Gamo CF-X field test
by B.B. Pelletier
A Leapers 3-12x tactical mini-scope fits the CF-X with room to spare. B-Square high mounts give plenty of clearance.
The Gamo CF-X is a popular spring-piston rifle that I "tested" for you by surrogate on Friday, Jan. 6, of this year. I made some assumptions in that report. Now that I've tested an actual CF-X in the field, it's time to see how close I came. I mounted a Leapers 3-12x power compact tactical scope just for the CF-X guy to see how that scope works on the rifle. The scope rode in B-Square non adjustable 30mm rings with a B-Square scope stop placed behind the rear ring.
A first look at the rifle
The CF-X is a fixed-barrel underlever spring gun that uses a rotary breechblock to access the barrel for loading. Because this is a BSA design and because Gamo owns BSA, I assumed that the rotary breech would be similar to the one on the BSA SuperStar I shot years ago. The CF-X is a much smaller rifle with a narrower spring tube. It's also a bit lighter. In fact, I find the CF-X to be very light for all the power it has. I guessed that cocking would be smooth, and it is. The CF-X is the most refined powerplant Gamo has yet fielded. When it shoots, it's just as smooth - a fact I got wrong in the earlier report. I had thought there would be some twanginess to it, but the rifle I tested is quite smooth.
The trigger
The CF-X trigger is classic Gamo. It's extremely creepy with a long second stage pull. It takes a lot of getting used to. However, these triggers do wear in with time and will become crisper (or able to be adjusted to a crisper pull) after they have some time on them. To their credit, Gamo puts a manual safety on the gun. Once it's cocked, you're ready to go.
The rotary breech
I do not care for the rotary breech, but if it's necessary, I'll live with it. Round-nosed pellets tend to flip around backwards on the loading ramp, which takes time to sort out. I soon learned to load this rifle horizontally instead of resting the butt on my leg (like I usually do) because many pellets fell back out of the breech. The loading ramp on the CF-X is also not as smooth as the one on the BSA I tested, so this gun REALLY flips pellets if you're not careful!
The breechblock rotates to the left, revealing a groove that guides the pellet to the barrel.
Velocity
All guns will vary; this is what I got with mine. RWS Hobby (7 grains) averaged 942 f.p.s. Crosman Premier light (7.9 grains) averaged 873 f.p.s. Beeman Kodiak (10.6 grains) averaged 785 f.p.s. The new Gamo Raptor (5 grains) averaged 1153 f.p.s. I notice that my velocities are only a few f.p.s. different than those of reader JB, which is encouraging.
Accuracy
I learned that the CF-X does not like heavy pellets! It threw Beeman Kodiaks and Crosman Premiers 10.5-grain pellets all over the place at the 33 yards I had the target placed. Group sizes of 2.5" to 3.5" were common at that range, which is way below acceptable accuracy for a gun in this price range. Then, I tried Crosman Premier lights - the pellet of choice for many spring gun competitors in field target. The groups climbed up on the target about three inches and shrank to less than 1.5" for five shots. I was onto something, but still shooting poorly.
None of the usual techniques worked!
Group after group was a heartbreaker, with three shots going into an American quarter and numbers four and five opening it up. I tried every technique I know, and even held the rifle firmly to see if that was the solution. It wasn't. I also tried something that usually doesn't work - I rested the gun DIRECTLY on a sandbag without a hand in between. Voila! The groups tightened by a third! My best group of the session at 33 yards was one that measures 0.886" - just over 3/4 of an inch. I shot enough similar-sized groups with this technique to know that this one is not a fluke.
While the CF-X is not in the TX200 class for accuracy, it's right there with most RWS Diana guns. I know I said yesterday that an RWS Diana 52 can almost keep all its shots on a dime at 30 yards, but I believe the CF-X can do it, too. With my limited test, all I did was establish that the gun can shoot - I have not pushed it as far as it will go. Just hand-sorting the pellets should eliminate another quarter-inch from the groups. And, who knows what the absolute best pellet may be? Discovering that requires an investment in range time.
Gamo Raptors!
I couldn't get Raptors to print on the target paper at 33 yards, so I backed up to 15 FEET and shot a couple. They were already beginning to disburse at that close range, so I knew they would be wildly inaccurate in this rifle. I then moved the target to 15 yards (45 feet) and proceeded to shoot a five-shot group that measured 1.065". At 33 yards, that would open to a four or five-inch group which is absurd. The Raptor is not a pellet for the CF-X. CF-X guy - if you want to shoot tin cans with them, make sure they're close.
