GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Big Bore AirGun Gate => Topic started by: AustinMatt on August 27, 2019, 01:26:27 PM
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Since the forum is light on detailed threads, I thought I would start one up.
Happy to grab photos or measurements as needed from folks.
I finally got a good one, my first showed up clearly used. This new in box Gamo has yet to fire a round (no time!). Hopefully I can get out next week to shoot it. I've got a box of Hunter Supply 150gr pellets and 295gr slugs. I also have a new in box chronograph to go out with me.
As for the rifle. This is the new TC45L, or at least that is what Gamo told me. Rather than the old design which featured a foregrip shroud, barrel, then moderator, this rifle is all shroud (35mm ID and 27.25" long). Gamo acknowledged even they did not have press photos up yet, so no idea what the deal is. The shroud is heavy (618gr). I am already looking at CF replacement options (DIY).
As you can see from the photos, there is an air stripper in there (14mm out hole, 4x 8mm side vents). This is 3.5" from the plastic end cap of the gun. I've got a thread up at SilencerTalk trying to get ideas for baffles or improvements to be made to the design. Everything threads off nice and easy. Everything but the air stripper. It turns, and makes it seem like it is coming off, but lots of rotations doesn't get it off, but makes the barrel hot so no idea.
This must be a multiduty receiver, as there are three sets of threads at the end, the 35mm, 26mm, 21mm. I cannot tell, but it looks like the barrel is then held in with 3 grubs.
I was sad to see, despite some posts out there suggesting otherwise, that you DO HAVE TO REMOVE the scope rail/handle in order to access a grub screw to take off the tank. So not really easy remove for transport. As a result you need a 48" or longer case.
Butt stock is decent, held on with double sided tape. The air tank is branded at Evanix with a noted volume of 29ci. The tank on my gun is dated 11/2018.
AR grip is functional. Mine is loose, even when tighten. Just the slightest bit of twist. I'll throw a different grip on it and if still loose, some double sided tape there as well.
I'll be starting with a Bushnell Tactical Elite 6-24 FFP scope. Kinda heavy, but is what I have (and coming of the too be sold .308 bolt gun this gun is replacing). It holds up really steady, I guess the shroud weight helps with balance.
I don't have a great place to shoot or a large tank, so sorting out shooting places will be tricky, me and my pump. I'm hoping to get out next week to get the scope sighted in. given the hassle of an air pump, I may track down a boresight for it, just to get on paper quicker.
I've got the Caldwell and the app working, so should be able to start dropping data in here too. Maybe we can all tune it up.
What pics do people want?
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Before any mods try shooting it stock. This way you can see what needs to be done or not need to be done.
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No specific mods planned for now. It is loud, I need to get a 9v for my decibel meter. Any mod I would make is to add a baffle stack . Otherwise just collecting data.
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+1 on the baffles! With the power these newer big bores have those sharpies just don't get the job done! :o :o :o ;)
pv
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+1 on the baffles! With the power these newer big bores have those sharpies just don't get the job done! :o :o :o ;)
pv
Yep. I threw that in there to hold it all together for a photo I posted to SilencerTalk so they could really see the current setup.
Since I am on a floor pump I have only gotten it to 1500psi. A dry fire at that pressure is still super loud, so guessing 3500 is going to be far more noise than I was hoping for. So moderator improvement is top of my list.
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It might be worth reaching out to Neil Clague (https://sites.google.com/site/ncairstrippers/home) or DonnyFL (https://donnyfl.com/) and see if they can help. Just know to quiet it down you're going to end up with a longgggg gun. My Texan .45 has the old RL Airguns suppressor on it, it works well but my gun is 56" long. Definitely have to be stealthy when taking a shot but so far I've been able to take a deer with mine with no issues. I hunt in rural areas in MD so I need the quietness to keep my hunting privileges on these small tracts of land and so far so good. Last year was my first season using it so I'm hoping I can take a couple more this year...fingers crossed.
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It might be worth reaching out to Neil Clague (https://sites.google.com/site/ncairstrippers/home) or DonnyFL (https://donnyfl.com/) and see if they can help. Just know to quiet it down you're going to end up with a longgggg gun. My Texan .45 has the old RL Airguns suppressor on it, it works well but my gun is 56" long. Definitely have to be stealthy when taking a shot but so far I've been able to take a deer with mine with no issues. I hunt in rural areas in MD so I need the quietness to keep my hunting privileges on these small tracts of land and so far so good. Last year was my first season using it so I'm hoping I can take a couple more this year...fingers crossed.
Yeah, one thought, to maintain barrel length, would be to throw a longer shroud on there, so instead of 3" of baffles I can get 6-8". I've sourced a CF tube already that would work, with aluminum or steel thread inserts. Would be a fairly cheap way to get it longer.
I'm really interested in how much the barrel length matters for accuracy on this gun. Can I be accurate enough with a 3" shorter barrel, so I could keep the shroud normal size. At 48" the gun is already bigger than any case I already own.
