Airgun Depot's Airsenal News

Multi-pump pistols have been around for a long time. The powerplant used is a tried and true combination of self-contained power and ease-of-use for the shooter. What simpler air gun is there that is as easy to shoot? Just think about it.....pump it up, load it, and shoot it with almost no recoil to worry about. Can't get that from a springer!

I often carry a multi-pump pistol in my truck or car for those moments when I'm out and about and a shooting opportunity arises. It could be I've seen a pest that is in need of ventilating, or perhaps I've gotten bored and want to shoot some targets where allowed. Taking up almost no room, the multi-pump pistol comes into its own in ease of storage and performance.

Airgun Depot carries a selection of multi-pumps that deserve your consideration when shopping for a new pistol. Take a look in this section here:

Multi Pump Pistols

One of the most popular pistols in this category is the Crosman 1377. This .177 caliber pellet gun can send a pellet down range with some impressive velocity for such an easy gun to pump. Consider the spceifications of this air gun:

Single shot bolt action

Velocity - up to 600 fps

32 oz. weight

13.6 inches of length

Rifled steel barrel

Adjustable rear sights

I've used the Crosman 1377 for short-range hunting and pest control for years. It always does its part. And you will find quite a few aftermarket parts for the 1377 that you can purchase online to upgrade your pistol.

Are you buying the 1377 as a gift for someone? Then consider the Air Pistol Gift Pack that combines a Crosman 1377 with Shatterblast targets and a tin of pellets. It's all you need to get started shooting!

Another worthy multi-pump pistol is the Benjamin HB Series of pistols.  These pistols are also self-contained shooters, available in both .177 and .22 caliber. Rugged construction has made this series of pistol a favorite through the years. The barrel is soldered to the pump tube for added rigidity, improving your accuracy. American walnut furniture adorns the gun, and the brass metal is finely finished in black.

Here are some specs for you on this type of multi-pump pistol:

In .177, velocity is 525 fps

All metal construction using brass

Length: 12.25 inches

Weight: 2.5 lbs

Rifled barrel

Bolt action single shot

Fixed front sighte

Rear sight adjustable for elevation

As mentioned above, the HB model also comes in .22 caliber, one of the few remaining .22 caliber pump pistols left.

Slip one these guns into your car, truck, backpack, or briefcase, and you have a great shooting tool at your call whenever you need it. With all the features they deliver, you will find the multi-pump pistols well worth your shooting dollar.

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Okay, a quick little discussion this week on "How Much Airgun Do You Need?" So let's get to it....

There are LOTS of different kinds of airguns. Every manufacturer out there is vying for your hard-earned dollar, and they will all try to convince you that their product is the one you need. But let's take a realistic look at just how much airgun certain kinds of airgunners need.

If John Q. Public likes to shoot in his backyard in surburbia, intending only to ventilate one of the most common backyard objects available to modern man (that is, the aluminum drink can), then just about any air gun that can hit the can at the distance allowed by a small backyard in the city will suffice. Happily, there are MANY airguns that fall in that category, and you can accomplish the aforementioned can-mangling event with some truly inexpensive examples of air gun manufacturing. You don't have to spend a lot to have a great time! If, however, there are some status issues involved in what John Q. Public wants to be seen shooting, he can spend as much as he likes in getting the can-mangler of his choice!

Now let's assume that John Q. Public is more interested in wearing the occasional outfit of camo, and taking a walk in the woods while doing so. It would be a safe bet that he is out after some form of moving target, either game or pest, and his air gun should reflect the level of power needed to do a good job of making that game animal or pest stop moving. Again, there are some wonderful candidates for such an endeavor, and like the backyard can mangler, he can spend as much as he wants on a suitable air gun to do the job. And, he gets to wear camo while doing it!

What's that? You notice that John Q. Public happens to have a competitive streak in him that is showing through? Well, say no more! There are competitions available that will satisfy the most competitive shooter you can name, from classic 10-meter Olympic-style shooting, to Field Trial, to long range bigbore shooting! "On Your Honor" postal matches can be found online, and impromptu neighborhood shoots are quite common in the airgunning world. And this category really lets you wind up the wallet for a hefty expenditure if you are so inclined! Top-rated shooters can spend literally thousands of dollars in gear to stay on the cutting edge of competitiveness.

