Gamo Compact experience

[CB200]

The Compact is a very capable pistol, but it's true it has its limitations in adjustability that the more modern (& expensive) match pistols have. That can be a bit of a disadvantage but it can also be an advantage too. The desire to tweek & adjust insessently in the pursuit of perfection can be a distraction in itself & can cause a dip in your average score thus unsettling you to the degree you might try further adjustments to get back to where you were. Whereas with a more basic bit of kit you struggle through concentrating on technique which usually pays dividends in the end. You have to persist with subtle changes to see the true effect.

I reprofiled the grips on my compact & also made up a new trigger blade as I wasn't keen on the profile or position of the original which improved the general feel & handling characteristic. Scores crept up a bit, but then with time & practice they might have done so anyway, but a comfortable well suited grip is pretty essential so the grip reprofiling was a must, the trigger, well that was more personal preference.

SSP are different to PCP or CO2, (muscle v gas), theres quite a few match pistols available, current & secondhand to choose from, maybe not much to choose in the way of performance differences between them so maybe it's down to what feels right, money, aesthetics, spares/ service support/ availability.
Personally quite liked Steyr lp10 but the compact helps with muscle tone too. Pistol shooting isnt all about the kit.

Thanks Trajectory, I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, although even after fettling the trigger on the Gamo, It’s still too heavy: as soon as I can upgrade, it’s going.

[trajectory]

Thanks Trajectory, I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, although even after fettling the trigger on the Gamo, It’s still too heavy: as soon as I can upgrade, it’s going.

That's fair enough, but what's the Compacts trigger weight at the moment, because if you go into comps it's got to be 500g or more.

The difference in balance & overall weight is pretty different between the Compact & some of the PCP /SSP types. Nothing wrong with that but it can take a little getting used to. The trigger might 'feel' lighter on them too than on the Compact if it breaks cleaner...depends how the Compact is set up.

Either way, take your time choosing what you go for, try a good few types & makes if you can, re visit what you've looked at if you have to, just to be certain. They are not the sort of thing you want to regret buying in a rush.( but it's a good excuse if you are a collector rather than a shooter ).

[CB200]

That's fair enough, but what's the Compacts trigger weight at the moment, because if you go into comps it's got to be 500g or more.

The difference in balance & overall weight is pretty different between the Compact & some of the PCP /SSP types. Nothing wrong with that but it can take a little getting used to. The trigger might 'feel' lighter on them too than on the Compact if it breaks cleaner...depends how the Compact is set up.

Either way, take your time choosing what you go for, try a good few types & makes if you can, re visit what you've looked at if you have to, just to be certain. They are not the sort of thing you want to regret buying in a rush.( but it's a good excuse if you are a collector rather than a shooter ).

Thank Trajectory, I’ve got the trigger down to about 2 1/2lb - 3lb, but it’s still too heavy. I’m going to need to join a club probably, in order to try some guns and make a more informed decision. I’m not likely to want to collect guns, so it’ll just be the one for me! I appreciate your advice - thanks again.

[trajectory]

Thank Trajectory, I’ve got the trigger down to about 2 1/2lb - 3lb, but it’s still too heavy. I’m going to need to join a club probably, in order to try some guns and make a more informed decision. I’m not likely to want to collect guns, so it’ll just be the one for me! I appreciate your advice - thanks again.

CB200, that's a bit on the high side to contend with, but if it's safe & predictable then you can always bear in mind the centriefire trigger weight is 1000g. I know it's not ideal but in a way it's good training. Its progressive overload, in the same way that you can train to shoot an 80 or even 90 shot course, then when a comp comes round & it's shot over 60, then it's easy! Well that's the theory........


Just editing this with a quick question if that's ok. Any ideas if you are likely to go for CO2, SSP or PCP? Just curious.

[CB200]

CB200, that's a bit on the high side to contend with, but if it's safe & predictable then you can always bear in mind the centriefire trigger weight is 1000g. I know it's not ideal but in a way it's good training. Its progressive overload, in the same way that you can train to shoot an 80 or even 90 shot course, then when a comp comes round & it's shot over 60, then it's easy! Well that's the theory........


Just editing this with a quick question if that's ok. Any ideas if you are likely to go for CO2, SSP or PCP? Just curious.

