My SMK XS19
Read a few reviews, watched a few vids on YouTube and early April bought a UK .22 XS19 that only had been shot a couple of times.
I could have bought a Crosman Quest in the Netherlands but couldn't find one in .22 and if I could have, these are to powerfull and recoil quite a bit. Besides that the stock on the XS19 looks better.
The trigger is fair, bought and installed a CharliedaTuna GRTIII trigger which is a huge improvement.
Took the rifle apart, debured and polished what needed to be done, lubed it using the correct lubes and re-assembled it again. The guys at the UK Chinese Airgunforum proved to be a great help to a springer noob like me.
Just out of curiousity bought a Crosman Quest spring, flattened and polished the spring ends, tried several preloads, but it just didn't feel right. Power is nice but of no use if accuracy gets worse.
Since it is a bit noisy and I don't want to disturb the neighbours I ordered a custom silencer adaptor from Gmac and fitted a used UK homemade shorty silencer, both wrapped it a matt finish foil used for cars to match the rifle.
Bought a "Dutch specs" WelshWilly spring kit, custom made for best power and least recoil. Delrin tophat, washers and spring guide extensions. Tried several set-ups and ended up with a set-up close to 14 fpe. We don't have power restrictions in the Netherlands.
Wanted to shoot standing, no support, but my back is killing me and am using diazepam to relax the muscles, nevertheles after sighting in the Hawke Sports HD 4x32 scope this is the result @ 10 meters (almost 11 yards), sitting on a chair, no support, 5 shots:
And at 8 meters, almost 9 yards, three pillows on the table, rifle rested:
Résumé of the rifle in the current state of tune
Blueing is very good
Stock is wonderfull
Breech shuts very good
Action needs de-burring, polishing and re-lubing (a challenge to me, a dog to others)
GRTIII trigger is crisp and predictable, the shape of it's blade not perfect though
WW spring kit is perfect, no disturbing recoil, no twang
Smooth as silk to cock and fire
Accurate
Value for money
Cheap, even after modding it
Note: if you'd like to compare it to higher priced air rifles, here's a good topic to read and post http://www.airgunbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84290
Personal: I like to tinker with airguns, that's why I prefer Chinese airguns and the Crosman 13xx and 22xx platform and have limited airgun funds. On the other hand I do own a motorcycle and a car that fully packed have a ball in the Alps (and so do I) *grin* It all boils down to choices one makes. This topic is not meant to start a discussion, just sharing my experience and hope others that own (or have owned) an SMK XS19 will chime in and share their pro's and con's.
Nice review there bud
Fancy one of these, but in a .177. Not sure if they do them
Thanks Tom
Yes they are available in .177
http://www.sportsmk.co.uk/item/37/ Standard - like mine
http://www.sportsmk.co.uk/item/38/ SMK Custom XS19
http://www.sportsmk.co.uk/item/39/ SMK Custom Carbine Hunter XS19
Brilliant! may well be investing in one in the not too distant future then
I,ve one of these along with several other rifles I have accrued over the years including a qb 78 and 79 and I think they are excellent value guns .
a gun is just a tool how its used is dependant on the person behind the trigger .
This is why constant restrictions on legal users will have no effect on the unlawfull use of guns or knives !
I have the Bam B20 which has proved to be an excellent and deadly bunny basher. Up against my HW80k it can't compete on quality with the worst bit being the lousy bluing but it is still a worthy gun worth owning
Shooting with the under dog seems more fun too
Hi All, I've recently bought a SMK TH208 .177, its a lovely gun. Very nice stock, good blueing and I got it for a really good price. RRP £199, got mine for £110.
Only tried it on targets at the moment but getting good groups out to 35 yrds,(shooting off a rest)
Hi Brutuz Thats a very good review. Also the top of the xs range is very good value for the money
The point is to have fun
Cool Review
Very nice tune up to the rifle,
i have just ordered one,what scope have you fitted in picture
Hawke Sport HD 4x32 I reckon
That's correctOriginally Posted by Ed J
Hawke Sport HD 4x32 I reckon
Hi,
good review. I have an XS19 and I am thinking of fitting the Charlie trigger...I like the power-more than enough!
Oh sorry-I forgot to mention, the stock can be polished with laminated floor polish. After you have done this it seems to develop a patina where it is held..sounds wierd but it looks good. Honest.
I must admit to viewing a lot of your submissions to YouTube and have come to the conclusion that you are one dedicated airgunner and interested only in the betterment of the sport. This is one thoroughly professional review and probably better than most I've read in the shooting magazines. As for your 'beef', you certainly aren't the first and I doubt you'll be the last. Thank you for your excellent efforts.
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