by B.B. Pelletier
Read the first part of my review of the Walther CP88 Tactical
Velocity
The temperature was 95 degrees. The first four Gamo Match pellets shot single-action through the chronograph registered an average of 392.7 f.p.s., with a high of 399.9 and a low of 383.8. The next four were fired double-action, with an average of 372.1, a high of 374.4 and a low of 369.0 That’s with a fresh CO2 powerlet.
For the benefit of all you velocity freaks, I shot a clip of Gamo Raptors. Single-action averaged 461.1 f.p.s., with a high of 469.4 and a low of 454.8. Double-action got an average of 431.7 f.p.s., with a high of 437.7 and a low of 426.4.
So, shooting single-action nets a little higher velocity than double-action, which is normal on Umarex airguns. The rated velocity of 393 is right on the money, although I tested the gun on a very warm day. The higher numbers with Raptors should be considered a benefit, as we sure don’t want manufacturers testing their guns with them and then using those numbers in advertising!
I got four clips of very powerful shots (32) and another 13 good shots for a total of 45 good shots from one powerlet. I expected a few more shots; but, for the velocity, 45 is fine.
What I like BEST about this pistol
What makes the CP88 Tactical a “tactical” model is the Walther red dot sight and a fake silencer/compensator. I unscrewed the fake can immediately, but the red dot sight is the best feature of this model. It’s well-made and very clear with lots of features not seen on red dots in this price range. For starters, it has the popular picture window style instead of a conventional optical tube. When Bushnell pioneered this look, they charged $500 for the pleasure of their company – Walther charges you about $85.
Then, there’s the switch that lets you enlarge the size of the dot! Most red dots get larger as the intensity of the light increases, but Walther keeps the intensity separate from the switch that enlarges the dot! That gives you more control of the sighting situation. This sight would be welcome on a firearm, as well as a pellet pistol.
The one drawback on the dot sight was that the elevation screw was mismarked, but that became evident the moment I adjusted it. The instructions in the dot sight manual that come with the gun were correct.
Trigger
The trigger on this pistol is really good. On single-action, it breaks cleanly at 6 lbs. but feels like 4. Double-action goes off at 7.5 and is as smooth as a fine DAO firearm pistol. The blade is quite wide and smooth, and that probably contributes to the good feel.
Grip
The P88 firearm has a double-stack magazine, so the grip is very wide and full. That carries over to the pellet pistol, and it feels as large as a Colt .45 even though it’s just a 9mm. That’s probably what spelled the end for the firearm, but in a pellet pistol, who cares?
Not quite finished yet. Tomorrow for sure.
B.B.
I had a question for you about long range airgunning. I read your december 05 post about this but it didn’t answer one question I had. I read somewhere that shooting at long range, like over 40-50 yards, poses a special problem for airguns. I was wondering, is this true, and if so, why? When I say long range, my backyard is set up as a 100 yard range, and I would like to have my guns shooting that far. I currently put my targets at 20 yards, but after shooting the same thing for day after day, it can get old and I like to increase the range. My gun of choice is my new cf-x. Thanks,
lama
Lama,
The problem with long-range airgunning is the same one that plagues everyone who shoots long range – hang time. That’s the time the pellet is exposed to the air.
On really calm days, you will not have much trouble at 100 yards, though the time of flight will impress you in the beginning. But a breezy day will cause you fits.
I recommend the book, “The bullet’s flight from powder to target” by Dr. F. Mann. He made a 100-yard enclosed tunnel to shoot in, because the wind caused too many problems. He experimented for over 20 years before taking another 12 years to write the book. Mann knew more about real ballistics than anyone then or now.
B.B.
Ok that helps a lot. I’ll try to find that at the local book store. Thanks again.
lama
Lama,
It’s a collectible book. An original will be over $150. Look for a reprint and hope to pay less than $30.
B.B.
Can’t wait for the final part of your review. I assume you will be write something about the accuracy of this gun. Would it be possible for you to shoot some Game Raptors for accuracy as well? I am interested in both this particular pistol and the Raptor pellets. Thanks.
B.B
Ok, another quick question, do you have any idea what groups a cf-x would be capable of at 100 yards in perfect conditions? I was just wondering because I don’t think it would be worth even trying it if the best thing possible would be 12 inch groups.
Thanks,
lama
J.Tye,
I did report on the accuracy. Didn’t test it with Raptors though. I doubt they’re very good, since they haven’t been in anything else. I’m almost out of them at the moment, but when I get another batch I’ll test them for you.
B.B.
Lama,
I would expect 6 to 8 inches from a CF-X at 100 yards.
B.B.
Ok thanks a ton for all the help.
lama
Thank you for the quick reply, I will stay away from the Raptors.
I noticed Pyramid is now selling Mendoza brand rifles. I’d love to see your take on them sometime. Thanks.
Jim,
Pyramyd is now selling Mendozas that came to them when they bought Airgun Express.
Like you and probably like many airgunners, I am interested in the Mendoza line, mostly because it is made in Mexico. Mendoza has a good reputation as a maker of automatic military arms, and they have made BB guns for many decades.
I have heard that the quality of their spring air rifles is low, but that’s only what I have read on the forums. The model 2003 that allows caliber chaqnges is the first spring air rifl;e to offer that since Webley stopped in the late 1980s.
I have examined the rear sight from that rifle and it looks interesting. If the accuracy holds up, it could be a nice gun.
We’ll see.
B.B.