My take on the Gamo CF-X? It's a heck of a lot of air rifle for the money! The action is tight and smooth and the rifle is light and very easy to cock. The trigger is the worst feature, but it's one of the better Gamo triggers I've seen (and we know it gets better with use). The rifle is surprisingly accurate, and I will be recommending it to a lot of new shooters. The Leapers scope and B-Square mounts made this test very easy and pleasurable.
posted by B.B. Pelletier @ 4:30 AM
332 comments
332 Comments:
BB I like the three pellet test (and the specific ones you chose for it). It should be an industry standard!
Thanks for two excellent pieces, one on the RWS 52. I suspect in response to my earlier comment on the gun and the present piece on the CFX. I am a newbie to air guns and when I bought the 52, I had read that these guns are very responsive to the pellets used by both weight and brand and with the more powerful spring guns, you want to keep the velocity well under Mach 1 (1100 fps); consequently, I bought a variety of pellets to try out. After reading both yesterday’s and today’s piece, I may well have over bought my selection of pellets and your response to the following list of pellets may well be beneficial to other readers. I will list what I bought and perhaps you can suggest what was un-necessary, or perhaps potentially damaging to the RWS 52. Crossman Copperheads (7.9gr), RWS Pellet Sampler Package. A Korean off brand that came with the rifle “Cobra” (13.1gr), H&N Baracuda Match (10.65 gr ), Beeman Silver Arrow (11.5 gr), Crossman Premier Heavy (10.9gr), Gamo Sampler Pack (of 4 different pellets), finally, I may have gone overboard and bought Eun Jin (16.1 gr). First question is have I over done it with the heavy pellets? Some of these are very heavy for a 177 and can they damage the gun? So far I have been using the Copperheads, Premier (Heavy), and Gamo Match. The best accuracy is (10 Yards) with Crossman Premier (Heavy). I need to also say, I am not a hunter, and all I do is punch holes I paper with the intent of becoming a better shot with my other firearms. I am also the guy who asked about the IZH 46M a while ago and I bought that as well following your comments. Finally, I have been using the 22 cal bullet trap and it has worked very well with the RWS 52. I would urge anyone looking for a trap to use in the house with one of the more powerful air guns, to consider a 22 cal trap, not a trap designed essentially for pellets.
PCR
PCR,
Thank you for such a detailed comment. You know, it's been several years since I really tested a .177 RWS 52, but I do know that those who shoot it in field target matches use the Crosman Premier light (7.9-grain) pellet. In fact, remembering that wasa what prompted me to try them in the CF-X. Now the 52 is a good bit more powerful than a CF-X, and the Premiers will be going pretty fast, but I would give them a try.
I do not believe heavy pellets will damage spring guns. That's contrary to what a lot of shooters think, but I've never seen any evidence to support that they do.
And, YES, to the bullet trap!
B.B.
Hi BB,
Earlier I asked about scoping a BS 392 and you asked for a report. I've since thought better of the whole thing. The Williams peep works well enough to avoid the risk and expense of a scope experiment gone bad.
I would like to mention pellet traps. I've been using the Cone Pellet Trap by GAMO for months and have quite an investment in paper targets for it. It's falling apart just from using my 392 at no closer than 10 yards and further. The spot welds on the bottom cap of the dead-pellet well gave loose so I "glued" it with a metal epoxy and it's been holding. But I've noticed that the top and sides of the funnel are bulging due to pellet impact and I'm getting concerned it may fail, so I'm thinking about a replacement.
PyrmyrdAir advertizes the Gamo trap with a "lifetime warranty" printed right on the web page, but I like the idea of the trap mentioned by PCR suitable for .22 bullets. Thoughts?
Love the information exchange here!
Bill
Bill,
Not just "thoughts," I'm doing tomorrow's post on this very subject, brought up by another reader last Friday. I'm going to include a portion of your comment in the posting.
B.B.
BB,
Thanks again for a great post.I want to ask,on the post you said that the raptors are inaccurate, so A what distance are this pellets accurate?
