Gamo P-23 Review Velocity /Gamo Raptor, Match, Rocket, Hunters & other Gamo Pellets

This is actually a follow up to an earlier post I did on the Gamo P-23 Semi-automatic CO2 pistol. The pistol's double action semi auto mode is for BB's or round lead pellets which are loaded into a spring loaded magazine inside of the "slide" beneath the barrel.

The P-23 may also fire .177 caliber pellets as a single shot. This report covers the velocity for the following projectiles.

1. Gamo Match Pellets (these were also used as the control pellet)
2.Gamo Raptors (the much advertised high velocity pellet)
3. Gamo Huners (domed)
4. Gamo Masterpoint (field point)
5. Gamo Magnum (field point)
6. Gamo Rockets (lead pellet w/BB inset in nose)
7. Gamo Round (sphere/ball)
8. Crosman Copperhead BB's

Testing Procedures.

All shots were indoors with tempature and humidity recorded. Velocity was chronographed on my Alpha Chrony with sun-shades attached and under strong incandescent light.

The initial velocity testing used Gamo's Match Pellet (1.77 cal. 7.71 gr.) which also served in later sessions as a control pellet. Control shots were made when CO2 cartridges were changed (to elliminate any "hot shots" from a new cartridge, and before each day of shooting began in an attempt to control CO2 related variables. Single shot loading, deliberate time between shots and room temprature will help mittigate the cooling/regrigerant effect of the CO2 gas. Test with rapid fire vs single shot on the Gamo Round (balls) and Crosman BB's should demonstrate how this cooling effects velocity.

Shoots were made 3 and 1/2 feet from the muzzel to the chronys 1st skyscreen/sensor.

We observed velocities as high as 417 fps with the Match Pellets with many hovering between 394 and 409 fps.

Please stay tuned for the additional pellet velocities and theories.

NVB

Where can I shoot airguns in Oregon (part 2)

In my search for places to legally shoot airguns in Oregon, I've compiled a list of firearm shooting ranges that list airguns shooting as an accepted feature. One of those closest to me, is the Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas Oregon (just east of Portland). Which by the way is an excellent facility that should as an example for others around the nation. I was some what surprised that they listed airguns as this indoor facility's range caters primarily to handguns. However, I had a new .22 cal Ruger Charger that I wanted to test and sight so decided visit.

The range is excellent with top notch air filtration, target retrieval and shooting stations. It is a 25 yard+ range, which is large for an indoor. However there are only perhaps 10 shooting stations, and during standard hours of public access the range tends to be very busy. On a range like this that also translates to very loud. Shooters of various skill levels also can be distracting. I had a fairly good lane which I started on with the .22 Caliber Pistol and was getting phenomenal groups after sighting in a Red-dot site I'd mounted. Not long in to the session I was surrounded on each side by very new handgun shooters one of which seemed to think they'd do better by leaning an the wall between us and then leaning further out and close to her target. While I didn't feel it was to far out safety wise, it did place the muzzle of her auto loader next to and in front of the blast shield such that I got an awesome muzzle blast of her high-power defense loads. On the other side was a equally distracting as a fellow struggled to get on top of a pistol that seemed a bit much for him (hand cannon). So there was a lot of retrieving and resetting of his target (pretty much every shot).

Don't get me wrong, I believe this type of public facility is the right place for them to be. They belong here (as do I when shooting fire arms), but is this a decent place to shoot airguns?

I'd have to say no. It's to loud and to busy, teaching a child or new shooter would be somewhat difficult here and it certainly does not promote accuracy or a teaching environment. After shooting a while I was able to chat with a couple of the range officers (these guys are great) about whether or not there were other more appropriate ranges in the facility that might be better suited for airgun shooting? Also I inquired about any existing or future scheduled time for airguns only.

They explained that the facility was simply overbooked and already running at full capacity and needed to be expanded as it was. Should that happen, we might see an improvement then.

Well, the short version is that airgun shooting is ok'd at the Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas Oregon (just east of Portland) but it's noise level and lack or segregation between weapon types can make shooting airguns distracting.

I did get a lead on an extremely airgun friendly range in Oregon. That is the one I'll be checking out next.