GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Big Bore AirGun Gate => Topic started by: triggertreat on December 09, 2018, 06:03:57 PM
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I am very impressed with the AAA .357 Slayer. Tom has done an amazing job in building this gun. The fit and finish is top notch. I am very pleased at how light it is, how well it shoulders and how smooth and easy it is to cock. I received the Slayer yesterday so I have only taken a few quick shots with it so far in the backyard un-scoped. It is very powerful and I have no doubts now that it will be the perfect hog and deer hunting gun I have been searching for to replace my very loud .270 PB. It is not backyard friendly for close neighbors, but I knew that going in being it's a 275-300 FPE gun. It is not that overly loud either, and much quieter than my PB, which is great and what I was wanting.
I came across this slightly reduced priced right hand version but was wanting a left hand version, but with the really easy cocking effort, I'm not really having an issue with it being a right hand version. This is my first experience with a bull pup and can say already that I really like it over the longer traditional style guns. I am in search for a scope for this Slayer before I sight it in and put it in front of a chronograph to check its tune.
(https://i.ibb.co/P4FBXKn/New-to-me-357-Slayer.jpg)
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Cool, looking forward to hear you long term thoughts.
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They really make a nice rifle. If they ever build the .308 high power rifle I’m in. Looking forward to your review and tuning.
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WOOF !!!
I got to shoot the Slayer a few years ago when Tom was early in his manufacturing ... IMPRESSIVE guns to be sure.
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Nice looking Slayer Keith!
Looking forward to hearing what you think about it when you get a scope on it and out shooting it.
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They really make a nice rifle. If they ever build the .308 high power rifle I’m in. Looking forward to your review and tuning.
Yes, the rifles do look really nice, but not available currently. When they do become available, I'd say they will go quick. In my conversation with Tom, I do remember him saying that he was making some moves to help with build times. These are basically custom built CNC machined guns that are of the highest quality and they do take time to build and make. I really do like that they are American made.
I have been checking the Slayer platform out in a little more detail and can tell you the build quality in this platform is of really high quality. It's very easy to hold off hand and shoot. It is short, light, and is super easy to cock with about a 3lb cocking force. The cocking lever is so smooth it falls forward all on its own when no slug is being seated. The mags are all metal and work very smoothly. They also lock into place with two slots/pins so there's no guess work there.
The balanced valve is externally adjustable for dwell timing, and the hammer spring is externally adjustable for fine tuning. The trigger is also externally adjustable for both the 1st and 2nd stages along with the trigger over travel. There is an adjustment for the trigger position, but that is not externally adjustable. The Slayer has a pull system for the trigger connecting rod instead of a push system like many bull pups with creeping triggers that I've read about. I'm no expert but can say the trigger is very smooth with a crisp clean break. I may need to adjust mine a little because it is very light on the 2nd stage for a hunter with this much power.
I really like that is has a very stout/rigid cantilever scope mount which makes the entire barrel and shroud free floated from everything else. The TJ barrel is tensioned so no set screws holding the barrel in place. The shroud and barrel are very rigid. It has a solid backbone running all the way across the bottom that supports everything above it. It's hard to believe it has a 400cc titanium tank in there but it does. A very well designed gun.
If you ever decide to get a bull pup, you wont believe just how light and well balanced they are not to mention the power they have. It has a five position butt stock for a custom fit that I really like. My Marauder is a tank compared to the way the Slayer feels shouldered even though it weighs the same as my Synrod. I thought the Slayer would have a lot more recoil, and it does have some but nothing like what I was thinking for the power it has.
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They really make a nice rifle. If they ever build the .308 high power rifle I’m in. Looking forward to your review and tuning.
Yes, the rifles do look really nice, but not available currently. When they do become available, I'd say they will go quick. In my conversation with Tom, I do remember him saying that he was making some moves to help with build times. These are basically custom built CNC machined guns that are of the highest quality and they do take time to build and make. I really do like that they are American made.
I have been checking the Slayer platform out in a little more detail and can tell you the build quality in this platform is of really high quality. It's very easy to hold off hand and shoot. It is short, light, and is super easy to cock with about a 3lb cocking force. The cocking lever is so smooth it falls forward all on its own when no slug is being seated. The mags are all metal and work very smoothly. They also lock into place with two slots/pins so there's no guess work there.
The balanced valve is externally adjustable for dwell timing, and the hammer spring is externally adjustable for fine tuning. The trigger is also externally adjustable for both the 1st and 2nd stages along with the trigger over travel. There is an adjustment for the trigger position, but that is not externally adjustable. The Slayer has a pull system for the trigger connecting rod instead of a push system like many bull pups with creeping triggers that I've read about. I'm no expert but can say the trigger is very smooth with a crisp clean break. I may need to adjust mine a little because it is very light on the 2nd stage for a hunter with this much power.