CF-X guy
Bill,
I destroyed a BB/Pellet trap and finally got a DO All rimfire box that works just fine with no significant damage so far. They are realtively inexpensive and last forever. I got mine at a Gander Mountain here in Illinois but here's a site ref:
http://www.outdoorsuperstore.com/store/hunting/productDisplay~Do-All+Traps~.22%2F.17+Bullet+Box~productID~504807.htm
CWI
hey B.B
how do you think that leapers scope would look on a crosman 1077? I've been in need for a dedicated go to scope for my 1077 for a while now but most are either to long or way to short for what theyre being used for
CF-X guy,
I shot them at 15 FEET and they were already spreading!
I suppose they will usually hit anything that is inside the barrel when they are shot.
B.B.
I think this particular Leapers scope is a winner. However, don't overlook the new 6X Bug Buster, unless the looks of this one are what you are after.
B.B.
BB,
My cf-x's trigger paint is worn of with very little use.What can I do to paint it back?
What should I use?
Thanks.
CF-X guy
When you say that a air rifle calm's down after a break-in period does it quiet down after awhile also?
Has anyone here in the US been able to get the CFX in .22? I would prefer the Royal and
would be willing to pay very good money. Also, I know that they are available in every
(airgun legal) country in the world except U.S. & Canada. What would be the issues, if
any, of driving into Mexico, buying one and bringing it back into country?
The pellets aren't so fiddly to load on the .22, which is one reason I got it rather than a .177
The CFX Royal in .22 likes H&N FTT pellets -- label on the underside of their tin says they are 5.54
So does the 440.
Re the question on noise - (at UK non-FAC power limit) the CFX is noticeably noisier than the same-power Gamo 440, though not excessively so. Both at their quietest if fed their favourite pellets.
Bill,
I have a scoped 392. I answered on what parts were used in the rws 52 comment section. I want to add, if you use the Crosman 4 piece inter-mount you have to use a scope with a long eye relief.
Jason
Hi BB:
After reading all the admonitions against gripping the forend or the pistol grip, or pulling the stock into one's shoulder, I can't help wondering how one is to obtain any accuracy from the off-hand hunter's stance. I have no way to set up a shooting bench, so all my shooting necessarily is off-hand or sitting. I seem to be hitting the target OK, but I'm certainly not punching dime-size groups, let alone one-holers, nor expecting to.
I'd like to know what sort of groups a modest off-hand shot could expect from the various rifles and pellets you test. I realize that would introduce an unpredictable variable into the test, but some sort of benchmark might be welcome to others who don't shoot from rests.
Hunters can rest the forearm on the flat of their hand rested on a knee, or the back of an arm braced against a tree. But like I said in the report, the CF-X doesn't act the way most other springers do. So I'd say you need to experiment to find the best hold.
B.B.
CF-X guy,
The CF-X trigger isn't painted - it's blued, which is really black oxide. So if you've worn it off that soon you must have extra-acidic hands.
No paint will work for this. You may have to do some touchup with a cold blue. Look at Webley Gun Blue.
B.B.
Hi Jason,
I did a quick search of this blog for "RWS 52" like you mentioned, looking for your comments on your scoped 392, but didn't find it. Can you be more specific on where/when you commented?
Thanks,
Bill
BB,
Ill get the cold bue.Ists worn off because I have super sweaty hands.One question
Does an anodized trigger get rust and ware off?
CF-X guy
BB,
On the post you said that the cf-x throws the kodiaks all over the place.Then you said you shoot it resting it in a sandbag wich is rare but I tried it on mine and got much better accuracy.Also try a hard grip and I got better accuracy.I want to know ,
if you shoot the cf-x with the right technic,will you be able to get accurate shoots and good groups with the kodiaks?
CF-X guy
Bill,
Sorry for sending you on a wild goose chase. I commented on what parts I used to scope my benji 392 on the Crosman 1077 comments section. The method described provides a rock solid mount. I hope all goes well. Report back, and let us know what you think and how it went. Thanks
Jason
Jason, AirGunDoc,
Appreciate your comments on the 392 scope and the pellet trap. Definitely time to retire this trap I'm using.
I've been rethinking this idea of scoping my 392 and will probably kick it around some more before putting it to rest. My peep sight works as well as my older eyes will allow so I'm torn. Jason, I'll find your comments give it some more thought.
Cheers,
Bill
Bill,
The Williams peep sights are wonderful and a lot of people use them instead of a scope. The great thing is if you have the peep sight and a scope w/ mount you can always change between them. The best of both worlds! Thanks,
Jason
My CF-X seems to like the Gamo hunter pellets best. I put one of Charlie Tuna's GTX triggers on it and what a fantastic improvement. Trigger pull is smooth, crisp and light. Installation is a simple 15min. job. One question though, how do you clean the barrel? Seems like the rotary breech is too much in the way to push a brush through.
bbeach,
The Gamo rotary breech does make cleaning difficult. About all you can do with the CF-X is clean from the muzzle.
