You readers are so smart. Let’s see how smart you are. The report today is in the form of a pop quiz. I want to see if you have learned anything.
The rules
You can give me only one answer per comment. This keeps the earlybirds from answering everything and ruining it for the guys who get on later. There may be more than one right answer per question.
1. You just installed a new scope and your rifle that used to be accurate now shoots large groups. What could be wrong?
2. My CO2 gun has a slow leak. If I fill it at night it’s empty by morning. Is there anything I can do?
3. Do breakbarrels ever shoot higher than the scope can compensate? Why? (counts as one question)
4. Why doesn’t the power of a multi-pump increase with more pump strokes after the recommended max.?
5. What does boxing the scope’s reticle mean? Why do it? (counts as one question)
6. How does a single stage trigger differ from a single action trigger?
7. In a breakbarrel rifle what is the air transfer port and what does it do?
8. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a heavier pellet do? Why?
9. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a lighter pellet do? Why?
10. In as few words as possible, describe the artillery hold.
11. How does a two stage trigger differ from a double action trigger?
12. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do lighter Dust Devil BBs go slower?
13. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do heavier Smart Shot BBs go faster?
14. I am new to airguns but I’ve been shooting handguns for a long time. I want an accurate air pistol for my suburban back yard. What would you recommend and why?
15. I just bought a .177 caliber Air Venturi Avenger to plink with and rid my back yard of wasps. I have to scope it because it has no sights. What do you recommend?
16. I am at a gun show where a local dealer is selling a UTG Bubble Leveler scope for a great price. Is it just a gimmick, or does it really work?
17. My new house has a basement that’s 20 yards long. I convinced my wife to let me shoot pellet rifles (I have a .22-caliber Benjamin Marauder) and BB guns, as long as I was safe and didn’t create a mess. What recommendations do you have?
18. I’ve been invited to hunt feral hogs on my brother-in-law’s farm. He wants me to use an airgun for safety. I don’t own a big bore air rifle, but this is too good to pass up. What should I get?
19. BB has said that used airguns are often a good buy. Nobody near my house in Kansas City sells airguns — new or used. What can I do?
20. I see these arrow launcher air rifles online. Are they any good? I want to hunt pigs with them.
BB,
3. Do breakbarrels ever shoot higher than the scope can compensate? Why? (counts as one question)
Not necessarily the only answer. Breakbarrels can shoot higher than the scope can compensate IF the barrel was bent previously when it was fired with an open breech causing the barrel to bend upwards.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
You read the rules and followed them. And your answer is correct.
BB
B.B
1. Emptied a sixpack of strong beer when installing the scope.
A very good day to you all.
Strong beer?! Isn’t that an oxymoron?
R.R.
I think hihihi should answer your question.
After all some of the strongest beers (9°-10° alcohol) I like are either French or Belgian. Cheers
Sorry gentlemen, I can not help. However, thanks Bill, for the vote of confidence.
You see, I am a beer beginner who is still experimenting with the overwhelming choices. I have read that it’s advisable to start with light beers and gradually develop a taste for the stronger variety.
Also, I do understand that a beer drinker has to consume considerably more liquid than, for example, a wine drinker, to match their alcohol intake.
Bill, I wonder what those French and Belgian beverages are that you enjoy?
bikini
I hope that I did not offend you, my comment was based on me thinking that you live in France. In any case I enjoy, very rarely because of their cost, the Trappist beers;
La trappe (three grades), Chimay, Rochefort and some others less famous.
hihihi
I apologize on behalf of my phone for addressing to you in a strange way. I myself should try better before editing.
“bikini” ?
That’s too funny, hehe… 🙂
No worries, Bill, and thanks for the shopping list.
Oh and, yes, I’m in France now (England and Germany before that).
The reason I think of myself as “a beer beginner”, is, for much of my life I was teetotal.
By the way, what has that to do with golf (tee) and why is it not ‘tea-total’?! 🙂
BB,
R U gonna grade us one by one? I will answer on the top of my head, no cheating here.
1. Scopes: Can’t care less.
2. Pennoil.
3. Again cannot care less about scopes.
4. Multipumps, they are all cheap anyhow. Never will own one.
5. Again scopes.
6. Single action: You need to pull the hammer first in a revolver. In a semi auto, you just shoot what is in the barrel. You need the cock the semi auto first for the first shot.
Single stage trigger: The trigger has one stage when you squeeze it. One pull, no stop.
7. I should’ve known this, but I don’t.
8. Will drop a little. Gravity.
9. Might hit a tad bit higher. Not necessarily though. At what range you start to feel the drop with the heavier pellet? The difference might not be significant / noticable at short range.
10. You don’t hold the stock tight, so it can move forward – with the spring pushing forward. Because Spring rifles recoil forward. You let that happen, so rifle won’t be all over the place. For accuracy, let the spring rifle move forward freely when shooting.
11. Double action: Cocking happens before shooting as you pull the trigger. The trigger cocks the hammer too – before shooting.
Double stage: There are two stages as you pull the trigger. You pull the trigger, and it stops at a certain distance, and then you put a little more pull for it to shoot.
I know what they are; hard to put into words.
12. Have no idea.
13. Buh!
14. CO2 or PCP…. The spring pistols, on the other hand, will recoil forward – opposite of firearms.
15. Get rid of it and leave the poor wasps alone.
16. A scope. Hmm… Don’t care.
17. BB guns: use steel BBs and own a big magnet to clean up the mass. Keep it under 300 fps.
.22 lead pellets with multi pump: Pump for under 600 fps.
.22 nonlead pellets, sky is the limit. 10 pumps?
