My New FX Independence Review (Part 2)

[Addictedtoair]

   Well folks, it has been a long time coming. But, here it is, Part 2 of my FX Independence Review. A lot has transpired since I first opened the box with my new precious in it. I must give Joe Brancato his just dues as he was instrumental in ensuring that I got what I needed to accomplish what I wanted to do.
    The FX Independence is most known for not needing the usual PCP accessories such as a tank, hoses, fittings, adapters and gauges. However, I did not like having such a limited number of shots before I had to come out of my bench rest shooting position in order to pump the gun back up. In fact I felt best accuracy would be achieved if every round was fired from the same pressure. And to this end I sought a way to deliver consistent pressure for each shot, and, more shots without having to pump while working on target shooting or chronograph work.
     Hunting is the main forte for this rifle as you can shoot it indefinitely and deliver devastating hits of 30 fpe as long as your ammo holds out. It has been a one shot ,one kill weapon since I got it. You hit it and it is down for the count.
     I have to that end acquired a rather extensive collection of equipment to reach my goals. This is what my current Independence equipment looks like:



I got a carbon fiber 4500 psi 88 cu ft Great White tank and a regulator along with what I would need to use nitrogen from 6K psi tanks to fill my tank as I was unable at first to find a place that would fill to 4500 psi.



I had to modify the female Foster fitting to fit the rifle as can be seen on the fitting on the left where extra material was taken off.





This is the Indy connected to the tank.



 I was able to shoot over my F-1 chronograph with Ballistic Printer at varying pressures starting at 200 bar on down by manipulating the regulator to a very pleasing set of results once I settled on 150 bar.

926.90 Average fps, 8.02 fps Extreme Spread, 2.23 fps Standard Deviation and 30.34 fpe using 15.9 grain JSB Match Diablo Jumbo Exact pellets.

This was not the highest velocity of 942.60 but consistency trumps velocity every time in my book.
   I finally did find a scuba shop that would fill to 4500 psi but I only actually got 4200 psi. I’ll be glad once I have my Shoe Box compressor. It will have to wait as I am saving what I can for the SC shoot at Gene’s. As much as I have shot I still have only used 400 psi of pressure and have lost count of the number of times I have had to load the two magazines that I have for it.
    I have Pelican cases for my air equipment and for the rifle





    However, how to carry the tank was still an issue. I saw on a site where a gentleman had converted a golf bag caddy into a tank holder. I called Play it Again Sports and was pleased to find that they had new, inexpensive caddy carts for sale. I rearranged the parts and now have a way to carry around my tank and some gear.



I know I got the Independence because it didn’t need all the extra luggage as I called it but I could not be happier with all that comprises my “Indy rig”. It is a powerful and extremely accurate PCP that is not dependent on anything but ammo to shoot. But hook it up to an air source and you have a whole new side of the ag to explore and exploit.
   I hope you have been entertained and that any questions have been answered. But, feel free to post or PM me at any time to ask questions that you may have. Following are some pictures that I took of my shooting position for bad weather days.







Thanks.

Brett

[amb5500c]

Zeke is looking at the camera like he's thinking, " Since daddy got his new toys, he dont have time for me no more".
Richard

[Mr_Sis]

That is one fine lookin "Shootin Iron" you got there. Cant wait to see it in action live at the shoot.

[aack73]

i think it's an awesome setup you got. even though it's capable of being independent of the luggage. all that luggage is nice if you can swing it. to me i would want one for when i wasn't around a nitrogen tank or it wasn't convenient. if you took off hunting or if you wound up stranded in the middle of nowhere with only your gun and some pellets. not likely but just saying. i change my WSHTF gun pick. i would want an indy for sure. best of both worlds. convenience of a pumper and accuracy and ease of pcp.  You gonna bring that nice rig to Gene's? that alone would be worth the trip for me.    

[Rico14]

Wow, great setup Brett. Is all your gear in the "Indy room"? LOL  Thanks for the review and the great pics.

[ncpackrat]

10 thumbs up there Sir .You did a great job.Thanks,Ernie

[Rocker1]

 Great read Brett,  you going to need a semi truck to get all that to the shoot lol!!! Thanks David

[Progun]

Well Brett, This Independence thing might also be called an Odyssey. But boy what a fun journey. I dig your indoor shootin' rest set up. I can only shoot from indoors when the boss is gone away. Fortunatly, she works two shifts a week he he! See 'ya soon.

[gene_sc]

Outstanding setup Brett. Thanks for the update. I like the two wheel cart thingy. But really like the Independence..>>

[grimlama]

Man what an awesome setup!  That is a mean looking rifle.  slobber...drool...  All of the accessories...kooooooooool!  I'm starting to hate my Trail NP again now...lol...  Keep us posted on this awesome rig!  please!!!

[Iron]

Awesome review Brett, i really like everything...you really did things right!


Nice looking puppy as well