by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
The new Crosman 760 Pumpmaster Classic.
This report covers:
- BBs today
- Hard to scope
- The test
- Sights
- Air Venturi Steel BBs
- Kruger targets
- Hornady Black Diamonds
- Crosman Black Widow
- Dust Devils
- See a pattern?
- Smart Shot
- Summary
Today I start testing the accuracy of the 760 Pumpmaster. I say start because this airgun shoots both BBs and pellets and I don’t want to shortchange either one just to finish a test. The 760 is an important airgun that deserves a long and thorough look.
BBs today
I’ll test it with BBs today. Since it is a multi-pump I decided to shoot 5-shot groups with 5 pumps per shot. And before I move on there is something I need to say.
Hard to scope
The 760 I’m testing does have an 11mm dovetail atop the receiver. I know a lot of you would think of mounting a scope there, but you have to think differently with multi-pumps. The scope goes right over the receiver, where your hand wants to be when you pump the gun!
Well, can you hold it someplace else? You can hold some multi-pumps like the Benjamin 392 at the pistol grip if they are scoped, but the 760 has a plastic stock that joins the receiver right at the pistol grip. I think it would be tantamount to disaster to hold it there while you pump it.
I would not recommend scoping this airgun, but rather using a small red dot sight like the UTG Micro Reflex dot sight. In fact, I plan doing that when I test with pellets. You can still hold the gun in the conventional way with that dot sight mounted.
The test
For today’s test I shot from 5 meters while seated and used the UTG monopod as a rest. I shot 5-shot groups and pumped the gun five times for every shot.
Sights
I will say that the 760’s open sights are perfect for this sort of shooting. The front sight appears square and crisp in the rear notch. And the rear notch is a semi-buckhorn, whose wide Vee directs your eye to the center notch. It gives one of the nicest sight pictures I’ve seen in a long time. The lack of fiberoptics makes it ideal for target work.
The one thing that’s missing is any windage adjustment. Elevation is adjustable, but windage is not. I didn’t miss it today but if some pellets prove accurate but land off to one side, there is no good way to bring them back. However, I will be testing with the dot sight as well and it has plenty of adjustment in both directions.
Air Venturi Steel BBs
I tested the steel BBs first, because I think most buyers will choose them. They are made to feed through the magazine.
Five Air Venturi Steel BBs made a group that measures 1.389-inches between centers at 5 meters. It’s centered well and would have no problem hitting a soda can at that distance or even a little more.
The Crosman 760 put 5 Air Venturi Steel BBs in 1.389-inches at 5 meters. Notice how nicely the BBs cut the paper! And, yes, the BB in the picture is copper-plated. They are an Air Venturi Steel BB that’s no longer offered.
Kruger targets
I was using Kruger BB gun targets for this test and the BBs cut nice holes through them. Yes they cost more than other targets, but they give the kind of results I like to see with BBs without resorting to field fixes.
Hornady Black Diamonds
Next up were Hornady Black Diamonds. In some BB guns they are the most accurate steel BB. The 760 put five into a 1.559-inch group, so they aren’t the best in the 760.
Five Hornady Black Diamond BBs went into 1.559-inches at 5 meters.
Crosman Black Widow
Next to be tested were five Crosman Black Widow BBs. These are a new BB Crosman has brought out and in past tests with other BB guns they proved very accurate. They look black like Hornady Black Diamonds, but they are heavier, so there is no relationship. Five of them went into 1.509-inches at 5 meters.
Five Crosman Black Widow BBs made this 1.509-inch group at 5 meters.
Dust Devils
The Air Venturi Dust Devil is a frangible BB that’s safer when shooting at hard targets. They tend to blow apart rather than bouncing back at the shooter. The 760 put five of them in 1.58-inches at 5 meters.
Five Air Venturi Dust Devils went into 1.58-inches at 5 meters.
See a pattern?
I have now shot 4 different steel BBs at 5 meters and the 5-shot groups range in size from 1.389-inches between centers to 1.58-inches. That’s a pretty small spread. I would say that’s what to expect from this airgun at 5 meters with steel BBs.
Smart Shot
I could have called it quits here, but I wanted to test one more BB — the Air Venturi, H&N Smart Shot lead BB that flattens rather than bouncing back. These are also safe like the Dust Devils, but for a different reason. How would they do in the 760?
