by B.B. Pelletier
This post is an answer to two comments received last week:
Will said, “I’ve been waffling between a Sheridan Blue/Silver streak vs a Benjamin 392 for getting rid of pesky rabbits as my first air rifle. I prefer the .22 over the .20 but web info & price suggest the “Streaks” may have better trigger /accuracy / quality? True?”
Then Turtle added,“…how about a “best” survival gun…
although not a springer shooter (yet) I’d like your oppinion Re: the one “best” multi-pump pneumatic (or would you insist on a springer?) that you’d trust most in a long term survival situation prioritys may not be a super smooth trigger pull, but more like: calibre, bb or pellet, what do think can handle the elements and abuse best, shoot resonably well to secure food, high on the priority list might be the ability to be repaired w/ field tools ect.
What would you want with you if you were stuck in the field for over a year B.B.?”
B.B. Pelletier’s number-one, all-time pick as the BEST survival airgun is…
The Sheridan Blue Streak. It has been my top pick for a survival airgun since I acquired my first one in the 1970s. BUT – there a LOT of things YOU need to do if you also pick this gun.
1. ALWAYS store your Blue Streak with one or two pumps of air in it to keep both ends of the valve closed! If you don’t do this, you’d better not rely on a multi-pump pneumatic, because the valve cannot take the airborne dirt and dust. An abused gun will fail within 10 years, at best. My Blue Streak is still going strong after 28 years and I know of other Sheridans that have lasted almost 60 years. They were all taken care of in this way, which the factory has always recommended.
2. ALWAYS keep the pump head lubricated with silicone oil. My choice is Crosman Pellgunoil, but any pure silicone oil should do.
3. NEVER over-pump your Blue Streak. Eight pumps is the maximum, I don’t care what anyone tells you. A survival gun has to be ready at all times, not be the baddest braggin’-rights airgun in town!
4. Use good pellets. Forget the novelty brands and stick to Crosman Premiers and Beeman Kodiaks.
5. Forget scopes! This is a survival gun! Use the sights that come with the gun or add a Crosman 64 peep sight and let it go at that. Learn to rely on your eyes to shoot. I wear bifocals and am pushing 60, so don’t tell me how bad things are without a scope.
Are you surprised?
I didn’t pick a springer or a PCP. Why? Isn’t the multi-pump more fragile than a springer? Yes, in the hands of a careless owner, a multi-pump can be a fragile airgun. I’ve just given you five rules to prevent that. If you follow my five rules and don’t abuse your gun in other ways, it will outlast you.
Why not a Benjamin .22?
No good reason. And, no, the trigger on today’s Blue Streak is no better than the one on the Benjamin. Crosman makes them both and, for gosh sakes, just look at how similar they are! Except for the caliber, they might as well be the same airgun. Now, my Blue Streak from the 1970s does have a better trigger than a rifle made today and that’s the gun I’m taking into the wilderness. But if I didn’t own it, I would have no qualms about buying a brand new Blue Streak for the same purpose. The Silver Streak looks better, but this is for survival and I like the extra visibility I get with the dark front sight blade.
This is my personal choice. That doesn’t make it right; it just means that I feel best with the Blue Streak.
High,
I have a multipump airifle that was sold several years ago by pyramidair : THE CANNON 737.It’s really a great rifle, very powerful for its short size, and accurate ! My question is : should I store it with some air in it (one pump as you recommended). I mean : would it help even for this airifle ?
Best regards, ERIC
I have a crossman model 101 serial # W679. Should this gun be stored with two pumps in it as you suggest wit the blue streak.
I just purchased two Leapers 6-24 X 50 and a 3-12 X 30 scopes and am not happy with either one. Have been unable to zero after following you instructions. These are being mounted on a gamo shadowmatic and RWS 52. Any further instrustions or suggestions.
The RWS52 has a terrible trigger pull. Can the trigger be replaced with a competition type an if so who so?
Well that was a surprise! I’d heard you mention it as a favorite…I think you call it your “goto”. Now I can justify a gun I’ve wanted since I was a kid!
