GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: randy_68 on August 25, 2020, 10:24:34 PM
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I just got in a new Avenger .22 a couple weeks ago. Last Thursday I was showing it to a friend of mine that was thinking about getting one. After shooting mine he asked me to get him one. Well I decided to just sell him mine instead of him waiting. I only bought it to have a spare gun , loaner to keep around anyway. So he handed me the cash and I ordered an Akela on Friday from Crosman. Couldn't pass up the deal of free shipping and 25% off.
So, for $487.00 I must say this gun is well worth it. Its even worth the $649.00 list price in my opinion. I've bought a lot of guns the were that much more and this Akela is right up there with the more expensive guns. The fit and finish are excellent on mine.
Yes the stock is a little dry and could stand a good coat of finish but its fine as is. The pistol grip fits me well and it shoulders good. I like the stippling on the grip.
The side lever is so smooth that when chambering JSB 18 and 15 gr pellets its hard to tell you did. My trigger breaks at 1 1/4 # so weight wise its about perfect. Its not really a two stage that I can feel, more like a long single stage. There are screws underneath the receiver that appear to be for the trigger but I'm not going to mess with it as its fine like it is.
The adjustable cheek piece is nice however I need to order extra high rings to use it. I have high rings on it now but had to remove it so I could see thru my scope.
I like the mags as they hold 12 rounds and load just like a Marauder and various others . Inserting them in the receiver seems backwards but it works so no issues there. The power adjuster works ok but since it is small and doesn't have detents it only gets you close to returning to previous setting. I just use high, med, and low. High and low are pretty repeatable but med can be off depending how close you get to your previous setting. Not a big deal if you shoot a couple over the chrony after adjusting.
BTW. Mine was shooting 15 gr at 1000 fps on high and 18 gr at 945 out of the box. It was holding just over 3000 psi when I opened the box.
I shot a total of 60 shots before refilling at 1500 psi shooting both 15 and 18 gr jsb and adjusting power up and down.. Just standing against my garage door frame it was stacking them both on top of each other at 35 yards. Seems to be very accurate. Boderline backyard friendly on high power but very quiet on low and med power.. It is quieter with 18 gr though and there is a little ping by your ear when shooting.
It has a drilled barrel adapter followed by a spring and 7 cone baffles. Pretty nice setup.
Since I'm more of a bullpup guy these days I like it better than the Avenger. The Avenger is great and has more options , its lighter and more adjustable but I like my shorter guns plus this gun has a beautiful stock. Personal preference.
This gun will be right at home next to my two Hubens.
I just have to decide what pellet I want to set it up for. I'm leaning toward either Crosman cpum or JSB 15 gr.
So far I really like the gun and unless something catastrophic pops up I don't see me changing my mind.
Here are a few pics
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It looks very nice! The only thing I would have to do away with is the finger grooves. My mentor always said that finger grooves fit some of the people well, and most not at all. Kinda a one size fits one size kind of thing.
Both of us refused to use them on our Knives as it cut out the larger part of the shoppers at the Shows.
I put the original type Ergo Grip on my Raptor. Felt terrible due to the grouves. I removed them and now I love it. ;)
Knife
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Yea I know what you mean about the finger grooves not fitting everyone but I have med size hands so they fit me fine. As you can see in my avatar my Hubens also have them and they fit me fine too.
One thing that needs attention is the safety. Its very hard to operate so I will have to look into it and see what I can do about it. Or just leave it off.
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Nice pis Randy... Congrats!
Nice thing is the safety is manual, and not the Auto-rest type.
That was a pleasent surprise on my Kratos.
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I ordered a couple different sets of rings as my scope is too low and too far back. May have to try a different scope too.
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Great looking pics Randy !!! Very nice looking Bullpup with that walnut stock on it. I got my Cayden today but haven't taken any pic's of it yet. I did do a 48 shot chrony string with it.
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Randy, so in effect you traded your Avenger for an Akela? Awesome!
Of course not in the way you might think. From what I've been hearing/reading the Avenger is a superbly variable gun that can be nearly all things PCP to nearly all people, and I still want one but am unwilling/unable to pay for one and wait while not having a PCP to shoot, so like you I ordered the Akela as well (should be here Monday), but will still get an Avenger ... maybe when they bullpup it!
