This report covers:
- The Queen Bee
- Why did she sell it?
- Why did I sell it?
- Another distress sale
- A last distress sale
- Just not using it
- Life happens
- Over to you
Reader David Enoch asked for this report. Today I open a can of worms by talking about airguns I wish I hadn’t sold. I bet some of you have a few like that.
The Queen Bee
The first airgun that came to my mind was the Feinwerkbau 124 that I called the Queen Bee. A little more than twenty years ago, I was offered the opportunity to buy a 124 that had been customized by the Beeman factory in the mid-1980s. Normally, such customization would have ruined any collector value, but this was an exception. The work had been done for Mrs. Beeman, herself. The person from whom I purchased the rifle had placed a custom order and the salesperson remarked that it sounded a lot like the gun that was just made for Mrs. Beeman. So, the person asked if Mrs. Beeman could take a later custom gun and allow this one to be sold. When she called back a week later, she was told that Mrs. Beeman had agreed, so the rifle intended for her was sold instead. And, then, I was offered a chance to buy it.
The stock was made by a master stockmaker – perhaps even Hugh de Pentheny O’Kelly, who worked for Beeman for a time in the 1980s. Not only was the fine-line checkering cut flawlessly – the entire shape of the stock felt just right in my hands. I had a Krieghoff 30/06 with the same feel, and I gave $1,500 for that rifle in the 1970s.
The Queen Bee is an impressive FWB 124.
The wood is so beautiful it looks edible!
Just as pretty on the other side.
Why did she sell it?
Why would anyone sell such a beautiful air rifle? Well, you may find this strange, but the lady who bought the rifle did not like checkering on wood. And this rifle was checkered so beautifully that it would have been a crime to sand it off. The wood was drop-dead gorgeous, but those pesky little diamonds ruined it for her.
I was delighted to acquire this rifle for $600 at a time when an average FWB 124 D was selling for $275. I wrote about it in Airgun Revue magazine, and I confirmed the story of the sale with Mrs. Beeman at the SHOT Show. Indeed, she did step aside and let this one be sold, and I heard her say it.
The rifle had been tuned by Beeman, too. In those days, the state of tuning for a 124 was not as advanced as it is today, and a lot of the result depended on the individual rifle, as it still does today when 124s are involved. This one shot 7.9-grain Crosman Premiers right at 800 f.p.s., with just a little buzz on the shot. The trigger, however, was perfect. The second stage released with about 1.5 lbs. of force and absolutely no creep. I’ve never felt another 124 trigger as good.
Unfortunately, I told the seller she had the first right of refusal if I ever sold, and three years later I had to sell the gun. I didn’t make anything on it (my choice), but I had an offer in the wings for $1,200 if she refused. That rifle is still increasing in value because of that gorgeous stock and also because of the association with Mrs. Beeman. And now Scott Pilkington, a world-class engraver, has inlet the signatures of both Mrs. Beeman and the original owner into the spring tube in gold, along with a golden bee.
Why did I sell it?
So, why did I sell this beautiful airgun? Well, I had to. When we shut down The Airgun Letter we had to refund thousands of dollars of subscriptions that would not be filled. That was money we just didn’t have, so I sold the gun back to its original owner.
Another distress sale
I also had a very nice Sheridan Supergrade. I bought it for $400 when that was the going price and I had no intention of ever parting with it. But the same money crisis for The Airgun Letter forced the sale.
Fortunately, I was able to acquire a Supergrade in just as nice condition a few years ago. I hope I can keep this one.
I’m hoping to hang onto my current Supergrade.
A last distress sale
When I left the Army, I didn’t retire. I just got out. My first wife had divorced me and, since I didn’t have an income, I had to pay off a lot of debts. Everything was for sale. I sold the FWB 124 that I bought from the Beeman Store in Santa Rosa, California after returning from Germany. I loved that rifle, but once again, I needed the money more.
Just not using it
There have been a couple sales of airguns with some value that I just wasn’t using. What’s the sense of having something nice when it just gathers dust — especially when there are lots of folks wanting one?
I have owned more than a dozen Hakim air rifles. I wish I still had the first one, but more for sentimental reasons than anything else. The Hakim I currently have is a real beauty that I don’t plan to part with. You can buy it from my estate when my freshness date expires.
The walnut stock and handguard of this Egyptian Hakim air rifle trainer was made by a skilled woodworker, and it shows!
Life happens
Most of the airguns I wish I hadn’t sold were necessary sales to raise money. I didn’t want to part with them; I just had to. When you’re young, life happens sometimes. And you don’t even have to be so young, I found out.
Over to you
Okay, I showed you mine. Now show me yours!
