by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
The AV-46M target air pistol is a reincarnation of the IZH 46M for the American market. It is the easiest-cocking single stroke pneumatic around.
Part 1
This report covers:
- The test
- RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle
- Air Arms Falcon
- RWS R10 Match Pistol
- H&N Match Green
- Surprise!
- RWS R10 pistol with boosted pumps
- Pump effort
- Trigger pull
- Summary
Today we look at the velocity of the new Air Venturi 46M target air pistol. There is a LOT of interest in this pistol and I must tell you that when the initial stock of pistols is gone you’ll have to wait until late March to get one. Russia is a long way away from Cleveland.
The test
I’m going to jump right into the velocity test because there is something special I want to do after that. Oh, and by the way — let’s remember that this is a 10-meter target pistol. It isn’t a magnum airgun made to shoot heavy pellets, and there is no convenient way to soup it up. This isn’t a sporting air pistol; it’s a target pistol.
RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle
I’ll start with RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle pellets. They are a wadcutter target pellet, but at 8.2 grains they are really too heavy for this pistol. However, they will work, and, because the AV-46M is so powerful, they work better than I expected. Ten pellets averaged 449 f.p.s. The spread went from 435 to 461 f.p.s. — a difference of 26 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet generates 3.67 foot-pounds at the muzzle.
Air Arms Falcon
Next up was the 7.33-grain Falcon pellet from Air Arms. Ten of them averaged 489 f.p.s. Right there the pistol has exceeded it’s advertised velocity of 480 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet generates 3.89 foot-pounds at the muzzle.
The interesting thing was this pellet only varied by 6 f.p.s. — from 487 to 493 f.p.s. That’s very stable!
RWS R10 Match Pistol
The next pellet I tested was the 7-grain RWS R10 Match pistol pellet. It was the first pellet I tested that it suited to this target pistol. They averaged 501 f.p.s. for 10 shots and I apologize to our Canadian readers, and especially to Hawkeye, who cannot own air pistols that shoot faster than 500 f.p.s. without registering them! The low was 497 and the high was 505 f.p.s. — a difference of 8 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet generates 3.90 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
H&N Match Green
Hopefully the Royal Canadian Mounted Police don’t test airguns with the H&N Match Green pellet, because at 5.25-grains, it will always be very fast. In the 46-M they averaged 532 f.p.s. with a 9 f.p.s spread from 529 to 538 f.p.s.
Surprise!
Well, all that testing was done by just shooting the pistol in the way anyone would. Now I did something special and I was surprised when I mentioned it in Part One that some of you didn’t know what it is. I have written about this little trick dozens of times in this blog, as well as showing it on the American Airguns television show back in 2010.
To boost velocity in a single-stroke pneumatic, pump the lever almost all the way, but not quite, several times. Then complete the pump stroke. The partial pumps expand the pump cup, warming it and making it more flexible. On the final pump the cup seals as well as it possible can and the velocity goes up as high as it can go. On TV I boosted a standard IZH 46 from 425 to about 460 f.p.s. this way. Let’s now see what I did with the AV-46M.
RWS R10 pistol with boosted pumps
What I did for each shot that follows was make 4 partial pump strokes that were almost complete. Then I pumped stroke number five all the way. That flexed the pump cup and made it seal better.
This time the R10 Pistol pellet that averaged 501 f.p.s. before this technique now averaged 523 f.p.s. The low was 517 and the high was 531, so a difference of 14 f.p.s. Let’s call this technique a 20 f.p.s. boost. Is it worth the extra effort? Not when the pistol is new and functioning perfectly. But when an SSP gets older and the pump cup gets hard, this trick can make an old pistol shoot like new again.
Pump effort
On my bathroom scale the test pistol took 22 lbs. of effort to close the pump lever. The secret to keeping the pump force as low as possible it to not “horse” the lever. Let it close smoothly, without rushing things.
Trigger pull
In Part One I adjusted the trigger of the test pistol from 310 grams to 524 grams, to meet the 500-gram minimum required for a match — not that I’m ever going to shoot in a match again. Today I tested the trigger and stage two broke at 526 grams, so it’s holding right where I adjusted it! Not only is that a testament to the refinement of this trigger, it also shows that the AV-46M trigger adjusts perfectly. I never had an IZH trigger adjust this well.
Summary
This pistol is testing out better than advertised. I love the trigger on the test pistol, and, if this was my pistol to do with as I wish, I would be sculpting these beautiful target grips to fit my hand.
My plan is to install a different rear sight blade to get the sight picture I prefer before I shoot the pistol for accuracy. And for the record, Tyler Patner tells me that the screws on the rear sight blade are left-hand threads, just like the IZH sight. That should keep you from twisting them off as you try to exchange sight blades.
I hope Alfa Precision makes as good a barrel as they claim. I can’t wait to see the accuracy!
B.B.,
Air Venturi imports this from Russia?
Siraniko
PS: Section Trigger pull last sentence: “I nevber (never) had an IZH trigger adjust this well.”
Siraniko,
Yes. This is imported from Russia.
