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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 11:34:19 AM

Title: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 11:34:19 AM
Hello GTA Peoples,

These are the top four underlever spring rifles of my Airgun collection.  The Air Airms Pro-Sport .177 (walnut), the Air Arms Pro-Sport .22 (walnut), the RWS 460 Magnum .22 (beechwood), and the Diana 470TH (beechwood)

This particular collection began 4 years ago with my desire to own a accurate and powerful magnum spring rifle.  Disappointment from previous gas ram magnum air rifles which were a pain to group well with (not to mention being multiple expensive scope killers).  This steered me to see what European (German and English) made springers had to offer. 

Watching and reading countless YouTube and internet reviews peaked my interest in the sleek and refined German made RWS 460 Magnum in .22.  Well long story made short, I purchased her and loved it!  In fact, so much that a few months later I was compelled to buy the Diana 470TH .22!  It has the exact same action with a different stock and metal finish.  The Diana 470TH also differs in that it has a muzzle weight instead of a front site (there are no open sites on the 470TH)  This is no bother because they both have Hawke Airmax 30 scopes mounted with RWS one piece lockdown mount (the best springer mounts ever imo).  They love to eat JSB Jumbo Heavy 15.89 grain and at this point I have lost count on the amount of squirrels 🐿 and doves 🐦 they’ve taken.  Both self-tuned to perfection 👌🏽 with Krytox, Air Venturi Moly Paste, Vortek Sho Spring Kit, and Vortek cup style piston seal.  The 460 Magnum is the perfect magnum underlever hunter and the 470TH is awesome from the bench or field targeting with its stock type. Both shoot an average of 805 fps for 22.5 fpe using JSB 15.89’s. Quarter size groups at 40yards all day long.  I love these rifles!

Chapter 2 (lol)

Once upon a time in England…  Just kidding!  Now on to the “Made in England” underlever springers they’ll probably bury me with.  The Air Arms Pro-Sport .177 & .22 both in in Walnut stocks.  Man oh man!  If there is any springer that can hold it’s own against a PCP it is definitely my AA Pro-Sports!  Maybe not in (fpe) foot pound energy, but in shoot-ability, accuracy, and consistency its right on par!  The .177 Pro-Sport has at least 40 squirrels under its belt numerous possums, doves, jays, and starlings I’ve had the .177 Pro-Sport for 3 years now. It loves Air Arms and JSB 10.34 grain lead and launches them at 815 -830 fps @ 16 fpe. Also wearing a Hawke Airmax 30 with a RWS one piece lockdown mount.

Lastly, the airgun I resisted buying, the Air Arms Pro-Sport .22 walnut!  Now probably my favorite springer of all time.  Boy did I get luck when it came to the walnut stock on this beauty.  This baby has a crazy muesium quality character in the Minelli made walnut.  So yeah, its pretty..  But what’s the best is the accuracy out of this thing using Predator GTO 11.75 grain lead free pellets.  I first began shooting the .22 Pro-Sport with H&N FTT’s looping pellets downrange at 685 fps for 15.5 fpe.  After discovering the Predator lead free GTO’s (pellets I resisted) my velocity and energy jumped to an average of 811 fps @ 17 fpe.  I’ll take the larger numbers thank you.  This springer has a PCP’s soul meaning it is so smooooooth!  It shoots like a gentle gas ram air rifle with absolutely zero vibration/twang.  Shoots hole in hole with ease!  Both Pro-Sports also have Vortek Sho tune kits with Vortek cup style piston seals.  Two-stage gold plated triggers that are on par with any of my FX pcp trigger’s, breaking like a thin glass rod at just under a pound.  For this gun case queen I raised the bar, with a Hawke Sidewinder FFP and a RWS lockdown one piece mount.  Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!  Who else would I tell but my fine GTA peoples!!! 😎

Target in pictures shot at 25 yards, a mix of single and five shot groups. (left .177 & right .22)

Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 11:39:10 AM
A closer view of the Air Arms Pro-Sport .22’s outstanding walnut stock.
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: ranchibi on January 18, 2019, 12:01:08 PM
Joe, very nice stable of underlevers you have accumulated! The Minnelli stock on your AAPS .22 is gorgeous! The best part...they shoot as good as they look :). Enjoy each and everyone of them!
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on January 18, 2019, 01:11:14 PM
Joe....your rifles are Exquisitely NICE !      Wow !



