by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Walther’s LGV Olympia is one of the last recoiling spring piston target rifles.
This report covers:
- Background
- Several versions
- Heavy
- Locking barrel
- Tight breech
- Light cocking
- Top Olympia
- Sights
- The plan
Background
During the 1960s, spring-piston target air rifles reached their high water mark. There was the Anschutz model 250, the FWB model 150/300, the Weihrauch HW 55 and, in 1963, the Walther LGV joined the fun. The LGV was the last in a long line of target breakbarrel rifles from Walther that started in the 1950s with the LG 51.
The immediate predecessor of the LGV, the Walther LG 55, is well-known as a fine European club gun. The LGV took that one step farther — the final step for recoiling Walther target air rifles. Although it’s a recoiling spring-piston rifle, the LGV is so smooth and heavy that it is almost recoilless. It was produced in one form or another from 1963 until 1972.
Several versions
There are several different versions of LGVs, and mine is the first model called the Olympia that has rounded corners on the wood. I owned another Olympia LGV years ago that had a matte finish on all the barrel jacket to cut the reflection, but this current one is probably an older model that has all deeply polished metal finished in a deep black oxide. The polish is fully the equal of a Whiscombe or a Colt Python with the royal blue finish.
Heavy
The forearm contains a lead weight to make the rifle decidedly muzzle-heavy, as target rifles are supposed to be. The rifle weighs 10.5 lbs., or just about one pound more than a 1903 bolt-action Springfield battle rifle. It’s very muzzle-heavy, not only from the lead weight in the stock but also from the heavy steel jacket that surrounds the barrel.
The heavy jacket around the barrel is for added weight up front. A large nut holds it tight to the barrel.
Locking barrel
Casual observers will spot the barrel latch immediately. Like Weihrauch’s HW 55 target rifle, Walther provided the LGV with a special latch to positively lock the heavy barrel closed. The LGV was the only breakbarrel target rifle Walther did this for. The LG 55, which is quite similar in size and power, does not have a barrel latch.
The barrel latch is easy to reach during cocking. It locks the barrel tight!
Tight breech
To compliment the latch, the baseblock has two hardened steel pins, one on each side of the block, that eliminate any possibility of sideways wobble in the barrel. Remember the problems I’m having in this area with the Beeman C1? In combination with the barrel latch, these pins make a vault-like rigid joint when the barrel comes to the closed position. Like the doors on a Mercedes, the barrel closes with the quietest of clicks that mask the ultra-rigid lockup. The Sig ASP20 with its keystone breech is a modern equivalent that doesn’t need a barrel lock because of how it is designed, but this LGV existed a half-century earlier.
A hardened steel pin on either side of the baseblock keeps the side play of the barrel to a minimum.
Light cocking
Cocking effort on the LGV Olympia is legendary. It’s one of the few adult model breakbarrels to cock at less than 12 lbs. effort. This particular rifle may cock a little harder, but it’s still on the silly side of trivial. I will record it for you when I test the velocity in Part 2.
You’ll notice that the grip is heavily stippled to grab your hand during a match. These rifles were shot from the offhand position only, so all the design features stress that position over all others.
The pistol grip is deeply stippled for the best grip.
The curved buttpad is rubber and adjusts both up and down. The trigger is a fine target trigger, although it is of 1960s technology and not the current day. It’s two-stage and breaks at 11 oz. And, of course, it’s adjustable. Naturally I will test it for you.
Top Olympia
The stock is figured walnut with a reddish-brown finish. It’s very full and robust, yet the forearm has no checkering, stippling or even finger grooves. It seems almost informal compared to the other contemporary target rifles. The Olympia was not intended to shoot in World Cup competition. That honor was reserved for the LGV Spezial and the UIT models. But this rifle has both the best features of the Olympia — the walnut stock and the adjustable buttplate. Blue Book says that adds 30 percent to the value.
Sights
The front and rear sights are target-grade and identical to those found on the LG 55. In the front, a globe accepts standard inserts; in the rear, Walther’s own proprietary aperture target sight prevails. The rear sight rail allows for some adjustment of eye relief, though the rear sight has to lock down in one of the half-round cross slots on top of the receiver.
The rear peep sight is the same one found on a Walther LG55 target rifle. When something works, don’t change it!