🙂
thanx for ur oppinion
after looking into them I only found 20. cal
Would the benj. 932 rate as high in your eyes…or is there hidden differences. I have tons of 22 ammo
Hello All-I have used Sheridan/Benjamin air rifles for about 30 yrs.I personally would be happy with either the Sheridan blue/silver or the Benjamin 342/392 rifles in .22cal.If you choose to use any of these rifles in a survival situation,I would recommend you send them to Tim McMurray at Mac1 airguns in California for a Steroid/billet modification.They will replace the stamped sheet metal pumparm with one made of solid steel,remachine the valve so the gun will accept 14 pump strokes instead of the stock maximum of 8,with a corresponding increase in power,they will also do a terrific job on the trigger and “ease” the breech enabling the user the seat any number of pellets of differing configurations without using excessive force to close the bolt.My 1981 vintage Benjamin 342(forerunner of the 392),will send a Crosman Premier downrange at an average of 775 fps. with 12 pump strokes, and is very accurate.This modification will make it possible to reach out a bit further in survival hunting situations.
Eric,
The Cannon 737 (I had one, too) should be stored with a pump in it.
B.B.
Earl,
To store two pumps in a Crosman 101, I first cock the gun, then pump it, then I release the hammer with the trigger and ride it down slowly. Finally I unscrew the hammer weight in back so there’s no tension on the valve.
On the scope zeroing problem I need you to be more specific. Tell me what you are trying to do that isn’t working. I will work with you.
The RWS 52 can have a wonderful trigger pull if you adjust it according to the instructions in the owner’s manual. Mine had a crisp one-pound pull. Do you have the manual? Those trigger screws don’t do what you think they do, so you have to read the manual.
B.B.
Turtle,
If you really mean the Benjamin 392, then yes, I think it’s a great gun, too. Buy it and enjoy.
B.B.
Lefty 177,
Thanks for your terrific input.
B.B.
Thanks from here too lefty
B.B.
Thanks for your comments on the Benjamin 392 Sheridan Blue/Silver Streak. Looks like it comes down to pellet caliber preference.
Lefty177,
How long have you had the Mac1 modification? Does it shorten the life of the gun? Any special maintenance? Interesting consideration….
Thanks,
Will
Earl’s reply to scope adjustment or Zeroing. I do not seem to have enough adjustment left and right to move the cross hairs on the target.
The scope I purchased is a 3-12X44 mil dot mini size illuminated model, adjusted at 35yds. I assume the paralax is adjusted at 35 yards when they say adjusted at 35yards.
I down loaded the RWS 52 manuel and will attemp to adjust the trigger pull with this info. The manuel supplied with the 52 left a lot to be desired.
Thanks
Earl
Earl,
That was the information I needed. You need an adjustable scope mount to bring the shot group to the target without using up the scope’s adjustments.
Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger, Earl. This is a common problem, not only with airguns but firearms, too. I’m going to do a posting on it.
I can only recommend the B-Square AA adjustable mount. It is harder to mount a scope using this mount, but once you do, your gun will start shooting like it should.
Yes, the Leapers scope is adjusted for parallax at 35 yards. If you maintain a good spot weld with your cheek on your stock you can cancel most parallax at other ranges.
As I recall all the RWS 52 trigger adjustment is in the front screw, but read the manual to be sure.
You aren’t out of the woods yet. Let me know how things go.
B.B.
BB
Another good gun for survival.
Would be The Bsa Teachstar.
Because it has everything.
You were talking about.
The BSA TechStar would be a good choice as long as you have a Hill pump to go with it.
B.B.
BB:
I like the Blue Streak, especially how accurate it is to shoot. But I have to say I prefer single-stroke airguns, such as the Gamo Stutzen or the Diana RWS 48.
What is a PCP?
To Anonymous: PCP – Precharged Pneumatic. /air-guns/pistols/pcp-pistols
As the other reader said, PCP stands for precharged pneumatic. Imagine a Sheridan that you fill from a scuba tank and shoot 100 times before filling again. That is a PCP.
B.B.
You were discussing survival air guns. You assumed voluntary wilderness survival and the air gun as a small game harvester. What would you recommend for a survival air gun where it would be used not only for game, but as a defensive weapon in a survival situation – not necessarily a voluntary survival situation? Thanks.
