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radar · Silver Status Member

These get high reviews on PA for an inexpensive springer. Does anyone have any experience with this brand? I thought it might be a good project gun to learn springer tuning on.

-Rob

AirGunEric · Site Admin

I'm not going to 'sugarcoat' this- the TF97 and it's variants are all total pieces of crap- had also been sold under the designation of "B3-1" and "B4"- it is poorly constructed and is basically an accident waiting to happen (it is an underlever so there is a loading door, and based on the usual QC from the companies that make this gun, I personally wouldn't want to risk losing a finger). The pictures look far, far better than what will show up at someone's door (especially the stock- they've got it looking like a finely crafted piece of walnut or something- but it is junk and not that elaborate).

If you want a "tuning trainer" go with either the TF39- it may/may not be better quality, but there are less parts and less potential for the shooter to injure themselves. Or, go with something you have heard of like a Crosman Phantom or Optimus- which are far better rifles for the same amount of expense as the TF97.

domer_pyle · Senior Member

I've got two TF-89's and would not call them pieces of crap by any means. Especially when hitting half inch targets at 30 yards isn't a problem. A little rough around the edges, sure, but isn't Crosman guilty of the same? It's not like it's a 300 dollar springer or anything. But I'll tell you right now the triggers are better than any Crosman/Benjamin springer I've ever picked up. Both stocks look fine as well, definitely could use a stripping and re-staining though. Good reviews come for a reason

radar · Silver Status Member

Well we got a - and a + and I listen to you guys' experience. I really just want something to mess with and maybe fix up. But maybe my money (really my gift certificate) is best saved for something better. Thing is, I got a couple decent springers (barrel cockers not underlevers) already. They are not great, not especially expensive, but more $$$ than the TF97 and decent, accurate hunters. I do not want to take them apart until I have some hands-on experience with springers. This TF would be an experimental platform.

-Rob

Slavia · Moderator

I agree with Eric on this one. The TF97 looks like my $20 B3-2 with a fancy stock (and fancy price tag). If it were my gift certificate I would spend it on a ton of pellets or a scope and look elsewhere for a sub-$30 Chinese gun for experimenting.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

radar · Silver Status Member

broommaster2000 · Moderator

I would go for a Ruger Blackhawk. Had good experience with one, and I might by one again. Razz

radar · Silver Status Member

Good to know. Thanks.

twalter · Veteran Member

donec · Senior Member

I don't know about the TF97 under leaver but as to my TF58 side leaver (about the same price) when it arrived I was very surprised at the fit and finish quality. It shoots very well but is not really very powerful (but good enough for my plinking) so I would not think it good for any kind of hunting. I have posted pics of my TF58 side leaver on the Pyramyd Air site as did someone else. As can be seen the fit and finish is rather good better in fact than the Quest or the Storm I used to have at a much better price.

radar · Silver Status Member

Another good idea!

domer_pyle · Senior Member

radar · Silver Status Member

Slavia · Moderator

The cheaper underlever guns like the B3's don't have anything to block the forward movement of the cylinder, but I think your TF97 might. When you get it pictures would be interesting.