I have 2 FT HW 50’s in .177, 1 target HW 50, 1 HW 50 in .20, 1 HW 50 barrel in .22.
Yicks I have too many airguns. + 2 Diana pistols….
No room for the Darkside.
-Y
PS At least you get the tax right off.
No such thing as too many if they are all treasured.
Roamin
And there are a lot of reasons to treasure each one.
Take the low cost simple Daisy 5170 Powerline plastic pistol for example. It shoots BB’s at 520 FPS … on CO2 !
After sanding a couple of sharp edges it turned out to be a very comfortable hard hitting plinker, with rails no less.
Yogi,
Maybe that HW50 in .20 and that .22 barrel would like to live at RRHFWA? Just sayin’.
Why? So I would regret it later?
Moral of the story, never sell anything…
-Y
Yogi,
No, no, no! Here at RRHFWA there are no regrets. There is a Webley Senior that is living here that should the previous owner want it back, it is his.
This is a place where should an airgun wish to take a vacation, they are welcome to stay for however long they desire. It is true that some have taken up “permanent” residence here, but others may still have a bit of wanderlust in them and still others only visit for a bit before going back home.
I myself prefer this as I may spend some time dancing with some of these gals without having to worry about making some more room for them here.
Yogi,
You are my kind of guy!
Moral of the story, never sell anything——–that shoots.
We all have to keep in mind that Chairman Joe is at the helm!
BobF
BB,
Now don’t go and smack your forehead but did you ever consider a ‘Pawn Shop’.
I hocked my first firearm, a Ruger Mk I 22cal pistol, at least 5 times when I ran low on cash to feed the wife and daughter when I was in the Navy.
Over the years I could even get more money than I paid for it. One broker looked at the box sticker and actually asked, “Where did you get this for $47” (Might have been $67?). “In Florida, years ago, new!”
But I did let go of my first, full custom, 650 BSA Mk IV Spitfire motorcycle and a beautiful 6″ bone handle push button switch blade I got from Spain and my new Crosman Mk I Pistol. I needed a used Chevy Nova station wagon 🙁 for the family when I returned from England. That really hurt and why I now have three BSA’s and a hand full of the Crosman Mk’s. No switchblade though !
Bob M
Bob M,
“Now don’t go and smack your forehead but did you ever consider…(edit) the Navy Relief Society?” The CMC frequently had funds for temporary loans that often were forgiven…you must not had very good Division Officers or Division Chiefs for that matter. I made certain that My People were taken care of…Old Navy and I don’t mean the clothing line… didn’t need any Z-Gram to learn that; just a good Chief to “raise” me when I was a green Ensign.
(I wore a CPO, then a SCPO, and finally a MCPO insignia under my collar.)
shootski
Shootski
Totally unaware of it, at the time. Bootcamp to Memphis AMH A School to a USN hanger on an Airforce base in a foreign country for two years, NAF Mildenhall. Then to a Squadron already assigned to decommission VAP-62 JAX. Just after becoming a family man. No exposure. When I reenlisted and went to Alameda CA with new car and rent payments things got tight. Florida was not that bad.
Bob M
Shootski,
This is the first I have heard of it. I guess my chiefs kept it to themselves for themselves.
RidgeRunner,
The name has changed to include the Marines who had their own back in my day.
https://www.nmcrs.org/
The Chiefs Mess in each Squadron, Ship, Station, or Organization would be different in regard to how and how well it was functioning for the good of the Sailors.
Then their was the fact that at least 10% never get the WORD…
Shootski
B.B., great story on the Queen Bee. Hopefully, you got a reciprocal right of first refusal.
Off topic, on starting an airgun club, I received a message today from another airgunner about an hour away, so now there’s two of us in Western and Northwestern Pennsylvania interested in airguns and sharing knowledge about airguns. If there are any others, perhaps in Erie County, PA. Or parts west, east, or south, please reply.
Roamin,
The Queen Bee was sold and the current owner values it too high for me. And that was before the engraving.
BB
BB
Years ago my dad told me he had to sell his 1903 Springfield Star Gauge rifle. It was during the depression in the 1930’s and he needed the money. It pained him to even tell me about it. This likely influenced me since I can count the guns I have sold or traded on two fingers. I am lucky to have some in my family who share my passion for sport shooting. My grandkids have received many as Christmas gifts and this will continue. It also is an investment in the future of my country.
Deck
BB,
I cannot really say that there are any airguns that I have truly regretted selling. They came into my hands for a bit and then went on for someone else to enjoy. It is true that a couple of those would be welcomed back with open arms, but…
There is an air pistol living here that someone else has dibs on and there are a couple air rifles that one day my grandson will own, but this IS RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns. Some of these gals may still have some wanderlust in them. 😉
B.B.,
I do regret selling my first Beeman .177 caliber R7!
