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VALUE FOR MONEY

At a Street Price of $65, the Walther PPQ air pistol is an excellent value for money.

It’s very realistic looking and well finished. The capability to accept both BBs and .177 caliber pellets gives the power of choice to the user and it’s certainly accurate enough for most replica pistol shooters. The high shot count of around 75 useful shots from one CO2 cartridge also makes for economical shooting.

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Walther PPQ / P99 Q Air Pistol

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Walther PPQ Pistol (Black, Medium)

REALISM – LOOKS, FEEL

The Walther PPQ air pistol has very realistic looks. PPQ stands for “Police Pistol Quck” and this gun has accurate Walther markings, as you would expect for an officially-licensed replica.

But this air pistol is actually a replica of the Walther P99Q – an earlier but very similar model. Indeed the printed packaging in the rear of the retail “clamshell” shows the same pistol marked as a P99Q. Maybe Umarex feels that the “PPQ” name has more recognition among buyers than “P99Q”?

At any event, HAM tester Doug Wall felt that the Walther PPQ air pistol had a very realistic weight, feel and looks.

The PPQ’s weight of 1 lb 8 oz is just about the same as that of the empty firearm it copies, although the addition of a full magazine of ammo would make the P99Q rather heavier.

Many of the internal parts in the PPQ are manufactured from alloy and these – together with the high grade exterior synthetic shell give a good heft and realistic feel.

There’s a slide release catch on the left side of the Walther PPQ air pistol, this balances the very similar catch on the right that is actually a manual safety. Operating the slide release causes the slide to move forward with a satisfyingly solid feel. Unfortunately it also causes the rotary clip to fly out of the gun no matter how hard we tried. HAM recommends that you invest in some spare clips!

The magazine release of the firearm is not functional, but this is not a great loss in an air pistol at this price point.

A short Weaver/picatinny accessory rail is provided ahead of the trigger guard. This can be used to mount a laser for aiming, should you choose, just like the original firearm it copies.

REALISM – TRIGGER, ACTION

As a non-blowback design, the action of the Walther PPQ air pistol deviates from the firearm original. In fact the PPQ is not a semi-automatic pistol at all but actually a double action-only revolver using a rotary 8-shot clip! So the action is very different in style and functionality from the firearm version, although this is understandable at this price point.

Yes the PPQ’s trigger is heavy, requiring a long pull and about 10 lbs of effort to fire.

HAM tester Doug Wall points out “The trigger on the PPQ is similar in trigger pull to the first DA shot with a P99Q (10 – 11 lbs). However the second and subsequent shots with the P99Q are single action at about 5 lbs. The PPQ stays at about 10 lbs.”

So, the PPQ provides a much lower magazine capacity than the P99Q firearm (at least in 9mm caliber) and the trigger pull weight is similar only to the first shot fired from a P99Q.

ACCURACY AND POINT OF IMPACT

Accuracy of the Walther PPQ air pistol tested by HAM was good with the tested range of pellets.

Using the HAM “Soda Can Target”, the PPQ demonstrated that it’s capable of 100% accuracy when shooting at soda cans at 6 yards with pellets.

HAM tester Doug Wall recorded groups of around 1-inch CTC with four out of the five standard HAM pistol test pellets. This is very acceptable accuracy for a pellet-firing air pistol in this price range. However, this was easily surpassed by the accuracy of the RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol pellets – these shrank the group size to an excellent vertical CTC of 0.9-inches with a horizontal CTC of 0.6-inches.

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RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol .177 Cal, 7.0 Grains, Wadcutter

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RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol .177 Cal, 7.0 Grains, Wadcutter, 500ct

Straight out of the box, the point of impact was either ‘dead on” or very slightly to the left at 6 yards – depending on the pellets used. Again, that’s good performance.

Doug then shot the Walther PPQ air pistol at 10 yards with the most accurate pellets – the RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol pellets. At this range, the group opened up somewhat – as expected – to 1.9 x 0.9-inches CTC. Still very acceptable.

It was only at 10 yards range that the point of impact moved far enough to the left to score  two misses on the soda can. But this could have easily been corrected by using the PPQ’s screw-adjustable windage adjustment on the rearsight. With just this slight tweaking by the user, 100% “minute of soda can” performance is clearly achievable at 10 yards range too.

This HAM review tests accuracy with pellets as the Walther PPQ air pistol has a rifled barrel. However it can shoot BBs using the plastic clip also supplied with the gun. Accuracy with BBs was not so good – as you would expect – although most groups also showed the “minute of soda can” accuracy at 6 yards that air pistol users expect.

Probably the greatest hindrance to accuracy with the PPQ is the very heavy, double action only, trigger. The 10 lb trigger pull weight tends to have a detrimental effect on grouping, but it can be controlled, as HAM tester Doug Wall’s test targets show.

COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS

Umarex claims that the Walther PPQ air pistol gives a muzzle velocity of 360 fps.

Like all CO2-powered air pistols, the PPQ’s muzzle velocity is dependent on the actual temperature of the gun (primarily determined by the ambient temperature where it’s used) and how fast it is fired. This is because CO2-powered guns shoot faster in hot temperatures than in cold. Also, as the gun is fired, each shot uses CO2 and this cools the gun, reducing muzzle velocity.

HAM tester Doug Wall allowed the gun, together with the 12 Gram CO2 “Powerlets” to season to the constant 60 degrees F range temperature for these tests.

The highest average muzzle velocity for a string of 8 shots – 351 fps – for the Walther PPQ air pistol tested by HAM was achieved using H&N Field Target Trophy alloy pellets. As 60 degrees is at the lower end of the temperature range for CO2 gun use, this is very creditable and means that the 360 fps claim is achievable in warmer environments – say 80 degrees F.

The other claim made for the Walther PPQ air pistol is that it can be used to fire BBs as well as pellets. Indeed, there are two rotary clips supplied with the gun. The metal clip is for pellets, the black plastic one holds BBs.

Although this HAM test review focuses on the Walther PPQ air pistol as a pellet gun, HAM tester Doug Wall also shot it extensively with a wide range of BBs. He reports that there was no jam or failure to fire using either BBs or pellets. Accuracy is better when using pellets – as is to be expected – but overall the claim is correct, the Walther PPQ air pistol is equally suitable for use with BBs and pellets.

Finally, as noted above, this air pistol is actually a replica of the Walther P99Q – an earlier but very similar model. It’s not really a PPQ at all, although the similarity is very close.

CONSISTENCY

The Walther PPQ air pistol tested by HAM demonstrated good consistency.

The trigger was consistently waaay too heavy! But the point is that it IS pretty consistent, enabling the shooter to work out the best technique for shooting with it. Pull length and weight are consistent and the release – if not exactly glass-like – is fairly consistent, too.

As you can see from the test targets, muzzle velocity dropped with each shot fired. (See the COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS section above). But this drop in fps was actually quite well controlled at an average on only 6.8 fps across the complete pellet test. This is good!

As Doug Wall remarked in his test notes: “Best velocity and consistency will be with slow fire. Some velocity will be regained by resting the gun between strings”, thus allowing it to warm up. Again, this is very typical for a CO2-powered air pistol.

Accuracy was also quite consistent across the range of pellets tested. Yes, the Walther PPQ air pistol shot best with the RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol pellets, but it achieved “minute of soda can” accuracy with all the pellets tested – along with many of the BBs also.

SHOT COUNT

The Walther PPQ air pistol tested by HAM gave about 75 shots at 60 degrees F with a muzzle velocity of above 300 fps from one 12 gram CO2 cartridge.

300 fps was the minimum “useful” muzzle velocity for fairly accurate shooting. Once below that number, the muzzle velocity fell off rapidly and the point of impact with it.

MUZZLE VELOCITY

Muzzle velocity was typically in the 320 – 350 fps range for the Walther PPQ air pistol tested by HAM at 60 degrees F.

APPEARANCE AND FINISH

The polymer (plastic) exterior of the Walther PPQ air pistol looks realistic and is very well executed. There are no visible mold lines and the overall finish gives a high quality appearance to this gun.

The grip replicates the “hi-grip” finish of the P99Q firearm original and is also nicely molded, with just the right amount of sharpness to the swirls that give that grippy effect.

Some cast and machined metal parts are visible with the slide open. These also give the appearance of good quality for an air pistol of this price.

BUYING AND OWNING

The Walther PPQ air pistol carries a 90-day limited warranty from Umarex USA. To benefit from this warranty, the user has to register his/her new air pistol with Umarex within 30 days of purchase.

As the Walther PPQ air pistol uses many pins in assembly, this is clearly not a gun for the average owner to repair. If there is a malfunction, you will need to send it back to Umarex for repair or – at this price – just buy another one!

Umares are to be congratulated on making the rear sight of the Walther PPQ air pistol adjustable. This allows adjustment to the point of impact and is a feature not present on many air pistols.

