Tom is home resting, but since he was not up to writing another blog we agreed I will swing one more in his stead. I tell you – I have no idea how he does, what he does. Who has the imagination and knowledge to keep coming up with interesting topics that he does?
Hopefully, you can live through another day without “the fix”, because here is my pitiful attempt at coming up with something that might be worth spending 5 minutes on (I sure would appreciate it).
Firstly always wanted to know answer to this question specific to you guys – Blog audience:
Secondly, I don’t know if you have seen these commercials of ours. Please give me your honest opinion on which one you like the most:
We Eat, Sleep & Breathe Airguns
Can you love airguns too much?
I love airguns
Lastly – we are hiring all the time if you are looking to move to Cleveland, Ohio!
/careers
Thank you!
Only RG111 wants to move to Cleveland!
-Y
Val, Last time I was in Cleveland I was in a Very bad storm on a giant wheel, FERRIS WHEEL AND STUCK ON THE VERY TOP FOR OVER AN HOUR! I think it was called Cedar Point? Outside OF THE storm! IT’S ALL RIGHT? Semper fi!
A situation like that calls for a serious butt- clench!
Glad you made it!
Shows the fortitude of your posterior!
🙂
Yep, that’s right. Cedar point is only 50 minutes from us!
I have not been to Cleveland except to change planes in the airport but I have been thru Cinnicanati and if Cleveland is anything close to Cinnicanati I want nothing to do with it as I am an Alabama redneck and you all got way to many infringements on my freedoms and southern way of life for me to ever consider moving up there.
Long live DIXIE and the south will rise again.
BD
I worked for an overnight air freight company out of Wilmington OH but was stationed in San Diego and I flew back to Ohio quite a bit. One time I wore my CA winter jacket, a Levi denim, and stepped off the plane into a -40 degree chill factor night ! Hard to describe that kind of cold and I think flight line workers had over a hundred cases of frost bite that night. I honestly think my eyeballs were starting to freeze. However, I spent a lot of time passing the word about how easy it was to avoid frostbite …”Just stand next to a ‘Palm Tree !” They eventually figured it out …. Can’t do that in OH.
I think you need to be born there to like it and stay there, lots of happy folks.
They actually had to recruit $ a lot of people from all over the country to work there.
I’m a totally spoiled ex New Yorker and I can see why you make the most out of summer time. Not to envy though, I never get to make a snow man anymore .. but I’m adjusting to that with therapy ! 😉 Perhaps the ability to make snow men in winter may persuade some of those southern air gunners to head up there ? ….Have a fine airgun day people.
Get well soon BB, I was really trying hard to ignore those occasional little ‘stabby’ pains in my left abdomen, hoping they would fade away like gas, but nooo, now you got me worried, but well aware.
Bob M
The commercials? Come on guys … reckless shooting, tossing items around and dumb behavior low budget u-tubes ? As I recall a lot of your e mail add jokes kinda failed to go over too. You guys are too professional for this stuff. Are you trying to sell airguns or convince people your a wacky bunch of warehouse guys?
Want funny, how about everyone working with shouldered rifles and holstered pistols with worn out targets all over the place or the boss having to drag employees off a shooting range and back to work while another one is sneaking out to it. All employees waiting in line to shoot a new airgun or having a raffle to see who gets to shoot a new gun first. Just don’t make air gunners look … so dumb. Don’t think people are interested in seeing the back rooms.
Interview satisfied customers and what makes them happy about doing business with you highlighting your above and beyond service and friendly Professional Representatives. I was really impressed watching your founder talk about his collection and the business. Take a few hints from the Henry commercials. Just my thoughts.
Bob M,
Thank you for your feedback, well received.
I have seen Henry commercials and they are good. I have also spoken to Anthony a few times and have a great respect for Henry Repeating Arms and what they do.
I like your idea for a new commercial.
Thanks again for the honest feedback!
I completely agree. Make a commercial that will make guys proud to say “I bought my airgun from them”.
David Enoch
> … reckless shooting, tossing items around and dumb behavior low budget u-tubes ?
Yup–my favorite by far! I’m pleased to see it’s also by far the favorite of the blog readers too.
I think even in our politically correct world, PA customers can tell the difference between a fun fantasy video (including the party girls in the PA shipping area) and reality.
Get well B.B.. Take your time. There’s no sense pushing yourself to return to the blog promptly, but we’ll miss you until then, for sure!
What I find the most frustrating about Pyramid Air is all their promotional hype. After I buy something, they tell me that I get 10% off, or more, NEXT time! Then they bombard me with e-mails for the next month, until I am fed up and ask to unsubscribe. A month later they, beg me to come back. When I want to buy something, I sign up again. I get the promotional offers, and the whole cycle starts all over again. That may be a good way to sell Daisys and Gamos, but for Air Arms and Weihrauchs is is very unseemly! The 4 pellet tins for 3 is nice though……
How come only some items are eligible for the promotions?
B.B. Hope you are feeling better. Rest up and enjoy the holiday, Happy Easter!
-Y
Hi Yogi, thank you for the feedback. Well received.
Yogi
Do you know that there is a 10% off coupon code listed on the back cover of the mail out catalogs. You can use that anytime. And they are usually good for 3 or 4 months. Can’t remember exactly right now. But the code is good till the next catalog comes out.
And you can do a Google search for Pyramyd AIR discount coupon codes and get codes that are still active. I always do that before I make a order and see what is available.
Val,
In all seriousness, I would very much like to work at Pyramyd AIR, however the only way that would be possible would be for you to relocate the company to the Roanoke, Virginia area. I am not even interested in visiting the Cleveland area.
I do appreciate your supporting Tom and others who have the remarkable talent to run blogs and forums to help us learn more about airgunning and the airguns themselves. As a further service, perhaps PA could set up a page listing airgun shows and events across the country? This can be difficult to find sometimes, most especially if the sponsor of such events is a business competitor. I think it would help all to cooperate in such a manner as this would help more customers to learn more.
RidgeRunner,
I have been checking out my “options” on getting into PCP. While on other sites, I have seen P.A. shown as a direct link or at the bare minimum, an advertiser. So,….. I think there is a fair bit of “sharing” going on already.
I agree with you,…. that is a good thing and helps to promote the hobby overall. Not to mention, price control/competition, which P.A. seems to hold their ground pretty well on.
Hi Chris,
Hope all is going well. I haven’t been on here for awhile. Haven’t even had time to do any shooting or sorting. I have just done some reading about new things that debuted at SHOT and IWA. What PCPs are you considering? Not sure what style you like, but the Brocock Compatto and AA Galahad both have good features. PA doesn’t carry Daystate, but I really like their Regal XL too.
Jim
Jim M.,
Hi again. Those are some nice suggestions. I have 0% anything to get started in PCP, so as you know, it cost a bit to get started. Considering that, I decided to go with the M-rod in .25. From that, an R-Arms R.A.I. kit that will get the LOP I need (16 1/4″ from elbow inside to first joint on trigger finger) and the stock offset. Plus, the M-rod is a good modding platform. A Shoebox Freedom 8, a small pony tank, etc.
Looking at AR style stocks with cheek riser option also. Most run in the 250 range but some are around 100. Some of the less costly ones have clip on risers that seem to come in 1/4,1/2,3/4″ rise which are purchased each.
That’s about it. Looking forward to the weather finally breaking and getting outside with the 2 nice springers I have. Take care,….. Chris
Chris,
The MRod is a superb choice, most especially for your first PCP. With the ability to adjust the operating pressure, the tunability and the available aftermarket modifications, you may not need another PCP unless you just wish to have more calibers.
