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Education / Training Norica Quick – Part 3

Norica Quick – Part 3

by B.B. Pelletier

For those who are following the podcast, the November issue went up this weekend.

Part 1
Part 2

10-02-10-01

Norica Quick is a big, robust-looking underlever.

Today, I’ll look at the accuracy of our Norica Quick.

I mounted a Leapers 5th Gen. 1.25-4×24 long eye-relief scope on the Quick using BKL two-piece rings. Before we get to the accuracy part of this report, I want to say a word about this particular scope. It is extremely bright and even though it doesn’t magnify more than 4 times, I found it quite easy to bisect the small bullseye at 25 yards with the crosshairs. This scope is parallax corrected for 100 yards, so I focused the eyepiece to make the target sharp, and that’s what made the difference. This would be a wonderful hunting scope for a centerfire.

This is not a cheap scope, but it won’t break the bank, either. It’s just more expensive than you might expect for a lower-powered scope. The optics seem to be first-rate, because the image is especially bright. If you need a scope that can make sense of targets in the dawn and twilight times, this is it. This would be a wonderful hunting scope for a centerfire rifle, as long as the range was held to 150 yards or less.

The front sight appeared clearly in the scope when it was set on low power, so I removed it. Only two screws hold it on.

On to accuracy
The first pellet I tried was the RWS Meisterkugeln. During sight-in, they seemed to want to group, so I continued to test them for several 10-shot groups. I noted that the Quick is not very hold-sensitive. I used a standard artillery hold that seemed to work best of all with this rifle. When I tried some more sophisticated modifications of the artillery hold, the groups opened up.

11-03-09-01

Following sight-in, four Meisterkugeln grouped well at 25 yards, but one dropped away without explanation.

11-03-09-02

This is pretty representative of a 10-shot group of RWS Meisterkugeln at 25 yards.

The feel of the shot is quick (no pun intended) and sharp. The trigger is a bit stiff, but it breaks clean.

Gamo Match
Gamo Match pellets did not do well at all. They fit the breech very loose, like the Meisterkugeln before them.

Beeman Kodiak
Beeman Kodiak pellets fit the breech tighter than the first two pellets, and they had such a tight velocity spread in Part 2 that I thought they would be good candidates for accuracy.

11-03-09-03

Beeman Kodiaks were a disappointment. They acted like they wanted to group, but they spread out way too much.

At this point I wondered what I would tell you about the Quick. I could see good groups inside the 10-shots I was firing, but the rest of the shots opened things up too much. It was at this time that I remembered I had promised to shoot the Norica wadcutters for you.

Norica Wadcutters
Inside the Norica Massimo box was a tin of Norica wadcutter pellets. Some shooters believe that a pellet that bears the same name as the gun will be accurate, so I’ll include them in future tests of Norica rifles.

10-08-09-03

These Norica wadcutters were packed with the Massimo rifle. I’m going to include them in all future Norica accuracy testing.

11-03-09-04

This 25-yard group of Norica wadcutters looks encouraging, except for those two wide shots. We’re getting closer!

JSB Match Diabolo
Next I tried JSB Match Diabolo pellets. They sprayed all over the place, so I didn’t record any groups.

JSB Exact domes
The last pellet I tried was JSB Exact 8.4-grain domes. They gave me the groups I was looking for.

11-03-09-05

JSB Exact domes gave good groups at 25 yards. No wide shots and no surprises. These are the best of the six pellets I tested.

I showed you more bad groups than normal to give you the sense of what I was seeing as this test unfolded. As you can see, it was worth it to continue the test until the JSB Exacts were discovered. This is what you must do sometimes when looking for a good pellet for your own air rifle.

Sticky trigger
In the final 30 shots the rifle’s trigger began sticking in the second stage, which was somewhat disconcerting. However, the best group(s) of the day were fired with this happening, so it didn’t disrupt a good test of the rifle. It feels like the sort of thing that will work through with time, so I wouldn’t worry about it. I just wanted you to know.

The bottom line is that the Norica Quick is a large, powerful underlever spring rifle that has good, neutral shooting characteristics. The trigger is a bit stiff, but crisp enough to do very good work. If you want something different in a man-sized spring rifle, this may be it!

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.

44 thoughts on “Norica Quick – Part 3”

  1. Good morning B.B.,

    What advise should I give a new springer shooter on the type of pellets he or she should buy for the best accuracy results?

    For some folks the cost of buying a bunch of different pellets all at once is an ouch money wise. I mean some of us used to recycle our BB's and not buy CO2 powered guns because of the extra cost.

    Thank you sir and have a wonderful day.

    Mr B.

    PS Should I wait on the new "Disco" or get a Marauder?

  2. Mr. B.,

    Please be patient on the new model. I will announce something tomorrow.

