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DJP
12-11-2009, 09:20 PM
I recently purchased this rifle from Deandal (good guy to deal with btw) via the BBS. To be honest, this was an impulse buy – it looked good for the price and I was curious to see what it would be like. Gamos are quite popular in other countries (especially in the US) but you don’t seem to hear much about them here (well certainly not on the BBS).

On it’s arrival I wasn’t disappointed: This gun is clearly as new, in it’s original box, and without so much as a mark on it.

First impressions: This is a full size but lightweight rifle and the plastic stock is surprisingly tactile – and much more pleasant to handle than I’d imagined it would be. It also has very good balance (for me) to the extent that I find myself picking it up and shouldering it for no other reason than I like the feel of it.

The finish is also good with decent blueing and the stock doesn’t feel in any way cheap or insubstantial. Cocking is easy (with that long barrel) and smooth, although the return stroke isn’t quite as refined (a few rough edges somewhere I’ll wager).

The firing cycle is a smooth, twang free “Thunk” with little recoil and no dieseling. In fact, the only fly in the ointment is the much-maligned Gamo trigger. In truth, this is nothing you can’t get used to but it does have an extraordinarily long pull. You pull and you pull and you pull (sorry, squeeze) and eventually it fires. Notwithstanding, I quickly managed some decent groups. There are a number of fixes for the trigger although in standard form it does at least teach good follow through.

Power was well up to the mark too at 11.5fpe with Air Arms Field (and a bit less with Accupell, Superdomes and H&N FTT). AAF also gave the best accuracy with 5p sized groups at 25m. None too shabby really. On that note, this rifle comes as standard with the excellent “Trueglo” open sights although I opted to fit a scope.

Overall I quite like this gun. For a budget hunter/plinker they’re spot on and IMO a better option at this price point than the Chinese offerings.

If you don’t want to spend too much you could certainly do a lot worse!

ogilkes
12-11-2009, 09:40 PM
I've got one of these and really like it. Its light and accurate and does all I want from it. I'v got a Caharlie da Tuna trigger to fit which by all accounts transforms its shooting cycle.

Yes a fine budget shooter, though the best of the recent Chinese guns are approaching this standard now.

Shadow
12-11-2009, 10:44 PM
I've had one for some years now and think it is superb value and also very consistently accurate. But the trigger is not good! Any info on a trigger upgrade would be welcome.

ogilkes
13-11-2009, 09:35 AM
You want a GRT III trigger from the States, easy to order look here.

http://www.charliedatuna.com/

I have shot a Shadow with this installed and it really does make it a different experience.

Ian Johnstone
13-11-2009, 02:28 PM
Very easy to fit (the replacement trigger) & it makes the gun far more predictable.

Shadow
13-11-2009, 11:32 PM
Thanks guys.:):):)