Dug
Dug,
Normally I’d recommend a firearm for that situation. A small handgun (makarov 9mm, for instance) has the same energy as a big bore air rifle, and can fire its shots much faster. Airguns don’t make good defensive weapons.
But if that’s all you have, a modern big bore like the 909S and the Dragon .50 is probably as good as it gets.
B.B.
Thank you for your response. While I have extensive knowledge of firearms, I have only recently become interested in air guns. While I agree that a firearm is a superior weapon, it only remains so as long as you can provide it with ammunition – which may rapidly become difficult to obtain in a survival situation. Even if stock piled you have no assurance you can maintain or access such a stock pile. At least in the kind of survival scenario I am thinking in terms of – where normal services and social order break down. Air guns have the advantage of using air and projectiles that could be self produced if necessary. Both guns you recommend certainly have the necessary power, however – both are single shots and would be problematic in a defensive survival situation because of their reloading time. Wouldn’t the 9 mm. Sumatra Carbine provide a more supportive choice of survival/defensive weapon? Another question – does anyone offer a 12 volt. or other compressor specifically designed for rechargable air guns and if so why can’t I find it on the PyramydAir site? I see the hand pumps. Thanks… again.
Dug
Dug,
Unless I am missing something, the Sumatra carbine is a .22. And I would never recommend a carbine length barrel in a PCP for a defensive role. Like black powder, pneumatics need long barrels to generate maximum power.
If you are hunting woodchucks it doesn’t matter, but for personal defense, the only guns I would consider are the .45s and larger.
B.B.
BB,
Actually I read your article on barrel length and apparently and missed the specifics of the shorter barrel… for spring air guns. Also in reviewing so many air guns I thought I remembered the Sumatra as 9 mm – but you say even a 9 mm pellet doesn’t have sufficient stopping power? Unfortunately all I see for .45 and .50s are single shots which I don’t consider adequate for self defense situations. Many large predators tend to hunt in packs. Can you recommend any large bore repeating air guns with sufficient power to be useful? Thanks for all your help.
All the best,
Dug
Dug,
I’m sorry, but big bore repeaters are rare. The Shin Sung 9mm Ultra is a lever action repeater, but you can only shoot 60-grain pellets that don’t have much power.
Why not stockpile ten bricks of .22 long rifle? If you store them in ammo cans they’ll last at least four or five decades.
B.B.
BB,
If you look at most disaster scenarios down through history where social order breaks down, the last thing you want to do is to be out and about – from a risk stand point. I live on the beach on an island in a well populated area. I don’t consider my location to be a good place to be from a survival stand point. I don’t consider any highly populated area to be a good place to be in the aftermath of a major disaster. However, I don’t want to spend my life hold up in a wilderness either. Planting hermetically sealed lots of ammunition over the country side doesn’t seem practical – if mobility will be limited after a disaster.
Having been through a number of hurricane disasters I can certainly vouch for the rapid loss of mobility. Whatever defensive strategy you come up with has to be light and portable on your back unless you live in a fortress. Forts in the past have only served as focal points for attacks. Probably the best overall defensive strategy in any situation is adaptability – I don’t want to be tied to a specific location (food and ammo stores). Disasters can take many forms – disease, terrorism, catastrophic natural occurences, etc. – being able to adapt to the situation is the best survival tool.
It would seem a properly designed air gun could be a useful tool for surviving long enough to adapt – just don’t see it in the market place as yet. If the Condor was a repeater and a large bore it could be close – multi reservoirs fillable by pump – hand or small back packable powered compressors to recharge – but I don’t find them as well. Are you aware of any small compressors for recharging in the field? At this point my analysis says from a survival stand point – regarding current air gun designs -you might be just as well off with a good cross bow or long bow. Thanks for the dialogue.
all the best,
Dug
what is a good ammo source for a survival airgun, assuming your local gun shop has ceased to exist and you don’t have a lead smelter handy?
dlarom,
If you are asking whether you can store pellets long-term, the answer is yes. As long as you don’t open the tins, good pellets should last for decades. They are now coated with anti-oxidants to prevent the pure lead from turning to powder.
