I thought, as I haven't updated my Blog for a while, I would just use the oportunity to post my latest collection. So in no particular order, here they are.
First on the list is my BSA Lightning. This is a Gas Ram version in .177, a great rifle with all of the advantages of a springer, but none of the dissadvantages, ie recoil!

 I have a Hawke 3-9x40AO scope fitted, I like to use MTC scopes, but the ones I have (Viper 10x44SCB) are too long for the relatively short cylinder. I have tried to fit a sunshade, but even that is way too long, so i do suffer in the winter months with light pollution, with the low sun.

Next along is my latest addition to the group, its my BSA Scorpion SE, again in .177. I am growing to love short carbine type rifles. I like the light weight and manouverability. I have a silencer on it at the moment, but that will go, when I can get hold of a good (Rowan) airstripper. I have always been a fan of lightweight triggers and this one is superb.

I have got one of my MTC Viper scopes on this,and whilst I have not shot it too much, other than zeroing. The time i have used this rifle it has been spot on and super consistant. I will need to establish a shotcount so I know what the limitations are, as far as using it in competition.

The next along is another BSA, this time its a springer, a Meteor. This is a mark4 and is a .22

This is a "bitsa" I have built this from spares and secondhand parts I have got from Ebay and other sites. Plus a few new parts from John Knibbs. Its all still abit early doors with this and needs some time and fettling to get it all to "gel", But initial use would indicate a sound and reliable break barrel.

One thats been with me for a while (by my standards) is my Air Arms S400f Classic.

Now, as an example to anyone coming into the sport, and considering a consistant and reliable PCP, then look no further than this model. I have had two of these and though I am tempted to sell it on, it is still one of the best rifles I own. It seems to be the lightest rifle I own, but i would prefer the carbine version.

Everyone and his Dad has owned one of these Co2 classic offerings from the Chinese UK importer SMK. A XS (QB) 78. This one is a .177

I will never cease to be amazed by these rifles. So simple and yet very effective. When new they are all very low powered,anywhere from 4-7fpe out of the box. Yet with very little experience (which you learn) they are easy to strip and tune to 10+fpe. Not much to go wrong with one, and in standard form very reliable. But they never stay standard for long, but when tuned for power, reliablity can suffer a little if using the stad 12g caps, mostly caused by removal of the gauze filter, to increase gas flow, the debris from the piercing process can cause reliability issues. So there is always a trade off when tuning anything and when (notice I say WHEN) it does fail, it is a simple rifle to repair.

My next rifle, should be at the top of the list, if it was based on £=fun basis. This is the SMK XS19

When the Chinese started copying everyone elses rifles, BAM got to copy the Crosman Quest, and frankly, probably did a better job than the donor. This is an outstanding rifle. Out of the box, its near full power, most are 10-11fpe std. A good strip down and a deburr of the poorly finished machine work. A proper lube of, even the std spring. You will have a sweet shooting rifle.
The only thing with these rifles (and that includes the Crosman, it is a copy of) is the poor trigger. Its not the actual design, more the haphazzard use of tolerances. Everything is err-ing towards the safe end of the scale. Safety is vital, but, there is too much creep in the collection of parts within the trigger group. Luckily for us we can get hold of GRT 11 trigger blades. This is an aftermarket trigger blade, manufactured for an American company. Fitting one will totally transform the "feel" of the rifle, and brings the humble XS19 right up into the upper end of the beak-barrel market place. I am not saying this rifle is as good as say, a Weirhauch or a Walther, but the difference is a lot less than the extra £300 you would pay for the privilage.

The next of my rifles is, the Snowpeak TS45. This is a .177 and is currently staying with iron sights. I got hold of this from a Internet based gun sales site. It was in good visual condition, as can be seen in the pictures. However, this is from another time, and had a badly degraded leathger piston seal on it. I got hold of some stirrup pump seals, and after soaking them in neetsfoot oil, have fitted a new one and she is shooting very sweetly now. This is no 12fpe rifle, infact it currently shoots at about 5fpe. This may sound very low power, but, at 35 yards is as accutare as any rifle I own, beyond that however..... I think I can spit further.

This is a sidelever, Its configuration is just like an underlever, but the lever is on the righthand side.

 

The current list also includes a Diana (mod16) (I think)

And a "GAT" air pistol

These last two are due for renovation. I doubt they will be for "using" just something to restore to former glory and looked after.