by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Webley Mark II Service rifle.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Today’s report is a follow-on to a 5-part series I did on the Webley Mark II Service rifle. Today’s post is by reader RidgeRunner, who now owns the rifle. He tells us about the maintenance he did on the rifle.
If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me.
And now, take it away, RidgeRunner.
This report covers:
- A Little History
- Something Funny Going On
- We’re Going In
- Doodad
- Onward Through The Fog
- Back Together
- What’s Next?
A little history
Those of you who have been hanging around for a while may vaguely recall BB doing a blog about one of these air rifles. What some may not know is my loving wife contacted BB and conspired with him to have that very air rifle be my Christmas present last year. Needless to say I was quite surprised — shocked is more like it. This lovely old lady is now a permanent resident at RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns.
Something funny going on
With the Webley BB had sent me a new piston ring. I have wanted to replace the old one but have hesitated to go in as she has been shooting fine. Then the other day at a spinner flipping session on the back porch, I noticed she had developed a twangy vibration and a sharp jolt at the end of the firing cycle. As I was oiling and wiping her down to hang her back up a piece fell off. The barrel pivot pin had broken in half. I promptly ordered a new pin and retaining screw from John Knibbs.
John Knibbs comes through.
We’re going in
With having to replace the pin and the piston ring I decided it was time to go in. Of course BB asked me to take lots of pictures to share with you guys. I apologize for the quality of the photos as I am not as talented as BB and lack any type of Photoshop to fix them.
Doodad
Before I start spreading parts all over the table though, I wanted to show you folks a little doodad that BB somehow overlooked in his review, the anti-beartrap mechanism. It is a small lever under the barrel that prevents the piston from slamming home after the air rifle has been cocked, even if the trigger is pulled. When the barrel is locked in the firing position, it depresses the end of the lever, unlocking the piston.
Barrel unlocked. The anti-beartrap device is grabbing the piston.
Barrel locked. The anti-beartrap is free from the piston and it can now fire.
Onward through the fog
My first step in the disassembly was to remove the barrel by pushing in the barrel retention button and sliding the barrel out of its cradle.
Barrel retention button.
In the picture above you can see the barrel retention button, barrel cradle, barrel pivot pin and retaining screw. I next removed the retaining screw which allowed me to push out the broken pivot pin and then, by lifting up the cradle, I could slide it back until it disengaged from the piston slot.
Cradle removed.
You can see in this picture the broken pin and the new one. I too noticed the new screw (below) seemed a bit long. It later turned out that the new screw would not work and I used the old one which works fine.
The next step I took, which really should have been before this last one was removing the stock from the action. Two wood screws held the butt plate and a long through bolt held the stock in place.
Stock removal.
I noticed the stock had a pin which fit in a hole in the action which kept it from rotating. A very nice touch indeed.
Stock end showing pin.
Action showing pin hole.
With the stock removed I could now begin disassembly of the action. Because this air rifle has been so well cared for over the years, this was a simple task. Taking a box wrench, whose end nicely fit in the slot of the compression tube plug, I began to unscrew the plug. I did not have to use any force as it turned with ease.
Removing the plug. The wrench acts like a big screwdriver.
Once I had it unscrewed most of the way I mounted the action in my spring compressor to finish removing it. I did not have the desire for the plug to go sailing about the room.
Action in spring compressor.
It was then a simple and safe task to back off on the spring compressor and finish unscrewing the plug.
Amount of preload.
In the picture above you can see the amount of preload that was on the spring. I was then able to remove the plug with spring guide and spring from the action.
Plug, spring guide and spring.
As you can see from the above picture the spring is in great shape and well lubricated.
The next step was to remove the piston from the action. This was accomplished by pulling on the trigger, lifting the end of the bear trap lever and sliding the piston out the end of the compression tube with a small screwdriver.
The piston.
Notice the bronze piston ring on the end of the piston. Feinwerkbau used a similar arrangement on their older 10 meter air rifles.
Ring comparison.
Here is a picture of the two rings. Can you tell which is which? It was a simple matter to remove the old ring that was worn and install the new one.
New ring installed.
Here you can see the new ring installed on the piston. Notice the notch just below the ring where the anti-bear trap mechanism engages the piston.
Back together
With this done it was now time for reassembly. This was accomplished in the reverse order with one exception. I found that when I was reinserting the piston that I could not get the sear to clear, requiring me to remove the trigger assembly. I did not take any pictures of this, but it was a simple matter of removing three screws. The trigger is a single stage direct sear type. It would be difficult for it to be much simpler.
What’s next?
Now that she is all back together and working properly, I will have to do a velocity and accuracy test so as to compare to BB’s previous tests. Hang on; I will get a round tuit.
RidgeRunner
Good write up and clear photos, big fan of the Webley Service air rifles a very special airgun
Mercury,
Thanks. Now I need a Webley pistol to go with it. BB is being mean and will not let his go.