18. Don’t kill animals.
19. Internet auctions. Gun shows. Luck. Be good friends with people like RR, GF1, or BB. Don’t forget Shootski. Chris USA, how are ya doing by the way?
20. Don’t hunt – Please… I am a vegan, every morning.
Fish,
14. I believe overlever spring pistols have pistons that recoil backwards, with the piston under the barrel instead of in-line. Weihrauch HW45/Beeman P1/P11, Cometa Indian, several of the Webleys like the Junior/Senior/Tempest.
I’d also recommend SSP air pistols too. The HW40 and HW75 both have superlative triggers (1.5 lb)
Cheers,
Nathan
Yeah, I completely missed that one, huh? I didn’t even think of overlever spring pistols. Single-stroke pneumatic pistols didn’t even come to my mind. Yes, an HW75 would be excellent for accurate backyard fun.
Fish, if you insist on being vegan, make sure you take in enough B12 which mostly comes from animal protein sources. That’s my cardiologist’s advice. FM prefers to get his B12 the standard way but to each his own.
FawltyManuel,
I said every morning though. I am vegan every morning, until lunch.
😉
Isn’t vegan a euphemism for bad hunter?
🙂
Actually, I used to hunt fishes with spearguns. I could hold my breath for a long while and dive deep. It’s been years since the last time I hunt. And yeah, I ate them too.
Well, I am a hypocrite, I guess. 🙂
Fish
I think you “screwed the pooch” on this one. The rules required you to only answer one question per comment. I don’t know if BB is going to scold you or not,,, but you know he should.
After all of yours,, I decided not to bother answering. No point in being redundant or arguing minor points.
Ed
Ed,
I missed quite a few though. Just correct a couple of my wrong answers and have fun.
Ed, you scolded me only by the way. What about the others who answered all the quiz questions at once?! 🙂
Fish,
You should feel HONORED to have been singled out to be scolded by Edlee…
I know i feel that way every time he picks on me, LOL!
shootski
LOL!
Shootski and Fish, too
I am afraid that the reason I “scolded” fish was that he was the first comment I read and replied immediately, before continuing and finding that there were quite a few who “misunderstood” the instructions.
I appreciate all the information I can get about airgunning and fish’s comment is appreciated as well.
With you, Shootski,. I think of it as less scolding than kneeling at the foot of the master begging for enlightenment.
There are a number of those on this forum who I have found to be knowledgeable in many arenas,, airguns being only one of the many. I come away, often, having learned something new. It is appreciated.
Ed
I sure hope this is graded on a curve!
My head hurts.
-Y
OK . . .I’ll try a few just to show my ignorance:
1) Could be several things, but I’ll say STICTION.
2) Don’t leave the CO2 canister in overnight, it will compress the 0 ring, causing it to leak. Always put a drop or two of Pellgun Oil on the tip of the new CO2 canister before installing the canister. Use a new one every time. They’re what, 40 cents each when you buy 40 from Pyramyd.
3) typically, it will be caused by barrel droop.
4) difficult for me to explain, but it seems that the air valve reaches a point where the pressure no longer allows it to open, allowing air to be expelled.
5) again, I’m a novice, but boxing allows the shooter to find the scopes true center bullseye. Helps the shooter find the windage and elevation prior to centering on the bullseye. ( I know, the more words I use shows how little I understand
6 ) the 1st stage, the heavier, longer pull, leading to the quick, “glass breaking” 2nd stage, which is shorter and lighter.
7) too difficult for me.
8) at 10 meters there is no significant trajectory, so a good gun will be hole on hole if the shooter is marking his p’s & q’s.
9) as above.
10) rifle is lightly leaning against the shoulder while the forearm is held on an open palm at the rifle’s fulcrum.
11) a specific break point between the weight of trigger pull and different length of strokes in two stage. Single stage should be constant, even pull before the sear releases.
12) less volume equals less velocity
13) I’m not familiar with the “smart shot” BBs.
14) B-1. Accuracy out of the box. Single-stroke power. B-1s may not be inexpensive, but then purchasing 3 wrong guns is very expensive.
15) the very powerful Air Venturi Avenger is, in my always humble opinion, not a backyard plinker. For the wasps, reach a gentleman’s agreement to live and let live. Do not shoot salt pellets unless you want madly stinging wasps on your 6
16) preventing cant is one key to accuracy in shooting. It’s the real deal.
17) that Benjamin is a lot of rifle for a 60′ basement. BBs, OK if you have an adequate trap and wear glasses. Rick O’Shay is not your next door buddy.
18) I ‘m a small bore shooter without the experience to make a wise recommendation here.
19) I’ve purchased used airguns from the local gunstore’s consignment wall, but I’ve gotten to know the guys there. It’s always BUYER BEWARE! There are other ways to shop the used market, but this is the limit of my experience.
20) I have no experience in this market.
Alright friends . . . the above answers are entity own. I take full responsibility for the lack of knowledge they show. Can I get a “gentleman’s C” here BB? Its been fun, but it’s late and tomorrow’s another adventure. Orvil Hazelton.
Absolutely roared with laughter (my wife thought I had lost it) to your answer #15. Also, I had just read an article on the benefit of wasps iro pollination and other insect control. Opened my eyes as to how beneficial they can be.
Fred formerly of the Demokratik Peeples Republik of NJ now happily in GA
“1. You just installed a new scope and your rifle that used to be accurate now shoots large groups. What could be wrong?”
I imagine a very powerful spring powered airgun, mismatched with a scope that is not specifically designed to withstand strong shocks. Shooting would result in breaking the scope, ie dislodging it’s internal components.