Fortunately, airgun barrels seldom need to be cleaned.
B.B.
first of all thanks b.b. for all the great info. In reading post about the cf-x i noticed alote of same things with my 220 hunter. after about 3000 shots figered groups were not going to get any better although the triger did. after taking gun off the bench and trying off hand shots with a tighter grip all around. groupings seem to get smaller. back to the bench and 2000 more shots(motorcykel wreak = wheelchair for last 10months =lots of pratice)with rest just in front of trigger my best 3shot group at 10m is 1/4in and down to 1-1/2in from 3 to 4in at 65yds.mind you thats my personal best somedays better than others.now the good part yesterday the main spring broke about 1-1/2 or twp coils from the end.need a new spring any help would be greatful. thanks all jbyrd
jbyrd,
Send your gamo for a tune with BOB.His called charlie the tuna.Hes great.The website is www.charliethetuna.com.He also has the gtx trigger mod wich is great and will reduce the trigger pull to aprox 1.75lbs.Hell also give it a tune and the springs will be new and better.Go in the website and read about it.Get better soon!!!
CF-X guy
jbyrd,
Contact your dealer for repair info on your 220. If they can't handle it, contact gamo usa at:
http://www.gamo-airguns.com/
They should be able to help you. I believe they warrant their guns for life to the first owner, as long as there have been no modifications.
B.B.
thanks for the info.any thought on the hold of these guns? went threw a lot of lead to find out it didn't like the soft touch. And will the new spring need brakein time?
jbyrd,
I think you are ahead of me on the 220. And as for the mainspring, my experience has all been with other guns. To be honest, yours is the first Gamo spring break I've heard of.
I can tell you this on the hold, however. A sensitive rifle will respond to WHERE on the stock you hold it. I always thought RWS rifles were the most sensitive and that Gamos were less sensitive.
B.B.
just my luck on the breaks this year!! any place to get just the spring for the doit your selfer? with the rest just in front of trigger,gun almost balanced but not quit seems it likes this the best
jbyrd,
Try John Groenewold at 847-566-2365.
B.B.
Thanks B.B. I'll give him a call.
BB,
Do the gamo raptor pellets go supersonic and make a crack when you shoot them in the cf-x?
CF-X guy
CF-X guy,
Yes, they do. However, because the CF-X is so quiet, the extra noise isn't really bothersome.
B.B.
BB, and all,
Ahhh yes, the long awaited cf-x report!
Thanks, very informative.
Love that scope, I will most likely replace my full size with that one. was a scope stop not integraded with the rings? and did you say you used high mount rings? They dont look it.
dsw
dsw,
Yes, those are high mounts, but being 30 mm this pair doesn't have a scope stop, so I used the B-Square I described in the article.
B.B.
BB,
I am going to get one of those scopes. they make one that is adjusted at 35yds which I would think to be more ideal for the CF-X but I'm not sure about the Illumination. Do I need illumination with a 30mm tube? I am happy with non illumination and would like the 35yd adjustability.
What say Ye?
dsw
dsw,
I wouldn't get the 35 yard fixed parallax. You want parallax that adjusts to all ranges. The illumination is something I seldom use, but it's good for hunting in dark areaqs.
B.B.
Ooohhh yeah,
For months I have been looking at the three mini scopes and didn't make the connection, my bad
dsw
BB,
I want to know why is it that most air rifles shoot accurately with a soft hold technic and the cf-x is accurate with a hard hold and using unusual technics?
Thanks
CF-X guy
Just wondering if any of you out there had found an outlet in the States for a .22cal version of this. As of yet, the only availability that I have found is in the UK. Would like to try it in that caliber, but don't want to spend the cost of the gun getting it. Any help would be appreciated.
I ordered the CFX royal in .22 from the UK and bit the bullet, Was told by GamoUSA they have no plans to import them.
Got a new rifle yesterday, (although it's one they stopped making a few years ago)... a (.22) BSA Superstar.
Influenced by already having a CFX, and partly by BB's favourable reminiscences on the BSA, took a chance on buying it without having handled one before - and am very glad that I did!
The Superstar has quite superb balance, and seems less hold-critical than its Gamo successor.
