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Joe_Pep · New Member

Hi all! My first Post. I just started to rekindle my interest in airguns. I had a Beeman R1 rifle and P1 pistol years ago. I got rid of the R1 because I really didn't understand how to ring out accuracy of an airgun. I noticed that in some instances I was able to shoot 1" groups with the R1 rifle, then some days I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.
I then started to view airgun hunting and accuracy on YouTube and purchased an Airforce Condor in .22. Then YouTube introduced me to Si Pittaway. I was so impressed! I noticed that over in England they are limited and restricted with airgun power so the pride themselves on accuracy. I was astounded! I am a trained sniper on a PD. I know a lot about rifles and reloading. I also started to explore custom cartridges like the Ackley's and other custom calibers. I also custom many of my rifles from scratch. BUT! I really never understood the science behind airguns. You can never stop learning! I was so impressed with Si Pittaway that I purchased a HW97K in .177 and a Hatsan 125 Sniper NP in .22... I love the power of my Airforce Condor but I also love the convenience of the springers. I want them all!
Any advice is appreciated... I am excited to learn. Any comments on my guns pro or con. Thanx Joe Pep

radar · Silver Status Member

Welcome back to the addiction, Joe. I don't have a Condor, but I want one. Great choice!

The thing with spring-piston air rifles ("springers" on all the forums) like the R1, is that the recoil goes backward, then forward with the piston movement before the pellet leaves the muzzle. So springers have to be held very loosely and in the same way each time, as much as possible. That way the rifle can rock 'n roll where it wants to, and the same way each time. Then the groups shrink--big time--with some practice. Just squeeze the forestock good, one time, or move your hand a few inches and watch the POI move a few inches, too.

PCPs like the Condor shoot more like the powder burners.
But all air rifles are very pellet brand, type sensitive and that requires some experimentation. Even changing pellet brands tend to scatter the point of impact until the bore gets conditioned to the change. (10-15 shots, usually.)

...You probably know all that by now, but I thought I'd put it out there for anyone that reads it.

Heard you all got socked in pretty good with the snow!

cheers
Rob

Robw · Veteran Member

Hey, welcome to the forum. I just recently joined too.

I have a Condor too and it is a fun one. Very accurate, powerful and
versatile.

Joe_Pep · New Member

Thank you for the warm reception and the advice. I've been reading my head off and viewing videos on YouTube. My HW97K shoots one hole at 25yds. The Condor shoots about 1/2" at full power if I do my part. I have a suppressor on it and it barks without it. My department now calls on me to use it for pest control or if a small to medium sized animal gets injured. I'm sure that it would do a number on a coyote sized animal at close range with a head shot.
A fellow officer wanted to try it and assumed that it was a novelty toy pellet gun. As he termed it! So he took a shot at a metal barrel containing a galvanized bucket inside. Well I had no suppressor on it at the time, and when he let the shot off, he jumped because it cracked like a .22lr and echoed behind the brick buildings. He was so amazed to see that it cleared the aluminum base and passed through one side of the thick steel galvanized bucket and almost came through the opposite end. I love my Condor. He didn't think it was a toy after that.

whm1974 · Veteran Member

Slavia · Moderator

Welcome to the forum! I read somewhere that the military used Condors in Iraq for urban situations where they wanted to put out light bulbs. Any gun is a tool, be it a tack hammer or sledge hammer. I find the fun quotient to be higher on the airgun end of the spectrum.