This report covers:
- A as in AirForce
- The Tex-Rex
- Caldwell doppler chronograph
- Leapers/UTG
- Goliath bipod
- Air Venturi
- OmniStorm
- Bell target
- Summary
A as in AirForce
I’ll start with AirForce. I mentioned in this blog a while ago that AF would have soon something neat on the silencer market. Here goes–it’s an adaptor that has 1/2X20 airgun silencer threads on one end. It fits into a special end cap for the Condor with bayonet protrusions, so it’s seconds to install/remove. It’s called the Fast Attach Thread System, or F.A.T.S. Why they named it after me is a mystery, but there you go!
Max just twisted the F.A.T.S and is removing it from a Condor.
As long as you have a two-screw end cap the F.A.T.S will fit, so Talons etc. can work with it. Some older versions only have one screw and this will not work with them.
The Tex-Rex
Someone asked for this and here it is. The .51-caliber Texan is now upgraded to a 1,100 foot-pound big bore air rifle called the Tex-Rex. The .457 version will come soon. Is it the most powerful airgun in the world? Who knows? No doubt next year somebody will shoot a bowling ball off a skyscraper and chronograph it on the way down!.
Caldwell doppler chronograph
And speaking of chronographs, Ian and I were walking over to the Leapers booth and passed the Caldwell booth when a doppler chronograph grabbed us. Since I was going to ask the LabRadar folks to fix that gimmicky airgun microphone start switch anyway, I spoke to the Caldwell rep. Their radar sells for $500 and measures seven velocities for you. It uses a sensitive accelerometer attached to the barrel as a start switch. I may have made arrangements to test one for you!
The new Caldwell radar chronograph.
Leapers/UTG
At the Leapers booth I saw the 6-36 power Integrix scope that we used to hit the steel plate at 960 yards on Industry Day. Ian noted that it seems amazing we were able to see the one to one and one-half-inch paint splash from a 6.5 mm bullet at that distance, but we were.
Goliath bipod
We also looked at the new Goliath bipod that will compete with higher-end bipods on the market. Ian has a report for you on that for Friday — I hope!
The Goliath bipod on the 6.5 Creedmore rifle Ian and I hit the gong with at 960 yards.
There will be two different heights available and the one you are seeing is the shorter version. Ian will tell you more.
The Goliath separated from the rifle.
Air Venturi
The Air Venturi booth was next and you guys will know it as Pyramyd Air. Of all the airgun businesses we have seen at SHOT this year, this company by far leads the pack with the most innovative new products.
OmniStorm
First up is the new OmniStorm breakbarrel gas piston springer. And this is where BB will differ from the crowd. Because the OmniStorm allows you to change the pressure in the gas piston to go from 550 f.p.s to around 1000 f.p.s. Unlike most folks I like that it shoots slow as well as fast. Well, it takes all kinds.
I tested a concept rifle last year, just to see what I thought of the idea, and I was over the moon! I once owned a Beeman Crow Magnum that was a Theoben adjustable gas spring rifle in different clothes. That one was four-figure pricy and only adjusted a little. The hand pump for that one cost extra — a LOT extra! The OmniStorm will sell for UNDER $200 and you get everything– rifle, hand pump and a scope!
The OmniStorm from Air Venturi could revolutionize the gas spring world! You adjust the velocity from 550 to 1000 f.p.s.
Bell target
This last new product is simply fantastic! It’s a bell target. Shoot through the little hole and ring the bell. Miss the hole and your pellet goes splat against the steel plate. It’s a sort of fun field target type of target.
It comes with two plates with different-sized holes for under $50! RidgeRunner–fo you it’s a feral soda can that screams when hit!
Bell target.
We aren’t finished with Air Venturi by a long shot. So this SHOT Show is turning out pretty well!
Summary
SHOT 2025 is looking like a banner year so far. And you have seen less than half of what I have thus far. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow!
“The OmniShot from Air Venturi could revolutionize the gas spring world! You adjust the velocity from 550 to 1000 f.p.s.”
OK, BB, you’ve got my attention with that one!
I’m sure you’ll be doing a full review on it in the future, and I look forward to that. 😉
Blessings to you,
dave
Dave, over at HAM, they were told at the higher end of the velocities it has a (gulp) 50 lbs. cocking effort. But other than that, (and they should charge $50 more and have a better scope) I want one too!