As an example, I succeeded in destroying a scope on my Diana 54 Airking. All I remember about the scope is, that it was a Nikko Stirling, that it cost a lot and that it was physically big with a high magnification and that I hated myself for breaking it. 🙁
Wow! There are some really good answers so far. Some of them are even serious.
B.B.
You realize that you have to post the list with the correct answers sometime soon;
Bill,
It’s coming.
BB
1. You just installed a new scope and your rifle that used to be accurate now shoots large groups. What could be wrong?
The loose nut behind the driving device, wrongt design for your rifles mounting system,Junk rings,bases or scope.
2. My CO2 gun has a slow leak. If I fill it at night it’s empty by morning. Is there anything I can do? Try a drop Pellgun oil on the seal first.
3. Do breakbarrels ever shoot higher than the scope can compensate? Why? (counts as one question)They can, Bent barrel.
4. Why doesn’t the power of a multi-pump increase with more pump strokes after the recommended max.? “Valve lock” as the poppet is designed to work against a specified pressure.
5. What does boxing the scope’s reticle mean? Why do it? (counts as one question) Zeroing scope then making adjustments to one corner and then shooting at a specified number of clicks in the vertical and horizontal directions to form a square.do it to verify consistency of the scopes erector.
6. How does a single stage trigger differ from a single action trigger? They don’t, they both require a cocking action of a hammer or striker to be set before a single action of the trigger will trip the sear.
7. In a breakbarrel rifle what is the air transfer port and what does it do? Seals the compressed air and allowS the pressure to act upon the projectile.
8. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a heavier pellet do? Why? It will hit lower, GRAVITY.
9. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a lighter pellet do? Why? Hit higher in most all cases.
10. In as few words as possible, describe the artillery hold. Support hand flat under the fore arm of rifle, strong lightly griping the rifle and the butt stock lightly against shoulder allowing the rifle to move back and forth during the shot cycle.
11. How does a two stage trigger differ from a double action trigger? Two stage trigger is designed to move a specified amount and then reach a wall letting the shooter know the sear is about to be tripped. Double action triggers cock the hammer or striker then release it all in one trigger movement.
12. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do lighter Dust Devil BBs go slower? Smaller diameter with that silly band around the equator, less compression so less speed.
13. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do heavier Smart Shot BBs go faster? Slightly larger in diameter so more compression. Not always the case though.
14. I am new to airguns but I’ve been shooting handguns for a long time. I want an accurate air pistol for my suburban back yard. What would you recommend and why? Beeman P17,
15. I just bought a .177 caliber Air Venturi Avenger to plink with and rid my back yard of wasps. I have to scope it because it has no sights. What do you recommend? DO NOT DO IT.
16. I am at a gun show where a local dealer is selling a UTG Bubble Leveler scope for a great price. Is it just a gimmick, or does it really work? No experience with it but I think BB said they work.
17. My new house has a basement that’s 20 yards long. I convinced my wife to let me shoot pellet rifles (I have a .22-caliber Benjamin Marauder) and BB guns, as long as I was safe and didn’t create a mess. What recommendations do you have? Build a nice rubber mulch trap, nice and big(two bagger) have a clearr shot and good lighting, wear your PPE and treat Mamma nice.
18. I’ve been invited to hunt feral hogs on my brother-in-law’s farm. He wants me to use an airgun for safety. I don’t own a big bore air rifle, but this is too good to pass up. What should I get? Umarex Hammer or Airforce Texan..
19. BB has said that used airguns are often a good buy. Nobody near my house in Kansas City sells airguns — new or used. What can I do? Check the GTA classifieds and other well respected forums. Use auction sites with great care as scammers abound on the usual sites especially with regard to air guns.
20. I see these arrow launcher air rifles online. Are they any good? I want to hunt pigs with the No experience with these.
Hi everybody,
without reading other comments or googling things:
I’m pretty sure I got some right, but there are definitely some misses:
1. Scope broken or loose, scope springs too loose because elevation turned too far up
2. Pellgunoil/silicone oil, automatic transmission fluid for severe cases
3. Very rare. Probably bent barrel, or very flat barrel seal
4. Automatic bleeding valve to prevent damage / Firing valve can’t open anymore or just won’t let out all the air
5. Aligning reticle with target?
6. Single stage trigger has no tactile feedback before the shot breaks
7. Directs air compressed by the piston into barrel. Is tuned for a certain firing behaviour.
8. Hit higher due to “higher” ballistic curve?
9. Hit lower due to flatter ballistic curve?
10. Holding a spring piston gun loosely to allow it to recoil (shooter acts like a rail artilleries can recoil on).
11. Two stage trigger has tactile feedback before shot breaks. Dual action loads next round and then fires (as in revolver)
12. Dust Devils are heavier or don’t seal barrel as well?
13. Smart Shots expand and seal barrel better?
14. Anything that isn’t too powerful and quiet enough not to annoy the neighbours / draw attention. Apart from that depends on what you like and is accurate enough for you (co2 variant of your firearm, spring, SSP, PCP)
15. Scope that can focus at short distances (but best to either leave them alone or have the nest removed)
16. Probably a good idea for longer distances so you know you are not canting the rifle or always canting it the same way.
17. Use a safe pellet trap and backing board in case you miss. Wear glasses, especially with the steel BBs. Depending on how loud the Marauder is, use hearing protection.
18. Small bores probably can’t reliably kill hogs (don’t know, don’t care…)
19. Use internet platforms or go to gun shows
20. No idea. Could work if powerful and accurate enough.
Everyone,
ONE answer per comment. Most of you missed that one rule.