    As for pellets for a springer, always go with mid- to lightweight pellets.

    I like Crosman Premier and JSB Exact for just about anything. Look at today's report.

    B.B.

  3. B.B.,

    Great article today.

    I'm glad to see leapers step in with a small scope to fill the gap left by the small Beeman SS scopes. You adusted the eyepiece to 25 yards, one of the reviewers of this scope on the Pyramyd AIR site said he adjusted it to 10 FEET and another reviewer said 10 yards. Since Pyramyd AIR doesn't say what the the minimum focus of this scope is, what do you say?

    In this same vein, have you looked through the Barska 4×21 AO SKS Electro Sight Special SKS Reticle scope? Sure looks like a great attempt to copy the Beeman short scopes.

    Those Norica Wadcutters sure looked promising in the Norica Quick. These must be a newer pellet since they're not even mentioned in this pellet database:

    http://www.photosbykev.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/air-rifle-pellet-database/

    kevin

  4. The Norica pellets are not new; they are made in Spain and are sold in the UK and Europe. No one sells them in the US.

    Norica also makes a "Pro Match" pellet that looks like the H&N and RWS smooth sided wadcutters. I have a tin of each but I have not had a chance to shoot them yet. They seem to be about as consistent as the lower line H&N or RWS pellets (diabolo sports and Hobbys) and the Pro Match looks better than the ribbed match.

    Paul

  5. Kevin,

    PA has not made a decision to buy the Norica pellets yet. Norica was an unrepresented brand in the U.S. until PA decided to carry them. So far all they have bought are the rifles.

    No, I haven't looked at the Barska scope.

    On four power I can focus the Leapers scope as close as 10 meters or perhaps slightly less (25 feet?). I cannot focus it to 10 feet. On low power you wouldn't notice the slight out-of-focus at 10 feet, so it would still work. I like this scope!

    B.B.

  6. This is good reporting. Thanks, BB. This is why I think you are the most trusted reviewer on the web.

    I saw the American Airgunner episode last night where Crystal took over the whole show. Did you guys know she was messing with your stuff while you were gone? She was shooting all your guns and digging up old and new videos, and stuff. Better watch out, she's heading for Leno's 10pm slot!

    -Chuck

  7. Kevin,

    Remember our discussion about the weight of the beech-stocked Webley Spectre? Pyramyd AIR had it recorded as 6.60 lbs. The tech dept just told me that it weighs 6 lbs. even. I've corrected the specs on the website.

    Edith

  8. B.B.

    I have to second what Chuck just said.. your honest reporting is tops!!
    PA is wise to have you and your honest reporting… and your pretty little wife too, doing the writing & editing!!!

    Kevin,

    I sure love the Webley Raiders.. if you can get a lead dust collector on them..
    I bet the Spectre is a winner too!

    It's worth it as a collector too!

    My favorite pellet wins again! JSB 8.4 Exacts… more than half the shooters at the nationals shot that pellet!!.. and even more if you include the lighter and heavier version.

    Wacky Wayne, MD. Ashland Air Rifle Range

  9. BB,

    Looking to put an aperture sight on the HW 35. Choices are AirArms, Crosman, Daisy Avanti, or Airforce. The Daisy, Crosman, Airarms look very similar, maybe from the same chinese source? The Airforce looks very nice, but no eye cup. I read your write up on the Airforce, any comments/thoughts on the others? Thanks

  10. Mrs. Gaylord,

    Remember my pesky conversation with you very well regarding the Webley Spectre. Surprised you're still speaking to me.

    6/10 of a pound may not sound like much but for a hunting/sporting gun like the Webley Spectre but after a couple hours in the field it makes a difference.

    Although this gun is only available from Pyramyd AIR in .177 it would make a great field gun and wonderful target/plinking gun. Volvo confirmed that this is a cyclone!

    I have to believe that listing the actual, lesser, weight of this gun will result in more sales for Pyramyd.

    kevin

  11. Speaking of American Airgunner, remember for those of us that don't get the Sportsman Channel that the first episode of American Airgunner will be on the Versus channel tomorrow!

    kevin

  12. Mr. B

    Yes, JSB Exacts are a great starting point and probably ending point too. The Eley Wasps I tried for the B30 are good, but not as good as the JSB Exacts. I noticed the smoother firing behavior and uniformity of the pellets after switching back. Kevin, thanks again for letting me try the Eley's. I have the brand in mind for the rimfire career that I am contemplating.

    Matt61

  13. "PS Should I wait on the new "Disco" or get a Marauder?"

    "Please be patient on the new model. I will announce something tomorrow."

    Did I miss something here or is there going to be a redesigned Discovery coming out soon………?

  14. BB,
    Superdomes might be nice to try, too, but the accuracy is a little disappointing, especially given the pellet fussiness. It is a really good looking rifle, though.