Just a plus one to what Mercury wrote. Nicely done indeed!!
Kevin,
Thanks.
Nice job RidgeRunner. Very clear explanations and good pictures too. That’s a nice spring compressor you have there. Wondering, did you clean the components and reapply new lubricant? Is that moly grease that was used to lube it? I didn’t read the earlier parts and lubrication was probably explained in one of those parts.
Geo,
Thanks. No, I did not clean and apply new lube as it was in pretty good shape. After I shoot it some I may do such if I think it would help.
RR
Well done! Thanks for posting.
-Y
PS when you said, “This lovely old lady is now a permanent resident at RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns.”,
I thought you were talking about your wife….LOL
Yogi,
Lovely yes, old no. 😉
RR,
I thought the same thing until I thought about it! 😉
B.B.
BB,
I am definitely going to have to watch that. Kathy is a trophy wife, in more ways than one.
RR,
Sounds like both are keepers. Did I ever show you this?
Wow! Now that is really cool 😀 Do you actually own this? What year was this made? More details please. What a beautiful presentation.
Geo791,
That’s a Mark II Version 3 in the fitted factory case. Hadn’t been shot much and was in very good condition. Made in the early 40’s. Sold it on gunbroker years ago.
Kevin,
Beautiful!
B.B.
B.B.,
A true “time capsule”.
kevin
Kevin,
No, you did not. Now you have to let her move to RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns.
Kevin,
You wouldn’t happen to have an extra .177 barrel laying around anywhere, would you?
RR,
Sorry, I don’t. A WTB on the GTA and/or AW classifieds might.
Kevin,
How about that set? 😉
Kevin,
That is beautiful! So much to look at. I am a sucker for finely made, custom wood cases. The looks of the gun fits my style taste as well. Sorry you had to let it go. If you still had it and had it for sale,… I would be very interested.
Chris
RR,
Glad you can still get some parts. The quality and durability of good old airguns make working on them a pleasure. Even though it can be a little scarry in not knowing what you will find inside.
I am also glad the gun found a good home. I can’t wait for the target results. Did you hone the cylinder. Or was it round and smooth?
Thanks for letting us know how the old gal is doing and contiuing its story.
Don
Don,
I do so love these old airguns for those very reasons. What is also so nice is they often shoot as well or better than the new ones. As for working on this one, it is so similar to their pistols I did not think I would have any surprises.
I did not hone the cylinder as everything was in real great shape. This thing is so well made that except for a little flecking here and there on the blueing and little dings and such on the stock, you would think it was a new air rifle.
RR,
I think that you did a (most excellent) job on your report. Like Geo,… I too wondered if you cleaned and re-lubed everything with modern lubricants? The old ring did look to be worn on the one side, but maybe an optical illusion? The cylinder looked fine? What is the ring made of? Looking forwards to the performance test.
Again, fine job and (Good Day to one and all),…….. Chris
Chris,
Thanks. I did not re-lube this time in. It was hard to tell from the photo because of angles and such, but the old ring was worn pretty thin and was no longer providing a good seal. The rings are made of bronze. This allows them to slowly wear down without wearing on the steel of the compression chamber.
RR
Nice report. And good you could still get parts.
GF1,
Thanks. John Knibbs is a good source for parts for old British air rifles. They even have some parts for my 1906 BSA. They also on occasion have parts made. I am trying to get my hands on a .177 barrel for this air rifle.
RR
I’m guessing the parts made can get pricey.
But if it keeps the gun going then great.
GF1,
Most of the available parts are not too bad. There is a pretty good price tag on a new barrel for my Webley. I am willing to pay it, but they do not have any right now.
RR
Sooner or later. I’m sure you will get one.
GF1,
You can bet I am not going to give up. If all else fails, I may make one.
I recall a while back that you used O-rings on one of your FWB 300s for the piston ring. How did that work out for you? Did it give a better seal and air compression?
RR,
He did and if correct are still in there. Check out O-rings sites. There is lipped rings and X rings and cupped rings and more. Really though,… since you had an original replacement bronze piston ring,…. I would never look back.
Chris
RR
Yep Chris is right. Still in there. The same one still. And I even got about 8 extra o-rings thinking it would break or wear out. And remember that one is the one that has the aftermarket single spring and I shimmed the spring too.
It still shoots the same. No power loss at all. I put a few drops of silicone oil in the transfer port hole about every 1000 shots or so and has been working fine.
But it did take me a few different size o-rings to get the right fit. Basically to make a good seal and still have minimal drag.
But yep I’m surprised it’s still in there. “knock on wood”. And it’s been at least a couple years now. So definitely happy about that.
Ridge,
That Webley couldn’t have found a better home. Great work and great write up. Thanks for this.