Fixed the typo. Thanks,
BB
BB
For some reason I feel like I really need to get this pistol. But, spending $600. for it when I will most likely never use it for what it was designed for is hard to deal with. I think I’ll just settle for my Evanix AR6 pistol.
Bob M,
My Izzy was the second airgun I ever bought. I still have it. Several other air pistols have come and gone, including a UK Webley Tempest. They did not hang around long because they were not my Izzy. If you miss with this air pistol, it is your fault.
It is only recently that any other air pistols have continued to hang around and that is because they have their special place here. I know there are better shooting air pistols than my Izzy out there. I also know they cost substantially more.
By the way, I do not shoot competition. I just have fun.
RR
Just remembered I have over 20,000 Bullseye Bucks. Next sale and it will be on order. I can always sell it if I choose or hold it for a possible small investment as a collectable. But I believe I will enjoy it.
Now if I can add it to an existing 15% discount back order I have, It’s a done deal.
Thanks
Bob M,
You will not regret it. You will enjoy it. 😉
Bob M,
IMHO, the description “10 meter target pistol” only describes the level of accuracy/consistency that can be expected from the pistol and its “intended” use. You don’t have to shoot paper with it.
I use my FWB 100 for plinking and mini-sniping and it doesn’t mind at all.
So, instead you might think of it as a… quiet, accurate, superb trigger, indoor and backyard friendly, easy to cock multiuse pistol.
Just saying.
Hank
Hank
You have just joined the official list of enablers. And I will think of it that way. It’s just that I have a lot of pistols that can fill most, but not all, of the descriptive words above at the same time. It’s a high price to add one more feature to what I have already. You forgot to add wickedly intriguing.
Bob M
Yeah, wickedly intriguing 🙂
I like traditional wood stocks/grips but have to admit that the mord-syth coloring on the AV-46M is majorly cool!
Not being a pistol guy I only have the FWB 100, have to say that the “smile factor” on that 10 meter pistol is very strong – every time I pick it up I know that it is going to be awesome. The IZH felt the same.
Hank
BB,
Come on,…. you KNOW you want to get (buy) this pistol! 😉 Maybe PA could cut you a sweet deal? Let’s see?,.. there would be the PA discount,.. the PA blog author discount,.. the “Godfather” discount,.. and the free shipping. That puts it right at $29.99. 🙂
As for the “secret trick”,.. I knew exactly what it was (turned out to be),.. but as often as you have mentioned it in the past, I figured it must be something new. My guess is that I am not the only one, so that might explain the lack if inquiry/interest.
If I was into fine pistols, I would be all over this one. It would look great sitting next to the Red Wolf with that black and red laminate grip! Not to mention the very exotic looks,.. I’m always a sucker for that.
Chris
Chris,
Ha ha ha! Ho ho ho!
Enable, enable 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
BB
B.B.
I can not wait for the accuracy instalment either.
Merry Christmas all,
-Yogi
BB,
I am so glad I picked up my Izzy when I did at the Roanoke Show. Sandy and Gene of PA sold it to me for $300 when they had it advertised for $389. I brought it by Mac and your table and you recommended the 4.49mm RWS R10 Match pellet for it. I have still not found anything better to feed it. Like I have often said, if I miss with this air pistol, it is my fault.
Would I buy the AV-46M? Since I have my Izzy, no. If I did not have my Izzy, I would have bought it already. Now, I may worry AV silly until I can get a set of those grips. Mine has been shaped to fit my hand, but those sure are pretty.
P.S.
RWS R10 pistol with boosted pumps
… That flexed the pum,p (pump) cup and made it seal better.
RR,
Fixed. Thanks,
BB
Great pistol. Bought it used for about half of current price.
Super accurate, makes me look good.
Do like the new wood, original grip very bland.
BB
Couple of questions. Is the AV 46 an exact carbon copy of the Izzy 46 down to the last nut and bolt? Or does it have any special AV touches added the original Izzy didn’t? And in your honest opinion do you ever see the price coming down after its been out on the market a while? And man those grips are super sweet
Ray,
In Part 1 there was a comment that showed a different cocking lever. So it can’t all be the same.
BB
Ray1377,
On the PA site I noticed they updated the wording on all the parts/repair kits and the 46M trigger upgrade to say both IZH and AV 46M.
shootski
B.B.,
Gene Salvino posted a comment, last year, to your IZH 46M target Pistol Part 3: /blog/2019/11/__trashed/#comment-446299
It was with regard to corrosion in the valve body area.
Has anyone else experienced this issue and/or what measures can be taken to preclude/minimize said corrosion.
Hopefully Gene will weigh-in on the specifics beyond a SS build.
shootski
shootski,
Gene no longer works for Pyramyd AIR, so I expect his comments are over.
BB
B.B.,
I’m saddened if we don’t hear from Gene in the future he always added to the blog with his comments.
I hope he comments on his own.
I will however wish Gene the standard farewell given by Navy types; Fair Winds and Following Seas.
shootski
That’s a loss for PA and this blog. Really appreciated Gene’s comments since they were steeped in hands on experience. Best wishes Gene.
