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Most popular airguns and subjects

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by B.B. Pelletier

Today, I’m reporting about the things YOU seem to like the best. By looking at the responses since this blog began on March 1, 2005, I can tell you the hottest topics among our readers.

The first hit was the blog about S&W pellet pistols. It was clear back on April 7, 2005. We were getting maybe 6 or 7 comments per post, but this one is up to an astonishing 41 and counting! It’s bringing in collectors and owners who search for any information about their guns.

On April 18, we talked about two very rare Daisy BB guns and got good response. The next mega-hit was about Crosman Pellgunoil, and all the responses came from readers of this blog. There were 31 comments, and a lot of people either learned something new or confirmed what a wonderful product Pellgunoil is.

Our next smash was the May 26 posting about whether or not longer barrels are more accurate than shorter barrels. That one spawned a handful of related topics about rifling twist rates and diabolo pellets. On June 1, I posted a blog about the range at which you should zero your scope and really kicked over an anthill! That posting got many comments, but it started an ongoing discussion about sighting in a scope that isn’t over yet!

Readers apparently LOVE the Walther PPK/S, because that was the next big response. It’s still bringing them in from internet searches. About that time, the number of daily comments began to increase, so I changed my criteria for what makes a hit. The next big favorite came on July 13th with the posting about the Crosman M1 Carbine. That one has 46 comments at this time and is still bringing them in! Apparently, the M1 is a gun many people remember fondly!

The posting titled Who needs foot-pounds? started a lively discussion. I think many readers didn’t know about Pyramyd Air’s energy calculator.

The next bell ringer was the Crosman 1377 multi-pump pistol. Apparently, this is another urban legend that we all had heard or wanted to believe. On August 22, the posting about the Drozd BB submachine gun drew a lot of comments because I said not to shoot steel BBs. EAA, the Drozd importer, is now aggressively telling people that steel is okay! I still think it’s a wonderful airgun, regardless of what it shoots.

On September 16, you got pretty worked up about the Daisy 22SG multi-pump rifle. We’re still getting comments about that one. Oddly enough, the Sheridan Blue Streak hasn’t drawn anywhere near the number of comments as the little Daisy. A few days later, the posting on the Benjamin 392/397 was another favorite! It seems that shooters admire the Sheridan but buy the Daisy and Benjamin.

You liked the five posts about the air shotguns, but the response was nothing spectacular. The post about the Diana RWS 46, however, was a big winner, with 42 comments and counting! I think you like guns that are good but perhaps not mainstream. I say this because I’ve been pushing the TX 200, which has been received by nothing more than yawns!

The next topic you really liked was Improving accuracy with a spring-piston airgun. I think a lot of you are curious about your guns and would like to know more about what’s inside. Then, I told you about My first airgun, and you went wild! Apparently, we need to talk more about the good old days! A lot of you have fond memories of your first airgun, and I will look for ways to bring that topic back several more times.

It came as no surprise that the post on the Daisy No. 25 pump BB gun was also well-received several days later. I was starting to catch on to what you like. Several days later, I posted Like to be an airgun collector? and got the expected good response. Quite a few readers took my advice and bought the Crosman 760 Commemorative. I got one for Christmas! Keep it in pristine condition if you bought it as an investment (mine is). Remember to hold on to the original box and keep it in perfect condition, as it always adds value if you want to sell it later.

The next hot topic was Why foot-pounds is the most meaningful airgun power rating. All of you don’t agree with me on this subject, and you aren’t afraid to voice your opinions! Daisy’s 953 single-stroke rifle was a real hit, with 45 comments and counting. You guys sure love those Daisys! I finally managed to dredge up some interest in Sheridans with the post Three principal Sheridan variations. Most of that was talking back and forth with a couple readers, however. You guys are more of a Benjamin, Crosman and Daisy crowd, in general.

One recent post that astonished me was the one on the Crosman 357 GW kit. I wrote it just to cover a gun I hadn’t yet looked at, but the response was very enthusiastic. Apparently, this is another classic with all of you. Another surprise was the posting Can you hunt with a BB gun? It turns out that a LOT of you like to hunt with your airguns. I’ll keep that in mind for the future.