Derrick
Derrick,
Thanks. It has found a place of honor on the wall of my great room along with my FLZ Militia which I also got from BB and my 1906 BSA which BB was instrumental in my buying. He is indeed The Great Enabler.
Good repair job and a very nice report RR! This old rifle is so interesting and so well designed and built that it must be a pleasure to work on it.
We will be looking forward to the after-surgery report. Now, you probably should give the old Webley the benefit of a a little of physical therapy before a formal sit down with the Chrony . I’d guess that a couple of hundred pellets would be enough to sit in the new ring.
Henry
Henry,
Like BB often says when he works on these old airguns, it took more time to photograph than to do.
I have already started plinking with her.
RidgeRunner,
Are you not receiving my emails? I have sent three in the past two days and no answer.
B.B.
BB,
Just answered you. Had internet problems at home.
RR
Good glad you got some shooting time after the repairs. I definitely like taking them for a walk after the repairs as soon as possible.
You got to get them back on their feet you know. 🙂
Excellent report RR! Thanks for sharing!
So lucky to have a wife that buys you a rifle as a surprise gift – that’s a real beauty!! Consider myself fortunate that my wife is very tolerant of my airgun affliction.
A “round tuit”? I have a box of them around here somewhere. I’ll look for them later and send you one sometime when I get a round tuit. 🙂
Happy Friday all!!
Hank
Hank,
LOL! I already have one but will take all of the round tuits I can get.
Kathy usually has a lot of trouble getting me something that I want because she does not know what to get, but I told her I would really like to have this one back when BB first started reporting on it. I guess I will have to start pointing out others I would like to have. 😉
Off topic…
I often wish that I could take videos of pellets leaving the barrel or flying down range but the equipment required is very sophisticated and very expensive.
Found a YouTube channel that does a lot of high-speed photography and found a couple that were pretty good. Thought I would post the links…
From the YouTube channel Smarter Every Day…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAR4yTYslkk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPwdlEgLn5Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOXunRYJIw
Have a great weekend!
Hank
Hank
Yep I like that stuff too.
Miops and Pluto triggers should do the job. And really affordable, assuming you have a camera. Or you could just leave the shutter open with a strobe light on.
Edw,
Thanks for that! I’m not aware of those products but I will look into them.
I have a DSLR that would probably be suitable.
Cheers,
Hank
RR,
allow me to add my plaudits to a job well done. If you and others are interested, you can download an open source photo editing program that I find meets all my needs and doesn’t cost anything. In fact, the program, like Photoshop, has a ton of features that I haven’t used, not having any need for it. The program can be downloaded at www . getpaint dot net (remove spaces and the word “dot” and insert period for web address). Only problem is you will find you spend time on every darn photo you take to try to correct any deficiencies so be warned.
Happy Holidays to all and I hope you’ve all been good. Santi Claus is getting ready.
Fred formerly of the DPRoNJ now Happily in GA
Fred,
Thanks. And thanks for the program lead.
RR.
“Gimp” is another good one…
https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Hank
Fred,
I’ll second the “getpaint” program – used it for a bit.
I’ve since changed to using “gimp” which is also freeware. Think that it has a bit more power/features and is more intuitive to use.
Hank
Yep. I’ve used Gimp, too. I think it’s the more powerful program with more features but I found I just didn’t need all the features it offered such as actually adding objects and other items to your photo. You really need to do the tutorials to master that advanced stuff!
Fred formerly of the DPRoNJ now happily in rainy GA
RR,
That’s a well-written report and you did a nice job on the pics.
Thank you for pointing out the anti-beartrap device; that’s pretty cool! =>
take care,
dave
Dave,
Thanks, but BB helped resize and clean up the photos some for me.
“…BB helped resize and clean up the photos…”
*nods his head*
That makes sense; he’s got mad skills from doing this stuff for so long! =>
Excellent post; glad to see a vintage airgun lovingly “rehabbed” so it will keep doing what it was built to do. This encourages vintage “FM” to have a Crosman 38T .22 revolver brought out of it’s long sleep, last having been fired in the early ’70s. It was dubbed “Rat Killer,” as a cousin, who passed it on to me, used to terminate the obnoxious rodents infesting the green space at his condo building, from his 2nd-story balcony. This was in the late ’60s, and the groundskeepers appreciated his good gunplay. Don’t try it now, lest the SWAT team gets called in on you.
Based on what I learned from one of the commenters, on BB’s “How to treat a new airgun” post, think it best to put it in the hands of Mr. Willnecker at Precision Pellet. My skills at this point are too Fawlty to mess up a good thing.
FM,
I would most definitely bring back to life if possible. You might want to pick up something like this.
This would not be bad either.
Speaking of repairing/rehabbing airguns – especially ones no longer made – wonder how helpful this product would be for a rebuild or repair project? Just discovered it, have never tried it, but seems it might be useful.
https://sugru.com/about/
Basil,
I don’t know about airguns but that stuff makes good keys for certain padlocks.
