Dragonfly Mark 2.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
This report covers:
- The test
- H&N Baracuda Match with 5.53mm head
- RWS Superdome
- H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
- Summary
Today I shoot the Seneca Dragonfly Mark 2 multi-pump rifle another time at 25 yards using the UTG Reflex Micro Dot sight. It’s been a long time and I wanted to test the rifle once more with different pellets to see how potentially accurate it is. I said I was going to mount a scope for this test, but that still lies in our future.
The test
I shot the Dragonfly Mark 2 off a sandbag rest at 25 yards. I shot five shots per group with one exception and I pumped the rifle eight times per shot. You will remember that the Dragonfly Mark 2 has a scissors pump linkage that reduces the effort to pump. It can accept up to 15 pump strokes per shot, though at eight strokes I learned in Part 2 that the velocity got up pretty close to the max. For me that seems like the best bang for the buck.
Things happened as the test progressed and I will report them as they occurred. Let’s get started.
H&N Baracuda Match with 5.53mm head
The first pellet I shot was one I was especially interested in — the Baracuda Match with a 5.53mm head from H&N. I was interested because in Part 8 I tried the same pellet with a 5.51mm head. Would that small difference matter? It seemed to, as the first 5 pellets went into a group that measures 0.549-inches between centers at 25 yards. When I’m shooting with a dot sight that is a good group!
Five Baracuda Match with 5.53mm heads made a 0.549-inch group at 25 yards.
So I shot a second group of five shots with this same pellet to see if the first group was a fluke. And now I have to tell you that the trigger was not functioning as it should. I could pull it all the way and the rifle wouldn’t fire. Then on the next pull it fired unexpectedly. Remember that I adjusted it in Part 8. Well, I got it adjusted a little too fine and sometimes it would not fire. But I persevered and shot all five shots. This time, though, the group was much larger and also horizontal, which I attribute to the trigger issue. Five shots went into 1.183-inches at 25 meters. Now for most multi-pumps that would be about right, but I believe this Dragonfly Mark 2 is capable of better.
The second group of Baracuda Match pellets went into a horizontal 1.183-inch group at 25 yards.
RWS Superdome
The next pellet I tried was the RWS Superdome. They loaded very hard, as though the bolt had to push them past a restriction at the breech. And the first shot took a lot of time because I squeezed the trigger repeatedly before the rifle fired. The pellet hit the nine ring of the target, but I was unprepared for the shot, so it was time to do something about the trigger.
Thankfully I took good pictures when I adjusted the trigger in Part 8 and I also wrote good notes about the trigger disassembly. Because of that I was able to adjust the trigger in five minutes this time. But to do it the barreled action had to be be outside the stock. That could throw off the sight a little.
The second Superdome I fired landed in the 5-ring at 10 o’clock, and I decided to shoot another 4 shots to see where the group went. Well, the Superdome is not the right pellet for the Dragonfly. My five shots went into an open group sized 1.084-inches between centers. I’m not including the first shot that hit farthest to the right. I’m also not going to adjust the scope because I think this pellet is way off for this rifle.
The Dragonfly put five RWS Superdomes into a 1.084-inch group at 25 yards. The shot farthest on the right doesn’t count.
Now that the trigger is operating well I looked forward to the last group. I adjusted the illuminated dot in the sight to a lower level so it appeared smaller in the window. I knew the trigger would fire the rifle every time now. Let’s see what we get.
H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
The Baracuda Hunter Extreme is a hollowpoint pellet that I haven’t shot a lot. So this was a twofer. The Dragonfly Mark 2 put five of these into a 0.63-inch group at 25 yards. And look at the group. It’s really three in one hole and two in another. This is an accurate pellet in the Dragonfly. Now I can’t wait to see what will happen with the scope.
The Dragonfly put five H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme hollowpoints into a 0.63-inch group at 25 yards.
Summary
In these ten reports we have all learned a lot about the Seneca Dragonfly Mark 2 multi-pump rifle. Wives, I’m sorry for what I am about to do. Readers — this air rifle is a watershed air rifle and an heirloom air rifle. This is your chance to snag a Sheridan Supergrade in the 21st century. I don’t wanna hear what you shoulda done! Do what you gotta do to get at least one of these beauties. Ralphie would be proud!
Because it pumps easily and is also quite accurate I think the Dragonfly Mark 2 might be the best new air rifle of the century. If the Sig ASP20 was still around the Dragonfly would share the podium, but it’s here and that one isn’t.
Everyone,
I don’t know if WordPress was off today or me. I was sure I scheduled it to publish.
