by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Gamo’s Compact single stroke target pistol is back.
This report covers:
- Trigger pull
- On to velocity
- Gamo Match pellets
- Qiang Yuan Training pellets
- H&N Finale Match Pistol pellets
- RWS Hobby pellets
- On to the other velocity tests
- Warming the pump head
- Summary
Today is velocity day for the Gamo Compact target pistol, and you readers have given me several additional things you want tested. Let’s begin with a look at the trigger.
Trigger pull
I mentioned in Part 1 that the trigger on the test pistol feels heavier than mine did 19 years ago. It’s advertised to break at 3 lbs. and the one on the test pistol breaks at 3 lbs. 4 oz. out of the box. There is also some light creep (discernible movement and stopping in the second-stage pull). I told you I would see what I could do about this, so I removed the grips and looked at the trigger unit.
The Compact has a plastic cover on the right side of the grip frame over the trigger parts that are housed inside. This cover is translucent, not transparent, so you’ll need good light to see what’s happening underneath. As long as this cover remains on the gun, the gun can be cocked and the trigger will work. But pay attention to the 2 pins you see through the cover. They are axles for the trigger parts and they need the cover to hold them in place so the trigger will function. So the cover is a functional part that must be in place to use the gun.
The trigger parts are retained in the grip frame under a translucent cover. The pins indicated are crucial to the trigger’s operation, and the cover keeps them in place. I have already removed one screw at the lower right of the cover.
Here you see the trigger parts exposed. The part indicated by the arrow rotates up when the gun is cocked, aligning the step on its bottom with the step indicated on the other long part. The two steps with arrows pointing at them form the sear.
I put moly grease on the two mating sear steps shown in the photo. Both those parts are made from several stacked sheet metal plates rivited together, which is the same way airguns triggers were made in the 1950s. It’s inexpensive and it works well.
I did try cocking the trigger with the cover off, but the pin for the moving sear part was not held by the cover and the part started rotating out of place. So I stopped and put the cover back on. That pin tried fo fall out of the gun on the left side of the grip frame as I did this, by the way. So if you do what I did, please be careful. I don’t want to hear about parts flying everywhere!
The trigger now breaks at 2 lbs. 6 oz. — a reduction of 14 oz. from before. There is no difference in the trigger pull between dry-firing and fully pumping the gun. Best of all there is absolutely no creep in stage 2 anymore! The trigger now breaks cleanly, like a target trigger should.
On to velocity
Now let’s take a look at the pistol’s velocity. There are several things to be tested, so let’s get to it.
Gamo Match pellets
The pistol came with a tin of 250 Gamo Match pellets, so I shot them first. I found they fit the breech either very loose or vary tight and nothing in-between. Ten of them averaged 380 f.p.s. The velocity spread went from 373 to 387 f.p.s., so 14 f.p.s. That was the largest velocity spread of the 4 pellets tested.
Qiang Yuan Training pellets
Next I tried Qiang Yuan Training pellets. They averaged 379 f.p.s. with a velocity spread from 378 to 381 f.p.s. They were the most consistent pellets, with a total velocity spread of just 3 f.p.s. They also fit the Compact’s breech very loosely.
H&N Finale Match Pistol pellets
H&N Finale Match Pistol pellets were next. They averaged 383 f.p.s. in the compact and were also very consistent. The spread went from 380 to 386 f.p.s., so just 6 f.p.s. These pellets fit the Compact’s breech snugly, but not tight.
RWS Hobby pellets
The last pellets I tried were RWS Hobby pellets. At an average 386 f.p.s., they were also the fastest in the test pistol. The spread went from 380 to 391 f.p.s., so the total spread was 11 f.p.s. Hobbys also fit the breech snug but not tight.
On to the other velocity tests
Now that we know the baseline velocity of the Compact I’m testing, it’s time to look at those other questions. The first was — if you pump the gun slowly will the velocity be less than if you pump it very fast? I used the Qiang Yuan pellets for these tests since they are the most consistent.