The owner’s manual supplied with the PPQ is well written – in both English and French – and quite comprehensive. However, it’s important to know that this manual is incorrect where it describes how to load BBs. BBs must be pushed into the black plastic clip from the side WITHOUT the ratchets, not as described. This is an unfortunate error, but owners will soon learn from experience, if nothing else!

HAM would also prefer to see an automatic safety instead of the manual one provided on the PPQ. If the safety is off, the Walther PPQ air pistol is “live” as soon as the slide is pushed back into battery.

It would be better if the safety engaged automatically and had to be released after closing the slide. But, like the lack of blowback action, it’s difficult to fault the PPQ at the price being asked.

6 YARD TEST TARGETS

10 YARD TEST TARGET

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Walther PPQ / P99 Q Air Pistol

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Walther PPQ Pistol (Black, Medium)

This entire article including scoring, test targets etc is Copyright Hard Air Magazine and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the publisher.

The post Walther PPQ Air Pistol Test Review appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

A CLASSIC AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY.

Leapers is well known for its comprehensive range of scopes, mounts and rings for airguns, offered under the Accushot and UTG brands.

What you may not know is that Leapers, Inc. is a classic American success story. Like many other successful and famous companies, Leapers started in the garage of the owners’ house and has expanded hugely since then.

Back in 1992, David and Tina Ding – pictured in our photo above – started Leapers Inc. by selling a 4 x 20 compact scope from the garage of their home in Michigan. From this they were able to build a customer base and move forward with what has been a continuous story of expansion.

By 1997, Leapers were exhibiting at the SHOT Show – the huge annual firearms (and airgun) industry trade show. In 2002 they proudly purchased their very first 14,000 square foot commercial building for business operations. Leapers established its own US manufacturing plant, still in Michigan in 2009, and in 2011 they set up a UTG Europe Distribution Center to provide local and direct support to international customers.

Below, a part of Leapers in-house scope manufacturing facility.

After 22 years of hard work, Leapers is now headquartered in a 3-building complex in Livonia, Michigan with over 150,000 square feet of space for various business operations. Leapers has manufacturing plants in China – as well as in the US – together with a full in-house team supporting design, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities globally.

Leapers now offers a huge range of products, including scopes, mounting systems, bipods, flashlights and lasers. There’s also a wide range of accessories and parts, gun cases, tactical armor and, most recently a new range of outdoor fashion apparel!

The company is still run on a day-to-day basis by David and Tina Ding. And, from the first, Leapers has seen airgun scopes as a key part of their business.

TRUE STRENGTH PLATFORM BEATS RECOIL.

The Leapers team is well aware of the need of airgunners and keeps them in mind when designing UTG scopes.

This means that all Leapers UTG scopes are able to withstand the punishing forward recoil generated by high power spring/piston and gas ram air rifles, as well as conventional rear recoil. This “True Strength” platform ensures that UTG scopes are able to give a long and successful life in use on air rifles of all types.

Leapers UTG scopes also combat recoil through advanced design of the elevation and windage turrets. The UTG leaf spring system uses a special Beryllium Bronze alloy with optimized heat treatment to maintain reliable and consistent tension for long term use. This gives accuracy benefits to the owner in long-term zero holding.

Below, Leapers scopes are designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design). Here is a CAD design file of a scope…

 …that started life as a concept drawing like this.

MIL DOT RETICLES AID ACCURACY.

Another key aspect of Leapers scope design that’s widely appreciated by knowledgeable airgunners is the provision of mil dot reticles in the vast majority of UTG scopes.

Mil dot reticles – the name comes from the term “mil”, used in artillery gun-laying, representing 1/6400 of a complete (360 degree) rotation – are a key feature for successful air rifle shooting. That’s why we’re so keen on scopes with mil dot reticles at HAM!

The mil dot markings on the reticles of UTG scopes are an ideal way to achieve a predictable “hold over” or “hold under” that takes account of the flight of airgun pellets at different ranges. Mil dots can also be used to offset cross wind, in the same manner.

Using mil dots significantly increases the accuracy of real world shooting, where you may want to engage one target at, say, 20 yards and then another immediately after at 40 yards. Rather than fumbling to adjust the elevation turret, simply aim off using the mil dots.

For this reason, mil-dot scopes are ideal for air rifle hunting.

AO FOR SHARP FOCUS.

Leapers also supports the needs of air rifle shooters by providing Adjustable Objective (AO) capability on most UTG scopes.

AO allows air riflescopes to be focused at the close ranges required for air rifle shooting. Many UTG scopes have a minimum focusing distance of as close as 5 yards! Again, this is critical for accurate hunting and plinking with airguns as it enables you to see a sharp image of the target.

As most airgun shooting is made at ranges of 50 yards or less, the ability of AO to give such close focusing is another element of Leapers scopes that aid your real world accuracy.

(Note that scopes designed for firearms typically have their focus set for 100 yards or more and so do not give a sharp image at airgun ranges. They also can’t resist the recoil of many air rifles as can “True Strength” UTG scopes).

Below, scope lenses arrayed for inspection.

Leapers’ Accushot Premium Series scopes include a Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT) that allows for sharp focus down to 10 yards with AO.

Side focus adjustment is much more convenient than standard front AO. Leapers SWAT turret is designed with an internal cam and stopper for single revolution focusing from infinity to 10 yards – it’s also compatible with UTG Big Wheels, making an ideal combination for Field Target shooting.

LEAPERS IN HOUSE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING.

UTG scopes are manufactured in-house by Leapers using specialized dust-free rooms for optic assembly. Many metal parts are made using automated, high-tech CNC (Computer Number Controlled) machinery. Lenses are checked for quality in a Lens Certification Center and all assembly is undertaken with structured, disciplined assembly procedures.

Below, some of the precision test equipment that is used in the manufacture of Leapers UTG scopes.

David Ding stresses his firm belief in “in-sourcing” under the company’s own disciplined management team. Leapers is one of the very few companies in the scope industry that integrates the full range of operations to support product development, manufacturing, distribution and service.

This is why Leapers customers can count on UTG scopes to offer the best combination of quality, value and affordability for air gun hunting, plinking and Field Target competition.

The post Leapers UTG Scopes. Value and Quality for Airguns. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

Gletcher, a company that specializes in the production and design of airguns that replicate historic firearms, has just added the new PM1951 to its’ extensive line of air pistols.

The Gletcher PM1951 air pistol was designed with great attention to detail. It’s a copy of the Makarov firearm that was issued to Soviet officers during numerous conflicts around the world. The Makarov was not only a symbol of authority, but a representation of class and rank in the old Soviet Union.

The Gletcher PM1951 air pistol features a metal body to give a realistic feel and heft that users can appreciate.

Gletcher says that firing the PM1951 closely resembles the original procedure. First, load a magazine, then rack the slide to the rear to load a BB. This places the weapon on fire, ready for pulling the trigger. The blowback operation for repeat shots adds another level of realism, providing users with an enjoyable shooting experience.

Included with the Gletcher PM1951 air pistol is a full size magazine that has the capacity of holding sixteen .177 caliber steel BBs with a claimed muzzle velocity of 329 fps. The magazine also conceals the 12 Gram CO2 cartridge that provides the power for this replica gun.

The manufacturer’s specifications for the PM1951 are as follows:
Magazine Capacity:    16
Weight:                        1.63 lbs.
Length:                        6 5/16 -inches
Average Velocity:        329 fps
Projectile:                    .177 caliber steel BBs
Warranty:                    18 months
MSRP:                        $109.99

You can read more detail on the PMa951 at http://gletcherguns.com/shop/air-guns/pm1951.html

The post New Gletcher PM1951 Air Pistol Launched appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

Newly arrived at the HAM offices is a sample of a new – and somewhat unusual air rifle.

The ASG TAC4.5 is BB-firing air rifle. Well, actually it’s a BB-firing long gun. Strictly-speaking the TAC4-5 is not a rifle as it has a smooth bore (ie non rifled) barrel Just BBs, that makes it unusual. Most other BB-firing air rifles also shoot pellets.

BB only rifles (long guns?) could be a category that’s growing, however. There’s likely to be a new bolt action BB only long gun from Gletcher later in 2015. Both ASG and Gletcher have their roots in BB air pistols, so perhaps that’s not too surprising.

As you can see from the photograph above, the ASG TAC4.5 BB rifle is a tactical looking “black gun”. It’s not a direct copy of any firearm – so far as I know – but is of a unique design.

Power is supplied by a single 12 Gram CO2 cartridge and there’s a stick magazine that holds a maximum of 21 BBs. The action is semi-auto and the gun fires every time the trigger is pulled. Muzzle velocity is claimed by the manufacturer to be 417 fps.