She was a beautiful little rifle, and wore a small 3X Beeman scope.
The trigger on that rifle was perfect! I would aim at a tiny leaf, and watch through the scope as a .177 caliber hole appear through it.
I had a .177 caliber RWS model 45 (my first spring air rifle), but that gun had noticeable recoil, where with the R7 was a super-forgiving rifle, and a joy to shoot. But I messed her up; one day, I decided to “clean the barrel,” but I didn’t have any of those Beeman felt cleaning pellets; however, I saw that a Q-tip fit the barrel; hence, I shoved one all the way in (hey, I was young AND dumb!) and fired the rifle. After that, the gun had no power; if fired, but very weakly.
I sent the gun off to Beeman (not under warranty; I told them what I had done), and they replaced the [broken] main spring. They also sent a letter saying that the velocity of the gun was 700 fps with H&N match pellets. That’s some good power (about 8 fpe); and, once again, the rifle was a tack driver.
However, I got really stupid and sold it in order to buy my HW97 in order to start shooting Field Target. Brad Troyer got me a great deal on the rifle and lubed and tuned it up for me (it was shooting 870 fps with 7.9-grain Crosman Premiers…another great and really accurate HW rifle; and I can’t say enough good things about Brad…a great guy, very cool Christian dude; his page is still up here: http://www.airguns.net/ I love that “God Bless You” link; many people may wind up in heaven due to this: http://www.airguns.net/salvationplan.php =>).
In retrospect, I should have borrowed the money to buy the HW97, and just kept my old R7; I really miss her, and she is the reason I have my .22 caliber HW30S, which I plan to never sell. Thank you!
Take care & God bless,
dave
Off Subject Alert!
I do wish everybody would quit buying these skeletonized and bullpup airguns. What is happening is the top shelfers are made that way, so when someone builds a new airgun, that is what they look like and how they are priced, no matter the build cost. Less costs more. An air rifle without a stock costs more than one with a walnut stock. Huh?
Hey RR there’s your sign….., Hold the onions, that’ll be $0.50 extra!?
Frank,
They have a H.S. kid open up a pre-made burger to pick out the onion! That’s an increase in labor costs.
Michael
Regrets?…… Nearly too many to mention. If we limit it to air guns, still a long list.
How about a Whiscombe jw80 MK2 in mint condition with all four caliber barrels?! A Dennis Quackenbush liege lock Amaranth with two barrels…… Smooth bore and rifle.
A DAQ .457 destroyer tuned by big bore Bob Dean….600ftlbs.
My first ever DIY FWB 124 Himalayan Walnut exhibition grade stock. Got to go ,out of tissues….
Frank,
I wish that Amaranth was living here at RRHFWA.
Sadly it’s too late on that one.
However I do have a good size stable of very good collector air guns available right now. I’m having to move quite a few along, been having heart trouble.
I’m making good deals….. And no doubt future regrets. But you can’t keep them all !
Anyone is welcome to email me at frankbhsv….. At gmail.com.
Tell me what you’re looking for…..FrankB
This includes a beautiful FWB 110, hw55m, LG 55 tiro, LG 55 tyro with double set triggers….
Frank B,
I’ll be putting your name in my prayers for healing.
Siraniko
Thank you my friend , I have long enjoyed you’re a rich contribution to this blog.
Didn’t you find that Himalayan stock in Sweden or ???
Derrick, you have a great memory….. But the one you’re thinking of was also exhibition grade Walnut and a FWB 124 arh DIY……. That I bought from a great guy in Norway named Per. Then I just refinished it to bring out the green iridescents that piece of Walnut featured. I’ve never seen another quite like that one either. And now I miss it.
B.B,
I can’t think of a secific air gun I wish I hadn’t parted with, but there are air guns I hesitated to acquire which then became discontinued. For example, I wish I had bought a Colt SAA in the undistressed blue finish.
Michael
The old timers here know about how I got into airguns and my first one, a Benjamin 392. But after getting tired of pumping that sucker up, I upgraded to an RWS46. That was my first spring piston rifle and in a moment of weakness, I sold it to a friend after several years of ownership. RidgeRunner knows I’m still on the prowl for one as we discussed in a series of e-mails a long while ago.
Tom, I still can’t get over how honest you are. I had subscribed to a motorcycle magazine (one of the last in print) and after two issues, was notified they were going belly up. No offer to refund my unused subscription money. Hey, unless we subscribers banded together for a class action law suit, who was going to sue the publisher for $50?
Fred formerly of the Peeples Demokratik Republic of NJ now happily in GA
Fred,
The reason I started “The Airgun Letter” was my subscription to the then-current American airgun mag was terminated in mid-year and no refund was offered.