Best Wishes - Tom
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: Geoff on January 18, 2019, 01:50:33 PM
nice rifles and groups ..


CFX and TX200HC are the only underlevers i own.  both shoot well, and would do better IF i shot them more.  LoL

Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: Mikeflys on January 18, 2019, 01:56:42 PM
YO JOE!
I have a 470TH in .22 also. Love her, those Germans know what they are doing! I am a big fan of under leaver vs break barrels. Just not fond of the brake barrel action. I also wanted to experience a piston gun, so I bought a Hatsan Proxima in .177. The walnut stock is really pretty nice, but the overall fit and finish is a bit shy of the German standard. But its a great shooter, my fur targets are all underground sleeping right now. I am getting anxious for them to wake up so I can see what the Proxima can do out in the field. For those who are reading this and cant afford a higher end rifle, a great choice for an underlever is Flying Dragons XS46U. I had one, loved it but wanted to experience a German gun. Sold it to help raise funds for my 470TH. Still am sorry I had to do that. It does not have the raw power of the Magnum spring 470TH, but it shot fantastically. Pellet on pellet at 40-50 yards.
Someday I hope to add an English gun to my stable also. That's going to be a few years out.

I have a question for you Joe, what is that "sock" you have around the stock of your 470TH?
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 04:22:15 PM
YO JOE!
I have a 470TH in .22 also. Love her, those Germans know what they are doing! I am a big fan of under leaver vs break barrels. Just not fond of the brake barrel action. I also wanted to experience a piston gun, so I bought a Hatsan Proxima in .177. The walnut stock is really pretty nice, but the overall fit and finish is a bit shy of the German standard. But its a great shooter, my fur targets are all underground sleeping right now. I am getting anxious for them to wake up so I can see what the Proxima can do out in the field. For those who are reading this and cant afford a higher end rifle, a great choice for an underlever is Flying Dragons XS46U. I had one, loved it but wanted to experience a German gun. Sold it to help raise funds for my 470TH. Still am sorry I had to do that. It does not have the raw power of the Magnum spring 470TH, but it shot fantastically. Pellet on pellet at 40-50 yards.
Someday I hope to add an English gun to my stable also. That's going to be a few years out.

I have a question for you Joe, what is that "sock" you have around the stock of your 470TH?

I have the Hatsan 155 Torpedo and the Hatsan 150 Sniper both in .22.  They are very similar to the Proxima without the multi-shot capability.  I like my Hatsans and although packed with power, they’re not the most refined underlevers.  My Hatsans operate like old farm tractors, where as the Air Arms and Dianas are like luxury cars in comparison.  Don’t get me wrong I can shoot the heck out of those Hatsans very well, but they’re not my preference.

*To answer your question, those “socks” on my 460 & 470TH are cheek rest or comb riser kits that I purchased on Amazon.  They are thinly padded elastic butt-stock sleeves that come with different sized foam inserts to raise a rifles cheek rest level.  They work great and are easier then having custom adjustable comb work done on a stock.  I never take them off.

https://www.amazon.com/Beartooth-Comb-Raising-Kit-2-0/dp/B07BL64PGM (https://www.amazon.com/Beartooth-Comb-Raising-Kit-2-0/dp/B07BL64PGM)
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 04:39:46 PM
Joe, very nice stable of underlevers you have accumulated! The Minnelli stock on your AAPS .22 is gorgeous! The best part...they shoot as good as they look :). Enjoy each and everyone of them!

Joe, very nice stable of underlevers you have accumulated! The Minnelli stock on your AAPS .22 is gorgeous! The best part...they shoot as good as they look :). Enjoy each and everyone of them!
Joe....your rifles are Exquisitely NICE !      Wow !



Best Wishes - Tom
nice rifles and groups ..


CFX and TX200HC are the only underlevers i own.  both shoot well, and would do better IF i shot them more.  LoL



Thanks fellas!!

Better lighting in this picture of the RWS 460 and Diana 470TH
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: Hoosier Daddy on January 18, 2019, 05:10:29 PM
Very nice Joe, no wonder they are your top four!
 The wood on the Air Arms Pro-Sport .22 is breathtaking!
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: eeler1 on January 18, 2019, 05:57:43 PM
Nice stable!! I passed on a PS in walnut with an Elite 4200 scope on it and have been kicking myself ever since. 

