Umarex Komplete air rifle.
This report covers:
- JTS Dead Center 18.1-grain domes
- Why?
- Adjusted the scope
- JSB Hades
- Air Arms 16-grain dome
- What I suspect
- What’s next?
- Summary
Today we finish the 21-yard / 19.2 meter accuracy test of the Umarex Komplete rifle running on nitrogen. Because this is the second part of what we started on Wednesday, I won’t be repeating all the introductory stuff. Read Part 4 if you want clarification. Let’s get right to the additional accuracy tests.
JTS Dead Center 18.1-grain domes
The second most accurate pellet from Part 3 was the JTS Dead Center 18.1-grain dome. Today I shot 10 at 21 yards and a very strange thing happened. All the shots went low and left—WAY left! In fact it took me several minutes to even find the first pellet hole.
See the group in the circle? The aim point for that group was the center of the bull the arrow is indicating. The group in that bull hadn’t been shot at this time.
The Komplete put ten 18.1-grain JTS Dead Center domes into a 0.675-inch / 17.145 mm group at 21 yards.
Why?
Why did the impact point of the pellet move so far with this pellet? There could be a couple reasons—two of them are pretty obvious. One, I could have bumped the scope after shooting the last group. Two, the pellet could have hit the side of one or more of the baffles.
I did not remember bumping the scope at any time since I just shot the first group, so I looked inside the muzzle and saw a couple shiny spots of shaved lead. I think that’s the cause. That means that the group size of 0.675-inches / 17.145 mm is not correct because one or more pellets were thrown wide by hitting the baffle. Maybe all of them hit, because why else would they move so far from the aim point and yet all be so close togerther?
I will note that this pellet did load into the breech much harder than the other pellets shot in today’s test. I remember that from the Part 3 test as well.
There is a spot of shaved lead at the muzzle and also one on a baffle deeper inside that I can’t photograph.
Seeing this condition also throws doubt on the groups that follow, though they aren’t that bad. But I will press on and complete the report.
Adjusted the scope
I did adjust the scope after seeing this new impact point. I hadn’t examined the rifle yet and thought the scope had been bumped during the NitroAir cartridge swap (mentioned at the end of Part 4).
JSB Hades
Next to be tested was the JSB Hades hollowpoint. Ten made a 0.649-inch / 16.49 mm group at 21 yards. It’s not a horrible group, but given what we now know about the baffles it may not represent the best the Komplete can do.
Ten Hades pellets made a 0.649-inch group at 21 yards.
Air Arms 16-grain dome
The last 21-yard target was shot with the 16-grain Air Arms dome. Ten pellets went into a group measuring 0.402-inches / 10.21 mm between centers. That is so close to the Falcon group in Part 4 (0.4-inches / 10.16 mm) that they may be the same because errors in measurement are larger than the differences. And this tells me something—I think.
Ten Air Arms 16-grain domes went into 0.402-inches at 21 yards.
What I suspect
I suspect some pellets clear the baffles and others do not. Those that don’t are causing problems as the distance to the target increases.
What’s next?
There are two schools of thought about what to do next. We could try to ream out the baffles slightly so other pellets would clear and possibly be accurate. Or we could test more pellets and look for the ones that don’t have a problem. I will do the latter.
Summary
I find the Umarex Komplete rifle to be a best buy and the best entrance into the world of PCPs for the shooter who isn’t sure whether they want to go that way. Yes the NitroAir cartridges are prohibitively expensive, but the Komplete gets you into the “dark side” of PCPs without any additional investment. And, with the right pellet it is quite accurate!
Air Venturi has brought out a high-pressure air tank for this rifle! I’ll have more on that soon because they are sending me one to test. Enable, enable.
Now—why hasn’t some 3D print shop given us a single-shot adaptor?
I am in no way finished with this rifle. My plan is to do one more 21-yard accuracy test—looking for some more good pellets that have no problem with the baffles. Then I plan to test it a LOT more!
B.B.
Air arms wins again!
Last week I went to the range and had to move my POI 2 inches up and 2 inches right. Took me awhile to zero my scope at 28 yards. This week I went to the range and had to move my scope 2 inches down and 2 to the left. Go figure………
Have a great weekend everybody!