I really like that is has a very stout/rigid cantilever scope mount which makes the entire barrel and shroud free floated from everything else. The TJ barrel is tensioned so no set screws holding the barrel in place. The shroud and barrel are very rigid. It has a solid backbone running all the way across the bottom that supports everything above it. It's hard to believe it has a 400cc titanium tank in there but it does. A very well designed gun.
If you ever decide to get a bull pup, you wont believe just how light and well balanced they are not to mention the power they have. It has a five position butt stock for a custom fit that I really like. My Marauder is a tank compared to the way the Slayer feels shouldered even though it weighs the same as my Synrod. I thought the Slayer would have a lot more recoil, and it does have some but nothing like what I was thinking for the power it has.
Very good info Keith. I’ve been looking at their big bores as well but just cannot get to liking the looks of the Bullpup. When or IF they decide to come out with a rifle, then they’ll have a customer. Until then, I’ll just read your experience with the Bullpup and gage from there.
Peter
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I here ya. It's best to get what you really want at these price levels. I did want an all black bull pup with an adjustable LOP so I'm very happy with the Slayer. Pretty woods on traditional stocks are nice to look at for sure, but not as practical for my hunting needs as I have a unique situation with one of my arms from a birth defect. My non-adjustable traditional Marauder stocks have always been an issue for me. The bull pup is what I really needed and I will probably stick with bull pups from here on out seeing's now how much better of a fit they are for me and also how much more well balanced they are A traditional stock with an adjustable LOP would probably work too, but the selections on them are slim with all of the features I would want. I remember Tom Costan saying that those that don't like bull pups have probably never shot one. I totally agree with his statement on that.
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I can't think of a better built gun then the AmericanAirArms is offering.
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I can't think of a better built gun then the AmericanAirArms is offering.
I have been hee hawing around for quite some time trying to decide which way to turn in getting a hog/deer gun using air. Many were either as loud or louder than my PB or didn't have enough power to give me confidence in a lethal kill. I really wanted a Crown .30 cal, but they lack the power, same with the FX boss. Bulldogs seem to be a lot of trouble and reminded me of my Marauder issues, but could be modified to work if the accuracy was there. I didn't get the warm fuzzy there.
Discovering the Slayer, I knew it was perfect for me. The build quality, having the very accurate TJ tensioned barrel, the titanium reservoir, the externally adjustable balanced valve, the easy cocking, having 275 FPE of power in a repeater and being the quietest big bore available in that power range, I just had to own one. Also, watching several different air gunners shooting GS out at 150-200 yards plus over and over many times was just a no brainer for me. Even though I haven't hunted with it yet, I am very happy with my decision to own a Slayer.
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I got to shoot a .308 Slayer when I hosted Brian.in.MI (Airgunner.usa) for a deer hunt on my farm. In fact my understanding is that it was the actual Slayer that won the big bore category at Extreme Bench Rest. Very impressive gun. At first I had to get used to the shroud venting air on me. Its not a harsh blast, just enough to make me reflexively jump when I felt it. Once I got used to it, it was giving pellet-like accuracy at 50 yards with the 99 grain Nielsens set around 200fpe.
The quietness really got me. There were times Brian was shooting while I was in my workshop with the door open and it sounded like a .25 Marauder being shot outside the door. The gun sounds loud in the ear if you're shooting it, but its very quiet just a few feet away from it. When Brian killed the second deer I was at least 300 yards away from him and when he shot it sounded like a twig snapping about 50 yards away. I wasn't sure that it wasn't a small animal walking on the edge of my yard that snapped a twig until I found out he had just taken the deer. Very impressive.
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I was able to get the Slayer sited in today and am very impressed with my first ever 5 shot group. My backyard range is limited to 50 yards currently, but this does give me a good idea of its accuracy. I only ran one 5 shot group on one full mag. Not bad being the first time I have shot a group with this gun. It basically drilled a single ragged hole I asked my wife if she could hear me shooting out on the deck and she said no. It's kinda backyard friendly if you ask me and really not that overly loud when adding the DonnyFL Emperor pickle.
Here is the 6 shot string. Although I probably will only shoot it once or twice during a hunt, I do like the 3 shot bell curve with a 0.85% ES. I'm pretty sure I can take it up to the max fill of 3800psi and get more shots within the 2.3% ES at shot #4. Looking at the group, I didn't see any drop in POI with the 6th shot. Maybe out at 100 yards I might have seen a small drop?
(https://i.ibb.co/XDWDLSL/1st-357-Slayer-string-12-11-18.png)
Here is the 5 shot group at 50 yards with one site in shot above to equal the six shot mag I emptied:
(https://i.ibb.co/C0CmDyL/1st-357-Slayer-5-shot-group-12-11-18.png)
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I was able to get the Slayer sited in today and am very impressed with my first ever 5 shot group. My backyard range is limited to 50 yards currently, but this does give me a good idea of its accuracy. I only ran one 5 shot group on one full mag. Not bad being the first time I have shot a group with this gun. It basically drilled a single ragged hole I asked my wife if she could hear me shooting out on the deck and she said no. It's kinda backyard friendly if you ask me and really not that overly loud when adding the DonnyFL Emperor pickle.