First I shot 2 shots at the normal pumping speed — just to see where the gun was before I tested it. I got 379 and 378 f.p.s., which is exactly on spec. Then I pumped it very slowly for 2 shots. I took about 4 seconds to complete the pump stroke. I shot twice and got 379 and 376 f.p.s.
Then I pumped the gun very rapidly — taking 1/4 second to complete the pump stroke. I then recorded 379 and 381 f.p.s. It looks like there might be a subtle trend to slow down or speed up with fast and slow pumping, but it’s so close to the normal velocity that I can’t really say for sure. I would say that you can pump the Compact at whatever speed feels comfortable for you, because there isn’t a significant difference that’s based on the pumping speed. Just be sure to pump it consistently every time.
Warming the pump head
The last test I did was one that reader Siraniko asked about. I have a method of exercising the pump lever of a single stroke pneumatic to heat up the pump head by partially compressing it many times before completing a pump stroke. I call it heating, but flexing is probably a more accurate term. Heating or flexing makes the head more pliable, giving better sealing and greater velocity. I did it with the Compact and the Qiang Yuan pellets and recorded velocities of 403 and 409 f.p.s. So, this procedure does work with the Compact. And, yes, the Compact is a 400 f.p.s. gun.
Summary
From today’s tests we have lightened the trigger and made it crisper. We have also tested the average velocity with several target pellets and found the Compact to be on spec. And finally we have discovered how to get a little more velocity from the pistol, if we really need it.
The current Compact pistol seems to be very similar to the one I owned many years ago. I can’t wait to see what it can do on paper!
BB–It looks like you could cut a window in the plastic cover so that you can apply the moly without removing said cover. How does the grip angle compare to the grip angle on a 1911? Ed
Ed,
Well, it’s hard to say how the grip angle compares because this is a full target grip that grabs you back very aggressively. This one is more angled than a 1911, so your wrist will break down, like all 10-meter pistols are. That locks the wrist and makes the hand steadier.
B.B.
B.B.,
“Locks the wrist and makes the hand steadier”,……GF1 recommended that I press down on the grip/stock behind the safety on the LGU and the TX,….it would seem that this type of pressure/wrist lock would carry over to rifles as well? As….it seems the wrist is “locked” more so,.. when this type of pressure is applied.
Still tryin’ to “get it”,.. but there seems to be a correlation to your comment between pistols and rifles. Chris
Wow, that picture of the trigger mechanism is a gloriful mess!
B.B.
Did you get a 14 oz reduction in trigger pull force just by moly lubing the two sears? If that is all it takes to “fix” a trigger, why can’t the factory apply about $.05 worth of moly-lube! Is there something about this trigger design that lends itself to such a large improvement, 30% is very impressive.
Thanks,
-Yogi
Yogi,
That’s what moly did to this trigger. I’ve seen others where there was no change.
The reason moly was successful here is because of the sear angles and the amount of engagement between the two pieces. Some would say to stone these pieces, but from what I see, moly is enough by itself. Other guns of the same model may not respond the same.
B.B.
I Like history! Must have history! BUT! I love these types of reports! Thank you!! Semper fi!
This pistol is nice but seems a little underpowered for anything but competition. I saw an extended version of a ss pistol at the show boasting a longer barrel and more leverage along with 500fps claimed velocity but I believe it was about $250.
Was that the Webley Alecto?
The reason this pistol seems a little underpowered for anything but competition is that is what it is for.
If you want a more powerful air pistol, you will need to get a heavier, bulkier pistol. Then you are going to want to put a stock on it so you can hold it. Then you will have an anemic air rifle, so then you will lengthen the barrel and tinker with the power plant to boost power. Of course you will have already mounted a 46X – 700X 100mm scope on it to help improve accuracy. 😉
Maybe you should look at this pistol in a slightly different light. Here is an air pistol that is as accurate, if not more than any other air pistol in this price range, is as powerful as a CO2 pistol without the CO2 cartridges and is relatively light and easy to handle.