First impressions of the TAC4.5 are that it’s light – really, really light. It also feels long and thin, with a seemingly endless Weaver/picatinny-style rail along the top of the gun to attach optical sights. The front and rear open sights are easily removable, should that be required (we did that already!).

Also included is a bipod. This is very convenient to operate and looks like it will provide a good, stable support for shooting.

Another interesting feature is the option of a laser that fits directly into the front of the stock. Our sample had a dummy laser to fill the hole, but it’s clear that it would be very easy to fit the laser – it slides right in.

Finish of the ASG TAC4-5 BB rifle looks good. It was supplied for testing with two types of ASG’s own Ultraair-branded12 Gram CO2 cartridges. One type includes some silicone oil added to the CO2.

This CO2 lubrication cartridge is designed to be used every 10th time the TAC4.5 is loaded with CO2. The oil is blown through the action of the gun when it is fired and helps to lubricate the internal seals and O rings. That’s a convenient and painless method of providing the basic maintenance that helps all CO2-powered airguns keep shooting by preventing potential leaks.

HAM will be testing the TAC4.5 in the near future and will bring you our full report. It looks interesting!

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ASG TAC 4.5 CO2 BB Rifle

The post ASG TAC4.5 BB Rifle appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

HAM Test Rating	72%
Value For Money	Great starter gun for the whole family.
Best For	Backyard plinking.
Best Pellet Tested	H&N Baracuda Match
Street Price at Time of Test	$145 including scope.
Caliber Tested	.177
RateAGun Score	Easy to Shoot.

VALUE FOR MONEY

The Crosman 1077 air rifle has been in continuous production since 1994. That’s right, over 20 years. There have been relatively few changes in the design during that time, too. In itself, that’s an indication of the appeal of the 1077.

And recent years have seen the 1077 become more widely sold in big box sporting goods stores. It seems to be experiencing a renaissance in popularity. Furthermore, it regularly heads Pyramyd Air’s annual list of most popular airguns.

Part of the reason for this success is the unique nature of the product. There’s very few pellet-firing air rifles with a 12-shot repeating capability in the market – let alone at a price of $65.00 for the basic, synthetic stock model with no scope. And the 1077 is manufactured in Crosman’s corporate HQ at Bloomfield, NY, USA. It’s not an import!

Even in the deluxe wood stocked version with scope, tested here by HAM, the price is still under $145.00. That makes the 1077 a great value for money for the many airgunners who want a simple, light and easy-to-shoot rapid fire air rifle that can be used for plinking by all the family. (Note the 1077 Wood Ultimate Bundle offered by Pyramyd Air includes many other items, so we’ve given the price of gun and scope alone).

Below, essential supplies for the 1077. They’re included in the Pyramyd Air bundles.

Yes, you need to to buy 12 gram CO2 Powerlets, in addition to pellets. But they’re not a fortune and extra clips are incredibly cheap (you’re sure to want a few!).

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Crosman 1077 Wood Stock Repeater Rifle Bundle

SPEED AND ACCURACY

The highest muzzle velocity of the Crosman 1077 air rifle tested by HAM was 579 fps – and that with 7.0 grain RWS Hobby lead pellets. Very unusually, the standard HAM alloy test pellets shot slower than the Hobbys, despite being much lighter. The tested muzzle velocities were achieved at 65 degrees F and so will be higher in warmer weather, as described below.

Muzzled energy (knock down power) peaked at just 5.28 Ft/Lbs. That’s a very low figure so don’t try hunting anything with the Crosman 1077 air rifle folks! This is strictly plinking power.

It’s clear that the low muzzle velocities were due to the loss of gas at the breech every time the 1077 was fired. There’s no seal between the barrel and the clip – obviously to keep cost low – and CO2 blows from this area, wasting energy and thus lowering muzzle velocity. That’s a shame, but “it is what it is”.

Accuracy of the Crosman 1077 air rifle was good or better with 5 of the 7 standard HAM test pellets. Surprisingly, the gun tested by HAM definitely didn’t like JSB Exacts. Nor did it work well with H&N Field Target Trophy pellets, producing unusual horizontal stringing.

Best accuracy was achieved in HAM testing with the heavy H&N Baracuda match pellets.

As expected, accuracy with Crosman Premier Hollow Point pellets was good, which is a positive as this is undoubtedly a popular pellet to be used with the 1077.

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H&N Barracuda Match pellets, .177 caliber

TRIGGER AND COCKING EFFORT

The Crosman 1077 air rifle does not have a semi-automatic action, as it might appear at first sight. In reality it’s a double-action revolver. This means that pulling the trigger first rotates the magazine to bring the next pellet into place. Further pressure on the trigger actually fires the gun.

So there’s no separate cocking action, trigger pull and cocking effort are all felt through the trigger pull.

This is the reason for the very high trigger pull weight. The Crosman 1077 air rifle tested by HAM recorded an average trigger pull weight of 8 lbs 14 oz. Ouch!

In spite of this heavy pull weight, the trigger is quite predictable in use. The cocking effort feels like a first stage and there’s two clicks that can be heard pulling through. Then comes the “firing stage” – it’s fairly easy to identify.

Overall, it feels something like a very heavy two-stage trigger and grows acceptable with use. As HAM tester Paul Manktelow noted: “the trigger blade is very wide and this relieves much of the pressure on your trigger finger”.

There’s a positive,trigger block, manual safety located in the front of the trigger guard. Push right for safe, left to fire.

COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS

Crosman claims that the 1077 achieves up to 780 fps with alloy pellets and up to 625 fps with lead pellets.

Muzzle velocity with lead pellets was close to the claim. In the HAM test, we achieved a maximum of 579 fps with 7.0 grain RWS Hobby pellets. That’s 8% below the claim. But read on…

As always with CO2-powered airguns, it’s important to note that muzzle velocity increases with temperature. The HAM test range was fairly cool at 65 degrees F. From experience, HAM estimates that the Crosman 1077 air rifle would achieve about 620 fps at 85 degrees F, with RWS Hobby lead pellets, very close to the claimed maximum with lead pellets.

The 1077 air rifle tested by HAM was waaaaay below the claim alloy claim, with just 558 fps with Gamo Raptor Platinum alloy pellets. That’s slower than the fastest lead pellets!

Even allowing for the increase in muzzle velocity due to increased temperature, HAM still considers that the maximum muzzle velocity with alloy pellets of the Crosman 1077 air rifle tested would be in the 620 fps range. That’s about 20% below the manufacturer’s specs.

Below, the CO2 Powerlet is loaded into the end of the gas tube and the tube cap screwed into place before firing can commence.

CONSISTENCY

Trigger pull weight of the 1077 is pretty consistent – it’s always heavy! In fact it varied by only 12 ounces in the tests made by HAM, that’s quite good.

The 1077 also demonstrated fairly good consistency when it comes to accuracy. As you can see from the HAM test targets at the foot of this review, the Crosman 1077 air rifle only really disliked one type of pellets – the JSB Exacts – and, realistically, almost no shooter would choose these premium pellets for use in a 1077.

The point of impact on target was also very consistent. There was far less variation in this than is normally the case with (more powerful) air rifles tested by HAM.

Standard Deviation (the measure of shot-to-shot variability) was quite high, although consistently high.

As you’ll see from the Chrony printouts on the test targets, muzzle velocity dropped very significantly during every string of 10 shots fired in the HAM tests. This is an almost inevitable result of repetitive shooting of a CO2-powered airgun, particularly one with the small CO2 capacity provided by just one CO2 Powerlet.

Interestingly, the fall in muzzle velocity did not produce vertical stringing on the targets at 10 yards, although it would cause that effect at longer ranges.

Yes, it’s possible to reduce this change in muzzle velocity by waiting a long time – 60 seconds or more – between shots, but that’s not the point of the rapid-firing 1077. HAM tester Paul Manktelow fired the 1077 at a steady rate for each of the tests, not too fast, but not unreasonably slowly, with about 5 seconds between each shot.

NOISE LEVEL

The Crosman 1077 air rifle is not a powerful air rifle and so noise level is pretty low. There’s no silencer fitted, nor is there a need for one.

Noise level is definitely “backyard friendly” for most people.

SIGHTS AND SCOPE

The Crosman 1077 air rifle is fitted with somewhat primitive open sights. These comprise a notched rear sight that’s adjustable for elevation only, together with a fiber optic front sight. There’s limited windage adjustment capability by loosening the fixing screws and sliding the sight leaf across. But don’t consider this a precision method of windage adjustment!

These open sights may be OK for shooting soda cans, but a scope is required to achieve the accuracy potential of the 1077.

Fortunately the receiver is grooved to accept scope rings and the 1077 tested by HAM was supplied with a Center Point AR22 Series 4 x 32 scope as part of the “Ultimate Bundle” offered by Pyramyd Air.

Below. The bundled scope compliments the 1077 in size and weight. Note the holes in the top of the barrel shroud where we removed the rear sight.