I’m not a target rifle shooter, but I must say that this rifle holds steadier than any other breakbarrel rifle in my collection. Even my Weihrauch HW 55 CM was no steadier, and that was the very best that Weihrauch ever made! My FWB 300S is probably steadier but of all my breakbarrel target rifles, this one is the steadiest.
The plan
I’ve written about this rifle several times over the years, but it dawned on me that there are better target pellets today than ever before. It is time to bring this old girl out of the closet and feed her some of the best pellets the world has ever seen. I can’t wait to see how she does!
B.B.
Boy ‘O boy…
Lovely gun. I know that the HW 55 had a 25mm piston size, any idea what the piston size and stroke are of this one? Is the piston lightened to reduce recoil?
SIG aside, why don’t more companies use the barrel latch locking mechanism?
-Yogi
Yogi,
Cost. A spring lock is much cheaper and easier to manufacture. Walther briefly brought it back with their LGV series and the HW35 still has it, but there are not many others out there.
Yogi,
I don’t know the answer to either of your questions, except to say the LGV is very similar to the 55. The piston is not light. It’s the weight of the gun and the weak spring that reduce recoil.
A barrel lock is costly to manufacture and most companies feel their guns don;’t need one.
B.B.
There’s also the issue of sight placement. For a break barrel with the front sight on the barrel and the rear on the spring tube, the two must mate up perfectly in order to stay in alignment. In a sporting rifle where the rear sight is on the rear of the barrel (or a fixed barrel design), that’s not an issue.
All the more reason to have a barrel lock-up. Sights are always in the same place!
-Y
B.B.,
Interesting. Some old time quality.
On the 2 pins at the breech,….. (how) do they hold things tight? The main pivot pin would seem to be the key spot,.. so these must have a separate function.
On the rear peep,… there is a layer in there that appears to have some teeth,.. or notches. Does something move/index at that point?
Good Day to you and to all,……… Chris
Chris,
Those two pins are machined to fit the width of the slot. With one in front and one behind the pivot screw, there is no room for wiggle.
RR,
That does not make sense. Ahead and behind? Viewing the one pin in the picture,… I am assuming that there is one directly opposite of it? I assume the main pivot bolt can be tightened as well? B.B. did say,…. ” either side of the breech block ……… “.
Sorry,… I just don’t get it. Things have to make mechanical sense to me for me to “get it”. For example,… 2 captive pins that are free floating,… yet have a strong spring between them that exert outward pressure. Custom machined pins make no sense as the pivot bolt is also adjustable for tension/gap,… I am assuming.
Chris
Chris,
The truth is the front pin has the pivot bolt going through it. You can barely see the edge of it in the picture. The other is smaller in diameter and clearly visible. These pins are hardened steel machined to the same width as the slot. They prevent any side to side play in the barrel block.
Chris,
The two pins just reduce the sideplay.
I don’t see the teeth you describe.
B.B.
BB,
Between the base and the adjustment head there appears to be a ring with notches in it that look like they may engage the notch on the base.
RR,
I see them. They are not adjustments — I think! I will examine them more closely in Part 2.
B.B.
BB,
Ah, come on. Who wants to hear about arguably the best breakbarrel air rifle that was ever made? Most especially since she will likely never move into RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns. I am sure she will never become wayward.
RidgeRunner,
I wish your statement: “I am sure she will never become wayward.” was true! Some, albeit small, number of these and other fine guns of all kinds are LOST each year in Estate Sales parental house clearouts and worse still Gun Buy Backs!
Blue Book of Airguns and Firearms are unknown to the perpetrators of these crimes.
shootski
Shootski,
I am aware of such things, but those are not the ones I was referring to. I was talking about this particular one.
How do any springers become wayward?
-Y
Yogi,
As with any other airgun, sproingers can suddenly decide they wish to be elsewhere or they may develop a habit their owner does not desire such as vibrations, etc. At my Home For Wayward Airguns I provide these airguns with TLC, refurbishing, rebuilding and tuning them to there finest.
Some decide to settle here, mostly the older gals, but often the younger ones still have some wanderlust left in there hearts and they move on to homes where they are treated with kindness and attention.
RidgeRunner,
I had a really hard workout yesterday and my body was a little sore and my brain must have been busy elsewhere!