BB
BB,
sorry, I read that as “you may give one answer (to the entire quiz) and that is your final one” (as in: no edits or additional answers). I didn’t read it as “only answer one question”.
EDIT: With that in mind, the “early bird” statement makes a lot more sense. Oops. Got carried away there 🙂
Stephan,
It is not to only answer one question. It’s only answer one question per comment.
BB
Missed it too, B. B. – FM misses a lot. 😉 Or he just did not understand. After all, he speaks English because he learned it from a boook.
Basil,
No, you cannot have a hammer sandwich! Be quicker to train a monkey! 😉
BB
BB, I think I solely missed that rule, and the readers followed me. I’ll reply individually a couple than.
Stephan,
Oh, and one of your answers was spot on! 😉
BB
16. I am at a gun show where a local dealer is selling a UTG Bubble Leveler scope for a great price. Is it just a gimmick, or does it really work?
Since I own one, I will give this one a go.
First, it is a real nice scope. The optics are superb and the glass etched reticle is awesome.
Second, it is a very large scope. This thing is huge! It is most definitely not meant to go on a Disco.
Third, this is a scope meant for long range or extreme precision shooting. IMMHO, if you are shooting less than 100 yards or do not care if you do not make one-hole groups at whatever range, this scope is useless.
Now, as for the bubble level within the scope, it is a nice idea, with caveats (I always wanted to use that word). It is much easier to see the level inside the scope than on the outside. A level in your viewing “window” can offer additional distraction and slow your shooting.
Cant is an issue and the Bubble Leveler scope is an attempt to reduce or eliminate it. Is it worth it? How many do you see out there?
Did I answer your question? Probably not. I was never good with pop quizzes anyway.
RR,
And THAT, sir, is how this quiz works. Good answer.
BB
My answer of the bubble leveler scope is
I think it’s a great idea, but….
There’s a reason they are not made anymore…….
Ian..
Ian,
Do tell. Answer in today’s report.
I’ll give this one a shot.
2. My CO2 gun has a slow leak. If I fill it at night it’s empty by morning. Is there anything I can do?
The first thing to try is to get some automatic transmission fluid stop leak. The brand isn’t that important, they all work the same way. You might get enough in just by putting a drop on a couple CO2 cylinders, but lacking that a small syringe putting a couple drops into the piercing needle. After that, make sure you put a drop of pellgun oil on every CO2 cylinder.
Captain Bravo
Cap Bravo,
Bingo!
BB
Captain Bravo and BB-
Another use for Bar’s Automatic Transmission Stop Leak (the brand I had on hand)- a little dab rubbed into the well weathered, but original paint on a 1943 Jeep (Ford, not Wiilys) brings the color right back.
FM likes MVs, pacoinohio – care to share a pic of your ’43 “Script” Ford? Are you a member of MVPA? If so, greetings from another MVPA-er.
B.B., OK; I’ll give it a go. I cut and pasted your questions without looking at anyone’s comments. 🙂
1. You just installed a new scope and your rifle that used to be accurate now shoots large groups. What could be wrong?
Answer: You could have loose mounts, or your scope could be adjusted too high, or too far to the right such that the internal spring pressure won’t allow it to hold a zero.
2. My CO2 gun has a slow leak. If I fill it at night it’s empty by morning. Is there anything I can do?
Answer: Try some automatic transmission fluid on the main seal.
3. Do breakbarrels ever shoot higher than the scope can compensate? Why? (counts as one question)
Answer: Barrel droop!
4. Why doesn’t the power of a multi-pump increase with more pump strokes after the recommended max.?
Answer: Because by over-pumping you will reach a point where the valve can no longer open enough to let all the additional air out.
5. What does boxing the scope’s reticle mean? Why do it? (counts as one question)
Answer: It refers to adjusting your scope up, then right, then down, then left in a “box” pattern while shooting a group at each adjustment point; if the scope is good; the final group shoot be the same as the initial one.
6. How does a single stage trigger differ from a single action trigger?
Answer: A single stage trigger has no take-up, whereas a single action trigger performs only one function; it drops the hammer and fires the gun.
7. In a breakbarrel rifle what is the air transfer port and what does it do?
Answer: The transfer port allows the air to pass from in front of the piston to behind the pellet in the barrel; it should be smooth to avoid air turbulence in order to avoid robbing power.
8. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a heavier pellet do? Why?
Answer: In general, a heavier pellet will strike higher on the target, since, due to recoil, the heavier slower-moving pellet has been in the barrel longer and will exit at a point where the barrel is aimed higher than the lighter pellet.
9. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a lighter pellet do? Why?
Answer: As with the answer above, the pellet should strike lower, as it exits the barrel quicker before it has as much time to rise.
10. In as few words as possible, describe the artillery hold.
Answer: Hold the rifle without any tension and allow the gun to freely recoil in the exact same way every time.
11. How does a two stage trigger differ from a double action trigger?
Answer: A two stage trigger has a longer take up portion, followed by a short and crisp portion where the sear is released. A double action trigger is one that first cocks the gun and then also fires it.
12. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do lighter Dust Devil BBs go slower?
Answer: In a CO2 pistol, it would be because they weigh less and therefore exit the barrel quicker, giving the CO2 less time to build pressure behind them to boost velocity.
13. If steel BBs go a certain speed from a gun, why do heavier Smart Shot BBs go faster?
Answer: The answer is the opposite of above; the heavier BBs have more time in the barrel to build pressure for a faster velocity.
14. I am new to airguns but I’ve been shooting handguns for a long time. I want an accurate air pistol for my suburban back yard. What would you recommend and why?
