Eagle Claw lever action repeater.
This report covers:
- Some differences
- The test
- Loading the magazine
- How powerful?
- H&N Baracuda Match
- Discharge sound
- JSB Ultra Shock pellets on max power
- New strategy
- Retest with Baracuda Match pellets
- String two
- Third string
- Trigger-pull
- Summary
We’re back at it with the Seneca Eagle Claw. If you remember, the first one lost all its air when it was filled. I have filled this one already with no problems, so the test continues.
Some differences
This Eagle Claw is a little different than the last one we looked at. For starters there are 11 detents on the power adjustment wheel, where last time there were only 7. And this one came with two manuals — one by Air Venturi and the other by Sam Yang. The hang tag says this is a Sumatra Eagle Claw, so everyone who thought this rifle descended from the Sumatra was right. The serial number of this one tells me it is a later rifle, so it’s probably more like what you will get if you buy one.
The last difference with this rifle is the Foster fill nipple. Where the previous one was super-hard to get either of my tank hose fittings to attach to, this one is easy. So I think we are on the road to a good test.
The test
I won’t be able to complete the velocity test in a single report. There is just too much to do. Adjustable power always makes an airgun more flexible, and I like to look at as much of that as I can without going overboard. But I have a thought about how to proceed.
Of course I will test the rifle at its limits — the highest power and the lowest. But then I will test the rifle at the power lever I would like. That would be somewhere around 800-850 f.p.s. with a .22-caliber pellet that I will assume will be accurate. If this was my rifle, that’s how I would set it up and shoot it. I have an AirForce Condor and an Escape for real power. What I want is an accurate rifle that has a lot of shots. You may want something different and I will test the limits for you, but that is what I want.
Loading the magazine
The Eagle Claw magazine is loaded from the front, pellet skirt first. I have to admit that I forgot that since the last time I tested the rifle. I loaded it from the back the first time. You can do that but the magazine doesn’t work right if you do. The rotating cylinder doesn’t rotate when the mag is loaded from the rear. I shot several blank shots before I figured that out. You can manually advance the mag, but it won’t go on its own if loaded incorrectly. That said, it’s no trouble to load it the way they say to.
If you load the mag correctly the pellet has to be pushed deep inside the cylinder. And it does go deep! That means it can accept pellets of all the heavier weights.
That’s the nose of a H&N Baracuda Magnum, which is a long pellet, way down deep inside the Eagle Claw mag.
Once I loaded the magazine correctly all problems went away and it was 100 percent reliable. I will also remark that the lever does operate smoothly, once you get used to it.
How powerful?
First I tested how powerful the Eagle Claw is with an obsolete 34.5-grain Eun Jin dome. The first 10 shots averaged 871 f.p.s. and the fastest shot went out at 888 f.p.s. At the average velocity this pellet generated 58.13 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The fastest shot made it to 60.42 foot-pounds. That’s for the power mongers among you. The slowest shot was 852 f.p.s., so the spread for those first 10 shots from high to low was 36 f.p.s.
The power was rising throughout the first string, and I can tell from additional testing that there are at least 2 good magazines on a fill on max power. That’s 20 shots. The gun was filled to 200 bar at the start of the string and the pressure gauge still showed 170 bar after 10 shots.
H&N Baracuda Match
I tried 10 H&N Baracuda Match next. They averaged 952 f.p.s. with a low of 931 and a high of 970 f.p.s. At the average velocity this 21.14-grain pellet produces 42.55 foot-pounds at the muzzle. The velocity variation for this string was 39 f.p.s.
At the start of this string there was 170 bar in the reservoir. After the string that had dropped to 150 bar. The green zone on the rifle’s gauge ends at 100 bar, but we were 50 bar higher and the velocity of the pellets was decreasing with each shot.
Discharge sound
I knew this rifle was loud, so I wore electronic earmuffs and shot in my garage. However, I wasn’t prepared for how loud it is. It registered 108.4 dB on my sound meter! Some of that is the reflection of sound off a concrete floor, but it’s still .22 long rifle standard velocity territory. The Eagle Claw on high power is definitely not for a suburban back yard. But the rifle does have power adjustments, so it doesn’t have to always be that loud.
