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Education / Training Mendoza RM-200: Part 2

Mendoza RM-200: Part 2

by B.B. Pelletier

Part 1

Before I get started, I have a couple of announcements.

Pyramyd Air’s latest email promotion is now available. It’s all about the new PCP hand pump. They’re superior to the European ones we’ve used up til now. They’ll be in stock by next week, so Pyramyd AIR is taking pre-orders.

There’s a new deal on .177 H&N Baracuda Match pellets! Pyramyd AIR made a special purchase and got a boatload of these. They usually sell for $9.95/tin, but the price has just been lowered to $8.05/tin. Time to stock up!

Today, I’ll finish the exterior look at the RM-200. If you haven’t already read Part 1, it might be helpful if you did that first.

The rifle cocks very easily. The description says 29 lbs., but my test rifle cocks with just 24 lbs. of effort, and it’s brand new. I would imagine that would decrease by a little as the gun wears in. When you click on the closeup image on the website, you’ll see that Mendoza put a small muzzlebrake extension on the barrel to ease cocking, and it definitely works! Cocking is very smooth and positive. The chisel detent holds the breech tight, yet doesn’t fight you when you want to break open the barrel.

Automatic safety
The safety is a bar on both sides of the end cap that goes on automatically when the rifle is cocked. Push it forward with your thumb to shoot. As long as the gun is cocked, you can put on the safety at any time after taking it off, but it will not go on when the gun is uncocked. Another safety feature is that the rifle refuses to fire when the barrel is broken open. This is an anti-beartrap mechanism to keep careless shooters from losing digits while loading. That makes a total of three safety mechanisms on the rifle. The two-bladed trigger provides some measure of safety for careless trigger-pullers, the automatic safety and the anti-beartrap mechanism are all there to keep you safe. Never rely on them, of course. Always point the muzzle of the gun in the direction you intend shooting.

Sights
Mendoza put a very good set of open sights on the RM-200. The front is a square post on a ramp. It’s covered by a large globe with a huge hole. That hole lets light through to illuminate the fiberoptic rod. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation and also has two fiberoptic points. What I like about these sights is that they’re very sharp and crisp, just as they are. I’m not big on fiberoptics, but I do like good open sights, and this rifle has them.

men-front-sight-web
Lots of light gets through to illuminate the front fiberoptic rod.

men-rear-sight-web
The rear sight adjusts for both windage and elevation. It’s also fiberoptic.

Firing behavior
I had to shoot the rifle to get chronograph readings and to test the trigger-pull, so I have a preliminary feel for how it shoots. It has a little spring buzz that’s very short-lived, and the recoil is almost negligible. It’s not as smooth as an R7, but close to it. For the price, it feels like much more air rifle!

The best feature!
I saved this for last. The RM-200 and other Mendoza spring rifles have a dedicated oil port on the side of the gun! No more hunting for the air transfer port. The hole is only opened when you purposely hold the barrel as far broken open as it will go. Then, the piston seal retracts beyond the hole, and you have access to oil. Now, just because it’s that easy doesn’t mean you should oil this rifle any more than any other spring-piston air rifle. About one drop every 3,000 to 5,000 shots is plenty.

men-oil-web
You can oil the compression chamber directly through this hole on the left side of the spring tube.

I must say that I’m impressed so far. After reading all the negative comments, I didn’t expect Mendozas to be this nice or this full of innovations. I’m hoping this quality carries over when the shooting begins.

author avatar
Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier)
Tom Gaylord, also known as B.B. Pelletier, provides expert insights to airgunners all over the world on behalf of Pyramyd AIR. He has earned the title The Godfather of Airguns™ for his contributions to the industry, spending many years with AirForce Airguns and starting magazines dedicated to the sport such as Airgun Illustrated.

50 thoughts on “Mendoza RM-200: Part 2”

  1. i have heard several comments on paint in the benji’s barrel. There is paint about a 1/2 inch into my barrel. Does it really effect accuracy? My gun isn’t shooting what i hoped it would.It will barely keep 3 shoots ON a quarter at 25 feet. How does one remove the paint if necessary? The rifling looks really good, and there is no scratches or pitting, but there looks like there is leading on the painted area.

    P.S. I don’t want to kill a brass barrel.

    thanks
    hb

  2. B.B.–been waiting for the leapers 4×12 with a 44mm lense-out of stock now till apr 18-would going to a scope with a 56 mm oblective lense and of course using high mounts work on the rws 350 or will the scope sit too high to be practical-also scopes sitting on high mounts-will they take more of a beating from the recoil of the 350 –thanks Scott

  3. B.B.

    Thank you for addressing the RM-200’s safety and vibration! The RM-2000 also wouldn’t let you put the safety on except when it was cocked.