Answer: A Beeman P17; it’s a single stroke pneumatic that will have no jolt to disturb your aim upon firing; it is quiet; it is accurate; and is costs much less than the P3 that it emulates.
15. I just bought a .177 caliber Air Venturi Avenger to plink with and rid my back yard of wasps. I have to scope it because it has no sights. What do you recommend?
Answer: A BugBuster scope like the one I have!
16. I am at a gun show where a local dealer is selling a UTG Bubble Leveler scope for a great price. Is it just a gimmick, or does it really work?
Answer: I both mounted, and used, one of these bubble leveler scopes on a friend’s Field Target gun; they work.
17. My new house has a basement that’s 20 yards long. I convinced my wife to let me shoot pellet rifles (I have a .22-caliber Benjamin Marauder) and BB guns, as long as I was safe and didn’t create a mess. What recommendations do you have?
Answer: Set up a good safe backstop; I would use a box filled with rubber mulch, backed by an angled steel plate.
18. I’ve been invited to hunt feral hogs on my brother-in-law’s farm. He wants me to use an airgun for safety. I don’t own a big bore air rifle, but this is too good to pass up. What should I get?
Answer: An Air Force Texan in .357 might be a good one.
19. BB has said that used airguns are often a good buy. Nobody near my house in Kansas City sells airguns — new or used. What can I do?
Answer: Buy them online from PA, after first reading some recommendations here.
20. I see these arrow launcher air rifles online. Are they any good? I want to hunt pigs with them.
Answer: According to BB’s testing, they work well.
No. 1 – because it happened to FM – the scope was installed with the adjustment “turrets” backwards, that is, elevation knob to the side instead of vertical, windage knob pointing up. There could be other things wrong – stiction problems, even something as simple as a “sucky” scope.
No. 2 – Try Barr’s Leaks or similar transmission sealant; has worked for FM pursuant to B. B.’s advice.
Now will read all the answers to the other questions from the rest of you who know your stuff and hopefully learn more; this airgunner’s knowledge base is still very, very limited. He’s smart enough to know he ain’t that smart either.
Good morning Mr BB,
I’ll start with number 10 because it is such a fundamental for shooting springers which is where most newbies start:
10. In as few words as possible, describe the artillery hold.
My answer:
Hold the gun as lightly and consistently as possible, with loose cheek pressure and shoulder pressure, and let the gun jump and move during its shot cycle.
I remember getting my 20 caliber Beeman R1 in the 90s and being so disappointed with it because I had not learned about the artillery hold! Prior to this, I had been shooting my trusty Weihrauch hw50s and Feinwerkbau 124s (from the 70’s, which both had very mild recoil and jump during their shot cycle, and are more forgiving. And of course before that, I was shooting my Sears Ted Williams Daisy 880 pumper, which had no recoil during the shot cycle and required no special hold at all.
Regards,
Feinwerk
Feinwerk,
Now, that is an answer!
BB
BB
18: If anybody insists on hunting feral hogs with an under powered airgun, climb the highest tree and don’t come down.
Deck
Great mind teasers here, BB
8. If a pellet hits the target at a certain point on the target at 10 meters, what will a heavier pellet do? Why?
My answer:
For a pcp that has no jump during the shot cycle, a heavier pellet will usually have a slower velocity and hit lower. The windage may be off as well, being a completely different pellet, different geometry, slower spin rate/slower velocity.
In a spring gun, especially magnum springers like the RWS 350 magnum, it is possible for a heavier pellet to hit higher than a lighter one. Yes, that’s right. Because a heavier pellet accelerates more slowly in the barrel than a lighter one, it takes ever so slightly longer to exit the barrel. In the meantime (because you’re using the artillery hold, right?), the frame of the gun is jumping, pressing back against your shoulder, and the muzzle is elevating a bit. A heavier pellet will sometimes exit the barrel at a slightly higher elevation angle during the shot cycle and hit a completely different place on the target, sometimes higher! Weird right? It happened to me.
Feinwerk
Feinwerk,
GOOD answer! 🙂
BB
This quiz has made me realize that I only know about breakbarrel spring piston long rifles with two stage triggers and iron sights. The rest kinds of airguns, I only know hearsay information.
I’ll answer the question 7 here.
7. Of course, I knew what the air transfer port was. I just didn’t know what they were called. The tiny hole – right behind where the pellet sits – that the squeezed air passes through after being compressed by the piston. The piston compresses the air, and the compressed air passes through the air transfer port and pushes the pellet.
Fish,
Yep, that’s it. Do you know that a gun writer named Jack Lewis once saw a cross-section drawing of a spring gun and assumed there was a valve there?
BB
I didn’t know that… Oh, man…!
I’ve just read your blog about air transfer port from 2008.
‘Phantom’ valve. 🙂
15. I just bought a .177 caliber Air Venturi Avenger to plink with and rid my back yard of wasps. I have to scope it because it has no sights. What do you recommend?
Ok, here’s a fun one. The answer has to be one of the more popular, compact, lightweight scopes that’s been around a long time, doesn’t cost too much, comes with rings, and has one of the shortest parallax/focus distances of any scope (5-6 yd IIRC).
It is also the most appropriately named scope for the task, why, it’s…..
the UTG/Leapers BUG BUSTER, of course!!
(I have a couple of these myself. David Ding, – you’re welcome)
Feinwerk,
Yepper. That’s a good one, and the one I selected as well.
BB
BB-
Kudos on your cunning test to ascertain which readers are capable of reading for comprehension……..
