webley mk3 vs osprey shooting behaviour

[hwtyger]

I have 2 Supertargets, 1 osprey, 1 mk3. Both serviced 'tuned' for short range targetwork. Serviced with 'modern'parts.
However, I always notice the mk3 has far less recoil, its nothing short of great to shoot. Whilst the osprey has the heavy target stock and you'd think it would be in favour. Its not.
Any idea how this is caused? Is it the mk3's build? Shorter stroke? Lighter piston???Smaller spring?

[zooma]

Hi Yana,

I had an Osprey Supertarget and compared to my Mk3 Supertarget rifles I also noticed that it was positively rough to shoot.

The Mk3 is a much nicer Supertarget to shoot but I have not worried too much about the reasons why - I just sold the Osprey and kept the Mk3 Supertargets .

The new owner of the Osprey Supertarget is delighted with it - but has not compared it with a Mk 3 - yet!

[keith66]

Funny, i used to have a standard Osprey in .22 & it had less recoil than the Mk 3, it did have a heavy barrel & was a real pleasure to shoot. Still kick myself for selling it!

[zooma]

I shot both of my Mk 3 Supertarget rifles at the bell target today and refreshed my memory of them.

The experience was better than I remembered it as both had nice crisp triggers that were not too heavy and ringing the bell with them was not difficult to achieve either ( and great fun too ).

The rifles were also a lot quieter than the Osprey Supertarget as well and shot with very little ( hardly noticeable) recoil but had a solid enough punch.

Many Mk 3 Supertarget rifles have been "butchered" by misguided owners who think it needs a big heavy spring adding to give it more power. This only makes the trigger very heavy and puts a lot of strain on the rifle - as well as spoiling the accuracy of the rifle and making it unduly harsh to shoot - I have bought some in the past that were like this and they were not at all nice or accurate to shoot - until put back to original spec. that transformed them back to a really nice target rifle.

A well lubricated Mk 3 Supertarget ( with the correct spring fitted) is a joy to shoot targets with.

[harry mac]

I'd make a guess at the difference being down to the piston seal configurations. The MkIII has a leather piston washer, making for a less harsh "slam" at the end of the piston stroke. The Osprey has twin, low friction rings and the piston's travel ends in metal to metal contact.

[hwtyger]

Dont think my mk3 has leather piston seal. It was upgraded with modern stuff (as was the osprey)
Funny thing too; the osprey is a doddle to cock. You can cock it with yr pinky so to speak. The mk3 is far heavier to cock. And yet much less recoil
Maybe the osprey has too little preload?