistol, a custom-made CO2 gun, did very well, even though I was using open sights. I normally have a scope mounted on this gun, but borrowed it for another gun and haven't mounted a new one yet. Still, the pellets all soared down range with acceptable accuracy for my less-than-perfect eyes and open sights.

In the TF-78, a CO2-powered gun from Compasseco, the pellets once again did a fine job in punching neat, round holes in a cardboard target. Shooting wadcutters is fun, especially if you like visible results such as nice round holes! In hunting situations, they work well for close-up shots and tend to do better in not over-penetrating the target. This is a good thing when hunting inside a barn and trying to avoid punching holes in the ceiling while controlling pigeons and sparrows.

In the Benjamin Marauder, a new gun from Crosman, these pellets also did very well. The Marauder was the most accurate of the three guns I'm mentioning here, and several magazines of these wadcutters made an absolute mess out of my cardboard target, near cutting it in half.

Good quality, economical pellets are getting harder to find with the price of lead going up. If you are looking for a good pellet to plink with, at a great price og $8.95, check out this latest offering from Compasseco. They shoot well in a variety of guns at match ranges, and you'll enjoy the nice large hole that a .22 caliber wadcutter puts in a target!

Spring Squirrel Season with the Benjamin Marauder

2009-06-22T07:04:00.004-06:00

As stated in my previous post, I had planned to use the Benjamin Marauder for my spring squirrel season here in Kentucky. I managed to spend some more time with the adjustment parameters on my Marauder, and settled on a 2700-2800 psi fill that yielded 34 shots in the 850 fps range. This is more than enough power for the squirrel if I'm on target, and the shot count allows me 3+ magazines (over 30 shots) for any squirrel hunt I go on. Since the Kentucky state limit is 6 squirrels at a time, I was confident I had enough shots available for my hunts.

As it turned out, I didn't even need a full magazine for the first hunt! I fired 7 shots and killed 6 squirrels. The accuracy of the Crosman Premier Hollow Points was all a hunter could ask for, and the squirrels hardly knew what hit them. Here's a brief synopsis of the two hunts I managed to get in during the brief spring season.

Hunt #1:
I belong to a hunting club that leases over 3000 acres from area land owners. I am one of the few that enjoys the small game aspect of hunting, with most of the members focusing on deer and turkey. This leaves me with an enormous amount of woods in which to hunt squirrel, and I enjoy it quite a bit!

My first hunt found me in a likely spot, and within moments I had identified squirrels in 5 different trees near me. While watching them, a squirrel setup an alarm bark right in my ear....he was in the tree I was sitting under! Up came the Marauder, pop, and squirrel #1 was on the ground. Squirrels #2 and #3 were also in that same tree, and 3 shots later, they were on the ground, too. The bolt action and 10-shot magazine of the Marauder allowed me to take all three squirrels without shifting position, all within 30 seconds of the first shot. I was thrilled!

Squirrel #4 met a pellet near the base of a tree as he was coming down to the ground. He managed to make it to a thick pile of brambles, and I couldn't retrieve him to add him to my bag. Squirrel #5 was playing around, inspecting a large broken branch near a stump I was sitting on, and a freehand shot brought him down for the count in quick order.

Squirrel #6 was an "eyebrow" shot, one that you take when a squirrel has seen you, and is sitting on the opposite side of the tree, just peeking around the edge to see what you are going to do. He peeked too long, and I caught him just behind the eye with a CP Hollow Point. That made my limit, and my first hunt of the year with the Marauder was done.....about 2 1/2 hours.

Hunt #2:
The following week I managed to get out again for a brief hunt. I headed into the woods near my house, and just like the first hunt, ran into plenty of squirrels. In the first hunt, you remember I got the first three squirrels from the same tree, right? Well, believe it or not, I pulled the same trick again this time! The first squirrel fell to an accurate shot from the Marauder, and while I was waiting on the other two to move around so I could see them better, another squirrel snuck up behind me. I shifted around, popped him, then returned to watching the other two squirrels. I finally got another one from that tree, and the third of the lot headed high up to hide. I retrieved the three I had on the ground, and started to wait out the one playing "hide and seek" in the first tree. As before, another squirrel traveled within range while I waited out the hider, and I took him as well.

