Gamo Arrow.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
This report covers:
- The test
- Bolt blow-open solved
- H&N Baracuda Match with 4.52mm head
- H&N Sniper Magnum
- JSB Exact Heavy
- Summary
Today we shoot the Gamo Arrow for accuracy at 25 yards. The results should prove interesting.
The test
I shot from 25 yards with the rifle rested on a sandbag. Since it was already on target at 10 meters I felt a sight-in wasn’t necessary. That was a mistake I will address in a moment. I shot 10-shot groups.
I shot only heavy pellets today because the Arrow has demonstrated a liking for them. I think the pellet weight means more in this rifle than the head size.
Bolt blow-open solved
Today I took special caution to keep the bolt from blowing open. After it was closed I pulled straight back and up on the bolt handle. It only opened this way once during the test and it never blew open from a shot. Whew! That is a pain that is hopefully past.
H&N Baracuda Match with 4.52mm head
In the 10-meter test the most accurate pellet was the H&N Baracuda Match with a 4.52mm head. So I started with them, thinking I wouldn’t have to change the scope setting. Wrong! The first shot hit 2.6-inches above my aim point. So I cranked the elevation down a lot and also a couple clicks to the right because the first shot was also left of the centerline. The next shot hit low on the target, just outside the bull on the right. I left the scope set where it was and shot nine more rounds at this target. The 10-shot group is a little horizontal and measures 0.855-inches between the centers of the two widest shots. That’s a little larger than I expected, given that one of the 10-meter groups with this pellet measured 0.209-inches between centers.
The Gamo Arrow put 10 H&N Baracuda Match pellets with 4.52mm heads into a 0.855-inch group at 25 yards.
After this group I adjusted the scope up about 6 clicks.
H&N Sniper Magnum
The next pellet I tried was the now-obsolete H&N Sniper Magnum that weighs 15 grains. I have tried these a few times before without much success, but today they were the most accurate pellet. The Arrow put 10 of them into a fairly circular 0.54-inch group. At 25 yards that’s a group!
But this pellet hit the target 1.6-inches above the aim point! I shouldn’t have adjusted the scope after the last group.
The Arrow put 10 H&N Sniper Magnum pellets into a 0.54-inch group at 25 yards.
Because of what happened the last time I didn’t adjust the scope again. That was a good thing, too, as you’ll see.
JSB Exact Heavy
The last pellet I tested was the 10.34-grain JSB Exact Heavy. Ten of them went into a scattered group that measures 1.075-inches between centers at 25 yards. As you can see, this is definitely not the pellet for the Arrow!
Ten JSB Heavy pellets made a 1.075-inch group at 25 yards.
Summary
I think that is the last we will look at the Arrow. It seems like a good buy at the price. Just learn to check that bolt so it doesn’t blow open on you and you’ll be fine.
Hi everybody,
yesterday my friend left his Diana Twenty-One FBB here for thorough testing. He also gave me the 35 Commemorative to play around with.
Would you like a report on the 35 as well?
I’m expecting excellent results from the 35 (same system as a 34) and if the Twenty-One comes somewhat close, I’ll consider it a good value 🙂
Stephan
Stephan,
Sure.
BB
Stephan,
We do indeed wish to see all your testing. Enjoy!
Stephan
I for one really expect to see the 35C put to test. It’s a bargain in Europe even if it is a 34 internally at F power level.
Get back to us as soon as you can.
Bill
Stephan, I have a 1971 Diana 35 that is labeled as Winchester 435. I am curious how alike it will be to your 35. I had looked for replacement springs and piston seals but did not find much selection or clear direction on what is compatible. Apparently, one thing Diana does is reuse model numbers for different versions of airguns.
RG,
It seems the original Diana 35 was launched in 1930 and over 100,000 of them were sold in the 1950s. I guess the designs evolve over time, but the model numbers stay the same.
Roamin’,
This was a long time ago, but in case you still are in need:
https://twchambers.co.uk/airgun-spares/diana/original/gecado/35/
https://twchambers.co.uk/airgun-spares/diana-original/35s/
Michael
Thank you, Michael. I think the spring is broken, but it shoots so smoothly now, I am loathe to replace it. And I have other, more powerful .177s, so it’s actually a nice basement shooter! I put a vintage Diana peep sight on it, too. All I need is some extra front globe sight inserts and I know Chambers has them.
Roamin’,
As strange as this sounds, the reason it shoots so smoothly now is because of the broken spring. That’s what happens with Dianas. If I am correct, eventually it will stop functioning.
Michael
From /blog/2022/03/how-long-can-you-leave-that-mainspring-cocked/:
“An older Diana from 1986 to 2000 will often have a broken mainspring from improper stress relief. That is not 100 percent guaranteed, however. One inch of spring will be broken off one end of the mainspring. Sometimes it’s an inch off both ends of the spring. The broken piece or pieces will wind into the mainspring with the result that the airgun will shoot smoother than it ever has.
“. . . The Diana spring problem is a classic failure that’s still happening today, though not as often as it used to. It takes a chronograph to find it because the rifle will shoot smoother than ever.”
I recall when we were discussing candidates for a beginners airgun, the value-priced Diana springers were mentioned: 240, 250, 260, 21, etc. Your report on the model 21 would be very interesting.