I would suggest that you start with the synthetic stock version as the wood stock is about the ugliest piece of wood I have ever seen on an air rifle with the exception of perhaps an early version of a cheap Chinese air rifle.
Our tastes head in opposite directions as I am not a fan of the Mattelomatic. I would contact Woods and Water or someone else and have a nicely figured walnut stock made. To each his own. 😉
RR.,
Thanks for that link. I have quite a few. Not sure I had that one. That style is one. The ones that rise out of the stock are another. Then the clip on type. Thanks.
I agree with you on the preference for wood. I have explored that option. The RAI is not a choice of style preference, but rather one of pure function and fit. Being quite long armed, LOP and cheek fit are critical, plus the RAI allows stock/butt offset which I find nice. Plus, in my opinion, it looks pretty nice when done. I have not seen the W&W you mentioned. I will check it out.
Chris USA
Explain why you couldn’t use a shorter legnth of pull. Just curious about what you think.
GF1,
Well, that is a bit hard to explain, other than it does not “feel” right. I added the Limb Savers to both the LGU and TX. Much better. I have the Red Ryder, 499, 760 and 880. I can shoot all those and they are much shorter. The butts on those tend to end up in the chest area when shouldering. More crunched up for sure.
Another thing is, that what I have read, it is “right”. Advance shooting talks of correct arm position among many other things. That is the best I can say.
What are your thoughts? Shoot a gun that fits, or compromise?
Chris USA
Well I guess to start with I shot many rifles. Air gun and different types of firearms on the farm as a kid and throughout time.
I can deal with legnth of pull not fitting exactly. Oh and by the way. I don’t think I’m quite as big as you. But I am 6′ tall. Actually just measured my height at a doctors appointment. I think I grew if that’s possible. But I weigh around 212 pounds and I do have long arms too. If I shoot standing I actually tuck my trigger arm in against my ribs. So I find that a shorter length of pull helps me when standing. Of course to short and it gets uncomfortable with positioning my head on the comb and then scope placement has to be forward more when mounting to keep the eye relief right.
Now the comb of the stock is what’s important to me. I can’t stand a comb that is to low. And I absalutly love a comb that can be adjusted. To me that’s what’s important is being able to repeat the cheek weld for correct line of sight. And that is one of the stocks features that help with comfort when I’m shooting.
Comb to high and it feels like you got to cramm your cheek in the gun to shoot. To low and its like the scope and your head is moving around.
I like the comb adjusted where I can lightly rest my cheek on the comb.
And also I should mention when I stand up shooting I also tuck my forearm in close to my ribs. I grip the stock pretty close to the trigger gaurd. Maybe a couple inches away.
So that’s me and what I do and look for in a rifle.
GF1,
Sounds good and added to what I was thinking. That is why I am trying to get something that will adjust to “me”,….. whatever that is. 😉
Chris USA
The kind of stock that comes to mind would be a field target stock with all the adjustments they have. There are some pretty nice wood ones.
So not sure what to say other than do some Google searches and maybe you can come up with something you like.
And when you do your search be very specific what you search. That tends to make the results more specific to what your looking for without all the other stuff to sift through.
GF1,
I have looked pretty hard. I did not want something that looked like an erector set with 50 movable points of adjustment. The AA 510 Ult. Sprtr. would be an option as it has a lot of the features I am looking for. But, could I get length of pull right without adding a goofy amount of spacers,…..and the price. The R-arms will work good I think.
http://www.woodsandwateroutdoors.com/
RR,
That is some fine looking stuff for sure. I had not ran across that one yet. The laminated stocks are quite beautiful as well from other companies.
My thoughts on a custom wood stock is that for the price, I would want to “melt” into it. That would be hard to know without actually getting to handle various ones. Yea, it may be better and one could adapt, but I would want it to fit perfect.
And you are right on the M-rod. It may be the only PCP I will ever need. The AR platform should insure that I will have something that will fit perfect, right out of the gate.
Thanks again, Chris
Chris,
These guys might have something you would be interested in.
http://www.themakogroup.com/stocks-stock-accessories.html?limit=36
Chris,
That M-Rod looks pretty good. I have enjoyed reading about the things B.B. did to his. Man, that’s a long L.O.P. I’m 6’5″ – you must be at least that tall, huh? 🙂
I just have one PCP now — one of the Beeeman/Weihrauchs — and I’m not happy with my air supply, so am very interested to hear about your set-up. I have the Air Venturi 90 cu. in. tank, and their G6 hand pump. The hand pump is okay. The bottle doesn’t hold enough to really give many refills for the higher pressure Weihrauch.
I saw some of your exchange on this post about air filtration (dryers), etc. Please do post what you get and how you configure it. I have read about the shoebox, and am curious to see what type of compressor you use. I have wondered if a small electric would work with the Shoebox.
Have fun getting your kit together.
Jim
Jim,
Will do. You know me, not shy about posting my “adventures”. I am 6’4″ with “maybe?” extra long arms and big hands.
I am still learning all the ins and outs of all the components. But, for sure I will post the final set up. If I can get 6-8 fills and 24 shots per fill, then a buddy sized bottle will do just fine. Plus, I do not want the springers feeling all neglected and such. They may take “revenge” and start throwing wild shots and big groups,….. we can’t have that now,… can we? 😉
Thanks RidgeRunner, will certainly look into that as well.
Thanks, Val; those are some hilarious videos; they made my day! Thanks again. =D
Thank you
Val,
I can echo the content of just the few comments that have been made already. I can say I try to catch American Airgunner every week. Sadly, much are repeats,…. but hey, they cost $ to make, so I understand. The music is awful!!!! And that is coming from someone that likes late 60’s and 70’s “hard” rock.
I am assuming that PA has done market research on commercials vs sales feedback already. This appears to be an extension of that, which I welcome. I guess that if you are trying to attract pre-teen, teen and young, thoughtless?, adults,….that are looking to get their first Whamo Mega Blaster,….and (it is?) working to boost sales, then go for it. Many here, at least the posters, are older and not only have the current med.-higher end stuff, but older no longer sold stuff. I think it is safe to say that we do not appreciate the cheap, hyped up, in your face sales tactics. On the flip side of that coin, we have seen it before and can see/work through it and move onto the “good stuff” such as (this blog) and the related (educational) videos. So,… whatever.
PA seems to “King of the Hill” when doing any kind of search related to Air Gunning. Congrats on that! You must be doing something right. There is some pretty good “up and comers” out there riding your coat tails though. As I have said before, P.A.’s site is by FAR the easiest to navigate of any site out there. Hat’s off to the I.T. team.
I will say as final thought, the older crowd is the fastest growing segment of the population (and) often has the most to spend on a hobby. As for discounts, Edith set me straight on that. PA resells air guns, they do not make them. The deals that the manufacturer passes on to them largely dictates the deals that they can pass along to the end consumer.
All in all,…… fine job P.A.
Get well Tom!
I don’t like PA’s commercials or any of the above ones. I think they are embarrassing to folks that take airguns seriously and I would be embarrassed to recommend American Aigunner to a newbie because of those dumb commercials.
Obviously PA knows what they are doing and I know nothing about advertising or promoting but that’s just my $.02
Mark N
Thanks for letting me know, Markin J Hawkland.
Do you like this one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGi5QHAJrG4
Val:
I like that one but it ran too much on American Airgunner.
Overall, I like the humorous commercials, but I also agree with some of the comments above. A mix would be good.
I don’t know if PA made the one for Paper Shooter Zombie gun but that was a good one but too long for anything other than you tube.
Jim
Did not make that one. Came from the inventors. We are working on a new one though. Thanks
Crosman 760 bb hop-up update:
Well, 50 bb’s and 350 pumps later (7 per bb), it did show some results.
