by B.B. Pelletier
Update on Tom
I visited Tom last night, and he’s been moved into the ICU. His infection is getting worse, not better. After I visit him this morning, I will update you in the comments section.–Edith
Now, on to today’s blog, which comes to you from Airgun Revue #2, which was published in 1998.
The Crosman 118 looks mundane, unless you know what it is and how it works.
In the early 1950s, most American airgun buyers were not very discriminating. Their tastes ran to Benjamin and Crosman pneumatics, as well as to the ubiquitous Daisy BB gun. Most knew nothing of the fine precision airguns being made in the UK and Europe, and only a few more were aware of the fine Sheridan model A (Supergrade) that was being made right here in Racine, Wisc. It was a time when .22 rimfires held sway among the largest number of shooters, because rimfires were so easy to shoot almost anywhere. So, when the Crosman Corporation brought out a new CO2 repeating air rifle–the model 118–at a price of $34.95, it must have shocked many people.
Actually, we now know that the gun that became the model 118 was not originally offered to the public. It started out in 1947 as a .21 caliber gallery gun with a hose connected to a bulk CO2 tank under the counter. In that configuration, it was designated the model 117. That gun was made at roughly the same time Crosman was also plying companies with its shooting gallery, which is a long story in its own right. The short version is that Crosman was selling complete shooting galleries, including the guns that went with them, so companies could start shooting leagues for their employees. The guns used in these galleries were the CG-style rifles. CG stands for “constant gas,” as the 4-oz. bulk tanks held enough gas for many shots. The public couldn’t buy just one CG rifle over the counter, either; they came as sets with the galleries.
Crosman developed the 117, which connected to a bulk tank via a hose from the underside of the fore end, just in front of the gun’s internal valve. Except for how the gas got into the gun (and the caliber), the 117 looks identical to the 118–a fact that airgunner Steve Gibbons recorded on film at a SHOT Show and shared with The Airgun Letter readers in 1995. In 1996, airgun writer/historian Dean Fletcher documented it, again, with a different photo and a brief history, which appears on page 182 of his big book The Crosman Rifle, 1923-1950.
The 118 was the first of three so-called bulk-fill CO2 rifles that Crosman sold to the public. The single-shot models 113 and 114 were accepted much more readily because they sold for a price of $21.95, which was much more affordable in 1952. But the 118 was never a big seller; and by 1956, it was gone from the inventory.
Let’s now take a look at this curious American classic, and see what makes it tick. Our subject rifle was purchased at a local flea market, and the former owner–an airgunner who had never heard of bulk-fill guns–unscrewed the filler cap to see where the Powerlets went. When he discovered that the reservoir was too small to accept Powerlets (which a bit of pre-measuring might have determined just as well), he wrote off the whole thing as a bad idea and sold the gun.
The first order of business, therefore, was to get the rifle resealed. Normally, a Crosman bulk-fill gun will still have great seals when you buy it used, especially if the former owner was smart enough to leave it charged with gas. But this one had been tinkered with and was leaking heavily. Precision Pellet resealed ours for $20, which is less than the 1952 purchase price. If that’s not a bargain, I don’t know what is.
The 118 is much the same kind of airgun as the Crosman Town & Country, in that it’s a short rifle that has some thickness to the stock. Curiously, both guns sold for a premium when they were new and were contemporaries in the early 1950s. Our test rifle weighs exactly 5 lbs. and measures a scant 38.5 inches, tip to tail. The 22-inch barrel is steel, as is the reservoir tube underneath. But the bolt handle, filler cap and front sight are all brass parts, which is a reversal of what one might expect. The caliber is .22. American airguns of the 1950s were very much based on our national awareness of the .22 rimfire cartridge at that time. We wanted a smooth transition from airguns to firearms, so .22 was by far the favored airgun caliber. Although .177 guns existed, collectors note that it’s usually harder to find American airguns in that caliber. And single-caliber models, like the 118, were invariably .22. The in-line, spring-fed clip requires the use of flat-nosed pellets for reliable feeding. I tried pellets with slightly rounded noses because they often do work in other airguns having in-line clips–but not in the 118. Apparently, the shearing action of the carrier that strips off the next pellet in line is pretty abrupt.
The bolt lifts straight up and back to cock and load. It’s easy to learn and delightful to do in rapid fire.
The bolt isn’t a typical Mauser-style crossbolt, either. If you examine the photos, you’ll notice that the bolt handle is pulled straight up and back to cock the gun. Lowering it loads the pellet in the barrel, which makes it ready for firing. The actual loading operation takes place beneath that rectangular plate on top of the action, but you probably don’t want to know! It works smooth enough, but our rifle did require some oil on the moving parts before it fed reliably.
I had feeding problems with Crosman wadcutters, and even more with Premiers because of their slight dome. RWS Hobbys worked okay and H&N Match worked the best. The cadence at which the bolt is cycled is also important. You have to work it like a gallery gun–with a fast and definite action; no hesitation or indecisiveness. After the final shot, the clip follower enters the pellet feed arm, effectively locking the action until the rifle is reloaded. This probably also carries over from its origins as a gallery gun.