The Eagle Claw is loud on max power!
JSB Ultra Shock pellets on max power
I also tested JSB Ultra Shock pellets on max power. At 25.39 grains this hollowpoint carries a lot of weight to the target. Ultra Shocks averaged 844 f.p.s. with a spread from 867 to 821 f.p.s. The velocity dropped in almost a straight line, so despite what the onboard gauge said, the Eagle Claw was running out of air at this highest power setting.
At the average velocity for this string the Ultra Shock generated 40.17 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. It probably would have been several foot-pounds higher if I had tested it right after a fill — perhaps 45-46 foot-pounds with this pellet.
I continued shooting, though there were now 30 shots on this fill. The Baracuda Match that had averaged 952 before now averaged 843 f.p.s. with a straight drop from 877 on shot one to 812 on shot 10. It was time to refill.
New strategy
I have played with Korean precharged guns as long as anyone in the US, starting with the Career 707 in 1995. I quickly learned that the Koreans build their valves for as much power as possible and the velocity usually starts dropping off right away. They make their air rifles for hunting, because Koreans usually hunt with airguns and not firearms. This Eagle Claw is somewhat surprising because the first string actually rose in power, before the drop-off started.
Since the rifle I’m testing has 11 power settings, I dialed down two clicks from the max and shot Baracuda Match pellets again. We now have a good baseline of velocity to compare to.
Retest with Baracuda Match pellets
After a fill to 200 bar the first string of Baracuda Match pellets averaged 955 f.p.s. The low came with shot one at 939 f.p.s. and the high came with shot 10 at 966 f.p.s. That’s a 47 f.p.s. spread and also an indication that 200 bar is just a little too high for a fill. But it did give me 10 powerful shots that average 42.82 foot-pounds.
At the end of this first string the onboard gauge showed 190 bar. That’s a thrifty use of air for a PCP this powerful.
String two
The second string with Baracuda Match pellets on this fill began at 965 f.p.s. and ended with 965 f.p.s. as well. The low was 962 f.p.s. and the high was 970. The average velocity was also 965 f.p.s. The total spread was only 8 f.p.s. I would say we have found the sweet spot for the fill. At the average velocity this pellet generates 43.72 foot-pounds, which makes both strings one and two more powerful than when this pellet was shot as a second string on the first test, when the power wheel was cranked all the way up. This is why owning a chronograph is so valuable when you own a precharged airgun.
Third string
But wait… I then fired a third string that averaged 940 f.p.s. The low on the last shot (which is shot 30 since the fill) was 919 f.p.s. The high was the first shot (shot 21 since the fill) at 956 f.p.s. at the average velocity this time this pellet generated 41.49 foot-pounds.
So, depending on what you are doing, there are 30 good shots that are MORE POWERFUL, on average, with the power adjusted two clicks down from the top than when the rifle is cranked all the way to the max. If you are hunting in the woods I’d say all 30 shots would be good. If you’re shooting tight groups at 50 yards then maybe just the first 20 shots are what you want. Of course the number of power wheel clicks you have to adjust to get results like these may differ slightly from rifle to rifle.
Trigger-pull
The trigger is single stage and breaks with 3 pounds 10 ounces of force as it came from the box. It feels a tad heavy, but the pull weight can be adjusted, and I will do that in the next report.
Summary
Well, we are back looking at the Eagle Claw once more. There is a lot to look at, as I mentioned. With adjustable power I expect to take at least one more test before we get to accuracy, but probably more. I also want to adjust the trigger a little lighter, plus I want to record the discharge sound at other power levels. Stay tuned!
BB,
Looking good so far. I do not miss the shot curve (Red Wolf and Maximus are regulated).
Is the lever light enough that you can down flick with just 3 fingers and not have to come up off your position?
I guess that would have to factor in how long the throw is too,… no matter how light it might be.
Chris
Chris,
No, the lever is not that light.