If you are asking a different question, such as what is a good survival pellet, then I need to know the pellet gun it will be used in, and the caliber.
If you mean where can pellets be found when society collapses, I think you need a personal cache.
B.B.
The Crosman 2250B has more power than the carbine you were talking about, and it’s .22, so it’d be easy to stockpile ammo. The 2250B is also only 30.05 inches long, very mobile.
Also, if you REALLY feel like a repeater, the Daisy TargetPro is a 5 shot repeater with 560 FPS. Yes, it’s .177, but I seriously doubt any predators would just attack you for no reason, and the animals that hunt in packs and are deadly are usually exotic. Bears and Mountain Lions wouldn’t attack you if you just stay away. After all, the worst situation causes people to do anything.
BB-
Hey I’ve read about the Cannon 737 I need a website were I can get it PyramydAir doesn’t have it, any ideas? thanks
-Ed
Ed,
There is a very good reason why the Pyramyd AIR website doesn’t stock the Cannon multi-pump air rifle. It is a piece of garbage!
I tested it for them several years ago when it first came to the U.S. and it was lousy. Low power and bad accuracy, poor workmanship and the list just went on.
What some people did was use the gun as a kit and completely rebuild it into something that worked. There was an article in Airgun Illustrated about a guy who put a huge amount of time and effort into one and ended up with a pretty Sheridan Blue Streak.
Buy one only if you can get it for $20.
B.B.
B.B.
Speaking of survival gun, is there a more powerful .22 multi-pump pnumatic you might recommend. Also, is there any kind of equipment you can get reasonably priced to make your own pellets (although it might be a bad idea, given the relatively low cost per high quality you get purchasing pellets). I’m thinking of a bit more out-in-the-woods self reliance. Also, is there a multi-pump pnumatic big bore that is practical?
JP,
In the Philippines there was a front-pump multi-pump rifle that developed up to 30 foot-pounds. It was not very accurate and took 150 pumps to fill, though a top-off between shots only took 20 pumps. It was made by Farco, but I haven’t seen it for sale in 8-10 years, so I’m not sure it’s still made.
As for making your own pellets, a round ball is your best bet. Diabolo pellets are best made by expensive machinery. Casting pellets doen’t work well.
B.B.
Hey BB,
Would you recommend storing all multi pump pneumatics with a couple pumps? I have a Crosman 2289 (don’t think you have it in the US… carbine version of the 1377) and it doesnt say to do it in the manuel. Seems like if it’s good for one multi pump it would be good for another though?
mike
Mike,
As long as you can do it, then yes, do it. Some guns don’t allow you to do it without leaving the gun cocked, which I don’t recommend.
B.B.
Hi BB,
I have been wanting a survival gun for a while. I was once again thinking about what I would like to have today when I remembered reading this post in your blog.
I have noticed that several firearm manufacturers are now offering survival versions of their popular models. Smith & Wesson is offering their Sigma and X-frame revolvers in a “Disaster” kit which include the gun and a case that has food rations and a slew of other necessary and/or practical survival items. Mossberg offers the same thing for their 500 shotgun. other companies such as H&R offer rifles and shotguns with storage compartments built into their stocks along with other features.
What I’m getting at is that I wish that an airgun company would start to make a survival version or kit of one of their rifles. The more I think about it the better an airgun sounds for survival. Ammo is cheap, and does not take up nearly as much space or weight as firearm ammo. A person could carry a few thousand pellets into the woods on a quest for food and not be burdened by the load, while doing the same thing with center fire ammo is nearly impossible.
Pellet rifles will undoubtedly be compared to rim fire rifles in a situation like this. Yes rimfires are more powerful and have longer range, but they need to be cleaned after every shooting session, which will eat-up supplies faster. Pellet guns do not have to be cleaned nearly as much. In fact I know some people whom have never cleaned or lubed their pellet guns and they still usably function. But I’m sure that you know all of this.