THE BIG ONE!
Now, for the No. 1 all-time favorite airgun posting! It was the one on the Gamo CF-X. I got trashed by one lurker, but the rest of you came to my defense, which accounted for about a quarter of the 55 comments we received. There’s no doubt that this is your current favorite air rifle. Pyramyd Air has sent me one to test, and I’ve already shot it a few times. I’m very impressed, and my previous comments still hold.

66 thoughts on “Most popular airguns and subjects”

  1. B.B.

    I’ve just recently found your blogs so I’ve a lot of catching up to do. All the posts have certainly been informative for me. Based on your discussion, the topic on scopes is still an on-going one…

    I’m interested in mounting a scope on a rifle. One thing that does not seem to have been widely discussed is mounting height. If we do not want to remove the iron sights, is it best to go with rings that mount the scope higher so that our line of sight through the scope clears the iron sights? If mounted high, are there concerns about accuracy? If we mount it low, is there a shadow that is seen looking through the scope?

    Any thoughts on this?

    Thanks again.

    DOT

  2. BB,

    I knew that when I told you to do the cf-x post it woul get the attention of many people but woooooaaaaa!!!!!!!!!! that the #1 post ever.I hope you like your
    CF-X.Let us know how it went with you and your cf-x.

    CF-X guy

  3. BB,

    I am going to change the trigger of my cf-x.What is the best trigger for it.I read in a post about a german trigger that is the best of all airgun triggers.What is the brand.Please give me a link to the website.

    Thanks

    CF-X guy

  5. CF-X guy,

    There is no easy way to change triggers in air rifles. They are not interchangable the way they are on some firearms.

    And, yes, I am surprised by all the attention the CF-X has drawn. But if that’s what the people want, let’s give it to them!

    B.B.

    B.B.

  6. Hey BB

    I would like to get a post on the HW77 MKII Carbine Air Rifle by Beeman because I like it and its probably my next air gun.I want the post to hear what owners of the airrifle have to say.Thanks BB.

    CF-X guy

  7. One more thing BB,

    Even though its hard to change the trigger on the cf-x.Can you still do it.I would like a rekord trigger but if you can tell me witch one to get that better for me.
    Thanks.

    CF-X guy

  9. One subject that hasn’t gotten much coverage is noise, so I have a request. I think you said you have a Talon SS, and now you have a CF-X; Please rank the following loudest to quietest: Your CF-X, your CF-X dry fired (we know its OK), your Talon SS, and your Talon with the 24″ barrel (if you have it).
    Does the SS noise supressor work? How about the TX200 noise supresor? Do they work or is it just marketing???
    Thanks

  10. B.B.
    I would like to see more reveiws/ postings about pcps. I own an Airforce Condor and just ordered a Logun Gladi8or. Although expensive (pcp rifles and support equip) I believe with out a doubt theese rifles to be the most powerful and accurate sporting airguns made. I know many people do well with, and like springers but, the twang and vibration turns me off! Make mine a pcp!
    Jason

  11. BB:

    Your blog roundup offers me the opportunity to thank you for being such a fine resource for a person new to adult airguns. I entered the field fat, dumb, and happy buying a bargain Diana 46 Stutzen to plink with in the basement. I’ve become a caregiver, and returning to shooting after decades (read: since the Korean War)for recreation necessarily means a weapon compatible with residential shooting.

    I was fortunate enough to stumble on your blog about six months ago. It is my airgun training bible, and your commentary and that of your following is invaluable to this arthritic old plinker.