    .22 multi-shot

  4. B.B.

    Now you go and throw a wrench in the works telling me that the Mendoza rifles might be something to look at! I left a post about the Bam 30 on your 100 – 200 value rifles and I guess you’ve been real busy cause I’ve not seen you reply. I’m wanting another .22 and was looking at the BAM 30 but now I’m looking at the Mendoza. Please let us know how it shoots!

    Rick in SC

  5. BB,

    I just read Tom Gaylord’s article on hand pumps for PCPs. He talks about think air above 4,000 ft affecting springers.

    I live (and shoot) at 7,000 ft. I was ready to purchase the RM 200 until I read this. What is he talking about? Do I need to me concerned?

    Marc in Elizabeth, CO

  6. hb,

    I posted on yesterdays or the day before on cleaning the paint you asked for.

    As far as regular barrel cleaning: I disassemble the gun to avoid getting any goo gone solvent in the valve and or other elastomers. I clean the barrel with Goo gone pulled through with a trimmer string line. NO bore compound as BB says, NO Brass or any bristle brushes or rods for me. I never use a cleaning rod on these barrels as they are too soft and any metal to metal contact can damage the barrel. Take string trimmer line and melt one end on someting very hot to from a small bead and cut the other end sharp. Stick the sharp end through a small patch and wet with goo gone and pull through. 2-3 patches do the trick. Follow with 6-10 dry patches to remove all goo gone. I have heard that Break Free CLP can work as also instead of Goo Gone, but I haven’t tried it yet. Thats all.

    KTK – Racine WI (Birthplace of Sheridans)

  7. BB,

    Regarding: Air too thin for springers.

    I am glad you explained that. Right now I shoot a Crosman 1377 with a scope and shoulder stock (I’m the guy that hits plastic golf balls at 20 yards). I would like to get a rifle for informal target and plinking at 20 yds. Hopefully one that I can scope.

    I was thinking about a Benji 397 – but it is not designed for a scope. Should I be saving up for a PCP? If so – what do you recommend?

    Thanks BB

    Marc in Eliz. CO
    Rocky Mtn. High

  8. BB
    I was “this close” to ordering an HW 77 when you published your list of top springers. The TX200 was #1 the HW77 was #2. I had no experience with either, so I went with your prefference. Very Very Happy. Thank You.
    Now I am thinking about getting a second gun. I have a scope on my TX and would like a gun without a scope. I was thinking a about getting an HW77 and putting the Williams peep sight on it. (Comments? I’ve never used a peep – would like to try it.) However, in your review of the TX200, it seemed pretty clear that the HW77 was a distant 2nd. What differences could I expect from my TX to an HW77? Hold sensitive, noise,…?
    Thanks again for your help.
    MCA

  9. BB

    As far as shooting at 7,000 feet – I am on a budget, so I think it is going to have to be a multi-pump. I would really like something I can scope. I am trying to stay under 300.00 total.

    Recommendations?

    Thanks,

    Marc
    Elizabeth Colorado

  10. Marc,

    Try a 392. As for scoping, I cannot recommend scoping multi-pumps unless they are sidelevers, which only the Daystate Sportsman is.

    But I guess an intermount and do not touch the scope while pumping. Use a very lightweight scope. The new Leapers 4X40 long eye relief might be good.

    B.B.

  11. hi bb
    i have a few questions i hope you can answer about the crossman 1077
    yes i did read both reviews

    1. can this gun be pushed out to 100 to 150 feet with decent accuracy?

    2. can you remove the front sight for use with a scope and reinstall it later?

    3. would this rifle be a good alternative to a higher priced rifle to learn to shoot informal target?

    4. how long will it take to beak in the trigger if i happen to get a bad trigger. also will cycling the trigger to break it in were out the hammer spring or do internal damage?

    5. what do you think about mounting a cheap leapers 4 by 32 scope on it?
    thanx for your advice

    Field Targetier

  12. Thanks B.B.,

    I should have framed this with my original question, as a followup.

    Do you know very much about the quality of Hammerli/Norica products, and whether they are on the level of Gamo, or at a higher level like RWS?

    Any plans in the near future to test/rate any of the Hammerli products?

  13. Squirrel,

    I will no doubt test some of them, but look how long it took me to get around to Mendoza.

