by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
This report covers:
- First test
- Second test
- Third test
- Back to JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy
- Cocking effort
- Trigger pull
- Recoil and firing behavior
- Evaluation
I’m moving right along on this report because there has been tremendous interest in the Walther Parrus with wood stock. Remember, the rifle I’m testing is in .22 caliber. Let’s get to it.
I’m going to change the test a little today. Normally I would report the velocity of three pellets — one lightweight, one medium weight and one heavyweight. But I encountered something during this test that allows me to show you one of the tricks of the trade. Actually it’s known to anyone who has spring gun experience and a chronograph.
First test
Let me show you the first 4 readings I got when shooting JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy pellets.
Shot……… Velocity
1…………. 517
2…………. 802
3…………. 808
4…………. 472
What’s happening, here? I think the problem is I was holding the muzzle too close to the start screen of the chronograph, and the air blast was fooling the start screen some of the time. Lesson one is when this happens, back up from the start screen about a foot.
Second test
I backed up a foot from the start screen and got the following string of velocities.
Shot……… Velocity
1…………. 870
2…………. 880
3…………. 891
4…………. 480
5…………. 886
6…………. 897
7…………. 832
8…………. 829
9…………. 825
10……….. 808
11……… ..840
12……….. 816
I won’t give an average for this string, because it isn’t representative. When I looked at the numbers I saw that the gun was slowing down as it went. Shot number 4 is an obvious anomaly and probably not a true reading. The first several shots (through shot number 6) had been detonations (explosions on the shot) which told me there is too much lube in the compression chamber of the test rifle. That throws off the velocity on the high side.
By looking at the numbers in this string, I would guess the rifle is going to settle down around the 800 to 820 f.p.s. range with this pellet. That’s after 500 or more shots have been fired. It’s just my guess, but I’ve seen guns like this before.
The point is, we now know for certain that the first 4 shots were bogus. I have told you why they were bogus (detonations, plus muzzle too close to start screen) and what to do to correct it (shoot heavy pellets). We also suspect that the second string isn’t representative of the rifle. Not yet. But notice as the shots pile up the velocity drops. That’s the lesson here.
Third test
Now it was time to try a different pellet. This time I shot the H&N Baracuda Match pellet with the 5.53mm heads. A heavier pellet will promote more combustion that will actually end the detonations quickly in many instances. These pellets weigh 21.14 grains and the detonations stopped at once. Here is the string that was fired.
Shot……… Velocity
1…………. 710
2…………. 709
3…………. 697
4…………. 702
5…………. 707
6…………. 714
7…………. 681
8…………. 741
9…………. 724
10……… …724
The rifle is still spreading them too wide, as this pellet gave an average 721 f.p.s. with a spread of 43 f.p.s. At that velocity, this pellet generates 23.74 foot-pounds of energy.
Back to JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy
This is where I would normally test a third pellet. Today, though, I retested the JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy. This time they gave the following string.
Shot……… Velocity
1…………. 881
2…………. 834
3…………. 822
4…………. 835
5…………. 790
6…………. 812
7…………. 809
8…………. 819
9…………. 814
10……… …789
The average for this string is 821 f.p.s., and, while that’s still a little fast, it’s now much closer to what this rifle can probably really do. The spread goes from a low of 789 to a high of 881 which is 92 f.p.s. but if we throw that first shot out, the top becomes 835 and the spread is 46 f.p.s. That’s a lot closer to reality.
If we take the average for all 10 shots and calculate the muzzle energy, the 18.1-grain JSB pellet gives us 27.1 foot-pounds! While that number is astounding, I do think the velocity will drop as the rifle breaks in. If we throw out that first shot, the average becomes 814 f.p.s with an energy of 26.64 foot-pounds So the 22 foot-pound energy claim is entirely reasonable. In fact, it’s probably an understatement.
Cocking effort
Cocking requires a manly 43 lbs. of effort. The Parrus is not for teenagers, nor for most adult women. I can feel some spring crunching during the cocking stroke, so lubrication might take off a pound or two. But don’t look for much more than that.
Trigger pull
I already told you that the trigger adjustment screw works in the first stage length of travel and I verified that it works. Stage two breaks at around 3 lbs. but the recoil made it difficult to pin down exactly. There is a little creep in stage two, but it’s not objectionable. I’ll know more after the first accuracy test.
