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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => Air Gun Review Gate => Topic started by: Stonechucker on May 10, 2020, 08:39:22 PM
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Two Fridays ago I received my new xs 12. My first impression out of the box was wow! The stock and bluing were very impressive for a just under 100 dollar gun.
Then I started shooting.😣 I have to mention that this is 100% stock gun, no tune what so ever. At first the trigger was very very heavy, and would seemingly go off at different stages of the pull. Accuracy at 10 yards was not what I wanted. In a 5 shot group I may have 3 shots within 3/8 to 1/2 inch then two would go who knows where. I don't think it helped that I cheaped out on pellets, using Chinese wad cutters, and Excite Hammers. Between the trigger and the pellets I had no chance at shooting better groups. The cocking action and shot cycle was actually pretty good, with a small amount of buzz during the shot. As a side note I had also cleaned the barrel after my first few shots.
At this point being somewhat disappointed I took the stock off and put some tune in a tube on the spring. I also put a small amount of lubricant in the trigger assembly. The rifle did shoot better after doing this. The trigger although still heavy seemed to be a little more predictable, and the buzz in the shot cycle was gone. I then proceeded to shoot 500 or so hundred pellets through the gun. After 500 rounds the trigger felt a good 50% lighter, and although the trigger pull was still long it was much more predictable.
Next I worked on my pellet situation I ordered up a sample pack of H&N pellets, and a tin of H&N Field Target trophy green 5.56 grain. I received the pellets this past Friday and wow what a difference. I am really starting to like this gun. The FT trophy 8.64 grainers with the 4.52 head size were giving me less than .25 inch groups. I was getting the same accuracy with the FT trophy greens amazingly enough!. I like being able to shoot lead free in the house, and my 20 yard trajectory will be flatter with the increase in velocity ; no lead in the barrel either.😊
So as I sit here and write this today I can honestly say I really like this little gun. After nearly 1000 rounds the trigger is much lighter and predictable. With the FT Trophy pellets I am now able to shoot the eraser off the top of a pencil at 10 yards, and I am only a very average shot. It took me some work, and a little patience to get there, but I can now say this little gun is accurate and great fun to shoot.😁 My next project will be to get a cheap chronograph to see what my velocity difference is with the FT Trophy greens. Until then happy airgunning everyone.
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Great review. I've only heard bad stuff about the triggers. Your review almost has me convinced it could be a good investment in fun.
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I think it would be a real fun gun for you. Just be prepared for a fairly long break in period if you don't have it tuned. I also thought it would be a great diy tune project someday. To save a lot of headache start with quality pellets, and I think things will be less frustrating than they were for me.
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Nice review... The XS12 with the full tune costs $185 whereas the highly regarded Diana 240 is only $150.
I'd like to see comparison test between the two as they would seem to be direct competitors.
Thanks