Airgun Modifications (Mods) and Custom Airguns

In reviewing a large number of posts regarding the modification of airguns on the Pyramid Air Blog the discussion focused on those made to air rifles by Airforce Airguns of Fortworth, Texas (USA). There was particular emphasis placed on "mods" promoted on a popular internet forum, which raised a number of interesting questions.

These questions are:

1. Are modifications to airguns okay or do they result in premature breakdowns and potentially dangerous conditions?

2. Are airgun modifications necessary/required for satisfactory performance?

3. Are modifications a form of personalization? Or are they customized to better serve a particular purpose (example: Dennis Quackenbush's "Shot" pistols originally created to dispatch problematic carpenter bees.)


The Pyramid Blog was initiated, in part, regarding claims of reduced longevity and durability when certain popular modifications were utilized (ex. heavier hammer.) Counterpoints were foisted that the "mods" were outside of the initial design parameters and over-stressed certain components to the point of failure. A response from others argued back with anecdotal "evidence" to the contrary, along with allegations of misled buyers who merely trying to obtain the performance levels they'd been promised by the manufacturer.

In my recollection, at least one respondent compared the situation to an recent encounter with the U.S. firearms industry. At one time it was said that at least one major (U.S.) handgun manufacturer's flagship product necesitated an immediate trip to a competent pistolsmith so that it could fire reliably and and with acceptable accuracy. A great beginning for a gun?

At the same time, as many of the respondents noted that customization and "mods" have a long standing tradition in the history of American Shooters. Regardless of whether you are talking about ivory (or stag handles) on a six shooter, or a custom tigger job on a Colt Gold Cup (.45 Cal. firearm) Americans have sought to individualize or improve those items that are useful and reliable. Like the tuning or modification of cars, this benefit may be real or percieved. The trend is undeniable.

Of course part of the argument breaks down into "am I making it usable" or "am I making it better". Example: If you purchased a new car that was advertised as a reliable and economical commuter vehicle but in fact you had to have it serviced multiple times at great expense in order to get it to work for three days in a row, then you obviously have a complaint about the manufacturers representations.

Does such a thing occur with some air gun manufactuers? (In my opinion the jury is still out on this.)

To my way of thinking, if I purchase an item for personal reasons, the desire to personalize and modify it is reasonable. Cell phone covers, skins, wall papers and wheels have us screaming our uniqueness and individuality. In the case of air guns, I do however want a safe and reasonably durable device that serves it's intended purpose. A certain degree of pride of ownership and potential for financial gain are an assett or at least benefit for many of the rising number of air gun shooters and collectors in the US.

Case in Point. The Crossman 1377, 2250, 2260 and model 600 pellet pistols.

MORE to follow tomorrow (or there soon after.) LS...

Crosman Model 1377C American Classic

Crosman bills the 1377C as an "American Classic" and I'd have to agree.

Much as Ruger 22 Pistols are to fire arms the Crosman 1377's immense popularity and long standing presence in the US Airgun Market Place, as well as available custom upgrades and tuning make this claim accurate.

With over 600 fps in .177 caliber this portable and accurate pump up pnumatic offers target accuracy and small game pest elliminating power that has been appreciated by Americans since the original model 1300 Medalist II (22 caliber) debuted in 1970. In 1977 production switched to the 1377 in .177 caliber and 560 fps.

The 1377 was produced in a shoulder stock version as the 1388 from 1982-1988 with the current production 1377C introduced in 1998. With adjustable sights, a 10 & 1/4" barrell the current version is rated at over 600 fps or over 6 foot-pounds of energy.

Practical for live quarry at distances of 20 yeards the 1377C performs like a small air rifle on close range (very small) game. I used to know a guide in Alaska who carried his 1377 on his snow machinge for take out close range ptarmigans. With adjustable sites it has great practicle accuracy and as a multi-pump pnumatic it's gentle report tends not to startle game. My friend claimed it ususally took 6 or more birds before the rest of the group even started to notice.