For those not up to speed, the idea was to test if bb’s could be “hopped-up” like air soft bb’s. To test this, I would use 8 very strong magnets, 3/8″ dia. by 1/8″ thick, silver in color, placed at various points along the top of a solid air gun barrel.
I tested 2 types of bb’s (Daisy and Avanti), with 5 groups at 5 shots each. Open sights at 24′, 6 O’clock hold.
The targets consisted of 2 groups with no magnets, then, 1 with all magnets placed evenly along the barrel, 1 with all the magnets at the breech end, and the last 1 with all the magnets at the muzzle end. (Group sizes) were:
Daisy = 22,23,27,28,31mm..
Avanti= 16,20,21,17,25mm..
The groups that did best were the one’s without any magnets. Next, you might ask if the point of impact changed at all with the magnets. Well,…yes I would have to say. From the (center of the bull) to the (center of the group), the groups with the magnets generally had a higher point of impact. The results, while a bit subjective, are as follows:
Daisy = 13,10,13,17,23mm..
Avanti= 13,17,18,21,26mm..
So,…lessons learned? 1) Magnets will affect the accuracy,…but in this case,….to the worse. 2) Very strong magnets placed along the top of the barrel will change POI higher, with magnets at the end of the barrel giving the most lift.
I may play some more with it, but that is the basics of the testing. That is the most I have ever used open sights and I really took my time with each shot. While I had a lousy single stage trigger to contend with, with heavy pull,…I am confident that each shot was good and the best I could do.
As for the 760, I am amazed at how hard the pumping gets at 7 pumps. I do not see a young child being able to do that. Of course, the short pump arm and lack of any serious leverage does not help matters any.
All in all,….. it was a fun test. Chris
Chris USA
Now drill a hole at the top of the barrel towards the breech end and thread it. Then put a small say 1/16″ dimeter peice of rubber threaded down in to the hole. Leave it long enough so you can grab it with your fingers to turn it for adjustments. Oh also I would use rubber. That should keep a good air tight seal on the barrel.
But if you do that it will be close to how a hop up works on a air soft gun. After all that’s what the experiment was about. To see if a back spin could be put on a steel bb shooting gun. I think you just tryed the magnets because it was the simplest thing to do without altering the gun. Well your 499 anyway. Not so much your 880. You done got that one shooting with a little less parts than what it came with.
So I’m thinking I need to take one of my smooth bore 760’s that I have to work and drill and tap/thread the barrel and do some testing.
Believe it or not I do have some Avanti precision ground shot and some Daisy bb’s if I remember right. Tryed some experimenting with a Steel Storm once upon a time. Here one of these.
/search-results-ext?Ntt=Steel+storm&sid=1375A617A415&N=0&Ntk=primary&q=Steel+storm&cx=002970863286801882398:jlcminxfwdw&cof=FORID:11;NB:1&saSearch
GF1,
Yea,….. the 880 is just a wee bit lighter! 😉 You know me, I will try the rubber plug. I have all I need to do it. Silicone plugs in fact.
Feel free to beat me to the punch. The magnets at the breech end showed the least impact. Believe it or not, the 760 grouped bb’s (way) better than the cut 880. I never tried the 880 on bb’s before partially removing the shroud. The back is supported with epoxy at the forearm, but the muzzle is out there and unsupported, which I do not really think matters. I would imagine that it never would have been worth a darn on bb’s. The 880 still does pellets just fine.
Oh well, fun stuff. Did check out the Storm. Impressive! Looks like a lot of fun. However, I am moving the “other” direction for my next purchase.
Chris USA
When are you going to make your move?
GF1,
Before long,….still looking into stocks with cheek weld options. The rest I have pretty well nailed down. Have not even considered scopes yet. Plus, the supply air. Lowes sends a mailer with 20% off on 100$ and above. Need to see one of those. Then there is LP dryer options. No clue there other than basic. HP dryer options? You said no need. No internal gun issues when you tore one down after direct fills from a Shoebox???
You are for sure the Shoebox will get enough air from the small air compressor like you have? Without a reserve tank/other? I am thinking the LP comp., LP std.dryer, direct to Shoebox.
Chris USA
Small compressor will work fine. Matter of fact mine is the one that was recommended (by) the Shoebox company.
And I actually said the opposite of what you just said about my dryer comment.
It is very important to remove the moisture before the compressor air reaches the Shoebox.
Sounds like your notes are getting jumbled up. Or you didn’t go back and check your notes before you commented. 😉
GF1,
Go back,… say 10 years when you were a PCP newbie,…. that’s me. Your comment has eliminated a few more things. That is a good thing. LP comp., LP dryer, to Shoebox. Got it.
As for my comment, note that I said HP dryer. That is the tricky one. The real “test” is that you have torn down PCP’s after going direct from a Shoebox (minus tank) (minus HP dryer) to the gun. If you have found no “gunk” in the gun, then that is good enough for me.
Not everyone tears down the gun,….you do, as well as I. It is some coin to get started right. I just want to make sure I get it right the (first time) around. And hey,…. if I can save some coin,…. all the better.
As for my notes,… I got ’em. Too many for my liking.
Thanks for all your help,.. and above all,….. your patience with my seemingly endless questions.
Chris
Chris USA
There has been talk about what’s inside a pcp when it’s been tore down. And some people say they find nothing inside because the shot will blow the moisture out of the gun. And there is people that say they have found moisture in a pcp gun.
So without out stepping on toes here’s what I have seen. I started out with a Benjamin hand pump and a Discovery. A newbie and was just wanting something basic so I could learn about pcp’s. And what I’m going to say aint to put down the Benjamin hand pump because it is a very good basic hand pump if you take care of it. (keep dirt away from it and use in cool dry conditions) But there is no dryer on it like the upper end Hill pump.
Well I will say after hand pumping with my Benjamin hand pump and taking apart the Discovery after about 2 months of shooting to start modding it. I did find brown rust colored powder in the resivoir tube. Also by the check valve in the fill fitting.
So next got a Hill pump and my first gen1 Mrod in .177 caliber. Shot it for about 2 months then started modding it. Took it apart and just a very slight rust colored powder in the tube. And just a vety, very slight amount at the Foster fitting check valve.
So next came the Shoebox without the big diameter long hose that I now have on it for reasons I’m going tell about right now and also no dryer or moisture separator. Filled my pcp’s with the Shoebox like that. And at this point in time I probably had 7 pcp guns. So came the time to take some of the guns apart for some modding. Yep the brown rust colored powder was back. And about like how the Benjamin hand pump was.
So then came the long big diameter hose on the shop compressor and I started keeping the Shoebox and first stage shop compressor in a cool dry area for filling the guns. Took some of the guns apart for modding. No more rust powder. Not even in the fill fitting area. And another thing. I drain the moisture out of the first stage compressor every weekend before I fill my guns up.
So just me. I like the extra precautions just to feel like maybe I’m treating my guns better. And maybe that powder doesn’t affect anything. But I would rather (not) have it there. So take it as you will. Maybe some people that don’t matter and maybe some people it does matter ya know.
You got common sense. You probably already know what your thinking.
GF1,
Thank you very much for that real world trial and error experience. You tore into your guns, which most people will never do. So you know. I plan to fill indoors only, which will be heated or a/c cooled, so I think the ambient humidity will be controlled quite well.
Since I do plan to fill indoors, a long big hose does not sound appealing. I figured a basic shop dryer/filter like you would find at work on the wall, that you would hook an air hose to. I am sure there is cheaper and better ones, so I will check into that. I will most likely get a small tank to take outdoors, so that will be a bit different than your set up. Like you, I would prefer finding 0% anything upon a tear down.
Thanks for the below link. It will be on today’s read list after shopping and getting the winter tires swapped out. 55 and sunny, so I may get out today in the afternoon.
