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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: wrecktangle on February 07, 2011, 09:15:20 AM

Title: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 07, 2011, 09:15:20 AM
I need some recommendations from you fine folks who own, or know someone who owns, an Olympic/Match grade rifle.

Last year, I promised myself a high end rifle for my 60th birthday this year in March (I've been saving for almost a year). I guess most guys go out and buy a sports car or something, but I want to own an awesome shooter.

Anyhow, I have it narrowed down (I think):

Feinwerkbau 700 Aluminum (so far, this is my pick)
Walther LG30 Vision Plus
FWB Mod 700 Evolution

and maybe (though these are a bit above my budget, but not unattainable)
Anschutz 9003 Premium
Steyr LG110

I'd like something that could be serviced (if necessary) in the USA. I don't want to be sending a rifle overseas for service work. I'd also like to fill it with a hand pump (I'll be buying a Hill when I make my final decision). I just don't want to mess with SCUBA or SCBA bottles at this time.

I know some of these rifles need periodic maintenance, but I'm a bit afraid of taking apart a two or three thousand dollar gun and mucking it up.

This will be my first PCP (the darkside beckons!).

I'm sure with all the expertise I've seen on the GTA, someone could provide some information and help steer me in the right direction.

To any and all... thanks for your input.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: woogie_man on February 07, 2011, 10:17:58 AM
I honestly love my FWB 300S.   Great rifle and I don't have to worry about filling her with air to shoot.

I got mine from Jim E. over on the yellow.  He can usually get some nice ones for you if you need.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: Tpatner412 on February 07, 2011, 01:04:06 PM
I shot a FWB 700 a week back and they are very nice rifles. You wouldn't be unhappy with it most likely. But then again Anschutz and steyr make very high quality stuff as well. I would just go with what you like the best because those rifles are so customizable that you will make it your own anyway.

Good luck
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: woogie_man on February 07, 2011, 02:58:43 PM
Just saw what section this was in......    Sorry man, my post is fairly usless in here :D


Heck if I had the money I would go with the styer.  They not only look cool but seem to shoot really well.   You could always look at the gun Mac1 makes.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 07, 2011, 03:34:57 PM
Thanks spysir, woogie man and tpatner.

Unfortunately, when you mention airgun to people in Maryland they look at you and laugh. My friends like to kid me about my "BB guns".  No organized shoots anywhere nearby, so that negates the ability to look them over, fondle and caress them, much less shoot them.

So far, my prized AG's are my TX200 MkIII, my R9 and my 753. All great springers/pneumatics (I have others, but these are my most accurate). I like the idea of the recoil-less PCP, and I figure this will probably be my only AG purchase of the year, I'll just go for the A class. Plus I like the infinite adjust-ability of the match rifles.

Anyone else wants to chime in here.... I'm all eyes.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: woogie_man on February 07, 2011, 08:17:21 PM
If you are looking for the recoil free rifles, then I would again suggest the FWB 300s.

Now yes it is not a PCP, but a very nice rifle.  I have been shooting mine, and haven't been able to put the darn thing down.  I got a really nice one from JimE for $650 after shipping.  He is a great guy to deal with, and will not screw ya in any way.  If I remember correctly, he said that he gets them, most of the time refurbished, from a dealer in Germany.  Now being as these rifles are not being produced anymore they are something to look at, in my mind anyway.

I know champions choice and a few other places here in the US will work on them.  But as long as you have the newest parts inside of her, you should be good for a great while.

But if you have your heart set on a PCP, then there are many good ones that you have listed.  It is really to bad that you don't have anyone near buy to try them all out.  I was in the same boat.  I spent close to 8 months doing as much research as I could, and talked to many MANY people about the rifle.  The winning part for me was the fact that this rifle use to be the bee's knee's in the Olympic shooting comunity.

But I would ask the guys, and look and read, down in the target shooting part of the forum. 

But anyway you go...... you will be amazed at how they shoot.  I know I was, even though I knew they would shoot great.  Seeing is always believing.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: TCups on February 07, 2011, 10:52:35 PM
I need some recommendations from you fine folks who own, or know someone who owns, an Olympic/Match grade rifle.

Last year, I promised myself a high end rifle for my 60th birthday this year in March (I've been saving for almost a year). I guess most guys go out and buy a sports car or something, but I want to own an awesome shooter.

Outstanding.  You should go for it!

Anyhow, I have it narrowed down (I think):

Feinwerkbau 700 Aluminum (so far, this is my pick)
Walther LG30 Vision Plus
FWB Mod 700 Evolution

and maybe (though these are a bit above my budget, but not unattainable)
Anschutz 9003 Premium
Steyr LG110

You will find that no matter what your budget, there always seems to be something else out there in the "almost attainable" category.

