by B.B. Pelletier
Today, we’ll finish the report of the Evanix Renegade pistol with the accuracy test. Thanks for being so patient. The weather and some other duties made me postpone the test until yesterday. The day was near-perfect, with only a slight breeze that didn’t get above 5 m.p.h.
While the day was perfect, I wasn’t! I left my shooting table at home, so I had to improvise a rest. I put the sandbag over the back of a chair and rested the gun on that. It worked fine and was as steady as it gets, but it sure looks odd!
The scope I mounted is a Leapers UTG 4×40 Tactedge with long eye relief. That allows me to hold the pistol somewhat forward instead of putting my eye up to the screen. Of course, I had to get used to only 4x magnification; once I did, it seemed to do the job. Remember, deer hunters shot at 100 yards with nothing more than 4x for decades! And, this scope is one of the clearest, most parallax-free you can find. While I would be happier with double the power, this is a fairly good match for the pistol.
Eun Jins were first
The first pellets I tried were Eun Jins, based on their performance in the velocity test (part 2). I would have thought they would have been okay, because they gave an average of 610 f.p.s.–but they weren’t.
The Eun Jins were not fully stabilized, as evidenced by the oval holes they cut in the target. They also grouped around 2″ at 25 yards! Time to look elsewhere.
Next came Kodiaks
Beeman Kodiaks were next. They developed an average 692 f.p.s. for an average muzzle energy of 22.34 foot-pounds–about what we expect from a really great-shooting RWS Diana 48 in .22 caliber. I knew from the first group that this is the pellet for the Renegade pistol.
Naturally, the lighter Kodiaks didn’t shoot to the same point of aim as the Eun Jins. They had to be adjusted up just a bit to get on target. Once there, they did the job in a workmanlike manner.
One thing I noticed with both Eun Jins and Kodiaks was that there are only 6 usable shots in the single-action mode. After that, the pellets start falling lower…even at 25 yards. Since double-action is reserved for followup shots only, plan on filling the gun after every cylinder.
Overall observations
The Renegade pistol is very powerful and quite accurate for a pistol. It can definitely be used for hunting game up to the size of a raccoon. While it’s not a small handgun, it’s much more compact than even a short carbine. If you’re looking for something small to carry into the woods, this could be it. Personally, I’d shoot single-action most of the time and use double-action when I needed a quick follow-up shot.
Morning B.B. I’ve really be enjoying the TalsonSS that you recomended to me. A very interesting gun. Beeman Kodiaks group the size of my little finger nail with enough horsepower to go clean through a 2X4. The 24inch barrel is back ordered. I was having troubles with my Benjamin pump. Off to Crosman and replaced under warranty all of which took 11 days–THANKS Crosman. A .5 inch group out of the Renegade wow power, accuracy, and good looks. A small carbon fiber tank and you’re good to go. God review thanks Mr B.
BB,
I bought a stash of old airgun magazines, brochures, most of the Airgun Letters, etc. from another airgunner. Your Airgun Letters are great. My question though, is from an article in a magazine you did about the Diana 27. The Diana 27 is my favorite model of airgun. I just love the way it feels in my hands and I enjoy the craftsmanship that was used on such a simple gun. I read that you used a white grease for a coating on the mainspring. You said that the tune was done before JM’s products became available so, I was wondering if you would still recommend that white grease for a 27 and other low powered guns? I have found that even a light coat of heavy tar is often too much for the small rifles and that using only moly doesn’t give the desired effect. The white grease sounds live a viable alternative.
Like I said, I really enjoyed the Airgun Letters. One of my favorite articles was a story you told about trying to help someone pick out an airgun at an airgun show. It is one I can certainly relate to. I enjoyed so many of the articles you wrote on different models of airguns. Since I am rebuilding a P1 right now, your articles about the P1 have been helpful. Tell your wife that I also enjoyed a lot of her articles. My favorite was the one where she bought you an airgun on the sly for Christmas.
