Tech Force 87

[HNT5]

Anybody have one or have any experience with one? It looks to me to be a underlever version of the TF-89.
Compasseco has them for ~$152 and I was wondering if it's a good buy or not?

Thanks
Nathan

[skycomag]

it is a underlever. they are in limited quanities.

here are some specs:

Specifications   TF87 .177/.22
Velocity   1100fps/950fps
Overall Length   47"
Barrel Length   19"
Weight   9 lbs
Cocking Effort   28 lbs
Capacity   1 round
Action   Underlever
Power Plant   Spring Piston
Safety   Automatic
Warranty   Limited Lifetime

here is the link for any one else who want to ck. it out plus a video of the air gun:

http://www.compasseco.com/tech-force-contender-series-caliber-p-1690.html

[AirScopes]

I shot one of the first ones that TF sold. I don't know if it was one they were using for testing or what, but it shot like it was tuned out of the box. It is a sturdy gun...the one I had was as smooth as my RWS 48. I'd get it in .22. It is big, it is heavy. If I didn't mind those darn loading ports you have to stick your fingers in, I'd still have it. But they'd sent it to me by mistake...I was torn between keeping it and getting what I'd bought...

I think they were good for $187. At $152, I think they are a nice deal.

[darryl]

Wow, the 87 has been on my mind the last couple of days because of that deal Compasseco is running on them, as mentioned by AirScopes. The thing is, I was originally lusting after the TF-89 on the same site for $ 120.00. It's a break-barrel and seems to be as fine a rifle as the newer -87. TF does not seem to make a side-lever magnum or am I missing something? BTW, I own an old Xisico B4-2, an underlever, in .22. I learned to hold on to the lever while loading it. I do the same with the old B3-1 I have(.177), but it's a side lever and a bit more difficult to hold the lever on that one.  I suspect both of them hit harder in .22 than my RS2 does (do they?).

Isn't the 87 supposed to be just a bit more powerful than the 89? Or do they have the same powerplant?

HNT5 be sure to let us know what you decide.
darryl

[tpw]

do they have any kind of return policy? if you dont like it, you can return it? if they do it may be worth a shot at trying

[darryl]

do they have any kind of return policy? if you dont like it, you can return it? if they do it may be worth a shot at trying

good point. I need to check on that. I'd hate to get stuck with a lemon. So far my Chinese Beeman has been a great buy,  but I only paid $60.00 for that monster. Here's something of interest. I called Compasseco to inquire about refurbished TF-89s. I was asked "why do you want a refurbished rifle that will sell for the same cost as a new one?" I found that interesting.
darryl

[Atchman2]

They sell their guns for so little money.  I don't know why you'd want one that has been potentially trouble for someone else.  One of your concerns was getting stuck with a lemon.  I'm not trying to be offensive or provocative, I just mean that it you are really scared about getting a bad one, get a new one with a full warranty. 

[pindog2000]

Get a new one bro at that price get it new less headaches

[tpw]

i like the fixed barrel on the 87. i had a 99 and 97 and were both good shooters

[darryl]

They sell their guns for so little money.  I don't know why you'd want one that has been potentially trouble for someone else.  One of your concerns was getting stuck with a lemon.  I'm not trying to be offensive or provocative, I just mean that it you are really scared about getting a bad one, get a new one with a full warranty.  

Atchman2, No offense taken at all. Your point is valid, and I certainly appreciate it. I was trolling for a better deal, hoping to save a few  more bucks. If a refurbished rifle was available, with the same warranty, and for a few  dollars less, all the better. That was my thinking. Can't blame a guy for trying (no that you're blaming me for anything). I have (had) limited dollars for this. As my wife says to me all the time:"it's the economy, Dumb-@ss!" But here's my luck: yesterday our dryer went out! $$$ (cha-ching!!)$$ Fly away dollars! Run for your lives! Too late! Another unexpected expenditure sucks the breath out of the budget.  But be cetain I'll keep my eyes open for an opportune moment to strike.
darryl
ps pingdog, and tpw, thanks for your feedback too. tpw, seems you've had prior TF rifles. Still got them?

[Atchman2]

I've called them before and asked it they would honor a recent past deal and they've always done it for me.  That is why I buy from them.  They want to sell stuff and I would guess if it is in their power, they would match deals on some of the other guns too. 

[darryl]

That's good to know. Maybe if I can get a decent dryer, and save a few bucks on the purchase, it won't be too long before I can "spring" for the TF-87. Hey, it could happen!
darryl

[tpw]

they were both good shooters but the 97 didnt have much power and the trigger sucked. not much you can do to them. the 99 was like a 4x4 post with a action set into it.lol. its long and heavy. they are not refined to much and pretty rough. there are alot better guns out there for the money.