Thanks again, Chris
Chris USA
I should of mentioned. At first when I started out I was hand pumping filling straight to the guns.
When I got the Shoebox I also got the small Benjamin buddy bottle that would fill a Marauder at least 8-9 or more times depending on how high I filled the gun and low I shot down to. So I never was going straight to the guns at first with the Shoebox. And didn’t have the long hose yet from the compressor to the Shoebox.
So that means that moisture was transder ING from the shop compressor to the Shoebox then to my buddy bottle then to the guns. So be fore I put the long hose and the dryer separator on and the long hose I was getting moisture through the system.
And now to how I do it now. And I think this is a big factor that helps now. It’s that I fill straight to the gun. So now the shop compressor will only run once when I top it off its 165psi tank pressure. Then the Shoebox only runs about 6-8 minutes at a time. So that keeps the moisture and heat down on the fill equipment.
Remember when the buddy bottle is filled the Shoebox is running for 40-50 minutes straight. And I should mention that really you should run the Shoebox for maybe only 10 minutes at a time when filling a buddy bottle with cool down periods inbetween time. That should even be done when hand pumping. The cool down between time helps reduce heat which helps reduce moisture.
So now with my long big diameter hose going from the shop compressor to the Shoebox and filling straight to the gun I have minimal run time on both pieces of filleqyipment
Chris USA
This is kind of long but some good info brought up.
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/best-way-dry-compressor-air-244613/
GF1,
I just read it. Good stuff for anyone wanting to improve LP air quality. I mentioned that I would run a filter/trap after the LP compressor and that there is probably diff. quality ones. I suppose the finer the trap (microns), the more restriction and more reduction on the outlet pressure. That would be a factor on feeding the Shoebox. I would install a gauge post filter and pre-Shoebox to be sure the Shoebox supply air was adequate. I have notes of the Shoebox requirements, so I will use the info. you provided as a gauge.
Also, I would drain the LP tank several times during a HP tank fill. Which in actuality, should only be the first time I fill up a pony bottle. My notes say a buddy bottle can be topped off in 40 minutes, so a quick bleed of LP tank and filters during the 40 minutes would not be a bad idea as well.
I can see where you got the idea for your big coil. The long pipe idea was good as well. The idea of a LP comp. intake dryer was compelling as well, but there was some discourse on that idea. Pulling intake air through a loosely packed desiccant “chamber” sounds as if it would be a good idea as long as intake CFM was not restricted.
I recommend reading it. Good basic stuff and not too technical. It will at least get a person thinking about the right way to do it.
Thanks, Chris
Chris USA
And my phone just messed up on the reply I just made above. That’s why the last word is ran together and spelled wrong. Sometimes my letters on the touch screen don’t respond right. Mainly if I don’t have the screen clean.
But anyway yes I was filling the buddy bottle when I first got my Shoebox. Had moisture in guns because of long run times to fill the buddy bottle.
Now big diameter long hose to Shoebox and dryer separator and short run times because filling directly to the gun.
So there are the two differences that make a difference in controling moisture that gets to the gun.
And glad you thought the link was good.
CHRIS USA
Glad you”re still experimenting. A couple of ideas: (1) maybe the steel barrel is shielding the magnetic field; perhaps a non-magnetic barrel or barrel extension would work better. (2) maybe a 3D printer could make a plastic barrel with a separate top and bottom section glued together. The top half would be rougher than the bottom to produce hop-up. (3) a 3D printer used to make a plastic copy of a stock 760 barrel for nagnetic hop-up. (4) I put a rifled barrel on a 760 from a M4-177. Works great. (5) A stock 760 smoothbore works great with RWS Superpoints that are sized with a pellet gage.
Whew! Keep up the good work! That magnetic hop-up is clever and original. Maybe you should patent it????
Fido3030
Fido3030,
Thanks for all the ideas. Patent?,…… yea,…… if it had worked! 😉 Plus, the idea is out now. Watch and see if you do not see something show up in the market. Maybe they will take pity and give me 1% of sales? 🙂
One other comment: Rossi is great. I enjoy his addition to American Airgunner and he could be a great publisis for Pyramyd AIR. How about a series of commercials with different airgunners asking them why they got into airguns and why they like them. Also ask why they buy from Pyramyd AIR.
David Enoch
Great idea too! Thank you
Val
I’m guessing it took alot of work to make the videos. Well maybe one in particular which is the one with Rossi. Not so much into the video commercials but that one did look interesting. But I just kept thinking about what went into making it and not really the products.
And since we are on the subject of advertising and sales. I can say that I like the email advertisements that I receive. And to add to it I really like when you have the 11% off sales with free shipping over a $149 and of course the bullseye bucks. When you have those is when I tend to order a new airgun. To be honest I absalutly wait for one of those sales to order the higher cost things.
But here’s something that I would like to see. Is the 11% off and free shipping over $99. There are times when I make pellet orders and active targets like steel spinners and such. Or even if I’m modding a gun like the Crosman 2240’s or 1377’s and I need to order a steel breech and a 1399 stock. In other words I don’t really need to spend a $150 or in reality sometimes don’t have the extra $150 to spend. So maybe if you did some sales with 11% and free shipping over $99 you might pick up more lower cost orders and people would still probably make the bigger ordes even. But just some suggestions. Not a biusness man and not sure how that affects your sales plan.
Oh and a job at Pyramyd AIR. Would love to work there. But I would like to repair air guns. Didn’t see that listed anywhere in the job listing link.
And one other job that comes to mind that I would like to do is test air guns and products for reviews. That would have to be the ultimate job at Pyramyd AIR. But sounds like it would be a very time consuming job. Like writing about the tests and putting it all together and posting it on a blog. Plus there would be numerous replys about the products and they would need to be answered.
Hey wait a minute. Somebody already does that job. And a very fine job doing it I might add.
Right BB. 😉
Gunfun1, we do have openings in the tech. department. Feel free to send your resume to hr@pyramydair.com (please do!).
I am always looking for people with airgun DNA, and that goes for any job (either you are a gunsmith or sales or marketing).
Thanks
Val
Val
Thank you very much for that information.
And I do believe I will send in something.
Tom, hope you are feeling better, stones are no fun and can be serious based on those I know that have had them. Hopefully you can adjust your diet and never go through this again. Rest up and we will get by till your back hopefully Monday.
Val, just me but 99% of commercials and advertising just make me mad. I pretty much blank them out. PA keeps me as a customer by good price, easy to navigate site, good customer service, quick shipping and letting me know up front when something is out of stock and when it should be in stock. Having this blog also contributes significantly to many of my purchases on PA. I am retired if that explains my attitude.
Boy I really agree with Benji-Don about being prompt and truthful about in stock and when it will be in stock. Some ‘other’ places, mostly Airsoft companies, will push back a receive date every month for a year. They blame it on customs and I’m sure getting it out for pre-sale first matters but they need to be honest about it … Just say unknown for now or do a follow up e mail to the customer who already paid for it with Pay-Pal. Especially with high end items.
It is extremely nice to know I will most likely never come out on the losing end with any P/A transaction. It makes you the go to place for air guns. You have done well. As a collector I appreciate the engraving option for the Colt SAA, have four. Would be nice to see the option extended to deserving candidates if they duplicate the finish. A shinny blued Lugar or Broom Handle for example. Hope the option payed off.
Another retired collector.
Bob M
The PA commercials are just not as professional as the company it represents. I buy just about everything from PA and can not say enough good things about your company. If I were advising your marketing department I would suggest more product oriented commercials with a special discount code with that commercial. I would think that the company’s featured would have some co-op advertising funds available to offset the cost of commercials. I think you hit a home run with today’s blog, good job.