    Can't wait to see the Discovery news.

    Matt,
    I hope you're not still thinking semi-auto .22 if you're talking Eley. Could get expensive:).

  15. Another internet merchant sells a pellet sampler. It contains most pellets in a small sub-devided box. If memory serves, there are 15 pellets times 30 different pellets. I can't give you the price but its way cheaper than buying 30 tins of pellets. Because they are a competitor of sorts to PA, I won't post the URL here. It is a great way to determine the best pellet for your airgun, however.

    Fred

  16. B.B.,

    An off topic question, pretty please? Why are the rear sights on springers attached to the "barrel block" while target sights on them are attached at the rear of the gun? It seems that the longer sighting radius be good in both cases. Thanks.

    Mr B.

  17. B.B.:

    I thought, according to your excellent series of articles on how to mount a scope, that you should set the eyepiece focus (of the reticle) only once and never touched it again.

    Is it OK to use the eyepiece to focus on a close target, such as the 7-yard range I have in my basement, and not be restricted to using an AO?

  18. I have a couple question off the topic.

    1. I was looking at buying a TX200 but I have heard spring guns don't do well at higher altitude's? I live at 5000 ft and shoot mostly at 8000-10000 sometimes 12000.

    2. On leaving a spring gun cocked to long. In pistols if you left the magazines loaded for years the mag spring would get weak. I called the Glock factory to ask how often I should change magazine springs. He said never years ago the springs would take a set but not in the last 10 to 15 years. Is the true for the later spring guns also?

  19. BG_Farmer,

    The 1077 has effectively closed out any semiauto .22s for me. There's just no reason for one. I'm thinking of single shot.

    B.B., for air rifle events in the prone position like the ones where you said kids look like salted slugs trying to cock their 853s, what distance do they shoot at? 10m would hardly seem worth it.

    Matt61

  20. Matt,
    Glad you got that out of your system so inexpensively:).

    I've been thinking about your knife sharpening, and Derrick brought up a good point — maybe the knife you are practicing on is too high quality. It seems like even mid-range stainless takes a lot longer to sharpen than less hard stainless or antique high carbon steel (thats a pleasure to sharpen). Maybe you should get a couple of cheap knives to practice on.

  21. speakski,

    At those altitudes you probably want to get a precharged pneumatic instead of a spring rifle. You'll do okay up to 7,500 feet, but above that the spring power plant starts to make noise when it shoots–not having enough air to properly cushion the piston. Here is a report to read:

    /blog/2008/2/shooting-airguns-at-altitude/

    Mainspring don't "take a set." when at rest. But cocked, they start failing after about one month. I tested it for my R1 book, and you can read the results here:

    /blog/2006/5/how-long-does-a-mainspring-last-part-2/

    B.B.

  22. Update on the S&W 586 6" Barrel

    Have been shooting off-hand, standing at 10 meters and hitting 2" diameter aluminum knockdown targets about 9 out of 10 shots. Using Gamo match .177 wadcutters with good success. This pistol (like most good ones) is more accurate than the shooter (me).

    New Topic Benjamin EB22 .22 Caliber Pistol

    Have only had this pistol for a few months and it continues to impress considering the age of the design etc. I disassembled it a few weeks ago to polish the trigger sear and a few other surfaces and thoroughly cleaned it and lubed where needed. I also polished off all of the "mold-lines" and marks on the lower casting area which is aluminum, and re-painted the entire pistol with Rustoleum Hi-Heat BBQ Black. This is a very durable and forgiving paint, as it's made to withstand heat and oil and grease etc. Finish is a notch-up from the factory paint which was already showing wear after only a few months. I also enlarged the rear sight, forward mounting screw to allow for a slight adjustment in windage and the pistol now shoots dead-on when I do my part. This was an easy fix to a problem that has been noted by many reviewers of this pistol (ie no windage adjusment)

    I love this pistol nearly as much as the S&W 586, and the .22 cal is superb. Also, it typically shoots 30 to 35 full power shots and then drops off like a rock. I know this is typical for Co2 but… I really appreciate whatever is going on with the valve and design inside this gun. No other Co2 that I have owned fires as consistently to the very last shot.

    Enough for now, just "bragging" on my 2 favorite pistols… again!

    Brian in Idaho

  23. All:

    I have been following the blog regarding the Norica Quick. For awhile, I was convinced that both the Norica Quick and the Hammerli Nova were the same guns, but there seem to be differences. If the specs from the PA website are to be trusted, the Quick is heavier, has a slightly shorter barrel, is slightly longer overall, and takes 20 lbs more effort to cock. It is $20.00 cheaper than the Nova.

    I own a Hammerli Nova and it has a stiff trigger, which hasn’t gotten any better with well over 1,000 rounds through it. The rifle is OK, but certainly not a favorite of mine. Had I known that the Quick would be available in .22 for $20.00 less than I paid for the Nova, I’d have waited until the Quick was available.

