Gary C
17-10-2005, 10:21 AM
Quick review of a shoot-off yesterday. Blustery conditions
Still too shaky to do a proper shoot so I went and sat at our local club for an hour, and tested my EV2 against a MK3 sport FT and a 400
Accuracy at 45 yards - 20 shots.
EV2 and MK3 16 shots in a half inch group - 4 stitchers horizontal. Groups identical in every way.
AA400 - Acceptable but group out to 3/4" and vertical shift a bit wider
Triggers
EV2 best followed by MK3. 400 Very good. The EV2 got the nod for a little more "feel"
Balance.
very subjective thing, I preferred the pointability of the MK3. It has sufficient weight without being too long.
Loading
EV2 for me - straight into the port. MK3 and 400 are fine but I do like the positive feel and access of the EV2.
Stock
Extra adjustment wins it for EV2 for FT with the hamster, but for HFT the MK FT has an awesome stock. Lovely grip and a perfect cheekpiece.
Versatility
MK3 and 400. Superb hunting rifles. EV2 is a target rifle
Shot count
EV2 ad MK3 had far more than you NEED but nice to have. 400 is good enough.
Safety
MK3 - outstanding
Air Gauge
EV2 and 400 have them, MK3 has a warning. Both have advantages - call it a draw!
Reliability
400 has it, no question. MK3 and EV2 have had a few poblems but mine are superb.
My conclusion.
The EV2 and MK3 as target rifles leave the 400 way behind. Sheer refinement makes a better rifle to shoot. This then leaves the choice of what rifle?.
The stock adaptability shades it for the EV2 for FT, the pointability wins it for the MK3 for HFT.
Hunting you have either the 400 or the MK3. MK3 wins except for weight, some may find it too heavy.
Best pure target gun - EV2
Best Hunter - MK3
Best HFT - MK3
Bst All rounder - MK3
Best Value rifle - AA400. Not behind by much, but a lot cheaper.
Still too shaky to do a proper shoot so I went and sat at our local club for an hour, and tested my EV2 against a MK3 sport FT and a 400
Accuracy at 45 yards - 20 shots.
EV2 and MK3 16 shots in a half inch group - 4 stitchers horizontal. Groups identical in every way.
AA400 - Acceptable but group out to 3/4" and vertical shift a bit wider
Triggers
EV2 best followed by MK3. 400 Very good. The EV2 got the nod for a little more "feel"
Balance.
very subjective thing, I preferred the pointability of the MK3. It has sufficient weight without being too long.
Loading
EV2 for me - straight into the port. MK3 and 400 are fine but I do like the positive feel and access of the EV2.
Stock
Extra adjustment wins it for EV2 for FT with the hamster, but for HFT the MK FT has an awesome stock. Lovely grip and a perfect cheekpiece.
Versatility
MK3 and 400. Superb hunting rifles. EV2 is a target rifle
Shot count
EV2 ad MK3 had far more than you NEED but nice to have. 400 is good enough.
Safety
MK3 - outstanding
Air Gauge
EV2 and 400 have them, MK3 has a warning. Both have advantages - call it a draw!
Reliability
400 has it, no question. MK3 and EV2 have had a few poblems but mine are superb.
My conclusion.
The EV2 and MK3 as target rifles leave the 400 way behind. Sheer refinement makes a better rifle to shoot. This then leaves the choice of what rifle?.
The stock adaptability shades it for the EV2 for FT, the pointability wins it for the MK3 for HFT.
Hunting you have either the 400 or the MK3. MK3 wins except for weight, some may find it too heavy.
Best pure target gun - EV2
Best Hunter - MK3
Best HFT - MK3
Bst All rounder - MK3
Best Value rifle - AA400. Not behind by much, but a lot cheaper.