BB
These are some beautiful air rifles. I do so like the ability to make such a large power adjustment also. I am really interested in how those JSB Ultra Shocks do. This thing is still on “the list”.
A couple of boo boos.
Title – H&N Baracuda Magnums (Match)
Title and link – H&N (JSB) Ultra Shock
RR,
Wow! Did I even look at the pellet tins? 🙂
BB
BB,
You mention that this is not suburban backyard friendly. Well, the ‘burbs I live in a .22LR would hardly be noticed. You would have to break out some real artillery to get someone’s attention around here, although with the ammunition shortage it has slacked off some. It does not sound so much like a war zone on the weekends as it did.
RR
Same around here. Definitely quieter on the weekend.
So discharging THIS gun is what it would take to get someone’s attention in your neighborhood, RR?
FM,
88mm? Hmm, maybe. I was thinking more along the lines of an 155mm, but that might draw some attention when it went off.
RR
88? FLAK36 ? Good squirrel gun.
tt
TT,
Not if you want anything to eat.
Unless it is squirrel hash.
75mm; that will still draw attention when fired.
FM,
You might be surprised. I remember one industrious idiot took a whole bunch of that exploding target stuff and set it off. Made quite a bang.
Never did hear any sirens, so I guess he did not hurt himself.
RR,
A fellow at work was shooting tannerite in a microwave (in a field). The microwave door blew off and caved in a drivers side pickup door,… like an elephant did it. He caught it all on phone video. The microwave door flew 5′ to left of where they were standing. Idiots.
Chris
B.B.
I have always been interested in Korean air rifles. They go about things very differently.
When I was in Korea for a nephew’s wedding, I e-mailed Sam Yang if I could have a factory tour.
Never heard back from them……
-Y
B.B.,
Looked at the PA site and read lots of the reviews for this gun and still can’t find the answer. Is there the ability to add a screw on moderator to quiet this gun down a bit?
Years ago you taught me that the Sumatra guns are built for hunting and the Koreans have bought these guns primarily for that reason. They also spend a lot of time learning their power wheel adjustments to maintain velocity and extend shot count while out in the field. You’re two clicks down on the power wheel so I assume that you could extend your shot count/velocity/accuracy by dialing the wheel up after 40 shots?
Kevin,
The end cap at the muzzle is threaded so I assume an aftermarket silencer could be added.
Yes you can dial the power up, but now when you’re only two clicks down. Maybe when I get it to 800 f.p.s we can do that.
BB
BB,
I too would be interested what you could do. Turning down = more shots seems obvious. But,… can the fps spread be made more consistent by adjusting the power wheel through the session (like every 2-4 shots)? Flatten the curve, so to speak.
Maybe so,… but it could also prove to be a can of worms trying to get it nailed down. Just tossing it out there. I do not recall anyone discussing it here,.. or anywhere else.
Chris
Now that is a great idea. Smart Man!
Realistically, what difference would 3% fps difference to POI make?
-Y
Yogi,
Slight overfill leading to partial valve lock may not be helped with the power wheel. Find the sweet fill, start at power 6-7,… and then gradually open up to full power over the string.
As you know, there is usually a slight rise, maybe level,… and then a gradual down on the typical (non regulated) curve.
Chris
Chris,
It’s been many years since I have written about this but I could get 90 shots at around 25-28 foot pounds from my .22-caliber Career 707. I installed a reg. and a 17-click power wheel.
BB
BB,
Well,… I will leave it up to you to fool with,,. if so desired.
Maybe the use of a “power” wheel to get more consistent fps is a new (or forgotten) concept? Best of wishes if you pursue.
Chris
Kevin,
Yes, you can indeed add an aftermarket silencer to this.
RR,
Hello!
You won the “grab the grips” lottery. Steve Corcoran is going to call the thing if nothing happens ASAP. So you need to em@il me PDQ.
Em@il me here: B_loody_gearsATyahooo.co.uk ( remove the underscores etc ) This is my secondary mail address for internet use! Robert.
Robert,
I emailed him for you.
BB
BB,
Ok cool , thank you.
Come in RR ! Time is ticking away….