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It might be worth reaching out to Neil Clague (https://sites.google.com/site/ncairstrippers/home) or DonnyFL (https://donnyfl.com/) and see if they can help. Just know to quiet it down you're going to end up with a longgggg gun. My Texan .45 has the old RL Airguns suppressor on it, it works well but my gun is 56" long. Definitely have to be stealthy when taking a shot but so far I've been able to take a deer with mine with no issues. I hunt in rural areas in MD so I need the quietness to keep my hunting privileges on these small tracts of land and so far so good. Last year was my first season using it so I'm hoping I can take a couple more this year...fingers crossed.
Yeah, one thought, to maintain barrel length, would be to throw a longer shroud on there, so instead of 3" of baffles I can get 6-8". I've sourced a CF tube already that would work, with aluminum or steel thread inserts. Would be a fairly cheap way to get it longer.
I'm really interested in how much the barrel length matters for accuracy on this gun. Can I be accurate enough with a 3" shorter barrel, so I could keep the shroud normal size. At 48" the gun is already bigger than any case I already own.
I dont think it is accuracy that youd have to worry about. What would the drop in FPS be? Somebody must have a calculator for that. Maybe it doesnt matter for what you are doing but Im always looking for a way to get more barrel. You can't put it back on or at least it will cost to replace it.
How many pumps are you at? 500?
Here are my notes from a different tank
"300 pumps = 1000 psi for 45 Cubic Inch 4500 psi CF tank
At 330 pump came unscrewed.
now at
500
1500psi"
;)
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Yeah, one thought, to maintain barrel length, would be to throw a longer shroud on there, so instead of 3" of baffles I can get 6-8". I've sourced a CF tube already that would work, with aluminum or steel thread inserts. Would be a fairly cheap way to get it longer.
I'm really interested in how much the barrel length matters for accuracy on this gun. Can I be accurate enough with a 3" shorter barrel, so I could keep the shroud normal size. At 48" the gun is already bigger than any case I already own.
Haha, I hear that, I had to order a special tactical case for my 56" Texan to fit. As far as your need for quieting down, is it in hopes that you can make it more back yard friendly or just so you don't need hearing protection while shooting?
As far as accuracy, I think you'll just have to go out and shoot it stock and see how it does, I haven't seen enough reviews on them but the few I have they looked to be pretty accurate 50-75 yards and gets a little spotty after that. That could be on the shooter though, we all know how long range air gunning is an art that not everyone can master so I take these reviews with a grain of salt. Being made by Evanix I expect a good barrel so I think you will do fine once you find what pill she likes the best. I use NSA 220gn hollow points in mine, it BARELY meets the ridiculous MD .40 caliber and 400FPE requirement (I guessed last year, I got a chrony and proved it a few weeks ago). I'm still not sure how a DNR guy is going to know my FPE, heck he/she will be more enamored I'm actually using an airgun to hunt deer...haha.
So to end my rambling, go shoot it, see what you think and then decide if you can handle shortening the barrel. It will all come down to the right pill and how far you're going to need to shoot. Good luck and keep us updated!
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I don't stalk, just stand hunt, so honestly I could go longer with the shroud. The next size up on case is 56 anyway, so might as well use it, right.
Right now we have to stands on the same 20ac property. We are about 600ft apart and facing different directions. Last year a guy brought out a suppressed 300 blackout shooting subsonic ammo. He took a deer and the ones at my stand barely registered anything had changed. So hoping to get similar with this air rifle (without the NFA wait and paperwork!)
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One Update - I have an old Radio Shack sound meter and gave it a go with the TC45. With the shroud off it was over 110, shroud on it was 91-93 db. So clearly the thing is working. I am not sure the sound meter is right, but the delta might be. This was taken 12" from barrel end.
Still going to throw a couple cups in the 3.5" space. Try to slow air a tiny bit more.
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Another update. Still minimal time at the range, so no full shot count reports. Just getting the glass sorted. Will take it to the deer lease in a couple weeks and run a full string.
BUT, I was looking at the AR grip on it and noticed it was a little loose. I went to tighten it a bit and the inside plate the bolt is agaisnt, just cracked right out. Grip is toast. I tried a couple AR grips I had at home and none seem to actually fit it right. Emailed Gamo and was told I had to send the gun, $15, and then wait 4-6 weeks for them to put a new grip on. Totally nuts. They had no reference for a grip that might fit and no ability to just sell me one of theirs.
This thing better destroy some hogs and be amazing in the field, as it has been less than otherwise.
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I’ve been going to Eagle Peak out in Leander shooting my .457 LSS recently.
Hoping to shoot there tomorrow actually. Haven’t seen any other big bore shooters there and I don’t think the guys who work there have either.
You should come out there sometime- I’d love to see the TC45.
I’m filling a 9L tank I just got today and also have a 6.8L and 3L as well, so I’ve got plenty of air if you need some.
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I’ve been going to Eagle Peak out in Leander shooting my .457 LSS recently.
Hoping to shoot there tomorrow actually. Haven’t seen any other big bore shooters there and I don’t think the guys who work there have either.
You should come out there sometime- I’d love to see the TC45.
I’m filling a 9L tank I just got today and also have a 6.8L and 3L as well, so I’ve got plenty of air if you need some.
I can't make it out there this week, but maybe in the next few. I'll PM you my email address.