Here is the 6 shot string. Although I probably will only shoot it once or twice during a hunt, I do like the 3 shot bell curve with a 0.85% ES. I'm pretty sure I can take it up to the max fill of 3800psi and get more shots within the 2.3% ES at shot #4. Looking at the group, I didn't see any drop in POI with the 6th shot. Maybe out at 100 yards I might have seen a small drop?
(https://i.ibb.co/XDWDLSL/1st-357-Slayer-string-12-11-18.png)
Here is the 5 shot group at 50 yards with one site in shot above to equal the six shot mag I emptied:
(https://i.ibb.co/C0CmDyL/1st-357-Slayer-5-shot-group-12-11-18.png)
I would say she’s a shooter but man she’s a darn tack driver. Heck of a first group. Just imagine when you get used to her. Scary thought to say the least. Not too many big bores can do that many shots and have that tight of a group MAKING THAT MUCH POWER. Awesome Keith.
Peter
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Amazing first group!!!
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Outstanding group Keith! American made airguns are something special that's for sure!
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Nice looking groups Keith.
You’re a lucky guy, 50 yard range in backyard where you shoot a big bore Airgun.
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Thanks guys! This is the ultimate big bore gun to have in my opinion. The power is really something else to experience. My backstop consisted of a large box packed with rolled up old clothes and rubber mulch and a 1" pine board, then behind that was a 1" thick solid oak board and then behind that a tree. The box and the oak board was no match. It blew right through the 1" solid oak board. I really didn't think it would do that but it did. I have a large ~ 26" oak log I will put in place if I do this again. I don't plan on shooting it here again really. It was just to site it in and check it out. I have better/safer places I can go shoot it on my hunting land. Now that I know all is good, it's time to setup a hunting trip after Christmas.
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I use a large box filled to the top with rubber mulch, it will stop the slayer at 3 yards at 250 fpe. Happy hunting.
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I use a large box filled to the top with rubber mulch, it will stop the slayer at 3 yards at 250 fpe. Happy hunting.
I haven't had any luck with rubber mulch. My box is basically filled with it and some tightly rolled up rags. I finally got it good enough for my 56 FPE Marauder so I could tune it in my man cave/shed. It's the fine stuff so maybe there is a better type to use.
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I haven't had any luck with rubber mulch. My box is basically filled with it and some tightly rolled up rags. I finally got it good enough for my 56 FPE Marauder so I could tune it in my man cave/shed. It's the fine stuff so maybe there is a better type to use.
I've had really good luck with rubber mulch, packed tight. It handles up to 100 fpe without a single pellet ever making it to the back of the box. I think the key is the tight packing.
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Congrat's!!! Man, what a shooter!!!
I use a mix of fine and course rubber much in a 5 gal bucket on end. It is packed down using he haft of a sledge hammer. In the bottom, is a 1/4 steel plate. It will stop my 1911 .45 aand the 200 fpe Talon/Dor just fine.
Peter, you know you want one! ;D
Mike
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Congrat's!!! Man, what a shooter!!!
I use a mix of fine and course rubber much in a 5 gal bucket on end. It is packed down using he haft of a sledge hammer. In the bottom, is a 1/4 steel plate. It will stop my 1911 .45 aand the 200 fpe Talon/Dor just fine.
Peter, you know you want one! ;D
Mike
Thanks! That sounds like something to try to stop this ~300 FPE masterpiece.
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Congrat's!!! Man, what a shooter!!!
I use a mix of fine and course rubber much in a 5 gal bucket on end. It is packed down using he haft of a sledge hammer. In the bottom, is a 1/4 steel plate. It will stop my 1911 .45 aand the 200 fpe Talon/Dor just fine.
Peter, you know you want one! ;D
Mike
Hey Mike,
Lol...I would love an Air Arms. Just not a Bullpup. Traditional rifle for me.
Peter
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I kinda feel the same Peter, but I have never shot a pup. Might change my mind if actually shooting one.
I want to shoot your Flex one day. ;) I need to bring over the RS .257 to see what you think of it. 8)
Mike
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I was right there with Peter with only traditional style guns, just old fashioned is my deal. But, with AAA having the quietest big bore with the Slayer, I went for it. Now that I have experienced a bull pup, and how more well balanced it is, I may never go back to traditional styles. There's the looks too. I find the Slayer more technical and stealth looking and that fits me well also. All my guns are black through out and that's good for me.
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
The Slayer has a rail all the way across the bottom. No problem with attaching a bipod ;) I shot my group resting on a bag. It has enough length for that.
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
I tried to convince Tom of the need for a .257 for years. For whatever reason, it only angered him. :(
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
I tried to convince Tom of the need for a .257 for years. For whatever reason, it only angered him. :(
I can somewhat relate. I built a windows spreadsheet and all I heard from some was that it didn't work on Mac and cell phones lol, cheese whiz. I say appreciate what has been accomplished.