Thanks, SSH Grampo. Doing a product oriented commercial is certainly an option. But think about longevity of the product? How many airguns out there survive more than 5 year cycle 🙂 Not an impossibility, but need to choose wisely, and the product needs to resonate with as much wide audience as possible. I hear you loud and clear though…
Thanks
Val
What about these 2 product commercials?
/airgun-video-details/H_N_Excite_Smart_Shot_BBs/359
/airgun-video-details/Air_Venturi_Wonder_Wheel/358
Val,
I liked both of the commercials. It was a good mix of humor and information, especially the wonder wheel.
Jim
Everyone,
Please excuse me for going off topic, but I just read something that I thought deserved to be brought to everyone’s attention. If any of you use Tannerite or are thinking of using it as an outdoors target, here’s a cautionary tale.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/nation-now/man-loses-leg-after-shooting-lawnmower/101839495
Be careful and shoot safe so that the fun can go on a long time.
Cstoehr
The whole problem with what the guy did was put the charge in something like that would or could explode with ith fragments.
When you buy tannerite it comes in a container. The container is placed out on some type of range or shooting area. It’s not enclosed in anything. It’s usually placed out in a open area.
It sounds like that guy did a home brew of some sort. And then put it somewhere that could envolve fragments flying when exploded.
I wonder if he thought the deck of cards he lawn mower would contain confidential he blast.
Man I just wonder why people experiment with their life. So sorry for the guy. Best to say there are people out there that get paid to do things that are usually not done by the general public.
What that guy did was promote unsafe use of a product and a gun of all things to satisfy his curiosity.
As we know. If you don’t have compete understanding of what your using or doing with something. You should keep your hands of and stay away. All that did was publicise another unsafe way to use a gun. Sorry for what happened to the guy. But not sorry about how ignorant he was.
There is fun ways to use something. And there is dangerous ways to use something.
The best is be smart. Be safe and think before you do experimenting.
Gun’s and Fun is number 1
Ok my phone sucks. Sorry.
Suppose to say.
I wonder if the lawnmower deck would contain the blast.
You may want to design a commercial that also educates. This grabs attention. It could start like: “Pyramyd AIR knows and understands airguns. Things like the “Artillery Hold”. Then give a quick explanation of what is is. Then move into the advertisement of some spring air guns. This pattern could be used for every class of item to be advertised. Well, just my 2 cents. Stay well away from the “NOT Funny” low intelligent types of ads.
Mike
Can we get American Airgunner full episodes on the web? As everyone does not have access to the channel it is on.
Silver Eagle
Silver Eagle, yes they are there on American Airgunner channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AmericanAirgunner
Val,
I like the “Easter Savings Hunt.”
Jim
Glad that Tom is in the clear and resting at home. Those kidney stones can be ugly. I heard of a Special Forces veteran who drove himself to the hospital when he was afflicted and was yelling with pain out the window the whole time. B.B. whatever you do in these situations, don’t try the remedy of my uncle. While returning to the United States from Ireland, he found that he was blocked from relieving himself by what he correctly guessed were kidney stones. Seeking a home remedy and also to polish off his trip appropriately, he thought we would have a few guinnesses at the airport to wash the stones out. Trouble is that they didn’t. He had to endure the transatlantic flight in the worst kind of distress, and he said that during his ride to the hospital after landing, he just about lost it. On the other hand, doctors at Harvard once had a strange case of a disoriented man who showed up at the emergency room with a distended abdomen. They put in a catheter as a routine procedure and were surprised to see the swelling disappear. Apparently, it was an overfilled bladder for which the guy had somehow lost the pain signal. So ultimately, the body is much tougher than we give it credit for, but there’s no reason to test the limits either.
As for the ads, I didn’t really care for any of them, but I think the reasons are interesting. As a matter of fact, they display all the energy and sense of detail that has made PA successful. The problem seems to be in the principle behind the style of advertising. Probably since I was a kid, I have wondered why advertisements that promote a product often show people in a poor light. These ads seem frenetic and wild. The lack of gun safety is just an aspect of this. And I don’t particularly care for bathroom jokes or gross food. The last commercial I didn’t really get. Anyway, my thinking is that if you want to sell something why not make people look good as models that viewers would want to follow instead of as bizarre. I think I read a theory in advertising that it is all about making an impression. So, if you can seize someone’s attention which is easily done by being silly, it will ultimately be most effective. Maybe, but it doesn’t work for me.
I also think that airguns pose a particular challenge. There is a lot of strong feeling surrounding guns right now, so I don’t think showing irresponsible behavior with guns is a good idea. People have gotten killed because their airguns have been mistaken for firearms. And it is quite possible to kill someone with an airgun. The fact is that B.B. has accomplished a minor miracle in making what many people would consider a toy into a serious subject. That’s why his blog has been so successful. But how to adapt what he did to a commercial format is not clear to me not having a background in that field. You don’t want to be Holy Joe and sentimental or serious. B.B.’s blogs are above all fun.
Here are a couple of suggestions. Borrow a leaf from other gun advertising by featuring some gorgeous women! This could be done in a tasteful way as was done by the incomparable Crystal Ackley from some years ago. The James Bond style commercials she made were very entertaining and boy was she attractive. There is a way to make this compatible with a family audience. Secondly, just let the material speak for you by showing how much fun airguns really are without resorting to slapstick. B.B. addressed this long ago when he said that it is hard to make shooting a spectator sport since the experience is so internalized. But with a little imagination there are a lot of possibilities in airguns. First of all, Field Target can be amazingly creative and interesting, and the competitors are certainly serious about it at the same time. Secondly, airsoft allows you to create just about any scenario you want. I saw some video about a kid from Asia showing world class airsoft skills in an action shooting format. You could have any number of tactical and competitive scenarios with guns that are fun without being ridiculous.
Matt61
Matt61
I ain’t never exsperianced that yet. When I got to go. I got to go!
They say that’s a bad thing. Don’t hold it. Let it go.
Hmm what would be worse? Embarrassment? Or medical problems in the future?
I have had medical issues in the past. And they ain’t no fun is what I can say. Here’s what I will say. I’ll do whatever it takes to stay out of that hospital.
The coolest air gun videos that I see on the web, IMHO, are the super slow mo ones where you see the pellet in flight. You could do a whole add on BC and pellet drop. Promo your 4 for 3! Educate your customer, don’t insult them!
-Y
Val Gamerman,
When you asked us what air gunning was to us,you didn’t leave an option for write-in answers.
No one has mentioned the medical benefits of air gunning.We call it LEAD THERAPY.It may look slightly different from person to person.depending on personal preferences.
For me it starts with a springer and a challenging distant nonliving target.I have to pay good attention to the artillery hold,check for cant,compensate for any wind,control my breathing,and carefully use the trigger.After a number of shots,the joy of success is only part of the advantage from what I’m doing.The concentration that I must muster takes my mind away from the hustle and bustle and stress of life.The controlled breathing also helps in the stress relief.Target shooting is fun and provides rewards of accomplishment that can’t be outgrown because I can move the target further away,use a smaller target,use a less powerful gun,shoot in heavier wind,ect.And most of us can do some form of it at home.Stress is harmful,,,get yourself an airgun!
Tin Can Man,
Oooh.. The “lead therapy”. I like that.
I was just talking to someone in the office who is bored of accurate PCP air rifles being too accurate, and how it would be great to tame another picky springer. Now – that’s some therapy for you! 🙂
* For medicinal purposes (check)
Wish I could go back and add that to the poll (can’t do it after it has at least one answer)
Thanks
Val
Val,
For someone who is bored with PCPs being too accurate I recommend they try shooting (OFFHAND) at Honeycomb cereal suspended from a foot of string (in a breeze, at random distances)… if they are still bored they could change to Cheerios 🙂
Hank
Hank,
I remember that. Very nice. 🙂 I wish you the best in your field target pursuits. With the home range that you have, lap top with ballistics programs at the ready,….. you will be a “force” to contend with.