If only the Leapers mini 3-12x44 IR mildot Scope was available in the UK, reckon it would be a perfect match.
Hi Guys,
Want to clean your CF-X ? Get a Hoppes Bore Snake made for .177 airguns, carefull... they make one for .17cal firearms. Get the airgun model it does NOT have the metal brush bristles!! The bore snake will fit into the barrel from the rotating breech if you shorten (hacksaw) the brass weight just a little. Go slow, cut a little & try, eventually it will slide right in( I cut mine too short, but it's still heavy enough to work). One or two passes with the bore snake should safely satisfy your cleaning urges!!
JB
JB,
Thanks for that tip!
Brit Visitor,
I know Pyramyd Air ships all around the world. And the credit card company will do the currency exchange. So you really don't need to suffer. I have no idea what tarrif or V.A.T. you might have to pay, but at the low price of the Leapers, you might still come out ahead.
B.B.
Sadly, when looked it up on Pyramid Air the shipping cost was shown at around $60....
VAT in the UK is 17.5%.
May have to settle for a Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40 mildot instead; at 11.7 inches long it might just fit. It's either that or a non-illuminated 25mm tube Leapers (but AGS badged) mini 6x40 mildot that's less than half its price.
My CF - X has a BSA 3x-12x 50mm scope on it and at 30 yards it will group Logun Penetrators within a nickel size area. I've not tried it on live vamints yet, but I am looking forward to.
WesM
Hi we own 3 CFX Royals,
The only problem that I have picked up , if you dont seat the pellet properly they tend to hook the O ring on the breech and either pull it out or cut it. It is a simple repair but annoying.
I have found that a Gammo TS 10 (10.5 grain) works very well and the supprising thing with new O-ring it consistently tested at 969fps believe it or not. With the factory O-Ring in the other 2 rifle only read 879 fps on average
Gamo owner,
The Gamo TS is not available here in the U.S. However, Gamo also has the weight of their new Raptor pellet listed incorrectly on their website, so who knows what the truth is?
B.B.
HI MON,MR B B. I LIVE IN THE WEST INDIES, INJOY HUNTING DUCKS, DOVES,PIDGONS .AND GETTING RID OF RATS AND MONGOOSE I USE THE HUNTER 220 WITH ATASCO 3-34 SCOPE AMAZEING SCOPE I JUST ORDERED A CF-X WHICH I SHOULD RECIVE ON THE 4-3-06 THANKS FOR THE TIPS ON THE CF-X HUNTING IN THE WEST INDIES IS GREAT FUN KEEP SHOOTING JEFF ANTIGUA W.I.
ive just bought one off these guns and you are right its a lot of gun for the money extremely powerfull
thank you for the wonderful review. I am currently going to purchase an adult air rifle here in canada and half narrowed the field to either the gamo varmit hunter or the cf-x. Wondering if you have an experience with the varmit hunter and which oneyou would recommend over the other.
About the same price shipped to my door for either one. Since this will be a varmit gun, synth stock is a must but formost is accuracy. I can later scope the cf-x if need be. Fancy addons look good but the gun must shoot well first :)
any help would be greatly appreciated
Kenneth
Kenneth,
Choosing from just those two rifles, I have to select the CF-X. The Varmint Hunter is older technology and vibrates/recoils a lot more than the CF-X.
B.B.
Hello,
(I live in France ----> sorry i'm not fluent in English...) I just want to know if Shadow 1000 and CFX have approximately the same accuracy on target ? (I read that CFX have small problems with pellets and rotary breech...) Shadow 1000 is a good air-rifle ???? I am going to buy a air rifle and I hesitate between both...
Thanks.
Philippe.
Philippe,
Your English is fine.
I have tested both the Gamo Shadow 1000 and the CF-X and I think the CF-X is more accurate.
The rotary breech can be difficult to load because the pellet flips over on the loading ramp and tries to enter the barrel backwards.
Both guns are good for the price, but I do like the CF-X best.
B.B.
Thanks a lot B.B.,
Everything is more clear to make the good choice...
Philippe.
Would a Leapers 3-9x32mm Range Estimating A.O. Full Size Scope withstand the recoil of an un-modified RWS 34?
Any Leapers scope should handle a Diana 34 with no problems.
B.B.
Thanks B.B.. I've decided to go with a Leapers 3-9x40 AO Mil-Dot Scope with R/G. Lots of features for not much money.
