I've pretty well decided that my first bullpup is going to be a Vulcan .25 cal. The saving game has started, and so while I want I'd like to hear what other owners like or dislike about theirs. Things like shot count, noise, and the like. Also I'm curious if there were any minor mods that are a must-have for it?
Vulcan owners opinions?
- Thread starter JDShapp
- Start date
Wow, what do I like and dislike about my .25 vulcan? Hmmm. Shot count is great, accuracy is fantastic, noise is not an issue since the depinging mods. I just like the gun, easy to carry and fun to shoot. If I could change anything it might be just a slightly longer grip for when I carry by the grip. With my hand being somewhat large, it tends to press into the flesh at the bottom of my palm. I'm having to reach on coming up with stuff I would change, that is such a minor issue. Lets see, I would really prefer a synthetic stock and a little bigger butt plate. I have the smaller butt plate version so I think they have got that covered on the latest mods. But a truck tough synthetic stock would keep me from having to baby the wood stock to keep the scratches off it.
I actually think I would also prefer the carbine version if the length was not an issue for you. Honestly my bullpup is the same length as the carbine when I have my moderator screwed on, so I don't think the carbine is too long at all. I also think the carbine keeps your cheek off the breech block. I don't like putting my cheek on the breech block, so I actually shoot with a small towel over the breech when I bench shoot. Just a personal opinion, but I don't like seeing my breath condensate on the breech without the towel. So the carbine would take care of that.
Great gun, you are going to enjoy it!
I actually think I would also prefer the carbine version if the length was not an issue for you. Honestly my bullpup is the same length as the carbine when I have my moderator screwed on, so I don't think the carbine is too long at all. I also think the carbine keeps your cheek off the breech block. I don't like putting my cheek on the breech block, so I actually shoot with a small towel over the breech when I bench shoot. Just a personal opinion, but I don't like seeing my breath condensate on the breech without the towel. So the carbine would take care of that.
Great gun, you are going to enjoy it!
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I've got an idea for the scratches. I'm going to experiment on using plasti-dip on a spare wood Marauder stock I have. If it works well enough it might be an option for the Vulcan. Especially if it will peel off like it does when put over a cars paint job.
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I love my Vulcan in 25. It's really accurate and even though it's still new, the regulator seems to be working great. I definitely think you'll enjoy the Vulcan too but I must say I do have some gripes about the gun.
Like others have stated before, the cocking isn't that smooth. It's getting smoother over time for me (less than 200 shots fired) but sometimes it can be a little tricky at the end to lock the bolt forward.
Also as Fungun mentioned, the ergo's of the grip doesn't fit me well either, but I too have big hands. My hand feels a bit smashed into the grip and it a little uncomfortable at the top of my hand and the bottom of my palm. It doesn't affect my shooting however, and this so far has been an accurate shooter.
I also had a slow leak when I first got the gun and filled it. I noticed I was losing around 10-20 bar every day so I tried something that someone posted on here earlier that had the same problem and that seemed to fix it. For now it seems to be holding air just fine.
If sound is a problem for you, I would look into getting an LDC for your Vulcan. The way it was stock it was a bit loud for my liking. I have a Neil Clague LDC on there now and this thing is really quiet now. Now all I hear is the hammer spring pinging (I believe it has the depinging mod from the factory but I still hear quite a ping) and the pellet impact.
My stock is the older one without the adjustable butt-pad and without the accessory rail but I have actually just installed a picatinny rail on the bottom for a bipod and works as it should. Other than the rail I added and the LDC, everything else is pretty much the same. I've heard other say they're getting over 40 shots per fill but mine seems to be a bit greedy on air right now and I think im getting around 30. I'm chalking it up to the regulator still being new but I did lessen some of the HST adjustment to get a little under 900 FPS with JSB 25 grain stuff so hopefully I can get a few more shots out of it.
Like others have stated before, the cocking isn't that smooth. It's getting smoother over time for me (less than 200 shots fired) but sometimes it can be a little tricky at the end to lock the bolt forward.
Also as Fungun mentioned, the ergo's of the grip doesn't fit me well either, but I too have big hands. My hand feels a bit smashed into the grip and it a little uncomfortable at the top of my hand and the bottom of my palm. It doesn't affect my shooting however, and this so far has been an accurate shooter.
I also had a slow leak when I first got the gun and filled it. I noticed I was losing around 10-20 bar every day so I tried something that someone posted on here earlier that had the same problem and that seemed to fix it. For now it seems to be holding air just fine.
If sound is a problem for you, I would look into getting an LDC for your Vulcan. The way it was stock it was a bit loud for my liking. I have a Neil Clague LDC on there now and this thing is really quiet now. Now all I hear is the hammer spring pinging (I believe it has the depinging mod from the factory but I still hear quite a ping) and the pellet impact.
My stock is the older one without the adjustable butt-pad and without the accessory rail but I have actually just installed a picatinny rail on the bottom for a bipod and works as it should. Other than the rail I added and the LDC, everything else is pretty much the same. I've heard other say they're getting over 40 shots per fill but mine seems to be a bit greedy on air right now and I think im getting around 30. I'm chalking it up to the regulator still being new but I did lessen some of the HST adjustment to get a little under 900 FPS with JSB 25 grain stuff so hopefully I can get a few more shots out of it.