Recoil and firing behavior
The Parrus has a very stout kick. Vibration is quick, but it’s there. I was holding the butt against my belly when I measured the trigger and I definitely felt the punch! This rifle would make a good testbed for that new UTG scope and mount I’m testing, and I’m considering using it that way
Evaluation
The Parrus has surprised me at several turns. First, it’s much larger than I thought it would be. Next, although the trigger doesn’t adjust in the traditional sense (first-stage travel, only) it’s really quite good. For the price of the rifle it comes on, it’s one of the best I have tested. If the finer adjustable RWS T06 trigger was not available on a rifle of equivalent price (the RWS 34P), the Parrus would run away with the prize.
But it is the power of the rifle that really surprizes me. Twenty-seven foot pounds of muzzle energy makes this Parrus a real big boy. The only question that remains is, will it be accurate?
B.B.,
The Parrus is not the sort of airgun I would be in the market for, but 26-27 foot pounds? Whoa, that did get my attention. I have to ask — might Hobbys go supersonic? This just might be a springer that achieves the “steel dream.”
Michael
Michael,
I think they might. They should come close, at any rate.
B.B.
B.B.,
It looks fairly certain I’ll be driving down for the airgun show this weekend. Any chance you’re interested in naming a spot where any of your readers could meet up with you for coffee that morning, before the show?
Jim M.
Jim,
Coffee? Jim, I have to start setting up at 6:30! No time for coffee.
My tables, as always, is where people can find me. I will be wearing my Godfather short and hat, so I should be easy to spot.
B.B.
BB,
Last year there was the American Airgunner taping on Friday. Anything going on on Friday this year? Is there s spot where readers could meet up on Friday evening?
Also, any change of name tags this year so that we could show our blog screen names? Last year there seemed to be a number of blog readers in attendance .
Thanks,
Jim (the other one)
Forgot to add:
Tom, do you need help setting up?
Jim
Jim,
Thanks. Do you have a table? Or are you paying the early buyer’s fee to get in at 6: 30? Otherwise you can’t get in until 9.
B.B.
Tom,
I don’t have a table and didn’t plan on paying the early buyer’s fee. I was just offering to help since will will get there Friday.
Jim,
I can’t get you in. The club controls the gate.
B.B.
BB,
No problem. I wasn’t trying to get in early. I was just offering to tote and be a gofer.
Jim
Jim,
Nothing is planned for Friday evening this year. As for the name tags, I don’t know what they are doing. I’m not running things this year — the club is.
B.B.
So you’re planning on sleeping in on Saturday, huh B.B.? I understand. I figured they’d let you set up the night before. If I can get there early enough I’ll offer to help you — but am driving down late the night before, so not sure yet what time I’ll get in on Friday night….
Jim M.
B.B.
Spot on! Let’s hope the Parrus is too. So it is the Parrus, Terrus, LGV/LGU(or is this gone), Walther lineup. No Century?
FWIW, Umarex’s German website does not mention the Parrus. Is this a US only model?
-Y
Yogi,
It is probably mostly for the US market as the UK is restricted to under 12 FPE and the German is even lower.
I think the LGV and the LGU are still around, but I think the LGU is going to a synthetic stock. I think the Century is for the UK market. Please keep in mind that some of this is WAG.
Yogi,
Often products have different names in different countries. But with the power I suspect the Parrus cannot qualify as an airgun in Germany and the UK — the two largest airgun markets in Europe.
B.B.
BB,
That is one honkin’ sproinger! So far Walther has done real well with their lineup of new sproingers. I hope they did a real good job with this one. It would be real nice to see an uber magnum sproinger that is not super hold sensitive and can produce nice, tight groups. What is your impression so far? Do you think Walther has produced another winner here?
RR,
Hold sensitivity will be the real question. I’ve seen powerful breakbarrels that were not that sensitive, but only after a lot of tuning.
We shall see!
B.B.
Where is it made ?
tt
TT,
Germany.
B.B.
Michael— The new Diana Mauser 98K is supposed to shoot a .22 cal pellet at a velocity of 850 fps. Will it achieve the stahl traum ? BB—what is the stahl traum (steel dream) ? Ed
Ed,
Steel dreams refers to a 2-part blog I wrote years ago. A man spent a lot of money upscaling a Beeman R1, in hopes of shooting a .22 pellet supersonic. This was before PCPs were very developed.
/blog/2008/10/steel-dreams-part-2-building-a-more-powerful-spring-piston-gun/
B.B.
Ed,
Read the report B.B. provided the web address for. It is a great article. Shooting an 11.9 Hobby .22 pellet faster than the speed of sound was the “dream,” so, depending on elevation, a bit over 1000 fps., I suppose.
Michael
BB– thanks for the quick reply. I read that blog, but did not remember the the steel dream . ED
Well, I’m getting to go to the Texas airgun show this year. Missed the Arkansas airgun show even though it’s only an hour or so from my house. Looking forward to it.