Eventually, the last squirrel from the original tree tried to make a run for it, and would have escaped, but he just had to pause to see what I was doing. The pellet caught up with him, and down he went. 5 squirrels in the bag, and I headed for home. On the way, squirrel #6 ran up a tree in front of me, and a quick shot filled my bag for the day.

These hunts proved to me beyond a shadow of a doubt just how good the Benjamin Marauder can be in the field. Here is another pic of some of the squirrels I took on the second hunt:

There isn't another airgun on the market that allows the owner to fine-tune his own gun as easily as the Marauder does. The accuracy is all one could ask for, for both hunting and Field Trial competition. The price is right, under $500 for a great gun, and new owners all over the net are raving about their Marauder. Crosman has once again provided a great gun for the American shooter, and I'm sure quite a few shooters abroad are going to enjoy this gun as well!

Benjamin Marauder: A Brief Overview

2009-06-02T17:38:00.004-06:00

If you hang out online at some of the airgun forums, you can't but have heard about the Benjamin Marauder, from Crosman Corporation. This is the new kid on the block, a bolt action repeater that is dual-fuel capable, shrouded for noise reduction, and filled with features many other guns only wish they had!

Fresh on the heels of the Benjamin Discovery, Crosman's first PCP, comes this wonderful 10-shot, .177 or .22 caliber PCP that offers all the features of some of the more desirable European guns, but at a price point in the $500 neighborhood. This is unheard of for all you get with this gun.

I've owned some nice PCP's, some custom guns, and the normal run-of-the-mill plinkers, and this one is up among the best of the lot. Let's take a look at it....

The Marauder is a handsome gun, quite the handful with a broad stock in the forearm area. It is solid feeling, weighing near 8 lbs. It comes already setup for a rifle sling as you can see in the picture, and all I had to do was add my own sling, scope, and mounts.

The barrel is factory shrouded, making this one of the quietest airguns of this power that I have used. It is truly backyard friendly, and if you want a quiet gun to enjoy without bothering the neighbors, this is certainly a great candidate!

To fill the gun, remove the dust cover on the end of the pressure tube and connect your pump or tank to the quick-detach fitting you find on the end. I've been filling mine to about 2700 psi, but the warning label says that 3000 psi is the maximum you should try. I seem to notice in my gun that 3000 psi causes a slight valve lock, and a few shots must be fired before it behaves like it should. You can also buy an adapter to use CO2 if you wish. I haven't tried it yet, so I'll save that report for another day!

The handy gauge located just in front of the trigger guard lets you know where you stand pressure-wise. It is also useful for determining how many shots you may be able to get before needing a refill.

The safety is handily located inside the trigger guard. Pushed all the way forward is the "fire" position, back towards the trigger is the "safe" position. It is easy to reach, easy to use, and works very well.

I have tried a few different kinds of pellets so far, and the Crosman Premiers (both domes and hollow points) do well, as do the heavier Beeman Kodiaks. I've mentioned in the past that each gun is its own creature, so don't hesitate to try all of your favorites in it to find what works in your gun. The accuracy is very good at 25-30 yards, and on a lark I mounted an old plastic 20 oz. soda bottle on a woodpile and proceeded to plink at it at a distance of 65 yards. I connected 7 out of 10 times once I accounted for the wind, and this was from a knee-rest while leaning against a porch rail! If I were to bench it, I have no doubt 10 for 10 was within my reach.

As the gun comes from the box, in .22 caliber, I recorded the following chronograph numbers. I won't bore you with an entire string, but recorded every 5 shots on my camera to show you.

Shot 5

Shot 10

Shot 15

Shot 20

Shot 25

Shot 30

As you can see, I could probably try just a little more pressure at this setting of the hammer spring and stroke length, and port setting. Oh, didn't I tell you? All of those are adjustable! That's right, you can setup this gun to your own liking by adjusting the hammer spring, the hammer stroke length, and the port opening that allows the air into the barrel. This makes for a wonderfully modifiable airgun, all without taking the thing apart! Very few airguns allow such ease of variables, all with a few twists of a wrench!

