by B.B. Pelletier
Before I get started, let me tell you about two exciting new ammo products. Pyramyd AIR now carries Hornady .45 and .50 caliber lead round balls for all you big bore shooters. The .45 will fit the Sam Yang Big Bore 909 and the .50 will work in the Shingsung Dragon Slayer. Because these are round balls and therefore weigh less than pellets of the same caliber, your guns should get significantly higher velocities.
Now, on to the Hakim. We heard from two readers about the symbols I called “flames” surrounding the death’s-head crest on the Hakim. The first alerted us to the fact that the inscriptions might actually be Egyptian calligraphy. The second reader seems to have confirmed this, as he gave us the translation – “Al haras Al watani,” which he tells us is Arabic for The National Guard. My thanks to both readers, because this is something that is not widely known among American airgun collectors.
In the hopes of learning more about this rifle, I’m showing closeups of the writing on the end cap.
Writing on the left side of the end cap.
Writing on the top of the end cap.
Writing on the right side of the end cap.
Testing the health of a Hakim
Because of its loading tap, the Hakim’s general condition can be ascertained without shooting the gun. Simply cock the gun, which raises the loading tap, hold on to the cocking lever and fire the gun. The cocking lever will be propelled up toward the stored position, but will stop about halfway there if the gun is sealing at the loading tap. This tells you several things. First, that the loading tap is relatively air-tight. If you release the cocking lever, it’ll eventually close in a few seconds. How long it takes to close is an indication of just how tight the tap is sealing.
The second thing you learn is that the piston seal is working because it’s compressing air in front of it. It will also leak some air, causing the cocking lever to return to the stored position. How do you know if the loading tap is sealing or the piston seal is sealing? Simple. When the loading lever gets close to the bottom of the stock, close the tap. The lever will snap home when you do. If the piston seal is leaking, closing the loading lever won’t change the rate of closure as much. Also, the piston seal doesn’t leak air as fast as the tap when it’s working. I’ve seen guns that would hold in place for 30 seconds or until the tap was closed.
Oiling a Hakim
There’s a special trick to oiling a Hakim, and it has to do with the loading tap. Open the tap manually (without cocking the rifle) and fill it full of oil, which takes a lot of oil. You can use regular petroleum oil because the compression ratio is not that high. Close the tap and stand the rifle on its butt for a minute or so. Then, cock the rifle with the muzzle pointing straight up. The oil will run down into the compression chamber when the tap is closed and the rifle stands on its butt. When the gun is cocked, the oil will be spread to the walls of the compression chamber. Try it!
The loading tap outside the rifle. Those smooth, tapered walls get coated with oil, which helps to seal the tap area during firing.
When the rifle is well-oiled, the outer walls of the loading tap will get coated with oil, helping it seal itself. Of course, these outer walls are still inside the receiver of the rifle, so no oil gets out of the gun.
Revitalizing a piston seal
The old black Hakim piston seal gets pretty hard from disuse. You can put some life into it by repeatedly cocking the gun and doing the compression check described above. After several cycles, the lip of the piston seal will warm up and become flexible again. This also distributes oil to the walls of the compression chamber, which gives you a double whammy.
Good for all
As I mentioned last time, the Hakim seems to be a close copy of the BSA Airsporter, so these tips should work for that rifle as well. Also, the rare Falke 80 and 90 rifles share an identical powerplant, and these tips will work for them.
This is the last report on the Hakim, unless you have lots of questions I can answer. There’s a lot that isn’t known about these rifles, though I have learned more while writing these three segments than I knew previously. I have spoken with Dieter Anschutz several times about this rifle. He remembers the contract but very few of the details.
BB –
Hmmm – A 3 segment review, and no pictures of targets? We want to see the results of some shooting!
Phil,
I didn’t read yesterday’s blog until just now. BB’s suggestion is dead on the money for that R7. What a sweet shooting gun. It’s worth every penny. You’ll never regret buying a Weihrauch rifle.
As an aside, I read that you’ve kind of dismissed the CO2 guns. I did too for years until I picked up a book about CO2 guns from James House praising the Crosman 2260 rifle. When I found that they cost less than $100, I had to see for myself. Imagine, a sub 5 lb recoilless rifle made of steel and wood that can hit the center of a 10 meter rifle target every time and you have a good idea of why I felt like I should have bought one years ago.
Derrick
Very interesting pics B.B!
