Springers and the "first" shot

[1BadDart]

I have a Diana 48 in .22 and a 34 in .177, both are accurate after a few warm up shots and therein lies the problem. When I want to shoot sparrows off my bluebird houses I don't have the luxury of "warming" them up. Are all powerful springers this way?



I haven't treated myself to any new air guns in a couple years as I've been buying and shooting Winchester 52's and Remington 40X's. I'm thinking a new LH TX 200 in .177 would be nice unless I'll be back in the same boat with my Diana's. 



Thanks, Justin

 

[thumper]

If they are lubed and tuned right, the first shot will be on the money. Seal fit is critical for this, as is not having a bunch of goop on the spring that some people use in a "tune". Snug parts and minimal lube is the ticket for consistency. 

I wouldn't buy a new one and expect it to be perfect, it might be better but I wouldn't count on it. 

Oring piston seals are best for consistency with temp shifts and whatnot. 

 

[Windmill01]

G’day Justin I experienced this phenomenon also. My new HW50S on its first shot will be off by about half an inch then all others are dead on. The same goes for my Lgv but my Hw77 is dead on all the time. None of the three German rifles have been opened up, they are as they came out of the box. At first I thought it was getting used to the different triggers.

As I rotate my rifles every week what I do if I have to dispatch a pest with a rifle that I know won’t be dead on with the first shot is to keep a small wooden box of compressed rages handy to shoot into. Usually one shot is all I need, it’s quite, safe and I know I won’t miss.

Gary

 

[VETTNUT]

I saw a suggestion by Hector some time ago and he said to shoot your first shot and then wait at least 30 minutes for everything to cool and shoot again. Maybe even do it several times and you will know where your first shot will be when making it on pests etc.. Worth a try.

 

[1BadDart]

I saw a suggestion by Hector some time ago and he said to shoot your first shot and then wait at least 30 minutes for everything to cool and shoot again. Maybe even do it several times and you will know where your first shot will be when making it on pests etc.. Worth a try.

That's not as much fun as a new rifle but probably a better idea. Thanks.

 

[bandg]

My LGU is the most reliable "first shot" airgun I have. Some are newer and thus less experience with them so that may change but when I need to grab a rifle for a shot at a pest, the LGU is what I reach for. The HW44 pistol and pp700 as well seem pretty reliable in this consideration also.

 

[270windude]

I have exact opposite problem. My first shot group is ALWAYS the best. Have not had any exceptions I can think of. Have no clue why but it’s frustrating...

 

[Michigander]

As was pointed out, good seal fit and proper lubrication is the key to shot to shot consistancy. Shooting a string from a cold gun over a chronograph will usually reveal what is going on. My experience is that an over lubricated gun will produce a handful of higher velocity shots at the start, then settle in at a somewhat lower velocity. If you are thinking about a new gun, the TX is a good choice just because they are so easy to work on. You can install a new seal and relube in half an hour, and no spring compressor required.

If you are shooting off of bags, the other possibility is that a couple shots are needed to settle the rifle in the bag or bags. Springers can be funny that way.