RobertA,
Just checking, I think you have too many o’s in yahoo.co.uk.
Would hate to see RR lose out due to a delay.
Mike
Mike in Atl,
Yep yooou are right! but, NEWS FLASH !!! : RR has made contact! Thank you BB !!!
The important email to Steve Corcran has been sent and everything should be down hill from here. Fingers crossed nothing goes awry!
Thank you everyone who participated and maybe there will be another “Grab the _____ ” lottery in the future ?!?! : – ) Robert.
Kevin,
Te Link is a little confusing but it is the adapter for the:
DonnyFL
Seneca Eagle Claw 1/2 x 20 UNF Adapter With Thread Protector #A58
It will then fit most of the Moderators he builds. I would think that this airgun could be made very backyard friendly, at least as far as sound level, with one of his products. I can shoot my Quackenbush .308 in my Suburban backyard using my Emperor V3 long with the 6.25″ extension. I would probably never shoot an actual bullet but have fired “blanks” to check noise level and function after doing maintenance on the DAQ.
https://donnyfl.com/collections/adapters/products/copy-of-benjamin-marauder-mrod-1-2-x-20-unf-adapter-with-thread-protector-a7
I think you could get more shots by dialing the power wheel but it would take some work to develop the DOPE Sheet for each specific pellet/bullet, shot number and reservoir initial fill pressure.
shootski
B.B
I seldom find fault with anyone’s writing, spelling or grammar,, but since I have seen that you are receptive to constructive criticism, I decided to mention something that no one else has,, so far. I will simply cut and paste if that is ok with you.
“airguns and not firearms are usually what Koreans usually hunt with.”
So far, this seems to be a very nice rifle. It would be a good candidate for regulation, tho. I guess we will see in your further testing.
Ed
Ed,
Sometimes I write like I’m speaking and things get garbled. I hope you like that sentence now. 😉
BB
BB
S’fine
Ed
RR, In my .9 of an acre suburban back yard is right next to a police substation and the citys storage yard facility. Sometimes at the end of the day the workers gather at the end of the alley there. If I’m using the .177 or the .22, no comment, but if I switch over to the .25 at 55 ft/lbs or so, i’ll here some whistles. Not a word from the police. I live in a very red county, and the amount of black powder that has been detonated has significantly dropped to almost not a single explosion. last 4th of July and the weeks before and after was off the charts, all hour of the night, no enforcement by the local constabulary. My dog hates it too.Way bigger stuff than black cats and cherry bombs. Now, the assault weapons ban is overturned, and its all quiet here now, but there are not many new airguns to buy yet. This Eagle claw looks like a good hunter should.
R
B.B.
This gun sounds like it would be happier if it was a .25 caliber.
What are your thoughts?
-Y
Yogi,
I know a lot of shooters will think so. I like it in .22.
BB
There is a lot of discussion regarding FPE, FPS, and power. Here we go again…”what are you going to do (hunt) with this airgun?” For a .22 caliber, the power seems way overkill in my opinion, definitely more than required for rabbits or squirrels. It’s no light weight at nearly 9 lbs, and not short nor compact at 46″ long. The stock is too nice to carry in the woods, nor would I want to lug this rifle around for any length of time. It is an attractive airgun though.
We place a cattle dish out in the back yard with shelled corn for our deer. Yesterday, I looked out and there was woodchuck eating out of it. He has been getting under my lawn barn too, which I do not want. This chuck was probably 10-15 lbs and my Gamo Urban PCP (22-24 fpe) dispatched it at about 35 yards with one well placed shot. A 50 fpe airgun would not have killed him any deader. My Urban is still performing flawlessly after 3 years of pesting. This spring it has helped me keep the sparrows away from my bluebird’s nesting boxes and we have had one brood fledge and a second brood is started. We also have a pair of tree swallows nesting in one of the boxes with chicks. This is the first time in several years we’ve had tree swallows. I have dispatched 13 sparrows from the nesting boxes this spring. The bluebirds and swallows are happy and safe.
Geo
“Eagle Claw” seriously? What on earth were they thinking!