This Center Point is a light weight – apparently plastic bodied – unit that matches the overall weight and size of the Crosman 1077 air rifle. It’s also supplied complete with some surprisingly good rings that clamp well onto the dovetail grooves.

Obviously this is a low cost scope but it’s superior to using the open sights with the 1077. However optical quality in the sample tested by HAM is pretty poor in an absolute sense. There’s no AO (Adjustable Objective) focusing and the parallax setting for the scope is 30 yards – about the extreme range for the Crosman 1077 air rifle.

Taken together with the lack of mil dots on the reticle and it’s clear that this is not a scope for the enthusiast. However, it will probably be fine for the majority of “non expert” shooters who buy this gun and – as mentioned earlier, it gives much better accuracy than using the open sights.

Note that we found it necessary to remove the rear sight in order to allow the scope to be positioned correctly for our eye relief. This may not apply to all shooters as it’s a function of individual eyesight and physique. Removing the rear sight is simply a matter of undoing two screws, the rear leaf and elevator parts. And then not loosing them. Oops!

SHOOTABILITY

Despite the heavy trigger pull, shooting the Crosman 1077 air rifle was fun for the testers, and probably would be for the gun’s target market.

Loading pellets into the 12-shot clip is easy, then the clip is inserted into the fake box magazine, the locking catch engaged and the magazine and pushed up into the gun. No jams or mis-feeds were experienced during HAM testing of the 1077.

The light weight – only 4 lbs 8 oz with wood stock and scope, Powerlet and pellets – makes this an ideal choice for the young shooter, yet it’s just the right size to be usable by the whole family. Also, there’s no hard break barrel cocking, nor special hold required for this CO2-powerd air rifle. It’s easy to shoot well, as is indicated by it’s very low 3.3 – that’s very good! – RateAGun score.

The 1077 balances well for shooting and HAM testers found that the low comb stock gives a decent cheek weld when using the scope.

Loading CO2 is also straightforward. The Crosman 1077 air rifle tested by HAM accepts one 12 gram CO2 Powerlet at a time, giving enough gas for about 30 shots.

Below, the barrel latches are to help with clearing a jam. No jams were experienced in HAM testing.

APPEARANCE AND FINISH

The 1077 looks very much like a Ruger 10/22 firearm. And it’s none the worse for that. The Crosman 1077 air rifle is a traditional, sporter design that has a distinctive look compared to the numerous, tactical “black rifles” that are so common nowadays.

In the HAM team’s opinion, the wood stock looks much better than the black synthetic version. The stock is very plain, but it’s well finished with good fit to the action and is comfortable to hold.

The breech, magazine and trigger assembly are obviously plastic but the finish is certainly OK for the price, with crisp, clear molding.

Bluing on the barrel – actually the barrel shroud – is uniformly executed and matches the plastic parts well.

BUYING AND OWNING

The Crosman 1077 air rifle is available almost everywhere that airguns are sold – at least it is with the regular black synthetic stock.

The 1077 tested by HAM is sold as an exclusive by PyramydAir only. But given Pyramyd’s huge online presence, that’s not much of a disadvantage.

Boxes of 12 gram CO2 Powerlets are available at every Walmart, as are Crosman Premier Hollow Point pellets that work well with the 1077 tested by HAM. The 12-shot clips are cheap to buy and readily available, too.

As with all CO2 airguns, HAM recommends using a drop of Crosman Pellgun Oil on the flat end of the Powerlet about every 500 shots. More is not better! The Pellgun Oil spreads through the action as the 1077 is fired, due to the pressure of the CO2, and is absorbed by the O rings and seals in the gun. This is the best insurance to keep your CO2-powered airgun – like the 1077 – leak free over an extended period.

The Crosman 1077 air rifle carries a standard 12-month warranty from the manufacturer. Spare parts are also readily available from Crosman – a policy much to be applauded. But, be aware that the 1077 is quite comples internally and HAM certainly does NOT advise DIY repairs on this gun without much prior knowledge.

The owner’s manual is of the regular Crosman “broadsheet style”. Multiple languages are covered, including English, Spanish and French. Instructions are simple, but adequate and well illustrated.

TEST TARGETS

BUY FROM PYRAMYD

Crosman 1077 Wood Stock Repeater Rifle Bundle

This entire article including scoring, test targets etc is Copyright Hard Air Magazine and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the publisher.

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Remington Outdoor Company has just announced some major changes in senior leadership. It will be interesting to see if this results in changes to the Remington airgun business over the coming months. Stay tuned…

Unusually, HAM is publishing the complete Press Release, as issued by Remington Outdoor Company. As follows.

“Remington Outdoor Company (ROC) one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and related products, today announced a series of management and Board-level transitions that will accelerate an ongoing transformation at the Company as it seeks to optimize operations and reset the foundational processes needed to deliver consistently superior quality across all products and services.

Effective immediately, ROC co-lead Director Jim (“Marc, o”) Marcotuli has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, and Board member James P. (“Jim”) Campbell has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Marcotuli will also serve as interim Chairman of the Board. George Kollitides II, Chairman and CEO, and the Company have agreed that Mr. Kollitides will step down from both positions immediately to pursue other interests but will continue to serve as a paid Senior Advisor to the Company for one year.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to lead America’s oldest and most iconic gun company,” said Mr. Kollitides. “I could not be more proud of our organization and have the utmost confidence in the new management team’s ability to continue to successfully lead ROC in the future.”

Additionally, ROC’s Chief Financial Officer Ron Kolka is retiring but will remain with the Company for the next 30 days to ensure a smooth transition. A search for a permanent CFO is currently underway.

Remington Outdoor Company also announced today that Jeffrey (“Jeff”) P. Pritchett will join ROC’s Board of Directors as part of the Company’s broader efforts to build a world-class Board infused with independent talent and the industry, financial and operating experience needed to support ROC’s strategic direction. Mr. Pritchett will also work with Mr. Kolka through the CFO transition period.

The Company has also initiated a search for a Chairman of the Board and may appoint additional Directors to replace Walter McLallen and James J. Pike, who have also decided to retire from the Board.

Mr. Marcotuli, who was appointed to serve as co-lead director of ROC in September 2014, has spearheaded a series of operational improvements across the Company with an emphasis on ensuring consistently high-quality manufacturing, enhanced customer experience and more efficient operations. He has 25 years of management and operations experience, most recently serving as President and CEO of North American Bus Industries (NABI), where he successfully boosted the company’s market share while significantly growing earnings and revenue. Prior to that position, Mr. Marcotuli held senior leadership roles at various companies, predominately in the aerospace and automotive industries.

“Over the past nine months Marco has distinguished himself as a visionary operator and remarkably effective change agent who has driven measurable results across our organization,” said Rob McCanna, senior vice president of sales at ROC. “His strategic focus and no-nonsense leadership style are a perfect fit for Remington Outdoor Company as we chart the best possible course for our future and a renewed emphasis on our customers.”

“The Remington brand is steeped in tradition and a proud heritage of designing and manufacturing safe, quality products used by countless military operators and law enforcement officers and enjoyed by generations of sportsmen and women,” said Mr. Marcotuli. “I am honored to have the opportunity to help write the next chapter for our Company and to work with our entire team to deliver consistently superior quality and excellence across the enterprise.”

Mr. Campbell joined ROC as lead director in May 2012 and has focused most recently on enhancing ROC’s customer and industry relationships. He is an avid shooter and a life member of the National Rifle Association who built a 30-year career at General Electric Company where he most recently served as CEO, Appliances and Lighting, an $8 billion enterprise. In his new role at ROC, Mr. Campbell will support Mr. Marcotuli in building ROC’s brands and optimizing customer experience.

“I look forward to supporting Marco and the rest of the team as we redouble our efforts to ensure superior quality and customer service are front and center in everything we do,” said Mr. Campbell. “On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank George for all of the contributions he has made to the Company over the past three years and to wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”

Mr. Pritchett brings significant financial and strategic planning expertise to the Board, most recently as a Senior Operating Executive and Head of the Finance / CFO practice within Cerberus Operating and Advisory Company. He has been advising the management and finance teams at Remington Outdoor Company for the past few months, providing a smooth transition as the Company completes its search for a permanent CFO.”

The post Remington Outdoor Company Replaces Senior Leaders. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

We receive many questions about suitable types of High Pressure Air, HPA tank for PCP air rifles.

So here’s some information about a HPA tank configuration that HAM has been testing. We’ve been using this HPA tank for some time and are very please with its performance.

This HPA tank is the Great White tank that’s sold by Joe Brancato. His website is www.airtanksforsale.com.

The Great White holds a large supply of air – 97 cubic feet – at a suitably high pressure – 4,500psi. It’s American-made and is ideal for filling almost any type and pressure of PCP air rifle. It’s manufactured from carbon fiber for strength and safety combined with light weight.