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1 Vulcan 25 $1700, Hawke optics Sport HD 4-12x50 scope $170, 1500 pellets $72.81, Atlas Bipod knock off $39.99, Look on a skeptics face when you connect with a can of spray paint at 100+ yrds and it explodes with pink mist Priceless!!!!!! It does take some getting use to because it is a bull pup but do your part and it will do its!!
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Jaydoski--"Like others have stated before, the cocking isn’t that smooth. It’s getting smoother over time for me (less than 200 shots fired) but sometimes it can be a little tricky at the end to lock the bolt forward. "
You can try putting a little silicone lube (divers food grade silicone) on the end of the pellet probe (brass part) that seals against the breach o-ring and you might be surprised at how easy it cycles. Apply lightly.
Personally I leave my breach slightly open when I store the gun for the day. This way the pellet probe is not deforming the breach o-ring over long periods of being idle. I also put a towel over the breach loading area to keep dust out. But hey, that's probably overkill on my part. I just like to keep things clean and neat.
You can try putting a little silicone lube (divers food grade silicone) on the end of the pellet probe (brass part) that seals against the breach o-ring and you might be surprised at how easy it cycles. Apply lightly.
Personally I leave my breach slightly open when I store the gun for the day. This way the pellet probe is not deforming the breach o-ring over long periods of being idle. I also put a towel over the breach loading area to keep dust out. But hey, that's probably overkill on my part. I just like to keep things clean and neat.
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I second these...except the towel...
My Vulcan .25 is very accurate out of the box, easy to maintain/access parts, light weight, has a decent shot count.
The new generations (2 and above) have the new hammer/spring/guide combo installed (or you can ask for one from the manufacturer) so they do not have that ping anymore. The reg is very accurate and stays within 5-10fps for almost the entire string.
It's a bit loud, it's even more apparent next to my Mutant (albeit in .22), and the stock is not the best looking. The cocking is a bit hard at first and gets better with time but I do not think there is enough leverage in the lever which could make the cocking much smoother. There is a mod for that now from Brasil...a bit pricey IMHO.
I would buy it again...or also consider a Mutant.
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I have a new Vulcan .25 and love very bit of it. Out of the box it shot 1/2" or smaller groups at 50 yards. Have hunted with it up to 130 yards and never missed. Gun is very well made and every part is finished very nice. Very easy to handle and carry around. I find the grip to fit my hand perfectly and prefer it over few other guns I had. Cocking was a bit stiff but then I put some grease on all the moving/sliding parts and it has improved a lot. Love the left side forward cocking as that allows me to keep my cheek and shooting hand in place. For me it's money well spent.
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JD, I have the Tactic in 25. What I like about it... I like the longer format personally, I like the built in picatinny slot. Mine has been extremely accurate and even after setting a month was still spot on. Mine came set with only a first stage trigger trigger setup which I have found that I like. It breaks very crisp at around 8-10oz's. The loudness or lack of it suits me fine.
Where there was room for improvement...Mine was the first generation and the stock to recoil pad fit is kinda of hideous. The stock on the the later versions have been slimmed down to fit the butt pad perfectly.
When I first got mine the cocking was a little rough as noted with most of the Vulcans. What has helped a lot on mine was switching the bolt handle to the other side for a while and relubing the sliding parts. Can't remember the exact lube but it's a DuPont, GPI something or the other. Not cheap but it's good stuff. Now my bolt cocking is very smooth as I leave it on the right side.
The only other problem is how fast the choke builds up lead flakes, mine is the 25cal and after 100-150 shots it needs cleaned. Other than these few issues I've really enjoyed the gun.
Jimmy
Where there was room for improvement...Mine was the first generation and the stock to recoil pad fit is kinda of hideous. The stock on the the later versions have been slimmed down to fit the butt pad perfectly.
When I first got mine the cocking was a little rough as noted with most of the Vulcans. What has helped a lot on mine was switching the bolt handle to the other side for a while and relubing the sliding parts. Can't remember the exact lube but it's a DuPont, GPI something or the other. Not cheap but it's good stuff. Now my bolt cocking is very smooth as I leave it on the right side.
The only other problem is how fast the choke builds up lead flakes, mine is the 25cal and after 100-150 shots it needs cleaned. Other than these few issues I've really enjoyed the gun.
Jimmy
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I've thought about getting the tactic but I wanted to stay light weight and short. Those reasons are also why I'm also keeping an eye out in case a .25 cal version of the Taipan Mutant gets made.
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I've both the .22 and the .25. The first thing I noticed moving from the .22 to the .25 was the firing cycle. Pushing 33 grain pellets means that there will be a little muzzle jump. "Riding" the rifle the same way, every time, makes a difference when you stretch it's legs.
My .22 was loved on by Ernest Rowe, and is slick as snot. As mentioned, the stock .25 wasn't exactly a swiss watch- but after 30-40 squirrels were permanently retired, it's moving much better in all fashions.