    In any case, I think that either the Nova or the Quick are great-looking guns that have mediocre performance, especially compared to my break-barreled Air Venturi Avenger 1100 and Mendoza RM-600 in .22, both of which have superior triggers, are less expensive, and far more accurate.

    Specs on the Hammerli Nova in .177 cal.; it does not come in .22 cal. Made in Spain. PA Cost: $300.00

    Max Velocity: 1000 fps
    Loudness: 3-Medium
    Weight: 7.80 lbs
    Barrel Length: 18.00"
    Overall Length: 45.50"
    Capacity: 1 round(s)
    Cocking Effort: 36 lbs
    Barrel: Rifled
    Front Sight: Fiber Optic
    Rear Sight: Adjustable for windage and elevation
    Scopeable: 11mm dovetail
    Trigger adj.: Two-stage non-adjustable
    Approx. Trigger Pull: 4.00 lbs
    Buttpad: Rubber
    Suggested for: Small game hunting/target practice
    Action: Underlever
    Powerplant: Spring-piston
    Safety: Automatic
    Repeater: Single-shot

    Specs on the Norica Quick, which comes in both .177 and .22 cal. Made in Spain. PA Cost: $280.00

    Max Velocity: 1000 fps in .177; 820 fps in .22.
    Loudness: 3-Medium
    Weight: 8.16 lbs
    Barrel Length: 17.87"
    Overall Length: 45.79"
    Capacity: 1 round(s)
    Cocking Effort: 56 lbs.
    Barrel: Rifled
    Front Sight: Fiber Optic
    Rear Sight: Adjustable for windage and elevation
    Scopeable: 11mm dovetail
    Buttpad: Ventilated rubber
    Suggested for: Small game hunting/plinking
    Action: Underlever
    Powerplant: Spring-piston
    Safety: Automatic
    Repeater: Single-shot
    Body: Rifle

    –Witt

  24. Speakski,

    You're smarter money than me.

    My entrance into the pcp world was the AA S410. Since then I've added an FX Tarantula and an FN 19. All are accurate guns with very nice wood and good blueing (I'm a sucker for nice fit & finish).

    Last Saturday I invited an airgunner over that is in Colorado for a month and wanted to shoot airguns. He brought his Marauder over to shoot with. His was one of the first 100 produced. I'd never seen one in person but he let me shoot his Marauder.

    Trigger was terrible but we adjusted the first stage, second stage and moved the factory position of the trigger more towards the rear for a shorter LOP (length of pull). Took about 10 minutes with a VERY small allen wrench to make that a very good trigger.

    After the trigger was adjusted we started shooting his .22 caliber Marauder with various pellets. Great fun. The jsb 15.8 gr. were second best at our 45 yard target and the jsb 18.1 gr. just edged them out (smallest group was just at 1/3" for 50 yard target, 5 shot group). If I remember correctly the 18.1 gr. pellets were doing around 840 fps in his Marauder.

    At less than 1/2 the price of my fine european guns the Marauder was just as accurate.

    The fit of the Marauder is good and the finish is ok but the performance is excellent in his gun.

    Made me a little sick to my stomach.

    kevin

  25. Kevin,

    I've been finding the same with the Marauders I've tested…. very accurate.. That's why I had nice custom field target stocks made for two of them and have another stock waiting for another action.

    A custom field target stock, that looks like a piece of art, still only brings it up to 75% of the AAs410… and the custom stocked marauders are one of a kind!

    Let me know when your ready for one and I'll send you some pics.. 🙂

    Wacky Wayne, MD. Ashland Air Rifle Range

  26. B.B.

    Ah yes, I remember that 50 yard smallbore course of fire.

    BG_Farmer, so good steel is harder to sharpen? I thought it was the other way around. Anyway, I've been thinking along your lines, and I've been practicing on four small kitchen knives from Chicago cutlery that I got for a very cheap price. On the other hand, Chicago cutlery is supposed to be a good brand, so maybe that's the problem. This is a long-term project, so I'm in no rush.

    Kevin, I love your report on the Marauder. That's really my kind of gun.

    Matt61

  27. G'day BB

    Just found your Artillery Hold etc videos. A great informative wealth of information to share. But I only found it by accident! You should advertise/link your videos more often; they were great.

    Why don't you use Loctite or similar when mounting your scopes?

    Cheers Bob

  28. Bob,

    I don't have the same problem others do with scopes loosening. I move scopes from gun to gun all the time, so they are rarely on one gun long enough to loosen. So I forgo the Loctite.

    I suppose I should put it into my mounting procedure, but I've been so focused on getting people to understand the fundamentals that I have bypassed that step.

    B.B.

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