The Great White HPA tank is available with a number of options. HAM specified the most popular tank bundle, including full external armor, the second air pressure gauge and long – 40-inch – microbore hose with female quick disconnects on both ends. You can see this full rig in the heading photograph for this review.

The Great White HPA tank is fitted with a large diameter, liquid-filled gauge that measures the output pressure going from the tank to the gun. It’s easy to read and accurately monitors the charging pressure to the PCP air rifle’s own built-in tank.

That’s the large gauge in the photograph above. As photographed, it reads 0 psi as the tank is not connected to a gun. To the right, you can see the black operating knob – turn clockwise to open and fill the PCP air rifle. Below it is the stainless knurled knob that’s used to bleed pressure from the line after filling the gun and before disconnecting the hose.

Note that the operating knob allows for a nice, slow, controlled fill of your PCP air rifle. It’s not a good idea to have a simple on/off valve that gives “all or nothing” pressure delivery. Your PCP air rifle will benefit from being filled gradually with air in a controlled manner – not being “hit” with tank pressure in a hurry.

Also, you will undoubtedly need to limit the pressure coming from the tank so that you do not exceed the designed maximum fill pressure for your PCP air rifle. This combination of the slow fill valve and large gauge allows a PCP air rifle to be filled correctly and safely to the required pressure – so long as you do your part.

Note that this is NOT an automated fill system. The Great White tank and gauge does not have a regulator – as some systems do – that limits the maximum fill pressure to a certain preset value (usually 2,900 psi). So, it requires care from the user to avoid a potentially unsafe overfill. On the plus side, it allows filling for any PCP air rifle’s operating pressure, irrespective if it’s 2,000 psi, 3,000 psi or higher.

But how much pressure is actually in the Great White HPA tank at any time? Great question. That’s why there’s a second gauge that measure precisely that information. The photo below shows the smaller gauge reading 4,000+. This is the pressure of the air actually in the HPA tank.

This optional second gauge is a – patent pending – idea of Joe Brancato’s and it allows a constant read on tank pressure without having to “dead head” the output line to find tank pressure using the main gauge. It’s quicker, simpler and easier. Joe calls this “Option 1″ in his website.

The basic Great White HPA tank is supplied with a male quick disconnect. But most people want to connect the tank to a male quick disconnect on their air rifle. The microbore, female/female quick disconnect option provides that capability. It also is the connection most likely to be compatible with the capabilities of most paintball stores or other locations that can charge your HPA tank with high pressure air at 4,500 psi. The quick disconnects are manufactured from stainless steel to withstand the very high pressures used in HPA systems. This is “Option 2A” in Joe’s store.

The “Full Armor” option protects the tank in storage and use. Obviously that helps to keep the HPA tank in good external cosmetic condition.

Expect to pay around $700 – $800 for the Great White tank, depending on the options you select. Joe’s website has full details.

Joe Brancato prefers to do business by phone. So take a look at www.airtanksforsale.com then phone him at 714-907-0067 8AM-8PM Pacific Time if you have questions, or to place an order. Please say that you saw this review in Hard Air Magazine!

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Umarex USA, has appointed sporting goods industry expert Sammy Huang as Senior Director of Product Development with the remit to expand its robust lines of recreational and competitive shooting products,

Bringing over 20 years of engineering product development, management, and quality control to his new role, Huang will direct an internal product development team. He will also work directly with existing and new engineering and manufacturing partners to develop exceptional products for recreational and competitive shooting, hunting, and target shooting disciplines and more.

“Sammy Huang has a tremendous reputation both domestically and abroad in product development. His experience and background within our category will only broaden our ability to develop highly competitive and innovative products,” said Richard Turner, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Umarex USA, Inc.

Huang’s product knowledge base, expertise and management experience has culminated in various engineering, management and product development positions dealing with leading brands such as Black & Decker, Philips, and Emerson.

Most recently, Sammy served as Senior Director of Engineering & Product Development with Gamo Outdoor USA where he was instrumental in the development of BSA optics and Laser Genetics.

The post Umarex USA Names Sammy Huang Senior Director of Product Development. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

The 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship began today, June 12 at Rochester Brooks International Skeet and Trap Club. This was the “warm up” day, with plenty of time and facilities for sighting-in air rifles and the “Quigley Bucket Shoot” 50-yard competition. There’s lots of socializing too! Tours of the Crosman factory were also available – I couldn’t resist, of course…

I believe that more than 80 shooters are signed-up in a variety of rifle and pistol divisions. Confirmation tomorrow when the serious competition starts. Several contributors to Hard Air Magazine are present and shooting, including Greg Shirhall, Doug Rogers, Paul Manktelow and myself.

The weather today was variable. Hot, humid and with occasional rain showers – OK, downpours! But the forecast is much better for the main event, tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday. Having the firing points under cover of shady trees is good, to shield the shooters from both rain and sun.

Here’s a general view of the socializing and sighting-in.

In the main Field Target competition, competitors will have 120 shots over two days to determine winners in divisions and classes that are based on the airgun and support equipment they use.

“Field target is a fantastic event for families or anyone with an interest in shooting”, says Mark DeBoard, Manager of Shooting Services for Crosman. “You’ll see guns ranging from popular break barrel models up to rifle and scope combinations costing thousands of dollars.”

Crosman generously provided every competitor with a super “goody bag” of stuff. It comprised a very nice Crosman rifle case, CRKT knife, a tin of Crosman Premier Max Precision wadcutter pellets, a Crosman pellet loader, Crosman-branded CRKT knife, 2015 Crosman product catalog and $15.00 in Lunch credits. Sweet!

Below, Jen from Crosman issued every competitor with their own “goody bag”.

The contents included these items (photo courtesy Chip Hunnicutt of Crosman)…

There are also some great deals available on Crosman products, specially for competitors at the 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship and plenty of stock was available for the enthusiastic purchasers, as you can see below.

The entry fee for the two-day rifle competition is $75.00 and includes a free entry to the pistol match. Those interested in trying out the sport and shooting on only one of the two days may register for $50.00. Pistol-only competitors may register for $25.00. All registrations include the free Quigley Bucket Challenge and a Crosman gift bag valued at a total of $90.00.

This year, the competition has a new venue at Rochester Brooks Gun Club is located in Rush, New York at 962 Honeoye Falls 6 Road. The rifle competition begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and the pistol competition will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. There’s more at http://www.crosman.com/connect/crosman-all-american-kicks-off-june-12

The 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship is open and free to the public, making it a great opportunity to watch highly skilled shooters up close.

The post 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship – Day 1 appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

Saturday and Sunday, the main shooting days for the 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship were blessed with fine Up-State NY weather after rain on Friday. Clearly organizer Sean McDaniel has some great meteorological connections. The rain stopped Friday night and started again just after shooting finished on Sunday afternoon!

Our heading photograph shows Hunter PCP Category winner Joel Gupta shooting, as Art Duel (in Crosman cap) prepares to fire in the lane behind him.

Here’s a general view down the range. The sighting-in range can be seen in the distance. Jim Wilcox (red shirt), Paul Manktelow (green shirt) and Harold Schaefer (check shirt, red hat) sit watching the action.

Below. The trees provided pleasant shade for the competitors.

Below, Joel Yaddow checks the range

Below. Another view of the competition under way. That’s Hans Apelles in white sitting to concentrate on the shooting.

Below. There was also a FT Pistol Match on Saturday afternoon. That’s Kevin Kunkle in front.

Final results for the 2015 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship were as follows.

WFTF Piston Category:

1. Matt Brackett, score 96.

WFTF PCP Category:

1. Jeff Paddock, score 115

2. Harold Rushton, score 114

3. Greg Suave, score 110

Hunter PCP category.

1. Joel Gupta, score 103

2. John Eroh, score 99

Hunter Piston category.

1. Greg Shirhall, score 78

2. Kevin Kunkle, score 72

Below, Greg Shirhall is congratulated by Mark DeBoard from Crosman.

 Open PCP category.

1. Ron Zeman, score 105

2. Dennis Eden, score 94

The photo below shows Open PCP winner Ron Zeman receiving his award from Crosman’s Mark DeBoard.

Pistol FT Competition.

Hands category.

1. Joe McDaniel, score 14

Hunter category.

1. Bill Day, score 37

2. Christopher Helm, score 35

3. John Tyler, score 35

The Team Match was won by Team USA, with a combined score of 408. Team USA shooters were Hector medina, Greg Suave, Harold Rushton and Tyler Patner.

Congratulations to the organizer Sean McDaniel and to all the folk from Crosman Corporation who worked very hard behind the scenes to make this event the success that it continues to be.

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IT’S A FAMILY BUSINESS

Umarex – actually Umarex Sportwaffen GmbH & Co KG, to give the company’s complete title – was founded in Arnsberg, Germany in 1972. Today, it’s a major player in the international airgun world, selling air rifles and air pistols under many brand names, including its own.

