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eagle24 · Member

Hello, I'm new to the forum and have some questions. I am an avid hunter, archer, and rifle shooter (mainly flintlocks). I was recently given a Cabelas Gift Card, and bought an air rifle to plink in the yard with. I wish I had found this forum sooner because I think I could have made a better choice in an air rifle. Anyway, I bought a Gamo Whisper DX in .177.

What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle? I am currently getting about 2" groups at 25 yards with Gamo Tomahawk pellets. Also, I have only shot about 250 pellets, so based on what I have read here, it is not broken in yet. Also, I have learned here that Gamo pellets are not favored for accuracy.

Is this rifle worth putting a better scope and rings on? I am somewhat suspicious of the scope and scope mounting system.

A couple of added comments. I have read here how the way you hold an air rifle has an impact on accuracy and have tried to maintain a light consistant "hold". Also, I am shooting off a single sandbag placed just in front of the trigger guard.

Thanks for any advice or input. I think I will eventually be purchasing a good quality air rifle. It is nice to be able to shoot every day.

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

Actually,I had a whisper in .22,and it wasn't that a bad gun at all.Your problem with accuracy is gonna be if you decide to use a pellet light enough to break the sound barrier.."sonic crack"Just a suggestion...stay away from the raptor pellets,just way too light.Once the pellets start slowing down back into transonic velocity,the turbulence will make your POI shift big time.I've shot all the Gamo pellets,and the "Hunters" are my favorite if I was to choose a Gamo pellet..Although they are a bit dirty... Rolling Eyes

I got about 1/2 to 1 inch groups at 30 yards once my rig was dialed in.Use a normal weight pellet in .177,and once you get the feel of that gun,your groups won't be bad at all.I would get a different scope on that rifle,as the one on it,has a 100 yard fixed paralax,so if you notice,the lack of an adjustable objective will make closer objects somewhat blurry..

Slavia · Moderator

Welcome to the forum!

You are correct about the break-in period. It could take 800-1000 rounds before it settles down to produce nice groups.

You are also correct about the so-called "artillery hold." With a big spring and piston flying around inside, a springer will produce bi-directional recoil and vibration. To be consistent between shots you want the lightest hold possible while still having control. Maybe try putting your hand between the forearm and sandbag?

Many guns are picky about pellet choice. Try as many kinds as you can. There are sampler packs out there:
http://www.straightshooters.com/straightshooters/samplercontent177.html
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/RWS_Pellet_Sampler/393

If you have the older style steel trigger, there is an excellent upgrade for about $40.00 USD. If you have the newer plastic trigger you're stuck:
http://www.charliedatuna.com/GRT-III%20Trigger%20New.htm
http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/

I wouldn't worry about your choice of gun or about scope upgrades right now. Keep shooting - the gun will get better, you will get better, and you'll form a better idea of what you really want.

eagle24 · Member

Slavia · Moderator

broommaster2000 · Moderator

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

eagle24 · Member

jgoodz420 · Member

eagle24 · Member

jgoodz420 · Member

packrat · Senior Member

JBS also makes some mighty fine/accurate pellets....all 4 of my guns love 'em.....FWIW..I have spent a LOT of money on pellets (threw a LOT of them in the trash too!) Out of 9-10 different Gamo pellets I've tried the oNLY one's that worked in my guns were the 9.4gr, Rockets in .177,,those were excellent in my Crosman Stormxt and my Crosman 1377C..the rest, at least in my guns, sucked!!!
note: current guns are a 2250B HPA(thanks Bob!), 2240 all jazzed up, 1377c stock, and a TalonSS.

Amigo · Veteran Member

Eagle24:

I think you will find following Slavia's advice a good idea.

One other often overlooked detail by many new to air rifles is a propensity for the stock-to-action mounting screws to loosen. Often, the screws are not properly snugged at the factory and need to be check first thing out of the box, after reading all the operation and safety instructions.
Due to the double recoil during the shot cycle, airgun screws seem to loosen more frequently than occurs with firearms.

Hope you enjoy this new aspect of shooting.

Amigo

eagle24 · Member

I don't disagree that Slavia's advice is good. I've spent a lot of time reading the last couple of nights. The Pyramidair website has a lot of good info as well (reviews and articles). I can already see that regardless of finding the right pellet, I will not be happy with this rifle. The trigger is awful and best I can tell, I'm not going to be able to make it even close to acceptable. Good news is, I think I found someone who wants to buy my Whisper at not too much below what I paid for it. Should be fine for his intended use. Now I gotta decide how much I want to spend on another rifle. I'll probably be asking some more questions about a couple of rifles soon.

dobiman · Veteran Member

Consider the HW77 or the Beeman and Marksman version of them. I noticed some dealers have discontinued them, but you may still find them if you search the web. They are fixed barrel underlevers. Relatively quiet for the 800 ft/sec++ and have excellent Rekord triggers. I have mines scoped and it can hit hanging golf balls at 50 yards easy.