Wowie wow wow! The were fantastic! Five went into 0.572-inches at 5 meters. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a smoothbore BB gun shoot this well!
The Crosman 760 put 5 Smart Shot into 0.572-inches at 5 meters!
Summary
The Crosman 760 can shoot steel BBs pretty good, and Smart Shot even better. The sights are great and the gun is fun to shoot.
Next we try it with pellets and I hope we are in for a surprise there. as well!
BB
Do you recall the Smart Shot doing this well in any other tested or type of BB guns or is it just dumb luck here with this one?
Care to make a guess as to what may be the reason, like weight?
Bob M
Anyone care to comment on Bob’s questions? I too would like to know/be reminded.
Merry Christmas to all
Doc
Doc,
Sorry, but I have been busy today with this site being down.
Smart Shot are larger than most BBs. They run around 4.45mm or 0.173 to 0.1735-inches in diameter. I guess it’s the size that matters — despite what we have always been told. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
B.B.
B.B.
No problem. I understand. Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Doc
Bradly Dooly,
I don’t remember any especially positive results on those BBs from this blog. Furthermore, from my own testing, I have concluded that you must really be afraid of ” putting your eye out “, above all other concerns, to warrant buying these BBs. At Sam’s Club you can buy an 8 pack of safety glasses for what a couple of tins, which amounts to 1500?, of these BBs cost. The misshapen Dust Devils are the only BBs that I have found, personally, to be worst than Smart Shot as far as accuracy is concerned. Just sayin’, since you asked.
Merry Xmas, Half
Half,
looking back at other tests on this blog, I would agree. Except with this gun. The 760 really liked them. Best bb tested in it. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Doc
Odd questions here: is it possible to damage a muti-pump like this by over pumping it? The only multi-pump I have is a Benjamin pistol and I’ve never pumped it beyond the factory recommended number of pumps but I remember a story from someone I know about “when my idiot brother borrowed my 750 Pumpmaster and pumped it like 75 times and ruined it!”
Good morning everyone. I imagine the holiday has you doing different things today. I wish all of you who observe it a very Merry Christmas.
B.B.
A very Merry Christmas to you as well, Tom.
BB
I asked a question hours ago, never got posted. Are you reviewing all entries first now or have I rattled a big players cage with comments on a now delayed new airgun?
Bob,
I am working on the problem.
B.B.
Merry Christmas to you, Tom, and to all the fans and readers of your work here.
With the Smart Shot you could hit cans at 20 yards. But that is mighty expensive plinking….Now that I think about it ,it’s not as bad as my shooting spinners with a 25 cal.
Good morning.
Same routine today as always, have a coffee and read your report!
Season’s greetings and Merry Christmas to all!
Hank
B.B.,
You are right. We are all busier than on any other day of the year. Only reason I can log on is I don’t have any grandkids to chase.
The 760 was the first airgun to show me that they can be more than toys. We scoped ours in 1967 and put up with the inconvenience. My brothers and I could hit better with the scope, and that was partly because our dad taught us with scopes and peep sights. He didn’t like open sights, so scopes and peeps were what we knew how to use.
Thanks again for enriching our lives with your excellent work, and Merry Christmas!
Walt
BB.
I have tried to comment, but it didn’t make it to your thread. Perhaps a techie glitch?
Merry Christmas!
Walt
BB.
Think there is. a glitch preventing us from posting.
Merry Christmas!
Walt
Walt,
We are working on it.
B.B.
BB
Merry Xmas! I have it on good authority that I’m getting a.22 Seneca Aspen under my tree. Hope you get something nice as well!
Half
Half
I have two of them. One was used and really discounted. It leaked down. If you notice a slow leak down check the 4.5K blowout valve / disk under the pump handle. It needed to be tightened, on both.
Soapy water bubble check first at max air fill to verify. Dump all air next then tighten a ‘little’ fill and recheck..
Do not tighten it with air pressure in the rifle. It could blow out if the treads were stripped out. Tighten a little at a time, just enough to stop the leak and no more.
I’m sure you read everything about this rifle, I am very happy with mine. Maintaining a constant pressure makes it very reliable when it comes to accuracy. Like having a regulator that you control. Looks big but it is not too heavy.
