GTA
Airguns by Make and Model => Feinwerkbau => Topic started by: Dennis22 on December 21, 2019, 01:40:52 PM
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I have just finished installing a Maccari pro kit in my FWB 124 Deluxe The kit included new seal, spring, front spacer and shim/spacer that fits over the pin on the breach assembly behind the spring. . It has sat in the closet for a lot of years and I had pulled it out a month ago and first shot was still in the barrel, I new it needed a new seal. Research led me to the Maccari kit as what appeared to be the best option.
Done and shooting and seems to be good, however at 30 yards my groups seem to be dismal. about 3" sitting rested. Impact at 10 Yards and 30 yards is about the same.
I do not have access to a chronograph
I am using Crossman premier wadcutters, have not tried any other pellets.
What should I expect from this old girl? I would think much better.
Probably 100 shots since the new kit.
What ore others using for pellets in the FWB 124
Dennis
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Wadcutter pellets are not meant for distance. In my 124 I have had the best luck with JSB/AA 8.44 and 7.87.
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Order a pellet sampler kit from Straightshooters. You will probably find something
your 124 likes.
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It's true about wadcutters not being reliable beyond so many yards, they spiral eventually. I've used Pistol Light Match and regular Match in my FWB and they shoot out so fast it's hard to tell where they break up unless they hit something like steel. They do well in the FWB at 30 yards. Beyond that no way. The CP Pirahna and the CP Heavy Dome work outstandingly well in mine, I am shooting it today with its new scope and seeing great groups at fixed targets at 30 yards.
The FWB is capable of 50 yards. Very few .177s in my book can do this kind of accuracy that FWB has.
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Mine likes the AA 8.44s and H&N sniper mediums best with the AA 10.34s real close behind. Its tuned right at 12 fpe with these pellets.
BD
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Just hoping you got ALL the decomp seal from around the roof of the comp chamber. * There is a bevel at O.D. the seal sits into that needs to be clean.
good technique a 124 will shoot 1/4-3/8 groups at 30 yards all day long.
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If I can do my part properly mine will put pellet in the same hole or real close to it. Definitely 1/4 to 3/8" all day long.
BD
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It might help to clean the barrel if you haven't already. Definitely try different pellets. Tractor Supply carries Winchester dome pellets and Walmart carries Crosman Premier Hollow Point and Pointed pellets that will probably work better than wadcutters at 30 yards. My 124 likes JSB pellets the best.
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Mine likes JSB 8.4's the best, and also shoots Meisterkuglen very well at shorter distances. As other have said, wadcutters start to get wonky has distance gets longer.
I do a lot of shooting indoors at 10 meters punching paper, so I often use wadcutters and have experiemented with several. I have found the the Crossman "match" wadcutters to be the worst I've tried. I've had considerably better luck with a tin of gamo's I once tried. Not sure why, as many of my springers will shoot the super-cheap Crossman hollow points reasonably well, so I expected better from the wadcutters, but two different tins out of different guns all yielded the worst results by far.
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. In my 124 I have had the best luck with JSB/AA 8.44 and 7.87.
Same here....JSB 8.44
My usual shooting distance is 25 yds.
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Thanks for the replys, I purchased this gun new in the early 80's and had the same results then. very good at the short ranges and truly disappointing at any longer range. that was the reason it went in the closset and never really came back out. No one to give advice
I was I believe meticulous about cleaning the piston and chamber. I used a dowel with a couple nails to remove any of the left over seal in the end of the chamber then put a patch on the end to clean any of the micro bits. like wise the piston was cleaned of any left over seal
With the Maccari kit I used his tar to lube the spring and molly lube to in the tube, piston/seal and all the other moving parts.
At short ranges the gun and I are fair shots, I can hit a bottle cap at 15 yds off hand
Thanks to pops76 he offered to send a couple samples inc the JSB 8.4's I ordered a tin of them yesterday based on the recommendations here.
I did pick up a can of the Crossman Premier 7.4 pointed to try as that was the only other option locally. today it is raining and 20 mph wind so I have not tried them yet
I also looked at the 30 yard shots that are in the target thread and that is what I hope this gun is capable of, Me not that good but I do like punching paper.
If it starts to look better I'll be back for some scope recommendations
Thank you so much for all your reply's
Dennis
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Thanks for the replys, I purchased this gun new in the early 80's and had the same results then. very good at the short ranges and truly disappointing at any longer range. that was the reason it went in the closset and never really came back out. No one to give advice
I was I believe meticulous about cleaning the piston and chamber. I used a dowel with a couple nails to remove any of the left over seal in the end of the chamber then put a patch on the end to clean any of the micro bits. like wise the piston was cleaned of any left over seal
With the Maccari kit I used his tar to lube the spring and molly lube to in the tube, piston/seal and all the other moving parts.