“…at the higher end of the velocities it has a (gulp) 50 lbs. cocking effort.”
OhioPlinker, yikes! At my age, I’d have to stick with the lower end. 😉
Dave,
I goofed. It’s called the OmniStorm.
BB
DaveMyster,
I second the OmniShot. I’m on the fence, wait and see. Between that and the Crosman/Gamo pump that is coming (maybe it won’t be China- fingers crossed).
Doc
The Bell Target looks like a lot of fun!
I echo that remark!
Siraniko
BB
I tried to find some more info about the Omnishot but an Airventuri video was about the Omnistorm! Mixed with the Shot show perhaps? Still a very interesting concept. If only they could dump the, probably cheap, scope and make it look less Chinese.
Bill,
It can be quite difficult to make something look less Chinese when it is likely made in China. Initially I was quite excited by this Omnistorm thingy, but now I am thinking I really need to forget about it and see if I can get my grubby little paws on an HW90.
RR
I think we have discussed this before but let me present some thoughts on the HW 90 once again. I believe that you will love it since it is quite big. Both the 4.5 and the 5.5 that have been through my hands amazed me with their shot cycle. A small pump is mandatory. Excellent trigger. Accuracy is up to the user. This means you must spend time trying different power levels and different pellets. What a chore… I sold them both because somehow I didn’t fall in love with perfection!
On the contrary despite my hard experience with a 4.5 I bought a D350 in 5.5 this time. The challenge trying to shoot it well keeps me in love.
She might even become a keeper next to LGV and the D54.
The HW90 gas spring can also be adjusted – Hard Air Magazine has an article on how to do it. Have left the spring “as is” on the Casa FM version and it is a bear to cock it but it does help FM stay in shape so he can keep shooting.
Suddenly everything was corrected and Omnistorm it is!
Thanks to Dave’s first comment I will not look crazy. I suppose thanks are due to certain readers for pointing out minor grammar mistakes only.
Oh well, there always has to be a black sheep in the herd.
Bill,
I goofed. It is the OmniStorm.
BB
Tom,
Looks like the chronographs using light sensors are on the way out. I wonder when the record books will start showing game being brought down by those large caliber air rifles? The OmniShot seems to be the answer for people who want it all in their break barrel rifle. They can begin at the lower velocity and slowly build up the pressure and resulting strength required to cock their rifle until they reach their best mix of accuracy and power. Hopefully this gas ram will be easily fixed if it needs replacing. That bell target sounds like a lot of fun!
Siraniko
Siraniko,
I agree.
BB
BB,
Well, it looks like Air Venturi will be getting my airgun money for quite some time. Between the Omnistorm, the Bell Target, the Dragon Claw II Tactical, et cetera, Mrs. RR will not be a happy camper this year.
I am so looking forward to your review of the Omnistorm. I do hope it has a decent trigger.
Hmmm.
The more I read and see, the less I am impressed with the Omnistorm. The first thing I would do when opening up the box is throwing that cheapo scope away. The next thing is I would have to somehow remove those glowy thingy sights. The price point tells me that one of Uncle Xi’s buddies likely had something to do with it.
This thing makes me think back to the Diana 34 EMS fiasco. I will not slam the door shut on this as I will do my best to leave it cracked open just a bit in case I am wrong, but the more I dig, the less I am impressed with it. I would probably be much better satisfied with saving up and buying an HW90. Maybe we can talk FM into telling us more about his.
Now the Bell Target just may be something I will lay some bucks out on. That would go really nice with my 1906 BSA. 😉 Sorry BB, but you did have your chance.
RidgeRunner,
On the Omnistorm, that is a no, then a yes, then a no LOL. You are starting to sound like me. I do that all the time. I’m am not sold on it, but I am interested. With the China stuff I usually wait for some reviews. If problems start being reported, I mark it off my list.
Doc
BB,
Speaking of Air Venturi and their new Bell Target, just how thick is that front plate and how much power are they recommending we use or not when shooting at it. I know they do not like to make their other targets with much metal.
RidgeRunner,
From the picture I would estimate that the face would be at least ⅛ inch thick with ¼ inch of steel at the central hole most likely.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
It’s about that thick. It’s just a flat plate.