Bob M
Bob M,
Thanks for that. My big fear was that I wouldn’t be able to set the gun aside with the optimal charge and go back to it later and take a shot or two then put in a few pumps to maintain the best pressure, which I think is the best way to use this gun, in this caliber. BB’s report last year certainly gave me that hope. I appreciate the help on what to do if I run into a problem.
I opened my gift early yesterday and pumped it up to 3600 just to see if it would hold and I’m happy to say that it does. I was surprised at how easy it pumps and how few pumps it took to get to from 0 to 3600. I set the butt on my instep with the muzzle pointing up in the air and pumped with a slow and deliberate rate and found that I wasn’t even breathing hard when I finished. I think that’s because the relatively small reservoir filled easier than the tanks on my more “conventional” PCPs do using a hand pump, not that I feel that a hand pump is exhausting when the proper technique is used, this is just VERY easy. I did notice that the pumping effort ebbed and flowed and I lubed the pump head several times during the initial fill procedure. Did you have a period with either of your guns where your weren’t sure that you were putting air in the tank because the effort was so small?
Tomorrow I will probably “start a book”, as BB calls it, on my gun and I’ll share what I get in these comments over the next few days. I reread all of BB’s reports on this gun in 2 different calibers and came away feeling as if he owes us some more reporting. Do you agree?
Merry Xmas, Half
Half
Yes I have found a little lube helped. I use synthetic lube. It does pump up fast at first when working OK but slows down a little above 2800 PSI. It’s the working mans FX Independence. There is a lot to cover on these hand pump PCP’s and I thought BB was covering it just fine but I already owned the Nova Freedom and knew its capabilities.
I like the ability to control everything with it and the Hi / Low power option is a great. The pump handle is very comfortable to use. I think the small air gage leads you to believe not much is building up. It sneaks up slowly and yes not much resistance to early pumping. Think about it, This rifle never needs a lot of pumping after the initial fill. A regular tanked PCP does. Make sure you do full complete pump strokes, half or incomplete pumps may not work too well.
You don’t need a big a big air reservoir and it’s easy to top off after a shot or two. You can stay outside all day with this one and have full power available every shot !
The designer knew exactly what the perfect PCP should be. Hats off to him.
Bob M
MERRY CHRISTMAS, John. Wow! A new airgun for Christmas, how nice.
Geo
BB,
I am here. I just finished reading BB Guns Remembered. Thank you. I greatly enjoyed it. As I journeyed through your stories, memories of my childhood came flooding back.
Every grown boy should have a copy of it in their library.
Good day to All. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa Inyong Lahat!
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Merry Xmas to you and would you translate your greeting for me?
Half
Halfstep,
I simply put the cart before the horse. I have the English realer before the Filipino equivalent. It does mean Merry Christmas and a Happy Year.
Siraniko
Merry Christmas BB,
It is possible to adjust for windage with the Pumpmaster 760, What I have done is that you must bend ever so slightly the rear sight in the side required to center the pellet to the target. As mine has the clip on rear sight, it is possible to adjust for windage in this manner as where the rear sight meets the clip that holds it to the barrel there is enough play to allow you to reposition the back of the rear sight. Just be careful when handling the BB gun that you do not disturb the rear sight or you may move it out of correct position.
I had another thought and this maybe is a good time to mention it. If dogs go to heaven, elephants have their graveyard, where do old airguns go? I have a cheap China springer that I lost the front sight to when I modified it for a scope but I can not locate it again and finding a replacement is impossible, and a Daisy 44 Powerline Co2 revolver which even with Bar’s Leaks can not fix it from leaking and the price to reseal it even if possible is way more expensive to be practical. So both of these have become closet queens. It would be a shame to just toss them into the trash, so what do you think?
Harvey,
Well, 45Bravo has been showing us how to reseal CO2 guns. Maybe what he has written can help you?
/blog/2019/06/smith-wesson-78g-and-79g-target-pistols-part-5/
And I cleaned and lubed a Chinese B3 underlever.
/blog/2018/06/chinese-b3-underlever-part-8/
Does that help at all?
B.B.
Everyone,
What happened is we had a miscreant hacker on the blog that we had to get rid of and in so doing some of the software got changed. I had to manually approve all your comments this morning.
We will work on the problem until it is corrected.
Have a Merry Christmas!
B.B.
BB
Boy oh boy the blog is having a problem. I just tried posting 3 different times.