At short ranges the gun and I are fair shots, I can hit a bottle cap at 15 yds off hand
Thanks to pops76 he offered to send a couple samples inc the JSB 8.4's I ordered a tin of them yesterday based on the recommendations here.
I did pick up a can of the Crossman Premier 7.4 pointed to try as that was the only other option locally. today it is raining and 20 mph wind so I have not tried them yet
I also looked at the 30 yard shots that are in the target thread and that is what I hope this gun is capable of, Me not that good but I do like punching paper.
If it starts to look better I'll be back for some scope recommendations
Thank you so much for all your reply's
Dennis
I had one in the 80s in .177, the 124. It actually shot well at 20-25 yards then, and it had an upward bent barrel whether on purpose or not but it shot very nicely. Yes it was limited to range.
The SPORT version has serial number FWB12400206 on mine, which is an improved 124 in power. Yes this newer version took awhile to shoot in, thousands of pellets have been through it, and only now I am looking at it as a 50 yard rifle easily. I've never been able to have confidence in a .177 to do that except a well tuned R1 or HW80.
For some reason it has settled on the heavy .177 domed and Pirhana type at 10.5 grains. I'm still a bit annoyed more seem to go to 7-8 grains instead saying that is the best for the .177, but it is not the best for this FWB which does have more power than an 80s FWB 124. ;D
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Mine is #22890 which is supposed to be improved over the early ones lower than #10000
I have less than 1000 shots through it , I did a lot of centerfire bench shooting/plinking and any thing that would not shoot less than one inch at 100 yds wasn't worth the effort. Had a sako 22-250 heavy barrel that just would not shoot, after trying a lot of loads I finally turned the necks and it instantly went to less than 1/2 inch.
I just gave up on the 124. I hope I don't have to again, I like the challenge of getting it right but if it does not start to get better then ?? back to the closet.
It is the only pellet rifle I have so purchasing a chronograph is not in the books but I will start checking the local places to see if there is one I can use. After the re build I would like to know how fast and how consistent it is, partly a test of my very new basic tuning skill. Actually should not say tuning as that would be well beyond what I did
Dennis
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after all the comments I decided to try the Crossman Premier pointed long range pellets, the only other local available option. Weather is not cooperating windy and rain. set up a bench in the garage, out of the rain, and measured 30 yrds. set up a target
I shot one 5 rd group. measured 1.25". though certainly not a bragging group it is so much better than the 3" groups that I am encouraged.
A scope may be a lot closer
Used a table for the bench sand bag under the fore end about mid way from front to Triger guard. I supported the rear against my shoulder and used my off hand under the butt to control elevation
When the weather gets a little (lot) better Ill shoot some more groups.
When bench shooting with jumper what is the best method of resting and holding the gun.
Dennis
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Rest the forestock on your open palm (hand between stock & bag)... You may have to adjust hand placement to& fro on stock to find the " sweet spot" for best groups. Have fun !
Chris
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I am not certain what "jumper" is, but when I bench shoot, I rest on a stack of short lumber pieces (enough to achieve the height I want) with a foam roller or a piece of latex foam on top of the wood stack. I generally rest the gun at the balance point on the stock, and use a fairly loose artillery hold.
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I saw the springers called jumpers in one of the target forums
Next time I get a chance to shoot I will try the artillery hold. Watched a video on how to do it
Hopefully I can learn enough here to start to bring it in
Amazing how much difference there is when you don't know what you don't know
Dennis
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Please update us and let us know how it goes!
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I tried the artillery hold and that really seemed to make a difference
Using the Crossman Premier long range pointed pellets I shot one group at 10 meters jus over a half inch 4 shots in a cloverleaf and one flyer.
What I know is that my old eyes just are not going to shoot tight groups with open sights.
At the 30 yards I can not really see the small dot target and the 3 inch target is to large to get an accurate sight picture.
Ill be needing a scope. the ones that look the best on my budget are the/ UTG 3-9x40 AO with side focus and the UTG 4-12x40 AO I also plan to get the UTG one peace droop compensating mount.
Is there any advantage to get the side focus scope
Dennis
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Dennis; @ 30 yards just place top of your front sight so it just appears to touch bottom of your 3" target... @ centerline , Your sight picture should look like " a pumpkin on a fence post" . ( 6 o' clock hold)... Maintain this sight picture thru your shooting of group. This works a treat for your aim point. Hope this makes sense ... Anyhow have a Merry Christmas sir!