B.B.
RR,
Excellent report, as you moved “Onward Through The Fog” I was suddenly transported to Firesign Theater, or was that an Austin Head Shop?? No matter.
In a previous report on this gun B.B. noted some play in the barrel that was probably causing diminished accuracy, do you have a plan for this problem? Sounds like a tricky one to fix without drilling and taping to lock the barrel down.
Mike
Mike,
Quite frankly, I do not remember where I picked up that phrase. I am unfamiliar with your references.
I had noticed the barrel being able to rotate a bit when it is not locked down. That rotation is enough to throw that front sight to either side for a total of an 1/8″. This most definitely affects accuracy. I was thinking of a thin plastic shim on each side of the barrel key to keep it from rotating. I might even be able to build up the width of the key with some epoxy or such. There are some machinable epoxies that are used to repair scratches and gouges in hydraulic pistons. When I get to the accuracy part, we will see what I can come up with. Drilling and tapping is going to be out of the question.
RR,
Nice! job on all of your responses today. For a guest blog, I have to say that you were one of the best in addressing/responding to comment’s. Your rifle is a beauty. (So is that “kit” pictured above) My, my. Liking old wood items,… some of the old cases, boxes and bins are works of art all by themselves. Add some brass corners, felt lined, dovetailed joints, etc.,… and I am in heaven.
Chris
RR,
I may have been wrong about how I was thinking the gun works, I went back and read B.B.’s reports and it seems that the barrel needs to be able to move slightly. Let me know if I have this right, when the bolt is closed it draws the barrel back to seal the breach, this would not work if the barrel was locked down. Right?
If I am right about how it works then your shimming or building up the key and machining to fit exactly does seem the most perfect solution.
Mike
Mike,
Yes, the barrel needs to be able to move back and forth just a little. In fact, this may have been what caused the pivot pin to break. When unlocked, the tension on the barrel is released and it moves forward slightly, clearing the breech seal and easily pivoting up. There is really not much barrel movement forward and back in the barrel carriage. When locked in battery, all slack movement of the barrel assembly is removed and the barrel is sealed back against the breech seal.
This places stress on the pivot pin. The old pin had a large hole through it for the locking screw. This is where it broke. The new one has a small diameter hole for the locking screw and does not penetrate completely, thereby being more robust.
The idea of locking the barrel down permanently would still work, but as Kevin showed above these air rifles typically came in kits with .117, .22 and .25 barrels. I would like to find a .177 barrel, or even better an entire kit. I would probably just end up crying though as they can be quite pricey.
Here are the old and new pins.
RR
Looks like a frowny face with a goatee.
I think your gun should be happy it got it’s new parts. 🙂
GF1,
It does look like a frowny face.
Yes, she likes new parts like an old codger like me would like a new part or two to fix him up like new. Replacing the pin and ring helped her to feel like dancing again.
RR
Will be waiting for some shooting results.
GF1,
Since I now have a round tuit, you should not have to wait very long.
RR
Good. Guess a round tuit is better than no tuit at all. 😉
RidgeRunner,
Great guest blog! I most thoroughly appreciated your love story!
You sir are a blessed man to have; a lovely wife, fine airguns, proper tools and the knack!
The ability to enjoy your life at every turn and waste none of it is my New Year’s wish for you.
shootsli
Shootski,
Thanks. I am indeed a blessed man in so many ways. One of the ways I am blessed is with so many people who share a common interest and are tolerant of my sharing my views with them.
Not trying to steal your blog RR but wanted to show my latest upgrade to my Maximus.
It’s now wearing a Air Venturi13 cubic inch HPA regulated bottle. No more tethering to the gun.
I have to say the gun is well balanced now too. If I hold my hand at the center of the gun between the muzzle end and the butt end it’s balanced. Plus with the bottle on it now the weight of the gun is more below the barrel now. Before without the bottle the gun was more top heavy with the scope.
It handles well when shooting free hand as well as bench resting.
Wow here’s a new one for you.
I posted the comment with the attached picture I’m posting again. I had to edit the comment with our new edit feature and the picture didn’t post when I resubmitted the edited comment. And it showed the pictures address when I read over my edit before I posted it.
Anyway here’s the picture of my Maximus. Oh and Chris. They make one of these bottle adapters for the Marauder can rifles tube size too. Thought maybe you might want to mod your Marauder with a regulated HPA bottle.
Well by time I got through writing my last comment the picture was there on my first comment.
Guess it took a while for the picture to load on my edit. I did wait a bit too see even.
Oh well. False alarm.
GF1,
Well, that certainly is an “interesting” looking rifle. 😉 No doubt though,… I am sure it is a fine, regulated shooter.
The M-rod is in the RAI stock and all set up with 6 position, cheek rest, bi-pod, UTG pistol grips front and rear. I will not be messing with that.