BB
Yup – one does have to look at oneself in the morning when brushing one’s teeth or shaving and like what they see. I’m the same way.
Fred etc.
Ah, I really wish I could help you out Fred. There is a 46E living here at RRHFWA, but i had given it to my son-in-law and now that he has died, it goes to my grandson.
If you go to the GTA, Brad Troyer’s or Airgun Nation classifieds and put in want ads, one just may turn up.
For those of you who do not know, the 46 was Diana’s answer to the TX200 and HW97. It is a real nice shooter.
RidgeRunner at RRHFWA located in The Peeple’s Democratik Republik of Virginia
RidgeRunner,
Dang it! “The Peeple’s Democratik Republik of Virginia”
You have ruined my entire “Labor” Day Weekend! I need to start planning the peaceful rebellion and Helter Skelter withdrawal of the Bi-done/NORTH-hambone forces from the Commonwealth!
shootski
Shootski,
How do you think I feel?! Warnout, Cainnot and McCallitalloff have been helping them for years and now McCallitalloff wants to be the bosshog here again! I sure would like to see those Commies get back up North where they belong.
In the late 90’s I got married and we both sold stuff we thought un-necessary to finance our new house. One of the things I got rid of was my Webley Tracker https://www.airgunmagazine.co.uk/features/vintage/classic-gun-spotlight-time-tracker/
Boy was that a lovely gun.
I have given away and gifted a few.
Other than the childhood airguns that my (anti-gun) mother disappeared or gave away when I went off to college I still have a place for every one I have bought for myself or been given as a present.
My wife and I, just this morning, were discussing the size and design of the gun/safe-space in a planned addition as well as the shooting tunnel if we can get the finances figured.
I know where most all of the firearms, airguns, knives, swords, and other gear will eventually go as both our children and their spouses (so far all the grandkids too) are each and everyone shooters; we are well and truly Blessed!
I hope and pray all of you will never need to part with an airgun other than on your own terms with never a regret…life is too short.
Our Shooting Culture and Community is worth fighting for.
shootski
Hey shootski, not in Afghanistan it isn’t. And, not if its made in Texas, it isn’t.
I regret I dont have more old growth red fir to make a nice stock out of. I’m almost out of the 400 year old framing wood I saved from the dumpster from a remodel in Napa.
I don’t even know how those guys were able to sink the huge nails they did back then.
A modern piece of home depot wood is 1/4 the weight of an equivalent piece.
Still not much in the way of products availability. Another war we are losing.
Speculators need to get a job.
Rob
Rob,
30oz Framing Hammers and SKILL.
Speculation is just as bad as the Money Changers in front of the Temple; they make a profit on doing nothing that is TRULY productive!
shootski
Yes. The holy triangle, it’s on the dollar bill. I had a look at my brother inlaws post grad thesis, he’s a retired quant for Barclays, and the Fed. Res. It was one of those lined cardboard note books with the black and white noise pattern on it, nothing fancy. The entire thing was filled with mathmatical symbols, not a word of english, or very few. Nobody can understand this stuff. I think that’s where the hedge fund money went;) Hang in there,
Rob
Hey! They finally did it! I am getting email notices again!
RR,
“…they make a profit on doing nothing that is TRULY productive!”
shootski
Shootski,
I think that response is from a previous conversation you were having. That happens with age.
RidgeRunner,
Actually I did that intentional like!
Dry humor attempt…fell flat on my face!
Careful IT giveth and taketh away just as quickly…
shootski
Shootski,
I saw your “dry humor attempt”. You could use a few lessons from the Brits.
As for IT, I do need to be quite careful as they may still be fiddling with my account and have done this accidently. It could disappear with their continued “fixing”.
Before Easy Rider magazine there was BIG BIKE and then a bunch of others that have all disappeared as well as firearms, Firepower for one. Kit Car and automotive magazines are gone too. Most firearms magazines look like catalogs today, Recoil, and cost close to $10.
I can see how the internet may have killed off many but I think they were probably the first things to cut out of your budget when times got hard and new generations just never got into the subjects.
Why, new regulations and laws prohibiting everything.
At least I can go back and reread all mine. More collectables, especially the EZ riders. I even have two black and gold cartons of Harley Davidson cigarettes !!
Hey fellow airgunners,
I just posted a long comment about an awesome rifle I just got from Frank Balistreri…but some “bot” thing jacked it up. #_#
Anyway, I got an awesome little Haenel model 1 from Frank, using the money I got from selling my old Geco Carabiner to a cop friend of mine.
The Haenel is a really nice replacement for the Geco.
