Classics versus new

[I. J.]

Waving the flag for the UK, How about Theoben 'rammers'?
Sirocco as a classic -vs- Evo as a new contender?
I'd have either over an Omega, any day
Phil

How about a compromise - an adjustable gas ram Omega.

I have to admit Ive never owned a gas ram Theoben. Ive shot dozens when I was working in the local gun shop and up at the club but never felt the need to own one.

ATB
Ian

[Bessa]

Max...the 34 is a nice sleek tool.
Im kinda thinking the field target scene of the 80s robbed us of a future of sleek gun development that has been enjoyed by the fullbore set for years.
Why dont we see stocks with half foot high cheek piece and butt pads sitting half a foot lower than the stock on Fullbore....because the fullbore hunting set would never accept it and wouldnt be practical for infield negotiation.
The field target scene cultured an anorak wearing bunch carrying cushions (for the classic seated forend over bent arm)
Ok the sport is enjoyed by many that have developed great skill but i feel at the expense of the classic rough hunter with his Mercury, while i still think field target was best when won by dudes with FWB Sports and stuff.....replicating perfectly the infield hunting scenario.

[Rickenbacker]

... I have to admit Ive never owned a gas ram Theoben. Ive shot dozens when I was working in the local gun shop and up at the club but never felt the need to own one.

ATB
Ian

Hi Ian,

I briefly owned one in .20 cal. It was harsh and impossible to group with, and had a horrible trigger... So yesterday I 'needed' to buy one in .22 cal

I'm looking forward to trying it out... firing this one into the pellet catcher (I think its a Fenman) - felt recoil is very mild... I like the clean lines, and it is very solid and chunky... with an enormously high comb!

Ian, Was there many complaints / faults with these guns while you were working at the shop?


ATB
Phil

[maximus]

I have a few gas rams and rate them highly. Had my .22 evo out yesterday, never shot it for ages but instantly shot a group just over half an inch edge to edge at 30 yards. low recoil, noise, medium weight, easy to cock, a sublime rifle. I have found them pellet fussy but mine likes aa field, accupels or falcon acuuracy plus. By the way, was it the fenman advertised on here the other day, took all my powers of restraint not to buy that! Ended up buying an old 77 on the rebound!

[Rickenbacker]

... was it the fenman advertised on here the other day, took all my powers of restraint not to buy that! Ended up buying an old 77 on the rebound!

Indeed is was

I was surprised it was still there, and had locality on my side!

I totally understand 'needing' 77s, but I always end up chasing custom stocks for them, and it gets expensive.


ATB
Phil

[RustyBuzz]

Ok the sport is enjoyed by many that have developed great skill but i feel at the expense of the classic rough hunter with his Mercury, while i still think field target was best when won by dudes with FWB Sports and stuff.....replicating perfectly the infield hunting scenario.

Here, here

Whether the rifle slung over your shoulder is a 124, BSF 55, 85, 77, 45, Diana 34 or for those of little imagination, a HW80, there is something very ’right’ about this type of air rifle.

No they can’t compete with a modern pcp, but like for like, some classic 80’s springers are as good as anything manufactured today. Of course the draw back to using old break barrels is the breach lock up can be worn to the point that it needs repair and obtaining spare parts can be difficult.

HW sporters have a major advantage in this respect in that just about everything available in 1980 is still available today. Which is quite incredible when you consider how hard it would be for Ford to market an unchanged MK2 Escort successfully in 2010.

Perhaps this suggests that spring gun evolution ended in ‘85 with the introduction of the 77?

[I. J.]

Ian, Was there many complaints / faults with these guns while you were working at the shop?
ATB
Phil

A few had loss of pressure while some had been tampered with by, ahem, " a friend of the owner" who had tried to increase the power at the expense of the piston head. IMO, internally they just werent worth the asking price.
I also just didn't get on with the firing action. My prototype Omega however is a joy to shoot (11.5ft.lbs in .22)

ATB
Ian