Keith
hi bb. iv heard in some cases that the main spring in the cfx sometimes breaks after mild usage. Have you expierienced this ever or is it something i wont need to worry about.
Hi BB. WHy is it that the cfx showed diff. result than other spring action guns. Is it made out of a diff. synthetic stock material or could it be that the one you tested was a bad apple out of the cfx line. Also im looking for a highly accurate rifle that i can hold and not rest on anything. THX
HI BB WHAT PELLETS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR THE CFX
HEY IV HEARD THAT CLEANING THE CFX CAN BE KIND OF A PAIN. WOULD CLEANING PELLETS WORK??
CF-X questions,
1. CF-X mainspring are not known for breakingt.
2. Since you never clean a pellet rifle, why worry about it?
3. I always recommend Beeman Kodiaks and JSB Exact pellets in both weights for the CF-X.
B.B.
CF-X test,
The CF-X I tested was not bad. For a Gamo, it was extremely good. A TX200 will outshoot it, but it will also outshoot any other spring rifle except a Whiscombe.
If you want a rifle that requires no technique to be accurate, you want a pneumatic. A PCP like the Talon from AirForce is a wondefrully accurate rifle that need not be held in any special way.
B.B.
what scope would you say is the best top of the line scope for the cfx. Money is not an issue.
The CF-X needs a shorter scope to allow loading room. I could recommend the Leupols Vari-X II, but the optics are not as clear and sharp as the Leapers scope shown on the gun in the picture above.
Because of the shorter scope limitation, A shot Leapers would be my recommendation.
B.B.
B.B.,
I'm looking at spending $250 or under for a simple air rifle to kill some squirrels with. I've been looking at the CF-X Combo, and the Shadow Combo. I'm not going to be shooting at distances about 50-60 feet tops. Which gun should I get? Also, with that gun, which pellet should I use to best take down the squirrel in one shot?
Michael.
To all Shooters
I purchased a Gamo CFX last year and found it to be a very impressive rifle.
Mine is .177 cal. Found the trigger creepy though. I modified the trigger by installing a lighter spring for first stage and made a 2mm (0.078") longer adjusment screw for second stage. The trigger can now be adjusted for a very crisp creepless lett off. I tested safety by cocking the rifle and bashing it a bit as this type of adjustment is very dangerous, so please be GAREFULL if attemted and watch that muzzle controll.
I managed a group of 10mm (0.39") at 20 meters (21 yards) with supplied open signts. This was with a prone position resting the rifle forend on a sponge. Found a loose hold to be most accurate.
It has been a bit since anyone posted on here, but I was just surfing the archives today and this caught my attention. The report says that the Gamo Raptor is NOT a good pellet for the CF-X, but I have had very good success with the pellet in my CF-X. I have killed several pest birds out at 30+ plus yards, and couple at 50 yards, and one at all the way out at 65 yards.
It could have been just a lucky shot, but I have had several of those "lucky" shots, so not inclined that way. But, I have had shots that missed when I was pretty sure they were going to score, so maybe it just flings them around, and every so many shots I get "lucky".
Just a few thoughts.
Well, I got a powerful .177 GAMO Varmint Hunter a week ago because of the (poor, but adequate) included BSA scope & laser sight/flash light combination made the buy seem like a good deal. I returned it immediately as the accuracy of the gun was “good”, but definitely not good enough. I then hooked myself up with a Winchester Summit 1000, as I was very attracted to the WAY better scope than the BSA combo that came with the GAMO Varmint Hunter, but the results were still about the same. Although the Summit 1000 seemed to be louder and a tad more powerful than the GAMO Varmint hunter, it was still unacceptable, accuracy wise. I think that the loudness of the Summit also psyched me to think that it was more powerful. NOT, The Varmint Hunter was. Anyway, I returned the Summit and ended up with the GAMO CFX as the fixed barrel was my incentive towards better accuracy. I was right. The GAMO CFX simply whooped butt over the other two rifles that I have tested. I shot all the rifles at 10 ~ 30 ~ 50 yards, fixed target(s), rifle(s) resting on stacked sandbags for near zero movement. Now concerning the GAMO Raptor pellets: When I sighted my rifles using these pellets, they were VERY accurate, fast and true. So, I really do not understand the negative write-ups with the Raptors. I simply must disagree. The other pellets that I have tried, (Lead: GAMO Match, Hunter, Magnum and Match points as well as the Crosman .177 hollow points) seemed to drift, in general, lower and sometimes to the right. Also, I found that the GAMO match pellets seemed to keep up, by less than a half an inch, in line of the Raptors which, like I said, I found to be the more accurate pellet if your rifle is properly sighted using them even though they are pricier. The CFX is definitely a very accurate rifle and for the price, is a great deal. I would go with a better scope that comes with the GAMO CFX, like the Crosman that comes with the Remington Summit 1000, a 4x32 Mini A.O. The Bug Buster, a 6x32 Mini Size A.O. Bug Buster 2, or a Leapers 3-12X44 30mm SWAT Mini Size a. There are most probably several other scopes that are better to use with the CFX than the one that came with it.