It shoots at over 500 fps with lighter pellets, but at 450 fps with Crosman Premier Lights (CPLs), the old 7.9-grain Field Target pellets (that used to come in a cardboard box of 1250). With CPLs, I was able to get my best group of the day, just over half an inch at 10 yards.
I’m very happy with this sweet-shooting little rifle!
Thank you, Frank!!! =>
P.S. B.B. did an extensive review of this gun back in 2009.
link to B.B.’s review:
/blog/2009/04/haenel-model-1-part-4a-compulsive-airgun-buy/
Dave Meister,…… And now I’m thrilled that you’re thrilled. That little rifle is a smile from ear to ear. I don’t care if you’re 8 or 80.
“That little rifle is a smile from ear to ear. I don’t care if you’re 8 or 80.”
Amen! =>
Derrick,
Since that tragic moment I am certain other “old gals” have come into your life that may have been in need of your special TLC.
Rest assured that one day they will pay the price of their folly.
Dave,
Congrats dude! What an awesome little plinker!
That Geco looks almost exactly like an Iver & Johnson Model X. When you cocked it, did the rear of the bolt angle up in front of the sights?
Stolen many years ago, not sold but still missed: An early Air Arms .22 cal TX200 with RWS markings. A .20 cal Beeman R10 Deluxe. A .20 cal Beeman HW77. An early Weihrauch HW50s. And finally a .22 BSA Schutzen underlever. Every gun decked out. Maccari internals, scopes, sun shades, scope stops, slings, screw cups… Awful.
I almost forgot the .25 cal Beeman R1 with the Beeman Laser internals and SS3 scope. Where’s my beer?
I used to say there’s nothing lower than a tool thief. That clearly proves me wrong. What a rotten thing.
I for one do not understand a tool thief. Are they not stealing so as to avoid handling tools?
It is sad to have such a collection disappear. Very likely the thief did not even know what he had. Probably thought he was stealing firearms.
Sadly, crying in my Modelo did little to easy my saddened heart. We were convinced the burglary was by some local contractors that were working on our home a few weeks before.
Derrick,
Since that tragic moment I am certain other “old gals” have come into your life that may have been in need of your special TLC.
Rest assured that one day they will pay the price of their folly.
B.B. or anyone,
Any recommendations for product for wiping down blued guns for longer term storage? Like so if I forget to get them out and wipe them down once a year or so is there anythig that lasts. I’m not looking for thick greases or anything though.
MarkinJHawkland,
I use a wax.
Renaissance
shootski
Markin,
Ballistol, Ballistol, Ballistol! 🙂
BB
Markin
For years I used various gun oils, then WD40. Neither would last over time for storage. Since joining this blog about 7 years ago I have had good results with Ballistol and also with silicon wiping cloths which must be kept in air tight zip lock bags or they lose their effectiveness. I’m referring to firearms here, my airguns are in continuous rotation and get wiped down after every outing.
The only reason I continue to use silicon wipes is they are odorless. I happen to like the smell of Ballistol but I keep many guns in a master bedroom closet and don’t want my boss complaining. So far she hasn’t!
Deck
Thanks. That’s what I’ve been using. If it aint broke….
I’ve managed to hold on to my airguns for the most part. At least I have no regrets for the few I’ve sold. Bought a used Marlin 39A in the early 1970’s…manufactured in the 1950’s…wonderfully accurate. Knocked a number of squirrels out of the trees with it, but got laid of in the mid-1980’s and sold it to pay bills. I recently found it’s replacement, but it pained me for years…along with selling my ’75 Honda CB400F and my heavily cafe-racered ’73 Yamaha RD350. I miss my ’71 fire-engine-red Barracuda, too.
Is there anyone within a hour or so of southern St. Louis County that would like to get together and shot?
Motorman
St. Louis, MO
BB and all,
A local airgun smith finally did the experiment most had been speculating on (I think). What is the pressure generated within a multi stroke pump? In our brass tubed air rifles he discovered that the pumps generated only up to 600psi. This allowed a .22 caliber pellet weighing about 18 grains to reach velocity of about 600fps. The reservoir allowed 5 shots. This information might be useful for those tinkering with low pressure air.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
A multi-pump can achieve any pressure desired. It is a function of leverage and number of pumps.
Anyone that can reach 500 fps with 100 psi with Air Arms Falcon ,22 caliber pellets 13.43 grain pellets I will send them 500 us dollars.
They must meet the following criteria. B.B. Pelletier has to agree to test the gun and certify the performance. The specifications of the gun must be public domain.
I have come close but hit a ceiling at 100 psi with the Falcon pellets. A long barrel may do the trick. Good Luck.
Don
Siraniko,
In 1956 W.H.B. Smith tested a Sheridan Supergrade and got around 1,200 psi. It in his book, Gas, Air and Spring Guns of the World.