You are going to like this gun!

Spring squirrel season opens next weekend in my state....guess what I'm going to be shooting?!

Funny things we do as Airgunners

2009-05-28T06:20:00.003-06:00

Jeff Foxworthy has made of living out of the phrase...."you might be a redneck if....", and some of the stuff he comes up with is downright hilarious.

Now, I don't have a similar phrase to apply to us airgun shooters....all of us, including the competitors, hunters, and plinkers.....but I have noticed some very funny things that happen when you have shot an airgun for awhile. It seems that shooting an airgun can alter one's perception of the world around them. Here are some examples:

1. Pellets found in the clothes dryer aren't thrown away....they are inspected to see if the skirts are still in good enough condition to shoot.

2. Anything wearing feathers is instantly classified as friendly/unfriendly, and range estimation is considered on each unfriendly.

3. While watching Sci-fi TV shows, every new "laser gun" or weapon that the characters use is closely examined to see what airgun it was based upon. (Check out some old Bond movies as a good example!)

4. You WANT starlings to land in your yard so you'll have something to shoot at!

5. While shopping at Lowe's or Home Depot, you notice the free-flying birds that are loose in the store, and wonder if you can talk the manager into letting you shoot them after-hours.

6. Driving to the corner store for milk is a chore, but driving 30 miles to pick up 2 tins of pellets is a required outing!

7. You hide extra money or income from loved ones so that you can sneak one more airgun into your collection at an opportune moment.

8. You agree that Tom Skerritt, in "Steel Magnolias", should have used an airgun to get rid of the birds before the wedding instead of shooting up into the air with a firearm!

9. During lean times, you go through the couch cushions to see if you not only have any spare change down there, but spilled pellets from your pockets.

10. When an animal runs across the road in front of your car, you immediately think what airgun you would have used to shoot it if you had the chance.

11. You raid the pantry, not for food, but for crackers shaped like little animals since they make such good targets!

12. You buy paintballs and golf tees, even though you don't have a paintball gun or golf. You like putting the paintballs on golf tees to shoot and watch them splatter.

13. During a country drive, you look for shooting venues....old barns, abandoned warehouses, etc....and wonder who owns the property and how you can get in touch with them.

14. During President Reagan's televised funeral, you noticed the jack rabbit at the bottom of the screen slowly hop across the scene....and you thought..."Hmmm...I wonder...."

Do you notice some odd points of view that you have since you shoot an airgun? Share some of them with us...it would be great to have a long response thread!

Crosman on the Move

2009-05-15T17:43:00.003-06:00

If you haven't noticed lately, the Crosman corporation is on the move with new products designed to re-establish the company as a force in not just the kid/youth airgun market, but in the adult airgun market as well.

First, of course, there was the Benjamin Discovery, Crosman's first PCP airgun that also features a dual-fuel feature allowing it to work on CO2 as well. And now, fresh on the heels of the Discovery is the Benjamin Marauder, another dual-fuel airgun that has the online airgun world all abuzz!

The Marauder has some of the more desirable features that airgun shooters enjoy. Here are just a few of them:

* Fully adjustable, match-grade trigger
*10-shot automatic indexing rotary clip
*A built-in pressure gauge
*Quick connect foster fitting complete with cover
*A custom-choked barrel with internal shrouding to keep it quiet!

The Marauder is an attractive gun that only a few folks have enjoyed at the time of this blog entry. Crosman continues to fuel the interest by selling the first 100 guns to a lucky number of people who took all the rifles available in almost record time.....just a brief portion of an afternoon and all were claimed! These lucky 100 people are making quite a few posts about their new guns that have begun arriving, sharing their impressions with the general forum members. So far, the vote is an overwhelming "yes" to Crosman's latest effort.

As soon as possible, I will be taking one into the field. I hope to get one for spring squirrel season where I'm at, but if not, rest assured that I will give a full report on my impression of the Marauder and its capabilities. I'm mulling over placing it in competition against my Air Arms S410E model that I have yet to shoot. The two guns are remarkably similar in their function as well as their look. Some other members of the airgun forums have posted similar comparisons already, but everyone will have a different take on how each gun feels to them.