Oh well, here you are.
BB
That is OK, I am just getting here myself.
I really need to find my round tuit and get that 101 going. I “need” to have a multi-pump going around here at RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns.
Speaking of needs, I “need” a Crosman 150, working or not. I am rebuilding one for my grandson’s friend. I like it. It was his grandfather’s, so I am not going to try and talk him out of it.
Another CO2 gun? Something’s going on here!
Derrick,
Do not panic. Unless someone sends me one, I will not be doing the replica thing. I think this qualifies as “collectable”.
I’ve often read about what you like in airguns. For a CO2 pistol, I think that you would very much enjoy a Hammerli Master.
Derrick,
It looks like something I would like. I would druther have a Diana 6 or 10 though.
I might even be tempted to trade my Izzy for one of these three.
Great minds think alike? I just picked up a mint 157 type 1 that had been in the box since bought new in ’56 or so. It was supposed to be a 150 though. I resealed it and it still leaks through the barrel. I am thinking exhaust valve and sourcing one now. I also resealed an early Mark 1 and that is shooting strong.
HB,
Try these folks.
https://www.jgairguns.biz/150-and-157-c-78_89_123/
Bill,
From conversation yesterday.
On those infrequent occasions that I drink beer, I drink a stout or porter. We have a local brewery that makes a pretty decent porter. I do not drink yellow beer.
I do prefer 100 proof Southern Comfort or recently started on Captain Morgan Black. I like both chilled in the freezer, neat. A good porter is good with a burger, but otherwise…
On a surviving wooden writing tablet from Vindolanda in Britain, a Roman officer wrote to his superior: “My fellow-soldiers have no beer. Please order some to be sent” Guys gotta have their brew, nothing new there. A good one is Boulevard Brewing Whiskey Barrel Imperial Stout; the brewery is in Kansas City MO.
Drink and shoot responsibly and not simultaneously. FM is confident we all know that.
A good stout eh?
R.R.
If 100 proof is the equivalent of 50° alcohol or close we understand each other. I love bourbon this strong. By the way if you ever have the chance try La Trappe Quadrupel. It’s not yellow and it’s around 20 proof if I understand the conversion right. A very good match for that Southern you prefer.
After all “whisky and beer have no fear…”
I will try to remember that.
Bill,
I wonder if a strong beer and your favorite whiskey (SC or CMB) could make a good Depth Charge drink? Might be good with a Top Sirloin Burger too!
shootski
Shootski
Depth charge? If it’s what I understand it to be we call it “submarine” over here. We used to compete on these against your fellow Navy men, and Rangers, us serving with Para Squadron. Crete, Suda bay, 1987. You brought up memories.
Be well.
Bill,
Yes! I think I remember members of 51 Squadron calling it a submarine.
I served in the US Navy and spent from 1976 to the early 1990s serving in Europe; mostly in the Mediterranean. I got back into airgun hunting while serving in my Squadron that was home ported in Rota, Spain. I frequently looked on Crete from altitude while flying the Eastern Mediterranean missions.
Good times with a few bad but that comes with the career.
I Salute you and your sevice!
shootski
B.B.,
The Dragonfly that I bought was a lemon with a faulty pump mechanism and it had to go back to the vendor. If this design has the staying power that you expect, I might try it again in a few years. For now, my Crosman 362 is the king of pumpers in my house.
Will,
I wasn’t comparing the Dragonfly to the 362. I still think the 362 is a great value.
BB
Will S, I have both rifles, and enjoy them both, the 362 with open sights, and the Mark2 with a scope; it’s the only pumper I’ve ever had where I feel 100% confident pumping it without stressing either the stock or the scope. When the screw fell out of the forearm (and I blame myself for that; I should have blue-loctited them…I have now =>), both PA and Air Venturi were quite concerned with fixing the issue; they really want this rifle to be a success, and mine has been great so far; I hope you are able to get a good one next time around. 🙂
Happy shooting to you,
dave
Will S.,
The Dragonfly I received also had a binding pump mechanism. I wasn’t worried about the warranty, I knew I couldn’t wait to take the gun apart. The pump was also full of grit. I removed the pump and linkage and cleaned all the parts and the pump tube. The pivot pin that goes through the piston rod (furthest from the muzzle) was binding the piston rod. The holes through the pump tube looked to be more punched than drilled through the tube. So much so that I had to drive the piston out with a mallet. I polished the piston and ground the inside of of the pump tube until the ridge at the pivot pin hole on the insides of the pump tube were removed.