Now, the first one could be translated as “The Egyptian air rifle for training”. The writing style here is very elegant and typical of the 1940-1950 styles
The second pic. states the caliber and model “5.5mm caliber Model 1954 (m1)”
The writings in the third pic. was done in a weirdly poor hand writing and translates as “(Anschutz) Germany 1955”
many thanks
abusara1@gmail.com
Derrick –
Yes, I must admit I’ve avoided CO2 guns. For the performance other options have, it seems that cartridges are an unnecessary hassle.
However, the more time I spend on this blog and other sites, the more I realize my interests are leading me toward a decent-sized collection of air guns. There are simply too many approaches to different, intriguing problems to pretend I’ll be happy with just one gun. In particular, I recall being surprised just how many serious target rifles are now CO2 powered.
Now to warm my wife to the idea of multiple acquisitions in the future!
Phil
B.B.
If I remember right, the Hakim is only available through gun shows and private ads, right? Too bad.
I have a question about my wonderful Leapers 6-24X50 scope that showed up at the door the other day. Just looking around at things and playing with the dials is worth the price alone. But I’m wondering about the purpose of the sunshade that has also accompanied my other Leapers scopes. My understanding is that this device is to hide the reflection of the scope from the target; I don’t see how it will affect the shooter. Now I don’t expect that animals can interpret the reflection off a scope and there are probably few to no people intending to shoot other people with pellet guns, so is this sunshade for looks only?
Matt61
Phil
The Crosman 2260 is on B.B.’s list of great bargains under $100 which is a guarantee of a good product. On the subject of CO2 cartridges, I’ve found that the issues are, first, price. They do multiply the cost of shooting over time although not by any great amount. I actually find it kind of enjoyable to load and handle them. The only reserve I have, especially, if you’re concerned about accuracy is that you need to delay between shots to allow the CO2 to cool down to give you consistent accuracy. With a single shot this may not be a big deal, but with the awesome firepower of the Crosman 1077, this is a major frustration.
Ah yes, the collection concept was my undoing as well…. But if your wife needs convincing, just show her that the cost of airgun ammo is an order of magnitude cheaper even than .22LR. She’ll be rushing out to stock up for you.
Matt61
Wait, you delay after shooting to warm up your CO2, right? I keep getting this mixed up.
Matt61
abusara1,
Thank you so much! I have waited for many years for that translation.
I will forward this to the Blue Book of Airguns, for inclusion in their next issue. I would like to credit you, if you don’t mind telling me your first name?
B.B.
Matt61,
Yes, you have to get Hakims from airgun shows or from collectors.
As for the sunshade, most of the time you won’t need it, but when you do, you REALLY di!
When the sun is at your side, rays can catch the edge of the objective lens, creating a bright smoky, foggy image through the eyepiece. This used to happen a lot at the DIFTA field target course I used to shoot on. So long eyeshades were necessary, because when you look into the dark woods and search for a dark kill zone on a darker target, the last thing you need is a bright haze obscuring the image.
B.B.
Phil and Matt61,
Since the Crosman 2260 is a single-shot bolt-action, the “speed” issue for CO2 guns sort of takes care of itself. At first I was put off by buying the CO2 cartridges as well. I got over it pretty quickly and you will too. It’s just not that big of a cost. I buy several 25 or 40 counts whenever they’re on sale–whether I really need them or not. If you buy enough at a time, you always seem to have them and you sort of forget what you paid for the whole mess. I figure that I get about 900 to 1000 shots per 25 count box.
Now lets talk about that new RWS/Hammerli 850 AirMagnum 8-shot CO2 rifle. I really hate the “plasticy” feel of the stock and the cheap hollowness it exudes. Forget that part. The metal work is absolutely first class. Let’s talk about last week when 3 of us were shooting it in turns offhand at 10 meters. With a 4x scope, we never shot an 8 round group that couldn’t be covered with a half dollar coin.
I’m actually a dedicated spring-gun guy at heart, but there’s some stellar CO2 equipment out there for not that much money just begging to shoot 10 rings.
Derrick
B. B. , Matt61 and Derrick –
Wow! Thanks for everyone’s comments. You’ve all been very helpful.
I can’t recall seeing B. B.’s “list of great bargains under $100”. Anyone have a link?
Phil
Phil,
This link will take you there:
/blog/2007/03/best-airguns-for-the-money-part-3air-rifles-for-200-400/
B.B.
Phil,
Here you go.
/blog/2007/03/best-airguns-for-the-money-part-1air-rifles-under-100/
There are accompanying segments for best deals under $200 and $300 too. If you search the blog on the dollar amount, they should come up. It’s fun and informative reading even if you don’t buy everything. Remember, control is your responsibility….
Derrick, thanks for the report about the 850–a nice looking gun to be sure. The accuracy you get without the recoil is definitely a selling point.