    Beeman used to buy from Norica before they moved to China. So the products should be at least as good as Gam, which Beeman also used to sell.

    B.B.

  14. Thanks again B.B.,

    You are always a wealth of knowledge.

    No pressure on the testings, just a curiosity. We airgunners, can always purchase the guns ourselves and see what we think.

    Your involvement should always be looked upon as a courtesy to us, which we value.

    Take it easy

  15. I WANT TO BUY A HW80 OR 95 IN 25 CALIBER WHAT GRAIN PELLET WOULD THE CO. GET THEIR STATS FOR VELOCITY, AND IF YOU DO NOT KNOW IS THERE ANY LINKS WITH THIS KIND OF INFO. THX

  16. Sorry but I don’t know. However, whenever velocity is quoted without a specific pellet given, you can be certain it was a lightweight pellet. With Gamo, it may be a PBA raptor, but all other companies use light lead pellets.

    B.B.

  17. I have a question, but couldn’t figure out how to send it to you, so I’ll ask here.

    I have a Daisy Red Ryder, and thoroughly enjoy it, with two exceptions:

    1) I can’t see the front sight very easily, is there a fibre optic available?

    2) It seems to shoot to the right, but I can’t see any means to adjust it for “windage”. Is there such an option?

    I guess my final question is – am I wasting my time on a “toy” – i.e. it will never be that accurate anyway?

  18. CAN PELLETS BE SHIPPED TO CANADA WE DO NOT HAVE QUITE THE CHOICE AS OUR FRIENDS TO THE SOUTH. ALSO DO YOU KNOW IF THE DROVOL .375 CARBINE CAN BE SHIPPED TO CANADA BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE NO F.A.C. YOU CAN ONLY HAVE GUNS BELOW 500FPS WHICH THE DROVOL IS .THX

  19. Field Targetier,

    i have a 1077 with a leapers 6x bug buster on it. It works well at close rang, 20 yards or so. I have the one with the wood stock and also have a adapter for the crosman 88gram co2 tank. It is fun! 12 shots of fun! I am thinking about taking it up a step and buying a fx revolution. The revolution is the best semi auto on the market at the moment. The trigger on the trigger slides back a lot b4 actualy shooting a pellet. Thats because the trigger works as the bolt. The pull is about 8 pounds. thats not as much as it sounds. I killed a Squirrel at 15 yards with it. Head shot! It was the only living thing i have shot at with it. I dont think i will use it on Squirrel again. The Squirrel did not move after i shot it. It took a chonk of its scull out! So it is accurate enough. Its most likely powerful enough and its cheap enough. Sounds like a good buy.

    -sumo

  20. I will try to post somthing on sunday about the 1077 at 50 yards. The weather will be good then. It will be a bench test. I will use a rest that holds it in place. I dont know what to expect. I know how it is when i am looking for statistics on stuff.

    -sumo

  21. I will be using the crosman p, the ones that come in the little brown box (round noe). I already know they are the best for the 1077. It does not work well with anything other than lead. Not a raptor (gold gamo crap) or skenco (the one with the plastic).

    -sumo

  22. Hey BB,

    Great posting today (April 12, 2007). I had to post this here since you disabled posting =-) but anyways, I just had a few quick questions. I was thinking about getting a nightstalker air rifle, but I don’t need a flashlight really and I much prefer a standard magnigying scope to a red-dot, but the bipod would be useful. So I really have two questions. 1) Does the nightstalker come with any type of rails to which I could mount a scope without buying the kit version of the rifle? If so, what scope would be good for this gun? 2) Is it more economical to buy the kit version and ditch the scope and flashlight just to get the bipod and rails, or is it better to get the stock version, get a better scope, a UTG bipod, and rails to mount on the body (if needed)? Thanks very much!

    –seaco711

  23. Seaco711,
    I own a nightstalker (with the kit) and can say that the accessories are very nice. I paid about $60 on top of the base price of the rifle alone and it was well worth the money. The red dot scope is fun and functional and the bipod is great (and can fit on other non-shrouded barrels).

    The thing I didn’t realize when I first purchased it was that there is a dovetail rail that spans the entire length between the integrated sights. It’s not an advertised feature. The Weaver rails are nice that come with the kit and they add a military look, but in reality they aren’t necessary . As long as you only want to mount scopes on the top, and not a flashlight or laser on the sides, then you’re fine buying the components individually. Since the mowhawk sights are pretty tall, I’d recommend tall rings.