Crosman has put several videos online on their website, discussing the features, loading procedures, tuning functions to adjust power and shot count, trigger adjustment, and a sound test of the Marauder's report....which is very quiet from what I can tell and from those I've talked with concerning this rifle.

So start saving your pennies....realizing that you won't need as many of them as you might for one of the European models that has all the features that the Marauder has. And drop back in for some hands-on reports about the Marauder's behavior as I take it into the field for testing!

Airgun Expo in Little Rock - Brief Synopsis

2009-05-06T07:28:00.002-06:00

I'm finally back from the Airgun Expo show in Benton, AR. We call it the Little Rock show since that is the biggest city nearby, but it is actually held at the Saline County Fair Grounds in Benton.

Robin Parks puts on the show each year, and this year was a good one. We had over 40 tables put up, and a decent crowd showed up despite the rain on the second day.

What I have noticed is the increased interest in bigbore airguns. The show now has an entire side of the venue dedicated to bigbores and the guys who make them. One of the new names in bigbore airgun manufacturing is Jack Haley, who had some absolutely beautiful .45 caliber rifles to deliver to buyers. Dennis Quackenbush was also present, as he has been since the inception of this show. His guns are always high in demand, and one buyer bought 4 of his bigbore pistols at one shot!

The comraderie at these events is among the best you'll find. After the show, many of us pile in together and frequent a wonderful little pizza shop a few miles away, and enjoy the food and fellowship. Funny stories fly around the table, and we take a few moments to remember those who have gone on or are absent for other reasons.

One amusing note is to watch the table displayers move their gear when the heavens open up and the rain comes down in force. The roof has small leaks, but you never know where until it actually starts dropping on your table! And guess whose table got leaked on this year? Yep! Mine! It's an "oh-no" moment, and friends start grabbing one end of the table while others grab the other end, and it gets moved while I find towels to dry stuff off.

Several of the attendees have posted photos on the various forums, so check out the airgun forums to see who has shared photos about the show. I ran off and forgot mine this year, so I have no good excuse as to why I don't have photos.....I just had a brain cramp at that moment.

Coming soon will be some reviews of some new Tech Force pellets, and before long the new Crosman Marauder will be available for review. So stay tuned to Compasseco's blog to get some of the latest information on what is happening in the airgun world!

A Free Offer via Compasseco to Airgun Show attendees

2009-04-13T07:50:00.002-06:00

This will be a short, but hopefully, valuable post to those of you in the Little Rock, AR area, or those who plan to be in that area during the Airgun Expo show mentioned in our last blog entry.

I will be attending the show, and will be happy to save any customers of Compasseco the shipping costs of their purchase if they are planning to attend the show. I will deliver the items you purchased from Compasseco to the show free of charge, thus saving you the shipping costs incurred.

The show is May 1-2, and if you'll drop by the Adventures in Airguns booth, I'd like to meet and chat with as many of you as possible, as well as deliver your merchandise you purchased from Compasseco.

Helping out other airgun shooters is a joy and privilege, and getting to meet more of you and put a face with a name would be icing on the cake. And at the Airgun Expo, you'll get the chance to look at quite a selection of airguns from around the world. New offerings from today's big-name makers, as well as classics and collectibles will be on display for your viewing enjoyment and for purchase.

So drop by, but first drop by Compasseco's website, place your order, and let them know you want it delivered to the Airgun Expo. They'll set it aside for you and I'll pick it up for delivery.

Upcoming Airgun Show: Little Rock, AR area

2009-03-27T16:30:00.003-06:00

Each year airgun enthusiasts gather at a number of airgun shows to enjoy seeing new guns, old guns, new friends, old friends, and generally having a good time together. One of those shows is coming up soon in Benton, AR....just outside Little Rock.

An information page can be found here:

http://www.airgunexpo.com/

Now, why is this important to you, a ready of Compasseco's Air-Blog? Well, I'm coming to the show, and if you want something from Compasseco, I will be happy to deliver it to you. I will setting up a table with some of my hunting items, as well as some selected air guns from Compasseco, and would enjoy the opportunity to meet any of you who can make the show.