My personal choice for a survival airgun would be a pump assist 392 with a glass fiber reinforced stock that contains an easy access, water proof, storage compartment for small survival gear such as a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and perhaps some small spare parts and maintenance items for the rifle such as pellgun oil, screws, and springs. Enough room for spare batteries would be nice. I would like nylon or cordura pouches on the outside of the rifle’s butt stock, that would contain pellets, a folding knife or multi-tool and s small game cleaning kit. I would like a good set of ghost ring sights and a weaver rail located on the barrel in the location ware intermounts would traditionally be added. A smart person would either stick to the sights on the rifle or add a tritium reflex dot sight to the weaver rail because they have all the advantages of a red dot without the need for batteries.
I know that what I want would cost a great deal of money, but perhaps a scaled back version would be a good idea for Crosman to compete in the survival gun market. They could also list the advantages of an airgun over a firearm in their advertising campaign. It could at least be used as another way to get some people to view airguns as more than just toys.
mechredd,
Good suggestion! There have been survival airguns in the past. Farco made a multi-pumper that developed 30 foot-pounds on 150 pumps, then 20 after every shot to keep it pumped up.
B.B.
Farco is still making the .22 bolt action foot pump airgun, the barrels and airtanks are made of brass so it will not rust even when you soak it in the river and rain, 150 pumps are only exagerations if the leather in your pump is well made and fitted 60-70 pumps will do and it will make 5-7 shots before you make pump again, fixing this air rifle is very easy you only need a long nose pliers and a flat screw driver and the materials you can find in your home like tire rubber, rubber sole and leather of your shoes, spring of your umbrella etc. The rear site can be udjusted from left to rigth and the barrel is rifled , who said that this gun is not too accurate sorry to disappoint you I only miss 1 out of 10 shots within 40-50 mtrs. and this gun shoots with high velocity because the power comes from compress air,I use this gun to hunt small game, birds and fish, yes fish you can easily fabricate a small harpoon to fit the gun with nylon thread .You can almost do anything with this gun ,this is the true survival airgun
Nestor B. Marcelino
Philippines
BB, BAD ADVICE! Unless im wrong, which i doubt i am, NEVER OIL THE PUMP HEAD/ OIL HOLE ON 397/392/C9! Youre gun will lock up. If you oil the head, you go directly against what the air tube says (DO NOT OIL OIL HOLE)because the head leaves oil in the seal which cause lock up and you have to get it disassembled. Also, the manual says not to oil the head, only pivots. You might have a dift valve cuz its older, but my friend denied the advice on the manual and put 2 drops of oil every 200 shots on the head and his gun didnt pump.
Do you know anything about Farco .30 cal (actually more like .32 since it is .315) Do you think it is o.k. to run it on 1250 psi air. Murad
Murad,
I have seen the Farco .30 cal. You can see one in the video I did at the Roanoke Airgun Expo. It was on Cecil Whiteside’s table.
Farcos are constructed of brass, so they have less strength than guns made from steel. 1,250 psi is not much pressure and the gun is certainly built to take that much, but that is about the upper limit.
B.B.
Howdy Tom,
Glad to see you're still out here sharing to knowledge !!
This is Aaron Hughes, not sure if you remember me from DIFTA days, but just wanted to say hello to you and Miss Edie ..
Hope you're doing well !!
Aaron,
Of course I remember you! You live in PA, right?
It's certainly been a long time, hasn't it?
Tom
Aaron,
Didn't you shoot a RWS 48?
Edith (Mrs. B.B.)
Yepper I'm still here in PA !! It's been quite a while…lol
Hi Edith, yes I did and still shoot an RWS 48 ??
I also have a Benjamin sheridan pistol that's just as old if not older than it…lol
How do you like living in TX ??
BB,
I've been searching for a Survival air rifle. I just ran across this blog AFTER I purchased my first air rifle – argh! I, working on my own, reduced my choices down to the Benji 392, Gamo Whisper, and the RWS 34P Stealth Combo. I wanted a rifle I could use in a potentially hostile survivial environment and noise signature was a serious consideration immedately following reliabity. All my choices ranked in the 3-medium category for noise.
Then after finally settling on the RWS 34P which I purchase from Pyramyd this week I found this blog. Now, I'm regretting not going with my first choice, the Benji 392. Have I made a poor choice? I'm not opposed of ALSO purchasing the 392 if you think it is a better choice. Your counsel is greatly appreciated!