-Yogi
PS this was with a different tin of JSB 8.44’s
Yogi,
Once upon a time I had a very similar problem with my Gamo CFX. It was due to the placement of my trigger hand thumb. By placing my thumb behind the tube, my group would be at one point and by wrapping my thumb around the stock, the group would move to a different POI.
This may not be your problem, but it is certainly worth looking at.
Tom,
Don’t suppose you have some lead sinker larvae that you can shoot to enlarge the baffle holes with before resuming testing other pellets?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Good idea! I’ll give it some thought.
BB
BB
That brings up the variable of bore seasoning. Will the fishing line sinkers change the bore?
Deck
B.B.
Time to “freebore” that LDC!!!!
-Yogi
Siraniko,
I think loading the breach with pea gravel will be more comparable to the accuracy attainable with a CNC lathe… ;^)
shootski
BB
While I have not tried JTS pellets in my .22 Komplete, I have seen this pellet give dramatic changes in point of impact (POI) compared to AA 16 grain dome pellets in my Dragon Fly at 20 yards.
I also have experienced a similar event that Yogi describes above.
Deck
Deck,
Read my response to Yogi.
RR
Good reminder. My Dragonfly MK 2 is surprisingly hold sensitive for POI even though it is a pneumatic. Decent group sizes can be had with just about any hold on this Dragonfly but only if I’m careful to repeat the chosen hold for 10 shots. Problem is I shoot so many airguns in rotation my rememberer doesn’t always remember to do it.
Deck
RidgeRunner,
I’m puzzled.
Do you all (air gunners in general) really expect last weeks POA to POI match to work today, tomorrow, or next week? I find that unbelievable! I start off most target shooting sessions with a “cold bore” shot just to see how close/far off the mechanicals have held the previous zero. If the environmental conditions have significantly changed i might even use D.O.P.E. to dial my sight system hoping to get close to the previous POI.
If it does it is mostly a result of pure luck IMO.
I guess if you shoot indoors and at 10 meters or 21 yards at the most you won’t hit the couch all too often ;^)
shootski
shootski,
I usually do not have problems with POA and POI changing.
With the issue I had with my CFX I could hit in one group with my thumb behind the tube and hit it the other group with my thumb wrapped. I could then change POI back to the other group by placing my thumb behind the tube. I could switch back and forth depending on where I placed my thumb.
RidgeRunner,
There was a time i might have scoffed at your Thumb Theory; but now know better even with my limited Springer experience. The SIG ASP20s Gas Springer are certainly NOT very hold sensitive compared to most of the other spring powerplant airguns i have had the ?pleasure? of trying to shoot well.
My question was driven by the shifts of POA-POI caused by things beyond hold technique – consistency; perhaps my experience is so different due to the “ridiculous” power levels of my airguns, various shooting times of day/night, and distances i shoot ;^)
I find similarities to my firearm experience without the powerplant concern.
shootski
The huge difference in the POA and POI of the first target seems to me to indicate that something must have happened to this rifle between shooting sessions. Based on the lead you found on the baffles of the suppressor, I would guess that perhaps the suppressor somehow got out of alignment with the barrel. Maybe a bump or some other force could have done it? It is surprising to me that the groups are as small as they are (if the pellets are brushing against the baffles). I have a brass rod that is only slightly smaller than the bores (1 for .177 caliber and 1 for .22 caliber). I have used them to check alignments of suppressors when installing them. Gravity can sometimes affect this process. But I can compensate for gravity and I believe it is better than not checking this.
Elmer,
The silencer is more-or-less permanently attached, but I will look at it for what you suggest.
BB
I just read again part 4 and noticed the damaged pellet that was inadvertently left in the magazine. This makes me wonder if there might be an issue with the magazine. Is there a way to load single pellets (maybe with the straw/rubber band device someone came up with here a while back)?
Elmer,
Single loading is next to impossible with the Komplete. That’s why I want an adaptor to be made.
BB
It can be done, the reasons I think it might not have been done YET could be:
1: it’s still relatively new to the market.
2: more dedicated Airgunners think it might not be a huge seller.
So they haven’t dedicated the time to modify an existing design to fit the Komplete.
Who ever does it will need at the minimum, a Komplete magazine for measurements.
Then access to a rifle for final fitting/testing.
I am surprised the “in-house” printing company Pyramyd AIR uses for other designs hasn’t put one out.
Ian.
Ian.
I took another look at part three of this series. This statement is causing me to think that perhaps the scope may be the culprit.