- Chris
P.S. with your rifle, 10 yd. Zero will be pretty close to same point @ 30 yds.
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The Crosman .177cal Pointed pellets are very inconsistent as far as sizing, the fit of these pellets are usually lose or tight fitting from the same can, try to find some Crosman 7.9gn HP's, My 124D shot them very accurate, the fit is more consistent in the leed in of the bore, my 2ct ;)
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thank you
pops76 has very graciously offered to send me a pretty complete sampler set of pellets I want to express my appreciation for that
The Crossman's were the only available option locally
lurking and reading this forum has been an absolute education in discovering all the intricacies of how to get the most out of these fine guns. When I bought her I thought you just put a pellet in and shot it. I was always disappointed with the performance.
Hopefully I can start to get the performance I had hoped for when I got her nearly 40 years ago.
Dennis
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lurking and reading this forum has been an absolute education in discovering all the intricacies of how to get the most out of these fine guns. When I bought her I thought you just put a pellet in and shot it. I was always disappointed with the performance.
Hopefully I can start to get the performance I had hoped for when I got her nearly 40 years ago.
Dennis
There is definitely a learning curve!
When I first joined here, I was just looking for recommendations on controlling starlings. I luckily just fell into a FWB124 in a gun shop that was on consignment, and didn't even know what it was. I just bought it because I knew the name looked German, so I figured it was probably a quality-built gun. Little did i know.....Haha.
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Dennis,I agree with what everybody has said. As far as a scope goes, at 78+ yrs, the only way I can see my target is with a scope. I have 2 124's and both like JSB 8.4 4,53 head size, held like a .22 rim fire gun, and front support 1 1/2" back on forearm, every time I shot them. Three things you need to do is aim small/miss small, lots of trigger time, and most important, do the same thing every time. I hope this helps you. If I
can help you some more PM me. Everything I know about AG's I got from this Great Forum, and gladly pass it on to whom ever ask's for it. Craig
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As above, Dennis. I have yet to find any high end springer that won't shoot good groups. Sometimes takes a little tweaking, but shooting good groups, especially with a springer, is mostly about me shooting good groups, not the gun. :)
I'm also doing scopes a lot for the sake of the old eyes thing, but I still keep some of my rifles setup with iron sights, just because I still very much enjoy iron sights and always will. I use scopes for other reasons, though. With our climate, up here, sunny days are all too few and even on sunny days with all our forests, much of our shooting is in shadows. All but impossible to even see some of the targets on our backyard range at times without a scope.
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Thank you all for the help
What I did not know was really preventing me from getting the potential out of this gun
I had to learn how to hold her and practicing the artillery hold has helped
Pellet selection was another big help, to re start I have been using the JSB match 8.44g pellets
I am now starting to see what I was hoping for when I purchased her 40 years ago
Here is a group shot at 20 yards with the original open factory sights.
I will be putting a scope on
Thanks to papy76 for the pellet sampler, I'll be testing them after the scope is mounted.
Dennis
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lurking and reading this forum has been an absolute education in discovering all the intricacies of how to get the most out of these fine guns. When I bought her I thought you just put a pellet in and shot it. I was always disappointed with the performance.
Hopefully I can start to get the performance I had hoped for when I got her nearly 40 years ago.
Dennis
There is definitely a learning curve!
When I first joined here, I was just looking for recommendations on controlling starlings. I luckily just fell into a FWB124 in a gun shop that was on consignment, and didn't even know what it was. I just bought it because I knew the name looked German, so I figured it was probably a quality-built gun. Little did i know.....Haha.
THERE IS, definitely, a learning curve. It took me a couple years to really warm up to mine! Truly! Everytime I thought I had it figured out it'd do something to unwind my confidence and set it back on the shelf! ???
It wasn't until I got the Bushnell Trophy 4-12X to find the spot on this rifle. Yes IT HAS SIDE FOCUS!
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Glad to hear you are getting dialed in with it. Craig
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Good for you, Dennis. Doesn't happen overnight, but that's real progress with that group. Learning is half the fun. Enjoy.
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It continues
I purchased a 3_12x40 UTG swat scope mounted it with the UtTG compensating 1 piece mount
The elevation adjustment on the scope did not work I have no idea where the center on the scope was set and it was shooting 6 inches high at20 yds
Using the mil dots I shot a .33inch group at to yds
I can live with that
Scope is going back and will mount a new compact
Dennis
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Got the new scope and installed with a UTG droop compensating mount, the new scope is the UTG 3-12x44 30mm compact scope SWAT using the included Weaver type medium mounts.