Umarex has retained one characteristic throughout its history: its independence as a mid-size, owner-managed family company.  The original founders, Wulf-Heinz Pflaumer and Franz Wonisch remained in control of the company until 2012, when they handed over control to their sons.

Eyck Pflaumer (left in photo) is now in charge of marketing and sales, while Martin Wonisch (right) manages purchasing and finance. Managing Director Olaf Beisheim (center) is responsible for engineering. In this way Umarex remains focused on the future while preserving continuity with its heritage.

As a result, Umarex management style remains modern, dynamic and spirited. With hierarchies flat and communication channels short, the company acts quickly and is responsive to changes and progress in the airgun industry.

Even in these days of computer-controlled manufacturing, Umarex likes to stress that its products are invented and manufactured by people! This family business encourages employee participation and teamwork provides “ownership” in their products for workers.

Our heading photo shows an unusual perspective on CO2 pistol manufacturing. Below we see CAD design in progress.

Here is the Umarex corporate airgun showroom in the Arnsberg HQ.

“THE KING OF THE REPLICAS”

In 1995, Umarex managers felt it was time to innovate. They developed an exceptional CO2 replica called the Walther CP88.

Using a groundbreaking platform on which many later CO2 pistol designs were based, the Walther CP88 became a symbol of Umarex quality.

The CP88 was the first air pistol to use the patented “Fast Action” system. In this system, the gun is loaded by opening the barrel with a slide catch and CO2 capsules inserted via an opening in the grip plate. “Fast Action” gave Umarex an impressive technological lead and fueled enormous growth in the replica pellet and BB pistol market.

When the CP88 was shown at the 1995 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Umarex scored a breakthrough in the US. Beretta granted Umarex a license for replicas of several of the company’s legendary models. Several other US firearms manufacturers did the same. The company now has long-standing partnerships with multiple firearm companies that have granted Umarex licenses to produce airgun variants of their firearm models and firearms-branded pellet rifles.

The King of Replicas has recently introduced the Colt Peacemaker, among other air pistols.

Today, the company develops, designs and markets non-powder shooting products under many brands.  You’ll recognize airguns branded Beretta, Colt, Smith & Wesson, HK, Ruger, Browning. They’re all Umarex products, as are RWS, Walther and Hämmerli.

UMAREX IN THE USA.

Umarex USA began in January 2006 when Umarex Sportwaffen acquired RUAG Ammotec USA of New Jersey.

RUAG Ammotec USA was well known for marketing the famous RWS premium adult air rifles. Combined with the world-class non-powder products from Umarex Sportwaffen, this created Umarex USA as one of the premier providers of airguns and airgun accessories in North America.

After just six months the new company moved its base to Fort Smith, Ark., where it continues to flourish with sustained financial and physical growth.

In 2010 Umarex USA moved into a new 117,000 square foot facility at Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith. This facility (photo below) houses corporate offices, warehousing and distribution operations. Manufacturing and production will be soon added to this ever-growing facility, which underwent an expansion in 2014.

Today Umarex USA offers top-quality recreational shooting products in a variety of categories. These include adult airguns, BB and pellet pistols, with associated accessories. Umarex USA distributes RWS pellets, together with BBs under the Hornady and Umarex labels.

Other product lines include airsoft guns, specialized optics, and tactical training paintball guns.

SHERLOCK HOLMES HELPED TOO!

Umarex is proud of its history and the company museum at the Arnsberg HQ commemorates this.

Back in the 1970s, Umarex joined forces with Sherlock Holmes (or more appropriately, the Arthur Conan Doyle family). Yes, it’s true!

They produced an ingenious themed set including a revolver with blank cartridges and flares packaged with a magnifying glass. The box was shaped and decorated to look like a book, as is shown below by this period advertisement. Umarex sold 80,000 sets per year for several years, primarily in Germany and other European countries.

WALTHER JOINS UMAREX.

Umarex also owns Walther (the firearms company) – one reason for the multiple pellet- and BB-firing replicas of Walther pistols.

The Umarex and the Carl Walther companies came together in a natural union in 1993—natural because both companies have roots in the same famous gunsmithing town of Zella-Mehlis, in Thuringia, Germany.

Walther was founded in Zella-Mehlis in 1886. It first manufacturing calculating machines and weapons. A Walther engineer, Walter Riem, created the Perfecta blank-firing pistol. Later this was the Umarex company’s first big-selling product as the Perfecta Model G1. This was in the 1970s, before the company entered the airgun market.

AMERICAN AIRGUNNER TV SHOW.

Umarex USA produces and sponsors the American Airgunner TV Show. This is the first and only US television show to feature the airgun shooting sports. In doing so, Umarex USA supports both its customers and retailers.

The show regularly includes a range of airgunning interests, with hunts, disciplines and competitions being the central focus. The entertaining format includes expert “Round Table” sessions on topics of interest.

American Airgunner educates consumers on the how-tos and uses of air rifles and air pistols. It airs on the Pursuit Channel. The 7th season of the American Airgunner will begin airing summer 2015.

The post Umarex, The King of Replicas. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

The 2015 CMP National Three Position Air Rifle Championships will be held June 21-23 and June 24-26 at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) South Competition Center in Anniston, Ala. to a group of over 350 hopeful junior marksmen in search of a National Title.

Competitors, families and friends will be traveling to the state to witness the last stage of an event that has spanned nearly eight months.

Junior JROTC, 4-H and club team precision and sporter marksmen involved in the competition began their journey with the CMP Postal Competition in November, where CMP-issued targets were mailed into Headquarters in Ohio for official scoring. Top shooters in the Postal Competition were invited to compete in the Regional Championships in March and April, with the overall high individuals and teams from that match qualifying for the National Championship.

The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to come and witness some of the most talented junior marksmen in the country and to marvel at the top-of-the-line competitive shooting technology used throughout the duration of the match.

Larry and Brenda Potterfield have donated a total of $23,000 through generous MidwayUSA Foundation endowments to winning teams of the CMP National Championships – offering over $600,000 in total throughout the three phases of the Air Rifle Championships. The MidwayUSA Foundation is a public charity that helps communities and organizations raise funds into their MidwayUSA Foundation account to support youth shooting teams and activities.

The CMP will also provide additional monetary awards to winning teams and individuals as well as three $1,000 Scholarship awarded to the Top Three graduating seniors of the match.

Junior marksmen participating in the 2015 CMP National Three Position Air Rifle Championships will also be invited to compete in the USA Shooting National 3P Junior Olympics. Precision competitors will fire on Monday, June 22, while sporter competitors will follow on Thursday, June 25. The National Junior Olympics will also be held in Anniston.

The state-of-the-art CMP South Competition Center air gun range consists of 80 firing points – each equipped with state-of-the-art electronic targets. Spectators are able to observe each competitor’s shot via large hanging monitors throughout the range. Live target images will also be available online for those wishing to stay in the heat of the action from home.

For more information on the 2015 CMP National Three Position Air Rifle Championship, visit http://thecmp.org/air/national-three-position-air-rifle-championships/.

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Umarex USA has announced that it has signed a long-term consulting agreement with Stephen Lamboy of S.R.Lamboy Marketing and Development. Umarex, will immediately begin working with Lamboy on strategic development of new products and markets.

Known internationally for product innovation and new market development, S.R. Lamboy has served the industry for over 20 years at such leading firms as Realtree Outdoor Products, Immersion Graphics, Gamo Outdoors, and Crosman Corp.

“We are pleased to have Steve Lamboy bring his talents and vision to our development team,” stated Umarex USA CEO Adam Blalock. “The addition of Steve affirms our long-term commitment to be a leader in new product innovation and development in the airgun industry.”

This announcement follows the recent appointment of Sammy Huang as Senior Director of Product Development for Umarex USA.

Looks like we should look out for new moves from Umarex in future!

The post Umarex USA Signs with S.R.Lamboy Consulting appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

Gletcher, a company that specializes in the production and design of CO2-powered replica firearms, introduce the world’s first air version of the Stechkin pistol, the APS air pistol. Used in numerous conflicts around the world, this replica closely resembles the novel design of the firearm original  at fraction of the cost.

The legendary Soviet Stechkin was developed in the mid-twentieth century, particularly for soldiers who did not carry an automatic weapon or carbine but needed a strong and reliable weapon.

The metal bodied Gletcher APS air pistol is a member of Gletcher’s “Russian Legends” line of CO2-powered guns and is the first air pistol implementation of the legendary Stechkin.

The high combat effectiveness of this firearm was provided by the high-capacity magazine, barrel length, and the availability of automatic fire. Although this pistol is not equipped with an automatic option, it still holds true to its original.

Gletcher says that the APS air pistol has the identical weight and size to the original firearm, a powerful blowback system, and a realistic slide action. This makes this air pistol reproduction a high level of authenticity to the original model.