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Randy, so in effect you traded your Avenger for an Akela? Awesome!
I guess if you look at it like that then yes I did trade the Avenger for the Akela. I've bought quite a few different things lately so I need to slow down some or I'll catch heck later on. :o
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I ordered a couple different sets of rings as my scope is too low and too far back. May have to try a different scope too.
I found these Leupold 5580 rings at the local gun store.
High enough to clear the mag on my Kratose and Offset, I mounted them forward... GREAT buy in IMHO
(https://cdnp.leupold.com/products/productImages/_wide400/Rflmn_SeeThru_Rings.jpg?mtime=20181228092241)
You can get them online, such as Midway...
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362216847 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362216847)
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Scott, I like the way those offset rings can mount in either direction depending on one's individual scope setback (or forward) needs.
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;)
My thoughts exactly.. very versatile.
Thinking outside the box, you could mount the rear one pointing forward and the front one pointing rearward for short scopes... and vise-versa for long scopes for more support.
On a Picatiny rail, the possibilities are nearly endless!
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It'd be like a Picatinny Playground... :D
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
Jeff, if you don't mind a bullpup, then the Akela version of these guns actually has its magazine lower than the scope rail...
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Randy - I couldn't tell, but in the second pic with the shroud off - is the actual barrel diameter still kinda thick like it looks, or thinner?
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
I got a Quest I'll sell you cheap....$75...
Use as low rings as your objective lens will allow.
Then you will be happy.
;D
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
I have medium rings on my Cayden and they clear the magazine with no issues!
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
I don't understand. The mag sits below the picatinny rail on the Akela.
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
Jeff, if you don't mind a bullpup, then the Akela version of these guns actually has its magazine lower than the scope rail...
Thank you for your suggestion and consideration, Charlie.
I don't mind a bullpup, in fact the size and features are attractive... but.
But, when I say "low" I'm referencing the bore... not the rail. The Akela is as bad if not worse for me.
Ideally a gun would be like a SLR camera, where I could aim through the bore... like I sometimes adjust PB scopes. Same reasons relative to a range finder camera, parallax. At long range it doesn't matter much, but at the variety of ranges I shoot the higher the sighting device the more thinking involved and the more time it takes. Bad combination on quick shots. That's why my Streak with its peep is my most versatile gun, with the peeped 853 next. The higher the sighting device the more specialized the gun.
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There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.
Knife
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Randy, your out of the box description of the Akela matches very closely with what I posted about mine. (including the hard safety) I look forward to comparing my experiences with the rifle to yours. By the way, I too did not have high enough rings for comfortable scope mount so ordered a pair of the rings Scott mentioned, should be here Friday.
Just FYI, my Akela also does well with the NSA 17.5 slugs.
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I ordered a high offset and just a pair of extra high rings so ill have choices. My biggest issue is getting my eye relief right with the scopes I have. I need to mount them forward but ran out of rail so the offsets may work best.
I did adjust my trigger some and ended up with a pseudo 2 two stage that breaks at 1# now. I have a very light spring loaded take up for first stage from the spring on the rod, then it hits the wall and breaks at 1# with just a little creep. Pretty nice. The screw in front of the trigger opening is what adjusts the sear engagement and the nut on the rod adjusts takeup.
I waxed my stock last nite and it looks really good now.
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There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.
Knife
So you mount the scope so that the eye relief is perfect for you when you shoulder the gun. Since the LOP is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the scope saddle is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the mag well is NOT ADJUSTABLE how is it that the scope is "improperly mounted"? How would YOU mount it "properly"?
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That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.
The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.
Nope. Never.
The mag isn't an issue when mounting a scope on this gun as it sits behind the rail. Not even close to interfering with the scope. On a regular rifle it can be an issue depending on scope, rings and mag height.
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Randy, my comment was directed to Scott's Cayden and rings in post #8.
However, I also commented on the Akela with the same viewpoint, except only worse. ;)
Everyone has their preferences. Those comments are mine.
For reference, I have low rings on my Synrod with a 2-16x44mm 30mm tube scope. It's as low as possible, just the way I wanted.
Since I'm editing this... same with my D48, although it took a bit more effort to get it there. The scope on my 35 is so close I can't use a cover... now that's perfect, for me that is. :)
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Ok no problem. I see your point. I too wish mfgs would use a mag setup more like the Taipans. About as simple and easy to use plus they load into the barrel from the top.
