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Originally Posted by LubeMaster77
I've been looking at a few, Gammo has one .177 cal that puts out 1200 fps. any experience? I guess if I get one I want it to be the most powerful/accurate. Suggestions?
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In the world of "high powered" air rifles, velocity sells. At least to those who don't do a bit of research. As it turns out, advertised velocity numbers are, across the board, pretty much "cooked" by the manufacturers. They cook the numbers by using exceedingly light for caliber (sometimes even plastic) pellets. The advertising numbers in no way reflect "real world" performance with any reasonable pellet. As a matter of fact, continued use of the pellets used to generate advertising numbers may very well damage the rifle.
Spring-piston guns require a certain amount of inertia and then barrel friction to act as a sort of "damper" against the violent acceleration and slamming to a stop of the piston when the spring drives it. Too little inertia to overcome when the pellet gets started, and too little friction as it travels down the bore, will essentially leave the piston traveling in an underdamped state. This damages pistons, cylinders, and seals. It can also break springs.
Like many things in life, we get what we pay for. Airguns are no different. Gamo produces good, serviceable arms, but not quite what they would call "adult quality". As far as springers like those produced by Gamo, I would definitely steer you towards the German made guns. RWS and Weihrauch (sold under their own brand or under the Beeman brand) produce outstanding airguns that will provide you a lifetime of pleasure, and that you can then hand down to your son. The Gamo is a disposable toy by comparison.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LubeMaster77
Oh ya, I watched that video on the Lewis & Clark expo and the air rifle they had. Is there a modern equiv?
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Yup, there are any number of modern, big bore air rifles. They come in .357, .44, .45, .50 caliber and larger. Companies like Daystate and Eau Jin make what are known as "pre-charged" pneumatic rifles in these larger calibers. Even Benjamin offers a .357 caliber rifle. In states where it is legal, guys hunt deer, hogs, and other smaller big game with them. They have about the effective range of a bow when used in this manner. These rifles are expensive by any standard, with "cheaper" ones in the $1,200 range, all the way up to $4,000-$5,000. Plus, on top of the cost of the rifle, there is a bit of support equipment required. These things are "pre-charged" from a SCUBA tank, so you need all of that kind of gear to make one run. One fill of their own reservoir only get a dozen shots or so. Smaller pre-charged guns (in the traditional .177, .20, .22, and .25 calibers) can typically go 30-40 shots before a refill is needed.