I have owned my Gamo CFX Combo with the BSA 2-7x32 scope for about 2 years now. I have found it to be a real tack driver at 20-30 yards, but also very capable of reaching out to 50 even 60 yards to bring down those gun wary Crows. For me I have had the best results loading up with RWS SuperPoint Extra's for fairly consistent accuracy with the occasional stray now n' then. What I have noticed is that keeping it pulled tight to the shoulder with a firm grip just in front of the scope rail on the back half of the front grips while keeping an easy grip with the trigger hand. Then take up the trigger stack and fire with a quick trigger pull.. Well, at lest that’s what works best for me anyway. .HEHE. . It couldn’t hurt. Give it a try, if it works for me it might work for you. But, yea I’m pretty pleased with my CFX. It packs a nice punch to, but these superpoints do tend to over penetrate quite a bit! Got any suggestions??
Hey guys, I have just one simple question I was hoping someone could answer. For use on the cf-x, I see that the leapers scope in the test had the B-square 11mm dovetail rings. If for example I wanted to use the bug buster/bug buster 2 scope, which rings would I buy for use on the cf-x with these scopes? Thanks for the help. =]
-David
David,
If you want non-adjustable rings, the A.G.E. 2-piece medium height airgun rings look good.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/accessory.pl?accessory_id=1150
If you want adjustable rings, the 2-piece B-Square Interlock Adjustable rings look good.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/accessory.pl?accessory_id=235
B.B.
Thanks for the quick reply B.B. One more quick question I have regarding these scopes. I'm a little indecisive about which one I'm going to purchase. the two in question are the Bug Buster 2, and the one you used in the field test. The price difference and and 3-yd minimum parallax setting makes the Bug Buster slightly more appealing to me, although I'm not sure if i'll even use it that close. Have you had any experience with the Bug Buster 2, and if not what do you feel really sets the scope from your test apart? I see the Leapers 3-12x has the variable magnification whereas the buster is a fixed 6. Other than this and the objective diameter, are there any durability differences between the two that you've heard of? I really just want something thats going to remain reliable through years of use. Thanks again.
-David
David,
The Bug Buster 2 is a fine scope. The biggest drawback is how difficult it is to mount because it is so short. The 12X scope used in the test is also very compact, but it's bigger than the Bug Buster. It does have brighter optics, which give you a 15-minute edge in the morning and evening, as far as hunting time goes. That's important to deer hunters, but not to squirrel hunters.
If the choie were mine, I'd get the Bug Buster.
B.B.
Hey BB, I'm having a slight problem at the moment. I just opened my CFX and cleaned the "grease" if you will off the outside with some hoppes. Worked great, but I didnt think the inside of the barrel would have anything in it. Upon firing, smoke and a nasty smell came out. Any tips on what to do? Im sure hoppes would do a good job, I'm just having trouble finding something to go down through the barrel. Thanks in advance!
Keep Hoppes No. 9 out of all airguns! It attacks the seals.
Cleaning the CF-X is difficult because of how it works, but why do you have to? It can just be shot as is. The smoke you saw is normal and may or may not last awhile. Just shoot the gun.
B.B.
The product I used on the outside wasnt no.9. It was called Hoppes Elite foaming metal conditioner. Is this just as bad as the no.9? Hope using it on the outside wouldnt have messed it up, because a little may have gone around the breach.
I did a search but couldn't find the exact product you mention. However, the Elite series is formulated to remove metal fouling and that stuff is usually bad for synthetic seals.
B.B.
HI bb, my queastion is what is the best air rifle that is under 500 fps.
thanks
The best air rifle under 500 f.p.s. is the IZH 61.
B.B.
MR.BB I need help in finding out why my gamo 890s and remington summit springs broke within 6 months? Is it something I did.