Mechanically centered the reticle and it is shooting 2.75" low at 10 meters and at 20 yards it is right at 3" low
The first 3 shots at 10m were so close I thought I had completely missed the target. all in the same hole, so that is encouraging
I have ordered the Hawke compensating insert to try and get the POI closer to the POA I hope it will work with the UTG rings.
Also read the blog and watched video of barrel bending, a real last resort.
I also got the inexpensive Chinese chronograph and it is shooting the JSB 8.4g pellets at 775 fps with an extreme spread of 31fps the Crossman Premiers 7.4g are at 827 fps. This is a little lower than I was expecting. I may take it back apart and slightly resize the seal, It was a very snug fit when first installed.
I want to get the elevation issue solved before I do anything else.
More to follow
Dennis
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Indeed ... The ARH seals (Pending which style you have ? ) may or may not have a sealing lip ? The older seals DID NOT and there sizing needs to be very uniform and fit can't be too snug or gun will shoot real slow and inconsistent.
Newer seals have the sealing lip and don't need quite the same finesse in sizing, but still can't be fit too tight either.
ABSOLUTELY deburr the cocking slot and and corners/ edges the seal must pass over when taking it in & out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't your just about guaranteed the seals critical sealing edge will be damaged.
FYI ...
Scott
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I have the Maccari seals, there is an inner ring/slot around the perimeter of the seal, I assume this it the lip you are referring to.
It was extremely tight on the first try, I sanded it until it was easier but still a tight fit. sounds like I need to go back and reduce it a little more until it is not so tight.
I'll double check the edges of the cocking slot, during the first fittings I saw no indication of any damage from installing and removing
I will inspect them very closely
Dennis
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Indeed ... The ARH seals (Pending which style you have ? ) may or may not have a sealing lip ? The older seals DID NOT and there sizing needs to be very uniform and fit can't be too snug or gun will shoot real slow and inconsistent.
Newer seals have the sealing lip and don't need quite the same finesse in sizing, but still can't be fit too tight either.
ABSOLUTELY deburr the cocking slot and and corners/ edges the seal must pass over when taking it in & out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't your just about guaranteed the seals critical sealing edge will be damaged.
FYI ...
Scott
Thank you for the advice
I took it back apart and sanded the seal to just a tight fit, I looked at the seal when I pulled it out and could see no damage not even a line in the lube indicating any snags or burs, German quality or luck
re assembled, fired a couple shots and then tested on the crono
JSB 4.5 8,4g domed pellets
835.4 fps
825.9 fps
829.8 fps
835.4 fps
834.7 fps
818.7 fps
826.5fps
Max deviation 16.7 average 829 fps and 12.8 fpe
This is much closer to what I was hoping for when I started,
Now to shoot some targets ,break in and set the seal and deal with the barrel droop. Hopefully the velocity will get a little closer after some shooting.
Dennis
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There ya go .. a lot tighter ES that will improve more after it breaks in more.
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Changed the base and I think this works
About a quarter turn windage and elevation
Same point of aim at 10 meters and 30 yards
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Now quite showing off........ ;D ;)
-Y
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This has been an adventure, and I am sure it is no where close to being over. but I am getting closer.
Getting the set up right has been a real path, I started with shooting 4+inches low at 10 meters, tried the droooper mount and that helped then shims just could not get close, I was also nearly 2 inches left of poa
I was also getting shifting with the scope as far as it was from being centered.
finally read several posts on barrel bending and put my big boy pants on built the jig and started bending. got things close
It has also been a long learning curve to get to where I could get relatively consistent groups. I would get a promising group only to have the next open up like a shot gun.
The artillery hold helped but still getting way to many fliers.
I am learning that she is really finnickey to the way I hold her, to tight aa cheek weld or pulling to tight into my shoulder and accuracy goes out the door. And then there is breathing, trigger control and follow through.
I think at least now I am getting close to knowing what I am doing right and wrong.
My range, 10m 20 yds and 30 yds
These are 5 shot groups at 10m 20 yds and 30 yds
I can live with these
Dennis
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Heck yea !! .. that's the FWB 124 accuracy we know and love !!
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I would like to try my hand at some of the informal target matches, no dreams of winning but playing would be fun
So I need to have it zeroed, if this does not shift mysteriously this will we close
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I don't know how to edit but those are with windage and elevation adjustments between each target, the bottom right is where I left it
Dennis
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I believe you got it zeroed in as far as the gun and scope is concerned now its time to work on the shooters control and consistency. ;D ;D
BD
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Nice shootin with your 124 Dennis ! Well done!