I own an Izzy. That is the only air pistol I own. To have a better pistol will cost me between $1000 – $2000. I am seriously considering this air pistol because though it is not quite as accurate and does not have nearly as nice a trigger, it is lighter and easier to handle. It will be easier for my grandson to shoot. 😉
RR,
46X-700×100 scope!!!,…..where can I get me one of those?……I got a star gazing telescope I suppose I could try,….just not sure where I can get some 11mm. mounts for it though?….Heck,..I think it is longer and weighs more than the rifle! Ahhhh!!!,..I got it,….good ol’ duct tape!!!!,….Camo,…of course! Chris 😉
Reb,
That’s like saying a butcher knife is nice for cutting but too large for your pocket. The Compact is purpose-built to do just one thing — put holes in paper. Hopefully close together.
B.B.
I didn’t intend to dump on this gun, actually the testing seems to have proven it to be very consistent
Hi everybody…
Wow… the little Gamo looks like a *really* good value.
BTW, have any of you ever tried this:
http://www.e-sniper-shooting-practice.com/en/product-description/presentation
This looks more than just interesting, but I haven’t found any reviews on the web so far.
I wonder if too many shots in the same spot will confuse the thing, though… I guess a web cam is too slow to detect the pellet in flight so the program probably has to analyse the holes in the target paper.
I think I’ll build a little test setup and see how that goes…
Stephan
Just went to this website to explore what you are talking about. This is a pretty neat piece of software! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with any firearm. At this time, one Euro is worth $1.12 so E25 is $28. If you’re a serious target shooter and keep records or even check performances of different pellets or bullets in your gun, this could be very useful. Thanks for bringing this to the Blogs’ attention, Stephan.
Fred DPRoNJ
It seems this software is pretty new. The site says © 2015 and that’s probably also the reason I haven’t found any reports about it.
I guess this is a very interesting thing to try for everyone who has a spare PC (the requirements are quite modest) and a decent webcam.
As for the firearm compatibility… I guess it can’t hurt to ask the author about it. It appears he’s from Spain and I honestly have no idea about the gun laws there. Maybe, if he doesn’t shoot firearms himself, he can add those features with the help of people who do. In any event this seems to have tremendous potential…
I received a email from Airgun Web about some new scoring software, the catch was that necessary hardware ran in the $100’s losing my interest
Don’t know if the two offerings are related but see if you can find it
I don’t think they’re related since the software costs € 25 and you have to provide a PC and a webcam.
Well, seems the old webcam we had lying around (Logitech E2500) isn’t up to the job, so I can’t get it to work for now…
I still think this is a really cool idea. Maybe I’ll try it again if I can find a better cam 🙂
Stephan,
I tryed your link but the video slowed way down. In the “most basic” of terms,….how is this supposed to work? Obviously, this invlolves a web cam. Independent/but still tied to,….a computer, I would presume? Did I stress basic? 😉 Chris
As far as I understand it:
You use a special target that has points in the four corners around the actual bullseye and rings. After you make the camera film your target, you mark the four points so the camera has a frame of reference. Now, by knowing the position and layout of the target, the software can score the holes the pellets leave in the target.
Thanks BB for trying that method of pumping the SS Pneumatic. I had a feeling it would work although it only gained 5% velocity from the extra effort.
BB and the gang…..
.25Hw80k vs lgv comp ultra.
I can get a new lgv competition ultra for the price of the lgv master. But the gunsmith said by phone the trigger is different than Im used to.
Some how the .25 r1 carabine lures!!!
Any comments on:
1: the lgv triggers
2: choice between r1 .25 carbine vs lgv comp ultra.