If you over-oiled your guns or used pellets that are too light (7 grains for .177 and 12 grains for .22) then you might have had somthing to do with it, but I think not.
Both guns have mainsprings that are stressed to the maximum. They need medium weight lead pellets (8 grains in .177 and 14 grains in .22) to make the piston not smack the end of the compression chamber, setting up a wave of vibrations in the mainspring.
B.B.
hello, I would like to know several things about this rifle, or any 1000 fps rifles in general.
I want to set up a shooting place in my backyard, (which isn't very big, 30-50 feet max range), but i want accuracy. I need a pellet trap to protect my wall, a big one, like home made out of cardboard or playwood or something. How much do you think it would take to stop a bullet from the cfx?
No wooden pellet trap is suitable for the CF-X. You need either steel (the Heavy duty trap that is now out of stock) or the Quiet Trap.
A 2 by 4 will stop pellet from the CF-X, but after 20 shots in the same place, they will shoot through. Since you will be shooting targets, count on them all hitting in the same place.
B.B.
B.B.,
I'm confused. in reply to a comment above on the best pellet for the CF-X you said:
"3. I always recommend Beeman Kodiaks and JSB Exact pellets in both weights for the CF-X."
of those three, two of them are very heavy (10gr+). However, in the review, you said in bold "I learned that the CF-X does not like heavy pellets!"
So, which is it? I am poor and would like to purchase 4 cans of pellets but I need to know if I should get them heavy or medium or light. I know you're the man so I just need clarification! BTW, I will be killing small squirrels around my house....only, Thank you.
The.Man,
You were right to call me on this. I recommended those pellets without reading my own test. The CF-X I tested liked Crosman Premier 7.9-grain pellets the best. One box of them has 1,250 pellets, so it's like 2.5 boxes of anything else.
If you are buying three pellets to get the 4th free, I would also try the 7.6 grain JSB Diabolo Exacts, too.
I'm sorry for the mistake.
B.B.
Thank you, no problem at all. I just wanted to make the most of my purchase. I was going to get a few different brands to test which seems easy to pick until you start throwing weights into the mix, before you know it you're up to twelve cans!
Also, the way the article flows, you switched pellets before sandbagging the CF-X (of course!)so I wasnt sure if you went through all the pellets again after sandbagging the rifle or not. You can only give so much detail in an article which is why all these comments are so valuable to us readers.
Thanks!
TheMan
TheMan,
No, I didn't retest after sandbagging. But in all the testing I've done recently I note that lighter pellets often do perform best in springers.
B.B.
b.b.
i'm glad you did a review on the cf-x it's helped me make up my mind to buy one but... the scope, i can't decide.
i like the one you demo'd. the "3-12x44 30mm swat mini" and i also like the"6x32 mini bug buster2"
the bug buster Parallax setting is 3yards-infinity and the 3-12x44 is 10yards-infinity
i like them both which one would you recomend, and what mounting would you go with if you choose the bug buster? because you demo'd the b-square 30mmx11mm and it,s suggested to go with the 3/8 dovetail mount with the bug buster will this fit? thanks for your input.
sorry b.b.
i just read some of the above comments and it looks like your going with the bug buster 2 as scope of choice
i'm just wondering about "mounting rings" for my cf-x and if i would get the B-Square 11.7mm recoil stop block to go with the scope?
thanks again;
rig.
rig,
I can't recommend the Bug Buster for the CF-X. The BB is a short scope, and the CF-X has a recoil stop block positioned so far forward that the exit pupil will be off. You'll only see a small portion of the image from the BB.
B.B.
b.b;
if the only reason for not liking the bug buster2 is that the built in scope stop is to far forward to use the scope properly why not just un scerw it and mount something like the b-square stop?
did you have this problem when you mounted the leapers mini swat? i remeber you saying if was thight to get on, or a tricky thing to mount.
thanks rig.
B.B.,
Did you ever find a grip that worked with the cf-x while in a standing position with a post or something to rest against? I'll be shooting squirrels from my balcony using the doorframe to rest against. Im getting mixed results at the range emulating this position with both loose and tight grips. In fact, I can only shoot 3/4 inch groups by resting it and touching nothing but the trigger @ 25 yrds. Of course, I cant sort pellets by weight which i think is a major factor. This brings me to my second question. What is the most affordable electronic scale you can reccomend with confidence? Thank you for your time.
The.Man