Specifications for the APS air pistol are as follows:

Magazine Capacity: 22
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Length: 8″ 7/8
Average Velocity: 394 fps
Projectile: .177 Caliber Steel BB
Warranty: 18 months
MSRP: $114.99

To learn more about the Gletcher APS air pistol, visit http://gletcherguns.com/shop/air-guns/aps.html

The post New Gletcher APS Air Pistol Announced. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

The PelletGage is a new, simple to use device that is able to to determine the head size of pellets in 0.01 mm (ten micron) increments. Actually, it’s an extremely precise “go – no go” gauge.

It is currently available in five common airgun calibers. There’s .177 and .22 calibers, of course, together with.20 cal, .25 and .30 cal.

Most air rifle shooters are interested in accuracy. They know know that their guns “like” – that is, shoot most accurately with – a particular pellet or pellets. In many cases, this may be due to the head size of that particular pellet.  Pellet dimensions actually vary significantly between different designs and the head diameter is a particularly critical measurement.

That may not be too surprising, but it’s more surprising to discover that head size can vary significantly between the “same” pellets from one tin!

The Pelletgage allows us to know the diameter of the pellet’s head, and to make that determination quickly. It allows us to check the pellets in one tin for consistency.

Each Pelletgage has ten round apertures precisely cut into a thin metal sheet. These apertures allow a range of head sizes to be measured for each caliber, as follows.

To use a Pelletgage, roll or drop the head of the pellet into the smallest expected aperture.

If the pellet head is larger than the selected hole, it will not drop into the opening. Move up to the next larger size(s) – diameters are etched in the metal – and the pellet will drop partially through aperture, caught by the skirt.

This establishes the size range of the pellet head as being between the largest aperture it won’t clear, and the smallest that it will. That’s why this type of gauge is commonly called a “go no-go”.

With a Pelletgage, you can rapidly sort pellets by size, or simply to give you an accurate measure of the head diameter of that new tin of pellets you just received. Once you know what diameter your gun “likes”, you can take steps to get that same diameter for better shooting results. You’ll be confident of consistent accuracy, whether you’re hunting with your air rifle, or shooting field target competition – so long as you and the gun do your part, that is.

This is a measuring tool. It’s not intended to “size” or change the diameter of any pellet.

Testing has shown significant size variation in tins of quality pellets, and differences of mean diameter between tins of the same size and weight. This may be a key to finding that next tin of pellets that shoots so well.

Measuring the diameter of a round object isn’t easily done. Normal micrometers and calipers can measure one chord or section across the object only.

PelletGage is more accurate, repeatable, and faster than using calipers or micrometers. Also, it doesn’t demand the skill of those devices. Lead pellets are very easily damaged and you could damage the very pellets you are measuring by incorrect use of calipers or a “mike”.

So why does the Pelletgage measure head diameters in mm (millimeters)?

This is because many high quality .177 caliber pellets used for precision field target shooting are manufactured in Europe where they use metric units, such as mm. So, the head diameters of these pellets are designed to be 4.51/4.52/4.53 mm, etc. rather than .177/.178 inches etc.

Actually, each 0.01 mm step is actually 10 microns, or 0.0004 inches. That’s four tenths of a thou – about the width of a human hair. The accuracy of the holes in a Pelletgage is assured by a state of the art laser cutting technique, combined with special alloy sheet steel. The tolerance is +/- 0.0025 mm of indicated inside diameter. That’s precision!

The Pelletgage is available directly from it’s designer at www.pelletgage.com.

The post Measure Your Pellets With Pelletgage. appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

VALUE FOR MONEY

At a Street Price of around $240, the S&W is not cheap for a replica air pistol. Nor is it a new model: the 586 has been in production almost unaltered since 1998.

Yet it remains a strong value for its combination of great accuracy, good realism and high overall quality. And, of course, it’s an officially-licensed replica with genuine Smith and Wesson branding.

The inclusion of a hard plastic case (quality made by Negrini in Italy), two rotary clips, three front sights, cleaning brush and a barrel removal tool all add to the value of the S&W 586 air pistol. Pellets are not included with the gun.

BUY FROM PYRAMYD AIR
Smith & Wesson 586

BUY FROM AMAZON
Smith & Wesson 586, 6-inch Barrel air pistol

REALISM – LOOKS, FEEL

The S&W 586 air pistol is an accurate copy of the Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum “L” frame revolver firearm with 6-inch barrel. HAM tester Doug Wall’s comment in his test notes was simple and to the point: “Very realistic!”

Weight of the air pistol is identical to that of the firearm at 46 oz. This is because the S&W 586 is of all metal construction, including the rotary magazine, except for the rubber grips.

Balance and feel are incredibly realistic. The rubber pistol grips have the same feel and size as that of the firearm they copy. The overall balance and “pointability” of the S&W 586 air pistol replicates that of the 357 Magnum firearm exactly, too.

There’s no question that this air pistol feels exactly like the real thing.

Although obviously not in the same league as a 357 Magnum load, S&W 586 is fairly loud for a replica air pistol, although a little less so than some models with shorter barrels.

REALISM – TRIGGER AND ACTION

The trigger and action of the S&W 586 air pistol are also very close to those of the 357 Magnum it copies.

The 10-shot rotary clip is released using the thumbslide release lever, just as with the firearm. This allows the crane to be swung out – again just as with the firearm. The rotary clip can then be removed from its spindle and reloaded. The clip/crane assembly clicks back into place just like the firearm.

Trigger action is similarly realistic. The S&W 586 air pistol can be fired both single action and double action – as per the 357 Magnum.

More impressively, the trigger pull weights are also similar to those of the firearm. Single action pull weight for the S&W 586 air pistol  is just under 5 lbs. Double action pull weight come in at 9 lbs. Both of these figures are typical for the firearm prototype as well.

In single action shooting, single stage trigger pull is very clean and predictable. No doubt this – together with the relatively low pull weight – is one reason why HAM tester Doug Wall’s test targets showed such good accuracy. (He shot the HAM test targets single action).

Double action trigger pull is as expected. The long “first stage” rotates the clip and cocks the trigger, accounting for the heavier pull weight. Yet the heavy double action pull is not unmanageable, probably due to that 46 oz weight of the pistol.

ACCURACY AND POINT OF IMPACT

Accuracy of the S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM was outstanding for a replica gun,

All shots fired were “minute of soda can” accurate at 6 yards using the standard HAM set of pistol test pellets. The best group gave a CTC size of just 0.4-inches and was achieved using H&N Field Target Trophy pellets!

No doubt this accuracy is a product of the quality rifled steel barrel, tight tolerances on the rotary pellet clip and the excellent trigger already mentioned.

The point of impact tended to be a little low on the test gun, the sights are still at their factory setting. But this could easily be rectified. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation using a screwdriver. Further, the S&W 586 air pistol is supplied with a total of three – yes 3 – front sights. These are retained by one screw and give the owner a choice of front sight post heights and outlines.

At 10 yards the group opened-up, of course. Shooting at this range, the S&W 586 air pistol was again loaded with the H&N Field Target Trophy pellets that were so accurate at 6 yards. As you can see, the shots strung down the target, but with just a little elevation change, all again would have been easily within “minute of soda can” accuracy.

Overall, the S&W 586 demonstrated outstanding accuracy for a replica pellet-firing air pistol.

BUY FROM PYRAMYD
H&N Field Target Trophy .177 Cal, 8.64 Grains, Domed, 500ct

BUY FROM AMAZON
H&N Field Target Trophy, .177 Cal, 4.52mm, 8.64 Grains, Round Nose, 500ct

COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS

Maximum muzzle velocity for the S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM was 399 fps with alloy pellets. This is below the 425 fps claimed by the manufacturer. But note that the HAM pistol test range has a typical temperature of 60 degrees F and this is cold for CO2 pistols. These muzzle velocity numbers could increase by as much as 30 fps if fired in temperatures of 90 degrees F.

This means that the 586 would match – and possibly exceed the manufacturer’s claim at higher ambient temperatures.

Umarex USA claims that the S&W 586 “completely duplicates of the legendary Smith and Wesson 357 in both weight and handling, with a 10-shot magazine that swings out for easy and realistic loading and replacement”. That’s a fair assessment, in HAM’s opinion.

CONSISTENCY

As with any CO2-powered air pistol, best velocity and consistency will be with slow fire. Some velocity will be regained by resting the gun between strings, thus allowing it to warm up. You can see the drop in muzzle velocity from the Chrony printout on the targets as each string was fired. Standard Deviation, the statistical measure of that velocity change was also consistent at 10 – 15 fps for each string.

During HAM testing, the S&W 586 air pistol delivered no jams or misfires.

Accuracy was consistently very good to excellent with all the standard HAM pistol test pellets. Trigger pull weight was very consistent too, at 4 lbs 12 oz.