Thanks for everything,
David Enoch
bg_farmer
I know what you mean, I was apprehensive the first time I used a non-factory replacement spring. I was really concerned about the gun being coil bound and not cocking. But so what? It just meant that the gun would have to come apart again to shorten the spring a little bit.
Aside from a snug fit between the spring and the spring guide, I’ve found that many piston guns will really benefit from a longer guide than factory. Anywhere from half to three quarters of an inch–maybe even more–can be crammed into most spring guns. The extra bit of central support for the spring helps ensure that it doesn’t cant.
Like a spring that’s too long for the gun, if the guide is too long, the gun won’t cock. Err on the side of function.
Derrick
David,
You are entirely correct about tar and the Diana 27. I think my white grease or some other not-so-viscous petroleum-based grease is the way to go. Not only is it thinner, but it wicks up the leather piston seal to provide a continuous supply of fuel for the rifle. You never have to lube the piston after that.
That HW 77 Edith surprised me with was a real shocker, I can tell you. I expected the R1 under the tree, but the second long box was unexpected.
B.B.
Mr. B.,
You have a red-hot SS, if it will pass through a 2 by 4. I don’t think I’ve seen another that will. The 24-inch barrels are on backorder at AirForce. I was over there yesterday and Yvette told me they are waiting for them to arrive. Apparently they are really putting the pressure on Lothar Walther with thousand-barrel orders!
B.B.
No iron sites means ‘No Buy’. The same goes with the TX200. Diana I Buy !
Zeb,
B.B.
Whoa, those are some good groups. However, refilling after every cylinder is the opposite of my goal for a PCP.
Matt61
B.B.,
Is it worth shooting a multipump gun at lower power levels to test the precision of the pellets?
I was playing around with my Daisy 22SG. Even though the gun doesn’t have enough power to mushroom the Crow Magnum pellets, I was curious about cone of fire. At 4 pumps JSB Domed Exacts were a clear winner, shooting a 5 shots group at 10 meters that could be covered with a dime. The Crow Mangums were several inches at 4 pumps. However if I used 10 pumps, then the Crow Magnum pellets tightened up remarkably. My interpretation is that at the higher velocities the Crow Magnum pellets are spinning fast enough to be stabilized.
For the lower power to be a good indication of pellet performance over longer distances, it would seem that the spin rate of the pellet would have to drop in rough correlation to the velocity. Does this in fact happen?
Herb
Hi! BB,
I understand that you shoot your 1911 one handed, would like to know How you grip the gun.
Hank
B.B.,
A followup question would be how do the twists in an air rifle compare to a 22 rim fire? It would seem that an air rifle would need many more twists since the pellet is traveling slowly. A high spin rate would average out imperfections in the pellet. Correct?
Herb
B.B.
What is the best way to get the rest of the guest blog to you?
Thanks,
Volvo
Herb,
Yes, as the exit velocity of a projectile decreases, so does the rate (revolutions per second) of the spin.
B.B.
Hank,
I was taught to shoot the 1911 by a Distinguished Master shooter. That’s an Olympic-class shooter.
Read this:
/blog/2005/4/grasp-the-secret-of-accurate-handgun-shooting/
and this:
/blog/2005/05/the-beeman-p1hw45-is-one-of-my-all-time-favorite-air-pistols/
B.B.
Herb,
The twist rate of a .22 long rifle barrel is identical to an airgun barrel – 1 turn in 16 inches. There are exceptions, but they are few.
B.B.
Hi BB,
I have recently become the proud owner of a used .177 Daystate Harrier X which is currently in transit. I understand that you have a Daystate Harrier. I know that they are different rifles but am assuming/hoping that they will behave similarly.
I am considering either crosman premier heavies, JSB heavies, or Eunjins. I would prefer to use the JSB heavies to prevent leading of the barrel. However sometimes premiers are more accurate. I can manually load the longer eunjins. I am mainly looking to shoot the heaviest and most accurate .177 pellets. Do you have any recommendations or insight from experience?