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
I tried to convince Tom of the need for a .257 for years. For whatever reason, it only angered him. :(
I can somewhat relate. I built a windows spreadsheet and all I heard from some was that it didn't work on Mac and cell phones lol, cheese whiz. I say appreciate what has been accomplished.
Keith ,
I 5hink I may have asked about it working on my apple tablet . Meant no harm , you have a great tool made and I’m sure it’s greatly appreciated by most of us who use it . When I’m doing Chrony work it’s usually in my basement so I bring a laptop with me . I’m still on the fence about buying chrony connect , that would make the spreadsheet even better .
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
I tried to convince Tom of the need for a .257 for years. For whatever reason, it only angered him. :(
I can somewhat relate. I built a windows spreadsheet and all I heard from some was that it didn't work on Mac and cell phones lol, cheese whiz. I say appreciate what has been accomplished.
Keith ,
I 5hink I may have asked about it working on my apple tablet . Meant no harm , you have a great tool made and I’m sure it’s greatly appreciated by most of us who use it . When I’m doing Chrony work it’s usually in my basement so I bring a laptop with me . I’m still on the fence about buying chrony connect , that would make the spreadsheet even better .
I don't remember any names on that and is not important to me, nor is it really the point I'm attempting to make. Glad that you are getting some good use out of it.
It's clear from many post that Knife has found great value in the .257 caliber. I don't think the masses have found this value and is good reasoning why AAA hasn't built the .257 caliber. Why go through hundreds of hours of labor and tons of cost to develop a caliber that the masses wouldn't appreciate. Too bad for those who enjoy that caliber, but from a business stand point I'm sure they understand.
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I've had both rifles and bullpups but still prefer a rifle. But again most my shooting is off a bipod and I shoot them better off a bipod than a bullpup. But they are handy thats for sure! If they made a .257 rifle I'd also own one as well
I tried to convince Tom of the need for a .257 for years. For whatever reason, it only angered him. :(
I can somewhat relate. I built a windows spreadsheet and all I heard from some was that it didn't work on Mac and cell phones lol, cheese whiz. I say appreciate what has been accomplished.
Keith ,
I 5hink I may have asked about it working on my apple tablet . Meant no harm , you have a great tool made and I’m sure it’s greatly appreciated by most of us who use it . When I’m doing Chrony work it’s usually in my basement so I bring a laptop with me . I’m still on the fence about buying chrony connect , that would make the spreadsheet even better .
I don't remember any names on that and is not important to me, nor is it really the point I'm attempting to make. Glad that you are getting some good use out of it.
It's clear from many post that Knife has found great value in the .257 caliber. I don't think the masses have found this value and is good reasoning why AAA hasn't built the .257 caliber. Why go through hundreds of hours of labor and tons of cost to develop a caliber that the masses wouldn't appreciate. Too bad for those who enjoy that caliber, but from a business stand point I'm sure they understand.
+ that, well stated
like I think the 7mm is an excellent caliber and better than .257 or .308 for multiple reasons but I recognize it's too late to the game and everything you said applies preventing it's development.
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Very nice gun.
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Very nice gun.
Thanks! I'm not trying to sound to partial, but it truly is.
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There's a big chance that once Tom is up and running full steam I will sell all my guns and get a .452 and an EVOL .30
Those 2 guns would cover all my needs.
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There's a big chance that once Tom is up and running full steam I will sell all my guns and get a .452 and an EVOL .30
Those 2 guns would cover all my needs.
You have a really nice list that would make many new and proud owners of them.
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I was playing with the Slayer tuning today. Looks like I am getting a better bell curve now. I was using some lighter 120gr cast that I have more of, lol. I have to save the good/proven ones until I get to casting my own. The Slayer is easy from here to increase the power for heavier slugs by just adjusting the valve dwell a quarter turn or so.
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Still the best American made air rifle hands down and Im not just saying that because Tom and I are friends its the truth!
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I believe it 100 percent!
Knife
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It is a true honor to own a Slayer. The build quality, accuracy and power will make an air gunner drool.
Hopefully I'll be able to put the Slayer to the ultimate test next month on my 10 day hog hunting trip I have planned. I plan to use my own cast boolits too, which will be the NOE 152gr HP tuned somewhere in the 900's.
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I hope you can get a hog or two Keith! Enjoy the hunt because the real work comes after you pull the trigger.
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I hope you can get a hog or two Keith! Enjoy the hunt because the real work comes after you pull the trigger.
You know it...I've dressed one before. They do have tough hide. Our gang has dispatched 4 already this year and their freezers are full, so it's my turn.
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yea, once you poke a hole in the hide and get underneath it they are a lot better on knife blades for sure.
Happy hunting Keith! I am so jealous of your hunt and cannot wait for my turn to come.
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Just a follow up to the hunt. No hog this round as I jammed up the Slayer on the first day with a slug put in backwards. What luck, but I will try again for sure later on. I was able to eat some fine hog off the grill though because my buddies brought some burgers and sausage for the grill from the six they collected on previous hunts. One of the best burgers I think I have ever had. It was mixed with some venison, too.