Thanks
Dutchjozef
It seems to me you are comparing apples to oranges. The Weihrauch R1 was the worlds first super gun. The R1 80k has a 16 inch barrel, compared to the original 20 in. I can tell you from experience the 16 in barrel will take a lot more effort to cock. I don’t know the actual figures, but the original 20 in barrel takes 45-50 lbs effort. I have a friend who has an HW90, with the Theoben gas(air) ram and takes about the same effort with a 20 in barrel. In .25 cal he shoots a JBS 25 grain pellet at 600-610 fps. It has a great trigger called The Elite, which he has set at safe 1lb,3oz, and is resettable unlike the Rekord. Both the HW80, and the HW90 are in the 10 lb plus range with a Hawke 4x12x50.
AS far as I know, the Walther LGV Comp Ultra comes in .177, and .22 cal only. Not having held this gun, I cannot vouch for any figures, but I know BB has tested both a Walther LGV in .22 and A Beeman RX2 in .25. The same gun as the Weihrauch HW90. It would be worth your while to read these two blogs from the archives. They will provide you with much more info then I can. I suppose it breaks down to what you will use your gun for. I know you will not receive much pleasure from shooting the HW80/90 for more then 10 shots. The 45-50 lbs cocking effort does not make for an afternoon of happy plinking. As a hunting rifle, the HW90 can be left cocked for hours with no spring fatigue. This is where the resettable safety and Theoben Air Ram play their respective rolls. A shoulder strap would be mandatory for a couple of hours of walking the bushes carrying 10lbs plus. I can say for certain, both Walther, and Weihrauch make some of the best airguns you can buy. Both are very accurate, and reliable.
I hope I haven’t muddied the waters too badly for you. Choose well my friend, and you will be happy with your decision.
Ciao
Titus
Dutchjozef,
I have had the LGV Master Ultra for a couple of years now. The trigger pull is app. 1.5 lbs. (B.B.’s test rifle was 1lb 10oz) and it feels very much like a match trigger. To sum it up, it’s very good.
G&G
Ok . I bought the comp utra today. In .22.
And son of a gun…… the trigger jams frequently.
So I ll go back tomorrow and maybe Ill leave it there and get myself a completely other rifle.
Firingcycle of the lgv is truly a masterpiece. But the trigger is far from a record trigger. I might get used to it….. but I lost all my faith in the lgv trigger.
I have to recock the rifle several times before the jam is gone.
I cant beleve umarex screwed up with the trigger.
Maybe ill get a hw 35 .177 instead
Finally got a shot outta the Daisy 120! Gotta get a couple screws to mount it back in the stock after I clean up the trigger assembly and find out why I had to manually engage the sear but I may not need a special tool to get it shooting but the bent screw didn’t straighten out very well.
Got the screws and took a couple shots, I need to secure the rear sight but the trigger’s gotta be in a bind because it’s almost in the double digits.
Nice report,
This was one I was looking at when I got the 92FS. ( which “crashed after 3000 shots),…..winter project. The grip, while unattractive, appears to have function in mind. With the 92, my pinkie finger is off the grip about 1/2 way. Big hands. I would be worried about the fit, for me. Other than that, it looks like a fine shooter. Chris
Hey lead slingers, Im Baaack! Did you miss me? (Dont answer that) the squirrels are bulkin up so you know what that means… time for my favorite seasonal obsession to kick back in! Is it so wrong to look forward to cool orange days and warm camo jackets? I think not. I cant wait for the smell of salt on a pelt and a hot stew getting that sundown chill out of my boots.. 🙂
Back in the day when I first started reading this blog, I remember thinking how nice this Gamo Compact looked at my local Internet airgun store here in Canada. The only other pistol with the same looks, fps, etc, was the Weihrauch HW75. When I read that the top was made of plastic on the Gamo, I shelled out another $200.00 for the HW75. I shoot it often, and enjoy the single pump, and it is accurate when I am steady, but after reading today’s blog, I can’t help but wonder if I should have saved the $200.00, and purchased the Gamo. I’m assuming the accuracy will be about equal on my 7.5 meter indoor range. We live and learn.
Ciao
Titus