I think you may be ready for an HW77, my personal favorite.
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 18, 2019, 07:10:22 PM
Very nice Joe, no wonder they are your top four!
 The wood on the Air Arms Pro-Sport .22 is breathtaking!

Nice stable!! I passed on a PS in walnut with an Elite 4200 scope on it and have been kicking myself ever since. 

I think you may be ready for an HW77, my personal favorite.

Thanks! 

Want a Weihrauch, don’t need a Weihrauch, but want a Weihrauch! Lol
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: bReTt on January 18, 2019, 08:08:46 PM
Pretty cool, Mr. Kool!
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: Mikeflys on January 18, 2019, 08:59:04 PM
YO JOE!
I have a 470TH in .22 also. Love her, those Germans know what they are doing! I am a big fan of under leaver vs break barrels. Just not fond of the brake barrel action. I also wanted to experience a piston gun, so I bought a Hatsan Proxima in .177. The walnut stock is really pretty nice, but the overall fit and finish is a bit shy of the German standard. But its a great shooter, my fur targets are all underground sleeping right now. I am getting anxious for them to wake up so I can see what the Proxima can do out in the field. For those who are reading this and cant afford a higher end rifle, a great choice for an underlever is Flying Dragons XS46U. I had one, loved it but wanted to experience a German gun. Sold it to help raise funds for my 470TH. Still am sorry I had to do that. It does not have the raw power of the Magnum spring 470TH, but it shot fantastically. Pellet on pellet at 40-50 yards.
Someday I hope to add an English gun to my stable also. That's going to be a few years out.

I have a question for you Joe, what is that "sock" you have around the stock of your 470TH?

I have the Hatsan 155 Torpedo and the Hatsan 150 Sniper both in .22.  They are very similar to the Proxima without the multi-shot capability.  I like my Hatsans and although packed with power, they’re not the most refined underlevers.  My Hatsans operate like old farm tractors, where as the Air Arms and Dianas are like luxury cars in comparison.  Don’t get me wrong I can shoot the heck out of those Hatsans very well, but they’re not my preference.


I agree with you Joe, my 470TH is much more refined than the Proxima. I am very pleased with the Proxima, but if I could only have one it would be the 470TH.
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: anti-squirrel on January 19, 2019, 10:46:57 AM
Extremely nice "stable" you got there.  If we considered what you have to be horses, they'd be Cashvan Arabians and Lippanzers.

LOL, my only underlever is more like a disgruntled donkey hybrid- a B-3.

Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: EMrider on January 19, 2019, 12:03:19 PM
Great collection of underlever springers you have there! 

I’m also partial to underlevers over breakbarrels.  I’ll second your comments on the .22 GTO lead free pellets.  A bit pricey, but very well made and accurate.

I’m not familiar with the RWS 460/470, but they are great looking and really deliver the power.

R
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 19, 2019, 12:15:38 PM
Extremely nice "stable" you got there.  If we considered what you have to be horses, they'd be Cashvan Arabians and Lippanzers.

LOL, my only underlever is more like a disgruntled donkey hybrid- a B-3.

Lol 😂
Thanks, so what you’re saying in my spring guns are pictures #’s 1 & 2?

And your’s is picture # 3?

I’m sure your airgun is just fine! 😁

LOL 🙈🙉🙊

Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 19, 2019, 07:58:07 PM
Talk is not worth a whole lot if you can’t back it up, and they say a picture is worth a thousand words.  So, to prove to myself more than anyone I broke out my four top underlevers to accuracy and chronograph test them back to back this afternoon from 35 yards.  I have included pictures of the results below in this post.  Mind you I haven’t shot any of these airguns in over a week, so with no scope adjustments I just fired 10 shots with each gun over the chronograph at a target 35 yards away.  Giving myself only one sighter shot in the top left corner of each target.  Then shooting one shot at each outer bull and lastly a five shot group at the center bullseye 🎯!  This was a pretty fun challenge!  Shots were taken off of shooting sticks and sitting in a stool.  I know with scope adjustments shots would have resulted in mostly bullseye’s, but I wanted to display honest results for you all and for my own integrity.  I love days off work!