I'd like something that could be serviced (if necessary) in the USA. I don't want to be sending a rifle overseas for service work. I'd also like to fill it with a hand pump (I'll be buying a Hill when I make my final decision). I just don't want to mess with SCUBA or SCBA bottles at this time.

Most high end air rifle shooters use regulated PCP's and fill with a scuba tank, I think.  They don't want to get the heart rate up too high pumping.  Another consideration might be a single pump pneumatic model.

I know some of these rifles need periodic maintenance, but I'm a bit afraid of taking apart a two or three thousand dollar gun and mucking it up.

Pilkguns.com is the place to check on that.  Pilkington services several of the national teams, I think. Call them and ask about service.

This will be my first PCP (the darkside beckons!).

I'm sure with all the expertise I've seen on the GTA, someone could provide some information and help steer me in the right direction.

To any and all... thanks for your input.

I was in your same situation a couple of years back. I had the "itch" and the means to purchase a high end match rifle and thought it would be very, very cool to own one.  Then I thought to myself -- "you know, you don't shoot Olympic matches.  In fact, as really good shooters go, you, in lay terms, not so good.  What business do you have spending that kind of $$$ on something you will likely never use to its full potential?  Wouldn't it make more sense to get into it gradually with a good used Olympic grade air rifle and test the waters?"

Logic prevailed.  That, and I had a chance to actually shoot a friend's Walther LGR.  Time passed as I mulled this over, the one day, I get a call--Tommy!  There is a lefty Walther LGR-Universal that just came up on the Airguns America site -- you may never see another one.  The price was good ($850 shipped, insured) as were the terms: 3 days approval after you get the air rifle; return if it doesn't suit you, no questions asked.  This was my first experience dealing with Jim Edmondson, who is a fine fellow to do business with.  Very knowledgeable.  Absolutely reputable.  And he imports a bunch of vintage stuff from Europe for re-sale in the states, apparently.  And so, I ended up with my Walther and used the extra $ for things like having the woodwork professionally refinished.  Buying a Gehman rear sight, Anschutz riser blocks, acrylic inserts for the front sights, shooting gloves, Vogel pellets, and most importantly, a copy of "The Ways of the Rifle".  Interestingly, the Walther was the first LH rifle I ever bought or shot!  Why?  Left eye dominant right hander.  Ever try to shoot diopter sights with your non-dominant eye? Doesn't work very well and would be a spectacular waste of $$$ for a $3K Olympic air rifle.  The single pump pneumatic Walther is an absolute "tool", cranking out Vogel 8.3gr match grade pellets at 575 fps +/- 1 or 2 fps with more accuracy than I will ever be able to take full advantage of.  Plus, I was able to add cheek piece risers, spacers to get the LOP right, and an adjustable butt plate on the rifle.  It is probably the only rifle I have that absolutely fits my every dimension and puts the sights dead center in my central field of vision with a solid cheek weld and no need to scrunch down or do anything uncomfortable with my neck, shoulder or arm muscles.  

As someone said, at the level you are thinking about, you will customize the gun to absolutely fit you and only you, else you are likely spending a lot of money without the chance of reaching your full potential.

Here is my "baby" -- the lower of the two Walther's in this pic.

(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/P2221946.jpg)

One or two words of caution, however.  Really nice air rifles with old iron and walnut can lead to another whole set of "itches" that have to be scratched.

(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/P1130641.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/P1130647.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/RangeReport.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/P1130813.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/P1130783.jpg)


(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/tcups/TCUPS2.jpg)
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 08, 2011, 09:14:31 AM
Thanks again woogie man!

And TCups, thanks for the very involved and detailed response to my inquiry. Many of the things you mentioned in your post, I've mulled over in my mind. Oh... and Very Nice hardware you have there!

I've been a powder burner shooter since a teen and most recently throughout my career as a (now retired) law enforcement officer (Baltimore City PD). I (re)discovered AG's last year and went wild purchasing springers, co2's and pump pneumatics. While I *was* a fairly good shot (by no means match material), my age and eyesight have become my handicaps. I enjoy immensely being able to go out in my back yard and sling a few pellets at paper. I just recently counted up my empty tins from last year and was amazed that I put a combined 8,000 rounds thru my AG's over the course of the spring, summer and fall.

While I'll probably never reach the potential of an FWB, Steyr or whatever, I want to own a gun that I can't make any excuses for. Owning such a gun can only improve my shooting. While no longer technically in law enforcement, I still carry a gun for my work, and my annual qualification scores have dramatically improved, I feel as a direct result of my AG shooting.

