by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Air Venturi Avenger.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
This report covers:
- The goal
- The test
- Sight in
- Air Arms pellets
- First group
- Second group
- Discussion
- Air Arms Falcons
- Discussion 2
- Summary
The goal
Today I’m doing something I don’t normally do. I am comparing airguns. Today my goal was to determine whether mounting the Meopta Optika6 scope on the Air Venturi Avenger would give better accuracy with that rifle than the Bug Buster I used in parts 4 and 5. Also, could the Avenger possibly equal the accuracy of the Air Arms S510XS? I learned a lot of things in today’s test.
The test
The test was to shoot the rifle from 25 yards. The rifle was rested directly on a sandbag for this test and I loaded each pellet singly. I shot 10-shot groups. Let’s get started.
Sight in
I shot one pellet at 12 feet and then backed up to 25 yards. The Optika6 scope adjusts positively with absolutely no stiction! I was on target in 4 more rounds. I sighted to hit the bull below the aim point, so I could preserve it for the entire group. Remember that the Optika6 is so clear that I can see its central dot and cover the 10-dot of a target.
Air Arms pellets
The first pellet I tested was the 16-grain dome from Air Arms. They did well at 10 meters and were the best at 25 meters in Part 5. Before I started shooting I thought I might shoot five 10-shot groups with this pellet and wow you. But that was before I looked through the Meopta scope! I had forgotten just how clear this scope is and that the dot at the center of the crosshairs is the same size at 18 magnifications as the 10-dot on a 10-meter rifle target at 25 yards. Trying to keep the black scope dot on top of the white target dot turned out to be frustrating, as small movements of less than 1/10-inch were constant and clearly visible.
Before I tell you what happened — how well did the Avenger do when the Bug Buster was mounted? The best group with this pellet using the Bug Buster scope was 10 shots in 0.348-inches at 25 yards. Anything significantly better than that would be noteworthy.
First group
The first 10-shot group of Air Arms pellets using the Meopta Scope measures 0.242-inches between centers. That is significantly smaller than the best group shot with the Bug Buster scope. I must admit — the Meopta scope did make the Avenger more accurate! Until now I did not think that was possible, but the results are clear to see. But there’s more.
The first group I shot with the Meopta scope was significantly better than the best group shot with the Bug Buster. Ten Air Arms 16-grain domes are 0.242-inches apart.
Second group
I didn’t like how the scope dot was moving during the first group so I shot a second group. This time I gave it my all. Every ounce of concentration and discipline went into shooting this group. The pellets didn’t seem to wander as much this time and when I finished ten pellets had gone into a group that measures 0.17-inches between centers. That is smaller than the best group I shot with the Air Arms S510XS, back on October 2nd of 2019, in Part 5 of my 7-part test. That group measured 0.18-inches between centers.
6
The Avenger put 10 Air Arms domes into 0.17-inches at 25 yards.
Now these groups are subject to errors in measurement, so the 0.17 I shot in this test might actually be the same size as the 0.18-inch group in the 2019 test. The point is — the two groups are similar in size. That means that the Air Venturi Avenger is just as accurate as the Air Arms S510XS.
Was luck involved in shooting both of those great groups? Yes — beyond question it was. Could a better shot do better with either rifle? Yes, again. But I am a constant in these two tests. This is as good as I was able to do on both days in question with both rifles shooting the same pellet.
Discussion
This result was unexpected, though it was the very thing I was trying to accomplish. I am as surprised as the rest of you by what has happened. But let’s take nothing away from the Air Arms S510XS. Could I do even better with it on another day? Undoubtedly I could. All I am saying is the Avenger — a price-point PCP — is just as accurate as a $1,500 PCP from a respected major maker! That’s real news in my book!
Air Arms Falcons
I wasn’t through testing the Avenger. I switched to the Air Arms Falcon pellet — another dome that’s similar to the 16-grain dome, but lighter at 13.43 grains. The first three shots went into the same hole that seemed to have no relative size. But then the concentration thing caught up with me and by the end of ten shots I had a 0.245-inch group at 25 yards.
The Avenger put 10 Falcon pellets into 0.245-inches at 25 yards.
Discussion 2
Do you realize were are discussing three 10-shot groups shot at 25 yards that are all under a quarter-inch? This kind of accuracy isn’t common and deserves our attention.
I have learned that a scope can increase accuracy when it is as sharp and clear as the Meopta Optika6. It’s the difference between cutting something with a knife or cutting it with a scalpel.
I wouldn’t have believed it but a PPP has delivered the same accuracy as a fine premium PCP. At this point I appear to be the limiting factor.