I’m posting this comment then I’ll post the other below.
B.B.
That’s just plain crazy! Why in the world would anyone hack the blog? There’s nothing to be gained by doing so. Is NOTHING sacred any longer?
Merry Christmas to you my friend, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Geo
BB and all
A very Merry Christmas to all. Wishing something “airy” for you under the tree.
jumpin
BB
As crazy as this sounds I have scoped the different 760’s I have had.
And here’s the crazy part. I know we all have said this at some point in time. Don’t carry the gun by the scope. But I have held the scope tube to pump my 760’s. And haven’t seen any change of point of impact because of doing that.
Just figured I would mention it if someone is thinking about scoping thier 760.
And yes alot of Christmas stuff going on around here the last few days. And everyone have a Merry Christmas.
Oh and I been shooting my new .22 Hatsan Vectis yesterday. It’s pretty accurate and definitely making good power. It’s stronger than my .22 Maximus. And another thing it’s not a back yard friendly gun. They say it’s shrouded and it has like a flash suppressor type deal on it but it’s pretty loud. I think PA rates it as 3. I say more like a 4 and almost a 5. But the trigger is nice and the lever action is good but not great. It’s smooth but not as fast as I would like. A bit too long of a throw for fast action shooting. And yes my semi-auto type guns will run rings around it. I mean it’s nice. But it won’t win any speed contests. Oh and last thing it’s getting two 12 shot magazines per fill from 2400psi down to about 1700psi. And so far it likes the Hades pellets and JSB 15.89’s and AirArms 16 grain pellets. And to say it’s a all synthetic stock including the so called shroud and flash suppressor. And to say it came with a 3-9 × 40 AO scope that is actually pretty nice. I got the gun for $300 and free shipping. Not bad for a price point pcp. I think I’ll keep it. 🙂
Hey Gun, how are you doing today? Just saw your comment on the Hatsan and had a question. I almost bought a Hatsan a few weeks ago but ended up going a different direction based on reviews and a few people I spoke with. They stated that the Hatsan has a very spotty track record with quality control. They (major online airgun dealer) also stated that they get lots of Hatsans back because of various issues. Have you had any problems with yours? Are they’re anything on it that is obviously done cheaply or poorly to save money? Even still, they make tons of power at the price point they have. What do you think about them so far? Thanks man and have a Merry Christmas!!!
Josh
Doing alright so far. 🙂
But as far as the Hatsan’s go I have had several of thier pcp’s and liked them all. I did get a Sortie tact a little while back that wouldn’t fire semi-auto but that’s about the only problem I have had with them. I have had a couple of thier spring guns and they are ok. Would rather have my tx200 or HW30s over the Hatsan springers though.
And they are all well built guns. Matter of fact I was thinking to myself yesterday how rugged the Vectis is. I wouldn’t be afraid to take it out in the woods and knock it around. Definitely a solid gun ax well as the others I have had. And they do have very decent adjustable triggers.
Oh and another thing. So far all the Hatsan pcp’s have not had leak down problems or should I say slow leaks.
The only thing I can say that I don’t like about the Vectis is how loud it is. I have had a the Hatsan pcp’s with the QE quieting system and they are quiet. Not the Vectis. I live in the country so the sound is no big deal. But I still like a quiet gun when pesting or hunting. Well even plinking. It just makes for a more pleasurable shooting day. But that’s all I can think of right now. If I missed something ask away.
GF1,
I know that you live in an area where you can shoot .22 firearms without piZZing off your neighbors, and I know you like quickfire target shooting, so I want to know if you have ever fired a Browning LR22 rifle? It has a very short throw lever that actually takes part of the trigger assembly with it when you throw it and your finger never leaves the trigger as a result. If you haven’t shot one and you get the chance, I bet you will be buying one as soon as you get a little OT money in your pocket.
Since this is an airgun blog and to stick with the lever gun theme, at 10 yards you would have a blast with a Crosman Model 73 Saddle Pal. It’s a BB gun that is accurate (film canister sized targets 100%), gets 100 shots on a cartridge, and is VERY,VERY easy to cock, compared to a Red Ryder or the like! I don’t make these recommendations to you lightly, ’cause I know you’d call me out if I turned out to be “full of it”, so look into what I’m saying, and have a Merry Xmas!!