Pictures top to bottom:

1.  RWS 460 Magnum(.22), target, & 10 shot chronograph results

2.  DIANA 470TH(.22), target, & 10 shot chronograph results

3.  AIR ARMS PRO-SPORT(.177), target, & 10 shot chronograph results

4.  AIR ARMS PRO-SPORT(.22), target, & 10 shot chronograph results
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: anti-squirrel on January 20, 2019, 10:23:35 PM
Extremely nice "stable" you got there.  If we considered what you have to be horses, they'd be Cashvan Arabians and Lippanzers.

LOL, my only underlever is more like a disgruntled donkey hybrid- a B-3.

Lol 😂
Thanks, so what you’re saying in my spring guns are pictures #’s 1 & 2?

And your’s is picture # 3?

I’m sure your airgun is just fine! 😁

LOL 🙈🙉🙊
This B-3 s my third.  #1 was a clunky crunchy 10# trigger pig, but once I recrowned it is was... A clunky crunchy 10# trigger LASER.  The dovetailed were milled off-center but DANG it could shoot great with irons. 

B-3 #2 eventually found new life as a tomahawk for about 4 throws.  Despite a much better 7-ish pound trigger and perfect dovetails, no amount of barrel prep could help the accuracy.  Tried a total of 29 different pellets... normally I'd blame myself but that gun was a stinker.

This B-3 was a freebie from a friend, and is working pretty darn good.  Plenty good for a 19-yard squirrel, at least. 

And by the way: those are some very nice groups.  Some time, way down the road, I've love to add a Pro-Sport to the collection.  Just a really sharp looking underlever.
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on January 21, 2019, 06:22:19 PM
Extremely nice "stable" you got there.  If we considered what you have to be horses, they'd be Cashvan Arabians and Lippanzers.

LOL, my only underlever is more like a disgruntled donkey hybrid- a B-3.

Lol 😂
Thanks, so what you’re saying in my spring guns are pictures #’s 1 & 2?

And your’s is picture # 3?

I’m sure your airgun is just fine! 😁

LOL 🙈🙉🙊
This B-3 s my third.  #1 was a clunky crunchy 10# trigger pig, but once I recrowned it is was... A clunky crunchy 10# trigger LASER.  The dovetailed were milled off-center but DANG it could shoot great with irons. 

B-3 #2 eventually found new life as a tomahawk for about 4 throws.  Despite a much better 7-ish pound trigger and perfect dovetails, no amount of barrel prep could help the accuracy.  Tried a total of 29 different pellets... normally I'd blame myself but that gun was a stinker.

This B-3 was a freebie from a friend, and is working pretty darn good.  Plenty good for a 19-yard squirrel, at least. 

And by the way: those are some very nice groups.  Some time, way down the road, I've love to add a Pro-Sport to the collection.  Just a really sharp looking underlever.

Thanks & keep air gunning Anti-Squirrel!  Just takes a gun that can hit the mark! 👍🏽 
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on February 12, 2019, 04:15:07 PM
Are there any other 460 magnum or Pro-Sport owners out there?  What is the performance like on your rifles?
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: uglymike on February 12, 2019, 06:51:30 PM
If your house was on fire and you only had time to grab 1 of the 4 rifles, which would it be?
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on February 12, 2019, 07:07:10 PM
If your house was on fire and you only had time to grab 1 of the 4 rifles, which would it be?

Pro-Sport .22

Don’t say things like that!  lol
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: Chpmnkh8r on February 12, 2019, 08:59:03 PM
I've got a RWS 460 MAG .22 I've had it for several years now and if you learn how to hold the stock it shoots lights out!
I'm not fond of carrying it around the woods though. No sling studs or a place to put one up front. I use a Gamo sling, but it doesn't allow much of a follow up shot.
You have a nice stable sir.
Title: Re: The Top Four Underlevers In My Collection!
Post by: JoeKool on February 13, 2019, 08:54:25 AM
I've got a RWS 460 MAG .22 I've had it for several years now and if you learn how to hold the stock it shoots lights out!
I'm not fond of carrying it around the woods though. No sling studs or a place to put one up front. I use a Gamo sling, but it doesn't allow much of a follow up shot.
You have a nice stable sir.

That’s great and thank you.  I personally don’t sling my spring guns (underlevers), but all of my PCP’s have slings I’ve installed on them.  With my underlevers because of the cocking mechanism I just grab the pistol grip and throw the gun over the shoulder.  No problem been hunting that way since I was a kid aka for 35 years.  Old school.