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Too heavy a cheek weld and holding the grip too tightly will always send shots sideways from a good zero point.
DON'T plant your face on the comb !! Exert shoulder pressure off the Fore end holding hand & keep grip loose on trigger hand and squeeze off the shot with pressure between your thumb and trigger finger.
Trust this as a non BS helping suggestion ...
Scott S
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Too heavy a cheek weld and holding the grip too tightly will always send shots sideways from a good zero point.
DON'T plant your face on the comb !! Exert shoulder pressure off the Fore end holding hand & keep grip loose on trigger hand and squeeze off the shot with pressure between your thumb and trigger finger.
Trust this as a non BS helping suggestion ...
Scott S
Thank you
That should be a stickie or its own thread
Dennis
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I am resurecting this,
The saga continues but getting much closer. This girl has been a real scope buster, I went through 4 UTG scopes, and each shot loose after a couple tins, accuracy would start good and then go all over the place. I would get some nice sub 1/2 inch groups at 30 yds and then the next shots would be a couple inches away.
velocity was in the upper 700 fps with about 20 fps extreme spread.
I finally got a Hawk airmax 4-16x30 50 mm
I also discovered that with the scope optically centered my POA was way off from POI. After a lot of barrel bending tweaking I finally got it to with in 5 clicks in both windage and elevation at 30 yards.
still not consistent, so I started over and installed a new seal, getting information on the correct fit was a challenge and as this is the only air gun I have shot I have no reference as to what a smooth shot scycle shoud be, I have no vibration and no twang. I hope this one stays consistant
I was still getting some windage drift good groups and then off
Lighting strike in my effort to get a consistent solid hold I was letting the butt hit the bench I moved myself away from the bench, I can see my pulse but the fliers are gone, at least for today
After the new seal I have done three tests through the crono and they look good, I think. taken on different days and 1000 pellets between the test 1 and 3
the first test averaged 791 fps and and extreme spread of 13 fps
test 2 averaged 785 with a 7 fps extreme spread
test 3 today averaged 796 fps with a 10fps extreme spread of 10 fps 802 fps high and 792 low
I shot the 20 target 30 yard match this morning and for the first time I had no flyers out side the 9 ring previously I was getting a 7 every 4 or 5 shots
All shooting has been with the JSB Diablo 8.44
There has been a tremendous amount of help here and I want to thank all that have chimed in
hopefully it has settled down and I can continue to learn to shoot.
Dennis
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I am resurecting this,
The saga continues but getting much closer. This girl has been a real scope buster, I went through 4 UTG scopes, and each shot loose after a couple tins, accuracy would start good and then go all over the place. I would get some nice sub 1/2 inch groups at 30 yds and then the next shots would be a couple inches away.
velocity was in the upper 700 fps with about 20 fps extreme spread.
I finally got a Hawk airmax 4-16x30 50 mm
I also discovered that with the scope optically centered my POA was way off from POI. After a lot of barrel bending tweaking I finally got it to with in 5 clicks in both windage and elevation at 30 yards.
still not consistent, so I started over and installed a new seal, getting information on the correct fit was a challenge and as this is the only air gun I have shot I have no reference as to what a smooth shot scycle shoud be, I have no vibration and no twang. I hope this one stays consistant
I was still getting some windage drift good groups and then off
Lighting strike in my effort to get a consistent solid hold I was letting the butt hit the bench I moved myself away from the bench, I can see my pulse but the fliers are gone, at least for today
After the new seal I have done three tests through the crono and they look good, I think. taken on different days and 1000 pellets between the test 1 and 3
the first test averaged 791 fps and and extreme spread of 13 fps
test 2 averaged 785 with a 7 fps extreme spread
test 3 today averaged 796 fps with a 10fps extreme spread of 10 fps 802 fps high and 792 low
I shot the 20 target 30 yard match this morning and for the first time I had no flyers out side the 9 ring previously I was getting a 7 every 4 or 5 shots
All shooting has been with the JSB Diablo 8.44
There has been a tremendous amount of help here and I want to thank all that have chimed in
hopefully it has settled down and I can continue to learn to shoot.
Dennis
To me, this REALLY seems odd!
I have a couple of vintage FWB124's, and have not (so far) had any scope issues with either. I also haven't had problems with them coming loose or migrating.
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
I think accuracy and nostalgia are the superior points of the 124.
I've shot tighter groups with my 124 than my HWs, but I prefer the feel of HWs and they are still accurate enough to make me smile.
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
I think accuracy and nostalgia are the superior points of the 124.
I've shot tighter groups with my 124 than my HWs, but I prefer the feel of HWs and they are still accurate enough to make me smile.