Me,…. I will be sticking to rice cakes for a few,… and work my way up,…errrr,… rather “down”,.. to the Honey Combs! 😉
Nice comment below and wish you the best on spreading the word.
Chris
Vana2
If their that bored shooting off hand then I want them to teach me a trick or two.
😉
GF1,
Yeah – I will be there as well!
I like Honeycomb targets – they are reactive, exploding nicely when hit and they are bio-degradable (if the critters don’t eat them first) so there is no mess to clean up. Hundreds of (tasty) targets in a box and they are about the size of the KZ on a squirrel or rabbit.
Hank
Hank
That for sure would be good practice using cereal. You mentioned that before. And I like reactive targets. And small at that.
I think I will try today. 🙂
Val,
Sorry, but what is your role at P.A.? This exercise is good. A lot of good thoughts have come to the surface.
More serious and less slap-stick I think are the overall consensus. More educational as well.
And while I got ya’,….. 😉 Where are the P.A. commercials/ads shown other than American Airgunner? If there is any out there, I have not seen them.
Thanks, Chris
Chris,
I am President. Josh and I met in 1998 (by chance). My background is in IT, and Josh was looking for a company/somebody to build an e-commerce web site to sell airguns online. So that’s how it got to where it is today 🙂 I came on board full time in early 2011.
Thanks,
Val
Val,
Well, if you have anything to do with the ease of use of the P.A. site,… you have done a fabulous job. I have commented many times on that aspect. Sorry I did not recognize you, and still don’t, 🙁 but is real nice that you stepped in on B.B.’s behalf in a time of need. Thank you for that. Yea,…. as much as we might hate to admit,… we here need our “daily fix” of all things air gun. 😉
Really,…. you guys are head and shoulders above the rest. Tweak as needed. Chris
Hello everybody,
Talked to Tom and passed on all the wishes from you guys. He thanks you all for thinking of him. Doctors found another large stone and so he is back to the hospital overnight waiting for them to decide on the best way to proceed.
When I spoke to him he sounded strong and he is no pain right now.
Sends his regards and thanks to all of you!
Val
That’s a bummer. I hope they get things under control this time around.
Please keep us updated. And saying some prayers right now.
BB get better you hear.
See below.
Get Well Tom!!
Val, I’m from Pittsburgh, so I’m not supposed to like Cleveland I’m told
Get well Tom! Prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
Jim M.
B.B.,
Yes, get well soon. I imagine that you will feel like you have been run through the proverbial “ringer” by the time this is all done. Best wishes and prayers. Hang in there! Chris
GF1,
The above was getting out of hand. Did a nice post to you and it “vaporized”. 🙁
I hit Lowes and TSC looking at comp. and dryers. TSC had a IR for 120 and a CH for 30. Both had 5 micron filters, but there must be some difference. They had a rating of scfm. Not sure what the “s’ is for, but I will find out.
I hope others have made note of your comments. That is some real good, real life info. with (tear downs to verify). You don’t get that everyday.
And yes on the breaks and cool down,…. that makes perfect sense.
Thanks again,…. Chris
Chris USA
Go to the Shoebox website and look for the compressor they recommend. Mine is a Husky just like they showed on their website.
Later I’ll look and see if I can post a link from their website. Can’t right now. Got people over for the holiday stuff. You know BBQ’n, shoot’n and 4 wheel’n. I’m slightly muddy right now. 🙂
Chris USA
Here is the compressor I have. This is the compressor they use to show on the old Shoebox website or in the instructions. Can’t remember which.
Couldn’t find any recommendations on their new website. Here is what I have. And got it because of what they recommended at the time.
http://www.rockler.com/how-to/home-depot-husky-h1504fk-air-compressor-nailer-kit-fully-featured-hefty/
Gunfun1
Not sure if I missed it in all the talk about compressors but I don’t recall the word “Oil Free” being mentioned. I’ll post a new entry at the end of this blog session to spread the word a little.
Bob M
Bob M
A oil free compressor is a very important thing with a pcp.
And I don’t know if we mentioned it on this blog. But definitely mentioned that to Chris when he started asking questions about pcp’s in the past. So yep definitely has been talked about.
And definitely a no go to use a compressor with oil.
Gunfun1
After a little research I’m a bit confused myself now. Is it oil free or oil less? If I understand right oil free refers to a compressor that requires no oil to be added and oil free refers to a low friction component compressor that is not powerful and has a short life span.
Oil free compressors don’t mention anything about being oil less or being free from any oil mixed in the outlet air? Perhaps oil free simply means the compressor does not use petroleum based oil ?
Bob M
Good question. I never paid attention to that. Now that you say that I’m going to find out about it though.
Because petroleum based oil is not good in a pcp.
Chris USA
Also here is what I have comming off of my Shoebox.
This to double check my fill pressure to the gun. And I’d ihave a gun that doesn’t have a gauge like the Hi-pac 2240 conversion guns.
/product/air-venturi-foster-quick-detach-hose-assembly?a=4955
And here’s the line I use from the fitting I just shown from Shoebox to the buddy bottle. And remember if your using the buddy bottle it hooks right up to the Shoebox. And it has its own gauge that works for your buddy bottle fill pressure as well as the gauge and adapter I just shown.
/product/air-venturi-foster-quick-detach-hose-assembly?a=4955
And you don’t need the fitting with the gauge on it. I use it for guns that don’t have a pressure gauge on them. And I use them as a back up with incase the gauge on my gun goes screwy.
GF1,
Thanks for all the links. The tank I am looking is a 4500 psi with dual gauges and a 3′ micro bore hose.
The final list is coming together. 🙂 That’s good thing.
Chris USA
Yep if you have a Benjamin buddy bottle its hose will connect right to the shoeboxes foster male fitting.
I think your on the right track with what you have in mind to get. Now you just got to make the leap and get on board so you can start enjoying some .25 Mrod shooting. You will like. I’m sure. 🙂
GF1,
On shooting,….. I took 6, 15OZ. soup cans and painted them fluorescent orange. Set them out at 35,40, 50 and 70 yds. @ different angles. Also did some 6oz. cans at 70. Did real good with the LGU and TX. Also did 5, 15oz. can lids screwed down to a 4×4. 20 for 20 at 35 yds.
Side note, the TX seemed a bit “off”. Did the Pelgun oil. Shot rose about 4″!!!! Then settled down to a tighter group. IT WORKS!!!!!!
On the .25 M-rod,…… yup! 😉
Fun day!……. Chris
Chris USA
Glad you got out to shoot. Fun to just plink every once in a while ain’t it.
And do you mean you put a few drops in the barrel where you load the pellets? That’s what I do if I see my groups going away. But I don’t do it often. Maybe a few drops every 1000 shots. Yep a 1000 not 100. Maybe even more shots than that. I only do it if the groups change.
GF1,
Yep,…. at the breech. And yes, it is fun to “plink”!!!!! 🙂 First time really. I did paper targets at 35 and that’s how I noticed the TX was off a bit.
On the dot,….. I decided not to go for it. Bottom line, I did not want to give up the preciseness of the mil-dots. Plus, a few reviews of that “almost same model” did not hold up well to light and heavy firearm rifles. Did learn some good stuff while doing research though.
Chris USA
You don’t know what your missing with the dot sight.
You should really try one on the 880 or 760. You will be surprised how accurate a dot sight can be.