B.B. thanks for the remarks about the sunshade. I’ll hang on to mine.
Matt61
Would the round balls be as accurate as the pellets?
Oh no! Lots more reading to do!
Thanks for the links – somehow I missed these lists as I’ve worked through old blog posts.
Phil
Rounde ball,
In what? It matters.
B.B.
B.B.,
I’m relatively new to your blog, but I’ve been trying to catch up on all the old posts. Its quite a treasure trove for a new airgunner.
I currently shoot a Crosman 1077, which I’ll confess I bought because it looked like a lot of fun. Since then, I’ve caught the bug and would like to get a .22 springer with a quality trigger. (The trigger on the 1077 makes me crazy…even after cycling the magazine 5,000+ times while watching TV)
The only complication is that I live in Canada. I bought the 1077 from a Canadian dealer who sells a wide variety of brands (Diana, Weihrauch) in “de-tuned” 500 fps versions. My question is, how is this de-tuning accomplished, and does it adversely effect performance? Is the HW77 .22 really available from the factory in 500 fps? Am I wasting money spending $500+ on a gun that’s been monkeyed with?
I’m willing to spend $500-ish, but would be happier with $300. Can you suggest a high-quality 22 caliber springer in that range?
Thanks,
RO of the North
Matt61,
If the Hammerli 850 had a nice wood stock at even twice the price, I still think it would be a good value as it shoots so well.
Derrick
The round balls for the Dragon Slayer or 909?
RO of the North,
They don’t “fool with” airguns to get them to shoot below 500 f.p.s., because if their guns were easily converted to shoot faster, the shipment wouldn’t pass customs and the importer would be out a lot of money.
To get a spring gun to shoot that slow, and to prevent a person of average skill from souping it up, they de-stroke the piston. They use a piston with a longer rod that limits how far back the piston can travel. For under 500 f.p.s., it really has to be a small volume
The solution, if you have the legal right to do so, is to chop off the piston rod, re-cut the sear notch, re-harden it and install a longer cocking link, or change the location of the pivot point.
My advice is to remain within the law and look to a Weihrauch HW 30, but see if you can find one with the Rekord trigger. If not, then the regular HW 30 is fine, as is the CZ 630/631.
Another solution is to comply with Canadian law and get whatever air rifle you want. I don’t know your situation, so I mention this.
B.B.
Round ball,
I thought so. Well, I ordered some of the new Hornady round balls yesterday to test that very thing. They are supposed to be .457, so they should fit the bore well.
As soon as I know, you will know.
B.B.
Just yesterday I received my CZ630 (I’m a Canadian resident) and on first encounter am very pleased.
Fit and finish were very good with beautiful figuring on the beech stock.
I wondered what the trigger would be like and I was very surprised. I have been shooting an Avanti 853c, which unfortunately has a fairly stiff trigger that is not adjustable. If I could get it to release as lightly, and with as little creep as the Slavia (CZ) it would, in my opinion be an even better 10m gun than it is now.
I took the Slavia (CZ) out last night and at 20 yards it had little trouble piercing both sides of an aluminum pop can (RWS Superpoints). So unless you really do intend on hunting small game I’d say not to worry about the 500fps issue.
All for $158(Canadian)…a very pleasant surprise.
RO of the North
I have a low-tech solution to the trigger problem of the 1077. Maybe response is a better word than solution. As the blog says, the reason for the heavy trigger is that it turns the revolving magazine as well as activates the firing mechanism.
Well, I’ve noticed that you somehow feel the magazine revolve when you pull the trigger. So, it is possible to take up a lot of the weight on the trigger to turn the magazine putting you that much closer to the breaking point. A tiny bit more pressure will activate a very subtle clicking sensation which puts you at the point of no return! From here, you basically have a hair trigger and the hard feel of the trigger allows you to hold it at this point pretty much indefinitely. I’ve gotten much better results from here on. I’m on my second 1077 and have noticed this behavior in both versions so I have reason to think it is universal.
Anyway, none of this will make for a Rekord trigger, but you can realize more of the accuracy potential of the 1077. And you’ve got nothing to lose if you keep pulling the trigger.
Matt61
B.B,
hey i was wondering if you would reccomend the R9 for small game hunting, and pest control. I also wondered if youd ever shot it in .20? i have never shot a .20, and was wondering how it chronied in .20. Thanks,
Brody
BB,
Will you be writing that blog about the good deals you had to pass up soon? I think it has been a couple of weeks since you mentioned the possibility.
Is the Mendoza RM-2800 on your list to blog?