BB
Hi BB,
My .22 Talon SS is around 7 years old and all of a sudden I’m having a very difficult time cocking the gun. It takes an incredible amount of force to push the cocking lever all the way forward. Have you heard of this? The slide is lubed. I’ve taken it apart and there’s nothing obviously wrong. Any suggestions on how to get it back to being smooth and easy to cock?
Thanks,
Doug
Doug,
It sounds like one or both of the two o-rings inside the bolt have broken and they are now rolling inside the bolt when you cock. Remove the barrel and tank and look through the bolt to see if this is correct.
You need to call AirForce on Tuesday (Monday holiday) and ask the girls who take orders on the phone. They will know what the problem is and what you need to fix it.
BB
I took the tank off and the barrel out and it looks perfectly clear when I look through the gun. It’s possible that I’m not understanding what you’re looking for. I read some old posts where people who were having a hard time cocking their Talon SS and Condor SS lubed the trigger and did something to the safety and their problems cocking the guns went away.
Doug
Doug,
If you haven’ty had your gun apart, the trigger is lubricated for life. My 20 year old SS trigger still works fine. I used to lubricate them when I worked at AirForce and the moly is baked on.
If you have had the gun apart, all bets are off.
When you look through the bolt you are looking for part of an o-ring sticking out from the side of the barrel hole somewhere.
BB
BB,
All I’ve done is remove the tank and barrel and looked through the length of the gun hole where the barrel was. I haven’t gone near the trigger. I’m glad you told me it’s lubed for life. I’ll contact Airforce on Tuesday and see if they have an at home fix for me to try.
Thank you,
Doug
BB,
I removed the tank, barrel, power wheel, hammer and hammer spring. It appears that the safety is gouging the hammer every time the cocking lever is pushed forward. Have you seen this, where the automatic safety is gouging the hammer?
Doug
Hmm, guns I wish I would of not let go. As of now I’m pretty happy with what I have.
Most here know that I have had alot of different air guns. They have came and gone and some came back again. Those that came back are included in what I have now and they are not going anywhere.
Right now there is 2 air guns I would like to have back now but I’m sure isn’t going to happen. I sold them to a person I know that lives over in Missouri. Sold them to him for a fair price but now he thinks they are worth a million dollars. I would give him a fair price for both but I’m not going to make him rich for whatever reason he thinks.
But one was a highly modified gen1 Marauder rifle in .25 caliber that was shooting at 75+fpe and very accurate. It has the first double tube conversion that Lloyd Sikes made for me. The gun was getting 20 full power shots from a 3000 psi fill. Before Lloyd’s double tube conversion I was lucky to get 11 shots per fill from the modifications I done. So yep wish I wouldn’t of let that one go.
And the same guy bought at the same time as the Marauder a .22 calib FX Monsoon I had that was actually a very reliable accurate semi-auto. So later on I bought another .22 Monsoon and had all kind of cycling problems and air leaks. Needless to say that Monsoon went back to where I got it from. So that is what makes me wish I would of kept the first Monsoon.
But like I said above. Pretty happy with what I have. They are all accurate guns that I have now. And I have a pretty good assortment now. I keep thinking I need to clear the herd a bit. But the ones I have now I just can’t pick one out that I can part with. From the way it looks now I think my inventory is only going to get bigger. 🙂
BB, RR, GF1, Shootski, and Readership,
RR, I hope you’ll feel better soon. You’re in my prayers.
GF1, hi.
Shootski, the airguns you shared a few days ago are still no real springers. 😉
Here is the remedy for today’s title: “The airguns that you will wish that you bought today!”
Giving away my old Diana 27s is not my biggest regret. My biggest regret is about the airguns that I didn’t buy when they were available, e.g. IZH 60/61 and ASP20.
If I don’t buy one of the bottom airguns today, I certainly will regret in the future when they are no longer around.
HW30 / 50 / 35 / 90 / 95
Diana 48 / 54 Air King Pro
A custom CO2 revolver from PA
I believe Diana 48 / 54 or HW 85 / 90 in .22 cal will be a major upgrade to my old 27s, and buying one will also save me from future regrets.
Fish
Fish,
Happy Labor Day!
Got GAS SPRING;
WILL TRAVEL!
shootski
I didn’t even know it was the labor day weekend. Happy labor day to you too.
Fish
How’s it go.
And I have a feeling the HW’s and 48 and 54’s will be around for a while.
And ok I think we need to give you a kick in the butt. You been talking for a long time now about what air gun you might get.