I actually had two of the dot sights like I showed you but let one go on a air gun I sold. The guy shot the gun with it on it and wanted the set up the way I had it. If I still had the dot sight I would send it to you to try out.
Matter of fact. Get the Simmons. If you don’t like it I will buy it from you. How’s that sound?
GF1,
Well, nice offer, but I will pass. I watched a video that showed the use of a 1,2 and 4 MOA dot at 100 yds. 3-400$. The dots were pretty true, maybe 1″ bigger if anything. That was on a man sized target. No big deal. At 50yds., that 1 MOA dot will cover a lot more area. For plinking, fine. I still want to get the scope thing down super good first. I like that precision. Don’t know what else to say.
Chris USA
At 50 yards mine covers about a inch and a half circle on a piece of paper.
Now think of a soda can out at 50 yards and put that dot in the middle of the can. How much of the can will not be covered by the dot. And then if let’s say my Tx holds a .600″ group at 50 yards. Do you think it would be pretty easy to hit that can? Or would it be hard to hit the can?
I liked the last two commercials, you had the opportunity to see how some new product looked and how it worked.
Val,
Just my vote, I didn’t care for the commercials because I think they are more appropriate to selling jeans or running shoes than airguns. I enjoy my airguns immensely and have a lot of fun with them but they are always handled with they consideration that they are weapons, not toys.
Funny, my strongest reaction to the commercial was wondering how much damage was done to the pellet skirts from juggling the tins.
I am “pushing” adult airguns locally and what impresses people I show my rifles to is the quality, accuracy, and power – these are sophisticated guns – not at all like the BB guns that they are used to. I would prefer commercials that focus on those attributes.
BTW, I DO like the smell of Ballistol… but not THAT much 🙂
Hank
Thanks REB! I was with a Hottie at the time! But! Got cooled off quick! Semper fi!
Val,
A good video concept would be a father and son going out to shoot but finding no firearm ammunition available reverts to airguns and discovering the joy therein. Another would be to promote backyard use of airguns instead of firearms for safety reasons, good neighbor policy and other reasons you can think of.
Tom,
Hope the doctors don’t miss another stone and get all of them out this time.
Any word on how BB is doing?
Doing well. I see he scheduled Monday post himself already 🙂
Val
Thanks that is good news.
Val,
Thank you for the update. That is good news. Chris
GF1,
Back home. Still in pain but minor. Passing a lot of stones and drinking a lot of fluids.
B.B.
BB
Good you are home. Do they think they got all of them broke up this time?
And you don’t have to answer back right now. Whenever you fill like it is fine.
GF1,
On the above,…. outa’ room. Yup,….. no problem on plinking. I like the precision of the mil dots. I did pretty darn good today at 70 with 2 springers that are not really made for that kind of distance. I just got into plinking,….. so when I get bored, I will get a dot. Plus,….. ain’t that cutting into my PCP money???? 😉 First things first,….eh?
And hey,…. I do not shoot near as much as you do. I need the scope practice.
Chris USA
One thing you keep missing about a dot sight is that hold over stuff don’t show up as profound with a dot sight.
Let’s go back to the soda can example at 50 yards that I talked about above. You know how I said aim at the center of the can at 50 yards. The dot I have covers a 1-1/2″ circle at 50 yards. Alot of can exsposed around that 1-1/2″ dot area. And remember my Tx is grouping .600″ at 50 yards. So lets say the pellet hits a 1/8″ below center of the can.
Now I put a can out at 70 yards. Well I know from shooting that the dot covers more area as I shoot at longer distances. The closer I shoot the less the dot covers a target. Here’s what I think your missing. This is the hold over part now with the dot sight. At 70 yards I’m going to aim at the top of the can. But the top of the dot will not be above the top of the rim of the can. And from my experience with the Tx and red dot sight I should hit the middle of the can.
Remember the dot is still a precise aim point. I can bisect the red dot and place it on the target how I choose. Just like a scope with the mildots. The whole thing is that the pellet will still hit inside the dot area that you see. And since the dot got bigger at the 70 yards compared to what size it was at 50 yards you don’t have to use as much hold as you would see in a scope.
That’s what the scope magnification does. It makes you have to add in more hold. The dots not magnified.
Take your scope and put it back n 10 magnification and look at a can at 50 yards. Note how much one mildot above and below the center of the can the dots cover. Now turn down to 3 magnification and see how much one mildot above and below covers on that can. Then imagine that area as a dot. Now relate it to hold over. That’s how a red dot sight works for shooting at different distances. Only there is no magnification usually on a dot sight.
Again you won’t believe how good of shot you can be with a dot sight. And how it truly is a point and aim type sight. You don’t have to think as muxh with a dot sight.
And don’t worry about spending the money on the dot sight. You will still get the Mrod if you truly want it. 😉
GF1,
I was laughing the whole read,…… you are a persistent one, aren’t you? 😉 Let’s leave it at,…. I will think about it.
And on the M-rod,…. yes,…. I will get it. A comb adj. stock that I like is really the last “hurdle”. Plus a good LP dryer. Oh yeah, the scope. I like the Leapers. The Hawke is pretty sensitive to eye relief.
Chris USA
I knew you were going to say that. You know about being persistent. And I know. I’m pretty good at it actually. I agrivate them at work all the time. Let’s just say years of practice. 🙂
And sounds to me like you ant got that Hawke scope mounted in the right place. Maybe to much forward on the action.
I did tell you how I check my scope when I’m mounting it didn’t I?
I repeatedly shoulder the gun with my eyes closed then open my eyes and see if the eye relief is correct. In other words when I open my eyes the sight picture should pop right in. To much forward on the scope location is worse than to much back closer to the eye. When the scope is closer to the eye you can actually see inside the scope. When more that way it’s easier to lock in your sight picture when you shoulder the gun.
Try it with your gun. And then also move your head forward and you will see the sight picture stay. But if you get to far forward just a slight move of your head away from the scope and the sight picture will go away.
Maybe that’s what’s going on with the Hawke scope?
GF1,
Maybe,…… notes made and will check.
GF1,
Second thought,…… you get a 499 and I will get the Simmons,…… Deal?
Chris USA
Na I know how the 499 shoots. 🙂
You don’t know how a dot sight does. 😉
GF1,
Mmmmmm,……. I “thought” you never had a 499? Not taking other’s at their word are ya?
Chris USA
Yep I do take somebody’s word if it’s somebody I trust from past experiences.
😉
GF1,
Well,… I do not know about that. I can say that the thing is a tack driver.
It out shoots me, and short of sorting bb’s,… I do not know what else to say.
In my opinion, that should be a kids first bb gun,….. period.
Really, it is amazing. Chris
SIRANIKO
A few days ago — I asked if anyone knew how to search the blogs for commenter “handles” — and you responded with a possible solution —AND an actual example of how to do it — always a useful addition to a suggestion — and I tried it — and it’s helpful — and I thank you —
It also reminded me that in the very distant past — before search engines became so prevalent — that we used to search the internet using what were called “operators” — special symbols and words that we inserted between the actual terms we were looking for —
There were very special rules for using those “operators” — and the rules had to be followed very carefully — or we wound up with some very strange and often amazing results —
Also — there were no search bars then — we simply typed our searches in what has become known as “the address bar” — AND there was no http://www. prefix for ordinary searches — and no https://www. prefix for secure searches —
In any event — your response dragged out those ancient memories from a dusty corner of what’s left of my slowly senior-momenting-mind — and I said to myself — SELF— I wonder if those old “operators” still work ???