Thank you. Ah, nostalgia indeed. I wish I still had my 1960 Austin Healy 3000. It was a zoom, zoom nooky getter back in our day. *sigh*
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
I think accuracy and nostalgia are the superior points of the 124.
I've shot tighter groups with my 124 than my HWs, but I prefer the feel of HWs and they are still accurate enough to make me smile.
Thank you. Ah, nostalgia indeed. I wish I still had my 1960 Austin Healy 3000. It was a zoom, zoom nooky getter back in our day. *sigh*
What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
It's just one of those things you know when you do it. Ask UglyMike....I took one of mine to the shoot last year and he shot it. Now Mike is one of those guys with impeccable taste in air rifles, and when he shot that 124, you could see the look of fun and amusement on his face immediately. There is just *something* about them in the springer world.
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
I think accuracy and nostalgia are the superior points of the 124.
I've shot tighter groups with my 124 than my HWs, but I prefer the feel of HWs and they are still accurate enough to make me smile.
Thank you. Ah, nostalgia indeed. I wish I still had my 1960 Austin Healy 3000. It was a zoom, zoom nooky getter back in our day. *sigh*
I think you mean a Austin Healey 100-6 in 1960/61. The 3000 badging was made from 62 to the final model in 67. I had a 1960 100-6 that was a cool and fast sports car. It would chirp the tires at 5000 rpm when engaging overdrive with the switch on the dash in 4th gear at 100 MPH.
Sorry about the thread hijack, just a die hard gearhead.
Sounds as though you got that 124 shooting super now. ;D ;D ;D
BD
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What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
I think accuracy and nostalgia are the superior points of the 124.
I've shot tighter groups with my 124 than my HWs, but I prefer the feel of HWs and they are still accurate enough to make me smile.
Thank you. Ah, nostalgia indeed. I wish I still had my 1960 Austin Healy 3000. It was a zoom, zoom nooky getter back in our day. *sigh*
What makes the FWB 124 so superior/more desirable to today's HW offerings? Color me stupid if you must.
It's just one of those things you know when you do it. Ask UglyMike....I took one of mine to the shoot last year and he shot it. Now Mike is one of those guys with impeccable taste in air rifles, and when he shot that 124, you could see the look of fun and amusement on his face immediately. There is just *something* about them in the springer world.
Well said, Lizzie!
Speaking for myself, I'm not old enough to have any nostalgia for the FWB 124, and I certainly like my Weihrauchs, but there is something about the 124 that is just "right." At least it is for me - to each their own!
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Nope, Buldawg76. My 1960 Austin Healy was the first 3000 sold in Nashville. I bought it from its original owner in 1962.
Check it out: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin-Healey_3000
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I purchased the 124 new in 1979 because at the time it was the most powerful and most accurate air gun you could get. getting it back to its potential has been a challenging journey and gives great satisfaction each step forward, along with some frustration when the shooter or the gun don't do their job. especially when the shooter is the tuner and not sure who to blame
I also purchased the Norton in my avatar new in 1971 and restored her about 5 years ago, a great riding bike, again at the time the best handling street bike you could get
Neither are even close to what you can get across the shelf today, but I am old enough to appreciate the nostalgia and the value of keeping these old ladies going.
I ride the Norton and shoot the 124 and get joy out of both.
Dennis
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Nope, Buldawg76. My 1960 Austin Healy was the first 3000 sold in Nashville. I bought it from its original owner in 1962.
Check it out: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin-Healey_3000
I stand corrected Greg, Mine must have been an early 60s model before the change from 100-6 to 3000. Learn something new everyday. Still have the hood emblem from mine. ??? ;D ;)
BD
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I got a new one recently, at a ridiculous price, and an old one a few months ago.
Was thinking about writing a side by side, but the truth is that, OoB, the new one is a sad specimen of an airgun. So, that will have to wait till I have time to get a grip on what would be the best way to tune them.
I do have to say that the older one shoots nicely. Not particularly fond of either of the two stocks I have for it, but it shoots nicely.
Springers are somewhat peculiar beasts, but that is what makes them interesting (apart from the fact that they CAN be accurate, LOL).
;-)
HM
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I purchased the 124 new in 1979 because at the time it was the most powerful and most accurate air gun you could get. getting it back to its potential has been a challenging journey and gives great satisfaction each step forward, along with some frustration when the shooter or the gun don't do their job. especially when the shooter is the tuner and not sure who to blame
I also purchased the Norton in my avatar new in 1971 and restored her about 5 years ago, a great riding bike, again at the time the best handling street bike you could get
Neither are even close to what you can get across the shelf today, but I am old enough to appreciate the nostalgia and the value of keeping these old ladies going.