    PS: Before I realized there was a dovetail I ordered an extra-long Picatinny rail to accomodate the short eye relief on my Bug Buster scope. The mounting holes didn’t line up with the ones on the nightstalker. So I just drilled a hole in the top of my rifle to match the new rail. I wasn’t worried about it because there aren’t any moving parts above the barrel that far forward.

    -Alan D.

  24. completely off subject-i bought a daisy 880, and mounted a tasco scope on it. when i tried zeroing the scope, my shots kept going further and further to the right, even though i didn’t adjust the scope. what can i do to fix it?

  25. Field Targetier and Sumo,

    I know every gun is different, even within model.

    I’ve found with my 1077 that it loves Remington Pointed (rounded point) and BEEMAN .177 Perfect Round Lead Balls (yes they can be loaded in the magazine). Thats all I shoot with mine. I can easily shoot the center out of a dime at 15-20 yards. Haven’t had a chance to gauge past that distance.

    Don’t know if this is useful info.

  26. squirell killer,

    Round nose pellets are best for long range so i will use them and Remington pellets are made by crossman. I will be using the 7.9g pellets. So they are the same. I have some H&N round balls that i will try but i have never used one b4. I have never shot the crosman past 20 yards. JSB exact pellets and premiers are the pellets that shoot best in most guns.

    -sumo

  27. Hello Sumo,

    Yes Remington pellets are Crosman pellets, but I wouldn’t go so far as saying they are the same. The remington pellet has a distinctive shape which has proven for my 1077 to offer better accuracy. I am keeping in mind I have never shot past the 20 yard marker either.
    I have run JSBs, Crosman Premiers, Beemans, and other brands through the gun, but the Remington pointed and the Beeman roundballs are my “go to” ammo for my 1077.
    Every rifle is different, even within model, thats why we test to find the ammo that works best.

    Thanks

  28. squirrel killer,

    I will order some remingtons but they wont be at my house in time for the weekend. Because of this i will still do the test with crossmans 7.9 round nose. Remember the ones in the box are better than the ones in the tin.

    Feild targeteir,
    squirrel killer probibly knows best. I have not shot both so i cant say anything against that. I bet that he is going to do a test or start trying long shots with his gun.

  29. bb,

    Tomorrow I am ordering the peep sight for the benjiman 392 off of crosman (cuz i can mail in my order)! and I’m getting a box of crosman premiers cuz I’m sure they are better then crosman wadcutters at long range. I’ve also set up a blog of my own (insomniacnews.blogspot.com) to get an ‘identity.’ I don’t think i’ll get many hits on it though 😉

    Thanks

    Insomniac

    p.s. I have word verification on a few other things, you get used to the different shapes and colors, but there are nearly illegible ones that crop up now and then.

  30. Dave,

    A couple things to check for. First is that the scope is tight in the mounts and the mounts are tight on the gun. If so, check that the barrel doesn’t move. Daisys of the 800 series have an annoying habit of being loose.

    B.B.

  31. seaqco711,

    I’m on the road right now, but (I think Alan D. gave you a good answer.

    The Crosman Bipod is especially nice. I carry the NS flashlight on my morning walk to use on overzealous dogs – and it really does stop them!

    B.B.

  32. Field Targtier,

    I DID answe this question. It must not have posted.

    You cannot see the front sight through a scope, so why take it off? If for looks, I’m on the road and have to get back to look at my 1077. Or you might just look in the manual online.

    At 50 yards you might get a 2-inch group on a calm day.

    Question three answers itself. The answer is yes

    Leapers scopes may be inexpensive, but they are a perfect compliment to a 1077. I have also used $300 Beeman scopes on them.

    Yes, squeezing the trigger repeatedly will break it in. It takes exactly enough pulls to break the trigger in to the point you want it. Ha!

    B.B.

  33. B.B.,
    the barrel on my daisy seems to be slightly loose. this is only an inexpensive airgun to have fun with until the new crosman break barrels come out, so, if theres anyway to just fix the problem, im all ears, but if i need to buy a new one all together, ill just tough it out. also, are you planning on testing those rifles?(tac-1 extreme, and tac-77 elite) im assuming they have the same accuracy as the remington genesis and crosman phantom, since thats what they are based off of, but a review would be helpful if at all possible. also do you have any suggestions for a fairly non expensive(no more than $300) black synthetic stock break barrel that has decent accuracy? im working on starting an airgun collection, but i only work part time, so money is a small issue. thanks for the help.

    Dave

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