I’ll tackle #18, sort of- when brother-in-law wants the use of an air gun for ‘safety’…..
What the heck is that supposed to mean? Any gun/projectile combo capable of penetrating to the vitals is not safe to the pig. Does he need something that will transfer enough energy to the pig that it drops in its tracks right there- saving tracking a blood trail into an alligator infested swamp? Does the projectile need to remain in the animal because a pass-through may endanger someone or something downrange? Does the location of the hunt determine that an airgun is required to avoid trouble with neighbors or law enforcement? As in, the shot must be silenced? Is the brother-in-law a felon prohibited from being in possession of a firearm? This guy’s beginning to sound kind of shady. This whole ‘safety’ business has gotten complicated.
Paco,
Shucks — you figgered it out! 🙂
BB
Q: 3. Do breakbarrels ever shoot higher than the scope can compensate? Why? (counts as one question)
A: I think this one may have been answered already but this happened to me with my Beeman R1. I once had the barrel slip out of my hand during cocking and it slammed upward, bending it. This is probably the most common mishap with break barrels. Either that, or someone has their finger on the trigger after cocking and accidentally pulls the trigger with the barrel fully open after loading a pellet.
Thanks to your blog on barrel bending, I learned to use a c-clamp to bend it back and restore the point of impact into a zone that my scope could handle.
Feinwerk
Feinwerk,
That’s the answer.
BB
Q: 1. You just installed a new scope and your rifle that used to be accurate now shoots large groups. What could be wrong?
A: hmmm…
– loose screws in the scope mounts and scope mount ring caps
– loose screws in the receiver of the gun or barrel fixing grub screws.
– failing to install the scope stop pin in the mounts for a springer rifle and the scope is creeping backwards.
– the scope reticle is not aligned properly with the bore, rotated to one side or another, causing errors at varying ranges.
– the scope either has no parallax adjustment or you are not focusing it for your range when shooting.
– you used too much elevation to zero the scope and now there’s no longer enough spring pressure in the turret to stabilize the reticle adjustment during the shot cycle (floating reticle).
– you have not adjusted the eyepiece to produce a sharp reticle for your eyeball in the field of view.
– you are not placing your eye at the proper relief point or a consistent position to both maximize and center the field of view in the visible Bell of the eyepiece.
Feinwerk,
Good answers but not the big one.
BB
Oh well. The only other thing that comes to mind immediately is that, for a springer, the new scope may not be springer rated and you’ve simply broken the reticle. I have a feeling I was overlooking something. I’m sure you will tell us eventually. I’m enjoying the brain teaser quiz!
Feinwerk
Feinwerk,
That’s also a possibility,
BB
BB,
The rifle used to be accurate, but was that with another scope, or with iron sights?
If it’s a break-barrel with a sloppy lockup, it’ll still shoot fine with iron sights on the barrel and base block, but not with a scope, as the alignment of barrel and cylinder will be inconsistent.
That’s a good one too.
And, I suppose someone somewhere may have installed their scope backwards.
4 – because there is only so much air that can be stored in the gun at the pressure that you can achieve by hand, and that’s the amount of air that can be released.
ValG,
Sort of. But not quite what I was looking for.
BB
Q: 4. Why doesn’t the power of a multi-pump increase with more pump strokes after the recommended max.?
A: the pump mechanism has a limited compression ratio and each stroke can only produce a pressure up to its limit. Once the plenum is pressurized to the limit of the pump mechanism, the check valve will accept no more air into the plenum. I believe this is why some people modify their pump Pistons to go as far forward as possible, with limited air volume at the end of stroke, increasing the compression ratio on each stroke.
Feinwerk,,
That is correct. But there is still another answer.
BB
That is why we come to you, Godfather, when we have lost our way!
Q: 7. In a breakbarrel rifle what is the air transfer port and what does it do?
A: This is the tiny passage between the forward end of the compression chamber and the breech of the barrel. This is the hole you see when you break open the barrel and look at the receiver. It is carefully sized to allow just enough compression to cushion the Piston during its shot cycle, yet not overly restrict the flow of air blowing in behind the pellet in the bore.
Feinwerk,
Perfect!
BB
Q: 14. I am new to airguns but I’ve been shooting handguns for a long time. I want an accurate air pistol for my suburban back yard. What would you recommend and why?
A: We are getting into subjective territory with this one. I myself categorically rule out all bb pistols, modern springer and CO2 pistols. I would steer my friend directly to a single stroke pneumatic pistol for sheer simplicity, nothing extra to buy except pellets, zero recoil, and excellent accuracy.
Inside of 15 yd, these are extremely accurate and if you miss, it’s usually your technique.
You’re much less likely to be disappointed with one of these and an entry level single stroke pneumatic exists in the form of a Beeman Sportsman 2004/ Marksman p17. This is an inexpensive version of the Beeman P3 which may appeal to you if you believe in buying nice and not twice. Following that, if you really believe in something beautiful with a sweet single action trigger, the Weihrauch hw75 is awesome.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe air Venturi now sells something similar to the original iz-46 single stroke pistol with a nice long lever on the compression pump arm, but I have not kept up with the latest models.
Diana used to make some wonderful recoiless springer pistols such as the model 6, also sold as the high score 816 and the Winchester 363. I have one of these myself, and it is a fantastic, self-contained gun that is as accurate as your technique will allow once it is broken in. All you need are pellets, a strong hand and wrist, and a few drops of chamber oil now and then. Unfortunately, the seals eventually go bad on these and you have to get them rebuilt from time to time. The special counter opposed piston design of this model makes it mechanically harder to reseal. They also made a much nicer model 10 that had a telescoping grip on the barrel that made it easier to cock. I don’t think there’s a modern equivalent to these anymore.