BB
Instead of a bell I bought a pair (< $20 for two) of these hit indicators from Hornady to attach to a spinner target.
I like that I can use any contact target size I want and have instant visual feedback of a hit. Figure that they will be ideal for my 100 yard spinners.
https://youtu.be/hZ4zJOCofcs?feature=shared
Hank
That’s a fun, useful “gadget.”
B.B.
How large is the front bell of the 6-36 scope you like so much?
Does the Caldwell Crony measure the velocities down range too?
If the Omni/Storm is match accurate, what a great indoor-outdoor rifle!
-Yogi
Yogi,
56mm and high grade German glass.
BB
Yogi,
It measures downrange velocities as well.
https://www.caldwellshooting.com/velociradar/
It apparently has some automated ballistic computational abilities as well.
shootski
If the OmniShot’s pump dies, at least it looks like it can be found on Amazon (and other places) for around $40-$50.
RidgeRunner, wonder where it’s made LOL
https://www.amazon.com/GIYO-Turbo-Shock-Bikes-Gauge/dp/B0CJBFZFXR
Doc
Doc Holiday,
GIYO is home based in Taichung City, Taiwan officially the Republic Of China (ROC.)
shootski
Shootski
I’ll take Taiwan any day over China. ROC is better than China PRC (People’s Republic of China) for me.
Doc
Doc Holiday,
DITTOS
” ”
As of day before yesterday the ROC has a bit more breathing room.
shootski
I just wish he would go ahead and recognize the ROC as an independent nation.
B.B. and Readership,
The bell target has been around for over 100 years!
https://www.belltarget.com
The above link is a really great resource with some specific links for airgun specifics provided below.
https://www.belltarget.com/air-rifle-law.php
https://www.belltarget.com/competition-rules.php
Enjoy :^)
shootski
shootski,
Yes, the bell target has been around for a long time. That is one of the reasons I want one to go along with my 1906 BSA. I am curious as to how well this one is made.
BB, in case any of the vendors have second thoughts about sending you free stuff to test, I can point around my room to thousands of dollars worth of airgun hobby items that I would not have bought were it not for your blog. I would not be a hobbyist at all, and I’m sure I’m not alone. That old Beeman catalog/newsletter might have brought many to the hobby back in the day, but today it is right here!
B.B. and Readership,
OFF of TODAY’S TOPIC ALERT
“FLIERS” many are caused by Drag Variability.
Pellets are all about DRAG and lots of it; bullets not so much.
So when we have pellet skirts that are deformed during loading and the shot cycle itself we have a much higher probability of DISPERSION…aka “Fliers.” Want to learn more:
https://www.hornady.com/dvrt
Wonder if some of the pellet manufacturers will learn something today? I hope they already knew this stuff but sadly i suspect many don’t!
shootski
PS: Bob M,
SO SORRY Shipmate!
This information will probably drive you to Waking the Plank ;^)
Shootski, get on airgunnation and search for posts from Ballisticboy. He makes the case that it is lift forces acting on the skirt, not drag, that helps diabolos achieve stability. The idea is that drag force by definition has to be in line with the movement of the pellet through air, while the stabilizing skirt force is sorta perpendicular to that, so lift. To add to the analogy, I think of a yawing pellet as putting “flaps down” on one side into the airstream, and the lift in the opposite direction of the “flaps” rotates the pellet skirt around the center of gravity to re-align it with the airstream. He contrasts a small skirt on a diabolo, normally tucked in the slipstream of the pellet head, with the much bigger skirt of a shuttlecock, many times the area of the shuttle head. One lift the other drag. I’d be interested what you think.
Best,
Mike
Berserkely Mike,
My training included doing rolls in aircraft that could roll as long as you had fuel going to the engine(s)
Lift is not really a force it is a reaction to angle of attack in aircraft which explains why F-104 with bi_convex wings could fly:
https://eaglepubs.erau.edu/introductiontoaerospaceflightvehicles/chapter/airfoil-geometries/
Birds have flapping wings! It would take a few days of face to face to dump the data/knowledge on you and it would still only be at the outline stage…it took months and months of intense work to get this stuff into my head.