Auronotcs,
Be sure to stop by my tables and say hello. I enjoy meeting my readers.
B.B.
BB,
I have had a”Terrus” on my wishlist for a while now, wanting to replace 2 POS old Gamo Shadows I used to shoot. I really do not want to have another rough shooting springer! If I need 25-27 fpe., I will just crank up my Discovery a litte bit more. A nice, quiet little 35 yd. gun is what I’m looking for, even though the power of the”Parrus” is quite inticing. I think I will pass on the this “beast”.
Bruce
I figured it would be hard to cock. And will be interesting to see how accurate it is with that shot cycle.
With as much oil as this rifle is burning the breech and about the first 3 or 4 inches of the bore will be fouled by the time testing is done, the pellets will be squeezed down to a smaller diameter and may rattle down the bore. Tom, please check at the end of testing and see if that is happening, if so the fouling should be cleaned out and the accuracy tested again. I have had this happen with many rifles that are over lubed at the factory.
Mike
Now that’s some good info. You are Mike with flying dragon air guns right. I thought that was mentioned in the past. Or maybe the brain is remembering wrong.
GF1,
Shot 6 eight shots groups with the 25.39’s yesterday. All scattered 2″ (ish) @ 70. I will try the 33.95’s next time out. Will keep you posted. Chillin today. Shoot tomorrow. I know what to try,… just got to try some more.
Chris (aka: “Wastin’ Lead”) 😉
Still call’n ya Chris U. 😉
It’s windy as can be here today. Off and on anyway. But yep let me know how the 33’s go this time around.
Mike,
I have never seen what you describe in a spring gun. So far, the Parrus looks good.
I will keep an eye on it though.
B.B.
I always suspected the Terrus was a rebranded RWS 34. I now suspect the Parrus is a rebranded RWS 350. Umarex owns Walter and RWS.
John,
I own a Terrus and I have the3 Parrus right hewre. They bear little resemblance to and Diana airguns. Only the functionality is similar.
B.B.
Until somebody goes inside the guns we will never know, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Walters have RWS power plants.
I own a Walther LGU, (2)LGV, and a Terrus. The ‘L’ series is diffently NOT a Diana gun design. I have not had my Terrus apart yet but by the way the cocking linkage and trigger designs are it has no resemblance to a Diana.
Scott,
Thank you for that. It will be some time before I get into my Terrus.
B.B.
21 grains at 720 fps = 23.7 foot-lbs
18 grains at 814 fps = 26.6 foot-lbs
Hypothetically:
If it stays linear and every 3 grains changes the velocity by 100 fps
if you went lighter with the H&N field target 5.53mm for example
14.6 grains at 915 fps = 27 foot-lbs
So now my question: IF 2 pellets (18 &15 gr) produced the same muzzle energy and same accuracy, would you use the heavier or lighter?
I ask all of this with a lot of assumptions, as the mechanics of a spring piston will seldom produce similar results across multiple weights.
One way (heavy) and the piston recoiles, dropping velocity.
The other way (light) and the pellet leaves before maximum compression.
Belgrath04,
It almost NEVER stays linear with a spring piston gun. That’s why the Parrus is 27 with the middleweight pellet and under 24 with the heavyweight.
There is more to consider. Accuracy at what distance? 50 yards? 75 yards? It may change as the distance changes.
What is the firing behavior of the gun with each pellet? That’s a big one — almost as big as accuracy.
B.B.
Is there a “rule of thumb” for how pellet weight effects firing behavior?
I am just starting to experiment with various pellets in my single rife. From this blog I expected varying performance.
However, I was not prepared for the magnitude of difference between even similar weights of two different brands.
It was more significant than varying weight of the same brand.
Belgrath04,
Instead of a rule of thumb there is a simple truth. A spring gun usually works best with just a few pellets. Your job is to find them and then use only them when you shoot.
B.B.
I love my Parrus…If rested on a rifle rest it shoots about 1 inch high as apposed to the artillery hold. When rested most shots touch each other @ 23 yds….thats all I have at home. The shot cycle is very quick and not violent, IMO. The first shot crony’d at over 1000 fps. Mind you this is in .22. Second shot was in the 850’s, after about 100 shots it now is shooting 855 with Crossman 14.3’s….I wish it was more of a Carbine, because it is LONG……I got my AirKing out and you are correct that It can be shot more accurately than my R1 and Parrus. I wish that their were more rifles with the recoil reduction system on it….It would make us all better shhoters
You do good work on the Blog….I check it first thing every day
Belgrath04,
No expert, but the heavier pellet should have more fpe at impact than the lighter pellet. I think that should factor in as well. This rifle seems to be a small game getter.