“ The Komplete shot WAY low and to the right—even though this scope is shimmed. I had to crank up the elevation a lot and also move the reticle to the left a lot.”
I am thinking that if the scope is adjusted such that the reticle spring is unloaded enough, then holding a zero might become less likely.
I would really like to have a single shot loader for my BSA R10 SE. The one on the PA site is junk. You have not control of the pellet once you drop it in the slot. It needs to be a two piece unit where the pellet rides in one piece until it is in proper alignment with the bore, similar to what is available now for the R12. BSA used to make one, but seem to have stopped doing such.
I think BB almost waved his pom poms around with this blog. I do think he was tempted to grab them. If the AV air tank works out, I am quite sure BB will be waving them some. He might even put on one of those skimpy outfits. 😛
RR,
BB in a skimpy outfit? We don’t want that! 😉
BB
BB,
As long as you do not show us a picture of such, it will be OK.
Somebody help me out here I just don’t see the love for this rifle. Looks like it costs around $150 every time you shoot a tin of 500 pellets through it.
Hey Derrick, a couple of points:
1. Use CO2 cartridges, the cost will be less. With the new HPA cylinder, even less!
2. A lot of buyers will be getting this for a 1st PCP. This is easier and cheaper than getting a gun+pump kit. Also has the suppressor installed. Many (most) buyers have no idea that Buck-Rail exists, or how awesome their products are.
3. Even going at full price, $150 is less than 500 rounds out of a shotgun. And a lot of buyers won’t be like us; 500 shots will be 5-10 years for a lot of buyers.
Derrick
Getting a warm feeling from consistently hitting what you’re aiming at is a reason for liking this rifle. If you fill up the closets with airguns you actually shoot in rotation, 500 pellets last a long time.
Deck
Yeah, I’d shoot It on CO2. Though it certainly makes more sense to me with a refillable cylinder.
Well, Pooky! Stephen beat you to it! He spilled the beans today.
https://hardairmagazine.com/news/the-umarex-komplete-is-the-most-versatile-air-rifle-ever/
If I had not already planned my next purchase, I might have considered this thing. It does come in .177. Hmmm.
Saw that video yesterday – it makes this rifle a very tempting acquisition but, as stated earlier when commenting on the prior Komplete post, “get thee behind me, Enabling Spirit!”
Oh, and just so you know, you can also get a little adapter which supposedly allows you to remove your CO2 or N2 tank and not lose any gas. It might even work with the new HPA tank. Enable, enable, enable. 😉
Another feature FM likes about this airgun is it does not look like something that would be recognized by one of the Star Wars stormtroopers. FM likes the traditional/classic look. FM be old and set in his ways.
FM,
I do not have a problem with the “Star Wars” look. I do have a problem with their weight and a serious problem with their price tag. Really?! There are some very nice air rifles to be had for under a grand. You want WHAT for that thing?!
Speaking of “Star Wars,” agree some of those prices out there are astronomical. FM shall continue with the philosophy of having one’s feet firmly planted on solid reality to match the actual strength of one’s airgun budget. The key is to always aim to get the most bang for your buck. Apologize for the Sunday Punday antics.
All
Speaking of Moderators being “off”. If I were to “ream” out the hole(s) a little with a drill and didn’t get the holes perfectly round, would this affect accuracy? Asking because reading this blog over time, I’ve noticed this happening more than once. I don’t own an airgun with a moderator on it, but these days lots come with them.
Lastly, looks like some PCP’s could have the disposable Nitro Carts now. Not cost effective but would be good if hunting or for emergency back up. https://www.pyramydair.com/product/umarex-n2-regulator-adaptor?a=21725&srsltid=AfmBOopDmmAR0vL21205_C6DyGKqZpivXROhw0yLRbA4MkNIklKII2TT
Doc
Doc Holiday,
I noticed i didn’t answer one of your questions: “…get the holes perfectly round, would this affect accuracy?” The answer to that is probably. The why takes a bit of ‘Splanin.
The combined projectile and pressurized AIR charge velocity once clear of the barrel muzzle are individually controlled by P=MV the formula for MOMENTUM. Reducing either M or V means deceleration; that is called a Linear Vector.