So I tried a few — in the main address bar — and wonder of wonders they still do work — amazing —
The rules are still the same — v e r y exact — and have to be followed precisely —
But you can do some very careful and exacting searches — so if any of you folks out there are old enough to remember those “operators” — and want to have some fun searching for cool stuff — have at it —
AND thank you Siraniko for dragging that info out of the cobwebs of my mind —
jh
Val,
I filled in your questions, but I am from the other side (of the ocean). That makes the appreciation of your videos different as the cultural background is quite different.
The first video starts in the tradition of the slapstick humour like the comedy capers. One of the elements of that type of humour is the timing of the expectation of the viewer. In this video that is not considered very well so most gags are not announced and therefore the result of an action is often unexpected. For instance if you jar the shoulder of the guy which is target shooting, there is no expectation of hitting, you do not see the target with for instance three perfect shots, then the shoulder hug and then the target being boxed in the box with the gun towards the customer with a shot in the 6 ring and a exclamation mark with some rude strip balloon remarks beside it.
Later it changes a bit in the direction of Showtime humour but if you make a stab into that setup, it should be perfect and in a different mood (different background & lighting) so the viewer knows he has to reset his expectations. If you keep it in this surrounding choose a more bland surrounding so the changes in the side figures (like the upcoming nurse) are signalled earlier.
In short for the first video, choose better what type of humour you are going to present, use the rules for that type of humour, do not be afraid of slowing down in order to show the joke. When changing in the type of humour you are using show that in the use of lighting (and sometimes background).
The second video is in the tradition of the mainstream college sitcoms on the television. If that is the case we need the right soundtrack underneath it: no ragtime jazz but canned laughter in the first episode. There is always a running gag in this type of show so the toilet scene is a good hit but also need a more explicit sound track and some visual more engaging tricks than this simple background. The men in black episode is out of place and if maintained needs to be introduce with change of theme in the soundtrack and an introduction scene.
The third one: Aggrl!! That music again !!! It does not have any function!
In this video there is no clear choice for the viewer in what sort of humour to expect. In that case the gags need to have their own internal logic. Therefore these two gags need to be connected. If in the last scene the new employee should have brought out his colour pencils and a blank photo frame the whole video would be lifted up by the connection and the last remark would be completely different interpreted.
Your need to redo your first multiple choice question.
For instance I use airguns to teach my children about save gun use and the dangers of guns. We often sit around in the garden shooting at a ten meters target and correcting each other when someone is doing something stupid. I won’t make a list here but it would be quite (not) so amusing to see the list with the most common errors, like pointing with guns to another and so on. So educational is high on the list, fun the second and team building third. At last some real target shooting so we know when we are sure when we can hit something which is of the most importance when you are hunting even if it is rats.
Good to see that Tom is back online tomorrow,
Regards,
August
BB
I betcha right now you’d like to line up all those kidney rocks in front of your silent pellet trap about 20 feet away and shoot the living daylights out of them with your super condor on maximum power —
Val
Prayers for BB (had k stones; don’t like them much).
I just sent an order to PA. If you have it I buy it from you in thanks for Tom’s Blog.
I have problem with your web site though. I’ve tried to create an account many times without success so i order as a guest. Also, if i’m searching for something like H&N match pellets too many extraneous things keep showing up like guns, targets, etc. Do you ever have a “civilian” try to use your site and watch the results. Thanks for Tom’s Blog and happy Easter to all. Fido 3030
Fido3030,
Regarding account creation – we have over 300,000 customer accounts, so I am sure we can figure out what’s wrong when you try to register yours. Please report the issue right here:
/five-off (and let me know when you do, I will personally review it).
Regarding search results – don’t get me started on that. I am waiting for this to be fixed!
Thanks
Val
Couldn’t get past reCaptcha. Guess i’m a robot
The shoebox & compressors,
I haven’t noticed the words “Oil Free” being used much, or at all, or perhaps I missed it. In any case the Shoebox compressor requires an ‘oil free’ compressor for boost if you go that way. I used a good air, water / oil separator to prevent ‘fish eye’ when painting cars but I’m not sure if that is good enough to keep oil mist out of the high press compressor. May want to check up on that before using a “Garage” compressor. I don’t think a drier is meant to remove oil.
Bob M
Bob M
Replied above to your comment.
But yep definitely have talked about a oil free 1 stage compressor for the Shoebox in the past when Chris started asking about pcp’s.
But you never stated why a oil free compressor is used. Any kind of petroleum based oil is a bad thing to introduce inside a pcp gun with high pressure air. It can cause a combustion. Not sure how big of a combustion but have heard it’s pretty significant.
So a oil free shop compressor is very important for the first stage use with a Shoebox. And any lubricant should be silicone based that goes in the gun.
And do you still paint? I use to paint cars when I was younger. Muscle cars to be exact. And I don’t think there was such a thing as a oil free compressor back then in the 70’s and 80’s. Well big enough anyway to paint a car with. There was those little ones that you could plug into your cigarette lighter spot in the car to fill up your tires with. I’m guessing that’s where the oil free technology came from.
After graduating from the Fisher Body and Fender school and working for a while. I returned to the Navy and painted cars and custom bikes for fun. The days of blow dots, lace patterns, candy apple, pearlescent and metal flake. I don’t recall any oil free compressors existing common place back in the 70’s either. Fish eye eliminator and drying retardant fixed most problems. As I stated above I now believe oil free means synthetic lube is used …. didn’t want people running off using any old compressor to pre-charge a shoebox.
You are right, should say oil and high pressure air could ignite. Reminds me of old LOX (Liquid oxygen) training films where a mechanic drops an oily tow bar into some LOX and it explodes.
Bob M
With you on everything you said.
And yep the fish eye rudcer was the best thing that they invented back then. Also the accelerator they had for two tone paint jobs or putting the old racing stripes on that the muscle cars came out with at the time.
I actually painted a 72 442 black in around the early 80’s with acrylic enamel and all the good stuff like the fish eye reducer hardner and accelerator. I actually wet sanded the car with the 1000 grit ultra fine sandpaper and buffed it. It looked like a deep laquer job with half the work. Oh and forgot to mention the sealer filler primer they had. That was a miracle cure for those red and black paint jobs. Made them look smooth and straight. Then there was the trick of painting the last coat of the paint job with more reducer than paint color. That worked great to get rid of the orange peel.
Did you ever see a flip flop paint job where it was like a pearl paint but depending on which direction the light came from the whole car looked like pearl red or gold and other colors. But if it was in the shade it looked like the awfullest green you ever seen. And I like green cars.
Anyway there I go again when the subject of cars come up. Can’t help it. Still in the old blood ya know.
It’s the end of a blog day and another has begun. I think you are talking about Chameleon paint. I have a few diecast models in it.
You are a pro. I never really went above 600 wet. I found prep sol, used carefully, was good at removing any raised paint lines left after removing tape. Did you catch the new Colored Chrome finish where they spray water over the paint before it dries? Ultra expensive !
Hope to refinish some old airguns one day and try to come up with a mirror like deep blue finish, but words are cheep at my age.
Bob M
I do believe you are right about Chameleon being the correct name. We just always called it flip flop because that’s what the colors did as you walked around the car.
And no haven’t heard of that chrome paint your talking about. That sounds interesting. And the newer paint products are suppose to be water based.
But I haven’t painted any cars in probably 10 years now. Have painted little things like metal chairs and such. Well a few years back I did do some SS stripes on my buddies 69 396 4 spd Chevelle. But that’s about it. Oh and did paint some of the RC airplanes I biult throughout time. Getting to old to breath that stuff now days though. But I did enjoy it at the time. Was fun to look at the before and after pictures of the car paint jobs.
Val,
I think “Can you love airguns too much”? is a bit much. But then, I’m not 12 years old anymore, either. Thanks for filling in for Tom. I feel sure he appreciates you. ~ken