Summary
I have to say that the Air Venturi Avenger is a world-class PCP and a best buy. It may even be the best air rifle I have tested in decades.
I also have to say these results do not mean that I will not buy the Air Arms S510XS rifle. There is so much to like about that rifle that I now face a difficult decision.
Given yesterday’s blog on The Great Enabler , I am doing it again. Spouses — beware!
Well damn. Full stop. That was what I was hoping for, and kinda expected. But it’s still a bit of shock to read it. I’m in.
Ok, so you can have a nice Boyd’s custom stock added to the avenger, and still be less than 1/2 the price of the 510.
Air Venturi, are you listening?
Offer a premium wood stock version.
Or Steve Cochran, you make wonderful custom stocks, here is your next candidate…
Ian..
BB,
Fine shooting. In my opinion,…of course better glass makes a difference.
On choice,… why choose? Get both! 🙂 Just like me and my Maximus and my Red Wolf. I love them both and would not want to be without either. Nothing beats your favorite grab and go pester,… just as nothing beats shooting a fine piece of eye candy like the 510.
Come on,…. you know you “deserve” the 510! 😉
Chris
Chris,
I’m sort of thinking the same way. 🙂
B.B.
BB,
LOL! As am I! A nice piece of eye candy and a bang around shooter is a good combo. You do realize that you have several nice pieces of eye candy and bang around shooters already.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. 😉
B.B.
I’m impressed!
-Y
BB,
Somebody had better send AV a round tuit. They have sent out all of these Avengers to all of these reviewers so as to prep sales. We are sitting here salivating and waiting impatiently to get our grubby little paws on them and cannot. When they finally do hit the market they will be sold out in the first week and those of us who did not preorder will have to wait months to get the next shipment.
Before the second shipment arrives though, all Chinese imports will be banned and for once I will not be happy about that because I have finally found an air rifle that is made in China that is worth owning.
RR,
Well,… if you have made your mind up,… then get a pre-order in now. End of story. If not,.. we don’t want to hear no griping later on,…………
😉 Chris
It is not so much the mind, but the wallet.
RR
I can’t believe your name isn’t on a list for one of these yet. As soon as I can save the 300 I’ll be on two lists….One for an Avenger 22 and one from my wife.
,
Rk,
I am already on one of those lists.
RR,
A comment over at GTA shows the Avenger shipping from PA (previously showed on back order for the customer). Just some FYI for ya’.
Chris
BB,
You asked me to remind you. Don’t forget to test the shot count at lower fill pressures, say 2500 and 2000 psi.
Brent
Brent,
Thank you very much! I did say I would test that and now is the perfect time.
Thanks for being so faithful!
B.B.
BB
I can’t remember . Are you planning to take it to 50 or even 100 yds? Or is that up to ones who preordered?
rk,
I will take it out to 50 yards.
B.B.
BB
Well I’ll be darn. This one gets a 50 yarder. Go figure.
GF1,
I wanted to,.. but did not even ask. Glad to see it as field target or hunter field target goes out to 55 yards,… if not mistaken. Maybe a good entry level gun for the sport?
Chris
Chris
Right.
BB
You just blew up my theory. I was convinced that 25 yards was too close to take advantage of the Meopta scope. Great shooting on your part. I already have several rifles that may benefit with finer optics at 25 yards. Could it be that a popular priced scope with a smaller reticle would suffice as a reader said in part 5? I know where to find a used fine reticle scope that is not rated for reverse recoil. I can put it on my FWB300S and run my own test.
Deck
Deck,
Yes, I do attribute the increase in accuracy to two things — first, the Meopta scxope is so clear that I can see everything and second, the dot in the center of the crosshairs is so small that I can hold it exactly where I want it. There is no guessing with this scope! I have never seen movements of less than 1/10th inch before!
B.B.
Deck
Why would you think 25 yards is to close?
Gunfun1
Again, my theory was blown up but here is why I thought my theory was legit. My eyes are old but still able to get a good sight picture at 25 yards with rear aperture and globe insert front. Beyond 25 yards, maybe even 50 yards, a decent scope is going to be more accurate. I will admit that years ago I could hit a playing card at 100 yards with both a T/C 14 inch barrel .223 pistol and also a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum pistol using handloads in both. I rested the pistol butt on a thick piece of leather and shot 3 shots only. But the playing card was too small to focus on. My sight picture was the square backing the card was taped to. Some readers will think I’m tooting my horn. Others are thinking so what! I know that my Remington 700 BDL .243 would be miserable if limited to playing card accuracy even with its $100 scope.