BB
I guess we will never know why. I guess that there could be a hundred different reasons why.
I have a hunch Gene will be a big loss to PA.
BB
We have learned that deep seating pellets in springers often increases velocity. I assume this would not apply here because it is a pneumatic which benefits from more time spent in the barrel. But I’m not sure and curious to know.
If Alfa Precision makes barrels for Ataman we can look forward to the accuracy of this one.
Deck
B.B. and Readership; most especially those of you who own one of the 46 or 46M iterations.
Does anyone have experience with the 46M upgrade trigger?
I have read the reviews on PA and can see one in my future since I have a really long hand and trigger finger and this upgrade increases the reach beyond the basic adjustment; beside the ability to adjust angle for Left handed shooters.
shootski
shootsky,
I bought one from PA, I like the original trigger better but that is just me. I put the stock trigger back on.
For a left handed shooter it should be better.
Don
Benji-Don,
Thank you for the quick reply. I guess I sort of knew that I would get it and try it. Especially since as soon as the Left hand grips are out I’ll be getting one of those; my Off hand pistol shooting needs all the help I can find!
shootski
B.B.,
It would be interesting to test the RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle pellets with normal seating. It probably won’t effect accuracy but may affect velocity and spread. I will try to test it before your accuracy report and provide my results in a comment. I hope i have some RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle pellets, if not I will use some similar pellets. I gave my pistol seater to my son for Christmas with a P17 so I need to make another one.
Don
Hi Tom,
I’ve lost my password to comment on your blog and the reset doesn’t seem to work so I thought I would comment this way. I read part 2 of your AV-46M review… another great article. All I wanted to mention is that there are a few Canadian vendors bringing in the AV-46M. The velocity is stated to be 480fps on their websites.
For an airgun to require a license in Canada it needs to exceed both 500fps and 4.2fpe. The 4.2fpe limit came into effect about 20 years ago when super light plastic skirted pellets started showing up on the market. The RCMP started testing everything with them and was going to re-rate all types of airguns. I think it was the Canadian Firearms Center (CFC) who stepped in. The CFC was a separate entity back then and not part of the RCMP. They said that any testing would have to be done with average weight pellets. The 4.2fpe limit helps account for light weight pellets that might go above 500fps limit while your airgun is under with the usual Crosman pellets sold at every corner hardware store and sports shop. Your own testing shows that the 46M is under 4.2fpe… except for when you did the multi-pump trick with the R10 pellets. I don’t know if that would be done in the RCMP’s testing. I know that sometimes the RCMP just look at the manufacturer’s documentation and use that information. I have personally seen stickers on the boxes of “detuned” .177 Diana air rifles that state that they are factory certified to be under 500fps… with 10.6gr H&N Barracuda pellets. It’s odd that the Canadian regulations don’t state what weight of pellet must be used to get the under 500fps rating. I think those rifles might have been the same as the rifles meant for the German domestic market (7.5 joule). Anyway, while they were sold as under 500 fps rifles they might be a little over 4.2fpe. Hahaha.
Best regards,
Ben
Ben,
Thank you for that update on Canadian airgun law. I learned something!
BB
Seems that I missed this last year. At any rate,.. here it is again for your enjoyment (annoyance?) again this year,..
(copy/paste)
For all,
‘Twas the night before Christmas, just playing around ~ The lead it was flying, one holer’s abound
My ammo it dwindled, of this I was ‘ware ~ For some I must save, to shoot the next year
So out came the cloth and wiping ensued ~ As B.B. has taught us, it keeps them like new
All tired and weary, I stumbled to bed ~ The smell of the Ballistol, still fresh in my head
Now was it the fumes?, the Nog? or the brew? ~ But as slumber came on,.. (strange) dreams did ensue
First was small pistols, dwarfed by huge scopes ~ What could be the purpose? Of none, I would hope
Next up was the pellets, some even had teeth ~ The tin clearly stated, “They’ll chew up the meat!”
From there it got worse. A nightmare it seemed ~ So many strange things. What did they all mean?
Startled awake, feet hit the cold floor ~ My heart began slowing, bad dreams were no more
Still groggy and shaking, I poured a strong cup ~ The Nog and the brew,.. I just might give up
I clicked on “The Blog” and soon it was clear ~ With B.B. and crew, I’ve nothing to fear
So blessings I counted, the big and the small ~ To be part of this bunch, is the best-est of all
Merry Christmas to one and all,….. Chris
Have a good one ya’ all, be safe and be around for 2021!,………… Chris
Chris
I have one book marked from you I believe.
I’ll have to see.
And guess what was on tonight. Battle botts. And the people were wearing masks. So it has to be fairly new series.
GF1,
I LOVE battle bots!!!!! I just found it and flipped to it. Thanks for the heads up!
Chris
To All,
Maligayang Pasko sa inyo at inyong Pamilya! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Christ is Born!
Siraniko
Siraniko
Same for you and your family.
Merry Christmas
To each and everyone of you,
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Guten Rutsch ins Neue Yahr!
shootski
To All
God so loved
Deck