On “linier”, it would be nice if all things worked that way. “Trend” might be more fitting.
Saw an interesting homemade air rifle on YouTube:
Homemade Air Rifle-Tutorial-Very Simple System-Powerful Gun
This would be an interesting project to McGyver together with a .22 barrel from the Crosman Custom Shop. Wonder how accurately it would shoot?
BB,
Would testing that expensive UTG scope ring on a cheap adapter be a good idea? After all the strength of a chain is in its weakest link.
Ton,
The adaptor is inexpensive — but not cheap. It is solid and has worked well on other airguns I have tested. I trust it. But I will watch it to make sure it isn’t a problem.
B.B.
Hi BB
In my neck of the woods the Parrus .22cal. Is considered to be a firearm and subject to all the rules and regs pertaining to firearms. For an air rifle this just seems silly to me!!
On the weekend I mentioned about a new toy arriving and it did last Friday. It’ s a new action BB pistol, an IPSC Tanfoglio Limited Gold Eric Grauffel Edition in .177cal. steel BB.
Out of the box it looks impressive and Monday evening I spent an hour lubing and thread locking all the various screws, grub screws, grip screws, main blowback housing hammer screws and just about anything else that could get loose. I have had 2 Tanfoglio Limited Customs for a few years now and I know very well what tends to vibrate and loosen up so I thought some preventive maintenance was in order for this new gun.
The bridge mount seems well made and installed nice and straight. I mounted a picture window style Very100 red/green dot sight – looks like a Walther but a fifth of the price. I have had that type of sight on a couple of other blowback guns for a couple of years now with no problems so far. They work well and are comfortable to use and only took a few shots to zero. The bonus with these sights is they use the cheap and easy to find 2032 batteries.
This evening was the first use. I managed to get through 1 co2 cartridge before the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome told me to stop.
The results were mostly positive. On these action pistols I don’t bother with muzzle velocity, only how accurate the gun is and the useful shot count. The accuracy ( with my sore wrists) was acceptable at 1 1/8″ ctc at 7 yards and 2 mags, 32 shots before the co2 started to die. I could probably get that up to 3 mags by waiting 10 seconds between shots.
Overall the gun is well built and shoots to where it points. I’m pleased with it and looking forward to shooting it a lot more after I get rid of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!!
BB – one quick question?
I noticed on this blowback gun as well as other blowback guns I have, that when the co2 pressure starts to drop past the best velocity shot count, that the guns seem to lose their zero and start shooting to the left. Is this normal or could it be something simple like I am overcompensating my grip as the co2 pressure drops? I’ m curious to hear your thoughts on this phenomenon.
Thanks,
Cheers
Dave
Dave,
I tested that BB pistol a couple years ago. I also tested the airsoft version:
/blog//?s=Tanfoglio&btnGo=
B.,B.
BB
Re: Tanfoglio Gold Custom review
I have found the airsoft version review but can’ t seem to find the review for the steel BB model.
Could you please let me know where it is.
Thanks
Cheers
Dave
Dave,
I’m having difficulty locating it, too.
B.B.
BB
OK – Thanks and if you find it let me know.
Cheers
Dave
Dave— I have seen something similar when shooting my Gletcher 44. When the pressure drops, the bb,s curve to the side and miss the targets. Have you seen this problem with your 44? Ed
Zimbabweed
I’ ve never seen BB’s curve off to the side when shooting the Gletcher M1944. I don’t know why it would do that. Maybe you are not following through long enough during the slower shot cycle.
I know most of my blowback pistols do this when they get off the power curve. The worst offender is an airsoft blowback P08 Luger. Sometimes up to 2 1/2″ left when the co2 is running low. Just thinking about it I am wondering if it is incorrect follow through with the much slower shot cycle when this happens.
I might have to load up that gun tomorrow and see if incorrect follow through is the culprit.
Cheers
Dave
Dave– Thanks . Ed
Dave— It might be the wind. As the speed of the bb drops, perhaps it is affected by the wind. I have only seen this happen when shooting outside. It does not happen indoors . Ed
Ed
Mostly I see this on my indoor range shooting paper targets where the offset can be seen. No air movement at all so that’s not what’s causing my problem.
Like I said will look into it tomorrow.
Cheers
Dave
Dave– I hope that you find the solution to your problem. Ed
Michael– I did read that report years ago. I have re read it now . Thanks—Ed