Chris
Chris
Definitely a good shooter.
And you probably wouldn’t even need to do anything with your stock on your Mrod if I remember right. Just cut some of the air tube off the front back far enough so the bottle doesn’t extend past the end of the barrel. But you would need to set the bottles regulator up for a higher working pressure. What is the low fill pressure on your Mrod after a shot string?
And remember you would probably end up with a more accurate gun. Especially if the guns not efficient in using air right now.
GF1,
Not sure of the low fill without looking through some data. I am not messing with it and I sure as heck ain’t chopping nothing on it. I would drop a reg. in first, if I was to do anything. Getting the Red Wolf late in the year and limited shoot time, it only has 700 or so shots through it. I still want to play with it (a bunch) more.
Chris
Chris
You seem to like eye candy more now.
How about this.
Cut the Marauder air tube. Put the adapter on and a regulated carbon fiber tank and a red laminated stock on it and what do you have.
I say a nice peice of eye candy that shoots good. 😉
GF1,
LOL! Well, both the customized M-rod and the reg. Maximus are both great shooters and are easy to get good groups with. With the Red Wolf,…. it seemed (effortless). So,… “eye candy” or not,…. something is better.
And,…. I like my guns to look good. More over,… they need to fit and feel good. And yes,… they need to be accurate as well. The Red Wolf has the looks, feel, fit and performance all rolled into one. All of the,.. “I wish it had this or that, or, if this was only better,……”, is a non-issue. I can’t say any more than that.
That is only my opinion and people are free to have their own opinions and particular tastes.
Chris
Chris
Yeah I know.
Just saying another way to modify a good gun to make it better. And alot cheaper at that.
Mod it or by it new. What to do.
Chris,
Maybe you would like to convert the Marauder to a side lever.
http://www.jsairrifles.com/
RR,
I have never seen that outfit/company. They offer quite a lot of stuff. Worth a look, for sure. The Fortitude SS build was interesting. Thank you for the link. Saved it to favorites.
Chris
Chris,
It is new to me also. Hard Air Magazine had a blurb on them. They have me thinking about a Marauder.
RR
Thanks for that link. They have alot of cool stuff. Saved the link also.
GF1,
Since I saw it I have been craving a .22 or .25 Marauder to skeletonize and double reservoir.
Too many toys and not enough money. 😉
RR
Well you know where you can get you a double tube for a Mrod.
And I’ll bet he would hook you up right.
GF1,
Yes I do and I am sure he would not have an issue with doing such. First though, I need to decide if I am going to. We’ll see.
RR
I believe you would be happy with one.
GF1,
Probably, although this option has been available for me for many years and I have not taken advantage of it. Some more thought must be given over to it.
RR
I wish I would of got rid of my double tube Mrod Lloyd done up for me.
But I do know they still have it. So I could probably get it back if I wanted to bad enough.
GF1,
With an M-Rod like that, I personally cannot understand getting rid of it and going for the Gauntlets. There is just so much you can do with a M-Rod. Just me I guess. Some will scratch their heads about the Edge.
RR
The double tube Mrod went along time ago.
And had many Marauder’s. And only one Gauntlet. It was time to move on.
And another thing the cost of the Gauntlet compared to a Marauder. Need to save the penny’s so I can get more guns. The Gauntlet helps in that department too.
GF1,
Indeed. Over the years I have managed to snag some great deals. Even my very expensive HM1000X was cheap enough that I could sell it right now and still break even.
This morning I snagged a great deal on a used HW30 for my grandson and the terms were unbelievable.
Since the Edge is going to a new home, I am going to want to pick up a PCP. I am not quite sure what yet, but a P-Rod Double carbine would probably be a nice bushy tailed tree rat popper.
RR
Oh your gonna like the HW30s.
I can’t believe that mine is the only spring gun I haven’t opened up or modded.
And I still have the adjustable peep sight on it.
It goes out of my norm. It’s just a nice simple straight forward quality springer. No need to mess with it.
I have thought about letting it go at times but really turned out to be a fun little gun. And it’s took it’s share of squirrel already. Even with the peep sights.
I just can’t let it go.
GF1,
LOL! It is not supposed to be for me but my grandson. It is about time for him to graduate from bb guns to a pellet rifle, but I did not want to get some cheap thing that might last a year or so. This will hopefully be a family heirloom to be passed down like the rest of the ladies at RRHFWA.
Yes, I will probably be shooting it some also. Hey, I have to make sure the sights are properly adjusted and test it for the best pellets, won’t I?
RR
But of course you will have to shoot it to find the right pellet. 🙂
RidgeRunner,
Nice rifle!