Muzzle Energy held to a tight band between about 1.8 and 2.0 Ft/Lbs.

There’s no doubt. The S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM is a very consistent airgun!

SHOT COUNT

The S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM gave about 62 shots at 60 degrees F with a muzzle velocity of above 300 fps from one 12 gram CO2 cartridge. This is a fair shot count and – like muzzle velocity – would be higher if shot in a warmer environment.

HAM testers agree that 300 fps is the minimum “useful” muzzle velocity for fairly accurate shooting. Once below that number, the muzzle velocity fell off rapidly and the point of impact with it.

MUZZLE VELOCITY

As with any CO2-powered airgun, muzzle velocity is very dependent on ambient temperature and speed of shooting.

Maximum muzzle velocity for the S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM was 399 fps with alloy pellets. It was typically in the 310 – 340 fps range with lead pellets at 60 degrees F. As described above, the fps will be higher in warmer ambient temperatures.

This is very adequate for the intended use of the 586: shooting paper targets or hitting soda cans. Indeed, much higher muzzle velocity is undesirable for the many people who shoot replica air pistols in their basement or garage ranges.

APPEARANCE AND FINISH

Appearance is right on. It’s very difficult to fault.

About the only way to tell visually that this air pistol is not a firearm are the the slightly different markings “Made in Germany by Umarex” for example, and the rotary pellet clip that’s not the full length of the firearm’s cylinder.

If you look VERY carefully, you’ll see that most of the “cylinder” is actually cast in place and doesn’t rotate (unlike some more recent replica revolvers). It’s only the rotary pellet clip that rotates. This is one of the few ways in which the 586 shows its age compared to more recent replica air pistol designs.

Beyond about 3 yards range, you’ll never see the difference compared to the firearm original.

Finish of the S&W 586 air pistol tested by HAM is very good, with well-concealed mold edges and very carefully-finished metalwork. The rubber hand grips are well executed and give a pleasant, “grippy” feel.

(Note that the HAM test gun was purchased in the short period that these guns were marketed in the USA by Crosman, before Umarex USA was established. Hence the Crosman markings on the right side. These guns were otherwise the same as current production).

BUYING AND OWNING

Like most replica air pistols, the S&W 586 air pistol is powered by a single 12 Gram CO2 cartridge. These, of course, are widely available and are a practical, inexpensive form of propellent.

Unlike the firearm 357 Magnum, no cleaning is required after shooting as there’s no powder residue to remove. And the prices for CO2 cartridges and .177 caliber pellets are very low compared to 357 ammo!

This, together with the proven long-term reliability of this model, make the S&W 586 air pistol good and easy to own. A 12-month warranty is provided by Umares USA although the owner is responsible for the cost of shipping both ways in the unlikely event of a warranty claim.

HAM tester Doug Wall commented that the 586 has one of the best and easiest to use CO2 cartridge loading/puncturing mechanisms he’s seen. He found it easy to use yet with no need for external screws or separate Allen wrenches, as is often the case with CO2-powered air pistols.

As a high end model, you’re not likely to find the S&W 586 air pistol in your local “big box” sporting goods store. But it’s readily available online. A Google search will immediately show Pyramyd Air, Amazon, Airgun Depot and other leading online retailers as sources of supply.

As with the original 357 Magnum, the S&W 586 air pistol has no safety, either automatic or manual. This means that you must exercise consistently good gun control practices whenever handling this gun.

And there’s one other intriguing possibility. As the barrel unit is removable, you could buy a replacement 4-inch barrel assembly from Umarex USA, and change your 586 to a short model at any time, should you wish. Unfortunately, having supplied the barrel removal tool with the gun, Umarex does not give instructions on how to use it.

Of course, Stephen Archer had to take it apart, to find out how it works! The tool fits into the end of the nut inside the barrel shroud. Turn it and the nut comes out. The barrel shroud slides off and the barrel itself screws out. Simple really. And he was able to put it back together, too!

6 YARD TEST TARGETS

10 YARD TEST TARGET

BUY FROM PYRAMYD AIR

Smith & Wesson 586

BUY FROM AMAZON
Smith & Wesson 586, 6-inch Barrel air pistol

This entire article including scoring, test targets etc is Copyright Hard Air Magazine and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the publisher.

The post S&W 586 Air Pistol Test Review appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

Gletcher, a company that specializes in the production and design of firearm replica airguns, has announced the introduction of a new model – a replica “TT” Tula Tokarev CO2 air pistol.

Gletcher claims that their replica Tokarev CO2 Air Pistol was designed for simplicity, power, and precision, just like the Soviet World War 2 original. A metal body, powerful blowback system, sliding safety and functional hammer add to the realistic feeling and provides users with an unforgettable experience, they say.

The TT Tokarev CO2 air pistol is claimed to have a smooth trigger pull and to shoot .177 caliber BBs with an average muzzle velocity of 361 fps. The TT is powered by a single 12 gram CO2 cartridge that is conveniently concealed within the pistol grip. The rubber grips provide a firm hold with – or without – gloves in numerous climates, the manufacturer says.

Adding to the realism, the TT Tokarev CO2 Air Pistol weighs just under a pound and a half and comfortably fits in several aftermarket holsters designed for the firearm original..

Product specifications are as follows:
Magazine Capacity: 18
Weight: 1.37 lbs.
Length: 7 5/8 -inches
Average Muzzle Velocity: 361 fps
Ammo: .177 Caliber Steel Shot BBs
Warranty: 18 months
MSRP: $99.99

You can read more about the TT air pistol at http://gletcherguns.com/shop/air-guns/tt.html

The post Gletcher Announces Replica TT Tokarev CO2 Air Pistol appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

The Michigan Airgun Alliance reports that – as of today, 1 July 2015 – Michigan air gun laws change in a very positive way.

So, 30 June 2015 was the last day that air guns were considered firearms in Michigan!

We’re carrying the Michigan Airgun Alliance story here to give it more publicity to both that organization and to the changes in the state.

Thanks to Phil Mannino for bringing to our attention this news about the Michigan airgun laws change.

“A majority of the Air Gun Reclassification Package, which was signed into law in May, will take effect July 1, 2015. This will result in a number of changes directly impacting avid air gun enthusiasts, occasional plinkers, and sportsmen. It is important to understand the changes so you can take full advantage of the rights restored under this legislation, without falling astray of the law.

Below are some of the primary changes that will take effect on July 1, 2015.

Most of the major air gun retailers and manufacturers will begin receiving and shipping orders to Michigan residents. Because Michigan law now differentiates between air guns and firearms, the legal barriers—which previously made it difficult to sell and ship many popular air guns to Michigan residents—have been lifted.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will now have authority to implement regulations allowing for the use of air guns for hunting purposes. Always check DNR regulations annually (minimum caliber or foot per second requirements) regarding the use of air guns for hunting.

Know the law regarding transportation of air guns. Some air guns will remain subject to Michigan’s casing requirements.

Any air gun that is being transported in a motor vehicle by a person not in possession of a CPL, and which is designed to shoot metallic BBs or pellets greater than .177 caliber will need to be:

1) taken down;

2) enclosed in a case;

3) carried in the trunk of the vehicle; or

4) inaccessible from the interior of the vehicle.

Know the law regarding possession of air guns in weapons free school zones. For purposes of Michigan’s Weapons Free School Zone Act, air guns will be considered “weapons,” and, therefore, will be subject to the same restrictions that apply to firearms.

Due to differing effective dates, the local government preemption provisions that were in Senate Bill 85 will not take effect until August 10, 2015.

Source: NRA-ILA / MCRGO”

Check out the Michigan Airgun Alliance for more news in future.

The post Michigan Airgun Laws Change Today. Great News! appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

In response to an enquiry from Hard Air Magazine, Crosman Corporation has confirmed that there has been a change at the top. There’s a new CEO for Crosman.

Crosman confirmed that Phil Dolci has left Crosman to pursue other interests. Phil had been a key executive for the company over the past three years, and Crosman states that the company benefited in many areas from his leadership. He will remain as an advisor for a transition period and Crosman wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Brad Johnson has joined Crosman as Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer.  For the past four years, Brad has been the CEO of United Sporting Companies, the nation’s largest distributor of outdoor hunting and shooting products.

United Sporting Companies is a separate portfolio company of Wellspring and has seen significant revenue growth and operational excellence under Brad’s leadership.

Brad will remain Chairman & CEO of United Sporting Companies in addition to his new role at Crosman.

Prior to joining United Sporting Companies, Brad had a nearly 30-year career in growing branded consumer product business through his various leadership roles at Reynolds Consumer Products,  Central Garden & Pet, Elmer’s Products / Hunt Corporation, H.J. Heinz and Kimberly-Clark.

The change to Brad as the new CEO of Crosman Corporation actually took place on May 11, 2015.

The post New CEO for Crosman appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.