Upon oiling the pump and greasing the linkage and replacing the pump seal the gun then worked well. The linkage did go back together with a bind in the scissor linkage I think that all the pivot pin holes may not have been correctly aligned.
I need to put more shots through the Dragonfly Mark 2 before I make up my mind about it.
Don
“Because it pumps easily and is also quite accurate I think the Dragonfly Mark 2 might be the best new air rifle of the century.”
B.B.,
I concur! I am so happy that I ordered one back in February after your first [highly favorable] set of reports.
The one issue I had with a loose screw falling out of the pump forearm was resolved with a quick call to PA, which was patched through to AirVenturi; instead of just a new screw, they sent a replacement sleeve with 2 screws; you can’t ask for better service than that! And the Mark2 is perking again; I LOVE this rifle; thank you for this great series of reports on it. 🙂
Thanking you for all you do,
dave
BB-
Checked the PA listing for this gun and noticed the reviews. There are two one star ratings out of 18 total. One complained of stiff pumping due to the linkage and one complained that the gun is not a repeater. I thought to myself, how did he think that this was a repeater? Checked clear through PA’s description. Nothing there. Checked Specifications, and sure enough, PA lists it as a repeater. Something that surely needs to be addressed in Solon.
Regarding linkage stiffness- I treated myself to one of these post cancer surgery a couple months ago. I was barely able to operate the pump due to weight restrictions during recovery. So, I liberally oiled the pivot points and set the gun up on the shelf. Thanks for today’s reminder to get it down and check it out.
Paco,
What do you mean, it’s not a repeater? Sure it is! Look in your box and find the magazine.
However — making a multi-pump a repeater is about as sane as defending your home with a pellet rifle. It’s possible, just not recommended.
I guess the next test should be shooting it from the magazine.
BB
BB-
Oh, great! Another thing on the list- ‘Find box’. Next thing you know, you’ll want me to read the instructions. Sheesh!
I might have already said this, I pest rats at night with my dragonfly. That Rotary magazine has become very very handy! The main thing it is handy for is the fact that I don’t have to carry spare pellets or try to reload a single pellet tray in the middle of the dark with no flashlight. It makes it so I have so much less to fumble with in the dark. I think the mag for what I do is a brilliant idea.
Bert,
Now THAT is a reason to have a magazine! Thank you!
BB
BB,
I’m actually amazed that you can get those kind of groups with a red dot which I have so far dismissed for use in any airgun. Looks like I will have to try one out one of these days.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
You’re amazed? That makes two of us. This rifle can shoot!
BB
It needs two replacement muzzle caps – one with the front sight deleted, and another with SQUARED BLACK BLADE front sight.
I have seen, read and heard both good and bad reports concerning this series of air rifles/pistols. Lately it seems that the reports have been more positive, whether the Chinese themselves or the distributors/dealers have been more (forgive me for using this word) proactive in correcting issues.
Does it mean that RidgeRunner is going to order one? Na. This thing just might outshoot my 101, but it has been around a lot longer.
To each his own.
I read that you’re shooting the Dragonfly from a sandbag rest. Do you think that this rifle is at all hold sensitive? What might shooting from the palm of your hand (classic artillery hold) while resting on the sandbag do? Improve? Not necessary? This has proven to be my best position when shooting from the bench with my TX200. Your thoughts,, please.. Thanks, Orv
Orv,
I doubt I can shoot any better with an artillery hold. But if I can remember it I’ll try it next time.
BB
Thank you. Its always valuable for me to know how others shooter’s experience is: good, bad or indifferent. Orv.
Hoppalong Doc,
The Thread ran out of REPLY so I tacked my answer on one of your other posts.
You have never posted a reply that would make me doubt your word. I certainly pay attention to what you have to say since you have decades of life experience just like I have and even B.B.! My problem is that i’m not an Airgun Collector. Although my wife thinks so when she visits my gear vault and looks at my rescue gear, radios, swords, knives, firearms, and airguns that to her look like a collection(s.)
I don’t have a real void in my MSPs that this airgun would fill.. And, although there certainly are owners and reviewers (Like B.B.) who have sung the Mk2’s praises there are others who also have my attention for what looks like an obvious Quality Control issue. How large the problem is can’t be determined based on the short production run to date and the fact I don’t have a window into the statistics or the manufacturer’s processes.
I certainly hope your gun continues to perform to your expectations as well as all the other happy owners.
