Spring Or Gas Ram?

[LeedsRobson 0]

I am looking to get a new air rifle and I am very keen to try the gas ram system as I have only ever used springs. I have tried PCP and didn't like them.

 

Which would you say is the best system?

 

[andyfr1968 772]

HW90, mate. Smooth as silk, build second to none, first class trigger and much nicer to shoot than Theoben's own rifles. They're the best break barrel you can get, in my opinion.

 

Welcome to the section.

[woodcote1 88]

I used a gas ram for ten years and it was great but i couldn't say whether i preferred it to a springer or not.

[Acuspell 329]

There is little to choose between a well sorted spring gun and a gas ram. Off the shelf the difference can be perceived, but try a well tuned HW77 and there is an waiting to be opened....this is from a died-in-the-wool Theoben gasram user (Taunus in .20 and SLR98 in .22). There is something about using a gasram rifle - you will either get great satisfaction and pleasure out of using it, or you will find it a bit quirky and not to your taste.

 

So, which are you? A maverick, or a sheep?

[Darryl McCoy 0]

gas rams are good, but it all depends on your taste to be honest, and it depends on the ram, some have a rather snappy type of recoil and if your used to a springer you might find it hard to adjust.

 

my advice would be to shoot a few if possible and see what you think, and if you can shoot a few side by side with some springers you like also, should give you a good indication to what your preference is

 

just my 2p's worth tho

 

cheers

 

D

[LeedsRobson 0]

Thanks guys!

 

I am off to test a gas ram this weekend.

 

I think I am still more inclined to stick with a springer. I have my eye on a HW97K but does anyone have an idea of what the HW97K MK3 thumbhole is like?

 

My HW77 was top drawer that I had ages ago.

[barrywhite 282]

I do wonder if gas rams are that good .If they were as good as the adds you would think there would be more in use.They have been around for a good few years .The new springs seem to be very strong and longer lived that the old springs ,this may be my imagination or they may have a newer alloy .How long these springs will be made to this quality or my dilution will last who knows ...but this makes me suspicious of gas rams ...I have wanted to get a cheap hw 90 to mess with to answer the question for my self.I do feel the gas rams for lightnings ect are a waste of time,from my limited experience .

[RiverRomper 15]

Hi Leeds Robson

Gas ram airguns are smooth, but everything with them happens RIGHT NOW. Sort of like a firearm. The problem with gas springs is that they are always under pressure. unlike a steel springer. When the gas spring lets the pressure go, it needs to be rebuilt.

The obturations in a gas ram can also have effects on the guns hardware. FAC gas rams can burn out piston seals quickly.

Not the best for scopes either. Hold on a gas ram needs to be mastered as well.

That said, gas rams sell well here in the "States. The Benjamin NPSS XL Trail, Beeman RX-2, Theobens, Gamos & Crosmans. You will hear the name Theoben used in association with gas ram guns. The gas ram in the Weihrauch HW90 is sourced from Theoben.

Some people prefer the gas rams above all else. You might be one of them. Give it a try.

Cheers,

RiverRomper

[Acuspell 329]

Springs CANNOT be made from alloy, they are spring steel, because there is no elasticity in alloy, but there is in steel. Alloy is too brittle to be used in making a spring, it would work harden and break very quickly.

 

Gas rams at 12ft-lbs are VERY reliable.My Taunus has not changed in 17 years of use and recently not so much use. The SLR98 is always bang on too. Any half decent scope will work fine and not lose zero. I use Nikon on the Taunus and a Simmonds WTCon the SLR98 - both are perfectly reliable and retain theiur zero for years at a time. Only when I change pellets do I need to change the zero.

[barrywhite 282]

spring steel is an alloy of steel and carbon largely .There may be other metals or minerals to give the manufactured steel different properties .stainless steel an alloy of chromium and steel will make a spring but an ALLOY of steel and carbon will make a better spring .with the correct heating and cooling.you can make a spring out of aluminium but not a powerful one if you wanted a light weak spring ALUMINIUM may be ok.

[hunter100t 56]

I have 3 hw90s, one in fac, the other is a 12 foot pounder, and one i bought for spare parts at the right price.A lot of people are wary of them because of the harsh recoil, that said, it is over in a split second, the lock time is twice as quick as your average pcp and physically quicker than a springer. if you dont use a damper mount for your scope, they will destroy them eventualy. Theoben themselves advocated the use of a damper mount, which is why they designed one for the use of.

With a good pellet the consistency is second to none, with mine 7 shots over the chrono out of 10 being exactly the same,( theres build quality for you, my rifles are all over 20 yrs old !) and that makes them very accurate. The hold on a gas ram has to be loose, gentle in the shoulder and sitting on top of your forehand, not gripped. service them myself every year with never a problem of buying springs or worrying that the grease round the spring is getting thick because of cold weather. that said tho its each to his own.

steel springs have come along way since i bought those 90s, so maybe i might get a (springer, in the sense of the word) i fancy the aa hunter carbine. Any way good luck with your search.

 

phil