The Gamo Varmint breakbarrel springer comes with a 4X32 scope.
This report covers:
- Install the scope
- The test
- Sight in
- JSB Exact Express
- Artillery Hold
- Adjusted the scope
- Benjamin Single Die
- Gamo Raptor
- Trigger
- Summary
Today we start looking at the accuracy of the Gamo Varmint breakbarrel rifle. This will be the first of several accuracy tests of this air rifle.
We already know the Varmint cannot reach its advertised velocity of 1250 f.p.s. It would have done that with the Raptor pellet which we proved was impossible in the velocity test. That’s just a bragging number left over from some older Gamo models.
The Varmint shoots normal lead pellets in the 800 f.p.s. range, so the potential for accuracy is there. I think a lot of people are pulling for this one.
I plan to test this rifle just like I tested the Crosman Fire breakbarrel. But instead of pretending to be a newbie I will just test it like I always do. If it shows promise I may mount a different scope to see how far I can take it. Let’s get started.
Install the scope
I installed the scope that came with the rifle. It’s a 4X32 and it came with the rings already clamped on the scope tube. I mounted the scope to the rifle and then discovered that the crosshairs were not level when installed. That took the loosening of the ring caps and a little twisting of the scope to the left to get it to align correctly. Then the test was ready to begin.
The test
I shot 10-shot groups off a bench from 10 meters. I both rested the rifle directly on a sandbag and also used the artillery hold that I’ll describe when we get there.
I will be shooting the same three pellets today that were used in the velocity test.
Sight-in
I sighted-in at 12 feet and glory be, the rifle was on target! After two shots I backed up to ten meters and shot for record. I expected to have to refine my sight picture but I didn’t need to. So far this test was progressing well.
Then I shot the first two shots at the bullseye. What’s this? They went into the same hole? You have to see this!
The two holes at the bottom are the two sight-in shots. The hole at the top is the first two pellets from 10 meters!
JSB Exact Express
I was shooting JSB Exact Express dome at 10 meters with the rifle resting directly on the sandbag. After shooting I walked down to see this result as I could not see through the binoculars whether there was just one pellet in the hole or two.
I shot the remaining eight pellets and the group opened to 0.769-inches / 19.53mm at 10 meters. That’s not as good as I had hoped.
The Gamo Varmint put ten JSB Exact Express pellets into 0.769-inches at 10 meters when the rifle was rested directly on the sandbag. This target is not as enlarged as the first one and the hole made by the first two pellets has partially closed up.
Artillery Hold
Given that this is a spring-piston rifle I also wanted to see if it was more accurate when the artillery hold was used. So that was next. I shot the same JSB Express pellet and held the rifle as lightly as possible with the stock balanced just in front of the trigger guard.
This time ten pellets made a group that measures 0.735-inches / 18.62mm between centers. It’s just slightly better than the group with the rifle rested on the sandbag so I decided to shoot the rest of today’s test with the artillery hold.
When the artillery hold was used ten JSB Exact Express pellets when into a 0.735-inch group at 10 meters.
Adjusted the scope
At this point in the test I adjusted the scope reticle to the right by three clicks. The adjustment was very crisp and positive.
The Gamo scope adjustments are crisp and precise.
Benjamin Single Die
The next pellet I tested was the Benjamin Single Die. I am giving up on calling these Bullseyes. If Benjamin doesn’t like the name, neither do I. Ten went into 0.899-inches / 22.83mm at 10 meters. It’s the largest group so far and probably not the pellet for this rifle. Yes, I do know that after adjusting the scope to the right the group moved left. Different pellet.
Ten Benjamin Single Die pellets made a 0.899-inch group at ten meters.
Gamo Raptor
The last pellet I tested was the Gamo Raptor. I didn’t have much hope for this one and they didn’t disappoint. None of them hit the paper! I didn’t complete the 10 shots as I don’t need more holes in the walls and woodwork of my house! Besides velocity I have no idea why anyone uses this pellet!
Trigger
The single-stage trigger is heavy but positive. I find that it works as it should. I also like that the safety doesn’t come on automatically when the rifle is cocked.
Summary
I was impressed by the accuracy of the Gamo Varmint. These groups don’t look that small, but there are a LOT more pellets I can test. In fact, next time I’ll shoot 5-shot groups just to test more pellets!
The scope is useable, if not precise. I don’t think another scope needs to be purchased—at least not right away.
So far I like the Varmint.
JSBs and Benjamins look like they’re minute of rat/pigeon/pop can capable at 20 yards, which is plenty for most people buying it.
OhioPlinker,
I heartily agree with your assessment as long as they are not using those Raptor pellets. This is shaping up to be an acceptable plinking gun for soda cans for now.
Siraniko
Just thinking,
A lot of these free included 4x scopes turn out to be defective or unreliable, especially on higher powered air rifles.
How about a scope without adjustable reticles that is totally reliable? Say fixed mil-dots with some easily usable reference lines for windage and elevation? Could be used on any air rifle. I just escaped from the box.
Bob M,
Adjustable reticles are on First Focal Plane scopes. Big bucks!
-Yogi
Bob M,
If I am understanding correctly, you are talking about a very busy eye full when you look through this scope. If that is so, perhaps you should get back in that box. We do not need to make it more complicated for the newbies.
Most included scopes are low powered, which is not really an issue, cheaply made, which can be and do not have adjustable optics, which can be a real bugaboo when you are shooting at various ranges. Most experienced shooters of both airguns and powder burners know this and choose an optic to suit their shooting environment and their own personal taste.