Thanks
Henry in NJ
Henry,
My experience says Kodiaks, but JSB pellets were not in widespread use when I shot that rifle a lot.
Kodiaks beat Premier Heavies in my gun.
Eun Jins wouldn’t even be on my list. they are for hunting, not precision.
I get 24 shots at 930 f.p.s. from a 2650 psi fill.
B.B.
I would like to add a light to my rifle for shooting coons and possums that get into my garbage. I don’t want to spend a ton of money or have an external battery. I would like to find something that would allow me to mount a small flashlight to my scope or I also thought about mounting a small piece of a picitinny rail to my foregrip so I could mount a light there. Does anyone have any experience with gun lights or have any other Ideas?
Evening B.B. A red hot SS, nice to know. I’ll run some numbers tomorrow and let you know what I find. The trick with the springs and washers makes it much quieter than I thought it would. Have you ever tried it? 15/16th OD fit inside the barrel with a piece of PVC as a bushing to compress the whole colume behind the end cap. Mr B.
Matt61,
I’m with you again about shots per fill, groups are number one, but I’m waiting for more shots per fill, and I want low noise like my Air Arms S410.
The Right-hand Alfa-Air competition PCP pistol by Alfa-Proj with Air-Arms technology…. That is supposed to be at PA by 10/17 is interesting, has any one tried one?
B.B. will you be testing it? Is it new?
There is no info on the PA site about it… just:
“Alfa Pre-Charged Pneumatic Pistol
Limited edition. This is a unique gun, limited quantities available .177cal 500fps $599.”
Although it’s not even close in the power category, with Renegade, it might give the accuracy and closer to the number of shots some of us are looking for..
I just had a local customer order a Benjamin HB22 .22 cal pump pistol… It only costs $127 retail, and says it shoots 460fps in .22 cal, and has good customer reviews..
I’m going to order it for him, unless you guys say it’s a dog…
then, I’ll advise him….to what?
thanks,
Wayne,
Ashland Air Rifle Range…
Wayne,
I owned my HB22 for about ten days.
Nice looking and well made, but odd and difficult to cock.
Wants to pinch fingers.
B.B. has a review on them.
Volvo
Volvo,
Thanks,
I just read the reviews, the trigger sounds like an issue as well.. What else do I recommend to him, in .22 cal and pump..
Wayne,
AARR&R
B.B.
I saw your comments on testing a Career Infinity. I’m presently in Inchon, Korea, (visiting), and just had the opportunity to hold, handle, and cycle, one of these side-lever rifles in a retail shop. I wish I could have shot it! I think you’ll find the action as slick and smooth as can be. Can’t wait to hear your report – this is probably one I’ll want.
Anonymous,
You’ll need a pretty powerful light to take advantage of your rifle’s range I would think.
Wayne, don’t forget to let us know when you get the S410 magazine fixed.
Matt61
Mr. B.,
When I worked at AirForce, the production manager and I worked out several methods of making an SS quieter without changing the external appearance. I have the best of these prototypes in my SS. It’s about half as loud, from my observation, as a standard SS.
B.B.
Wayne,
I have wanted to test the Alfa Proj for several years. The problem is that Pyramyd AIR only gets one or two in stock, and I hate to deprive them of a gun they can sell.
Maybe it’s a Catch 22, since they won’t sell very many unless I review it.
I did a three-part review of the HB22. It’s here:
/blog/2007/9/benjamin-hb22-part-3/
The gun is not as fast as the specs say, but it is a good-looking air pistol.
B.B.
Scott,
I will be reviewing the Infinity in a couple weeks.
B.B.
B.B.
That’s good news about the review on the Infinity. I hope you can get the Alfa Proj soon as well..