It was my first time using one of the two mags I have. I should have paid closer attention to how they get loaded.
All is not lost though because I have been fine tuning the Slayer and getting more use to it for the next hunt. I replaced the breech O-ring after I discovered a leak coming from it while messing around with it and fixing the jammed slug aftermath. I bought a used Slayer and always wanted to start out with a new seal to begin with. I know from messing with my other guns how critical that seal needs to be for the best tune possible.
Here is my latest tune with the new O-ring installed that I ordered from AAA. The gun's report is more friendly now, and I got an extra shot within the same 2.3% ES I had before. I'm pretty happy with this tune and how much quieter it is now.
Oh, P.S...If anyone is curious. The .357 Slayer will produce over 300 FPE if you want. During tuning, using the new NOE/Carl slug (358-152-HP GC CF4) cast and sorted at 150gr, I hit 312 FPE.
(https://i.ibb.co/9WN79KX/New-NOE-358-152-HP-GC-CF4-02-with-357-Slayer.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0mBNKfC/1st-cast-with-New-NOE-358-152-HP-mould.jpg)
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I hate that it happened to your on a hunt. I did the same thing the other night when varmint hunting. GRRRR! and it damaged the o ring.
Live and learn!
Nice numbers. I still say it looks like an NOE RD.
Mike
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@ Knife ;)
Yup, some people do stereotype and say "all bullets look alike": it's made of lead, has grooves and a HP.... very similar bullets ;D
BUT it really was NOT designed as a clone of a Ranch Dog and has differences. Form follows function means evolution/design can come from two different directions and get a similar form though, hence all bullets have a similar shape to do their jobs. [Consider fish or birds shapes as another example of this, they generally share most characteristics to perform in their environment efficiently]
I have some molds bought directly from Ranch dog back when he was in business and the grooves are different. Of course, some people say he 'stole' the idea for his grooves from the Loverian style but I think it's just great minds think alike and again' form follows function'.
See also the drawing of my bullet (358-152-HP) which is what is being shot in the Slayer, discussed above.
And some pictures of fired ones here https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/new-357-air-rifle-bullet-at-noe/ (https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/new-357-air-rifle-bullet-at-noe/)
Unfortunately, every game animal shot with one, the bullet has passed through (after doing an EXCELLENT JOB!!! I am so proud of my 'baby' ;D) so I have no recovered ones. I am hoping someone else will recover one and post 'actual' results.
FYI - I designed my grooves to :
Guide/support the bullet straight into and down the bore (internal ballistics)
Have low area so less bore friction, hence higher velocity
Lighten the bullet so I could make it longer for better aerodynamics yet not be too heavy to shoot in an air rifle
Have angled sides so to have better fill out and drop from the mold easier
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Yes, seeing the pic the driving bands are indeed different. No doubt, very effective for our uses. ;)
However, they a are, in the NOE offering, very similar.
For what ever reason, the pic here shows the me-plat not as large and flat as it actually is. Very very similar. Particularly after Eric performs his majic. Best bullet I have ever used for game.
Seems great minds do think alike. ;)
I really like that wider mp-plat on your bullet. Mine also have the GC and really shoot well.
Seems pistol bullets perform best on game as our velocities are very similar. ;)
(http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/images/n.o.e._bullet_moulds_sc260-80-rf_pb_d3_sketch.jpg)
Mike
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I took my Slayer out of the case today and it was out of air. I loaded a slug and then filled it up to 3000 psi. It's loosing about 100 psi every hour. It's S/N 102. Hoping for some answers as to how I should go about repairing the leak.
I suspect it's the valve, but could be completely wrong. When I got it used, it had a slow leak, but when I shot it a bunch it stopped leaking. At least to where I couldn't note a leak for a couple of days. That's why I say that.
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Here is a link to some air leak solutions posted on PA. You may have already tried the dry fire method but if not, would be worth a shot. https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2014/03/common-pcp-leaks-and-some-common-fixes/ (https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2014/03/common-pcp-leaks-and-some-common-fixes/)
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Thanks! This morning the leak has grown to the point that I can now discern where it's coming from. It is leaking out between the upper and lower receivers behind the mag slot. To me this in indicative of a valve O-ring leak. Air is not leaking out of the TP/barrel.
That's good news and nothing unexpected with a PCP. All I need to do now is sort out what O-rings are needed, and what's the best way to disassemble to repair the issue. I have already broken the gun down to repair a cocking bolt issue, so I am somewhat familiar with some assembly of it. I also have the schematics downloaded from the AAA site, but will send an email to Tom for parts and advice.
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Thanks! This morning the leak has grown to the point that I can now discern where it's coming from. It is leaking out between the upper and lower receivers behind the mag slot. To me this in indicative of a valve O-ring leak. Air is not leaking out of the TP/barrel.