Pick one one and get it will you please. I think Gunfun1 and Fish might feel better in the future. 🙂
Well, my hobby is in hiatus these days – let’s say years. Still, it is fun to follow the market. I might, as well, consider a 50S or a 30S and let her sleep in the closet for a few years just for the heck of it. I know myself though; when the time comes, I won’t think so much and probably buy an HW35 for outside fun and a 1377 for basement shooting. There is something about 35 that I cannot put my finger on; I just love it, and 1377 with a shoulder stock is one of the most logical options considering indoor friendly purposes.
I believe HWs are here to stay for decades to come with minor changes, but there seems to be many things happening in Diana. Who knows.
Also, I’ve just noticed that the fps numbers listed on PA for 54 Airking Pro is way too higher than what’s advertised on Diana site. According to Diana website, 54 is weaker than 48.
Fish
Sounds to me like your still undecided on what spring gun you really want.
🙂
Covid made me postpone things. I just don’t want to buy something and leave it in the closet for years without even enjoying it.
Fish
Then why are you even thinking about it now.
I do what I want now. You never know when the ole lights will go out. I’m enjoying my time now.
I am not thinking about it. I enjoy talking about air guns, so I’m enjoying my time right now.
Be happy Fish.
https://i.imgur.com/OT6Dj.gif
Fish
Wonder what they just did. 😉
It’s a gif from this music video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
By the way, talking about happiness,
https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery.com/vintage-bsa-airguns/bsa-improved-models-b-and-d/
Now, if I find one like that, I’ll buy right away. 🙂
Fish,
Short search, there could be more, https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/air-rifles/bsa/under-lever/177/improved-model-d-210512102355001
and here, https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/air-rifles/bsa/under-lever/177/improved-model-d-210429143229010
Mike
If I don’t come back here, you guys know why.
I searched them awhile back in time with no luck.
TY!
They are in UK though.
Fish
Would you really buy one of those BSA’s if you found one. 😉
GF1,
Yes, I would. They are in the UK though. How am I gonna get them shipped here?
Fish
Good question.
BB can probably answer that best. Ask him.
Fish, the best bet is to contact the folks at gun trader, they have an email contact point and they show the US money value so they must be happy shipping to the USA, guess you are in the USA
By contacting them directly you may be able to get a phone number to clearly determine just what you are buying.
Mike
Fish,
Here you go,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144184063977?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818142055%26meid%3Dfad6ade531964269b6e23bc8d7a1b271%26pid%3D101113%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D154586117710%26itm%3D144184063977%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2563228%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWeb%26brand%3DBaikal&_trksid=p2563228.c101113.m2108
This is it! 🙂
Kevin & Mike, thanks.
Ah, front sight is loose… Well, see what happens.
Gentlemen,
I was looking at the photos of HW35 and Diana 54 after talking to GF1 today.
Inspired by their photos, I wondered if a springer could be a tad bit safer for fingers while inserting the pellets into the barrel – combining the sidelever powerplant of 54 and break barrel lock of 35.
Imagine the break barrel system of 35 attached to the sidelever powerplant of 54. You cock the sidelever, and then instead of putting your finger into a hole, you break the barrel like in 35 using a barrel lock lever and safely insert the pellet into the barrel.
Fish.
Fish here is the safest under lever I can find in today’s market. The Stoeger S6000-E. Instead of advancing a magazine a single shot tray pops up for safe loading as seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFHw9VEJ4FY. Stock can had in synthetic or wood.
Previously the safest underlever was the Benjamin Sterling as reported by BB here: /blog/2012/01/sterling-hr-81-177-underlever-air-rifle-part-4/
Siraniko
Siraniko,
The Stoeger is based on an old Gamo design.
RidgeRunner,
I believe you. It’s just that Fish thought that the gun he wants doesn’t exist. Yet it does. A underlever air rifle that is absolutely safe to load. And it comes with either synthetic or wooden stock of choice. What could he object to?
Siraniko
LOL! He always finds something!
Siraniko,
Yet I don’t think that the springer I want doesn’t exist.
If safely loading were a real concern for me, here:
Hatsan Torpedo series, HW 57, Izh60, BSA Model D, S6000-E… And possibly over a dozen other that I cannot remember on the top of my head and many more that I don’t even know that existed.
What I certainly haven’t seen is a sidelever with a 35 style lock break barrel. Not that I would buy it. Not that I would have any safety concerns feeding a 48 or 54. I’ve just never seen anything like my idea before.
Safety wise, it would be safe, but accuracy? I don’t know, in the hands of Diana and Weihrauch engineers, very possibly deadly accurate. But why would they even worry about that? I believe the sidelever and underlever springers are out there to avoid a break barrel in the first place – apart from many other reasons – if I am not mistaken. I don’t even know which springer design came out first.