Again, thanks for all your responses and thoughts (and pictures).
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 08, 2011, 11:01:01 AM
Thanks spysir... that's about an hour away; I'll have to check it out.

I guess I should venture into the other areas of the GTA!
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: lillysdad621 on February 08, 2011, 11:17:25 AM
i have had the chance to shoot some pretty spectacular rifles and was the owner of a 753 myself, as well as a fully tuned FWB300s... but to be honest with you, i did not like the weight of them as that seems to be the theme there... heavy + stable. The Steyr? incredibly accurate and adjustable... but so loud i would have to shoot it at the range only...
The idea of a classic "used " target rifle is not a bad idea, as it will give you more accuracy that you'll ever need and wont break the bank. another otion is a AA s200T... another cracking little target gun that will amaze you with its level of accuracy. There is also Tau that make now a version of their 46 pistol in rifle... i do not remeber the model but i think AoA had it... and not to be out done... the avanti line up does not fall that far behind... a 887 or 888 co2 rifle will give you consistent shots and a LW barrel... and wont break the bank... But with money not being a problem then from your choices i would probably like the model 700 evolution... but that is just dreaming to me...
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: woogie_man on February 08, 2011, 12:20:14 PM
Tcups is right man....

You will get one target rifle, and they will wind up like rabbits.   I have a few in the powder rifle side, and I can't get enough.

But of course I have the wife telling me that I do have enough :D
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: Tpatner412 on February 08, 2011, 12:57:53 PM
I have heard really great things about the Airforce Edge from a lot of 10m shooters. I was talking to a guy just last week who won the junior BB gun championships and was on the junior olympic rifle team and he said the Edge is a very good gun. He put it right up there with the Air Arms. It may not be quite as fashionable with that red or blue color but I'm sure it shoots great.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 09, 2011, 08:25:10 AM
lillysdad, my 753 is what started me looking into match grade PCP's. I shoot the 753 (with its LW barrel) at 50 feet and if I bench rest can put pellets into the same hole (well, almost) all day long. Accuracy to me is probably the most important aspect of shooting.

woogie, the AG virus is very insidious... it's amazing how a gun collection can expand! Luckily, I have a wife who encourages my shooting (she just doesn't know how much money I have invested in the sport!). She won't shoot herself, despite my pleas to her to at least try, but she'll have nothing to do with guns (though her family were big time hunters).

tpatner, I looked at the Edge and considered it very carefully. But somewhere, I think it may have been on a UK AG forum, they kind of blasted it. I don't remember exactly what was said in the discussion, but I remember striking it off my list for whatever reason it was. I may, at some point, consider it again. After all... there's another whole aspect to the sport with PCP's!

Thanks again for all your responses!
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: ac12 on February 23, 2011, 07:35:42 PM
wrecktangle,
I do not recall seeing a GOOD review of the AF Edge on the TargetTalk.org forum.  And I did remember seeing some negative comments on it.  One that I remember reading said that it did not shoot as accurately as a 753.  Although the trigger and sights are probably much better than the 753.  So it is not in the same league as the tier 1 rifles you are looking at.

Check out www.TargetTalk.org (http://www.TargetTalk.org)
That is where some of the 10m guys hang out.
Go to that forum and in the Olympic Rifle section, ask if there are any clubs near you.  If you are lucky there may be one and you might get to check out one of those rifles.  

One caution.  Keep in mind that when trying out someones rifle, the rifle is set up for them, so it will very likely not fit you.  Years ago I tried an Anschutz 2002, and it was a BAD fit, but that was simply because it was setup for a guy 1 foot taller than me with longer fingers.  Based on how difficult it was to setup my rifle for ME, I would not even ask if they could let me reconfigure their rifle so I could see if and how it would fit me.

The aluminum stocks have much more adjustments in them than the wood stocks.  Personally, if I had the $$$$ I would switch to an aluminum stocked AR for that very reason.  

But a few shooters, including my old AR coach, prefer the wood, because wood is more user friendly in temp extreems where he shoots some of his matches, where the aluminum stock is either HOT or COLD.  

I only have first hand experience with FWB P70 (wood stock) and Anchutz 2002-CA (both wood and aluminum stocks).  But there is nothing wrong with Steyr and Walter.  In some cases the decision is driven by the support/repair structure for the rifles.

I don't think you will go wrong with any of the tier-1 rifles.

gud luk
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: Brushy Bill on February 23, 2011, 08:39:12 PM
On the subject of local clubs. I have located the
following;

International Air Rifle
March 13 2011
Centerville Maryland
L. MacKenzie
110 Weedon St.
Centerville MD 21617

Also one in Haggerstown,
(see below)

I also suggest you contact
Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association
http://www.msrpa.org/ (http://www.msrpa.org/)
They should be able to provide a list
of any and all rifle & pistol clubs in your state
and probably those surrounding you.