That's good news and nothing unexpected with a PCP. All I need to do now is sort out what O-rings are needed, and what's the best way to disassemble to repair the issue. I have already broken the gun down to repair a cocking bolt issue, so I am somewhat familiar with some assembly of it. I also have the schematics downloaded from the AAA site, but will send an email to Tom for parts and advice.
I obtained my used Slayer .357 last week and after a little bench time with it, I mirror Keith's opinions. What a rifle! I ordered a new one back in June and was afraid I would not have it in time for deer season this year so I bought a used one for insurance. I had intentions of selling the used one when I get the new one but now am having second thoughts. I am no airgunsmith by any stretch of the imagination and may just keep them both. That way if a problem with either arises, I have a back up. I know its a lot of money but its a lot of rifle too. As hard as they are to come by, I have no problem being a proud owner of twins LOL!
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Dennis, I suppose two Slayers are better than one. 8) 8) I would want a .308 paired with the .357 ideally.
I just ordered all of the O-rings (I think) to replace my valve and reservoir O-rings, plus some for my Synrods. It will be a new challenge for me to dig inside the Slayer. I do believe I can manage the task. It will not hold air now anyways, so nothing to lose regardless.
I gotta get it ready for hunting season coming up, plus with the weather is about to break. I need to get back to having some fun at the range with some cast slugs I haven't tested yet.
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As stated previously, My Slayer will not hold air anymore. I sent some questions out to Tom last week via email, but decided to answer the questions I had for him myself while I wait for his response.
I ordered all of the O-rings from the O-ring store shown on the Slayer schematics, which are downloadable from the AAA site.
I figure the air leak is coming from one of these five O-rings within the balanced valve. Some of them are very hard. I'll clean everything up and replace these and the others in the gun and hopefully my Slayer will be back up and running soon.
I'll say one thing, this gun is built like a Swiss watch. Very fine craftmanship. Taking this gun apart is quite the experience. There is no loose play with any of the parts at all.
Here is the balanced valve broken-down so you can see the five O-rings within it. Notice also the large valve port :D There is a pictorial view of this valve's inner workings on the AAA site, so I don't feel I'm showing anything secret or proprietary that would Hurt Tom. I can delete the image if I am at anytime since it is a hosted image.
(https://i.ibb.co/4Z1J9gh/357-Slayer-Valve.jpg)
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How are you going to tighten the shroud to tension the barrel now? Or did you get it apart without removing the barrel?
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How are you going to tighten the shroud to tension the barrel now?
I haven't messed with the upper barrel and shroud assembly. I'm only working with the HPA on the lower assembly.
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I know you had a leak but did you have to degas the air cylinder & how do you degas the Slayer?
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I know you had a leak but did you have to degas the air cylinder & how do you degas the Slayer?
It's very simple to degas a Slayer. There are three screws in a row right behind the fill port. The center screw only has a brass washer under it. You just crack that screw to degas.
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I cleaned up the valve, replaced all valve O-rings, and have the valve reinstalled. It's quite the task to do this job. The parts are somewhat fragile and the tolerances are very tight. So far, no issues or scratches detected. I did have to go and buy a strap wrench to bust loose the Ti reservoir. It was on there very tight.
One thing to note about the previously posted valve image is the three outer/external rubber O-rings used. According to the AAA valve diagram, they are suppose to be polyurethane O-rings. I'm not sure what happened on the last rebuild, but I have installed polyurethane O-rings as stated in the diagram in these locations. Hopefully they'll last longer and keep the Slayer's uptime running longer.
I now have the reservoir filled to 3000 psi. I'll check it in the morning to see how it looks.
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I’m havin a hard time understanding how that valve works the way it’s laid out in the picture . It’s the first time I’ve seen how Tom builds his valve ,and it’s quite the design . I should check see if I can get my hands on a diagram for the Slayer . Sure sounds like he has some real innovative components . Would love to see how his probeless system works .
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I cleaned up the valve, replaced all valve O-rings, and have the valve reinstalled. It's quite the task to do this job. The parts are somewhat fragile and the tolerances are very tight. So far, no issues or scratches detected. I did have to go and buy a strap wrench to bust loose the Ti reservoir. It was on there very tight.
One thing to note about the previously posted valve image is the three outer/external rubber O-rings used. According to the AAA valve diagram, they are suppose to be polyurethane O-rings. I'm not sure what happened on the last rebuild, but I have installed polyurethane O-rings as stated in the diagram in these locations. Hopefully they'll last longer and keep the Slayer's uptime running longer.
I now have the reservoir filled to 3000 psi. I'll check it in the morning to see how it looks.
What's the verdict?
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I’m havin a hard time understanding how that valve works the way it’s laid out in the picture . It’s the first time I’ve seen how Tom builds his valve ,and it’s quite the design . I should check see if I can get my hands on a diagram for the Slayer . Sure sounds like he has some real innovative components . Would love to see how his probeless system works .
Yes, the Slayer is quite an innovative design. I like how the balanced valve's dwell is adjustable externally. I have now seen what's going on with that adjustment internally. It's basically controlling a very small port hole within the valve. Don't ask me any more on that, lol.