A little bit of Bernoulli’s Principle, however, works in pipe flow. On to pellets…
http://www.nennstiel-ruprecht.de/bullfly/fomo.htm#header_forcesmoments
“The name lift suggests an upward directed force, which is true for a climbing airplane, but which is generally not true for a bullet. The direction of the lift force depends on the orientation of the yaw angle. Thus a better word for lift force could be cross-wind force, an expression which can be found in some ballistic textbooks.”
Obviously, in the absence of yaw, the wind force reduces to the drag force. Ballisticboy needs to do some studying…in my opinion.
Most folks cannot get their head around the SPIN of projectiles and just how FAST it really is. How can a symmetrical skirt that is spinning at Tens of thousands RPM generate Lift which only exists as a VECTOR that opposes the Earths center of Gravity?
Cd (Drag) is real and it is the primary THING that makes a pellet fly nose forward.
shootski
BB,
When will the Bell Target be available?
Also, any new RAW products from AirForce?
Thanks,
David Enoch
David,
They are looking to have it out in May of this year.
BB
Shootski,
To the contrary. I was going to mention this in my report as contributing variables to inaccuracy.
“Once you have the perfect match between pellet and barrel rifling and can achieve one-hole targets any fliers will most likely be caused by irregularities in pellet production or mishandling of the pellet somewhere between the tin and insertion into the barrel that caused damage to the pellet.” And all the obvious things like wind and, loud barking dogs!
As opposed to …” damage caused to the pellet as a result of incompatibility between the two, pellet and rifling, that may destroy the aerodynamics of the pellet in flight causing inaccuracy.”
Really wanted to submit an organized report, but the power has been turned back on. No more generator monitoring and making sure the ex is kept warm, and they both get fed, so here goes, in brief.
I read up on the various methods used in rifling, their advantages and disadvantages, (NRA- American Rifleman) and other online sites. Expensive and time-consuming rifling is not likely to be used in the production of run of the mill relatively low-cost air guns and it is known that accuracy is much better when you do.
So right off the bat, you have a rifle that is not as accurate as it could be and may have built in stress and vibrations.
Not only that, but it is also most likely that there was not time spent on lapping or refining the finished barrel. I am going to assume this does not help preserve the aerodynamics of the pellet.
The best we can do is try to “Break in the rifling” and find a pellet that works best, engaging, with the rifling design and circumference of the lands and grooves. My Diana P5 Magnum appears to have numerous rounded lands, and the bore is bright and shiny. My RWS 350 Mag has broad lands and fine groves and the AvengeX has more, thinner, lands and a long lead in before engaging the rifling ensuring proper pellet alignment with the bore.
Deep wide grooves do not seem to work well with pellets? Probably trying to preserve the skirts as much as possible and kind of square them off some to rotate instead of cutting into them. The good ones?
Some barrels may have permanent accuracy problems because of poor design in the breach or crown areas as well. Not to mention the fit, finish and assembly of the entire airgun.
It stands to reason a wad cutter will engage rifling, or should, because of the narrow head surface and skirt tips, better than a slug. Another reason for poor accuracy using wrong pellets for the rifling design.
I believe you are doomed to inaccuracy if you do not pay extra for it. And obviously extreme accuracy is not all that important for many, cost is. Sure, you may get lucky or find a seasoned air rifle that shoots well. Time seems to smooth them out some and helps with finding the right pellet.
In a nutshell, “You get what you pay for”… Hopefully.
Like I said earlier, not much new. But as a rule, just don’t expect fantastic accuracy from low-cost airguns. It wasn’t built in. Same with cheap or incompatible pellets.
Bob M,
I suspected as much.
So instead you will be hung in a cage on a rope from the bowsprit
with a jug of grog,
a loaf of bread,
and a sharp knife.
;^)
shootski
Off topic follow up.
Mentioned earlier in the week that science and technology in the future would probably reduce global warming before it melts us. Got this today, “New technology removes CO2 99,000 times faster than all earth’s oceans combined”.
Bob M,
Yup!
Research & Development, Technology, along with human gumption in a free society without politically motivated STUPID politicians and green/ecology “science” majors are who and what i believe in.
We need to STOP spending (squandering) donating money to that idiotic Green’s religion.
shootski
Im sick of those AR style wanna be air guns. The Omnistorm is a breadth of fresh air