Half
Half
How fast can you pull the lever and shoot the BB gun your talking about. The Vectis is some what fast. But not fast enough. Semi-autos are just too easy is what I’m talking about. The Vectis is actually harder to cock then what I would like. I guess it’s the striker spring and lever mechanism that stacks up.
And yes I know about the Browning. As far as the Vectis goes I don’t think it would be easier to shoot if it had the Browning action. Basically because of the added striker spring pressure. That’s what makes it hard to flip the wrist right.
GF1,
I just fired the Saddle Pal as fast I could, not really aiming at anything in particular, and was able to fire 17 times in 15 seconds. The way it works you can keep your finger in a position that causes it to pull the trigger as you get the lever to its fully closed position. The biggest drawback to the gun is that you need to shoot at targets on or near the ground since the BBs are feed by gravity.
Half
Half
That’s pretty fast. I guess the big thing is it’s a bb gun. Not that it is a bad thing. But if I’m going to get a bb shooter I’ll probably get a full auto gun.
I got several semi auto pellet shooters so I’m good. I mostly got the Vectis for plinking but I see now after shooting that I believe I’ll use it for a pesting gun as well. Definitely can get a back up shot in quicker than with a bolt handle repeater and it does keep your trigger finger closer to the trigger than with a bolt operated repeater.
Anyway if I get more into the bb guns I’ll have to see about getting one of those Saddle Pal’s. It does sound like fun.
EVERYONE!
Please stop trying to post your comments multiple times. I have to read each of them in the trash and decide whether to post them or not. It’s making a LOT of work.
B.B.
Finally!!!
Everyone,
I will now start looking in the trash about every hour. Until this is fixed it may take a while for your comments to get posted.
B.B.
Blog is set to white-list all comments
B.B. and Readership,
Merry Christmas, Frohe Weinachten, Seasons Greeting’s, and may Joy and Peace rule the Earth!
My wife has given me an early Birthday notification! She saw the SIG FLASH Sale and bought me the precision Super Target Pistol! I also found two wrapped boxes that feel heavy enough to be Lead filled. Depending on what type could be 1,000 rounds of .44 Mag/Special or a couple of thousand Airgun bullets/ammo/pellets!!!
I hope all of you find things under the tree or in the coming year that bring you contentment, Heath and FUN with airguns!
Thank you for being such a great bunch of people,
shootski
PS: either B.B. is really fast or the system keeper has found at least an interim fix!
B.B.,
Reading the velocity test again I noted you tested the velocity with varying number of pumps for the pellets but you only reported the velocity for ten pumps using the Crosman Black Widow BBs. Could the velocity using only 3 pumps which would probably match the speed of the Daisy 853 lead to better accuracy?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Wow! What do you guys do — just sit around and dream this stuff up? 😉
I don’t know. We’ll give it a go if my rememberer works right!
Merry Christmas,
B.B.
A (very soon to be) Merry Christmas to all. Have fun and be safe. I consider ya’ all to be extended family. A super fine bunch to be found here for sure!
Chris
Edit: Posted right away.
Back at you, Chris U
Half
Half
An addition to the Aspen entry.
My FX independence will bleed down to 2000 PSI over an extended storage and takes a few pumps before I feel any sort of filling happening but it eventually pumps right up and continues to work fine. I read someplace that just happens to be the recommended storage pressure so I am going to let it be. I think it bleeds off through the pump parts somehow but not worth digging into, for now.
My Nova Freedom will also bleed down some depending on how long I let it sit, A month or so later it will have some air loss but I only leave 2000PSI or less in it to begin with. It’s enough to keep seals seated but not under deforming high pressure for extended periods. I have found many square ‘O’ rings in aircraft pneumatic systems that work with 3000 psi.
I just don’t worry about long term leakage, we serviced pneumatic systems daily for low pressure. Going empty is another thing. The attached hand pump, valves, gages and caps all add to opportunities for some leakage. Some people do luck out with a perfectly assembled airgun I guess but time is the enemy.
Bob M
Merry Christmas Chris!
BB
I don’t know if this has anything to do with blog problems. I have had many relatively long entries in the making suddenly lock up on me . No scroll, no up or down, no flashing bug. No way out but to end it most of the time. Sometimes I luck out and recover but never remember exactly how I did it or if it is repeatable, may just be a matter of time for it to recover?
