Air Pistol recommendation

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Kwaka
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Air Pistol recommendation

Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:50 pm

The guys at my shooting club have got me interested in 10m air pistol shooting.

I'm after a few recommendations on a reasonably priced first buy to start entering a club competition (after a bot more practice!)

I have been looking at the Gamo compact as someone said that was where to start, are they any good? To me the pistol grip looks enormous! lol

All advice gratefully received.

Thanks
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TenMetrePeter
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:50 pm

Gamo compact is the recognised entry level for 10m target shooting. Grip is standard man size. Totally recoil-less compared to most springers. The only problem is the trigger is a bit rough and pretty well non adjustable. Very difficult to strip the trigger to polish the sears as its built like a clock. It's the only new target pistol youll get for under 200 (well for under 1000 in reality) If you can find a good used FAS604 the difference is chalk and cheese re trigger.
If its for ratting its useless.

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Kwaka
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 9:35 am

Thanks i'll have a look
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Bosun
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 1:14 pm

Hi Kwaka,

You don't say which method of propulsion you prefer. For starting out with 10m pistol shooting, you basically have 3 options. Single Stroke Pneumatic (SSP) like the Gamo Compact or Weihrauch HW75/HW40, Co2 like the SMK/Kandar CP1 or AFO TAICHI, or Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP) like the SMK Victory PP700W. This is not a definite list, but just some suggestions. There are some spring driven pistols with opposing springs (designed to negate recoil), but they'll almost certainly be second hand, and not too easy to find.

I guess the choice is yours, but just to give it a try, a SSP might be the best option as they're relatively inexpensive and self contained (no Co2 or compressed air).

Personally, I prefer the Weihrauch HW75. However, whichever you choose, try them for fit before you buy. A comfortable fit is big factor with accurate 10m pistol shooting. Try as many as you can at your shooting club before committing your hard earned pennies!

Good luck, it's a good discipline to master.
Air Arms ProSport 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Air Arms TX200 HC 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Weihrauch HW75 Pistol
Umarex Colt M1911A1 pellet Pistol
Umarex Beretta 92FS pellet Pistol
Swiss Arms P1911 BB Pistol

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TenMetrePeter
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 4:53 pm

The classic sledge springers are FWB model 65 and 80 but youll have to beg for one. They were olympic games pistols in their day and bomb proof.
Lower down the scale are opposing springers as mentioned, Original (or Diana) model 6M and model 10. All these are from the 1980's.

I suppose we ought to mention the Air Arms Alpha at about £900? There is no proper hand rest though - even the Gamo has a proper target grip.
I guess you know the big boys spend 2 to 3 grand on Steyr, FWB and Morini PCP pistols.

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Kwaka
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 5:35 pm

Bosun wrote:Hi Kwaka,

You don't say which method of propulsion you prefer. For starting out with 10m pistol shooting, you basically have 3 options. Single Stroke Pneumatic (SSP) like the Gamo Compact or Weihrauch HW75/HW40, Co2 like the SMK/Kandar CP1 or AFO TAICHI, or Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP) like the SMK Victory PP700W. This is not a definite list, but just some suggestions. There are some spring driven pistols with opposing springs (designed to negate recoil), but they'll almost certainly be second hand, and not too easy to find.

I guess the choice is yours, but just to give it a try, a SSP might be the best option as they're relatively inexpensive and self contained (no Co2 or compressed air).

Personally, I prefer the Weihrauch HW75. However, whichever you choose, try them for fit before you buy. A comfortable fit is big factor with accurate 10m pistol shooting. Try as many as you can at your shooting club before committing your hard earned pennies!

Good luck, it's a good discipline to master.



Thanks for the info. I hadn't set myself on what method of propulsion but I would prefer not to go down the co2 route - it seems really wasteful to be honest. I have spent a lot of time looking at the SSP type pistols, just didn't know how suitable they were for starting out. I obviously don't want to spend a vast fortune. I had only really looked at the Gamo but will also have a look at the Weihrauch. I could go PCP as I already have a tank for my S400.

I just had a go at the club one night and did fairly well (according to the the pistol shooters there) for my first attempt they all scored, which was a bonus I guess, and 50% were 7 or above. I was not something that I thought I would like but I found the challenge really appealing.
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Sabel SxS 28" F/C
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Bosun
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 6:11 pm

Don't spend a fortune to start with. Try some. Decide what's comfortable (and hopefully accurate). And remember, 10m Pistol isn't for everyone.

I don't think you'll go far wrong with a SSP for starters. However, if you get the bug, it can get expensive as TenMetrePeter has eluded to.
Air Arms ProSport 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Air Arms TX200 HC 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Weihrauch HW75 Pistol
Umarex Colt M1911A1 pellet Pistol
Umarex Beretta 92FS pellet Pistol
Swiss Arms P1911 BB Pistol

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Kwaka
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 6:50 pm

Bosun wrote:Don't spend a fortune to start with. Try some. Decide what's comfortable (and hopefully accurate). And remember, 10m Pistol isn't for everyone.

I don't think you'll go far wrong with a SSP for starters. However, if you get the bug, it can get expensive as TenMetrePeter has eluded to.



Have seen a HW40 for £95 local to me. Seems like a relatively cheap way to get started.
S400 Classic .22
Beretta 682 Gold E 30" O/U M/C
Sabel SxS 28" F/C
CZ 455 Varmint .22lr SAK moderator

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TenMetrePeter
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 7:16 pm

HW40 has a better trigger than Gamo compact. Better made too. Ambidextrous grip . Only thing to get used to is that safety slider sets itself every cock which is a safety feature for our younger members.

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Bosun
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Re: Air Pistol recommendation

Sat Mar 04, 2017 8:52 pm

Give the HW40 your best shot, (oops! no pun intended). There are HW40 copies out there, but my guess is, the real deal will be better in the end.

Let us know how you get on?
Air Arms ProSport 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Air Arms TX200 HC 0.177 Walnut, MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44
Weihrauch HW75 Pistol
Umarex Colt M1911A1 pellet Pistol
Umarex Beretta 92FS pellet Pistol
Swiss Arms P1911 BB Pistol

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