Both the receiver and the removable clip have windows cut into their sides so you can see at a glance how many pellets are left, if care is taken to align them when loading. The clip on our rifle was missing a part–the keeper to hold the follower when the clip is loaded. It was still possible to load without the keeper, but I had to use my thumb to restrain the tiny follower projection that protrudes through the vision slot. Once the clip is fully inserted in the gun, the follower is held in place by the pellets, which rest against the feeding mechanism. The line of pellets advances only one pellet at a time into the carrier for transport to the back of the barrel. Spring pressure from the follower pushes the next pellet forward, once the hole in the carrier aligns with it.
Some features found on the more common single-shots carry over to the 118, such as a crossbolt safety that runs through the stock above the trigger. The trigger is a simple notch that retains the hammer against the pressure of a coiled spring. It’s possible to slick up a bit, but it’ll probably never be in the great category. The one on our test rifle is stiff and creepy.
At the back of the receiver is a power adjustment screw that allows the shooter to increase or decrease power at will. All it does is change the tension on the hammer spring, but that’s all it takes! You might wonder why anyone would want less than maximum power; but indoors, at close range, low power is quieter and gives more shots.
Speaking of the number of shots–for some reason, the rifle I tested was a little gas hog. Where our .22 caliber 114 single-shot often gives 60 full-power shots, the 118 pooped out somewhere between 30 and 40. Of course, there could be some differences in the valves of the two rifles tested, but a difference of roughly 40 percent is too wide a variation for that to be the only reason. I believe the feeding mechanism requires more gas because it provides a less positive seal. At any rate, you’ll want to keep a 10-oz. tank around when you shoot.
Velocity was a bit on the staid side, with Meisterkugelns going 586 with a 17 f.p.s. spread over 10 shots. That was at 67-deg. F, which is on the low side for CO2 guns. CO2 is a very temperature-dependent gas, with pressure rising and falling in a linear relationship. At 70-deg. F, the pressure is around 900 psi, which is a good operating point.
Not a great 10m group, but it’s in the right place.
Sighting is also a trifle lackluster on this rifle. There’s a peep, but it’s crude and adjusts by sliding parts and friction locking. Hence, there’s no real precision. The best groups I saw were with H&N Match pellets, which yielded five-shot groups just under 1/2″ spread, center-to-center. This could be more a function of an imprecise sight picture, rather than the fault of the gun. I didn’t spend a lot of time shooting it for the record.
The Crosman 118 was certainly short-lived. Probably the high price and the use of an exotic (for that time) gas mitigated against its acceptance by the general public. With their popular pneumatic rifles selling for around $20, there was, perhaps, too much of a jump in price up to the 118, which cost about 43 percent more. And, CO2 was far from being a popular power source in the early 1950s. Until the advent of the ever-popular Crosman Powerlet many years later, carbonic gas occupied only a minor niche among airgun powerplants, and bulk-fill guns were at the bottom of even that stratification because of the extra work they entailed. So, the rifle that might well have revolutionized the shooting gallery trade was mostly a flop when it came to the general populace. But for collectors of vintage American airguns, the Crosman 118 stands apart as one of the key pieces in a rich tapestry of airgunning in the mid-20th century.
Edith,
We are praying for Tom. Give him our best.
Al Pellet
Tom,
Unhappy to hear of your worsening infection. Not to worry, many prayers out there for your speedy recovery, mine included. Trust all will be well soon.
-AlanL
Dear Tom and Edith.I could'nt get on the blog yesterday.But I could not let Toms situation pass without putting my two cents in.GOD be with you. Get well soon.JERSEY BOY.
Get well soon Tom, I trust you will be ok as well.
Please excuse my question at this time, I feel horrible asking anything having to do with the bronco right now. I know PA is gonna have the beeman Aperture available soon, I know it is slightly different than the one Tom tested on the bronco (Toms was an older version) do you guys think it will still require the modification? and do you guys think it should work well at 10 meters, Thanks, and again I am sorry for asking a question at this time, Get well soon Tom.
Michael
Good morning to one and all,
A request from me to all of you, please put and keep Tom and Edith in your prayers for a complete and speedy recovery.
Thank you,
Mr B.
Edith,
If you get a chance and the time, check out the last couple of paragraphs, it looks like blogger had some problems there and I quote:
"Misaction,line ed with theadv 18-roonly one pellet at a the n to thatcarrier larly ensportu can adjar pists little elsS. Besihe puur>
Atan adjar pists lireceiver is a power adjustment screw thatto the bhe Makarov to increase or decrease power ay begi. All old and iskeep as the mensionlon the ide. Anspring, but l. I'll sl oldtakes! You mightf famil why anyone wwhat able sort of acmaximum power; but i of ps, at"
Mr B.
Please pass this on to Tom
Get well soon Tom!
You will be in my prayers.
Bruce
Edith you and Tom are in my prayers. Don't push yourself to hard! Dave.
I will concur with Dial up Dave.
I'm sorry Tom is still not out of the woods yet.
I read this blog everyday and sometimes contribute myself for what it's worth but I can say from what I've seen your readership are no fickle bunch,they are very loyal.
Edith if you cannot manage to put a up a new post don't worry.
Us guys will still be here.
Bless you both.
Edith —
Amen to what DaveUK said. Our prayers are with you and Tom. Please DO take a few days off from blogging. Priorities. First things first. Once Tom is back at his desk, we'll all still be here.
Al
Michael,
No need to apologize about asking an airgun question on an airgun blog!
We should not be morose and mournful. I encourage everyone to talk about airguns. Don't hold back. This is what Tom & I want.
Regarding the sight, I don't know if it'll fit without modification, but I'll ask Tom. (I'm not kidding!)