So, it seems like there isn’t much to compare out there in the pump up pistol area. Just the crossman 1377 in .177 and the Benjamin HB22, the only .22 cal pistol pump I can find on PA.. Am I missing something? I guess my customer will have to make do with pinching fingers, a hard trigger, not up to advertised fps, and hard pumping after 5 pumps… I’ve let him know these things, and he is still thinking he wants it.
I told him that a lot of you are happy with the 1377, especially with the aftermarket fixes.. so he considering…
Is there anything else he can consider?
Wayne,
Ashland Air Rifle Range
Wayne,
You might consider swapping the barrel on the 1377 for a .22. I’m sure Crooked Barn could help you.
B.B.
B.B.
Thanks, I'll mention it to him…. Would the 1377 shoot .22 cal faster than the HB22, since the HB22 was shooting under the advertised fps? And the 1377 shoots the .177 at 600fps? Is that with 7.0 hobby?
I get the idea he wants as much power as possible, and doesn't mind the hard pumping at the end. He also said he was willing to pay more for a air pistol, but didn't want a PCP or CO2, he didn't think… he's new to the game too..
Wayne
AARR&R
Wayne,
You need to read the report. It doesn’t go 600 f.p.s. with anything you’d shoot.
/blog/2008/9/crosman-1377-part-3/
B.B.
B.B.
Thanks, Yes, that does make the choice more difficult.. It sounds like either one will need some tinkering to be what he will want..but the HB22 is probably going to be his choice, I’ll bet..
Since they are both fairly cheap, I’ll get them both, and let him try them both.. It looks like I should get the BSA 30mm red dot sight as well with the B272 intermount.. since the sights are so lousy..
Wayne,
Ashland Air Rifle Range
Wayne,
This is way off track, but did you think about a Daisy 747? These are sweet plinking or target pistols.
I have one with RB hardwood grips on it and it is great for indoor and close outdoor use. Unless your friend wants an airgun for pest control, in which case almost any rifle will do better, it is hard to beat the 747 for the $$.
Volvo
Volvo,
He wants to hunt and plink with it..
Was it mostly the finger pinching, or was it other things as well? Could one get use to a certain way of closing and keep fingers safe? Or maybe make a different handle, with more clearance…
Wayne
Wayne,
I actually never pinched any fingers in it, just seemed like you had to be very careful not too. As far as hunting, you could put 8 pumps in it a head of time and go out, but once in the field, slapping it closed 8 times would certainly warn all but the silliest critters.
The issue I have had with trying to hunt with stock air pistols is the accuracy is ok for a larger target but not the power. Excluding the new PCP pistols. I think a low power .22 is worse than a .177 due to a lack of penetration.
Plinking wise, it was just too much work.
Obliviously, these are just my opinions. I’m sure some guys love it as it has been around for a long time. I know you would not.
But, the customer is always right. Let him get one and then sell it used on the classified if he doesn’t like it, or maybe keep it for your range.
Volvo
Volvo,
That was a real great review… I didn’t and I bet he didn’t think of the “slapping closed” noise issue..
Independence from a pump or scuba tank has a price after all…. hard to have it all in one pistol package at an affordable price, or maybe at any price..
Maybe he should move up to a longer pistol like the Discovery?
It’s only a little longer than the Rendgade… maybe 18″…. he won’t notice…he’d be happier in the long run.
Wayne
I noticed they have few nice air pistols at crookedbarn.com.
I like the CB1322. Often thought about a 2250 with pistol grips which seems to be like the Tom Cat .22 model at crooked barn.
Both look like pretty solid well modified air pistols. Not a bad price when considering the cost of customizing one at the crosman sight,adding grips and customizing the trigger.
I guess the base model of the 1377 helps those who want to get started, but it’s nice to see a lot of mods out their for those who want a little more.
B.B.
First of all…
“Once, toward the end of the session, I instinctively smacked the end of the barrel to break the rifle open.”
You had me LMAO! Now THAT is funny!
Now, I have to ask…
Which do you like better?
The AR6 pistol or the Renegade pistol?
– The BBA –