Stephan,
We are looking forward to your reports.
You need to check the bolt with each shot? Hmmm. The trigger is typical Gamo? Hmmm. Although the price is pretty good, I think I will stick with my Maximus.
Caption for Baracuda Match. 10 meters?
Funny you should bring up the Maximus. FM has the .177 Gunfun used to enable him into PCPs, then found an NOS Hunter version in .22 – since purchase scoped with a Whiskey3. A couple of days ago was trying to use a $10 coupon at a Fish-themed site and while browsing, a .22 Max with the fixed sights popped up – the kit with pump, safety glasses, target and pellets. Asked Tom’s and Gunfun’s opinions on “springing” – not the best choice of word here 😉 – for it and thank them both for giving ole FM some gentle PRESSURE to pull the trigger and he did. And this morning it is no longer available; must have landed the last one.
When it comes to PCPs, it’s FM’s Ford Model T or early VW Beetle – simple, drama-free, gets the job done. This one will not be scoped or “red-dotted.” Santa has arrived early at Casa FM. 🙂
Basil,
How early is your Beetle? 🙂
BB
WAS, Tom – though back in the day it was not yet vintage. It was a ’67 whose career came to a crashing halt December 24th, 1967 when it went airborne after t-boning by a ’65 Chevy Impala; some kinetic energy generated there. Never seen an elephant fly, but a VW Beetle, yes!
Now FM owns – or perhaps is owned by? – a vintage VW, though not a Beetle but a Bucket. Next year it will have 80 candles on its cake. Air cooled, air guns, it is all cool and fun. 🙂
BB,
If you think the Gamo Arrow seems like a good buy at the price, you should check out the Snowpeak M25.
It seems to be new on the market, is a bolt action PCP, has a 250cc cylinder, fills to 250 bar, comes with a moderator, magazine and single shot tray. and get this; it’s available in .177, .22, .25, .30 & .35 cal! Claimed power levels are 20, 30, 58, 80 & 115 ft-lbs respectively.
It looks great on paper and sells for only about €350 in Europe. Hopefully it is nothing similar to its namesake, the M25 motorway around London, which is known for low speeds and frequent jams 😉
It doesn’t seem to be available in the US yet, but you might keep an eye out for it, and when it hits the market, please give it a test.
Stephan
I will be comparing your Diana 35 vs my Diana 35 (HyScore) manufactured in 12/70. Mine has been a joy. Mine passes muster for accuracy, velocity, aesthetics, cocking ease and shooting cycle.
Looking forward to your tests.
Deck
B.B.,
It is time for you to take a look at the cutting edge of Airgunning!
The folks who are new to airguns need to know that this is truly the Golden Age of the Airgun. Just as most of them will probably never drive, let alone own, a professional race car of any variety they will still be interested and some of that R&D and actual technology will move down to consumer products at more reasonable prices for the notoriously skinflint airgun community.
You should get on the list for an FX PANTHERA 700 to test!
MOA out to 200+ yards in .22 caliber.
Who of the readership wants to know the TRUTH according to the Godfather of Airguns® unbiased and complete testing?
Is this really just another step in the Golden Age or are we at the upper limit of what is possible?
shootski
Shootski,
Wow, looks really sweet. https://fxairguns.com/rifles/the-panthera/ Do not know if we are reaching the upper limit of what is possible, but that item looks like it will be pushing the limits.
Mike
Mike,
Best I can tell this purpose built to take the fight to the .22 caliber (firearm) Precision Rifle shooters. If the FX production rifle shoots as well as the preproduction rifle I saw the rimfire folks are done since they have almost no chance of matching the precision I saw demonstrated. Yes individual behind the trigger still counts for a bit of the accuracy but as we know airguns are (can be) more precise to begin with. That means if all other things are equal the FX will win the competition of .22 rimfire vs airgun hands down.
This is a Shot Across the Bow by FX to Precision Rifle competition.
shootski
Shootski,
I think you are quite right, there is a video that I can not link to because it is a Pyramyd AIR competitor so I will leave up to the readers to find it. And yes that is some serious airgun accuracy. Hats off to FX they seem to be willing and able to make some great stuff.
Mike
shootski,
Panthera… A very interesting piece of kit! I’m really curious about this one! …maybe less so once I hear the price though LOL!
Not a re-hash of an existing product but a purpose built long range slug gun! Been waiting for someone to put something like this together, not surprised that FX is the one to step up to the plate.
As you point out, the Panthera is leading edge stuff. Even if it’s not your type of airgun the technology will filter down to more general use levels.
Exciting times to be an airgunner!
Hank
Vana2,
Hank the quoted US$ price will not shock you and I suspect the CD price should be very similar to all the top end FX platforms.
For what I saw out in Utah just a few days ago it is a bargain at the MSRP.
They have done some interesting R&D and turned out some preproduction examples; now to see if FX can produce the Panthera (the h is silent) in quantity.
shootski
B.B. Pelletier never informed whether or not the Arrow had been manhandled by other testers prior to his testing.
Mine only blows open when I don’t push a hard seating pellet all the way home, and it’s only happened maybe ten times in several hundred shots.
Ham fists pulling the handle straight back instead of down and back may have rounded off the notches.