For this statement of yours, “I was talking about this particular one.” to finally sink in took until just now! You will just need to wait for the Estate Sale himself has spoken about in the recent past! You have been saving up for that haven’t you!!!
shootski
Shootski,
LOL! Yes, I know I will likely have to wait. Maybe. I have three jewels BB has sold or traded me over the years. He has learned that I prize these old gals as much as he and care for them and give them regular exercise at RRHFWA. Like he said, we only own them for a little while and then pass them on to someone else to enjoy. My grandson is going to have some nice airguns.
BB
New readers are in for a surprise. This 10 meter beauty reaches out to 25 yards with groups so small they are a challenge to measure. I know, I’m lucky enough to have one.
Thanks for bringing your Olympia out again. Let the fun begin!
Deck
Deck,
I really wanted to see what it could do with all these super-accurate target pellets we have today.
B.B.
BB
My rifle likes JSB Exact Express at 25 yards but performs with most match pellets I have tried. I will be most interested in following your tests with other pellets. I too like the locking latch. Holding the rifle vertical before applying latch pressure assures a tight fit every time. Others may not know that the heavy Olympia barrel sleeve puts lots of downward force on the lockup.
Some of us get a bit excited when you dust off the old match rifles.
Deck
“Some of us get a bit excited when you dust off the old match rifles.”
I’m in that camp!
-Y
with my FWB 300 I go to almost 40 yds with tiny groups. those who own these masterpiece “10 meter” rifles should stretch them out to 25-35 yds
Mildot 52
Or more.
I went little over 45 yds and watch the pellet mortar into the target. amazing with the drop and lobbing how small the groups are. I also use the irons at that range with the right size round bull and right size front site get same size groups like 3/4 as with the scope
Mildot52
Yep done know what you mean.
How far have you shot a FWB 300?
Shot my modded 300 at some long distances with good results that I’m sure would surprise someone.
They shoot is all I can say.
furthest I went was around 47 yds. did with irons and scope being I have 2 FWB 300’s. if you get the right size bull around 3 1/2 inches right size aperture that fits around with a sliver of white I just lock it on and let loose. I use 8.5 grain JSB being my rifles make a weird noise with the 10.5 pellets. I feel the FWB is and was the greatest air rifle ever made. Bar none. I don’t care if you spend 3K on a rifle I can shoot one hole at ten meters which is a waste of pellets lol. the Germans and men that made a spring rifle shoot like that do not exist anymore
Mildot52
Target sizing is a big deal. Me and Chris USA had a long distance match at a 100 yards with our .25 caliber Marauder’s.
What I’m sure one of the factors that helped me was that I sized my target to a mildot size for its diameter at that distance.
And it sounds like your FWB might need a new piston stop on the front of the piston. And possibly a better piston seal. If the ring ain’t sealing good it will give a kick back or that secondary recoil.
Anyway shouldn’t really say cause I never shot your gun. But would like to know.
it does not seem to recoil or kick back makes like a thunk type sound. I got one from carel and the other from Jim E both guys said they were redone and have the blue seal on the bolt. they are not modded shoot 588 fps and with 7.5 over 600 fps
Mildot52
Hmm maybe the heavier pellet in your gun is keeping the air compressed longer and that makes the sound your hearing. The piston stopping more abruptly.
Anyway as long as your happy with what your shooting.
you sly fox sizing your target to mil dot size lol. did you have first or second focal plane
Mildot52
2nd focal plane and 4 magnification.
Wasn’t worried about mildot size changing because was only shooting that magnification and distance. So was fairly easy to draw some different diameter circles on some white paper and shoot at the one that came closest to matching the mildot.
Well maybe not the simplest way but that’s how I did it that particular time.
your system sounds very simple to me and I have used somewhat similar method. with second focal you could adjust power to match the circle I believe. I guess you won the shoot out with Chris lol what kinda groups were you guys getting at 100yds?
Mildot52
Yep could of adjusted magnification but I didn’t want my holdover to change. Don’t remember how many mildot hold over that gun was and didn’t write down on the target for some strange reason. I usually do.
But that’s why I didn’t want to adjust magnification.
And yes of course I remember what size group I shot. No not really but I did save both targets. I believe we agreed to two 10 shot groups and best group wins. But here it is. And I did win if I remember right and Chris was right there shooting like what I shot. I remember it was a real good day to shoot and from what I wrote on the target I believe I remembered right about that.