Edith
I called the ICU nurse late last night, and they flooded Tom's body with 3 liters of fluid since I berated the doctor for not giving him enough liquids. Apparently, Tom was doing MUCH better.
When I called this morning, they'd given him another 2 liters overnight and will continue to keep his fluid levels high. They said his numbers are MUCH better & closer to normal, his pain is under control and they're happy with his progress.
He's getting that stuck gallstone removed this morning, then back to the ICU for a day to recover from the anesthesia, then up to a pre-surgery room, then the gallbladder gets removed in a day or so, and then home a day or so afterwards. I'm hoping he'll be home early next week.
A few minutes ago, I got a call from the ICU…and it was Tom! He was lucid, able to talk, feeling much better and actually quite alert. He knows what's going on and was grateful that I hammered the fluid thing into the doctor's skull. (I am not without skills 🙂
So, good news this morning!
Thanks to everyone for their prayers, concerns and best wishes.
Now, let's talk about airguns!
Edith
Mr. B.,
I don't see the text you're quoting. Everything reads fine on my monitor. Anyone else see messed up text in the last 2 paragraphs?
Edith
Last paragraph reads fine for me.
kevin
Edith, needless to say we are all so very glad to hear of Tom's improved condition. We are very happy for you both.
Michael, if you recall the problem with the Mendoza peep is that the front sight sits too low. The Bronco's front sight is attached to the muzzle with 2 screws, and it would be a fairly simple matter to use longer screws and a spacer to raise the sight high enough. In fact that's exactly what Mendoza did on the RM2003.
So one way or another I'm sure it wouldn't be overly difficult to get any dovetail-mounted sight to work.
BB; Once you are through the problems, I think you will be better than new! Hang in there.
Mike
God bless you Tom and Edith!
Anybody see the new Leapers 3-12×44 30mm swat scope on PA for $109? This price also includes rings!!
/product/leapers-utg-3-12x44ao-swat-rifle-scope-illuminated-mil-dot-reticle-1-4?a=2985
I ordered one yesterday and according to UPS it will be in my hands today. (living a mere 5 hours from PA has its advantages!!) If this scope is of typical Leapers quality I think it is an absolute steal!! I don't currently have an a.g. needing a scope so this one is going on my 17 mach 2. I'm taking a long weekend for the Easter holiday and will be heading "up north" with the RWS 52, wearing a Leapers 4-16, to shoot that over 10 yards for the first time, and will be firing the 1st shots from the 17. Can't wait!! i'll let everyone know what I think of the scope.
-Aaron
Edith,
I'm so glad you stayed on top of the hospital! I'm so mad you had to remind them to keep up his fluids!
That's just plain bad service!
I'm pissed.
Wacky Wayne
Edith,
Very pleased to hear Tom is feeling better. Good spirits are half the battle– wanting to get better and a positive outlook on life helps the body heal quicker.
-AlanL
Hi
I hope B.B. gets well soon.
Dose anyone know how to tell if an air rifle is choked. My rws 34panther feels like it might be.
Anonymous,
If I'm not mistaken, Tom determines if there's a choked barrel by pushing a pellet with a wooden dowl down the barrel from the breech to the muzzle. As you get toward the end of the barrel, you will feel a constriction that makes it hard to push the pellet through. Keep in mind that some guns have barrel covers, which are longer than the actual steel barrels, so the constriction may not be as close to the muzzle as you might think.
Anyone else have a different way of determining a choked barrel?
Edith
Micheal: As Vince said the ht. of the front sight will be the issue ,or not. There is a formula in the Brownells catalog to figure this out. There are also two different versions of that sight made by Williams ,depending on how much front sight is available to use on a particular gun. If you are referring to having to have to inlet the stock for clearance, for the Williams sight. You will probably have to. On all the Williams (Beeman) receiver sights I have installed on all air rifles with a ramp front sight.I've had to at least inlet the stock, for the body of the sight. Depending on how high it shoots, you may also have to inlet for the slide to be able to adjust lower. Don't cut out for the slide until you try the gun on targets. None of the guns I've used the Mendoza sight on ,have been useable at closer ranges )10 meters) without raising the front sight. You can easily make a spacer out of some PVC material/pipeand some coarse sandpaper wrapped around a piece of dowel rod. Use the original front sight as a pattern for the holes, and of course longer screws. Hope this helps. Robert
rikib,
to remove a Crosman front sight from a 22XX or a 13XX, take a 7/16" open ended wrench, and place over the barrel. Butt the wrench against the rear of the front sight. Smack the handle of the wrench as close to the barrel as possible with a rubber mallet or a dead blow hammer driving the sight forward. The front sight should shoot across the room and not have a mark on it. Press back into place to reinstall. Tap gently with a dead blow hammer or a block of soft wood and a hammer.
MrB,
Those paragraphs showed up pretty disfigured here. There seemed to be about every third word recognized and the rest are ???
Anonymous & Mr. B.,
I'm not sure what's going on, but I wonder if there's a transmission issue with your ISPs (or maybe you have the same ISP, or even live in the same city). I continue to see those last 2 paragraphs normally. Just to make it easier, here they are again:
"Sighting is also a trifle lackluster on this rifle. There's a peep, but it's crude and adjusts by sliding parts and friction locking. Hence, there's no real precision. The best groups I saw were with H&N Match pellets, which yielded five-shot groups just under 1/2" spread, center-to-center. This could be more a function of an imprecise sight picture, rather than the fault of the gun. I didn't spend a lot of time shooting it for the record.