There are quite a few John Q. Publics walking around that are very civic minded, and I'm not talking about riding around in a Honda all day, either. Nurturing the next generation of shooters while serving the public good is a wonderful outlet for our airgunning brethren who care deeply about the future of our sport. These individuals will spend quite a bit of their own money to ensure that every child that comes out to shoot will be able to enjoy the sport to the fullest. Quite honestly, we need more of this variety of John Q. Public!

Now, I don't know where you fall in this particular selection of shooters mentioned above, but what I'm getting at is this.....you can find what you need here at Airgun Depot. Take a look around, ask questions, and get as much airgun as you need for the kind of shooting you want to do!

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Any time you get involved with airguns, it doesn't take long for the corner of the garage, workbench, or small barn to begin getting cluttered with odds and ends that one just has to have to enjoy the next level of airgunning bliss.

I wanted to take a few moments to mention a few things that may have escaped your radar, some of which aren't offered by all online airgun retailers, and some that are.

First....if you ever want to dive into the innards of your favorite spring rifle, odds are you will need a spring compressor. Here's a link to a design that is so robust, it will take apart any spring gun that I can think of with complete safety. You can build it yourself for a fraction of the cost of buying a pre-made one.  Follow the link to the website that shows you a pic or two of this contraption:

Spring compressor

You don't want to be taking spring-piston airguns apart without some knowledge of how they are put together. After awhile, there will be some airguns that you can get apart with a minimum of fuss even if you don't have a spring compressor,  but it's always a good idea to use the right tool for the job. Spring piston air guns have a pre-loaded spring in them that can do damage to property and person when they are unexpectedly allowed to expand to their full length. That's why the pro's use spring compressors, keeping the pre-load under pressure that is gradually released without harm to the rifle or the person working on it.

Boresnakes are extremely popular in the firearm world for quick cleaning. Most shooters will own one in .22 caliber and larger, but unless they shoot the newer .17 caliber firearms, some won't have one as small as a .177. And since the .177 is the most popular caliber in the United States these days, it behooves one serious about a clean gun to own one of these fine contraptions. Here's a link to Airgun Depot's offering of the Boresnake:

Boresnake

Don't over-do it with the Boresnake, and take precautions to protect the crown of the muzzle, keeping it in tact and free of damage from overdoing the cleaning routine.

Scratches or worn spots on the blueing of your fine air rifle only detract from the enjoyment of owning and shooting such an instrument. Keep the metal work in good shape with Perma-Blue from Birchwood Casey. And don't forget to use a good cleaning solvent to prep the metalwork before applying this product.

Perma Blue

Well, we've mentioned a few items you'll need to take apart a spring-piston rifle, a few products to help remove the marks that invariably come to the metal work, and an item to clean the inside of the barrel. So how about the stock?

If you love good wooden stocks, you need some of the following items in your collection somewhere to touch up nicks, and to protect the finish of your wood stock. There are some really impressive pieces of wood out there these days, and they deserve as much attention as the metalwork on your rifle!

Gun Stock Wax

Tru Oil Stock Finish

The above two items will help you care for your wooden stocks. Finish the wood well with Tru Oil Stock Finish, and protect that beautiful finish with the Gun Stock Wax. Protected from sunlight, water, and damaging oils, these products will both enhance and protect your investment in great wood on your airguns for generations.

Be sure to check out Airgun Depot's product selections to stock up on needed items for your airgunning adventures. As we all know, you just can't have too much shooting "stuff" when it comes to enjoying your sport!

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 06:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK. Snow everywhere. Kids are out of school. We are all going stir crazy just sitting around, and I've had all the SpongeBob Squarepants I can stand blaring from the TV. It's time to do something else!

If you have a collection of air guns, or even just one that allows you to shoot indoors, then break out the backstop, safety glasses, and have an impromptu competition with the younguns in the house.

Live alone? There are postal matches that are run on the internet where you submit, on your honor, the results of a 5 or 10 meter target round consisting of a set number of shots that you either take a pic of, or send the actual target in for, grading and scoring. Bragging rights are posted on the 'net for all to see!

I have played games of tic-tac-toe with my kids inside during inclement weather, with each participant having to call their shot as to where they would hit in a given square in order to claim that square as either an "X" or an "O". The classic game, coupled with the new twist of shooting, is great fun for kids to enjoy. Adults like it too!

Want a reactive target? What could explode better than a nicely packed snowball about the size of a golfball? They shatter wonderfully when hit, are easy to make, and very environmentally friendly! They don't leave anything but water behind!