But here is the two targets.
that is a greats from both you guys and from air guns. most PB’s cant do that. do you have Lothar barrels on them or are they stock. if I may ask what state do you live in?
Mildot52
I had a bunch of stuff done to it. Barrel weights instead of baffles in the shroud. Heavier striker spring, valve and transfer port work done as well the o-ring anti valve bounce mod done. And probably other things I’m forgetting. It was shooting the JSB 33.95’s at 950 fps and making around 68 fpe. And live in Illinois near St.Louis Mo. Oh and I don’t own the gun anymore.
I don’t think I woulda sold that rifle. you could make good money accurizing guns
Mildot52
Oh and forgot.
It still had the factory barrel.
I built probably four .25 caliber Mrod’s over time like this one. All kept the factory barrel and all shot very good.
Mildot52
I got good money for them. People that know me and how the guns perform bought them.
And I have done some work for people that have the Benjamin/Crosman guns like these. Basically the 1322/77 guns and 2240’s and Marauder pistol and rifles and 1720T’s and so on.
Definitely like messing with them. And the thing about it is Crosman pretty well has everything in stock to build the gun you want from thier digrams of a particular guns parts.
Heck check out today’s blog. Benji-Don is doing a guest blog today about a 1322/77 he turned into a rifle. A nice looking gun he built if I can say so myself. Check it out.
Mildot,
As I recall, I put 7 of 10 into 13/16″.
Chris
amazing accuracy with an air gun at that distance
Chris
13/16″ on 7 of 10 at 100 yards is astounding with any airgun technology I am aware of. Gunfun1 can shoot straight but were his best 7 of 10 that good?
Deck
Deck,
I have to give it up to GF1. He shoots WAY more than I and I am sure is a WAY better shot.
I have never been able to duplicate that again,…. so take that as you will.
Sizing the target/ring to adapt to distance is a key thing that GF1 uses. I did not do that. Every little bit helps at 100 yards with an airgun.
Chris
It will be interesting to see how it shoots with modern pellets. I have a Walther LGM-2, one of the rifles that made spring piston match rifles obsolete. Even though it is now also obsolete it is still accurate enough to win.
Mike
Mike,
Yes, the SSP, CO2 and PCP target rifles have ergonomics the older spring-piston guns don’t, and they can still be competitive today.
B.B.
Big Iron,
I looked up a pic of the Walther LGM-2. Is it a Single Stroke Pneumatic? Thanks.
take care,
dave
Yes it is. The version I have has the Laminated Stock.
Mike
Thank you, Mike; that’s the version I saw online, the Laminated Stock one…sweet rifle! =>
Mildot52
My FWB300S is the only rifle I own that usually outshoots my LVG Olympia. Resting it directly on a sandbag overcomes the “me” variable. On a given day my LG55, HW30s, HW50s, Diana 34 and Avanti 753s may come out on top.
I think BB’s previous tests indicate the FWB300S can reach out further than 25 yards with accuracy. Gunfun1 has posted some groups that confirm this. I love them all and my yard is limited to 25 yards.
Deck
Decksniper
Most definitely on stretching out a FWB 300. I had a modified one and a factory unmodified one. Both shot very well out to 50 yards. And that was with a 10 grain JSB even.
I would definitely like to try my hand at the gun BB is reviewing today at 25 yards. And for sure 50 yards with some modern pellets. You never know till you try as the saying goes.
Might work out good. But maybe not at those distances. The FWB 300 in my opinion are special guns. They just perform.
It will be interesting to see how well BB and the gun do. I’m routing for it for sure.
First I should of said this. My FWB 300’s I had was scoped when I shot them at distances out to 50 yards.
I’m guessing the Olympia has a dovetail since it does have a rear peep sight.
Not to say the peeps can’t perform out at 50 yards. But I would say if we are wanting to see what the Olympia will do at 50 yards with modern pellets then let’s get a scope on it.
Then the question is a good modern scope that costs big bucks. Or a normal everyday good quality budget priced scope.
Maybe we should take a vote on how we would like BB to test it this time around. I bet there would be some interesting suggestions.