The show is laid back, and folks spend a lot of time talking with each other and shooting the breeze.....and sometimes the airguns. Some of the smallbore airguns are taken outside and tested when someone has the desire. I'm not sure if that is possible this year or not, but in the past we have had a limited shooting venue.

You will see many items that are hard to find, some creations from airgun tuners and builders, and get to talk to folks who share a passion about airguns that almost knows no end. I love to talk hunting, and will have some videos playing on my laptop, and will also be displaying a one-of-a-kind muzzleloading airgun that my friend Dennis Quackenbush made for me. I hunt deer in KY with it, and really treasure this gun. I hope to also bring some of my African Safari mounts and hides to the show as well.

I hope that all of you will get the chance at one time or another to go to one of the shows. It's all great fun, and you'll meet some of the nicest people you would ever want to hang out with.

May 2-3 at the Saline County Fairgrounds will see a gathering of airgun enthusiasts. So come on out and join us for the fun. And don't forget to ask Compasseco if I can bring you an item or two that you found interesting!

New .22 Caliber Pellets from Tech Force

2009-03-18T08:16:00.004-06:00

Over the years, Tech Force and Compasseco have worked hard at offering affordable, yet well-made products for today's airgun shooters. One of the best products have been the Chinese-made .177 caliber pellets that rival many of the European brands in quality and consistency. Now, Tech Force is bringing a line of .22 caliber pellets that are both affordable and well-made.

I have been shooting this pellet for a couple of days now, and have been favorably impressed with the consistency and performance they provide. Sealed in tins with foam padding, the pellets show a minimum of deformation from the shipping process, and provide consistent accuracy with the test gun I've been shooting them from.

I broke out a .22 caliber TF-78 for this test, and went to work in my backyard. I have an old metal bathtub that has a rust-covered exterior. When you shoot it, the lead makes a wonderfully visible lead splash that is easy to use as a quick test of accuracy and grouping. Shooting at this old tub allows me to quickly evaluate and sight in a gun or pellet combination with a minimum of fuss.

It took me a few tries to get the pellets homing in together on a recognizable pattern. First, I forgot to reload my CO2, and ran out of gas about 10 shots into the session. I had also transferred a scope from another gun to this one a week or so ago, but had zeroed it for another brand of pellet. So I had to re-zero for this pellet.....but it didn't take long.

This particular tin of pellets (there are 3 offerings from Tech Force in the .22 caliber) was the dome-shaped pellet. The dome is less pronounced than other brands, but it is a dome none-the-less. Tech Force has also brought in a wadcutter and a pointed field pellet, which I will talk about in subsequent blog entries at a later date.

I did not do any chrony testing on this pellet, opting to compare the three against each other in another report. But these pellets are going plenty fast enough for pest control and small game hunting at reasonable distances. In fact, just at dusk one evening a pesky starling came a little too close to the house looking for a nesting sight. I reserve all the hollow trees on my property for my woodpeckers and bluebirds, so this starling had to go. I eased out onto the porch with the TF-78 and a Tech Force .22 pellet in the bore, and sighted in on the hollow I had seen the starling disappear into. That bird must have checked everything, including the plumbling/disposal/climate control system....the works! He took nearly two full minutes to inspect the inside before he popped back out on a neighboring limb.

Once back out on the limb, I administered a lead sleeping pill, and he dropped to the grass below. That particular hollow is safe for a few more days until some other starling decides to make an issue of it. And when they do, I have a great combination answer for them....the .22 caliber Tech Force from Compasseco, sent their way via the TF-78 CO2 rifle.....I sometimes call it my Starling Buster!

Give the pellets a try. They are economical, made well, and work just fine for plinking and light pest control/small game hunting.

What is a "tuned" airgun?

2009-03-13T07:11:00.002-06:00

Once you jump into the world of airgunning, you'll probably try at least a half-dozen different airguns within a short period of time. The "need" for a new airgun sort of takes over, and the hobby becomes a collector's delight as you see the "need" for a new airgun, or an airgun that runs off a different powerplant.