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Randy, what did you use to wax your stock? I have seen a couple of recommendations, just curious what you used.
Also did you explore adjusting the hammer spring while you had yours out of the stock?
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Randy, what did you use to wax your stock?
Hey Steve, I used to think Lemon Pledge furniture wax was an old wive’s tale kind of thing, but not according to Marlin:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/taking-care-of-wood-stocks.32821/ (https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/taking-care-of-wood-stocks.32821/)
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In fact reading the posts till the end came up with this consensus, according to a cabinetmaker on the forum -
https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-Polish-Aerosol/dp/B014TKIYOK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?adgrpid=61546330688&dchild=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiLStt_C86wIVQQPnCh1mTwLREAAYASAAEgIdmvD_BwE&hvadid=274750146880&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9030750&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=204544649841007613&hvtargid=kwd-303340802828&hydadcr=8072_9883858&keywords=oz+wood+polish&qid=1598582656&sr=8-4&tag=hydsma-20 (https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-Polish-Aerosol/dp/B014TKIYOK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?adgrpid=61546330688&dchild=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiLStt_C86wIVQQPnCh1mTwLREAAYASAAEgIdmvD_BwE&hvadid=274750146880&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9030750&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=204544649841007613&hvtargid=kwd-303340802828&hydadcr=8072_9883858&keywords=oz+wood+polish&qid=1598582656&sr=8-4&tag=hydsma-20)
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I really like the Akela .... I just wish they would of put the side lever up by the trigger like the FX wild cat or Hatsan bullboss /gladius ... I would of paid a bit more for it also with that feature , and a regulator . ... I think the Avenger has raised the bar for the under 1000 /500 $$$ guns .. ;)
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I really like the Akela .... I just wish they would of put the side lever up by the trigger like the FX wild cat or Hatsan bullboss /gladius ... I would of paid a bit more for it also with that feature , and a regulator . ... I think the Avenger has raised the bar for the under 1000 /500 $$$ guns .. ;)
Actually Dan, once they bullpup the Avenger I’ll probably get me one a them, too! ;D
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Charlie, that was an interesting read, and how can you go wrong with this "VERY VERSITLE- OZ Polish is really polishing magic." I don't have an Amazon membership, but might look for another source. Thanks for the heads up!
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I used Minwax furniture paste wax and buffed it by hand. Just gave it a nice satin sheen. I don't feel like doing a full on refinish with the antique oil finish. It would really look good then buts its labor intensive and I just don't have time right now.
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Here are a few more pics with a different scope. I settled on the Aim Sports Alpha6 4.5-27×50 with med UTG 30mm quick attach rings. I then removed the top half of the cheek rest and that way my scope isn't too high plus I can get proper eye alignment. It could probably go forward another 1/2" or so but I'm going to try it like this for now.
I'm switching all my scopes to 30mm as I just like them better. Seem to be much brighter.. I must say this new Alpha6 is pretty nice for the money. And I love the reticle in it. If it works out I hope to get it sighted in and maybe go on a squirrel hunt this weekend with it.
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Randy a good 30mm scope can make all the difference in the world.
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Looking good Randy! 👀
How do you like that Alpha 6 so far? 8)
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I havent been getting home till almost dark so I only had time to mount it and shoot a few shots but from what I've seen so far its great. Very clear and bright especially in the low light conditions I was using it in. I think its actually brighter than my Arken SH4 and my Athlon Talos BTR. I really like the reticle in this scope and its second focal plane
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Randy,
That scope really really looks good on you Akela.
My 1" scope on skinny hi rings looks anemic. I have better rings coming and I do have a30 mm scope on the shelf which I may try but wanted to keep my scope on the light side.
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Finally was able to sit down and shoot a few groups before dark last nite. I started with a full fill of 3000 psi and the first group was 6 of the 18 gr JSB that were left in mag.. Power wheel was on full power and target was at 50 yards. I was aiming at top of center diamond with a 35 yard zero. They 18 gr are shooting around 925 fps, the 16 gr jsb around 975 and the Crosman 14.3 around 1000 fps. Oh and I backed out the hammer spring all the way and the 18 went from 945 out of the box to 925. The 16 gr dropped from 1000 to 975 . So not a big drop.