Thanks for reaching out Orv I hope that makes my position a bit clearer.
shootski
SHOOTSKI: Although I’m Indeed enamored with my Dragonfly, I hedged my bet by taking out Pyramyd’s 2 year Service Contract, ie extended warranty. Like you, I certainly don’t claim to be an airgun collector, I just go into frequent negotiations with my bride of 52 years to obtain new (to me) airguns and the required ancillary items. I’ll be allowed to spend tomorrow morning in our gazebo with our grandson waxing precious wood stocks, lubricating springer, pumper and CO2 gun moving parts, but mostly teaching our grandson respect for our sport. In the afternoon, we’ll hit the range for a couple of hours, or as long as his 10 year old attention span will allow. He’ll most likely want to hit the swimming pool before too much time passes. I’ve spoken for too long now . . . time to read tomorrow’s blog, g’night. Orv.
In a world of break Barrel springers and price point PCPs, one company stood up.
I really don’t understand why multi pump pneumatics are so uncommon, with the exception of the <100$ plastic daisy's and crosmans. The market is there.
Mell,
Is the market really there? I’m not as sure as you.
BB
This is a difficult question, which cannot be answered by an amateur like I am.
But the inherent accuracy of a Pneumatic rifle, the independence from gas bottles, the ease of reducing the noise, plus they are tender to scopes – what’s not to like?
Mel83,
I like MSP Multi Stroke Pumps and have since my youth many decades ago! I currently own a number of them to include a Mac1 STEROID hybrid/homebuild with Tim’s parts and the valve he rebuilt for me. With 12 pumps and a heavy pellet (35 grains or more) it will get at minimum 22FPE. With 14 pumps (think WORKOUT!) it will get 25+ FPE since the valve retains little or no air. I have heard that some folk’s Steroids retain air by 12 pumps! That is caused by an unoptimized valve probably not modified by Tim!
“But the inherent accuracy of a Pneumatic rifle, the independence from gas bottles, the ease of reducing the noise, plus they are tender to scopes – what’s not to like?”
Inherent accuracy is not garrenteed but certainly a potential. Independence from gas bottles is true but that can also be the case for periods of time with PCPs. Tender on scopes…only if held correctly when pumping. Noise reduction by reducing pumps works…but my .308 DAQ LA with a DonnyFL moderator is actually backyard friendly (for noise only) at full (210+ FPE power level.
Finally what’s not to like…the lack of a FAST follow-up shot! Oh and the clacking noise of pumping without proper mods and/or technique.
Do remember the above was honestly written by someone who really likes MSP airguns.
Will I be buying a Dragonfly Mk 2…i don’t know. The reported QC issues and poor finishing of the metal work as reported by Benji Don (someone who’s hands-on opinion I for one trust) trouble me.
Do I NEED another project airgun?
shootski
SHOOTSKI: I realize that you don’t yet know me enough to trust me, but thus far my Dragonfly. 22 cal has worked perfectly and the fit and finish is excellent for this price point. No, it isn’t blued like my TX200, nor can it compare to the beautiful walnut on my TX200. However, this Chinese sourced Dragonfly came with a stock that is a beauty to behold and the mechanicals have worked as advertised. The only thing not perfect was that the forearm was out of alignment when received. . . an easy fix. I agree with BB and believe that this new Seneca Dragonfly MK2 is going to set the pace and example for the future. I’m really glad that I pre-ordered one way back for an early receipt. Orv.
Take the dragonfly.
Make it single shot instead of using a magazine.
Add 250$ to the price and use the money for a better trigger, and a heavier free floating barrel in a stronger metal receiver
Possibly use a higher efficiency valve (such as sharp Innova, Webley Alecto or Daisys Powerline valves)
Presto..my “perfect airgun”
B.B., I’ve got my popcorn out this is shaping up to be a very interesting review. Cheers for bring the pumper up to the modern age. My biggest complaint (really only complaint) is that it’s made in China. That said, they are the leader in pumps for now. Shame on Crosman for what I say killed the famous Benjamin. They had a nice walnut stock, brass barrel and could have did this pump linkage had they wanted. If Crosman truly reads this blog, then they surely have seen the cries about no wood stock and/or the poor stock as for as making the sights useless. The stock wouldn’t have to be Walnut, just hard wood.
Then there is Gamo. So disappointed in them also. When they bought Daisy, I had hope that they would bring the Famous 880 back towards the top again. So far nothing. So this thing is made in China. Hmmm, well if it’s the only one of it’s type that is available, then so be it! Any word of a .25 cal pumper yet?
Doc.
Doc,
No word on a .25 as of yet. Pyramyd AIR is currently dealing with quality issues they have to gain control over before advancements are made.
BB