A Hunters Review of the SMK TH208 .22

[Skot Ruthless Teale 1,701]

yep good read that mate , cheers!

 

i shot a decent sized rabbit a few months back in some brambles, i was 99% sure i had got it. after about 20mins of slashing myself open in the bramble i gave it up as a "one that got away"

proper gutted aswell i dont like wasting rabbits

[milegajo 595]

Cheers chaps.

 

We all know that 'smack' and tree rats don't generally roll off branches but this little blighter, I swear he aimed for the thickest bit!

[Mawders 595]

Nah not disproved, it is after all a full power sub 12ft/lb air rifle. Any air rifle of the appropriate power can kill vermin. That was never in question. Still think it handles and feels like a bag of bolts. Good shooting though. As a sport and hobby I not only want a rifle that is powerful enough but one that is pleasing to the eye and feels and performs well.

 

It has a market for a starter rifle or someone wanting to plink in the garden, can't knock that.

 

Good shooting though. Interesting that the pellet hardly deformed.

 

ATB

 

Mawders

[secretagentmole 1,701]

Unfortunately Mawfers it can be knocked into a cocked hat by the 60S. Walther barrel, walnut stock, genuine 2 stage trigger, Swedish spring (powerlok), the 60S is a very good value for money rifle as it is less than half the price if you shop around, it is also better known as the Webley Stingray Mark 2, I have just bought one of these for someone who really got their fingers burnt on a gun buying deal. The Hatsan is performing excellently, accurate from 6-30 metres, going to try and get him to go for the longer range spinners next time. He is using BSA hollow points in it, seems to love those pellets. My 60 likes the good old Crosmans, so we agree to disagree on ammo!

 

I also think the 60S looks better, being slightly more old school, but with identifiable wood stock!

Edited August 18, 2012 by secretagentmole

[bribri988 141]

looks a great gun and you have give it a great report keep it up

[milegajo 595]

http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/184891-smk-th208/

 

Some good tips on getting the best from the 208.

[milegajo 595]

Ruger make good guns right?

 

http://www.woodfield-gcp.co.uk/Ruger.htm

 

Try spot the difference on the air hawk.

[milegajo 595]

It would be commercial suicide to endorse a product that is "a bag of bolts" i think we can agree.

 

Any clone of a diana 34 should hold promise.

 

When I get the opportunity, I'll post some groups up. I haven't as yet as I'm still trialling brands and allowing the action to bed in. I read on the thread link that H&N ftts and jsb's do well. Crosman have been good so far as well as thunderbolts, though i wonder if the light weight zinc would be easily affected by wind at longer range. Plus energy retention is an unknown variable. Norica Apaches have been excellent but they seem difficult to source.

 

Watch this space...

[milegajo 595]

So here's a quick pellet test. By lying beneath a swing and a bush, I extended my range to 30 yards.

 

 

Including the flyer, this group measured .923" with the flyer excluded, just .404" !. These shots were taken prone.

 

Very very impressive. However...

 

 

The Thunderbolts which gave such good results at zero range opened up dramatically. Therefore, at best, I have to say these are good only for close range ratting 10-15yards.

 

Now my next test triggered a memory after revealing how very tight fitting pellets affect the rifles performance;

 

 

The Norica Apaches were second to the Crosman Premiers, and a bag of unmarked pellets that appeared to be RWS Superdomes were atrocious.

These tight fitting pellets brought on an awful twang (as do RWS Supermags in my HW95 I hasten to add). H&N FTT's are also tight fitting pellets, which are the ones Mawders was firing and are possibly the source of his "Bag of Bolts" conviction. I cannot recommend tight fitting pellets such as RWS or H&N's.

 

Hopefully two fronts have been satisfied by these findings, 'twang' and accuracy.

 

Cheers chaps.

[Mawders 595]

Nah it wasn't the pellet used as I also used one of yours you had in the pot. The rifle is what it is. Whether that's classed as a good thing or bad thing depending on who you believe.

 

My advice is to anyone pondering one of these is to go and try one before handing over hard earned cash.

 

Even a gunsmith recently told me he wouldn't work on an smk, horrible things and you can't polish a turd.

 

Peace out lead fingers!

[Daz 7 563]

Nah it wasn't the pellet used as I also used one of yours you had in the pot. The rifle is what it is. Whether that's classed as a good thing or bad thing depending on who you believe.

 

My advice is to anyone pondering one of these is to go and try one before handing over hard earned cash.

 

Even a gunsmith recently told me he wouldn't work on an smk, horrible things and you can't polish a turd.

 

Peace out lead fingers!

 

:laugh: :laugh: :yes:

[milegajo 595]

Tony Wall? Allegedly he does and you were told porkies.

 

The grouping shows what its capable of with the right pellets.

 

 

[milegajo 595]

Evidently this is a 'marmite' product.

 

Facts, rather than opinion and hearsay are:

 

It hits and kills small game.

 

It gives sub inch groups at thirty yards with Crosman Premier Hollow Points.

 

I view the above as good. I view the gun that did it and the features it possesses as good. I offer the reader my experience.

 

Definitely try before you buy and most certainly shop around as with any and all purchases involving a sizable sum, be open minded and don't necessarily believe all you hear/read. We're all different. A gun club or other gathering of enthusiasts is possibly the best arena for impartial views and advice.

Edited August 19, 2012 by milegajo

[milegajo 595]

According to this rather happy chappy Sandwell Field Sports do deal in SMK 208's. Tut Tut on the porkie pies

 

http://www.reviewcentre.com/Air-Rifles/SMK-XS208-review_1383622

[Tron 173]

Good review and write up Mike,I found nothing in your impression of the rifle being more than it was, some of the comments were more than unfair, doubters should realise you didnt claim amazing performance or power over huge distances, the problem with air weapons is like cameras, some people believe if its not the most expensive then it cant be any good!. keep up the good work, if doubters dont believe your statements then tough, who cares? they dont pay your way through life Give them the mental finger. Good luck.