I hope that I am mistaken, but from your photo of the butt stock, it appears that it may have been damaged by absorbing too much oil over the years which will eventually destroy the integrity of the wood fiber. I believe that this can be corrected by soaking the wood in a powerful solvent such as acetone or something similar to remove all the oil and then impregnate the damaged wood with epoxy. Unfortunately, this would more than likely require refinishing the stock afterwards.
Bugbuster
Bug,
Thankfully, you are mistaken. There was a crude and oil residue on the end of the stock, but the walnut is still in great shape. Many years ago I had 20 1906 Brazilian Mausers with walnut stocks. These rifles had been packed away in cosmolean forever. A friend of mine took the stocks and heated them in a special tube oven he built to melt out the oil and then refinished the stocks. Those Mausers were beautiful. I hated to sell them all.
RidgeRunner,
I am glad that I was mistaken also, sometimes being wrong can be a good thing.
I was not familiar with the Mauser’s which you referred to so I did a little research and it appears that they were actually model 1908 Brazilian Mauser’s chambered in 7x57mm. Being the same action/receiver as the German model 98, they would be quite valuable today.
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
See, I was mistaken also. That was back in the mid 80’s. I picked them up for $65 each. They came with matching serial numbered bayonets and leather action covers. They were AWESOME shooters in really nice condition. Someone else owns all of them now. Oh well, it is just as well. I spend more than enough money on airguns. Kathy would have a fit.
RR,
I sent you another email today.
B.B.
BB,
A positive response is on the way. 😉
This latest sale is “interesting”. If I spend $100, I get $15 off. If I spend $299, I get $15 off. Mmmm? 100 gets me 15% and $299 gets me 5%. I am no sales expert, but they may want to (re-think) this latest promotion strategy. Just say’n,.. as they say.
Don’t get me wrong,….. I like sales. I wait for them. But this? Or,… maybe I am missing something obvious?
Chris
Chris
You just explained what to do. What price gun would be better with that PA deal?
You need to see what deal they offer makes it worth while for the gun you want.
If it don’t save you anything then don’t buy it. Pretty simple to me.
GF1,
Simple?,…. yes. Someone is just figuring we can’t do simple math. To me,… that is a bit insulting. Do 10% at 100 and bump it 1% for every 100 after that,…. maybe up to 15~20%? And (*),…. yup,… throw in a bunch of those too. I like me a bunch of restrictions. Not.
To me,…. (simple me),…. there is too much competition to be playing games. Yes,.. there is margins and every manufacturer is only going to allow the reseller only so much lea way without a loss.
Like I said,… it is all good. Just do not expect everyone to jump into the “cart”.
Chris
Chris
Buy the product you want with the discount.
Or don’t use the discount.
Or don’t buy at all.
How much simpler can it be than that.
today’s sale item is the Gauntlet in .177 for $229. If it was for any of the Gauntlet calibers I am sure GF1 and myself would have the Gantlet in .25 caliber on order for that price. I’m sure it’s a winner.
Gerald
Participant,
Sales on top of sales? That is all good. I applaud it all. Just don’t expect to everyone to jump in the basket (or cart, as it is). I am sure the Gauntlet is a good one. GF1 looks to be getting a .25 soon,… or so he says. He does seem to like the one he has now. I would be thinking more Urban in .22 myself.
Chris
Chris
Guess I just need to get it over with now.
The regulated Gauntlet would be my choice over the Urban any day.
Look at them both and check out their features before you reply.
Maybe tomorrow,….. long day. Over and out,………………. 😉
Chris
Right.
Tomorrow.
And what does it matter. You going to get either one?
But would like to know why you would think the Urban over the Gauntlet would be better. Or vise versa.
Or do I really want to know. 😉
GF1,
I will have to concede to you. The Gauntlet is better on features (which I value). See comment to Geo below for more comment.
Chris
Chris,
I have not handled a Guantlet but my Urban is just a great handling gun…especially for hunting and pesting. It’s accuracy can not be beat. Donnie Reed at Baker Air Guns did a review on the Urban and was shooting 1/2″ and less groups at 50 yards. He was sorting the JSB 18.13g pellets though.
These are the attributes of the Urban that I prefer to the Gauntlet. The Urban is light, short, nice thumb hole stock, quiet, easy to fill with a hand pump, and to me it’s a better looking gun. The Urban does not have a regulator but I get two magazines, 20 shots, that are very consistent. The big thing for me is the Urban is manufactured in England at BSA, basically the same gun as the Buccaneer. The quality is there and the price is right. The only short coming on my Urban was the excessive trigger creep on the second stage. After replacing the 8mm length screw with a 9mm length the trigger creep is gone and is nice and crisp. Just as nice as the T06 trigger on my Diana. Walmart had a sale on the Urban for $199. At that price it’s a no brainer, nothing else in it’s class. Can’t help singing it’s praises.
Geo,
Did you get the update? 2.2 RSSPreview corrects the time stamp as of the 15th.
Like I said not a biggie but nice.