"The Crosman 118 was certainly short-lived. Probably the high price and the use of an exotic (for that time) gas mitigated against its acceptance by the general public. With their popular pneumatic rifles selling for around $20, there was, perhaps, too much of a jump in price up to the 118, which cost about 43 percent more. And, CO2 was far from being a popular power source in the early 1950s. Until the advent of the ever-popular Crosman Powerlet many years later, carbonic gas occupied only a minor niche among airgun powerplants, and bulk-fill guns were at the bottom of even that stratification because of the extra work they entailed. So, the rifle that might well have revolutionized the shooting gallery trade was mostly a flop when it came to the general populace. But for collectors of vintage American airguns, the Crosman 118 stands apart as one of the key pieces in a rich tapestry of airgunning in the mid-20th century."
Edith
MrB,
I signed in before logging on and the above paragraphs are the same. (I was thinking maybe there could be a difference not logged on / logged on)
KidAgain,
I just signed out of Blogger & emptied my cache. I reloaded the page several times and still see nothing wrong. I also looked at it in another browser but don't see any issues.
Edith
Here's what I got:
"Misaction,line ed with theadv 18-roonly one pellet at a the n to thatcarrier larly ensportu can adjar pists little elsS. Besihe puur>
Atan adjar pists lireceiver is a power adjustment screw thatto the bhe Makarov to increase or decrease power ay begi. All old and iskeep as the mensionlon the ide. Anspring, but l. I'll sl oldtakes! You mightf famil why anyone wwhat able sort of acmaximum power; but i of ps, at"
Wow. I'm absent for a few days and Tom winds up in the hospital. Sorry, Tom (for your condition). Much hope from me for your swift recovery.
Edith, what effect will it have on Tom, having his gall bladder removed, if any?
As you discovered, hospitals are great at saving lives but with so many doctors and nurses rotating on and off, it's far too easy to overlook some basic care requirements.
My love and concern for you both.
Joe Bradley
Wait! There's nothing wrong with the paragraphs from you post. I copied them from MrB's comment. Again the article posted perfect.
Laughing At Myself Again! (LAMA!)
KidAgain,
I see the word "Makarov" is included in your garbled text, yet that word does not exist in this blog. Strange!
Edith
Enjoyed the article, thanks. Best wishes for Tom today, thanks for the updates. Gotta go make some $.
MrB, keep an eye on things for me will ya? and good luck with the new language. Maybe it's a seceret code for the covert operation going on to get that USFT gun from Tom while Edith is out! Oops!, I blabbed, there goes that plan!
Joe Bradley,
My wife had her gall bladder removed about 12 years ago. Prior to that everything she ate, especially spicy foods caused great discomfort. She said it was like and elephant was standing on her chest.
Since she had it removed (through her belly button) she has not had any complications or recurrance.
kevin
Joe B.,
He'll still get his gallbladder removed. We're guessing that'll happen within the next couple of days. Everything hinges on the reduction of the pancreatitis. Once that's gone or down to a minimal risk, they'll take out his gallbladder using laparoscopic surgery. Whether it's through his belly button or through another small incision, I don't know.
Edith
Edith,
I just got back and read your update on Tom-wonderful news. My comment to anyone who tells me that what my doctor is doing to me is a piece of cake is, "That's easy for you to say. Cause it's not your cake that is being cut."
I'm glad I copied that garbled paragraph–just got back home and it's fine now–go figure. It's for sure above my pay grade to figure out.
PS KidAgain–you're a sick puppy, I like your style, but I'm not sure about Edith.
My wife had her gallbaldder removed a few weeks ago through 4 very small incisions that don't require stitching except for the one in the belly button since the other incisions are so small.
The removal of the gallbladder is usually pretty simple and as little to no effects on the body afterwards since it's only purpose is keeping bile ready to be released, within a few days the liver should be producing more bile to keep up with the food ingestion and everything should be fine.
My wife got out of the hospital on the same day as the surgery, gallbladder are called one day surgery here, you come in the morning they perform the surgery and send you packing at the end of the day.
Of course there's a difference between a planned and emergency surgeries but soon everything should be back to normal.
Hope this helps out and can reassure everyone that our beloved airgun blogger will back in shape in no time (altough a little vacation probably couldn't hurt).
J-F
p.s. : I'm sorry if there is any gramatical errors but being from another language my english is quite less than perfect, thank you for your understanding.
Edith,
Glad Tom is doing much better. My prayers today will be for you and Tom. Tell him to take it easy and get well soon.
Cheers,
Stingray
Edith,
What a shocker!! I was unable to read yesterday's blog but when I got around to it today I was shocked. My prayers, as well as those of a hundred others, are for you and Tom in the days to come. I wish you both the very, very best of speedy recoveries.
To give you encouragement, I have a friend who had an extreme bout with pancreatitis and I mean extreme, and this was after he had two open heart surgeries in prior years. He recovered very well in spite of his past health conditions and the severity of his bout so I know Tom will, too. I'm sure Tom's is a much healthier person than he was.
-Chuck
It's about time that Tom started heading in the right direction!
Get well quick, BB.
