Got another Lighthunter

[Bad Beagle]

If you have read some of my earlier posts you will know that in 2007 I bought a lovely Lighthunter from new, I had the quick fill adaptor, brass trigger and de-pinger fitted, my review with pictures is still a sticky on the Falcon Owners site... all was well in the world until I stupidly sold it.

Within six months I regretted it after a few years the ache was so great that I contacted the new owner to see if I could buy it back, to no avail as they had already sold it on.

I saw an FN12 Raptor in .177 on Freeads and bought it on Saturday. Thanks to Requoil (Falcon Owners Site Admin) I checked the trigger block and guess what ? One lug and screw missing, otherwise the rifle is good enough with only age related marks.

To sweeten the deal it came with a swift stubby silencer, what I believe to be a Best Fittings quick-fill and a Manchester Airguns fleece lined case that is the perfect size for this petite rifle.

The owner wanted to sell it with scope and mounts which I didn’t need. What I needed was a pump so I managed to negotiate the scope away for a nice Hatsan stirrup pump.

Had a good few hours playing this morning. The rifle is very low powered but very consistent, averaging 675 fps with H&N FTT, that’s mid 8 ft lbs. It seems to hold air well, the stock is not cracked and the bluing is reasonable but a bit naff at the barrel end.

I can get it filled to 150 BAR with ten strokes of the pump, those next 25 BAR are a b*&ch though !

I took my SFS Imp out (small springer based on HW 99) as I wanted the scope off that so spent the morning scoping up the Lighthunter with the Hawke 3-9 40 AO Map 6 and then put the new 2-7 x 32 Sabre on the Imp. This is my favourite sort of day, closed the kitchen door to keep wife and beagles out, opened French doors onto garden and sat at the kitchen table zeroing and shooting. I was pleased with the results (below) shot with forearm rested on bean bag, I’m sure others could do better but I am more than pleased.

This is to be my autumn to spring rife and lamping gun as I have developed Raynaud’s syndrome which means my hands go very numb in anything but warm weather and this means fumbling pellets into any of my other rifles is very difficult. The simple magazine system will mean any hunting trip can easily be completed regardless of weather.

Despite it's shortcomings (low shot count and awkward fill port obscured by silencer) I think this is an iconic rifle, the skeleton stock is the most beautiful ever designed, accuracy is unquestioned and the rifle’s simplicity is a bonus.

Questions
1. Can anybody help date this rifle ? S/N 73155
2. I have ordered a new aluminium trigger housing, I hope it is easy to fit ?
3. Where can I get a quick-fill that will not require removing the silencer constantly, I used to have the rotating one but would really like the combined moderator / quickfill ? I will try an email to NSP / Air Arms later but am not hopeful.
4. I know better than to ask about upping power and I think I know where to find the adjuster, is there anything else that could be a cause of the low output ?

Thanks for looking any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Pictures Here

[phil384]

Can't help with the above i'm afraid but the Lighthunter is probably my favourite looking rifle and I've always wanted one. Glad you got it back.

I sold an original Webley Axsor with walnut stock years ago and always regretted it. It had a small bit of bling added (trigger blade, trigger guard) and I saw it again for sale in a shop I pop into now and then. Sadly I couldn't afford to re-buy it but I miss that rifle

[Bad Beagle]

If I ever saw my old Lighthunter for sale I'd buy it back in a heartbeat, I'd even sell a beagle (actually would have to pay someone to take em !).

Im sure the stock on my old one was oiled, I'm tempted to strip and oil this one, but it's for using not looking at.

[Rickenbacker]

Nice post.

The combined mod/QF units do turn up on here for sale from time to time, and are easy to fit (without tools required IIRC). Bear in mind that the combined unit needs the correct Falcon fill probe - that is a little longer than the non-combined Falcon QF probe, again, IIRC. And they're not very quiet as moddys go...

Have you considered a slimmer diam' moderator, that may allow the the existing BF QF to be used without removing the mod'?

I have a couple of blued steel Parker Hale moderators that (I think) go nice on a Titan/Falcon. And the diam' might work for you as above?

I can pop one in the post for you to try, if you want.

[Bad Beagle]

A great idea and a very generous offer thank you. I have a neighbour with one on a rimmy I could try, do you have one to sell if it works ? Got to say I love the look of the combined Falcon mod !

[Riffler]

Sounds like a great days tinkering.
Reminds me of my old Titan Bearcat.

[Rickenbacker]

A great idea and a very generous offer thank you. I have a neighbour with one on a rimmy I could try, do you have one to sell if it works ? Got to say I love the look of the combined Falcon mod !

You're welcome, and glad to hear you're sorted already with a PH moddy.

Sounds like a great days tinkering.
Reminds me of my old Titan Bearcat.

An old .22 Cal. Bearcat is what I happen to have in about 20 pieces in the garage! I must get it fixed up with new seals and finished...