Regarding the retractable probe assembly, I think it's the most innovative part of the Slayer, kinda. There are a lot of innovations going on though. I have had to take the probe mechanism apart and repair it due to being my fault. It's something to see, and there are a number of parts to it.
I'm just winging it on these repairs. The Slayer is not the easiest gun to dive into. I'll be glad when I have it back together and perfect, which I am getting very close to. It will be brand new like once completed. The thought of shipping the gun off to Tom and risk shipping issues in two directions scares me to the point of diving into it myself. I'd say you better be on your toes if you decide to dive in to repair this gun, and take it very slow. There's a lot to it.
I couldn't imagine designing and building all of these parts, especially all of the internal parts. I don't see how Tom could produce more a few of these per year. Having taken apart my Marauders countless times, and thinking about them. They are very simple toys in comparison to the Slayer.
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I cleaned up the valve, replaced all valve O-rings, and have the valve reinstalled. It's quite the task to do this job. The parts are somewhat fragile and the tolerances are very tight. So far, no issues or scratches detected. I did have to go and buy a strap wrench to bust loose the Ti reservoir. It was on there very tight.
One thing to note about the previously posted valve image is the three outer/external rubber O-rings used. According to the AAA valve diagram, they are suppose to be polyurethane O-rings. I'm not sure what happened on the last rebuild, but I have installed polyurethane O-rings as stated in the diagram in these locations. Hopefully they'll last longer and keep the Slayer's uptime running longer.
I now have the reservoir filled to 3000 psi. I'll check it in the morning to see how it looks.
What's the verdict?
It's down ~ 200 psi. I have done some soap testing and see that there are leaks at the burst disk threads and at the pressure release screw threads. Very easy fixes and am super happy. I'll work on those and run another test.
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I had a leak that dropped about the same amount per day as yours does. Found the leak at the left of 3 screws near the fill valve. Took the allen screw out, cleaned the threads & used blue Loctite to seal it. Gave it a day before re-filling the cylinder and it has not leaked so far.
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I had a leak that dropped about the same amount per day as yours does. Found the leak at the left of 3 screws near the fill valve. Took the allen screw out, cleaned the threads & used blue Loctite to seal it. Gave it a day before re-filling the cylinder and it has not leaked so far.
Thanks! That is the last screw that is leaking still on mine. I made a mistake and used Teflon tape on the drain screw. I cracked my burst disk to drain the reservoir, which also has the tape. I'll have to wait now for the slow drain to finish. I don't want any flying projectiles that I can't find, lol. The tape works good, but blue Loctite would be better.
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Good news! My slayer hasn't lost any air overnight. It's dead on where I left it last night. I had a little trouble with the sealing washer on the center screw behind the fill port. The washer is a very tiny thin brass washer that's roughly 5mm in diameter. I'd like to get a replacement, but may be hard to find.
Anyways, it's time to reassemble the gun and get it tuned for some new slug testing. I suspect the new valve O-rings may need a little break-in period, but we'll see. I'm just happy I now have a Slayer with all new rings that doesn't leak, and is cleaned up on the insides.
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Good news! My slayer hasn't lost any air overnight. It's dead on where I left it last night. I had a little trouble with the sealing washer on the center screw behind the fill port. The washer is a very tiny thin brass washer that's roughly 5mm in diameter. I'd like to get a replacement, but may be hard to find.
Anyways, it's time to reassemble the gun and get it tuned for some new slug testing. I suspect the new valve O-rings may need a little break-in period, but we'll see. I'm just happy I now have a Slayer with all new rings that doesn't leak, and is cleaned up on the insides.
I'm sure that's a load off your mind!
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Good news! My slayer hasn't lost any air overnight. It's dead on where I left it last night. I had a little trouble with the sealing washer on the center screw behind the fill port. The washer is a very tiny thin brass washer that's roughly 5mm in diameter. I'd like to get a replacement, but may be hard to find.
Anyways, it's time to reassemble the gun and get it tuned for some new slug testing. I suspect the new valve O-rings may need a little break-in period, but we'll see. I'm just happy I now have a Slayer with all new rings that doesn't leak, and is cleaned up on the insides.
I'm sure that's a load off your mind!
Yes it is, but will be more so once I fill it up to 3800 psi and fire it off a few times. I don't like dry firing a complex balanced valve, so haven't.
I just got it fully put back together. I'll need to top off my tank and pick a cooler time to tune it out in my shed. The shed is showing 103° remotely currently. >:(
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Good news! My slayer hasn't lost any air overnight. It's dead on where I left it last night. I had a little trouble with the sealing washer on the center screw behind the fill port. The washer is a very tiny thin brass washer that's roughly 5mm in diameter. I'd like to get a replacement, but may be hard to find.
Anyways, it's time to reassemble the gun and get it tuned for some new slug testing. I suspect the new valve O-rings may need a little break-in period, but we'll see. I'm just happy I now have a Slayer with all new rings that doesn't leak, and is cleaned up on the insides.