Question for the blog – who besides PA sells gas spring conversion kits? We have someone on an older blog asking about this. He apparently told PA that their Air Venturi spring was not going to be installed in a rifle that it's intended for and they refused to sell him the spring,
Fred PRoNJ
Re: Gallbladder surgery and RWS52
Coincidentally, I had emergency gallbladder surgery two days ago.I was bent over in pain last friday and had to go to ER. I had an infection, but it was not too bad. I am back home today. The surgery is not that a big of an issue. The problem is any infection there may be, which may cause complications. Recovery is really fast, so juch so that some people tend to get overconfident and overexert themselves the first week. I am positive B.B. will be fine and will keep enlightening and entertaining us very soon!
I am really having trouble coming up with reasons to select either of two rifles. On one end, we have the RWS 34 Meisterschutze. I like it because it is affordable to me, and because I just love how it looks. On the other hand, there is the RWS 52, which I am sure is better on several levels but is more expensive. Also, I really can't get over the ugly, thick plastic front sight. I really hate it
Can someone give me a push? is there such thing as a handsome muzzle break to replace the front sight in the 52? I am now into silhouette and will eventually go into FT. Help, please?
T.E.
Wow! I love the look of the action on the Crosman 118.
I had a Logun S16 mk1 with a side bolt.
I understand the original design by Logun was pump action but the British home office rejected it. Like they do anything decent.
As a result the MK1 bolt system was very awkward and unless you adopted a very positive back/forward stroke the pellet would load but the gun remain uncocked.
This would lead you to rack the bolt again but now you have two pellets in the breech.
I got the hang of the S16 MK1 and the silencer was superb.little more than a click could be heard when fired.
Also with a good scope accuracy was bang on.
I sold it though prefering the simplicity of a springer but the 118 action could tempt me away again I reckon.
Glad to hear Tom is on the up.
Fred,
It's not that Pyramyd AIR won't sell a gas spring because the person wants to put it in a gun other than what it was meant for. It's that Crosman won't allow self-installation for these springs (I suspect it's a liability issue), so Pyramyd AIR and all other sellers of the Nitro Piston may not send the item to anyone unless the NP has been installed by the dealer.
The only other U.S.-based seller of gas springs is Dave Slade (airgunwerks.com). He sells Theoben gas springs but only for certain rifles. His site states that he charges a $25 installation fee, but I don't know if he'll sell the spring for self-installation or not. Plus, Dave may not know which gas spring will fit just any old gun. If he doesn't have a gas spring listed for a specific gun, then I wouldn't spend my $ on buying a gas spring in the hopes that it would fit the gun I'm trying to convert.
Edith
tunnel engineer,
Glad to hear that you're recovering nicely!
As Tom has mentioned before, the RWS 48 has been used by a number of people for field target. Since that's your eventual goal, I think the 52 would be a more logical choice than the 34.
Other considerations:
First, the 34 goes too fast and most clubs would ban the gun because it'll damage the targets.
Second, I think the 52 might be more accurate than the 34, although Tom really likes the 34P. I don't think the 34 is very competitive, though.
Third, the 52 is on sale. It's not in Umarex's 2010 catalog, so I'm guessing it's been discontinued. Once it's gone, that's it.
I searched the RWS parts section on Pyramyd Air's website, and I don't see a muzzlebrake or different front sight for the 52. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, it just means that PA doesn't have it. It's possible that Umarex carries such a thing…but I doubt it.
Edith
T.E. – I vote that you get the 34. It sounds like you like the looks better, you can save the money you would spend replacing the front sight on the 52 and use it towards a tune or a scope. I think the 34 is better suited for.177 caliber than the 52 (as B.B. has often said – you throw away alot of the 52's available power in .177) and I think .177 caliber is preffered for field target. You'd probably be happy with either gun, but for what you want to use it for, I think the 34 is the way to go, in my very humble opinion.
Hope that helps (if not, get both!)
-Aaron
Edith,
Great news about Tom's improvement, but I'm with Wayne about the lapse from the doctor. Hydration is basic. Give him hell. I bet you can if you want to, and tell him that thousands of blog readers are mad at him too. The doctors need to be watched. My Dad needed a catheter inserted in an emergency room and the staff couldn't do it. He was in agony for four or five hours until a urologist could be contacted and brought to the scene. In the meantime, they refused to give him pain medication because of some technicality. Afterwards, they stonewalled his protest letter, and the legal wisdom is that unless there is some persistent injury or harm, you can't sue. So, ride the doctor's butt now.
Duskwight, I didn't think that you might be near the Moscow bombings. I'm so sorry to hear of those tragedies and I do hope the terrorists get caught soon.
BG_Farmer, thanks for the concern, but I was having a pretty good old time. Don't hate me for enjoying the beaches. While lounging there, I was hit by one of those questions in plain sight. The M-16 was originally built of plastics to make it cheaper, so why do all the AR-15s now cost a fortune? They routinely approach $2000. Anyone know why that is?
I have a string of successes to report from my trip. My Dad finally got on target at the rifle range after I was on the verge of despair. He lit up the range with the Winchester 1894 and the M1. He has a cataract and refused to use the rear sight…. But with the Savage 10FP and the Leapers 6-24X50, he was shooting about 3 MOA at 100 yards. I was proud as a new mother as the saying goes. The Leapers scope was really doing its thing: clear as a bell, steady as a rock, and responsive down to its 1/4MOA clicks. And the customer service is fantastic.