I ride the Norton and shoot the 124 and get joy out of both.
Dennis
Dennis
I am with you 100% on keeping the old ladies going as well. I do differ in the mindset that at least as far as bikes go there are very few new models that appeal to me when compared to my 77 KZ1000 or 76 shovelhead that I have restored and hot rodded to my personal tastes.
I also prefer the older airguns as well for the most part but there are some new one out with very appealing features for very reasonable costs.
I guess being a retired auto/cycle tech with 50 years of tools in my garage allows me the ability to revive most anything I put my mind to and bring it back from the grave so to speak. My 124 is one of my favorite springers to shoot and is for sure more accurate than me on any given day.
I am just stuck in the 70s frame of mind when it comes to my toys. The world today is just to complex for my simple tastes and lifestyle.
BD
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I got a new one recently, at a ridiculous price, and an old one a few months ago.
Was thinking about writing a side by side, but the truth is that, OoB, the new one is a sad specimen of an airgun. So, that will have to wait till I have time to get a grip on what would be the best way to tune them.
I do have to say that the older one shoots nicely. Not particularly fond of either of the two stocks I have for it, but it shoots nicely.
Springers are somewhat peculiar beasts, but that is what makes them interesting (apart from the fact that they CAN be accurate, LOL).
;-)
HM
HM,
Ed, aka Duckfish bought a new 124 last year. He was NOT impressed, then he send it out to a tuner, contact Ed for that, tuner spent lots of time "playing with it". Now it shoots the way it is supposed to. It now has the performance and dream shot cycle to go with its very handsome appearance. :-*
-Y
-
Dennis
I am with you 100% on keeping the old ladies going as well. I do differ in the mindset that at least as far as bikes go there are very few new models that appeal to me when compared to my 77 KZ1000 or 76 shovelhead that I have restored and hot rodded to my personal tastes.
I also prefer the older airguns as well for the most part but there are some new one out with very appealing features for very reasonable costs.
I guess being a retired auto/cycle tech with 50 years of tools in my garage allows me the ability to revive most anything I put my mind to and bring it back from the grave so to speak. My 124 is one of my favorite springers to shoot and is for sure more accurate than me on any given day.
I am just stuck in the 70s frame of mind when it comes to my toys. The world today is just to complex for my simple tastes and lifestyle.
BD
[/quote]
Oh I don't think we differ in that I too really like my old Norton, but neither your KZ1000 , shovel head or my Norton will keep up with the new bikes, but I still think the old ones have a class that makes them very desirable for what they are.
Not many flolks say a work when a new 1200 Yamaha pulls up to the light but I always have a conversation when I ride the Commando,, bet you do too when your ride the shovel Head.
Dennis
-
I got a new one recently, at a ridiculous price, and an old one a few months ago.
Was thinking about writing a side by side, but the truth is that, OoB, the new one is a sad specimen of an airgun. So, that will have to wait till I have time to get a grip on what would be the best way to tune them.
I do have to say that the older one shoots nicely. Not particularly fond of either of the two stocks I have for it, but it shoots nicely.
Springers are somewhat peculiar beasts, but that is what makes them interesting (apart from the fact that they CAN be accurate, LOL).
;-)
HM
Hector
What is the going price for a FWB300 with a Tyrolian stock in good shooting condition
Dennis
-
Dennis
I am with you 100% on keeping the old ladies going as well. I do differ in the mindset that at least as far as bikes go there are very few new models that appeal to me when compared to my 77 KZ1000 or 76 shovelhead that I have restored and hot rodded to my personal tastes.
I also prefer the older airguns as well for the most part but there are some new one out with very appealing features for very reasonable costs.
I guess being a retired auto/cycle tech with 50 years of tools in my garage allows me the ability to revive most anything I put my mind to and bring it back from the grave so to speak. My 124 is one of my favorite springers to shoot and is for sure more accurate than me on any given day.
I am just stuck in the 70s frame of mind when it comes to my toys. The world today is just to complex for my simple tastes and lifestyle.
BD
Oh I don't think we differ in that I too really like my old Norton, but neither your KZ1000 , shovel head or my Norton will keep up with the new bikes, but I still think the old ones have a class that makes them very desirable for what they are.
Not many flolks say a work when a new 1200 Yamaha pulls up to the light but I always have a conversation when I ride the Commando,, bet you do too when your ride the shovel Head.