I find trying to pull the trigger slowly in arc of movement, sometimes becomes a challenge, and I end up squeezing the grip more and throws my shot off - more when I’m tired.

Regarding another pistol, that is a good question! Getting an old FWB C20 co2 or a FWB 103 is attractive to me, but I’m not sure if they are too heavy? I’ll take advice on that from anyone in the know (I’m 61 and been shooting for 4 months so deffo’ a newbie). I also like the idea of a Steyr LP 2 or 10 (maybe the 2 as lighter?) I’ve read that a longer distance between sights is not the best for new shooters. I also quite fancy a Walther LP500. I’m really not sure about servicing, for my area (NW England) for newer guns or spares for older ones (mentioned). Need to join a club and chat to other shooters really. Or post more questions on here!

[trajectory]

I find trying to pull the trigger slowly in arc of movement, sometimes becomes a challenge, and I end up squeezing the grip more and throws my shot off - more when IÂ’m tired.

Regarding another pistol, that is a good question! Getting an old FWB C20 co2 or a FWB 103 is attractive to me, but IÂ’m not sure if they are too heavy? IÂ’ll take advice on that from anyone in the know (IÂ’m 61 and been shooting for 4 months so deffoÂ’ a newbie). I also like the idea of a Steyr LP 2 or 10 (maybe the 2 as lighter?) IÂ’ve read that a longer distance between sights is not the best for new shooters. I also quite fancy a Walther LP500. IÂ’m really not sure about servicing, for my area (NW England) for newer guns or spares for older ones (mentioned). Need to join a club and chat to other shooters really. Or post more questions on here!

Trigger control........its a big part of accurate shooting.

About a purchase, as you will appreciate new stuff is fairly easy to get but if you like the look of something no longer in production trying to get an example in good well cared for condition is usually possible but sometimes you have to wait a long time for one to pop up. The risk is you decide to settle for something that's nearly right. Then it can niggle you. Can't offer any advice other than be patient.

I quite like SSP types but that's just me.

The Original/Diana 6m or 10 are interesting spring powered options, & theres not much wrong with the FWB 65 or 80 but they might not be your cup of tea. However they might offer a half way house between the Compact & what you really want to end up with plus they could re sell well if you buy them at a fair price,? A 65 might be worth a look, & its self contained as opposed to CO2 or Pump/air tank.

Weight can be an issue, but gentle training can help with that. Personally never had an issue with sight radius length, just perhaps that some pistols do feel more muzzle heavier than others. It's possible more perceived than actual & falls into the personal preference area more than anything else.

ATB

[bootneckbob]

I suppose the good side of the secondhand target pistol market is that you will very often find the pistols are very well looked after due to the nature of being indoor target pistols. My Steyr is 5 years old now but still immaculate. My Walther 400 is also in excellent condition too which I bought secondhand and I had a Steyr LP50 before both which was still mint and secondhand. Perhaps I've just been lucky, but I haven't seen any pistols that look like they have been abused in my time shooting 10m at clubs and competitions.
The Walther 500 is lovely but so expensive, as are most pistols now. I recently inquired at the East Midlands Range (shop) about Walther servicing and they can do them no problem.

[CB200]

Trigger control........its a big part of accurate shooting.

About a purchase, as you will appreciate new stuff is fairly easy to get but if you like the look of something no longer in production trying to get an example in good well cared for condition is usually possible but sometimes you have to wait a long time for one to pop up. The risk is you decide to settle for something that's nearly right. Then it can niggle you. Can't offer any advice other than be patient.

I quite like SSP types but that's just me.

The Original/Diana 6m or 10 are interesting spring powered options, & theres not much wrong with the FWB 65 or 80 but they might not be your cup of tea. However they might offer a half way house between the Compact & what you really want to end up with plus they could re sell well if you buy them at a fair price,? A 65 might not be worth a look, & its self contained as opposed to CO2 or Pump/air tank.

Weight can be an issue, but gentle training can help with that. Personally never had an issue with sight radius length, just perhaps that some pistols do feel more muzzle heavier than others. It's possible more perceived than actual & falls into the personal preference area more than anything else.

ATB

What you’ve suggested is definitely worthy of some more research on my part, not least to check out the prices of the models you’ve suggested. They could well be an intermediate step to a higher end pistol further down the line. Cheers Trajectory.