Momentum (P) is equal to Mass (M) times Velocity (V.) Objects that have momentum are not necessarily being acted on by a force. So the projectile has way more Mass than the molecules that are doing the pushing in the bore. Once clear of the bore the force (F=MA) that does the pushing of the projectile and the AIR charge ENDS right at the barrel’s muzzle. The pressurized AIR charge loses Momentum way faster since it is governed by it’s far smaller Mass while the projectile has a far greater Mass.
The fly in the accuracy ointment is that ambient air trapped in front of the Projectile in the bore and the fact that it is pushed (in milliseconds) into the suppressor causing all maner of turbulence. THEREFORE, adding a not perfectly round suppressor baffle hole(s) is another variable with unknown External Ballistic effect on the departing projectile.
I’m certain there is far more to discuss on this topic but we aren’t writing a book or teaching an advanced Physics course.
Suppressor design (even for airguns; that don’t need to deal with HOT GASSES) is not Rocket Science but real close!
shootski
PS: Acceleration is the rate of change of an object’s velocity. This means that a force is the rate at which an object’s momentum is changing over time. Acceleration can be Positive or Negative value.
Doc Holiday,
https://geissele.com/parts-tools/suppressor-alignment-gage.html
Orv, this is the tool(s) i use to check barrel bore to suppressor bore alignments.
If you don’t use a quality tool and/or know how to correctly use it the above LINK is a good educational source.
Most folks also make a basic mistake when purchasing suppressors especially for airguns by not buying one caliber up if the suppressor’s manufacturer doesn’t recommended a specific caliber/size suppressor.
It doesn’t take much to get clipping!
shootski
PS: The PDF at the bottom of each page is worth the read if you use suppressors.
Shootski,
Back to the M1A1 high rate of fire. Got mine yesterday.
It’s a blow back operation. CO2 goes around the Magazine air valve striker and returns the bolt assembly.
Increasing the bolt spring tension may help slow it down but then there may be problems with the air valve operation, sear engagement and that dreaded increase in BB velocity. Trial and error.
Just can’t seem to get the upper bolt carrier to disengage completely after unlatching it at the rear.
Bob M,
REAL Sticky Grease in the right place(s) might slow the cyclical.
shootski
I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the red deer full moon. What a beautiful time of the year!
Bill,
I was out for a paddle in the very early morning (much cooler) today and saw it set.
In the USA it has a number of different names: In July, the Full Moon is called Buck Moon to signify the new antlers that emerge on Whitetail deer buck’s foreheads around this time. Other Native American tribes call it Salmon Moon, Raspberry Moon, and Thunder Moon.
In Celtic, this Moon was known as the Claiming Moon, Wyrt Moon, Herb Moon, and Mead Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it the Hay Moon.
Whatever folks call the Moon that orbits around the Earth it was great to see it especially through the many clouds drifting across the Moon’s face here.
shootski
As many here may realize by now, there are multiple reasons for my not owning one of these. The primary reason is that it is made by one of Uncle Xi’s buddies.
There is another reason though. To me, that stock is b’ugly. It may work great when you shoulder it, but I for one cannot stand the looks of it. I do realize it is a matter of taste as FM is not too crazy about the “Star Wars” look of many of the “newer” airguns hitting the market.
Having said all of this, if I did not have what many would consider an unreasonable prejudice against owning a Chinese made air rifle, I would be tempted to buy this. I would have to do something with that stock though.
Yep, Ole FM – as he might be referred to in Scandinavia – forgot that little detail about the Komplete’s origin. In any case, there are enough ladies to dance with at this time residing in Casa FM, a couple needing some attention.
RR,
One thing I DO like about this polymer stock is the hand grip. It curves down more sharply than others of this type and this one looks like it would fit my grubby mitt pretty well. I like to have full hand-to-grip contact. A more relaxed curve leaves air between my fingers and the grip.
Different strokes for different folks. Place of origin, accuracy, aesthetics, value for the money, all come into play. In this order I look for accuracy, affordability, aesthetics, differences in design and handling. Origin used to be important. Not now because foes make some mighty interesting guns whether we like it or not. Izzy, Avenger series and Ataman are examples.
Deck
Deck
I couldn’t have said it better.
As for the Komplete, it will be a real winner for me if it gets another outfit. Folding stock and a short barrel. It’s very practical to have this kind of power in a compact and self sufficient package.
On the other hand Airforce could adapt their airguns to use nitro cartridges. The Escape series would be a perfect candidate for this concept.