I’m a huge fan of the Walther 10 meter airguns. I’ve owned many including a very rare tyrolean version of the LGV Spezial.
It’s interesting to note that in the case of this fine Walther LGV Olympia model that you have two guns in one. As shown in B.B.’s fine photo’s you have a very well made and accurate offhand 10 meter gun. When you remove the forestock weight and remove the heavy barrel sleeve you have a wonderful lightweight “sporter” version with enviable peep sights.
Here’s some interesting history on Walther and the 10 meter game:
Walther was founded in 1886, and made target rifles for the remainder of the nineteenth century. Following World War II, the firm was re-established in Ulm, German, located about 100 miles west of Munich. One of its main competitors, Anschutz, is also located in Ulm.
In 1951 Walthers came out with their first post-WWII air rifle, hence the LG51, followed by the LG53, and then the LG55. Walther models 51, 52, 53, and 55 were made in parallel during most of their production lives, all being break barrel springers. The 51 was a simple open-sighted sporter with smooth bore, 52 included bore, the 53 had a sporter stock with improved trigger and match sights, the 55 had the target stock, an even finer trigger, and a lot of interesting options.
The LG55 began production in 1955 running through 1967 (available through 1974) and was a truly dedicated 10-meter match air rifle. Some believe Walther’s produced the LG55 to compete in the first pro-WWII German National Championship – reportedly Walther’s built a very small number of special LG55 exclusively for the German National Team (something like six only). The LG55 is a barrel-cocker with simple chisel detent, heavy weight (yes, a lead chunk inside the fore end), 550 fps velocity, full match sights, and a superb adjustable match trigger. Wood is shaped in the classic rounded Olympia style, and was available in both beech and walnut. Tyrolean stocks were also available.
The Walther LGV (Luft Gewehr Verbessert = “Improved Air Rifle”) was introduced as a further refined rifle in 1963 replacing the LG55 as the flagship match air rifle for the firm. The LGV was the ultimate development of the 53/55 series target springers, and incorporated the lever breech lock. It relied upon mass from a heavy barrel sleeve and weight in the forestock to damp recoil. This boosted the weight to a pretty hefty 10.4 pounds. The LGV is a beautifully made rifle. The initial Olympia-stocked version was later followed by more angular Match and Junior variants. A Tyrolean version was available as well. Most styles were available in both beech and walnut.
In 1968 Walthers introduced its ultimate match springer with the LGV Special (or in German, the LGV Spezial). The LGV Special has the leaded stock like the LGV, but added two short springs wound in opposite directions, an improved match stock, an adjustable buttplate, and an even more refined adjustable trigger (major difference from the LGV is an adjustment for length of pull). Many feel the LGV Special is almost Feinwerkbau 300S like in its firing behavior, neatly eliminating the twist and most of the vibration of a single spring. The first LGV Special had a rounded forestock, but in 1972 the squared Match version was introduced. According to John Walters The Airgun Book, [T]he LGV Spezial is the epitome of conventional air-rifle design, with minimal recoil, but is also very expensive. A few LGV-Spezial’s were produced with Tyrolian stocks, which were soon to be oultlawed by the UIT (now ISSF) for use in 10 meter competition.
Due to the nature of competition, and perhaps encouraged by all German target rifle manufacturers (Anschutz, Walther, Feinwerkbau, Diana) being located within the same region, technological advances in their match rifles came rapidly. Much attention was devoted to reduce or eliminate springer recoil.
Anschutz introduced the advanced fixed-barrel model 220, with pneumatic recoil-suppressing brake, in 1960. Their model 250, with an improved hydraulic brake, followed in 1966. Diana introduced the first truly recoilless design, the break-barrel model 60 featuring the Giss double-piston system, in 1963. More refined Diana Giss rifles were the model 65 (1968), model 66 (1974), and the highly refined fixed-barrel model 75 in 1977. Feinwerkbau introduced the model 150 in 1963, featuring a fixed barrel and a simple sledge-type recoil elimination system. Following were the improved models 300 (1969) and 300S (1972), the latter remaining in production for over 25 years. A modified version of the sledge system was borrowed for the last spring-piston match rifle to be introduced, the Anschutz 380 of 1980.