Here's a suggestiion. Make a snowman, leaving off the facial features. Use an airgun to try and shoot the eyes and nose onto the snowman. Shoot down the middle for coat buttons or pockets in strategic places. After you're done, go and fill in the holes you made with charcoal, a carrot, etc. Who knew you could use an airgun to make a snowman?

Bird feeder patrol! I've taken starlings the past two days who pester my native birds at their feeder that I keep stocked for them. And squirrels are also inclined to empty out the feeder if I let them. So I get in some target practice on live targets during snowy days like these. I am even able to use my CO2 guns in cold weather since I often shoot from inside the house through an cracked open window or door.

There is always the opportunity to do maintenance on your airguns during bad weather. Break them down, oil them up, change some scopes around.....whatever needed doing on your collection. What better time to do that than when you can't be outside hunting or shooting?

And last, but not least.....go online, like you are now, and catch up on the gossiip, advice, new products, golden oldies for sale.....all those great sources for airgun information that fill the internet. It's a good use of your time! For example, today I:

1. Bought a new airgun

2. Found schematics for a spring compressor I want to build.

3. Verified receipt of payment for a gun I had listed online for sale.

4. Chatted with friends about what shooting I was doing today.

5. Shot some pest birds while taking a break from the 'net.

As you can see, there is plenty to do that is airgun related if you just use your imagination and refuse to let the bad weather keep you from having fun. So go ahead.....go airgunning in the snow! 

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Beretta PX4 Storm

For the shooter who enjoys the realistic action of today's BB and pellet guns, you need look no further than the Beretta PX4 Storm. This highly accessorized pistol features real blow-back action, giving the shooter the sensation they would experience when shooting a real gun. And did I mention accessories? Just look at all the goodies that show up in this package:

Included in the package with the Berettal PX4 Storm, you will find the following:

Weaver Rail Assembly

Muzzle Compensator

Walther Top Dot Green Dot sight

Walther Tactical Flashlight

Adapter to allow use of flashlight by hand or by touchpad

You can configure the Beretta PX4 Storm a number of ways to fit your shooting requirements. Full blown, with all the accessories mounted, the gun will look something like this:

If you decide that all the accessories are just not what you are after for a particular shooting session, you can dismount the Weaver Rail Assembly and shoot the gun with or without the compensator in place. All it takes is a minute or two to loosen the fastening screws with the included allen wrench.

During the shooting phase of this test, I did my best shooting without the rail. However, for realistic scenarios, the full blown rig with all accessories mounted would be great for training and re-enactments.

To get the Beretta PX4 Storm ready to shoot, you must first charge it with a CO2 powerlet. On the back of the grip you will find a cover that pops off and allows the insertion of the CO2 cartridge used to power the action.

Following the included directions, pop the cartridge in place, tighten it as snugly as possible, then rotate the bottom of the butt to puncture the CO2 cartridge. Replace the cover and you are ready to go.

The magazine ejects the same way that a real gun would, with the ejector button right by the thumb on the right side of the grip. Push it in and the magazine will shoot out from the bottom of the grip. The magazine is double-sided, so you can load 8 rounds on one end, and another 8 rounds on the other. Fire 8 shots, eject, turn the magazine upside down, and re-insert it for another quick 8 shots!

The Beretta PX4 Storm will shoot either BB's or pellets, but my best results were with good quality lead pellets. Velocity is near the advertised speed, though my pellets may have been heavier than the ones tested at the factory.

The action of the Beretta PX4 Storm is single or double action, with a non-adjustable trigger. The sights are fixed, but the green dot sight you can mount on the Weaver Rail adapter has some adjustability to it should you need it.

With some practice, you can really rip through 16 shots pretty quickly. I'm not a good pistol shooter when it comes right down to it, but I could see myself in a fun competition with this gun, or even out in the barn at night with the flashlight attached chasing mice and rats through the shadows. The fast follow up shots would be welcome and put to good use in a rodent-hunting scenario. For larger critters, you need to move up in power to a more powerful air gun due to the lower velocity that the Beretta PX4 Storm delivers. 

The Beretta PX4 Storm is currently selling for $99.99 at Airgun Depot right now, but the sale won't last forever! Take advantage of this great price on a fun and fully accessorized package called the Beretta PX4 Storm!