I've an aftermarket ldc and you hear just the pellet smack.
And Smack it does. I'm using polymags (not the most accurate choice), but when it comes to punching tickets, the polymags make up with destruction what they lack in needle threading accuracy. I've used JSB's with great success, but nothing sends death and destruction like poly's.
I think I lost my train of thought, remembering the final exit of oh, so many ground squirrels.
Anyways, I heartily recommend a shotgun sling- the type with two loops. Put the two loops through the back cutout, sling it over your shoulder crosswise, and it's like my old MP-5: you hardly know it's there until you need it.
And a good scope- a good scope gives good results, 'nuff said about that.
My .22 was loved on by Ernest Rowe, and is slick as snot. As mentioned, the stock .25 wasn't exactly a swiss watch- but after 30-40 squirrels were permanently retired, it's moving much better in all fashions.
I've an aftermarket ldc and you hear just the pellet smack.
And Smack it does. I'm using polymags (not the most accurate choice), but when it comes to punching tickets, the polymags make up with destruction what they lack in needle threading accuracy. I've used JSB's with great success, but nothing sends death and destruction like poly's.
I think I lost my train of thought, remembering the final exit of oh, so many ground squirrels.
Anyways, I heartily recommend a shotgun sling- the type with two loops. Put the two loops through the back cutout, sling it over your shoulder crosswise, and it's like my old MP-5: you hardly know it's there until you need it.
And a good scope- a good scope gives good results, 'nuff said about that.
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I have the .25 and while I like it, if I had to do it over I would probably get something else. The cocking is rough and I think it is overpriced for what you get. I would probably have gone with a FX Wildcat if I had to do it over and I'd save some money. Don't get my wrong, it's a great gun but it doesn't have the refinement I expect for a gun that expensive.
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I have thought about a FX Wildcat. It's almost a tie for me really. I guess the real deciding factor will be which I find later on for the best deal.
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Can only echo the cocking comments.
I think a lot is down to the magazine as well, I'd always assumed it was just the lack of leverage due to the design but I loaded mine a couple of times without a mag in and it was so much smoother.
I need to have a look into this. I wonder if there's something to gain by shamfering the edges of the magazine daisy holes perhaps
I have ordered one of these new cocking levers though!
I think a lot is down to the magazine as well, I'd always assumed it was just the lack of leverage due to the design but I loaded mine a couple of times without a mag in and it was so much smoother.
I need to have a look into this. I wonder if there's something to gain by shamfering the edges of the magazine daisy holes perhaps
I have ordered one of these new cocking levers though!
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the cocking is the only complaint i have. Had to smash in the first 100 pellets so hard that the lever actually chipped paint of when it hit forward.
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For the actual cocking of the hammer and forward movement to seat a pellet this is the lube I use. This is the best thing that I have found so far. Mine is near that "buttery smooth" condition. I do believe the inlead could use a little attention to make the pellet load easier though.
Jimmy
Jimmy
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I tried what FunGun suggested, silicone lube on the probe and that has helped smooth out my action a lot, but I'm still getting stiffness at the end. To me it feels like the cocking rod is rubbing too much when going forward or downwards on the guide, or as someone else mentioned it could just be the magazine. To be honest I don't think it's that big of an issue but it is annoying. Hopefully over time with the silicone lube it should get better as mine Vulcan is still new.
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Please keep in mind that while going forward you are pushing against a spring. That makes it a bit hard to push forward. With time the forward action gets smoother.
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Glad to hear the lube on the probe helped. I will second what hsnmz said about the spring. I would also take a real close look at the breach seal oring and see if it has been damaged and is causing the probe to catch during the final few millimeters of the closing the action. Take the covers off that house the bolt action and take a look inside. They are made to come off and be swapped from left to right as if you were going to move the bolt to the opposite side. Give it a good lube while your in there. Also keep lubing the pellet probe brass to keep the breech oring well lubricated. Run the action with the covers off very slowly and watch what is going on when you start feeling the resistance. Might also check all the alignments while your taking a close look. Let us know what you find. Happy shooting.
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I didn't catch whether you mentioned if this is with the magazine in or out? Obviously if it is with the magazine in, take it out and see if the problem still exists? I also use a single shot tray and really like it. There are some tricks (technique) involved, I think that help make sure your pellets are not jammed but rather started and pressed into position, but this might be a trade secret that some of the top shots really don't want to share? lol. Kinda like driving a 16 penny nail. Hint, hint.
EDITED:
I didn't catch whether you mentioned if this is with the magazine in or out? Obviously if it is with the magazine in, take it out and see if the problem still exists? I also use a single shot tray and really like it. There are some tricks (technique) involved, I think that help make sure your pellets are not jammed but rather started and pressed into position, but this might be a trade secret that some of the top shots really don't want to share? lol. Kinda like driving a 16 penny nail. Hint, hint.
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The gun is a little heavy. That's the ONLY complaint I have.
It's accurate, quiet, easy to operate, ect... LOVE IT!
It's accurate, quiet, easy to operate, ect... LOVE IT!
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