Mike
Yup, just checked the add-on and it had updated to 2.2. I like that the time stamp is now correct. The reader is working great.
Geo,
All very good points. Looking at both (again) just now, I will have to give it up to the Gauntlet on feature(s). I like the looks better on the Urban though and it is lighter (8.5/6.6) and more compact (46/42). I guess that my comment was based on my memory of looks and the more vertical grip, which I like.
Chris
Chris
One thing about the weight of the Gauntlet is it’s more heavy towards the butt of the gun. So when you hold it don’t feel as heavy as it is.
That’s what is hard to tell by just looking at a picture. And don’t know if you noticed the curve in the bottom of the stock. They have that right too. Helps position the gun on the shooting bag the same. My Maximus is like that too as far as positioning on the bag goes. I set the gun on the bag and touch the guns gauge to the bag. Works good to help repeat my holds on both of the guns.
Some of those little things make a difference.
Chris
Forgot also a very important feature of the Gauntlet. It’s regulated so it gets great shot count plus is very consistent shot to shot.
Oh and I would rather have a shroud and baffles instead of the muzzle brake type silencer’s. Just me I guess. But that’s why I chose the Gauntlet. And that’s why my Maximus got a bottle adapter similar in design like the Gauntlet has. If I had a .25 Marauder right now I would for sure have a bottle adapter on it. To me I would rather have a regulated gun rather than not regulated. Plus the regulators are easy to work on and adjust. Just incase a person that likes to tinker has a regulated bottle gun ya know. 😉
Chris,
Just curious, what are the features the Gauntlet has over the Urban, other than its regulated? The Urban has one feature that the original Gauntlet does not have, a barrel band. That long unsupported barrel on the Gauntlet looks precarious to me. One little bump could change the POI.
If you only shoot from a bench, then not having a support for the barrel might be okay I guess.
Geo
Geo,
Regulated is a good thing. Without checking, I would guess the Gauntlet has more air capacity being tanked. Adjustable cheek riser is nice for quicker scope/sight acquisition and repetition. The Gauntlet has a 100 fps faster pellet,…but with what pellet? as is commonly asked. Other than that,…. I still like the looks of the Urban better. The mags. on the Gauntlet appear to be M-rod type and $20 if I recall? The Urban are $50 if I recall? The Urban can be had for less. That is good. So,.. a bit of a toss up and open to individual taste.
You have found what works for you and are very happy with it. That is all that matters. The rest is just added bells and whistles.
Chris
Chris,
The Urban’s reservoir is only 105 cc but that makes it easy to fill with a hand pump and it will still get 25-30 consistent shots before the fps drops. Also, the Urban’s hammer can be adjusted to achieve higher fps is one desires. Amazon is selling Urban mags for $33 last I checked. Now that you have the ultimate airgun, the Daystate Red Wolf, it would seem everything else would be disappointment. It would be difficult not to compare other airguns to the Red Wolf, even though unfairly so. It sets a very high bar indeed.
Geo,
You do have a point on the smaller tank. If I hand pumped and pretty much only did pesting,… I would want a small tank too. The RW has a 500 cc tank but that means my bottle will only fill it 1-2 times. So,.. it all equals out. You got a winner and I would be proud of it too,… as you are. Better than my Maximus on features.
Chris
Thanks Chris 🙂
Geo
The shrouds are stronger than you think.
And just for info purposes the Marauder’s barrel band does not contact the shroud. There is probably a good 1/16″ gap all the way around the shroud.
Had numerous Marauder’s and some even without the barrel band and had no problems with poi shift on them or the Gauntlet for matter of fact.
The barrel on the Urban is probably not as strong as a shrouded barrel and even a Discovery or Maximus could have the same problem as the Urban. Well and other unshrouded guns for that fact.
Remember with a shrouded gun you have the actual barrel inside the shroud for strength plus the extra strength of the outer shroud.
Thanks, good to know.
Gerald
I actually want one of each caliber in the Gauntlet. 🙂
GF1,
I have seen you post about anticipating the Gauntlet in .25 caliber. I want one in .25 but it is not a need. Now that I have seen the sale price on the one model I can wait for the .25 to be on sale for a similar price. Getting one would answer the question in my mind, is it quieter than the M-rod of the same caliber?
Gerald
Gerald
Good question about the .25 Gauntlet and .25 Marauder.
Don’t know that answer yet but I can say that my .177 Gauntlet is just as quiet as the .177 Marauder’s I have had.
And same with me. The .25 Gauntlet is not a need. I have my Condor SS in .25 caliber that is doing really well now.
But from my experience with my .177 Gauntlet it makes me want to try a .22 and .25 caliber Gauntlet as well. I know the .22 caliber Gauntlets are getting good review and my .177 Gauntlet shoots really well. So I’m hoping the .25 Gauntlet will be the same.