    Thank you, Boxie

  12. Dot, the issue of scope hight is pretty much moot unless the iron sights are particularly high, or close to the scope bell. If either are the case, go high. Ghosting has never been an issuue with the rifles I have scoped, but I have also never had one with large, high, or obtrusive sights. Accuracy should not be too much of a factor as long as it is sighted for a good medium working range. Practice at ranges used, and adjustment comes easy after a bit. Don’t expect good results if you switch between 15 and 50 yards if you go for a high magnification. And don’t plan on using the iron sights if you scope, as even with high mounts it is a pain to use them effectivly with any speed. Not enough sight picture, and I think it messes with a part of your head switching between glass and iron with any rapidity. I’ve done my time behind a bit of glass, and iron, and do both well. But not at the same time.
    Sorry if I stole your thunder B.B., you can chastise me now.

  16. B.B.,
    Since “Boxie” is commenting on how much he appreciates your blog, I shall add my $.02. I also am relatively new to airgunning and since retiring about 18 mos. ago I have eagerly awaited your blog each week day. I also check it on week ends since more comments come in and I also learn from them.
    I have purchased more guns and equipment on your recommendation since coming on board and I have never regretted the expenditures. I know you are associated with Pyramyd Air but I have been impressed with your honesty regarding other companies and dedicated equipment. You really mean it when you say “there are no dumb questions”!
    Keep up the good work! I really don’t know how you continue to write such an interesting column day after day. I’m sure you have other things to do!
    Sincerely,
    CWI

  17. Jason,

    I will do more PCPs. The posts are in the works right now. And I heard from Pyramyd Air that Tom Gaylord will also be writing more articles about them for the articles section on their website.

    But the number of spring guns outweighs PCPs by over 100 to 1 at this time. I have to do springers because that is where the main emphasis of the sport is right now.

    B.B.

  22. BB,

    Dont do the post on the hw77.I ment on the HW97 MKIII.It was my mistake.I want the HW97 MKIII post not the hw77.Sorry for the mistake.Id really like the HW97 MKIII post.

    CF-X guy

  25. BB,

    Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

    Now for a question:

    I told you I wanted the leapers 3-12×44.But I dont know witch rings to mount 1 inch or 30mm.And witch are the lowest mounts for that scope.Thanks.

    CF-X guy

  26. CF-X guy,

    The five 3 to 12 x 44mm Leapers scopes listed all have 30mm tubes, according to the information on the Pyramyd Air website. So you will need 30mm rings, if you are buying one of those five scopes.

    They have a 44mm objective lens, so you need rings high enough to clear the gun. Since the CF-X has a very low ramp to which the rings attach, you will need rings tall enough to allow the scope’s objective bel to clear the gun.

    I know you want me to tell you which exact rings to buy, but that’s not easy. I don’t have them all in front of me, so what I would do is call Pyramyd Air and ask a sales person to advise me.

    Now, I personally no longer use the lowest rings. Ever since I discovered the truth about a scope level, the ring height matters very little anymore. And everyone’s face is different, so I have no way of telling how the scope’s exit pupil will fit you on your rifle.

    What I’m saying is these are all very personal things you need to work out for yourself.

    B.B.

  27. BB and readers,
    I hope I didn’t come off as a person too “good” for springers. I own several, including the king of this blog, the Gamo CFX. Like most, springers were my first introduction to the world adault airguns. I’ve spent more time looking from behind a springer compared to any pcp. However, they have sadly been collecting dust ever since I purchased my first pcp. I also own a variety of American Airguns(crossman, benji, daisy). I love them all! I love this hobby, and as such I am completely happy to learn about anything to do with airgunning period! Thanks BB, and keep ’em coming.
    Jason

  29. The most widely recommended source of an alternative trigger for Gamo rifles (CFX included) is at
    https://charliedatuna.com/
    Look at his GTX Mk.1.

    I’m waiting a while before deciding – the trigger on the CFX rifles seems smoother than that on the Hunter 440s from the outset, though it’s nominally the same unit… and as BB has previously mentioned, the 440 trigger really does improve a lot in the course of its first few hundred firings.

  30. I’ve been reading your blogs for several months now and consider it a daily must read. Thanks for all the great airgun info.

