Issue #36: Walther Lever Action, R1 History + Q&A

The Walther Lever Action CO2 rifle is a dead-ringer for the Winchester 30/30 (1894 model). Tom takes you on a tour of the airgun, which looks and feels so much like the firearm that you'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

If you've never read Tom's Beeman R1 book, then you may not know the history of the R1 Supermagnum air rifle. Tom takes a trip down memory lane as he recounts how the gun was developed.

The Q&A segment has a couple questions about scopes. Sighting-in a scope can be an easy, cheap & quick process...if you know how to do it. Tom leads you through the steps and shows you how to do it in 5-10 minutes. Another listener asks about scopes and spring guns. Years ago, a spring gun would break almost any scope mounted on it. Times have changed, and Tom tells you a bit more about that.

Download November 2009 MP3 file

Issue #35: Action air pistols + Q&A

Sometimes, you just want to shoot to have fun. No keeping score. No trying to take out pests. That's what this month's podcast is about...air pistols that are just pure shootin' fun.

Tom handles two questions in the Q&A. First, a mom asks if the Challenger 2009 is a suitable rifle for her son to compete in the NRA Sporter Class competition. The second question is one that we commonly hear on the blog: Do the barrels of breakbarrel guns bend? Listen in and expand your horizons!

Download October 2009 MP3 file

Issue #34: Scope basics & scope terms + Q&A

Scopes are the single most popular accessory that airgunners buy, so it's time for a refresher course on optics. In this issue, Tom reviews reticles, parallax, adjustable objectives and more.

In the Q&A section, a listener asks about the apparent unavailability of .22 caliber pellets in local stores. Tom reveals the reason for that and where you can buy all the .22 pellets you need. Another listener has two young children who want to learn to shoot. He asks for suggestions to teach them proper gun handling and the right gun to start out younger kids. Listen along as Tom helps him with a sure-fire gun that'll keep the kids on the right path.

Download September 2009 MP3 file

Issue #33: Some of Tom's favorite affordable 10-meter target pistols + Q&A

Tom has been shooting 10-meter pistol for quite some time, and he'd like to share some of his favorite affordable target pistols with you. Unless you're a nationally ranked 10-meter pistol shooter, the guns he recommends will serve you well because they're accurate yet not very expensive: Gamo Compact, IZH 46M and Daisy 747.

In the Q&A section, one listener has asked about the right gun to use for introducing her 12-year-old and 14-year-old children to the shooting sports. If you've got kids who want to learn to shoot, this is for you. Another listener wants to gunsmith his airsoft guns and asks if there are any airsoft gunsmithing courses available.

Download August 2009 MP3 file

Issue #32: Gamo guns, gas springs and more

Gamo guns have come a long way! Tom tells you about some of his favorite Gamos, including the new Whisper series. He also talks about the Hunter Extreme...which is a BIG rifle! The Q&A segment has two questions. One is about pellet performance and the No. 1 pellet Tom likes in just about every gun. The second question is about a unique collectible: air canes. These were common during Victorian times, and many airgunners are fascinated by them. Tune in to learn more about these unusual airguns.

Download July 2009 MP3 file

Issue #31: A stroll down memory lane with Beeman guns

Tom takes you down memory lane as he recounts how his love affair with airguns developed. He wrote the Beeman R1 book not just because there are so many different things you can do with an R1. It's also just about perfect. Power, accuracy, easy of use...what's not to like?

There are plenty of other guns that Beeman imports that have made an impression on Tom...R9, P1, P2 and P3 to mention just a few. Listen as we take you through years and tell you about the wonderful guns from Germany.

Download June 2009 MP3 file

Issue #30: An airgun for all time--the RWS 34

The RWS 34 is one of those classic spring guns that keeps on chugging along and selling year after year. That's because it's considered a must-have for your airgun locker. The gun has continued to improve and get better with time. Listen as Tom tells you about this breakbarrel rifle and why you need one in your vault.

Tom also talks about cleaning your airguns and how to do it with J-B Non-Embedding Bore Cleaning Compound. You might not be getting the best accuracy if you don't follow this important maintenance procedure, so tune in to get the scoop!

The Q&A segment centers around a listener who's interested in getting an AirForce Talon SS with a CO2 tank instead of a high-pressure air tank...and he wants to know if Tom thinks that's a good idea. Follow along as Tom gives him the high points of such a selection.

Download May 2009 MP3 file