Hopefully I can at least get the .25 Gauntlet after Christmas with some income tax return money. Fingers crossed. 🙂
GF1
Please excuse this topic shift, but I wanted you to see this. (/product/diana-240-classic-air-rifle?m=4163) since you speculated about getting one for a grandchild. In case you never scratched that itch, its hard to conceive a new German youth rifle getting any more affordable. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Jumpin
Jumping
I think you have me confused with someone else for a gun for a grandchild. It may of been RidgeRunner that said that I believe. I think he mentioned the HW30s at that time when we was talking.
But if that 240 Classic shoots good it’s definitely worth the money. $99.00 is for sure a good price.
And what I thought was funny is they list a refurbished gun also and it’s more. $139.00 ???
GF1 and RR
Yep, it was RR. Maybe he’ll read this too. BB’s review found plinker accuracy with the right pellets.
Jumpin
Jumpin
Yep would be a nice starter gun as well as for a seasoned air gunner.
If I didn’t have so many other wants already I would probably have one. 🙂
Jumpin,
I did indeed see your post there. I have given very serious consideration to it for my grandson. I am not crazy about the glowy thingy sights, but at that price it would be hard to beat.
Once again I have the dilemma of too many toys and not enough money. 😉
Well, one of the young ladies that has been residing at RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns has decided that she was not getting enough attention from me, so she has found another place to live.
Though it saddened me a bit to see her go, a more mature, petite lady has decided to take up residence here. I am quite certain I will find more joy with my new resident.
I wish you all the happiness at your new home. I will never forget the time you spent at RRHFWA.
RR,
So,….. what took it’s place? (Pics ARE required) 🙂
Chris
Chris,
LOL! She has not moved in as of yet. Perhaps later this week. I will gladly post her picture once she has arrived. She did happen to send me a picture with her application for residence.
RR,
Very nice! Now,…. where have I seen this before? 😉
Chris
RR,
Interested in a .25 M-rod? In RAI stock? 6 position? RAI offset? I would have to crunch some #’s, but E me if interested. Warning,… I only check the E on the weekends, so you have some time to ponder.
Chris
Chris,
No need for me to ponder. The wallet says it ain’t happenin’ for a while. I would probably want to skeletonize it myself anyway. Thanks though.
RidgeRunner,
Congratulations on finding a partner for your rifle. I only saw this after catching up on all the posts I had missed after sending my comment.
All good things come to those who wait, indeed!
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Thanks. This will indeed be a good partner for my rifle in manufacturer, age and caliber. It will also be a good partner for it in other ways that are more meaningful for me.
RR,
Does it need some work as well? Will you be “going inside”? I forget now if something has been done already.
Chris
Chris,
LOL! I should not need to go inside as it had been gone through recently, but you never know.
/blog/2016/08/webley-senior-straight-grip-part-4/
RR,
LOL! How quickly one forgets! I knew there had been multiple articles on it and was pretty sure it had been into,….. but was not sure without looking up. Your are fortunate. Enjoy!
Chris
Chris,
I am indeed quite blessed with so many things, most especially family and friends.
It is looking like an airgun Christmas around here. I will be getting this pistol, my son-in-law will be getting my Diana 46E and my grandson will be getting an HW30. I wonder what we will be doing Christmas day?
Nice looking airgun. What exactly is it and where did you send her? Did she go willingly…or kicking and screaming?
Geo,
It is a modified AirForce Edge. She went willingly as I had not been paying her much attention in recent years. There is a good chance that you may hear more about her in the future.
RR
Well didn’t think you would get rid of the Edge. Definitely a nice looking gun.
GF1,
It was not getting shot much, so it needed a new home. I had been thinking of selling it and finding a Webley pistol and/or a nice heirloom quality air rifle for my grandson. I had only dreamed of owning this particular pistol.
RR
Yep sometimes you got to let them go.
But I’m sure you will be happy with the pistol.
GF1,
Oh yeah, I am certain of that. There is even a good chance it will be on the wall beside the rifle.
RR
When I seen it. That’s what I figured you had in mind right off the bat.
Chris,
Oh, I don’t know.
RidgeRunner,
Congratulations on your guest blog. The Webley does deserve a Senior as a partner. Hope you find one. Who knows? There might be one making its way to you soon.
Getting roundtuit is a journey not a destination.
Siraniko
Geo791,
That is an Air Force Edge. Although I cannot say if RidgeRunner has returned the power to original spec or kept it up modified to just under 12 fpe. I’ll bet she went quietly and willingly. There is minimal jealousy among the ladies in RRHFWA.
Siraniko
Thank you sir 🙂
Siraniko,
LOL! She is still running hot with a super sweet trigger. The new owner wanted to try her out for a bit as she is. I also sent all of the parts to return her to stock. All of the mods I did were drop in. It would only take about an hour at most to return her to original.