Feinwerk
Feinwerk,
You gave a good answer though your nomenclature was off a little. The pistol you recommended is now called the Beeman P17.
BB
I have p17 up there somewhere, buried in the slashes, LOL. It’s available with multiple names. I actually found an offering on Amazon as the Beeman Sportsman 2004 just now for about $42.
Feinwerk,
Wow! That retailer really needs to update his website. 🙂
BB
Q: 19. BB has said that used airguns are often a good buy. Nobody near my house in Kansas City sells airguns — new or used. What can I do?
A: Well of course the best answer has to be to go to Pyramyd Air’s website and shop their refurbished deals. Read the reviews carefully. Search the web for information on any models that interest you.
I suppose you could also attempt to locate a gun club or field target activity somewhere in your region and visit one of their matches to ask around. I hesitate to recommend airgun classifieds on various websites because of so many scammers. I feel it’s best to see and hold and buy in person unless buying from a reputable dealer online.
That’s enough for now: BB, I have been enjoying this quiz but I better shut up and let other people answer some questions and go to the gym and get some exercise instead.
I peeked at some of the others answers just now and there are some very good ones coming from voices of experience, although they didn’t always follow the format you asked for in the replies.
Cheers,
Feinwerk
Q1: The scope may not have been ‘zeroed’ properly and as a result the adjustments are too far to the up/down/left/right and you have a wandering reticle as a result. This question reminds me that a series of posts on how to properly use a scope would help many of us!
Fused,
I agree that series needs to be done.
BB
Did I get the answer right?
The series would be a huge help. Speaking for myself at least, I know much more about the airguns I use than the scopes I use – and I’m pretty sure I’m using them wrong.
B.B.,
I read this Blog just minutes after it was posted but decided to wait since I would have been up all night answering all the questions and probably getting most of them wrong…so i waited until now.
“20. I see these arrow launcher air rifles online. Are they any good? I want to hunt pigs with them.”
Answer: First check with the Department of Natural Resources (or whatever they call it where you plan to hunt) on LEGAL METHODS and caliber/power/velocity requirements. Even on private property most jurisdictions limit what is legal to hunt with. Trust me on this, much of the government/bureaucratic regulation makes little or no sense!
shootski
shootski,
The reason I selected pigs for this question is that in all states that I know of, pigs are considered pests. Nobody cares what you shoot them with. I may be wrong, so educate me.
BB
B.B.,
In the USA a good place to start for the USA: https://airgunsporting.org/laws/
Currently their listing for hogs shows that thirty (30) states do not consider airguns a Legal Method for Feral Hogs. You are good to go in Texas and all of the states that are contiguous to Texas. Almost all of the Rockie Mountain states and all of the West Coast are unlawful. Alaska is UNlawful and Hawaii is lawful. On the East Coast the Appalachian mountains from South to North are legal until you get to Maryland then Pennsylvania is legal but the rest are mostly UNlawful.
Even for non-game there is often a Lawful Method codified in the USA.
I know in most of Europe Wild Boar is considered a game animal but I have NO Expertise on the game laws with airguns.
It really is critical for hunters to get Hunter Education and know the National, State, and Jurisdiction’s regulations.
To give you a small sample of how incredibly complex it is here are four examples.
Utah Whitetail Deer: Firearms season only, arrow shooting airguns only, PCP only, must shoot arrow at 400fps or faster.
North Dakota Whitetail Deer no arrow shooting airguns / .35 caliber and larger / charged from an external high compression source / capable of firing a 150 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second.
South Dakota: small game ONLY.
shootski
Shooski
Unless they changed it this year, Airguns are only allowed for small game in Pennsylvania. I don’t believe they have decided what to do with the airbows, yet
Ed
Ed,
You are apparently correct I could find nothing new in PENNSYLVANIA Code since 2017 and the Special Area use authorized in that legislation. Added to the problem in Pennsylvania seems to regulate that you can legally only use .177 and .22 caliber airguns other than for feral hogs which has NO caliber restrictions in both the interactive map from PA/ASA as well as in the Code of Pennsylvania. So NO .20, .25 or other caliber airguns other than hogs…MAYBE.
shootski
Pyramyd AIR has an interactive map in their airgun resources section.
/airgun-map/
It lists by states what animals are legally allowed to be hunted with airguns.
And below the map is a well written article about airgun hunting.
See link above..
Ian.
But please check with your local jurisdiction for the latest updates in your area.
Ian,
That is the same as the ASA link i supplied but the PA piece is certainly one that folks wanting to hunt with airguns should certainly read. I would also recommend that any airgun owner who thinks the pesting and birdhouse protection isn’t able to cost you a great deal of money/jail time should read and heed it also to remain legal.
shootski
B.B.,
“18. I’ve been invited to hunt feral hogs on my brother-in-law’s farm. He wants me to use an airgun for safety. I don’t own a big bore air rifle, but this is too good to pass up. What should I get?” Almost the same answer as my arrow shooter one above.
I will add that you need a quick backup if you are hunting Wild Boar…they will come for you if you just wound them. Also make certain you can run faster than brother-in-law if all else fails!
shootski
shootski,
That will do and always carry a backup handgun when hunting dangerous game. And be faster than your brother-in-law. 🙂
BB
BB-
Is the backup handgun to be used to ‘slow up’ said brother-in-law?
pacoinohio,
That would rise to premeditation.