With HW 57, Izh60, BSA Model D, and S6000-E, you don’t insert the pellet into the barrel right with your fingers; there is a mechanism in-between that has to be laser precise. Back in time, in one of his reports, BB talked about a 57 he had owned, which the feeder mechanism was not aligning with the barrel well. I remember him telling that the air gun was not accurate due to that. BB, do I recall it, correctly?
If you’re okay with a mechanism doing the job, than we can add a bunch of repeaters to the list, like Proxima, TR5, Mag-fire, Synergis, Swarm Maxxim, SpeedFire and such.
About Benjamin Sterling, I still haven’t figured it out if you insert the pellet into the barrel with your finger or not. Only Hatsan torpedo in my list lets you do that, and I’ve read that it is not a very accurate air rifle at all.
In my ‘genious’ idea, you can seat the pellet right into the barrel with your fingers and then lock the breakbarrel as secure as a HW35. I am not telling that that’s something I want. I am certainly not telling that it is a good idea. It’s just an idea.
Fish.
Fish,
Think PCP = PINCH COULDN’T POSSIBLY!
shootski
But then I wouldn’t be real air gunner. 😉
For those contributors to this blog that have lamented the fact that they didn’t buy an IZH 46 when they were available stateside, fear not, the used market is alive and well. This auction even offers a BUY IT NOW PRICE!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154586117710?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D5556456b187d40529c29aff1488c68ee%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D154586117710%26itm%3D154586117710%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DBaikal&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A054c6ada-0df7-11ec-8d2b-4643648b0981%7Cparentrq%3Ab3f0e3e117b0a6e5bb0bfa08fffb6a14%7Ciid%3A1
🙂
It looks like for that little bit of money……. Cough cough……. You also get a nifty tin of Gamo pointed pellets. Just the thing for your new 10 m match pistol!!
Clearly I haven’t kept up with used air gun prices!
Wow, hypothetically, my “collection” is deeply under-insured!
Derrick,
Probably based on the price you told your wife bought the gun for. 😎
Siraniko
Derrick,
I agree. It must be the sights.
The handles have always been this blonde wood. Many replaced these with Corcoran walnut grips or reshaped them as I have and stain them with walnut stain.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Well, to be honest it would take some stupid money like that for me to sell my Izzy, but the really sad part is he is likely expecting someone to buy it.
RR
Another sad thing is he really probably doesn’t even have a clue about what it is.
I wonder what the blue book of airguns says it’s worth.
GF1,
$500 in perfect condition in the box with everything.
Street price? About $650.
BB
Fish
Then why are you even thinking about it now.
I do what I want now. You never know when the ole lights will go out. I’m enjoying my time now.
BB
For some reason he stresses that the gun is a Baikal IZH 46 not a IZH 46m.
Does that really make a difference? Or in his case does it really make that much difference for the price he’s asking.
I myself would never buy that gun no matter what for what he’s asking. I wonder if he really knows anything about air guns at all.
GF1,
The 46 had a little shorter compression tube and therefor a little less power than the 46M, which is the newer version of the Izzy.
You can get the AV-46 for $650. It is the 46M with a fancy laminated grip. I will just keep my Izzy thank you very much.
By the way, he is indeed clueless or looking for a clueless customer with more money than brains. They are out there.
RR
He does seem to be thinking that way doesn’t he.
I thought the earliest 46 models had walnut grips not birch. The red and yellow outlined sights are probably where the extra cost lies.
Kevin and the rest of you Owners of Airguns,
https://www.measuringworth.com/index.php
a site that clears up some of the dilemmas we face when we ask; What’s it Worth?
shootski
This is what I call reasonably priced.
FM’s tale does not involve “wish I hadn’t sold” when it comes to airguns. In his particular case, he had to part with his beloved Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. We’ll call it an “involuntary departure,” as it had to be left behind when the FM family departed their home country, never to return.
No worries, can always pick up the adult version anytime and, who knows, may do just that because around here, we still have choices and the freedom to exercise – for the most part – one’s right to choose. A peaceful and safe Labor Day to everyone!
FM
I do hope Fawlty has acquired many more air guns since that time that he has enjoyed..
And a nice Labor Day to you too.
Daisy Adult Red Ryder has gotten amazing review feedback by the customers of PA. Well, it happens I guess when an air rifle is priced right. Maybe it’s time to reconsider the pricing on 499B. Maybe simplier sights and cheaper stock are necessary to accomplish that? What’s really increasing the price on this one anyway?
Do you folks know any safety glasses that can be worn over prescription glasses?
Fish, see this:
/product/radians-coveralls-safety-glasses-clear?a=3169
TY.
DougFLA123 ,
No, I have never seen that or heard of it.
BB