I got into airguns after a long hiatus from my youth because of squirrels in the attic. And once there, I did just what I described above. I tried different airguns, switching from powerplant to powerplant (CO2, pump-ups, PCP's, and spring-piston airguns), and really enjoyed myself as I learned about airguns. I hopped on the internet and began reading and educating myself about what you could do to get the most enjoyment out of an airgun. As I continued to research, the term "tuning" came up, and so I dived in to figure what it was all about.

If you drive a car, you probably are aware of the vast amount of after-market parts and services that "improve" what the factory offers. The same is true of airguns. Airguns are mechanical devices, made to certain specifications with a target market in mind. But as in all things mechanical, there is room for improvement in most cases.

Let's talk about spring-piston airguns today in reference to tuning. Some spring-piston airguns have closer tolerances than others in their moving parts. When you shoot one that has less-exact tolerances, you often experience the "twang" or "buzz" of the firing sequence. Sometimes it is harsh, sometimes it is barely noticeable.

The difference between a "tuned" gun and a stock gun is that someone with the ability and know-how has taken the gun apart and tightened up the tolerances in the moving parts in question. A brief list of things done, but not an inclusive one would be:

*de-burring metal parts
*custom fitting piston seals
*installing guides on the piston
*tarring the spring to reduce buzz/twang
*installing a tighter fitting spring guide
*honing the inside of the compression cylinder
*tweaking the trigger parts so they work smoothly together
*checking the muzzle crown and repairing if needed

And there are other things that good tuners do to make a gun much more pleasant to shoot, more enjoyable to own, and generally create a better all-round gun for your shooting pleasure. It isn't something that I'm very good at, but one of these days I plan on diving into the guts of a gun just to see what I can accomplish on my own.

Until that day arrives, I will continue to enjoy the services of a good tuner who can help an okay gun become a good gun, and a good gun become a great gun!

My Favorite Self-Propagating Target: European Starlings!

2009-03-05T08:58:00.004-06:00

Yep, it's that time again. Hunting season for small game is over in my part of the world, big game season has been over for quite awhile, and I'm zeroing in on my favorite target.....the European starling.

I've written a few times about this pest that comes in enormous numbers. Introduced into the United States in the late 19th century/early 20th century, is has become an ecological phenomenon, replacing and/or competing with our native songbirds and cavity dwelling avian species.

Starlings are well-equipped to be called the Vikings of the Bird World. They swamp their competition in numbers, raid nests and take over nesting sites, and quarrel with just about everyone else in the bird world. Like a plague, they descend on food lots, feeding troughs, dog pens with food left out....anything edible they will target. Their droppings leave unsightly and unhealthy spores and bacteria that can cause histoplasmosis and other potentially threatening diseases.

This time of year, the starlings are beginning to look for potential nesting sites. They will spend the early part of a morning cruising tree lines, old buildings, and abandoned houses, as well as inhabited buildings, for the cavity they desire to nest in. Hollow trees, the eaves of a house that has a small entrance, metal telephone poles at intersections....anywhere there is a cavity, they will set up housekeeping.

I spend a little time each morning that I can waiting on my front porch for the starlings to come swooping in. They explore the old-growth trees on my property for places to nest, and I often get a shot or two in if I am patient enough. Each starling that I take out of circulation is one less starling to compete with my beautiful bluebirds, woodpeckers, and other cavity-dwelling species that I try and help in my area of the neighborhood. Is it a losing battle? Perhaps, but the effort still needs to be made. And the incredible number of targets that starlings present gives me some out-of-season pleasure, as well as keeps my targeting skills up-to-date for when game season opens.

At Compasseco, one of my favorite starling guns is the TF-78 and its cousins. CO2 operated, this gun has more potential for pest control than most folks give it credit. It is incredibly accurate, accepts a variety of scopes with its 3/8" dovetail grooves on the breech, and likes a variety of ammo. The trigger group can be tweaked to provide a very nice trigger, and the bolt-action is reminiscent of the classic centerfire rifles that so many hunters grew up with.

If CO2 isn't your favorite type of airgun powerplant, consider the economical line of Tech Force-branded spring-piston guns. They come in different styles of cocking mechanisms, break barrel, side-lever, and underlever, and offer some of the most economical choices for airgun fun from any vendor on the internet.