I'm sure that's a load off your mind!
Yes it is, but will be more so once I fill it up to 3800 psi and fire it off a few times. I don't like dry firing a complex balanced valve, so haven't.
I just got it fully put back together. I'll need to top off my tank and pick a cooler time to tune it out in my shed. The shed is showing 103° remotely currently. >:(
I hear you. East TN's weather has been record heat for several days now. What happened to fall? We haven't had a drop of rain since last month either.
I hadn't thought about any possible issues with dry firing my Slayer - I have done so a couple of times. I will make it a point not to do it again. But if I ever have a leak, I know an experienced Slayer gunsmith in state ;) ;)
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I don't know for sure if dry firing a Slayer will damage anything or not. I do know if avoiding it, it will be one less thing to be concerned with. The other is that there is no back pressure like when a slug is loaded, so the valve's O-rings may see more pressure or stress when firing without a slug.
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I am thinking that most big bore manufacturers would discourage dry firing. Brent at Extreme warns against it.
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I am receiving PMs requesting Slayer O-ring info for rebuilds. Here is a list of the O-rings I ordered from The O-Ring Store to replace the valve, TP and HPA O-rings. I found all of these listed on the AAA site in the downloadable pdf files. After replacing these O-rings, my Slayer is now holding air for days without any leaks.
(https://i.ibb.co/v13XcPb/357-Slayer-O-rings-except-breech-O-ring.jpg)
In the recent past, I ordered a new breech O-ring from the AAA site as they are made of a special compound and should last much longer. After installing the new breech O-ring, I was able to get one extra shot within my same ES. If you have an older gun, I'd recommend ordering a new breech O-ring or two.
What I have noticed after replacing these listed O-rings is more power capability. While shooting it, the shots appear to be quieter to my ears, too. When starting the new tune, I hit 997 FPS with a 150gr slug with the valve's dwell turned back from full open nearly two full turns, so there was more to be had, which I don't care for in tuning for a bell curve with a low ES. My previous max was 932 fps (IIRC) with the valve's dwell fully opened. I am not sure why this is, but of course there's the hammer spring at play as well so take this with some salt. At any rate, I know the Slayer can hit 331 FPE at least. ;D
Here is my first preliminary tune attempt after rebuilding the .357 Slayer that started out leaking air overnight and then became much worse over time. I will continue to fine tune and break the new valve O-rings in. My tank dipped too low to continue the fine tuning I wanted to achieve.
(https://i.ibb.co/C8kZLZ3/Slayer-pleminary-tune-after-rebulid-9-25-19.jpg)
Here is my previous tune before the leak started and with much older valve O-rings. My end goal is to get back to five shots with a low ES like I had.
(https://i.ibb.co/zVfSMnw/Slayer-tune.jpg)
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Keith thanks for the information I'm going to order these orings from the oring store and 2-3 breech orings from Tom, again Thanks for the hard work an sharing your findings
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I shot one many years ago at a fun shoot in Kentucky Tom was nice guy down to earth guy
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Keith, sounds like you will have your re-built Slayer dialed in very soon and in plenty of time for the upcoming deer season. You should be proud of your ability to tear it down and re-build as you did. I know I would be.
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Keith, sounds like you will have your re-built Slayer dialed in very soon and in plenty of time for the upcoming deer season. You should be proud of your ability to tear it down and re-build as you did. I know I would be.
Yes I am! This was my second experience with diving into the Slayer. Last year, on the very first day of the hunt, I jammed and bent the bolt/probe assembly when using the mag for the first time and loading a HP in backwards. I am probably most proud of that repair. However, this repair was in a completely different area, so was an all new experience again.
These repairs have also given me great appreciation for what Tom of AAA can do and offer to us. I would recommend sending the Slayer to Tom for repairs. If you do decide to attempt a repair on your own, you'll need patients as the parts are very precision made without slop. It is not a task for a mechanic that values a hammer as his primary tool. Think of it as a Swiss watch when going about it. It's tough but fragile at the same time.
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I received a response from Tom today in regards to the O-ring questions I had awhile back to rebuild my leaking Slayer. He apologized for the late response and stated that there is a full O-ring kit now on the AAA site.
I took a look at the site. There is a full O-ring kit now available for rebuilding a Slayer listed. There is also a separate listing for the 2mm x 30mm for sealing the reservoir tube that I couldn't find in polyurethane at the O-ring store (only Buna 70) if you wanted to go poly for those two.
He also stated this "A leak behind the mag is either the valve body seals or the internal valve seals. Internal valve seals rarely leak".
My Slayer is holding air perfectly now after rebuilding mine a short while back.
https://americanairarms.com/product-category/parts/
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Good info , thanks
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As a side note, Tom said that dry firing on the .308 I had wasn't an issue when I accidentally did so. Regardless, I didn't make a habit of it...i.e. tried not to/never did it again. Why risk blowing anything out?