Update on the QB36-2. I just got this underlever in .22. The Haemmerli branded combo version (incl good quality scope) is 50% more expensive and it only comes in .177. Reading some reviews, and looking at the power and weight, the .22 is superior. It is also in a totally different class than its poor Kral cousin.
This is not a new model. It was already discussed in BB Pelletier's blog in 2008 I believe. Well, this is a superior gun. Nicely balanced and with adequate weight (not a light weight by the way ... ) A very good looking, well built and consistent shooter. After removing the TP restraining washer from behind the breech seal it shoots the JSB 1.03 gram Jumbos at a healthy 217m/sec. Little recoil, low muzzle report.
The dark stained beech stock has a nice grain, well executed stipling, and it is well finished. Ambidextrous. A grown up gun. The components are excellent quality steel. The bluing is a rather matte black. Perfectly acceptable -- understated/good looking in fact.
The two-stage trigger is not adjustable but best in class predictable and medium light. I polished the contact points (on the seer only). The trigger group design is simple, but a bit tricky. Another reviewer has rightly warned to clearly map it out before any further disassembly.
The gun did not diesel but it had a mild metallic reverberation upon release -- might have been the 2 springs on the anti-beartrap. Plus the cocking lever had a burr on the pivoting bracket pushing it a couple cm out of alignment when closing.
So I took it apart. The piston and sliding breech are impeccably executed, except for the roughly machined cocking shoe and slot. Finished those with 1000 grain sandpaper. De-burred and straightened the cocking lever, shimmed it with .2mm steel washers. Also polished both ends of the good quality spring. I also applied a sheet of pepsi can to sleeve the spring guide. Plus greased the cocking lever (where it slides over the cylinder) and the 2 anti-beartrap springs, all with lithium grease. The piston seal being perfectly untarnished did not need touching. It makes a satisfyingly smooth pneumatic sound when cocking. I also polished the conical breech to take off the rather sharp edge in order to load pellets more easily. Lapped the barrel to remove the usual gunk. The crown looked fine but I polished it anyway.
I like the 2 safety levers next to the trigger, and the superior quality metal open sights too. Still, despite the trust- inspiring build of this beauty, always hold the cocking lever when chambering a pellet!
Accuracy? Not yet tested due to persistent rain. But the consistency, the nicely rifled barrel, and the fine trigger bode very well. The gun discharges with a nice thud -- no twang whatsoever.
This would still rank as an amazing quality & value hunting gun even for twice the price. I'm probably gonna fetch another one while I can. Pigeons beware ...