Walthers went in a different direction. Even while refining their LGV into the LGV Special series, they shocked the competition by introducing an entirely new concept in 1974 — the single stroke pneumatic LGR model. Immediately after its introduction, the LGR broke both the individual and team 10-meter world records. This forced the international shooting union to reduce the size of the 10-meter air rifle target to where it remains today. The LGR also forced all their match air rifle competitors to ultimately drop the springers and move into the pneumatic era.
In 1984 Anschutz won the Olympic 10 meter womans metal with their LG380 — the last springer to do so — while the LGR won the Mens Gold. In 1984 Feinwerkbau introduced the first of the pneumatic FWB 600 series, and by the late 1980s all of these builders were making single stroke pneumatics (SSP’s).
The International Shooting Union (UIT but now ISSF) began clamping down on equipment in the early 1970’s with eliminating the use of tyroleans. I suspect (just a guess) this happened before Diana brought out their Diana 75 (in 1975) but after 1972 as I have a LGV-T with 1972 world cup competition decals. The next sweeping rule changes happened about 1977 or 78 after Walther’s introduced their LGR (which immediately broke – no make that shattered – both world records). These late 1970’s changes likely caused FWB to end their flared grip cap (UIT said it created a shooting advantage).
Kevin,
Wow! Thank you for Part 2 of this report! 😉
B.B.
B.B.,
It’s all your fault. You added the string to my soul that sings about these vintage 10 meter guns that are a magnificent package: fine wood, great triggers, terrific sights and highly blued metal that produce exceptional accuracy.
YOU plucked that string today and that’s what you get.
kevin
Kevin,
hmmmmmmmmmmm!
B.B.
Kevin
Very nice looking gun in the picture. And a nice read.
Still can’t wait to see what BB’s Olympia does with the modern pellets as BB said. His reason as he said about bringing up this gun again.
If I remember right BB did or was going to do some 50 yard shooting with this gun back in 2013. Matter of fact today’s blog pretty well has the same pictures and such from the 2013 blog.
Anyway enough about all that. Let’s see what it does now. I’m still giving the FWB 300 my vote fore the longer distance shots. Maybe BB has a FWB 300 he could put side to side with this gun. I think it would bring some excitement to the blog anyway. Sounds like fun to me.
Gf,
Your comments remind me of Yrrah’s posts on the old yellow when he shot his fwb 300 at 100 yards. Yrrah was the fanatic about sorting pellets and a crack shot not only with airguns but competed with firearms and bows.
I’ve scoped 10 meter guns (the LG55 in the picture above has a burris timberline mounted) and stretched their legs but it reminded me that they were purpose built and shined at shorter distances…..yes, a Ferrari is beautiful but please don’t make it into a truck to haul furniture.
Kevin
What was the girls name that shot a modified FWB 300 out at 75 yards and plus. We talked about this when I was modding my 300.
The way I see it is everything has a Ferrari hidden inside. It just takes the right person to make it happen. 😉
Kevin,
I remember a number of discussions with Harry fondly! Not so much the Old Yellow or the replacement forum…
I’ll give you a Medal (second to last paragraph: “In 1984 Anschutz won the Olympic 10 meter womans metal with their LG380 —”) for your write-up on 10 Meter Air Rifles. I lived in the Swabenland, Stuttgart area, just a little to the West of the Center of the Universe! The Old Girls were still very popular for living room and club shooting totally enjoyable with an after-dinner drink and the added joy of outstanding company. I started serious shooting during the turbulence of the changeover years with the move away from wood to colorful Aluminum as well as Single Strokes Pneumatics and finally the PCPs. Have you shot any of say the last decade of Olympic Air Rifles or are you totally turned off by all the plastics, Aluminum, and other metals?
shootski
Kevin, don’t you mean a Rolls Royce?
LMo
Pluck enough strings and you get a symphony!
-Y
Hello Kevin, I enjoyed the information you and BB provided on the Walther LGV. I have a LGV with Tyrolean stock. I only received one aperature insert (post style) for the front sight when I purchased the rifle several years ago. Do you know where I could obtain other inserts as I prefer a circular aperture insert for target shooting?
Grant,
Welcome to the blog.
Check out Champion’s Choice:
http://www.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx
B.B.
B.B.
Thank you BB. I shall certainly check out Champion’s Choice. Until now, I was unaware of the web site.