    A quick question, if I may: Does RWS Diana make its P5 magnum in .22 cal.? A Canadian site called D&L Airguns advertises it but I can’t find any listing or other info on a .22 cal. P5 anywhere. And I really dug around.

    Also: I’d love to see an article on airgun mods some time. I own a Mountain Air MA2540 ( a crossman 1740 converted to .25 cal.) which I love. I think moda are a really interesting aspect of the airgunning scene.

    Thanks again,

    Jim.

  34. CFX Guy,

    did you ever get the photos of my CFX you asked for? Pictured is a low mount one piece scope mount from B square.

    Anyway, I sent the photos via your email in January.

    dsw

  37. dsw,

    Yes,I got the photos.They are what is going to make me buy the same scope.Still Ill put leapersmdeluxe 30mm weaver style rings instead of a one piece mount.Thanks for the pics and if you want send me more pics of your amaizing CF-X.I truly loved it.

    CF-X guy

  38. I agree with Jim, a look at mods out there coud give people an idea of how easy it can be, and just as important, some thngs not to do. I know it can be a pain putting a gallery together sometimes, but I think too many people out there have great ideas, but never do anything because they don’t realize that accidently ruining a stock trying to mod it is not the end of the rifles life.
    Plus, I want to see if anyone out there is a big enough lunatic to have modded a crosman 760 to bullpup. I’d like to see that!

  39. Guys, in good conscience I can’t let this misapprehension about my Korean service go on. I did serve in both WWII and the Korean War, but I was never shot at by anyone but our own people (which is another story). I appreciate your regard for the guys who did the dirty work, they earned every bit of it.

    But my reference to the Korean war was simply a time tag to show how long it was since I’d done any serious (target, not combat) shooting. I went to school on both GI Bills, became a journalist and began a family in the mid ’50s. Burning powder for fun didn’t fit into a beginning journalist’s budget, and I disposed of all my smoke poles.

    Now life is winding down. My wife suffers with Alzheimer’s, and I turned to adult airguns as a means of recreation that I can enjoy without leaving her side or our home.

    So, thanks for the appreciation. I didn’t earn it, but I am warmed by the thought that some folks remain grateful for the sacrifices made by the many, those who died, and the wounded in body and/or mind who remain with us.

    And, B.B., I wonder if there are others out there who have turned to airguns and home ranges because they’re restricted by their own or others’ illnesses or disabilities? I’d be almost willing to bet that there are some out there who would rather plink at home than go to some senior center where well-meaning volunteers work hard to hold the interest of folks who’ve seen the elephant and heard the owl.

    Boxie

  40. Hi folks,
    let me share my experiences with you about ordering scopes and rings.
    when i order the scope from Pyramydair, i ask the sales lady (they are all sooo helpful!!) to contact the service dept. and have them choose the rings needed for a particular gun/scope combination. usually, they get it right. if something doesnt fit/work correctly, they will exchange product or refund money without any penalty.
    you gotta love that type of service!

  41. Yet another question. does anyone out there know of a place which custom makes Pitol grips? I’d like to get a nice darkly staind ambidexterous grip for my above mentionrd Diana p5. Its the only high end air pistol I own which still has plastic grips. By the way: the Beeman Combat grips for the Webley Hurricane are well worth it. They really change the overall look and feel of the gun. Thank!

    Jim.

  43. Boxie,

    You continue to surprise me! You know the phrase “seen the elephant.”! Of course you are a journalist, but that’s not an automatic guarantee of literacy. Though coming from your time it came alot closer than it does today. I believe you are well-read.

    You have discovered the real value of airgunning, in my opinion. The opportunity it affords for more shooting. So many young shooters want to supe up all the guns until they are firerarms by another name, but give me a Diana 27 (450 f.p.s. plinker in .22) and I can be happy for days!

    Speaking of people with disabilities, Dave Baskin runs the NRA Disabled Shooters Services and helps organize target matches and even hunts for people who have some type of physical disability. Beeman sponsors a national match that has some quadraplegic shooters shooting with a wind-powered trigger!

    So there is recognition of what fine instruments airguns are, but probably not enough.