Dennis
[/quote]
Dennis
I think you missed the mention of my KZ and shovel being hot rodded by me in the process of rebuilding them. The KZ is a 9.5 second 1/4 mile drag bike with slick and wheelie bar that I put back in street trim so while a new crotch rockets can out run me in top end speed easily, if they do not have a lengthened swingarm or are experienced riders able to control clutch slippage to prevent wheelies my KZ will leave them from a stop since it does not wheelie but rather sits out to the right slightly with rear tire spinning with front wheel 1" in the air. It surprises every new crotch rocket from stop light to stop light or up to 100 mph before they start to catch up and pass me. Its a wolf in sheep clothing.
The shovel is also no where near stock and while it is no faster from a stop than a hot rodded evo or twin cam Harley it does have much longer legs than an evo or twin cam in that they run out of gearing at around 115 mph whereas my shovel is at 5200 rpm at 120 mph with a 6000 rpm redline that it pulls strong all the way to in 5th gear. So when they run out of gearing I just look over and smile and twist the throttle and chug on right out of there life. I built it while I was a mechanic for Harley at the Talladega test facility next to the super speedway from 98 to 09. We did 80% of all research and development for for new model Harleys and I got the job with them when the v-rod was first being developed since I was a GM master certified Cadillac tech at the time and there were no mechanic at the test facility that had any experience with fuel injection/computer controls. My specialty at the Cadillac dealer was drivability, emissions and computer controls. So I picked the head engineer of Harley service dept that had been with them from the knucklehead days on how to fix all the issues that plagued the shovels of the AMF days as well as how to make it out run the newer evos and twin cams. He did not disappoint is all I can say. The new milwaukee 8s do out run me from a stop but still do not have the top end speed of my shovel.
Yep both bikes are real conversation starters for sure. Being able to do all my own work from the ground up on my toys does make a big difference in attention to the small details that add up to a complete package of performance. I am have a need for speed that started as soon as I could walk and will follow me to the grave.
Here's a couple pics of the KZ, sorry have no good ones of the shovel.
BD
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HM,
Ed, aka Duckfish bought a new 124 last year. He was NOT impressed, then he send it out to a tuner, contact Ed for that, tuner spent lots of time "playing with it". Now it shoots the way it is supposed to. It now has the performance and dream shot cycle to go with its very handsome appearance. :-*
-Y
Thanks Willem, I really appreciate the suggestion, hope you don't take it wrong but, as a gunsmith, I am looking at the "faults" and all the corrections possible, not at just one solution.
I don't know about "handsome", though I do not have as good tastes as you do. But to ME, the new "Sport" is too angular. I much prefer the more "organic" forms (perhaps that is why I love curvy women, LOL!)
Keep well and shoot straight!
HM
-
HM,
Ed, aka Duckfish bought a new 124 last year. He was NOT impressed, then he send it out to a tuner, contact Ed for that, tuner spent lots of time "playing with it". Now it shoots the way it is supposed to. It now has the performance and dream shot cycle to go with its very handsome appearance. :-*
-Y
Thanks Willem, I really appreciate the suggestion, hope you don't take it wrong but, as a gunsmith, I am looking at the "faults" and all the corrections possible, not at just one solution.
I don't know about "handsome", though I do not have as good tastes as you do. But to ME, the new "Sport" is too angular. I much prefer the more "organic" forms (perhaps that is why I love curvy women, LOL!)
Keep well and shoot straight!
HM
I'm with you Hector on the to angular stock of the sport and much prefer the organic look of curvy women as well. ;D ;D ;)
BD
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Hector
What is the going price for a FWB300 with a Tyrolian stock in good shooting condition
Dennis
Sorry, Dennis, it seems we posted at exactly the same time and I didn't get this until I refreshed the page today. Apologies.
FWB 300's are quite plentiful, even somewhat interesting variations.
NORMALLY, the "standard" versions go for between €175 and €250 depending on condition and how fast the seller needs the money.
Left handed stocks may go for a little less.
There are SOME Carbon Fiber wrapped stocks out there, those go for about €350
Tyro stocks usually command about €50 MORE (so between €250 and €350 depending on condition). And it has to do with cultural reasons, more than real market appeal/demand.
Right now, the used gun market is VERY high, part of CoViD-19 and everyone shopping from home; when this blows over, there will be a lot of opportunities to be picked up.
HTH
HM
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Thank you
I was looking at one on AA classifieds, but it sold
They were asking $695.00
Dennis
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One pellet that my 124 seems to like is the 9.3 grain RWS Supermag (wadcutter). Enough so that I will be trying them in all of my other .177's as time goes by. They shoot like longer Meisterkugeln's. I'd expect them to stay stable a little further than a lightweight wadcutter, and I'd bet they would be good on pests too.