The included scope is for the newbie to make them think they are getting something for nothing. More often than not the included scope has horrible optics, is usually focused at somewhere close to one hundred yards and often breaks when used much.
Why do I get the feeling I am preaching to the chior?
BB,
This Gamo is actually showing a little promise. I had considered adding one of these to my collection. If nothing else, so far it seems it would be a good giveaway to a newbie.
It might also benefit from a little TLC here and there.
RR,
Thanks for noticing that this rifle shows promise. I think it does, too. Next time I plan to shoot many more pellets that I consider to be the best.
BB
BB,
K.I.S.S. So many have forgotten this over the years. With a little lighter spring and a bit of TIAT, this might be just what the doctor ordered.
B.B.,
I hope you find The Pellet(s) that will give you 3/4″ (19.05mm) or smaller 10 shot groups at 21 yards (19.2 meters) as well.
I have written about my observation that you have a LEFT biased tendency in most of your groups.
Did you shoot the above groups with your readers? If so perhaps the refractive angle of the readers to your scope axis is the cause (or a possibility for) the LEFTWARD tendency.
shootski
shootski,
I suppose that could be.
BB
I have a question: I understand why a cheap scope is bundled with beginner air rifles: complete solution in the box.
Why then, are these basic scopes focused at the factory for 100 yards? Wouldn’t be better if they were set for 20 yards or so?
Just asking.
Henry
Henry,
Here is my answer—who knows? You are right and it’s a question I have long pondered myself.
Perhaps since you can’t see closer things clearly at 4X they just don’t care.
BB
The Gamo airgun budget scopes are supposed to be set for 35 yards parallax.
Now if they weren’t so often just 20 yard guns….
That is news for me, thanks for the information OhioPlinker. In my previous experience, they were all worthless, and I guess that Gamo is trying to improve the experience somewhat. Good for them.
I still think that good iron sights or even a cheap red dot would be preferable, but that is an old man’s opinion.
Best,
Henry
B.B. and Readership,
“Here is my answer—who knows? You are right and it’s a question I have long pondered myself.
Perhaps since you can’t see closer things clearly at 4X they just don’t care.”
Ponder No More!
https://www.weihrauch-sport.de/air-rifles/accessories_ar?lang=en
Take a look at the selection of sight systems rated for airguns offered by Weihrauch; do any of those get MARKETED in the USA?
shootski
shootski,
Those are optics made for the Germans. What so many have are the cheap things that Uncle Xi’s cohorts put out. The Weihrauch scopes can be found. You just have to look for them.
There are even better out there if you are willing to shuck out the bucks.
Have to try that little crossbow spotting scope FM got from you at the NC airgun show – thinking it might work on the HW30. Or maybe will substitute it for the Gamo one mounted on one of the Ben Maxes just for funsies. Need to do some scoping for better scopes here at Casa FM. You suggested the Bug Buster family. That’s where the quest begins.
FM,
Good luck in your scope quest. I also like the Bug Busters very much. They’re small, light weight, reasonably priced and work great on air guns. The newest one has a side focus and greater magnification, but the earlier AO ones work beautifully well, too. I bought four of them over several years and they’re all in use on springers, pumpers and PCPs. None have failed, either. Hawke has also been a reliable choice for larger scopes, without breaking the bank.
Enjoy!
Will
That is good information/advice; appreciate it. Going to have to break down and scope the HWs in Casa FM – eyes need a little help.
RR
Wonder at what distance those Weihrauch scopes are adjusted for from the factory. I haven’t personally encountered any fixed focus scopes that were focused at less than 100 yds.
On the other hand, I haven’t bought any new scopes that didn’t have adjustable parallax in the last twenty or so years that didn’t come packaged with the rifle, that is.
I found that for the few that I do own, I can make that adjustment myself by removing the ring that locks the front lens and rotating (the lens on mine are fastened to a ring of their own)the lens. It is threaded to fit the threads in the barrel of the scope, I honestly can’t remember whether I turn it cw or ccw to focus closer. Don’t feel like looking in the safe for one to test right now,, maybe tomorrow.
This is not a tutorial by any means. Perhaps a suggestion to BB for a short series.
Ed
edlee,
I have never been a wagering man. But if i was, i would bet that the Weihrauch scope isn’t set to a 100 yard parallax…maybe IF i was a guessing man 100 meters would be more likely on a German scope ;^)
I doubt that 100 meter guess of mine as well and suspect it might be preset to 10 or 20 meters.
As to which way to turn it to reset the parallax it will be the same as on their AO scopes.
I just got done swapping out my Summer Street Slicks for my four Snow/Ice tires on my Viggen so i’m in a great mental state. Tomorrow i will scrape and clean the storage wax off of my skis bases so they will be ready for the wax of the day application.
shootski
Hey All,
I just finished reading Air Guns by Eldon G. Wolff. It was written back in the early to mid-Fifties and covers the design and development of the airgun from the dark mists of time up until 1900. Good read.
RR,
Only if it has lots of pictures and no big words!
Bob M,
It does not have too many big words, but not as many pictures as I would have liked.
RidgeRunner,
The original editions were a good read for sure about more than just airguns as we know them today.
RR you should take a look at the “enlarged” 1997 edition it has coverage of the beginnings of the current Golden Age of airguns. Wolff covers a great deal of the history some of it is controversial to this day. The books Bibliography is worth all by itself for more places to look for even more information.
shootski