Whichever type of airgun you choose for pest control, I hope you'll remember to help out the native species in your area and assist the Department of Natural Resources in your area by knocking off a few of my favorite targets....the European Starling!

Air Gun Lingo: Puzzling abbreviations explained

2009-01-21T18:24:00.005-06:00

If you are new to airguns, you'll eventually run across some of the acronyms shooters use in referencing different aspects of the sport. On my forum, it isn't uncommon to have someone inquire as to what an abbreviation means. So in case you run across some unexplained terms and their shorter versions, here is a brief list of some of them. David Enoch of the yellowforum.com was kind enough to pose this question for the benefit of others, and here are some of the responses:

Types of Airguns

Springers : guns powered by a spring and piston

MSP : Multi-Stroke Pneumatic (pump up guns)

SSP : Single Stroke Pneumatic (gun pumps up on a single stroke of air)

PCP : Pre-charged Pneumatic (A type of airgun that uses areservoir on the gun that is filled from an external tank like a scuba tank, or with a handpump.)

C02 : Guns powered by carbon dioxide, either from bulk filled tanks or from 12 gram powerlets.

Pellets

JSB: JSB is a manufacturer from Czechoslovakia who makes very good pellets.

CP: Crosman Premier pellet

CPL: Crosman Premier Light pellet. A 7.9 grain domed pellet from Crosman.

CPH: Crosman Premier Heavy. A heavier version of the 177 caliber domed pellet from Crosman.

Other terms

HDD: hammer debounce device - used to restrict the bouncing of the hammer on the valve stem immediately after the shot, which releases and wastes more air from the chamber.

AO: adjustable objective

QB: a family of Chinese made air rifles, but most often used to refer to the QB78, a close clone of the CO2 Crosman 160. Manufactured in the Shanghai factory.

BAM: another Chinese factory that manufactures airguns. Best Airgun Manufacture

FPS: feet per second; how fast a pellet is traveling once fired.

FPE: foot-pounds of energy - a measure of knockdown power, using a mathematical formula of (mass x velocity squared) divided by 450240.

These are just a few of the acronyms you may run across while reading the airgun forums, and I hope this brief list will help you keep up with the thread of conversation as enthusiasts sling the lingo around.

Looking for Information about Airguns?

2009-01-17T13:35:00.003-06:00

If you are my age, you probably remember a TV show hosted by Leonard Nimoy, the actor who portrayed Spock on Star Trek, titled "In Search Of....". It was a great little show, seeking to explain phenomenom and other interesting things that make you go "hmmm".

When if comes to finding useful information on airguns, you may find yourself resorting to all kinds of searches to find more information concerning the airguns you enjoy as a hobby or sport. It is probably best to rely on the experience and expertise of others until you have personal experience of your own on which to base your airgun opinion.

One very useful bit of information has been catalogued and is available for download. A fellow airgunner on one of the many airgun forums took the time to make so much information easily available that I wanted to share with you how to access it.

Rather than fill up the page here on the blog with several printed pages of instructions, I'll post a link to where you can find the directions to access this wealth of knowledge. Here it is:

AIRGUN REFERENCE LIBRARY

There is quite a bit of info there, so be sure to follow the directions to use the torrent download option in order to access the wealth of knowledge available.

Another useful little software package that helps airgunners the world over enjoy sharing pictures of their airguns, hunting trophies, or other airgun related events, is a little gem called IrfanView. Most forums and websites that allow you to upload pictures want you to downsize the original to a more manageable size so that the website can still load quickly. IrfanView is great for resizing and otherwise working with your pictures in order to save, adjust, and post your pictures for the benefit of others. And, it was developed by a fellow airgunner Irfan Skiljan, a graduate of the Vienna University of Technology. And it's FREE!

Hook up your IrfanView-manipulated files to a free picture hosting service such as Photobucket, and you are ready to share your pics with others. And making our shooting community bigger and more influential is one of the keys to keeping our shooting and hunting rights safe from the advances of those who would do away with them. So check out these resources, and enjoy your airgun shooting with more knowledge at your fingertips, and an easier way to share your hobby pics with others.