But I believed I could do as well with nice peeps vs a scope at 25 yards. I have to find out if that is correct for me. I don’t have a Meopta scope.
How does BB’s report today affect you?
Deck
Deck
If you got a scope that has a fine cross hair it does make a difference. I can always shoot better with a scope than a peep or open sight.
As the saying goes. You got to see what you want to hit.
B.B.
Dang! Instead of finding a reason NOT to buy, you have presented me with a reason to get rid of all of my springers and to immerse myself in PCP accoutrements.
As well you have pointed out the need for lots and lots of practice. In all, the tool is no better than the skill of the user.
Dan
Nice shooting,Sir. This reminds me when Honda Accura’s came out. Blew BMW 3 series in particular, away.
But Also the 5 series cars, in terms of value. Allot of pressure and quality from the low end appears.
I passed on a $366. Walther LGV hoping this thing would show up. Go figure.
I’d need to buy a compressor to get the shot count this rifle offers, otherwise it would get filled to
a normal 3k psi or so. In the mean time an externally adjustable regulator is available for the Prod
from Jefferson State. In two weeks, I mean.
Really great shooting B.B.
Rob
B.B.
In Avenger Part 4, you gave us side elevation of the mounted Bugbuster. Please condider a similar side view of the mounted Myopta if you do a Part 7. I’m interested in objective-to-barrel clearance. Thanks – I know you are busy.
john
John,
The centerline of the scope is 2.25-inches above the centerline of the bore.
B.B.
BB
I think John might mean the clearance between the barrel and the objective bell of the scope.
Maybe something like a 1/8″ depending on what scope rings you use.
Or maybe I’m wrong.
GF1,
No, you’re right. I reread his comment and now I undersatand. That space measures 0.30-inches. I’m using the Sportsmatch high adjustable rings and the rear ring it up just a little.
B.B.
BB
Ok.
How big is the front objective lens on the Meopta scope anyway. I imagine you mentioned it somewhere. But I don’t remember.
GF1m
56 mm.
B.B.
BB
Thanks.
Thank you both.
Yes, I’m always trying to minimize objective bell-to-barrel clearance. It’s a function of bell diameter, shroud (if exist) diameter, scope mount dimensions, and scope tube diameter. And all that info is usually a chore to collect.
john
John,
I got my .25 M-rod before I ordered a scope. After getting the gun,… I did a full scale drawing of the top end (mounting area). I then went to the UTG site and got the full dimensions of the scope and rings. Added that to the drawing. I ordered, based on that. The bell to shroud ended up at 1/8″. I had figured 3/16″.
Like you said,…. a chore to collect. But,… it worked great.
Chris
John,
I would add,…. I was also trying to verify magazine avoidance with turret mound issues as well as factoring in eye relief,… based on 2 springers I had at the time. Getting the magazine and turret mound issue worked out,.. and the front bell to barrel clearance issue,… means nothing if you do not factor in fore and aft eye relief position.
Chris
B.B.,
Way to go! But I could tell you are in need of shooting with that Meopta scope more. Why? Because from personal experience feeling the RUSH when you see the group go into a pinwheel at first and then have to watch the bites out of the black start…it takes immense mental strength to stop the shot cycle each time it isn’t perfect and not rush to the end result! Good scopes do that!
I would recommend you spend those dollars on one or more good and better glass! Only then should you buy that next airgun to put under it.
You deserve better glass Sir!
I know,
shootski
BB,
Glad you’re doing 50 yards. I got my order in on July 8, so I think my gun will ship on the 20th, according to PA. Your earlier results and other reviews inspired me to pull the trigger on a .22 version. I really hope the “reviewer” issued guns weren’t cherry-picked, because I have felt a little skeptical that they have all been so eye-poppingly positive. I guess I’ll know in a week or so.
Under “Discussion 2” you wrote “Do you realize were are discussing three 10-shot groups…..” Maybe “we’re” or “we are” instead?
Half
Chris,
Good points. I’m thinking an Excel spreadsheet can be recruited to spit out the numbers of interest, next time this comes up.
john
(who is teased by this Avenger he really doesn’t need)
I opted in on a .25 Gauntlet some time back I see this as a logical progression of features. That being said i will wait to see if all the early users have any issues crop up. I will say though look past the ugly duckling features of the Gauntlet mine is spot on accurate and does not leak so i am in no rush.
I suppose if i had not jumped into the PCP thing this might well be where i would just take the leap and pre order. On the other hand boy am i glad i did not go in and do the same with the Aspen as it looks like a real coin toss QC wise.