Thanks,
.22 multi-shot
Hi, I have a magizine to barrel misalignment issue with my Crosman1088. the retreved pellets show a large scrape on them. The barrel is also now dented and ruined. Should I send it back.
B.B.
Nice series I enjoyed it. Military style guns be it air or otherwise always peek my interest. I love their looks.
In your last Gamo Compact vs IZH 46 – Part 4 you had a really nice up close picture of the pump head being oiled. My kind of picture because now a question I have had can be answered for sure. Can I oil my benjamin 392 and hb22 in that same location? Also did you figure out what the PA stands for in 392pa?
thanks abunch
jw
B.B.
Do you know what kind of training they did with the Hakim? I’m guessing it was more marksmanship than tactical. But formal 10m shooting doesn’t sound right either. Maybe this will give me new ideas for airgun training.
Matt61
BB,
I was your first alerter regarding the arabic calligraphy on the hakim rifle. During my service in the Persian Gulf, I learned to read arabic numbers and I know an arabic writing when I see one but unfortunately I can not read their alphabets.
Thanks.
David
B.B.
Glad I could help
you can keep my email adress for any future need
Hamed Alobaid
abusara1@gmail.com
Talon,
Okay, if you are correct about your county law, it is in violation of federal law that prohibits any federal, state or local municipality from declaring an airgun to be a firearm.
Second, you have to learn the correct terminology. If you want a quiet AirForce gun, you don’t want the Talon. You want the Talon SS. And it isn’t silenced. It is quieter than it would be without the barrel shroud, but not any quieter than a spring rifle.
Since your county law is illegal, it cannot change the nature of an airgun. So you can own a Talon SS without applying to BATF&E for a tax stamp. All you have to do is comply with the local laws.
This conundrum is the exact reason the federal government prohibits states and local communities from getting involved in matters governed by federal law.
B.B.
Brody,
An R9 would be a fine pest gun. And the .20 caliber will be great. Twenty caliber will be slightly slower than .22 for pellets of the same weight, like the Crosman Premier (which is no longer made in .20 caliber).
B.B.
.22 Multi-shot,
Good deals in the morning. Thanks for the reminder.
Mendoza 2800? Well, I got you, didn’t I?
B.B.
Crosman 1088,
If you are still under warranty, definitely send the gun back. Make certain the dealer will accept it first. Get an RMA.
B.B.
JW,
Yes, the IZH 46 picture is the exact same way to oil all multi-pumps.
As for PA after 392, I didn’t know I was looking for it. Since the model is obsolete, is it important?
B.B.
Matt61,
Most armies used paper targets in the 1950s, so I assume that’s what the Egyptians did.
B.B.
David,
Thank you.
B.B.
Hamed,
Thank you.
B.B.
Matt61,
Thanks for the idea. Its working for me – sort of. My group size immediately went down when I started thinking about it as a two-stage pull. However, in 10 shot groups I inevitably get 1 or 2 going wide when I fire, er, unexpectedly.
RO of the North
B.B.
Is this de-stroking done in the factory, or later by the importer?
Is the HW30 available in a .22? I didn’t think it was. My Canadian dealer has an HW30s available with a Rekord trigger. They also have an HW50s (available in .22) How do you feel about that one?
I’m considering taking the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (and PAL exam) so I can buy what I like.
Thanks for the info,
RO of the North
RO of the North,
The destroking is cheapest at the factory, but it can be done anywhere. However it has to be done before the gun will pass customs.
Yes, an HW 50 in .22 sounds fine. And at 500 f.p.s you aren’t that hamstrung. The HW 30 has been made in .22.
B.B.
Hello, i wrote this in a German Forum in 2007. I try a little translation to english…..
Um den Totenkopf steht in arabischer Kunstschrift “Al-Haras al-Watani”
Dies bedeutet “Wächter des Vaterlandes”
Around the skull: “Guardian of fatherland”
Der Halbmond mit den Sternen und Kreisen war das damalige ägyptische
Staatswappen.
The half moon with the stars was the
“national coat of arms” at this time.
Auf er linken Seite: “Bunduqiya al-Howa al-Masria lil Tadrib” bedeutet:
Ägyptisches Übungsluftgewehr
On the left: Egytian airgun for training
Auf der rechten Seite: “Anschütz Almaniya 1955” keine Übersetzung nötig.
On the right: “Anschütz Germany 1955”
Auf der Oberseite: “Aiyar 5,5mm Model 1954 (M1)” keine Übersetzung nötig.
top side:no translation necessary
Klaus from Germany
Klaus,
Thank you for your translations.
Now I know where to look for them.
B.B.