You can sign up to receive this monthly E-publication
from Shooting Sports U.S.A.
NRA approved matches are listed in the back of this
publication from all over the country.
Here is a link to the March issue;
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nra/ssusa_201103/#/0 (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nra/ssusa_201103/#/0)

On page 31 is where I found the match
listed in Centerville there is also one in Haggerstown
listed. Both are  under Other Tournaments  International
Air Rifle.

You can sign up to receive this publication via e-mail
here; http://www.nrapublications.org/ssusa/ (http://www.nrapublications.org/ssusa/)
I have never received any spam e-mails from this group
(NRA) or their sponsors.

I am sorry that I cannot add much input on the rifles themselves.
I have only shot a couple of FWB 300's which shot incredibly well.
But these are not on your list, which are fine choices by the way.

If you are to contact either of the groups listed in the Shooting
sports magazine, you will be sure to find folks in the local
clubs very accommodating to new people to the sport.
Whether you are wanting to compete or just get a good sense
of the rifles available.
You have waited this long for your gem of a rifle, you owe it
to yourself to visit these matches, and the folks participating in
and running them.
I have never visited a club where you were not allowed to fondle
and more than likely shoot the rifles that belongs to it's members.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 24, 2011, 09:27:43 AM
Thanks for your comments ac12 and for the link to targettalk. I do appreciate all input into my decision.

And, Brushy Bill, thanks for all the research on my behalf. I was aware of the Izaac Walton League's range not far from me, but it seems they have quite the waiting list, and despite my local contacts with the law enforcement community in Hagerstown, I'm not able to locate anyone who would directly sponsor me.

On a further note, I did make a decision on purchasing "the" gun. I went with the  Feinwerkbau 700 Aluminum Silver. I've started week 2 of a 6 week wait for it. By the time I get it, the weather will have warmed up and I'll be back to punching holes in paper.

Thank you all very much once again for your comments and suggestions. The GTA certainly lives up to its reputation as the best AG forum on the web. And AG shooters are certainly a friendly and helpful group of people.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 24, 2011, 02:53:27 PM
Thanks John... photos will follow. and if I'm feeling brave maybe some target pics... :D
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: ac12 on February 24, 2011, 08:38:45 PM
Spend a LOT of time getting the rifle configured to fit you.
The gross settings will be fast, but the tweaking and fine tuning can take a week or more.  Shoot a while and tweak it more, and repeat.  One comment, sometimes something may not feel right, but that might only be because you have not done it before, so your body does not know what to feel for.

If you don't have it, there are 2 books that you might want to get:
- Ways of the Rifle
- Air Rifle Shooting
I got mine from Pilkingtons
http://www.pilkguns.com/books.shtml (http://www.pilkguns.com/books.shtml)
Great books, I only wish I had them before I started shooting match ARs.  Would have saved a lot of agony of not knowing what I was doing.  There are good info on setting up the stance.

ps if you don't have a shooting jacket, a cheap alternative (which is not competition legal) is a back belt from Home Depot.  That is what I use.  Similarly an old ski mitten would provide a padded glove in place of a shooting glove.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: wrecktangle on February 25, 2011, 09:01:46 AM
Thanks for the reminder ac12... sometimes we think we "know it all" and can't possibly think we can learn anything else. The attitude..... heck, I've been shooting for XX years, there's nothing I can learn. But those great books you suggested do bring us down a notch, and we have the "I didn't know that" moment. Just like reading GTA, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't go "doh" smacking my self in the head and saying... what a great suggestion!

Great link there John! Thanks. Looks like I'll be using it as a reference. I haven't reached the end of the internet after all.   http://www.1112.net/lastpage.html (http://www.1112.net/lastpage.html)
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: Brushy Bill on February 25, 2011, 11:51:29 AM
For spysir
Thanks for the link John, there is some very good reading
there.
Title: Re: Olympic/Match Grade Rifles - Suggestions?
Post by: ac12 on February 25, 2011, 08:02:36 PM
wrecktangle
The stance in the books is primarily a "European" stance, where most of the weight is on the front leg.  I think the book was written in Germany by a German.
This is different than the "American" stance that my AR coach taught me, where the weight is even on both legs.
IMHO neither is better, just different.
Like the title of one of the book "WAYS of the rifle."  Note the plural wayS.  The author discovered that there is no ONE WAY, there are MANY WAYS that work.