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 06:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Each year those businesses that are involved in the shooting sports get together to take a look at what is available for our valued customers in the area of new guns, accessories, and ammunition. For airgunners, there is some very good news indeed this year.

Crosman has brought out a new PCP Marauder Pistol with a repeating action that is going to absolutely tickle many hunters to death. Add a small stock to it, and you have a very nice little short hunting rig!

Another pistol that is new is Crosman's first PCP match pistol, the Silhouetter PCP Pistol in .177 caliber. This gun has grown out of the Challenger PCP Match rifle that Crosman has recently released, and competitors looking for a budget entry pistol will be watching this new gun closely to see if it will meet their needs.

Crosman has also enlarged their line of Nitro Piston-powered rifles with some new items that have been named the Trail Series. One significant addition is the .25 caliber option on the Trail NP XL 725 model. Imagine nearly 25% more power than the .177 offers! That will make a raccoon stand up and take notice!

For the beginning shooter, Crosman has brought out the Marlin Cowboy BB gun, a competitor to Daisy's Red Ryder.

In optics, Leapers is bringing out some new products for the airgun shooter, so be sure to take a look at some of their new offerings as well. Can you imagine a 35 mm tube on a scope? Talk about some serious light-gathering!

The Gamo Corporation is putting some serious time into their new laser technology labeled the ND5 coherent laser light. According to one industry insider I know, this particular offering from Gamo is going to seriously affect the way we use lasers in low-light conditions. He has been using a demo for a few months now and is seriously impressed!

If you make the rounds on the forums, there is some good talk about some new offerings from some of the Spanish arms makers, as well as the Koreans. Some of the guns are featuring bottle reservoirs similar to the upscale offerings from Daystate and Theoben, and I am looking forward to getting a chance to shoot some of them myself in the near future.

The airgunning world is getting more and more exposure these days, and many folks are turning to airguns as a serious alternative for shooting enjoyment and hunting. Stay tuned for some feedback on the airgun forums from those individuals lucky enough to shoot them first! 

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Airsoft guns serve a unique niche of our population that enjoys the thrill of realistic combat without the rather permanent effects of actually being killed! Another "realistic" combat scenario is the paintball world, but we'll talk about that another time.

So what is airsoft? Well, imagine extremely realistic reproductions of real and Hollywood-style guns that actually fire a bb at you.....but the bb is made of plastic, is 6mm in size, and simply serves to let you know you've been hit with a minimum of effect upon the target. Hefting a gun that appears real, gives the shooter feedback when fired, and allows you to enjoy the fantasy of being in real combat is what airsoft is all about.

Airgun Depot has a nice selection of airsoft guns, so let's take a look at what is available:

Want to shoot an airsoft replica of the classic Thompson Submachine Gun? Here you go!

Thompson M1A1

Relive the exploits of WWII combat soldiers who used the Thompson M1A1 to repel the Nazis and Japanese. It will actually fire semi AND full auto!

Classic Army M15A4

From a different era of our military history comes this Vietnam-era look alike air soft rifle that resembles the classic M16. It even has a licensed Armalite logo on it!

GF47 AEG

Here's your AK-47 look-alike for the fans of the Kalashnikov. The Cold War era rifle saw incredible use with the Eastern Bloc countries, and now this airsoft version allows you to arm yourself with as realistic a copy as you could imagine!

UTG Master Sniper

This M700 look-alike gives you all the realism you need for sniper-style combat scenarios, with a range of 200-250 ft. It even has two picatinny rails on it, one for the scope and mounts (not included) and another on the forearm for the bipod which is included.

Airsoft has some very dedicated manufacturers, some of which you may recognize. Just take a look at the list of companies making airsoft products.

Aftermath

Armory USA

Caspian

Classic Army

Crosman

Cybergun

DPMS Panther

Echo 1 USA

GameFace Classic Army

GSG

Heckler and Koch

Israel Military Industries

Kalashnikov

MAS Foreign Legion

Mauser

Olympic Arms, Special Weapons and ICS

SOCOM Gear

Swiss Arms and Sig Sauer

Tactical Force

TSD Sports

TSD Tactical

Thompson

UHC Airsoft

UTG (Under the Gun)

Walther "High End"

Walther "Special Operations"

If you want to play spy, soldier, police officer, gangster, or any other fantasy shooting figure, Airgun Depot can outfit you with some great gear. 

Posted by Randy Mitchell at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)