Pistol upgrade - advice required

[drjeep38]

Crikey....after joining this forum about 4 years ago when trying to find a local club and totally forgetting about it I guess it's time to make my first post!

I'm currently shooting a Rohm Twinmaster Sport and feel it's time to upgrade, but what to is the question as the next step up seems fairly large, certainly if looking at the new market. My main issue is being left handed, and as far as I can tell it's only the Alfa Proj and maybe the new Hammerli AP20 which are available with either an ambitextrous grip or one that can be swapped around for a left hooker. I'm not too keen on the Alfa and can't see many reviews on the Hammerli but those that are available point towards an issue with the cylinder thread getting stripped and damaged.

Now seeing as I'm most likely looking at the used market that leaves me having to accept that left handed grips will need to be added. For some unknown reason I seem drawn to Feinwerkbau and so far I've been looking at the likes of the FWB C20/P30/34/40 and Walther CP2.

I'm hoping that any of the above will be a vast improvement over the Rohm, especially where the trigger and balance is concerned as I feel that is the Rohms weak point, but am I looking at the right pistols or what others should I add to the list to look out for?

Any advice is much appreciated.

[mrgeoff]

Hi, im in the same boat and currently have a Twinmaster Top and shooting LH. Yes, the next step is quite a cost!

One thing I have been looking at is an ambi action, rather than just a LH grip, I do struggle with the RH action of the Rohm, and while the Steyrs etc are less of a problem than the Rohm, my current favourite is the Wather LP400 which has a pure ambi action with a LH grip, and a joy to cock left handed. All the steyrs etc you still have to cross hands to cock, and as such I class these all as RH actions. The Walther is an ambi action, and you dont have to cross hands to cock this.

Also, I have found that pistols retain such a good resale value, that a nearly new LP2 (my 2nd favourite due to RH action) plus the cost of a LH grip, its as cheap to buy direct from Germany brand new complete with the correct grip

The Walther has an even bigger saving if bought from Germany



Cheers – Geoff.

[adiepie]

Hi both

I'm left handed, and currently shoot a Steyr LP2 with a full LH grip. I've shot the ambi version of this, and to be honest, it isn't bad....but nothing like the full anatomical LH grip.

I used to have a Feinwerkbau P34 with a custom made LH grip, can thoroughly recommend that, really regret selling it! (although the Walther KK300 I swapped it for is also my pride and joy!)

Second hand Steyrs, both LP2 and LP10's come on here quite frequently, so are worth waiting for, as are FWB. Steyr LP5 / 50 are specialist pistols (5 shot), so are probably best avoided. I don't particularly like the Walthers, as I find them a bit flimsy, and local experience shows them to be a bit unreliable.

If I had the choice (and the money) I would have a Steyr LP10, but best advice I can give you is to try as many different pistols as you can - this will be an expensive long term investment, and should be savoured

Good luck

Adrian

[drjeep38]

Many thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond and some valuable advise given. The point regarding the ambi action is one I hadn't even thought of and is something I'll definitely look into.

I've had a brief search for suppliers is Germany in the past, mainly Buinger Shooting but I've heard mixed reviews on the service provided. Have either of you used them in the past or reccomend any other German suppliers? The postage seems to have greatly increased due to DHL no longer shipping air weapons.

[mrgeoff]

OK, I had bought my Walther LP400 from http://www.sportwaffen-schneider.de/ didn't want to post earlier as I hadn't shot it yet till earlier tonight!!!

Top service, and cheap DHL straight to your door, no issues at all.

PS, the LP400 is amazing, works lovely in LH as no reach over for the cocking lever.

[drjeep38]

OK, I had bought my Walther LP400 from http://www.sportwaffen-schneider.de/ didn't want to post earlier as I hadn't shot it yet till earlier tonight!!!

Top service, and cheap DHL straight to your door, no issues at all.

PS, the LP400 is amazing, works lovely in LH as no reach over for the cocking lever.

Many thanks mrgeoff, I'll have a nosey at their website and start the researching. Cheers

[zooma]

The Benneli Kite also has an ambi-action and could be another option to consider.

[I. J.]

The Benneli Kite also has an ambi-action and could be another option to consider.

..... and I just happen to have a spare l/h grip for such.

(Never miss an opportunity or a sale. )

ATB
Ian

[nige346]

Never found Walther's to be flimsy or unreliable and would certainly buy another (read will as soon as the wife ain't looking), If ya buy an LP400 and don't like it you can always give it to me and i'll shoot it for ya, either way ya scores will go up!!!!

[Fierynick]

I know I'll get a world of stick go saying this (I did last time) but; there are really only two pistols to choose from for 10m Air Pistol, either the Steyr LP10, or the Morini 162e. The Steyr is so adjustable that anyone can get to grips with it, and the trigger on the Morini is the best in the world. These are the only two manafacturers from whom you can get a high level of service support via Harry Preston of Steyr, and Iqbal Ubhi of Morini.
Service support is essential especially if competing, I had pistol problems last year and Harry was on hand to sort them, as I result I came 2nd in the inter -regional pairs, and won A-Class in Wales (565!!), neither of these would have been possible if I had any other make of pistol as engineers of other makes aren't at matches.
There are lots of left-handed shooters shooting Steyrs and Morinis so I don't see this as an issue. My advice would be to get in touch with Harry and Iqbal and ask if you could try examples of their pistols, both have ranges at home and are known to be accomodating.
There are lots of other makes that are just as good but in the UK Steyr and Morini have the lions share of sales due to having UK agents and reliable after-sales care. When your spending the best part of a grand and a half such things are pretty important in my opinion.

Regards

[adiepie]

I agree wholeheartedly

Harry is a total gent - he spent the best part of three hours checking and sorting my daughter's Steyr for fit and function, it really is worth a trip to see him

Adrian

[silvershooter]

Harry is a total gent -

Totally agree with the previous 2 posts. Harry fixed my LP10e on 3 occasions, without charge, the pistol was well out of the 2 year warranty period.

[nige346]

A lot is down to personal preference and budget, Best thing is try the different options available within your budget and see what you get on with, At least then you are able to make an informed decision, I agree that some makes have better service/support in the UK than others and have had this issue in the past, FWB spares seem very easy to get, Walther not so much, The most important thing is the pistol has to feel right and inspire confidence when you use it regardless of who it's made by, Personally I like Walther and FWB & Steyr and can shoot all to good effect but for some reason cannot get on with Morini 162's, Not to say there is anything inherently wrong with them & i'm sure they are every bit as good as the others but in my hands they just don't seem to work, Weight, Balance and feel is a very personal thing that only the individual can decide upon. For many club shooters some of the "used" (read older) options can produce great results and shoot well beyond the individual and may be great option if on a budget, A top line pistol a few years ago will almost always out shoot a low budget model that's new but can be had for a lot less, availability of spares especially consumables like seals etc need to be considered however if using on a regular basis.

[michael1969]

i have the alfa proj classic and the ambitextrous grip in not good is to small and uncomfortable.