~Quirt
Quirt,
The 34P is ideal for survival. Now find the one best pellet and stock up. Forget the lubes, because you won't be shooting that many shots. But LEARN THAT RIFLE!
B.B.
Quick question Tom,
Will that peep sight work on the HB17's as well ???
The HB 17 is a pistol. How would you hold it to get your eye within an inch of the peep?
B.B.
Sorry, I misread what was in the pyramid site.. I thought it came with different aperatures for using it..
BB,
Roger that. Thank you for your prompt reply!!! I'll train with confidence now and get it dialed in.
With the 34P am I able to leave it cocked and loaded for extended periods of time (a few days rather than weeks/months) like the Benji 392? Or am I going to need to relax the spring ever night?
~Quirt
Quirt,
Best to reverse your thinking on the mainspring. Cock it only when needed. You have up to a month of cocked time before it suffers.
B.B.
Hey Tom,
This is Aaron… Your idea on the peep sights struck a chord with me.. As you know I've got my rws 48.. Does Pyramid sell a peep to fit it.. Never gave anythought to my scope being trashed on it, and with my eyes failing(bifocals)steadily this may be a good idea, and a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new scope if things happen..
Thanks, and hope you all are enjoying Texas !
Aaron,
Try the Beeman Sport Aperture.It should do fine.
B.B.
Hey Tom,
A person was asking this on a forum I'm on and not sure if this may have gotten answered earlier up the blog, but seemed like a pretty good question.. I'm assuming he's referring to pump up…
"In a "survival" scenario, involving long-term outdoor storage and extremes of temperature and humidity, what extra care (if any) would be required to maintain your gaskets?"
Aaron
Aaron,
Good suggestion, but I am not the right person to do it.
If you will post on the current blog, maybe we can find someone who can?
B.B.
BB,
Is there an ghost ring apetiture (peep sight) that will work on the RWS 34P I just purchased? This rifle is looking like it is going to be a good match for a survival rifle OTHER than the plastic front sight (ugh) and I don't have a lot of faith in trusting my life to a $40 scope in a wilderness environment hence the need for a good metal apetiture sight.
Anonymous asking about a ghost ring on his new RWS 34P,
You ask a good question and to a large extent have answered your own question.
If you're looking for a gun to rely on in a survival situation a scope, no matter the cost or quality, is not an option. Too many things can go wrong and leave you "sightless".
I would also suggest that a ghost ring/peep sight is not a good option since it limits target acquistion.
If you're uncomfortable with the plastic front sight you may consider a metal aftermarket front sight. Look in pyramyd air's metal front sights for diana rifles. Personally, I think the sight is acceptable since the "plastic" it is made from is the same as they use on triggers and has withstood the test of time. Realize that just because its plastic doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. Many car parts, tractor parts, medical apparatus parts, etc. are plastic now because they're not necessarily cheaper but because they can withstand stress better than metal before breaking.
kevin
Hey Kevin, thanks for the follow up. I'm mainly concerned about the plastic front sight post uprights that hold the fiber optic in place. It sticks up and is just begg'n for something to rip the fiber out of position or potentially snap when making contact with a solid surface in sub freezing temps which are indicative in my region. I've looked for a metal RWS aftermarket front sight but have been unsuccessful so far for this particular model. If you can find one I'd apprecate a link.
Ghost ring,
When you said "ghost ring" you gave me an idea. A ghost ring sight no longer is made by anyone, but a red dot right is the closest modern equivalent to the ghost ring sight that shotgunners used in the 1930s. Have upon considered trying a red dot?
B.B.
Anonymous with the rws 34p,
I have a 34 but have never owned a 34p. The 34 I own has a metal globe front sight. I'm not sure if any of these front sights will fit your 34p but in my experience they will fit or with minor effort can be made to fit more guns than just those listed. Here's a link you'll need to copy and paste:
/search-results-ext?q=diana+globe+sight
You may want to talk with tech at pyramyd air and get their input on whether these sights could be made to fit your 34p or whether or not they are aware of a front sight for the 34p that is "beefier" than the stock sight.
kevin
Question:
Once I get this 34P broke in…is there any benefit from having Pyramyd install the Air Venturi Pro-Guide Spring Retainer to reduce spring noise and perhaps smooth the rifle out?
