FAC Springers?

[pete123 45]

Looking into a springer over 12ftlb. Are these just a crazy idea or can you produce higher power without running risk of massive recoil and damaging the gun? I wouldn't mind having a nice springer such as a tx or prosport with a bit of a thwack!

[robwelsh 354]

Diana 52 is a real heavy gun an produces about 30 ft lb. There's the Hw80 too. Best to ask pianoman, as he's like the guru of springers from what I can tell with a1 advice. Atb

[andyfr1968 772]

As above. The Diana's will give a reliable 30 plus ft-lbs in .22 and still shoot very nicely. The 's a decent gun up to around 20 ft-lbs but it's not a patch on the Diana's, in my opinion at FAC levels.

 

Edit to add.... The Pro Sport's a lovely rifle but at anything much more than around 16 it turns in to a total dog to to shoot, so there's really no point. Keep it sub 12 and enjoy it

Edited October 9, 2012 by andyfr1968

[pianoman 3,587]

Hi Pete.

 

I agree with the remarks Rob and Andy has tended here. And a bit based on my personal experience. I have a simple rule when choosing an air rifle for hunting.

 

PRECISION ACCURACY IN AIR RIFLE HUNTING IS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. POWER IS ONLY A SECONDARY CONSIDERATION.

 

The TX200 and TX200HC (and I imagine, the Prosport too.) are not at their best in the higher power catagory in .22 calibre. I cannot speak directly for the Prosport as I'm a left-handed shooter. But, having a very similar action and appearance to the TX200, I can well imagine it has a shortcoming as the TX does in .22 calibre FAC version. Not worth the space on your FAC if it's not going to tune effectively higher than 16ft/lbs and retain stable accuracy. But at sub-12, these are beautiful rifles to shoot and hunt with. No question.

 

However, the TX200 and TX200HC in FAC .177 cal. are incredibly accurate and very effective. This is the best calibre for getting a practical, max powerful performance from these rifles and this is the only one to have if you want a high performance FAC TX200 that delivers its shot fast and effectively accurate, with only modest recoil too. I have an FAC TX200HC .177 in my collection and I'd recommend one of those anyday!

 

The Diana 52 can take a phenominal tune-up in its stride, BUT, like Rob says, be ready and aware, it's a pretty weighty sidelever. a fair bit more heft than an HW80, but, still a terrific FAC performing spring sidelever rifle, providing you get the ammo part right. Not all pellets can take 30 ft/lbs up the skirt from a spring powered action and remain stable. But it is superbly accurate and consistent in it's shot-delivery. I would thoroughly recommend it, but, as already said, it's no light, flyweight rifle.But I love it for that! It absorbs recoil very well and as a hide shooting rifle, shot from a prone position, it's a genuine beauty!

 

It may be a personal thing but, I have to say, the Weihrauch HW80 is probably the best of all for going .22 FAC spring power. I absolutely love mine. Easy to shoot, perfectly weighted and balanced, tunes easy on a Titan spring, absorbs the recoil well and incredibly accurate to all ranges. Best pellets are H&NFTT and RWS Superfields. And at 21 ft/lbs, you really have all the power you need for an air rifle right there. It has accuracy in spades and will kill a rabbit at 120 metres and further, no problem. I've shot successfully to those ranges without a worry. At normal 25-45 metre air rifle hunting range, it is deadly fast and utterly lethal.

 

So there's the best in FAC spring rifles.

 

For all round reliable accuracy and performance in all calibres, look at Weihrauch HW80 or Diana 52 sidelever.

 

Go for .177 cal. if you want an FAC TX200 or TX200HC.

 

Regards.

Pianoman

Edited October 9, 2012 by pianoman

[johnwhit 4]

The RWS Diana 460 Magnum is a very good 20+ ft/lb springer, not as awkward to cock and load as the Model 48/52 sidelever and very accurate.

 

ATB,

 

John

[pianoman 3,587]

Have you got one John? It's a beautiful rifle. I love the stutzen. But then, Diana put a lot of work into the appearance of their rifles. They are real top quality guns throughout. I really fancy the 54 Airking too.

 

Regards.

Simon

[johnwhit 4]

Have you got one John? It's a beautiful rifle. I love the stutzen. But then, Diana put a lot of work into the appearance of their rifles. They are real top quality guns throughout. I really fancy the 54 Airking too.

 

Regards.

Simon

 

Hi Simon, unfortunately not, but I have shot with one, I had a friend whos father was stationed at Burtonwood air base, I believe the rifle was brought over from the US. I did own a BSF 54 some years ago, wish I'd kept it, apparently they're quite rare these days. I bought the BSF from Manchester Airguns, couldn't afford the HW77 at the time. I've always been a big fan of underlever air rifles and owned quite a few as well as a Webley Osprey sidelever which I never really took to for some reason. Is the Airking the semi-recoiless model?

 

I have to agree with your comments on the HW80 , although break barrel, they're probably the best affordable route to FAC air. Titan XS spring (#2), and a decent seal on the piston such as the V-Mach or the one from Woodfield (Welsh Willie)

 

ATB,

 

John

Edited October 10, 2012 by johnwhit

[pete123 45]

Cheers guys I have got a bit of a choice then! I have had to sell my air rifle to fund my .22lr. So I have that for most jobs but I would like to go back to having a springer and do some bunny bashing with that! Can't beat a spring gun to make shooting fun and I would love one at fac level!

[pete123 45]

Theoben eliminator has just arrived in my local gunshop at £350 any thoughts on these?

[robwelsh 354]

Theoben eliminator has just arrived in my local gunshop at £350 any thoughts on these?

ye, long lol

[pete123 45]

Insightful lol

[pianoman 3,587]

Not heard great things to be honest Pete. Some fellas I've known have tried them and say they don't like the level of recoil. I wouldn't take one over my HW80 .22 though I do like the classical sporter looks and schnabel tip stocks of the earlier Eliminators. Make sure you have a recoil-tough scope if you decide it's the one for you, mate. I wouldn't put money on a HAWKE scope standing up to this level of lash!

 

Simon

[pete123 45]

Luckily enough the shop has a bit of a range so at least I can have a play and see what I think, I'm in no rush to take the fac air slot up on my ticket but I think spring will be the way forward!