Advantages.

1. Long site plane and decent adjustable sites help w/ accuracy.


2. Muzzle heavy with ergonomic grip angle for good off-hand hold.


3. Decent Trigger Pull.


4. Nothing required but pellets and a willingness to pump.


5. Exceptional power and value.


6. Adjustable power.


7. Great aftermaket and custom performance upgrade support.

Disadvantages.

1. "Cheesey" look to current plastic forearm and stocks. (See note on upgrades.)


2. Limitted range and authority compared to .22 caliber offerings.


3. Scope mount is imparacticle without optional or aftermarket steel breach w/dovetail.

Desirable Upgrades.

• Factory shoulder stock or custom replacement from Crooked Barn by Keith or RB Grips.


• Steel breach with dovetails for optical sight mounting.


• Trigger work.


• Port Polishing.


• Custom caliber conversion to .22 or .25 caliber.

Notes. Wide availability and $55.00 price range.

Gamo P-23 Review

The Gamo P-23 has a special place in my heart as it is the pistol rekindled my interest in air gunning. I had been collecting firearms for some time and read all of the industry publications. One fire arms magazine was intermittently featuring articles on air guns and included a piece on the Gamo P-23.

Like many, I like the idea of a convenient and inexpensive supplement to training with a center fire pistol. (The Walther, Beretta and Colt CO2 pistols produced by Umarex show the continued support for this line of thinking.)

The Model P-23 by Gamo is a double action only (DAO), repeating air pistol utilizing a CO2 power plant, with a 12 round magazine for traditional BBs (.173) or round .177 caliber lead balls. It has a flip up barrel which allows access to the magazine and provides for use as a single shot .177 caliber pellet pistol. Part of the attraction to the P-23 is the degree to which it resembles the SIG Saur P230 in style and function. Although the P-23 is largely made of plastic composite, it possesses a pleasing heft and solid well balanced feeling. Pointing easily, with an ample well proportioned grip the P-23 is a natural shooter.

Projectile velocity is said to be in the area of 400 fps for standard BBs and 275 fps with light .177 caliber pellets. Getting 60 shots or more from a 12 gram Powerlet CO2 cartridge, you'll enjoy blasting your way through the 12 rounds on-board.

As a single shot pellet pistol it is surprisingly accurate. This pistol also fires Beeman cleaning pellets quite well making it my preferred bug buster. If I keep the ranges close it's awesome. At the speeds this pistol produces the cleaning pellets are very effective without worries about collateral damage. (Note: Cleaning pellets can be surprisingly powerful out of some air guns. When shooting at close range (several feet) my Crosman 1377C will put them through some pretty thick cardboard.)

It also shoots lead pellets well, and BB's with relative accuracy. One individual, whom I have a great deal of respect for, reported poor accuracy with round lead pellets, however in my P-23 I have found them to have good accuracy.

Widely available and reasonably priced ($55-$80), with 12 fast shots, a pleasing look and feel, the ability to shoot BBs and pellets, and a decent double action triggerpull, the Gamo P-23 represents a strong value and status as a modern classic.

Introduction

This blog has been created to encourage the sharing of knowledge & enthusiasm, for Airgun shooting and collecting in the Oregon Area.

It is a means for those shooting in basements, backyards and garages in our area to meet other airgun shooters interested in establishing group shooting activities and creating or sharing airgun ranges for mutual education and enjoyment (such as a local field target club/range.)

Airgun collecting and ownership is continuing to rise in the US. This blog is an attempt to allow for those owners and collectors to share their experiences and knowledge. Whether you collect Whiscombe and Quackenbush or own Gamo's and Crosmans your thoughts and participation is most welcome.

Ultimately, it would be desirable for us to have a show and club events in our area. Due to the pressures of work and family it is difficult for many of us in Oregon to travel to the exisitng events which tend to be in the eastern part of the US.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy the blog.