Manufactures need to try to avoid dovetails in round tubes or round top receivers and go with some sort of flat top to assist in installing some scope rings and Weaver adapters so they don’t bottom out before engaging the dovetail completely.
Also I have two older GAMO CO2 pistols with extended barrels inside a fake silencer. The PT-85 and P-25. Both claim to be “The fastest CO2 pellet pistols 560PSI” as a result.
Airsoft now has fake silencers with spring loaded inner barrels that accomplish the same thing. How about putting a bug into the ears of manufactures of airguns to add 14mm threaded barrels and Power Boost faux suppressors. Take a survey for desirability.
I would enjoy finding something like that under the tree …. If I had one ! My grand children are still waiting to be created by getting a license to mix parts A & B, so I really have no need for a tree.
Merry Christmas,
Bob M.
Bob M,
I recently purchased a new Umerax Synergis from PA which is unfortunately defective. I am currently impatiently waiting for an RMA from them for a replacement. It has a steel Picatinny rail which I believe is laser welded to the top of the receiver tube, beautiful job and that is on a relatively cheap rifle so it is doable.
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
What was the issue? I have given the Synergis very hard consideration.
Chris
Chris USA,
If you have not already done so, go on PA and pull up the Synergis and read all of the reviews, there were only 13 of them when I last checked. THEN go to BB’s blog on 12/20/19 and read the comment posted by Terrell Coon to Gene Salvino on 12/22/19 at 2:57PM, it is almost at the very bottom of the blog. If you would do that, it would save me a great deal of time since my typing skills (hunt and peck) frankly suck!
If you would be so kind, please give me your honest opinion of my critique of the people who submitted the reviews of the Synergis. Now bear in mind that I am old (73), cranky and that was my take on the posted reviews for this rifle.
The only four things I disliked about this rifle other than the fact of the obstruction in the muzzle and I was unable to shoot it is as follows: 1. The plastic muzzle nut looks pretty “Micky Mouse” (doesn’t fit well, poor quality). 2. The underlever handle and release mechanism would be more aesthetically pleasing if it were slimmed down somewhat. 3. Open sights would be a big plus. 4. The packaged scope should have had a maximum fixed parallax of 35 yards rather than 100. I was aware of #3 and #4 when I purchased the rifle.
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
I have spent the last half hour doing as you requested. This thing is now officially (off) my radar. When it first came out, I did comment on the heavy weight. I know what 8 and 9# is like. I also know what 5 and 6# is like (Maximus). I also commented on the cocking arm latch and how it messed with the design lines. I also said that I would wait to see the reviews. Had I not already had other guns, I might have jumped right away.
Not having PA work on them is not good. Then again, PA might be glad for that? 😉
As for the people that offered their reviews,… about normal. I never know the shooting background of the person reviewing. I read them for what they are. If there is a common thread of complaints,.. I will lend that some extra credence. The shearing of pellets is quite concerning. Obviously mag. rotational issues and maybe a very poor lead-in to the breech.
The scope being set at 100 vs a variable or shorter fixed parallax is just par for the course. We have all complained about it. PA sells what Umerex provides them. I always look for the non scoped option, if one exist.
When I said that I had this one on my radar,… it was really before doing any kind of basic research. I was willing to wait for awhile, so no big rush. In hindsight, the weight might have been the killer for me. I was very hesitant of that right away. I have no lead slinging springers, so that is why I was looking in the first place.
Thank you for your insight,………. Chris
Chris USA,
Thanks for the prompt reply and your opinion on the reviews!
The weight of the Synergis is of no consequence to me since I bought it for pesting from a stationary position which does not involve having to carry it around. In fact it is lighter and easier to cock (based on the cocking effort specifications listed by PA) than two of my current springers and one gas ram. Hopefully, first and foremost it will be accurate and second to that have a decent trigger once it is either replaced or repaired.
I have never tried a PCP yet, maybe someday. I like the KISS principle with the springer/gas rams, grab it and go, cock once, load and fire without needing a lot of expensive support equipment.
FYI the serial number on my rifle is quite interesting, 0519220213335644, that puts it in the five hundred nineteen TRILLION range! There must be some other information encrypted in there somewhere!
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
The Maximus trigger mech. is “as is”. But,… it is simple and easy things can be done to make it way better. Perhaps the Synergis trigger mech is easy to modify as well? Something might already be out on “the net” already?