Don't forget to grab a good supply of ammo, or pick up that perfect airgun gift here at Compasseco for the New Year!

Enjoy the year of 2009, and shoot as often as you can!

New Year's Shooting Resolutions

2009-01-06T09:20:00.002-06:00

As we begin the 2009 year, just about everywhere you look there are New Year's Resolutions flying around. Most are unattainable, some are frivolous, and others are just downright silly! But here are a couple that might be of interest to you, the airgun shooter:

1. Shoot more, and shoot more often!

2. Pick one of the guns you've had in the closet for too long and re-acquaint yourself with it.

3. Start a local airgun shooting club. It doesn't take that much to enjoy yourself with friends.

4. Introduce a child to the joys of the shooting sports.

5. Learn all you can about one of your guns....what ammo it likes the best, how it likes to be held, where it hits at what range....learn that one gun intimately.

6. Try an airgun powerplant that you haven't already tried (CO2, spring-piston, pre-charged pneumatic, or self-contained pumper). Don't limit yourself to just one kind.

7. Attend one of the airgun shows this year. You'll find lots of folks eager to talk to you about airguns.

8. Enter at least one competition this year, just for the heck of it. You might enjoy it in spite of yourself!

9. If you hunt, take a child hunting. Introduce them to the great outdoors.

10. Join one of the many airgun forums online and learn all you can about airguns. Then spread the word!

Don't forget to check in here at Compasseco to rake in the deals on ammo, guns, and accessories.

Airgun Pellet Traps

2008-12-24T09:44:00.004-06:00

Now that Christmas is upon us, it might be a good idea to wonder just where you are going to shoot that new airgun. It's winter in North America, and unless you are in some of the more agreeable latitudes that offer warmer winter weather, your shooting just might be confined to indoor pursuits. And if you have a young person in the house who just got their first airgun, you are going to have to find some place for them to shoot safely.

In the past, I've set up airgun ranges in the basement of my house. In one instance, I even cut a hole in the wall to allow for a longer range! Thankfully, my basement wasn't finished and no one, especially the wife, cared that I extended my range a little. She just shakes her head at me sometimes.....

Shooting indoors requires you to think of safety first. In other words, where is that pellet or BB going to go once it hits the target, or in an accidental moment, misses the target completely? To help with this issue, manufacturers have designed pellet traps to contain your spent projectiles.

Take a look at this link to view Compasseco's selection of pellet traps:

pellet traps

Daisy and Gamo offer two well-made pellet traps that contain spent lead rounds from low-to-medium powered airguns. The majority of airguns you find fall in this category, and almost all of them are designed for lead pellet use. Lead deforms upon impact and is much less likely to ricochet than steel BB's. However, it is still a good idea to wear safety goggles when shooting at targets, especially indoors where the range is limited.

The Daisy and Gamo pellet traps hold the standard 10-meter target inserts and will last a long time. They allow the shooter to reclaim much of the lead spent and use it for future casting endeavors for larger caliber slugs or fishing weights.

The Tech Force cone and flat pellet traps you see at the bottom of the above page offer an economical answer to your problem as well. Also designed to hold the 10-meter target, they do a good job of stopping pellets from penetrating any further than you want them to from the low-to-medium powered airguns. And the prices on these Tech Force products allow you to spend your money on other airgun related items such as ammo and targets!

Now, if you are shooting BB's inside, please take note. Steel is notorious for ricocheting, and I hesitate to use steel BB's inside. When I do, I shoot at cardboard boxes filled with packing material to absorb the BB. A hard surface underneath your target is inviting an accident, and it is best to avoid those at all costs. So please plan appropriately and err on the side of caution.

With these products listed above, your shooting pleasure is enhanced even when you are stuck inside during lousy weather periods. And once you get back outside, your indoor practice sessions will help you in your outdoor airgun pursuits as well.

As 2008 comes to a close, remember those less fortunate than yourself. Make time to share the joys of shooting with someone who can't manage it on their own. Take a child outside with you and help bring up the next generation of shooters.

Merry Christmas from Compasseco!