    B.B.

  44. Please Please Please Please Please help help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I got a beeman hw97 and it came in and I dont know how to load it please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Mr. ONIkelois

  46. I am planning on maybe buying a .22 cal air gun with at least 800 – 900 fps max velocity.I was thinking on a crosman quest,but I would like some advice on what would be the best over all for price quality and power.

  48. Had you looked at the Gamo Hunter 1250 (listed on PyramidAir)? Would need a license for it in the UK and doubt we’ll ever see it here anyway, but it’s one that I’d be very seriously considering (along with the Career Infinity) if I lived in the USA.

  53. B.B.

    Much of my phraseology is due to listening to a grandfather who was an Alaska Sourdough who did the Chilkoot in the awful winter of the avalanch, He also taught me to shoot with a swinging bolt, wire-stock Quackenbush .22. Your inference that I’m well read may be due to a couple of teenage years spent on isolated duty in the Aleutian Islands where I developed a habit of omniverous and indiscriminate reading as one of the few ways a fella could retain his sanity.

    But this is a shooting blog, and your mastery of the subject amazes me daily. I’ve written weekly columns, and I can only view with admiration your capacity to turn out interesting material five days a week, all the while commenting on what must be a huge number of posts every day. I hope Pyramyd recognizes what a treasure it has in you and compensates you accordingly because reading you exposes me to the Pyramyd name and page every weekday.

    BTW, my 12-year-old grandson seems to be interested in air gun shooting, but my Diana 46 is a bit much in the weight department. Do you believe that a Daisy 953 or its like would be an acceptable starter rifle? I specify an undercocker because, as a newbie, I still can’t bring myself to trust break barrels. Besides which, his mother would have my hair if he lost or damaged a finger due to a bear-trap incident.

    Boxie

  57. What about the RWS 34?$219,I was looking for a airgun that compares to rimfire .22 in short range,this may be it,also you think a crosman scope would mount on the 34?

  58. A rim fire 22 I believe shoots at 800 – 900 fps.So BB I am wondering what airgun would be closest to the velocity of a rimfire that would sell under $300 because I dont want to spend any more than 300 on a gun right now at least not for a while.

  59. I also got my first game with my crosman powermaster sb,I shot a pretty good size bird,looked related to a blue jay,I hit it near the head,instant humane kill at 35 ft no scope.I only had wad cutters in my clip but they did the job.This gun ain’t bad for the price.

  62. RWS 34,

    The RWS 34 is a wonderful hunting airgun at short range, but it only has about one-third the power of a .22 short. Only the AirForce Condor and the Korean .22s have that much power.

    Velocity is not the measure of power. Foot-pounds is how to compare one gun to another. A .22 short standard speed shoots a 29-grain bullet at 1000 f.p.s. for just under 65 foot-pounds. A .22 RWS 34 produces about 19 foot-pounds.

    B.B.

  63. The reason people buy the Benjamin over the Sheridan probably has something to do with the fact that while the msrp of the Sheridan is about $10 more than the Benjamin, Pyrmaidair sells them for $30 more than the Benjamin. That and the fact that .22 is espoused as a the better hunting caliber there and here probably cinch the deal.

  66. I’ve been hunting squirrels off and on for 35 years with my Sheridan silverstreak bought in 1972 for $47. It is a fantastic shooter. Six pumps is usually enough unless depending upon range. The weight of the 5mm (.20 cal) pellet gives tremendous hitting power.

    There were 4 of us in the neighborhood that had Sheridans back then, either blue or silverstreak. All of us still own and shoot our rifles mainly for pest control. I highly recommend the Sheridan for hunting squirrels.

    My one caution is that the person who wants the Sheridan makes sure that they can pump it up as after 3 pumps it is likely a 13 year old or older will be able to pump it to 8 pumps. Another thing about the Sheridan is the force necessary to pull the bolt back to lock it to load the pellet. It takes a fast motion rather than a slow pull. For adults the pumping force nor the bolt force should be a concern.

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