Now if he trips or cowers (frozen in the boars path) for some reason that would be accidental… wouldn’t it?
shootski
Have to answer 8 and 9 simultaneously. The heavier pellet will hit higher, the lighter pellet will hit lower. It has to do with effect of recoil and time in the barrel. Slower, heavier pellet remains in the barrel longer, so more time for recoil to act upon it. This effect is greater in a springer than a PCP.
mobilehomer ,
That is one correct explanation.
BB
#1 – incorrectly installed rings/bases. Most likely bases not tight.
mobilehomer,
Possibly.
BB
#6 – single action requires hammer cocking before it can be fired, the release can be single stage or two stage. 1911-A1
Single stage is one continuous movement to release.
mobilhomer,
Right.
BB
#11 two stage trigger – brings the sear almost to break point before a “stop” is felt. The “stop” can be very subtle. The next part of the squeeze trips the sear. On my SynRod, there are two fulcrums that are separately adjustable. Most can be adjusted to the users preference.
Double action – pulling the trigger also cocks the hammer. Some guns are DA only, some can be used either way.
mobilehomer,
Right again.
BB
#12 and #13 also need to ba answered together. It is simply BB to barrel fit. The smaller BB lets more pressure slip by. The larger BB uses more of the pressure to accelerate. Too tight, though, will have the opposite effect. It pays to try different ones.
mobilehomer,
Very good!
BB
#16 – I have the UTG 4-16X56 NON bubble scope. it is GREAT!! To me the bubble inside is a useful gimmick. It would be a distraction to some(me), but others find it useful. If the price is right – BUY IT!!!
B.B.,
So far as I can tell you are not completely satisfied with the answers to:
4. Why doesn’t the power of a multi-pump increase with more pump strokes after the recommended max.?
In all likelihood the valve will retain some of the pressure from the over pumping since the valve is balanced (at least should be) for the manufacturer’s prescribed maximum number of pumps.
shootski
shootski.
Bingo, laddy buck! 🙂
BB
17.
BB guns: Use steel BBs and buy a big magnet to clean up the mass. Keep it under 300 fps. Do not shoot at hard objects or surface.
Heavy .22 lead pellets so that fps will be under 600 – to avoid lead particles and lead dust. Pellet trap.
Fish,
Two good and correct answers.
BB
BB
I haven’t noticed anyone mentioning with regard to question #1, that there is a possibility that the rifle had too low a comb for obtaining the proper cheek weld when using a scope. The rifle could be very accurate with the iron sights in a position to give a better and more consistent “hold”.
I suppose it could also happen like this moving from a smaller to a larger objective lens needing higher rings,, but if the comb was high enough for a 44mm it would likely be okay for a 50mm.
Just random thoughts.
Ed
Number 17…… Other possible right answers. Buy a vintage Daisy BB gun and use Daisy Big shot with the indoor barrel., Or a large box full of rubber mulch for a pellet trap. Or a baking pan with 2 in of duct seal and a pellet gun of your choosing.
B.B., sorry, man! Epic failure; I totally bombed out on this quiz by not following the directions!
Failure due to: 1) lack of caffeine and 2) being in a rush for an appointment for truck work.
My apologies!
BB,
WordPress scheduling acting up again?
Siraniko
15. I just bought a .177 caliber Air Venturi Avenger to plink with and rid my back yard of wasps. I have to scope it because it has no sights. What do you recommend?
Depends on the size of your back yard, but I’d start with A can of Raid, a big cardboard box full of rubber mulch and the scope from the next question (#16). Maybe some silhouettes, too: /product/air-venturi-airgun-slynger-metal-silhouette-targets?a=5801
Or maybe just replace the Avenger with an AV-46. With the same money you’d have spent on the rifle and scope, you’d get something a little less likely to cause neighborhood strife. . . . and not having all the HPA infrastructure frees up money for pellets!
17. My new house has a basement that’s 20 yards long. I convinced my wife to let me shoot pellet rifles (I have a .22-caliber Benjamin Marauder) and BB guns, as long as I was safe and didn’t create a mess. What recommendations do you have?
Start with access control: do you have a way to physically prevent range incursions while the range is ‘HOT’? This MUST include kids, pets AND adults. No engineered access controls; no shooting; no arguments. A Marauder is capable of enough energy to require medical intervention, and a BB gun to the face is no joke, especially if you’re not wearing Eye Protection.
Then:
Safety glasses for all participants and bystanders. A REALLY GOOD pellet trap. A thick plywood or MDF backer board behind the trap; maybe multiple sheets. Good lighting, both for the target and your sights.
Paper targets; even a pellet can ricochet off hard surfaces; BBs will, to a certainty. (There are sources of non-bullseye printed (or print-it-yourself) targets online).
A good HEPA vacuum cleaner that will NOT be used in regularly inhabited parts of the house. A dedicated broom and dustpan (ditto). These can be shared with a garage/shop if desired. Reason: A Marauder WILL create lead dust at the target/trap; You do not want to track that upstairs or have pets get into it.
Investigate if your Marauder will produce acceptable accuracy with lead-free pellets.
Turn the muzzle velocity on the Marauder down as far as possible consistent with accuracy.
If you’re set on shooting BB guns indoors: Use frangible BBs (e.g. Dust Devils) or lead shot if your gun will accommodate them. Maybe a magnet if you can’t resist regular BBs, or if you spill some. Remember that BBs are effectively ball bearings, and can make footing treacherous. (Ask my ever-suffering mom about that.)
You MIGHT be able to adapt a rubber mulch trap for indoor BB gun use with steel shot, but that will be subject to experimentation. . . .
10. In as few words as possible, describe the artillery hold.
Don’t force the gun; support the gun and let it find its happy place.