My Mom gave good reviews to my samurai-sharpened knives. I also came back with a cache of knives that would be the envy of Frank B.: a handmade dagger from the from Sudan and a genuine Gurkha Kukri from Nepal. Both were acquired during an earlier Bohemian phase of my parents' lives. There's work to be done before I can even begin sharpening them. Ballistol removed the rust, but the blades are still covered with these black blotches. Anyone heard of anything like this? They may be related to the crude quality of metals used. After trying Kevin's 0000 wool to no effect, I've decided to simply remove the surface of the blades by polishing on my sharpening stones.
Using mineral oil and 400 and 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a hickory cane produced this satiny-smooth finish and gave me aspirations of refinishing stocks.
Finally, my piano playing is much improved as a result of shooting. My years of childhood piano lessons were about on a level with my earlier shooting career, and I could hardly give a worse evaluation than that. But something about shooting has given me a new steely concentration and sense of timing. B.B. said that if you can hold the ten ring in shooting you can in life, and I believe that is true as far as piano playing goes.
How about this from the Florida Everglades:
http://news.yahoo.com/airgun-video/us-15749625/18907572
I don't believe any airgun is equal to this creature.
Tunnel Engineer, get the 52. That model shoots so well, you won't care what it looks like.
Edith, we'll look forward to more good reports of Tom and relief for you.
Matt61
Thanks to your comments I have made a decision between the RWS 34 and RWS 52… I'll get them both!
(but in due time). For now, I'm going with RWS 52. Edith's rationale is contundent. I may not be able to get it later. Plus Matt is right, I won't probably care how it looks like. I do want also a break barrell and that will be the 34, just not right now.
Thank you!
Missed yesterday’s post, so the news just reached these eyes. Want to wish you all the best, during this difficult time.
Take heart. Have a good friend, by the name of Tom. His father is also named Tom. The senior had his gallbladder removed, more than several years ago, and has been doing just fine, ever since.
Of course, the names are a coincidence. The wishes are not.
Best regards,
Perk
Very good news to hear Tom is improving. Only just logged on after a coupke of days. Hoe hes up around and shooting as soon as he can.
Matt61
Well, you never know when and where God decides that you've done what you had to do.
Sad update on bombings – I wasn't right when I told you that it's OK with my colleagues.
This morning I learned that our manager's friend was hit. She visited him in hospital and she says he got frag through his shoulder, BI and heavy blood loss, as frag hit some thick vessels. Doctors say he'll be quite OK in a month physically, he's young and in a good shape, however BI, even light is mean thing and he should be monitored at least half a year more.
Edith, please, tell Tom once again that I wish him best of luck and quick recovery.
duskwight
I didn't realize how serious Tom's condition was. It sounds like they are getting up to speed now and will soon be home.
I wanted to let guys know that I am planning to sell a 22 caliber Belgium Hyscore 801. If you are interested in it, please e-mail me at denoch@southwestvault.com .
David Enoch
T.E.
You will love the 52. Mine shoots as smooth as silk (for a magnum springer) and is quite accurate. BB wrote that if the TX200 is a corvette, the 52 is a tractor, or words to that effect. I read that before I knew how much he likes tractors. I would say its more like a Camaro with an aluminum ladder strapped to the side of it. I like the looks however.
The finish on the stock is perfectly even, without flaw, and the feel is very comfortable. She is a heavy beast, but I hear the weight helps for field target.
Have you seen this blog article?
mounting globe front sight
If you plan on using a scope anyway, you could replace the front sight assembly with a plain muzzlebreak.
How is the Discovery shooting?
Sorry to hear about Tom. Wishing him a speed recovery.
Edith…
The doctors are not all you have to watch out for..
If they don't kill you then the food will.
Hospital food has to be worse than airline food.
twotalon
Slinging Lead
thanks for that info early this a.m. yesterday's post.
derrick38
that sounds like the best way to remove the front sight, thanks.
Went to town today for doc appt after which I went to Lowes. Don't often, about 20 miles away. Anyway as some of you know I plan to do some very minor mods to my 2240 (I'm a beginner). I purchased loctite threadlocker blue 242, it says it prevents loosening from normal use or vibration. Did I buy the right loctite?
Matt61
Aloha. Happy to hear you enjoyed yourself. I agree about the AR-15, it seems grossly overpriced when you consider how many are made.
As for martinis, I like the dirty martini, made with Ketel One or Skyy and olive juice. Garnish with spanish olive and a red banana pepper. I used to like gin, but now it makes me projectile vomit both for accuracy and distance.
Everytime I break out the Dremel at the library, they shush me!
Edith,
Thank you very much for your kind words, I am glad Tom is doing better! we can all feel better now.
Venice,Robert
Thanks guys, I did think about buying the mendoza spacer to go witht he Mendoza peep sight but sadly neither are available, the beeman sports aperture is gonna be available soon and I did place an order but I can cancel that since it is a preorder, Just to be clear this is the one I am talking about,
/product/beeman-sport-aperture-sight?a=717
I am hoping it will work well with the bronco.
Michael
Michael,
I'm pretty sure that's the sight Tom was recommending. It's out of stock because Pyramyd AIR hadn't planned to sell it anymore…until Tom told them it was a good one for the Bronco.
Edith
Slinging Lead
I love my vodka but when I run out gotta hit the wife's gin. I think it's mainly the smell you have to get by. After one or two the smell seems to go away. It's that first sip that's a killer.