Grantb,
I also prefer a circular front globe insert for target shooting. I really like the clear, acrylic inserts made by R. McDougal and marketed as Slimline. Unfortunately, I can’t find a website for them. The last phone number I have for them is 250-658-5105. The older Walther front globe sights are 16mm (.626).
If you want an OEM metal insert I gave my last 100 or so inserts to Dr. Mark Lee. The last email address I have for Mark is mlee “AT” gmail.com. Tell him kevin lentz suggested he might have an insert for you.
If you want to try the acrylic inserts email me at klentz4 “AT” comcast.net
Thank you for responding Kevin. Tomorrow, I am going to try contacting R. McDougall. If his phone number is still valid (and Google says it is), then he and I both live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia; he in Victoria and I two hours north in Nanaimo. I will let you know how I make out. I would like to try an acrylic insert in the LGV.
Kevin
I am enjoying rereading some older reports and comments. Thanks for the history of my favorite vintage airguns. I have 3 permanent residents I got from Carel and doubt I would pay today’s market price.
Deck
Off-topic — SIG ASP 20 / Whiskey3 Scope Combo now available for pre-order!
I just got an email from P.A. showing the combo is available to order. The site says the estimated in-stock date is 8-12. Is anyone considering this? I am about to hit the “order” button.
B.B. — Based on everything you wrote about this SIG, my thoughts are the wood stock version, in .22, is the way to go for me. Have you played with this any more — is there anything you know now that would make you think differently than you did when you last wrote about this?
Thank you.
Jim M.
Jim,
That would be my pick, too. That’s what I asked Sig for and it’s what I got.
I do have plans for a 50-yard report, but my schedule has been challenging this summer.
B.B.
B.B.,
I understand how that goes. My boys are not far from returning to school, and I don’t feel like I’ve gotten to experience summer with them at all.
I “pulled the trigger” and ordered it. Wood stock in .22. I’ll let you know when it comes in. I just couldn’t bring myself to buy those Wraith Ballistic Alloy pellets though. Those are pricey! (smile)
Jim
Jim M,
If you must have it this week check out the SIG Store offering exactly what you desire! ;^)
shootski
Shootski,
Thanks for pointing that out. I checked pricing though, and Ouch! (smile). I can live without it for a couple of weeks or so, until they’re in stock at P.A. I had a significant amount of “Bullseye Bucks” on my PA account too, so with being able to use those, and no additional charge for shipping, I am not unhappy with the total. I’ll post when it arrives.
Jim
BB
Just did a LGV Olympia shoot off pitting JSB Exact Express 7.87 gr, JSB Exact 8.44 gr, and Air Arms Diabolo Express 7.87 gr. There was no wind at all and distance was 25 yards and rested directly on bag. Best I could do today with peep sights shooting 10 shot groups was .45″ with the AA pellet. The other two were both 1/2″. All tested similar but wanted to amend my earlier suggestion. The AA Express which weighs the same as the JSB Exact Express gets the nod in my rifle.
I think you found that ballistics drop was substantial with heavier pellets in your last test. Hope you have a way to shoot 50 yards with no wind and with a scope.
Deck
Hello! I,m new here and i want to share some info about the LGV olympia.
I was lucky to get my hands on a very early Walther LGV Olympia. I replaced the piston seal for a better aftermarket seal and i could buy a new two piece original spring for it. The rifle had the one piece spring and the original piston seal in it. Of corse was not much left of the piston seal after all those years. When i had cleaned everything and put everything together i find out that it was not possible to cock the rifle because of the plastic spring guide that connect the two springs. The plastic guide was to long and bumped to the inside of the piston end when i had a few centimeters left to break the barrel all the way down. Of corse o could shorten the spring guide a bit, but i tought i wat better to have the one piece spring in it. I heard that there are LGV olympia’s with two piece springs. Maybe someone knows if the two piece spring came on the later models? Did the early models had the one piece spring? Serial number on my LGV olympia is 212149 and in great condition for it,s age. Would be happy for reply from you guys that hav more knowledge with this models. All the best from Sweden.
HW Sports,
Welcome to the blog. I don’t know the answe to your question, but if the pistol seal had disinmtegrated it was definitely an older gun.
This is an older post and only a few of us will see your question. Why not post it on the current blog?
BB
Thanks for your reply. I will post it on the current blog.