The feed/shear issue has me the most concerned. As for double feed/dry fire,… if some preventative measure is not built into the gun or magazine,… then you simply have to pay attention. No big deal on a PCP,… but not so good for a springer or gas ram. On the Maximus,… I double fed one time and was very surprised that both pellets landed within 1″ of each other and only slightly lower on target at 25 yards.
On typing,… you being the “hunt and peck” type,…. I will share a story with you. Until I got my first laptop,… about 50 years behind anyone else,… I really did very little typing. You might as well say,.. none. My first “real” attempt was right here on the blog. Edith filtered all of the post then and she must have thought that a toddler got a hold of Dad’s laptop. It was awful. Indent? Skip line? Space? Enter? Delete? BB might remember that one.
Now,… this blog is my primary typing practice and I am at the point where I still need to look at the keys mostly (not what is appearing on the screen) and can do it pretty fast. The best way I can describe it is a high-bred cross from only looking at the screen like the “pros” do. At times,… I find myself making the transition of screen looking only. Keep at it! 😉
Chris
Chris USA,
Of all the new airguns I have purchased these past few years, I have not tampered with anything on any of them except for removing the rear sight on one IZH 61 ( which interfered with the sight picture with the added aperture sight), removal of both open sights on one QB 58FC (the rear to make loading easier and the front to eliminate seeing it through the 3-9X32 Bugbuster when turned down on 3 power) and the front sight on my Diana 48 for the same previous reason except it sports a Hawke 3-12X44 Varmint SF on it.
My RMA was finally authorized by PA yesterday for the Synergis, so now all have to do is package it up and send it back for a replacement.
Concerning the feed shear issue with the Synergis, the reviewer did not specify exactly which pellet he was using at the time, most never do. Personally, I believe that a pure lead pellet of medium/heavy weight ( around 9 grains) would work best, wadcutter, roundnose, hollowpoint, etc. just so long that it is NOT TOO LONG FOR THE MAGAZINE! I would avoid the gimmick pellets especially those which have the hard, pointed brass tips which could loosen under the inertia of firing and bugger up the mags. Maybe I am all wet and those particular ones wouldn’t even fit in the mag for being too long, don’t know never tried any, I personally have no use for them, more expensive and only marginally more expansive than a regular hollowpoint.
Yes, you certainly have to pay attention when using any spring/gas piston which uses a magazine or clip to avoid a double feed or the dreaded dry fire! I have unfortunately done both over the years with my IZH 61s, fortunately I believe that it is not too serious in them due to their low power.
Here is an idea, someone could make an APP for a smart phone which will count the number of shots (programable) fired then audibly say cease fire or emit a buzzing sound. Watcha think?
As I explained in my last reply, I am old, pretty much set in my ways and DETEST change. I even prefer manual transmissions in my vehicles which in this day and age are actually pretty good anti-theft devices which come at no extra charge, actually cheaper (if you can find one)!
Regarding your RAV4, the same thing happened to my wife’s Subaru Outback awhile back and the whole driveshaft had to be replaced due to only one bad U-joint. What a rip!
Actually there are automotive machine shops out there that will machine out the upset swaged metal in the drive shaft yoke and probably replace the U-joint with a Mechanix type which is held in place by external C-clips located on the inboard side of the needle bearing cups and in some cases the cross even has a grease fitting! Another good use for TIAT.
Over and out, I have to give my fore and middle fingers a rest!
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
I like your APP idea. Very simple. I like simple,… and de-test change,.. not unlike yourself. 😉
However,…. being mature adults as we are,.. and having lived long enough that we in fact have seen MANY things change,….. we just might/maybe want to re-check our “detest change” stance from time to time. Just sayin’. 😉
Good luck with the replacement Synergis. Keep us posted on that.
Chris
On the driveshaft,… who is to say that they even make the U-joints separately,.. seeing as how the entire unit is designed to be replaced? Most shops want to set the machines up and do several hundred pc. runs. One offs’ will cost ya’. Then,… they might have liability issues at that point. It did last 120,000 miles.
Chris USA,
U- joints are still available in many different sizes, you would just have match up the dimensions of the original OEM one to get the proper replacement. Some businesses specialize in rebuilding CV joints, axles and driveshafts and logically would have to charge a core charge if your particular component was damaged beyond repair, just like disk brake calipers.