Slinging Lead,
Thank you! Yes, I had seen that post but couldn't find it. Thank you again
The Disco is on hold for now. With pump breaking and the bad winter we had, I was focusing on other stuff. Now I am looking for a suitable scuba tank so I do not have to rely on the pump.
Will keep you posted!
T.E.
I wish you a speedy recovery, BB. Blogging is worth nothing in comparison to health.
HK
Edith,
Thanks!
Edith
Sorry that was me michael thanking for your response.
Michael
AlanL,
On March 27, you posted a question about the sights on the HW30s. You asked:
In the case of the HW30S Pyramyd says fiber-optic front sight and Weihrauch doesn't specify but shows the globe. Do you know what it is?
I just looked at the Pyramyd AIR website, and the HW30S product page shows the gun with iron sights, not fiber optics. Fiber optics are neither mentioned under the gun's specs nor listed in the bulletized description.
Edith
tunnel engineer, I have a pair of 52's, a .177 and a .22. You will like them.
dustwight, I'm glad you and yours made it through. I hate cowards like that!
Mike
Rikib,
Yes, blue loctite is the right stuff.
Edith,
Glad to hear Tom is doing better!
AR
All right now, we know Tom is okay and we can rest easy. Now enough of this nonsense about health issues and let's focus on some airguns.
Michael
Michael,
Spot on mate, enough about Tom and on to the guns!
But of course we are on the tops now that we know Tom is on the mend.
A.R. Tinkerer
Thanks, just wanted to know I bought the correct stuff for guns.
wtg AR Tinkerer…
Rikib …blue 242…holds well, but can redo if needed.
TE – recovering well I hope? Everyone has their favorite…as for rws you would think .177 a 54 would be supreme…as the 52 would be next in line. In competition, looks are not as important, yet if you're going to spend that kind of money, an AA tx200 is worth looking at nad so is a Weirauch 97 which has a nice balance and lower powered 77 is popular. Break barrel R-1 highly recommended, but I like the HW 95 or a lowerd power and price of the HW 50 would be nice also. All I can say, generally .177 fixed barrel is most likely the way to go for competition, yet are more complex to load and use.
mt favorite things about the tx 200
1. accurate
2. good trigger
3 can be easy to work on the powerplant
So the tx200 would be my pick followed by the hw97, RWS 52 and R-1.
AS for 52 muzzle brake, you could probably order one through RWs or check the yellow classifieds.
BB- Get well Soon!!!
Slinging Lead
Me again, sorry to bothering but I was looking on PA for brushes and rods. So many there. Brass, bronze and nylon brushes and bore mops. Do you have any recommendations? Is there a kit that would have everything I need to clean the new barrel or is it cheaper buying individual pieces?
rikib
Edith
Thank God Almighty that you are there to remind these well-paid, well-educated healthcare professionals how to do their jobs.
I think instilling a healthy fear in the staff is a good idea. Keeps them on their toes.
I can hardly wait for the government to take the whole thing over:(
Hearing of Tom's improvement has put a spring in my step. Looks like my WV last night was right.
again, God Bless you Edith.
Matt61,
your comment about your mother enjoying her newly sharpened knives just woke up a memory. My folks, when they were alive, had the worst knives in their kitchen. This was when they had retired and moved to Florida. Not being able to stand it any longer, I went and bought a ceramic stick sharpening kit and proceeded to sharpen her kitchen knives. The first time she used one of the knives, she cut herself very badly. I then realized why her knives were dull.
I never sharpened another knife for her again.
Fred PRoNJ
Matt61,
your comment about your mother enjoying her newly sharpened knives just woke up a memory. My folks, when they were alive, had the worst knives in their kitchen. This was when they had retired and moved to Florida. Not being able to stand it any longer, I went and bought a ceramic stick sharpening kit and proceeded to sharpen her kitchen knives. The first time she used one of the knives, she cut herself very badly. I then realized why her knives were dull.
I never sharpened another knife for her again.
Fred PRoNJ
Edith,
Glad to hear that Tom is doing better! Smooth sailing from here.
/Dave
rikib,
No problem with cats here. My dogs keep the neighborhood cats in line. (sorta… at least they think so….) My dogs are their own people, that sleep on my bed when they want and eat pretty much the same food I eat….
Actually, I had a huge black cat, along with 2 dogs, when I lived in Washington (State) that drooled when I pet him, and brought me home all kinds of nice presents. Half a mouse here, half a squirrel there. Even a full gown jack rabbit once. He was a cool cat!
/Dave
T. E., the 52 is hotter than the 34 by quite a bit… so if there's any question about targets getting damaged, you might wanna check that out ahead of time.
Good decision on the 52. It probably has more intrinsic accuracy, and is easier to shoot well in any case. Remember that the 48 has a plainer stock, but is the same gun otherwise. Frankly, if the 52 is only $20 more though… the prettier wood is worth it.
/Dave
Know what you mean about the presents with my 11 cats and 4 dogs. Pet flap on back door allows them to bring us a lot of nice presents!
rikib
I like the coated one piece Dewey rod for cleaning (breech to muzzle) and they don't have it in a kit. Your barrel is steel, so use a brass brush. You would want to use a nylon brush if you had a softer brass barrel. Use smooth straight even strokes, taking care not to damage the crown.
I don't bother with bore mops. Just pull patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
Vince (and other Crosman Quest shooters),
I am looking for pointers on how you hold your Quest for best accuracy.