Again, reducing one's noise signature is one my concerns so I didn't know if it is worth the $100 upgrade or not? What tradeoffs from an installation such as this.
Thanks guys
~ Quirt
Argh! Neglected to input my thanks for your contributions regarding the Red Dot and Kevin's suggestion on the metal sights. I'm planning on giving Pyramyd a call regarding a change over to metal sights…at least a consideration if it is fesible or not. Regarding the red dot…hum have to check that out. I'm trying to avoid anything that requires batteries or has the potential of getting broken or wacked out of commission.
Quirt,
I recfommend just shooting the rifle for about 20,000 shots until it needs a rebuild. At that time you can have this Pro-Guide installed as a tuneup.
B.B.
Thanks BB!
So what you're telling me then the new spring tune up doesn't do anything to mitigate noise? That is the only reason I'm contimplating it.
~ Q
Q,
Usually a spring gun tune doesn't affect the powerplant noise4 much.
I think you should wait for the new Crosman Nitro Piston guns. They are very quiet for springers. If not them, then the TX 200 is also very quiet.
B.B.
Roger that! A friend just suggested I sit on my 34P and start training with it holding out till the new Nitro hits the streets. Rumor has it the Nitro is something that will fit my purpose almost perfectly other than it doesn't have open sights (argh) or the capcacity to add open sights (double argh). I may need to go the red dot route you suggested or a top of the line scope that is hardcore. Thanks BB – good advice as usual! I'm learning much.
Newbie Question: Okay the rifle has arrived. The manual is "okay" but isn't very specific. Any thing I need to know before touching off the first pellet? Nothing in the manual about pre-cleaning or prep. So besides wiping the oil off the stock and rifle, I assume I run a dry patch through the chamber/bore and then start shooting? Or is there something obvious I'm overlooking? How about checking the tightness of the stock screws? If so any proper tension or sequence?
Thanks!
~Q
Q,
No prep is required. Just pump the gun, load it and shoot.
Never try to clean the barrel. It's made of brass and never requires cleaning. Cleaning will only subject the barrel to the possible risk of damage, and brass doesn't get dirty.
B.B.
The RWS 34P barrel is made from brass? I was unaware of this. Okay, I'm going to the range today will wipe it down and start giving it a work out.
Thanks. ~ Quirt
Q,
You posted your question to a blog about the Blue Streak. You didn't mention the model. Since I answer hundreds of questions each day, I assume the question refers to the posting unless the person says otherwise.
The 34P barrel is steel and once again, no prep is required. Just cock, load and shoot.
B.B.
Hello BB, if you had to use a gun other than your blue streak (I've got one and I love it hasn't fail me yet) what would it be?
Brian
Brian,
An RWS Diana 34 P in .22 caliber comes to mind.
B.B.
What would last longer, the Benjamin Discovery or the Diana 34? When I say what would last longer, I mean how long will it last after shooting thousands of rounds. Life-time warranty means that the Manufacturer has pride that it will last a long time. Correct me if im wrong but don't springers start to go bad after a few thousand shots? I've had neither a springer or a PCP gun so I am not sure.
Hi Brian,
You posted to a blog that was written in Oct 2005. There is only a handful of folks checking the old blogs. If you want to reach thousands of people and get a good answer to your question please repost it on the current blog which is at/blog//. B.B. writes a daily blog Mon to Fri where alot of good individuals are discussing airguns of all types. There are some very knowledgable folks there who are very helpful and generous with their time and advice.
I cann't speak to how many shots a quality springer has before the spring breaks. However, with the Discovery PCP you've got to include a way to supply the HPA for the gun and factor that into your question's answer.
Mr B.
I have a Benjamin Blue Streak 20 cal and it devastates rabbits and squirrels. Bought it at a garage sale for $10.00 wouldn’t shoot. Took it apart saw it needed a spacer for the cocking mechanism to work right. I made one put it in and it’s been working flawlessly ever since. That was over 20 years ago, I store it with 1 pump and it is my favorite squirrel rifle. I hunt with a peek-a-poo named Draygo and we get plenty of tree rat meals every fall!