A rifle with history

[JohnnyPiston]

Blast from the past!

In the 2005 USA FT Nationals, George Gardner placed 4th in Piston Division shooting a Beeman branded Theoben SLR 98 .22 carbine set up at 15fpe, scoped with a Premier Reticles customized Leupold scope. 

That's it in the pic below. The same exact gun, same exact scope (with hand written ranges on the AO bell and corresponding click values on the elevation turret knob). The exact set up that Mr. Gardner used. It is an absolute joy to shoot; I've pulled off some amazing shots with this rig that have left me in awe!

So there you have it, a piece of United States FT history . Glad to own this beauty, for sure!

 

[AirNGasman]

Beautiful rifle and interesting history lesson, JP. Thanks for sharing... both. 

I've known several of those old-timers for many years; some for DECADES. A few are even older'n ME! And to put that last statement into properly poignant perspective, this is my first silhouette competition rifle (a 1950's vintage Crosman)-

 

[JohnnyPiston]

Mr. Robinson, thanks for chiming in!

I also have shared the lanes with several of those FT veterans, first time was a little over a DECADE ago. 

After your post, I think this thread needs to be retitled: Rifles with history. I know you have SEVERAL stories to share.

 

[AirNGasman]

BTW Jon, I count you among FT legends. Thank you (also) for your always interesting posts.

 

[JohnnyPiston]

Thanks Ron, I appreciate that man! Hope you're still enjoying your Theoben Evolution every now and then.

Found a couple more pics of the rig: 

 

[SteveV]

Great find breaux, and thanks for the eye candy, she is a beaut!

 

[JohnnyPiston]

Great find breaux, and thanks for the eye candy, she is a beaut!

Thanks Breaux Vines, it grows on me a little more every time I shoot it!

 

[Fuciliere]

That is a very nice classic rifle, love that picture perfect shot, made it my wall paper, thanks for sharing.

 

[JohnnyPiston]

That is a very nice classic rifle, love that picture perfect shot, made it my wall paper, thanks for sharing.

Thanks bud! The lighting and backdrop in the woods made it easy

 

[Fuciliere]

This is one of the reason why I like springer more than skeleton look of the pcp, just loves the wood hardware and the how it was shaped and I remember Joe Wane Rhea's video why he likes springer, because chick digs springer.

 

[JohnnyPiston]

Took out this special rig for a short but sweet group therapy session between calls.

Over the knee at only 17 yards using single loaded JSB 18 grain. At this distance the Leupold close focus adaptor has to be flipped on for use and mag lowered to 14.5. The Leupold 6.5-20 was modified by Premier Reticle 'back in the day' for boosted magnification to 14.5-35x. Pulled shot #5 high, blew the tight bughole I was hoping to achieve.

I've got some AA 16gn, those shoot very nice as well out of this gun. 

Super smooth and easy cocking, vibration-free shot cycle, compact size, relatively light weight and stellar accuracy make this SLR 98 .22 an absolute joy to operate and shoot.

Leupold owners might find this pic below of the elevation turret interesting . Let me know if you picked up the detail. 

 

[crowski]

JohnnyPiston very nice, and to be in appropriate hands makes it all the better. Enjoy and good luck. Crow 

 

[JohnnyPiston]

Printed out Cornpone's "Ten Dimes Challenge V3" target (for .22 cal).

Linkage and contact points lubed, figured I'd give it a go at 25 yards off the bumbag. Shooting from under cover but the rain started to fall and was coming in from the sides. Had time to send off 8 H&N FTT's before I gave in to the remnants of now Tropical Depression Ida.

Rifle was previously zeroed at 32 yards with JSB 18gn.

Sighters with H&N FTT's: 1st shot way high. Down 12 clicks. Now way too low. One click goes a loong way with this Leupy, LOL. 6 clicks up, in the black. Down 2, now two shots cut clean through the middle.

1st target: wind picking up from the right, but was able to keep 3 shots inside the black. 

Shot cycle noticeably faster and sharper with the FTT's. Feels like a different gun.

To be continued in drier weather!