My Quest 800 has been drving me nuts. Sometimes I get good groups, but most of the time not. Plus the POI seems to move around a lot. Just when I think I have it figured out, it all falls apart. Last night I shot a best ever five shot group for me – 0.36" ctc from 20 yards – but then follwed it up with three groups close to an inch and with a different POI realtive to aim (differnt bull). Total spread on about 50 shots (relative to POA) was about 2.5 inches, all at 20 yards.
I have a 3-12×44 Leapers SWAT on mine, so the balance point is about 4" ahead of the trigger gaurd. The gun has been tuned and is very consistent in velocity, and I find the Beeman FTS are the best in it, such as it is.
I've tried all sorts of holds, but can't seem to get things consistent. It shoots really smooth, and if I good get consistent with it I would love it.
Any thoughts?
Alan in MI
Edith,
I have been busy these days, didn't know about Tom. Please tell him that many of us consider him a dear friend and a nice person, (even when we are thousands of miles away) and are praying for his soon recovery.
Pancreatitis can be very tough indeed. I have seen patients on ICU receiving 12 liters or more of water in a single day, because pancreatitis can be very inflammatory. I hope that, with that gallbladder out, he will improve every day.
After all, I hope some day to share some guacamole and a cuople of Coronas with you and Tom!
Please keep us updated.
Anthony
Dogs have families.
Cats have staff.
Pete Z
I don't know sometimes I think both our dogs and cats have "staff". Moody buttheads.
Slinging Lead
Thanks for all your help. I think I'm going to hold off on buying the long barrel because looking on PA site (guess I'm just stupid) I don't understand all these dewey rods and jags. Right now I just want to put on my steel breech and red dot and get back to shooting for awhile. I've kept all the info you've given me though.
Hi Edith –
Thanks for the updates. Please let Tom know that his fans are keeping a good thought for him!
Best wishes,
Pete Bansen
Truckee, California
Hi Edith,
Thanks for your reply on the HW30S.
Surprise surprise, Pyramyd discontinued the Weihrauch HW30S just yesterday and substituted the
Beeman equivalent, which I ordered today.
My question was valid when I asked it a few days ago, and even though
Pyramyd told me today that the rifles are identical, they are, in fact, not.
See the just discontinued Weihrauch-branded HW30S
and compare to the newly posted Beeman-branded HW30S
that you indicated. Note the different front sight.
Fortunately the Beeman seems to have the post and globe, which is what I wanted.
I sure do hope that in all other respects, especially quality, the rifles have stayed the same. :-
-AlanL
I am so glad Tom is on the mend.This morning I didn't even want to read about airguns.I sincerely mean this.Thank goodness for the positive upswing….To celebrate,I closed a few deals I had going!
I may have overdone it,just a little.That line is for SlingingLead!!! I now am waiting on three! Quackenbush airguns.The first is a H.M. Quackenbush #1 in BB cal.Second is #7 in .21 cal.Both still work!Number three is a Quackenbush DAQ .457 outlaw that has taken game on two continents,here and Africa.It shoots a 356 gr hollowpoint at 500fpe…..and it came with 500 assorted slugs.My airgun sickness is spreading.Matt61,good to have you back and glad you had fun.
Edith please let Tom know he's in my thoughts and that I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope you are holding up; I can only imagine what you're going through.
Gordon (G.)
Edith, Thank you for taking time out to answer my concerns for Tom. This cannot be an easy trial to bear right now. I send you both my best wishes and love.
Kevin, my wife grew up in Knoxville, and bathed in the waters around the nuke plant and TVA near Oak Ridge, both in her mother's womb and as a child growing up in east Tennessee. Among other things, it destroyed much of her body's ability to carry oxygen. She often refers to her lack of oxygen as: as if an 'elephant were standing on her chest'.
Thank you's go out to everyone who shared their own gall bladder removal stories. They helped relieve my anxiety for Tom, post-surgery.
Blog Index For March 2010
1. Benjamin Trail NP XL1100 – Part 2
2. A shrine built for a Feinwerkbau 124 – Part 1
3. Chronograph tips
4. The Bronco from Air Venturi – Part 5
5. A shrine built for a Feinwerkbau 124 – Part 2
8. The Crosman Silhouette PCP pistol – Part 3
9. Which chronograph is right for me?
10. Benjamin Trail NP XL1100 – Part 3
11. Benjamin Trail NP XL1100 – Part 4
12. The Bronco from Air Venturi – Part 6
15. The Crosman Silhouette PCP pistol – Part 4
16. A shrine built for a Feinwerkbau 124 – Part 3
17. A shrine built for a Feinwerkbau 124 – Part 4
18. Vince's "Impossible Dream" (Vince)
19. A shrine built for a Feinwerkbau 124 – Part 5
22. RWS 92 – Part 1
23. The Bronco from Air Venturi – Part 7
24. IZH MP655 BB and pellet pistol – Part 1
25. A customer's review of the Makarov CO2 repeating BB pistol (Chris)
26. Beeman R1 update report
29. RWS 92 – Part 2
30. The Sheridan model E CO2 pistol (Airgun Revue #2)
31. The Crosman 118 – A gallery rifle that went public (Airgun Revue #2)
Sorry, this belongs at the top.
what caliber is the 118 and the velocity.
Roberto,
The Crosman model 118 is a .22 caliber repeater. Velocity with medium weight pellets would be in the high 500/low 600 f.p.d. region.
B.B.