It is nice to have grease fittings on anything that has to slide, rotate or pivot, unfortunately most automotive components today are “lubricated for life”, problem is that in many cases it is not a long one, especially if the vehicle is abused. Residing in the “rust belt” doesn’t help matters either.
Bugbuster
Bug,
You are correct. My dad ran an auto repair shot for several years while I was growing up. I learned a lot about fixing and maintaining autos during that time (the 50s & early 60s).
You could always tell if a universal joint had been replaced because the original, in most cases, did not have a grease fitting. All of the replacements did have a grease fitting. Even if they did have grease fittings, many lube places would miss greasing them. Yup, and the vehicles today have sealed joints that can not be lubed, of course they don’t last as long either. Pickups may still have grease fittings, I don’t know, haven’t had one in several years. My ’96 Chevy Blazer had a ton of grease fittings.
Geo
Bugbuster,
In the spirit of KISS or is it Goldberg? Maybe somebody ought to redesign the feed mechanism to put up a literal red flag when there is an empty chamber.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Many of the readers here may not be familiar with Rube, especially the younger ones. For the ones who don’t, if you have ever watched the TV series “ELEMENTARY”, the complex triggering mechanism for the trap shown in the beginning of each episode is a “Rube Goldberg device”.
One of the most fascinating videos I have ever seen is “RUBE Goldberg’s FUTURE MUSIC MACHINE”! it is definitely worth watching, is only a few minutes in length, and is much more enjoyable in high def (if you can find it). It has to be computer generated which is a feat in and of itself in my opinion, the complexity of it boggles my mind!
With any springer/gas ram air rifle which incorporates a magazine, especially the high powered ones, it is very important to become thoroughly familiar with them to avoid a dry fire! You either pay attention or pay the piper.
Bugbuster
Hey Bug,
Good to see you posting again! You do very well for a “hunt & peck” typist and you do apparently proof read your comment too. I am self taught back when we actually used mechanical typewriters.
Hey, don’t ever try a PCP…you’ll hate it, NOT! Actually, I have found it much easier to pest with my Urban PCP because it’s always ready with only a bolt cycle. Then it’s much easier to de-cock if the pest flies away before I get a shot. Having a quick followup shot is another welcome feature with the mag. I haven’t used my Diana 34P for pesting since I purchased the Urban PCP. I don’t have an expensive fill system either, just an $85 hand pump which works just fine for my needs. The best thing about the Urban PCP is that I very seldom miss a pest with it. Sparrows won’t even come around any more ;). I’m with Chris, I definitely don’t want a long 9# airgun to use for pesting.
I haven’t shot for quite a while. I do need to get down to my basement and do some shooting at the pellet trap I built with your help. That trap is awsome.
Happy New Year, and I hope to see you posting here more often.
Geo
Geo 791,
George, thanks for the complement, I do the best that I can!
I usually proof read my postings several times to check for typos, punctuation, redundancy and etc. and still make mistakes. There used to be a spellcheck function on this site but it is no longer here OR I am too ignorant to utilize it! Sometimes, you just cannot see the trees for the forest until immediately after you click on send or post!
If and when I would get into PCP’s, I would be inclined to use nitrogen in them. I already have my own large tank and regulator but the cylinder is not one of the really high pressure ones, maybe 2000 psi max. A few years ago, there was a booster pump available which you could hook up to single stage air compressor to fill a PCP. I believe it would have been possible to substitute a nitrogen tank regulated down to around 100-125 psi to feed the booster in lieu of the compressor. Unfortunately, those booster pumps are no longer available.
I had even thought of using the nitrogen tank in conjunction with a hand pump or possibly even a common HPA compressor by plumbing the regulated nitrogen into the air intake of the hand pump or compressor. I am certain it would work on a hand pump. You would only have to set the regulator only slightly above the atmospheric pressure at your particular altitude.
Why nitrogen you may ask. It doesn’t support oxidation/corrosion or combustion, so by using it you can use any type of good lubricating oil in the entire system frequently to keep things working smoothly and rust/corrosion free.
As I told you in my last personal email to you, I will send you another box of a tougher uncured rubber with a piece of conveyor belting or two and a tube of TIAT. and with the exception of the grease, your trap will be even more efficient!
Bugbuster