Suggestions for high end Springer?

@dannyshoots

At minimum I would take it apart, clean it really good, maybe install a plastic sleeve, put back together making sure everything is tight and snug. 

Or go all the way and install a Vortek or JM 12fpe kit and see how it does. 

BadDart,

Thanks for the information and the offer for pellets. I don't have a problem ordering pellets but thank you anyway! I just went down to the "sniper room" and launched 20 of the Baracuda Hunters (10.34 gr) at a 15mm kill zone, multi target from 15 yds. I had the 97 supported freely from the front and rear and maintained a loose "artillery" hold, allowing the rifle to go through its own motion for every shot. My disappointment grows... 8 out of those 20 shots missed the 15mm kill zone. A couple of the misses were as much as 1.5 inches off! When I think about what that means at 50 yards I shudder! I haven't washed or sorted the pellets but I have a hard time believing slight imperfections that get by my cursory inspection as I load a pellet could cause that much of an accuracy problem at 15 yards. I can support that belief by popping the same pellets through my Brocock Compatto at the same distance and stack every one up the skirt of the previous pellet. Me thinks me embarks on an educational journey with my springer. I hope it leads to acceptable accuracy.

Intenseaty,

I have given a tune some serious consideration. Back when I bought the rifle, some guys on this site recommended a fellow who was...well known for his work on springers. I wound up giving the guy a call and listened to him explain to me how good he was and why he was too busy to take my rifle. I have since considered sending it to AoA and having them put the Vortek in it. I like those guys down there and while they may not be the God of springer tunes, I'm pretty comfortable letting them do it. I have watched the Youtube vids on tuning the 97 and it doesn't look all that difficult. But at my age it takes substantial motivation to break into my tool box anymore...Thank you for the reply. Happy Independence Day to you!

oldspook

intenseaty22 said:

BUT at 30 yards a 1/2 inch single hole is very possible.

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Possible, yes. It is very possible; however, it is not common, or easy.

We are talking about spring rifles here? I'm willing to bet that at 30 yards you can not shoot three five shot groups in a row with a spring rifle with all five shots actually touching outdoors, let alone shoot a perfect ten dimes target.

It is always the same thing, it is easy to do, until you actually are required to DO it. So as I said to another poster. I linked a place where you can hang your target with the rest of us who have imagined that it was easy to shoot "one ragged hole" at 25 yards. The truth is almost NOBODY can repeatedly shoot one raged hole at 25 yards out doors with a spring rifle.

This kind of chatter leads the noob to believe in unicorns, then he gets frustrated and wonders why he can't do something that "everyone else" is saying is easy.

It is not easy.

Hmmm... I might just have to take you up on that bet. 

As far as which springer, it’s my opinion you can’t really go wrong with an LGV or LGU. Both shoulder and shoot well. I’ve owned a very nice TX200 as well and it is also a lovely rifle. I sold it though shortly after tuning it. I still own my LGV, and LGU.

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Go for it. You have the right tools.

.The truth is pretty much anyone CAN shoot dime sized groups consistently at 25 yards if they have a good rifle, tuned well, good pellets sized for the gun, good conditions and they practice a lot but it ain't easy. That statement right there is the truth about shooting small groups at 25 yards with a spring air rifle. The original poster specified My goal is 1/4″ CTC groups at 25 yards and 1″ or so at 50 yards.

That is an unrealistic expectation for any current spring rifle other than some of the finest target rifles that have ever been built.

Sure 1/4" is tight at 25, but 1" at 50 is very doable.

How many people on this thread shoot FT? 

Make it 1/2" at 25 and 1-1/4" at 5-0 yards and yes most folks I've shot with would place 5 in a dime pretty much every time. 

My wife hates springers ( indeed) and likely has less than 200 shots taken ever with one yet could grab a TX and shoot 1" at 50 .

It can be done even with vibration.



John



edit:

I'm only thinking decent springers & not something that should be in a truck sale.

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A half inch group CTC will fit UNDER a dime at 25 yards. That's pretty tight. A dime is .70" (17 mm) in diameter. If you are shooting a .177 on half inch centers the group will be .677" MAXIMUM outside diameter. That's three thousandths less than a dime. I'd be real proud to be able to do that most of the time at 25 yards unsupported. It's probably just me. I've never been a very competitive shooter. You know what they say though, even a blind pig finds an acorn now and then.

Oldspook, I took on your challenge today. I failed ultimately, but not by much. Hope this satisfies the gun’s ability. Thanks. 



https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/spooks-challenge/

I did tell ya that I had not shot the CPHPs, but I have tried the 10gr Brown box Crosmans and they group horrible out of the gun at almost any distance. Put you an order in from PA and try H/Ns and JSBs in a couple different weights. 

My lgv likes Jsb 10.34 and 8.44 the best 

Try to see if you know someone who has a Chrony. Or buy one if you can. It will serve you beyond this rifle. Ask the seller what speeds he was getting. If the speeds you get are really slow, then consider buying a Vortek. Everyone I know that has one shoot balls out with them.