[darryl]

I wonder why Tech Force has not released an "equivalent" to the RWS side-lever Magnum series? Maybe the recoil system is too expensive to produce? Or maybe there's a Chinese side-lever magnum I'm not aware of? Inquiring minds want to know.
darryl

[Atchman2]

You can still buy a B21 from them.  I think they only have them in .22.  They are big heavy hard hitting guns, that and the B28.  If you haven't shot a magnum springer, I would actually stay away from them. 

http://www.compasseco.com/xisicobam-rifles-xisico-caliber-rifles-c-233_175_185.html?osCsid=e9d4c22e0e084f5c83bee55eae6e1b31

I have a tuned 99 that is great!  The un-tuned one those is rough and twangy, but still accurate.  I think the entire secret of owning Chinese guns is that you are going to learn to take them apart and lubricate them or have them tuned.  That way you get a tuned gun that is equivalent to the "real" think for about half the price.  I mean a tuned B21 is going to run you around $300 or so, depending on who does it.  However it should be as good or better than an un-tuned RWS 48. 

[darryl]

Atchman2,
How would you compare the B21 to the B28, the TF87 and the TF89? Are the two TF models not considered magnum air rifles. My ultimate goal is to own another one; at least one that easily exceeds 800fps untuned, with .22 CP domes or CPHPs at an affordable price. Tuning would have to come later.
darryl

[Atchman2]

Good question.  I don't have a TF 87, but if the power plant is similar the power should be similar as well.  I do own a RWS 350 which is the model the B28 is named after.  I also just got a B21 in .177! 

As you can tell I like the magnum springers 

The RWS 350 is superior to all of the Chinese guns I own.  If a B28 is an exact copy it should be pretty good as well.  The B28 is more powerful than a TF 89, but I think the TF 89 is more accurate at an earlier break in point.  What I mean is it took a long time to get the 350 broke in to where it is today.  My 350 has a 16 x scope on it now.  I can pretty much put all the pellets in the same hole out to 20 yards  Easily good enough to kill small game. 

The B21 is weird because it is a side lever.  I'm having a really hard time getting used to loading it!  Instead of cocking it with your left arm you do it with your right.  Normally I cock left handed and load right handed, it is backwards on this gun.  It is a powerful gun to be certain.  It also seems to be pretty accurate. It lost some this morning when I was shooting it, but I tightened up the screws and put locktite on them.  Hopefully tomorrow it will be back to normal. 

I really like the TF 89.  For the price it is a fantastic gun.  It takes some getting use to, but clean the barrel, tighten up and locktite the stock screws and shoot a bit and it will come into its own. 

If I had the choice I would say get a real RWS 350 or a real RWS 48.   However, if you don't mind putting some money into them for tuning or learn to tune them yourself, the clones are just fine (B28=RWS 350; B21=RWS 48).  If I knew then what I know now, my first hunting air gun would have been a TF 89 in .22 caliber.  I would have then spent the same money and had it tuned by Gene and got some nice glass and mounts for it. It still would have been cheaper than my RWS 350 and probably easier to shoot and probably just as effective on game. 

[tpw]

just get a rws 34. dont play with the hit or miss &^^&. the b21(and 30) is hit and miss with the trigger and they are a bitch to adjust. dont even mess with the tf &^^&. the 48 type guns are very heavy and are only good for BR. and thats just my opinion. if you want a great shooting gun on a limited budget the 34 will serve you well or look for a tuned b40. i have both and they are not going anywhere. and i forgot to mention the b25 is a clone of the 34. so close that most parts can work in each gun. and if you have mike melick tune it(bestairgun.com) you cant tell a difference. snatch up the BAM guns while you can cause they wont be around much longer

[darryl]

Well guys, I guess I'll just have to start saving my pennies, and put an RWS rifle at the top of the list. But it's going to be a loooong wait. The RS2 will have to hold the line until I can get it some relief.
thanks for the great feedback,
darryl

[Atchman2]

A RWS 34 Black Panther is only a couple dollars more than a Techforce 87!  It is a sweet rifle and you get fine German craftsmanship.  You can get a 34 for about $205, and sometimes as low as $186.  The nice thing is you can get a .177 or a .22. 

I had a Ruger Air Hawk that I had ZERO luck with!  For what I spent trying to fix it up I could have had a 34 AND a scope.  

He is right though once you get near the $200 mark you can start getting into the higher quality air guns.  While they won't be as powerful as a TF 89, they will be accurate and hold their value.  That is something a Chinese gun will rarely do unless you know the story behind it (tuner, mods, etc).