It appears my gun really likes the 18 gr JSB. After I shot those first 6 at the center I shot two groups at the top left with the 16 gr JSB. They aren't very good but they are shooting hot so maybe they would shoot better if slowed down. The smaller group on the left of that diamond is actually 18 gr again. I just forgot to mark it.
Next i tried the Hades on the top right target. After a few shots I stopped and emptied the mag. Just no good at that speed. The Crosmans were next and surprised me how good they were shooting at 1000 fps so I put it on half power and finished shooting them. They def show some promise.
For now I'm sticking with the 18 gr JSB.
I don't Ike how the power adjuster works on this particular gun as it feels springy like an oring is tight and hangs up. If I turn it all the way open it backs off just a hair so its hard to get a constant stopping point. Seems fine in the middle and low power.
I dont know what the deal is but everytime I upload photos on here they rotate. Just aggravates the &^^& outta me.
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I dont know what the deal is but everytime I upload photos on here they rotate. Just aggravates the &^^& outta me.
Randy, but it helps when I'm falling asleep and I turn the computer sideways to read in bed... ;D
Nice groups, especially with the JSB 18's...
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I find even if I "fix" them before attaching they STILL show sideways.
Try holding your phone in Landscape instead of portrait.
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I find even if I "fix" them before attaching they STILL show sideways.
Try holding your phone in Landscape instead of portrait.
I figured thats what I need to do next is to take pics in landscape. I also tried fixing them with two different resize apps but no luck there.
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Once you click on the pic to get full size it is not tilted. ;)
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There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.
Knife
So you mount the scope so that the eye relief is perfect for you when you shoulder the gun. Since the LOP is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the scope saddle is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the mag well is NOT ADJUSTABLE how is it that the scope is "improperly mounted"? How would YOU mount it "properly"?
By using a decent scope with generous eye relief. The issue is not the rings but rather the poor eye relief of the scope.
Newer people here probably don't know my history. I am an admitted optics nut. I see the same old misconceptions written often. One huge one is that a 30mm tube gives better light gathering. If you understand how scope optics work, you would quickly realize that's impossible. It is all down to the quality of the lens, quality of the polishing, and quality of the coatings on the lens. The only thing a larger tube gives you is a bit more strength and More Room for adjustments giving a real edge to long range accuracy. However in low cost scopes, NONE of these attributes are present. None!
There are very solid reasons why high quality glass cost money. There are no work arounds in optics. Quality cost money. It's' just the way it is. :(
I enjoy my Athlon, withit's 30mm tube, however, my 1" tube Zeiss is so bright that I cannot look thru it at my cream colored "Ancient Texas Sea
Bed stone thru it without shades It is as bright as snow in the sun thru the Zeiss. Resolution in unreal, and you would not believe the colors of foliage thru it. Looks like fine National
Geographic Photos. I can see a black Hog at night in star light thru it. And see the crosshairs clearly. No light needed. It's all in the optics.
Go i
Knife
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Another thing that jumps out in this thread is the mag location. The first really mainstream available PCP was the HW-100. It had the mag low in the action. I have NO idea why more manufacturers did not emulate this obviously preferable system in their offerings. Sure makes life easier! 8)
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There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.
Knife
Randy, my comment was directed to Scott's Cayden and rings in post #8.
However, I also commented on the Akela with the same viewpoint, except only worse. ;)
*snip*
:)
I have been pondering on these posts long and hard before replying.
But unless you have the same LOP, scope eye relief, facial structure, and eyeglass Rx as I do, how can you possibly judge where that scope needs mounted?
Maybe it was the wrong scope used (corrected)... not "It is simply improperly mounted."
If I moved that scope fore or aft it did not suite my optical "impairment" or the ring height for my cheek weld.
Throw stones at someone else with your obviously gifted body structure, face shape, and vision. ::)
I am just a long lanky, square-head, with poor eyesight. ;D
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There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.
Knife
Randy, my comment was directed to Scott's Cayden and rings in post #8.
However, I also commented on the Akela with the same viewpoint, except only worse. ;)
*snip*
:)
I have been pondering on these posts long and hard before replying.
But unless you have the same LOP, scope eye relief, facial structure, and eyeglass Rx as I do, how can you possibly judge where that scope needs mounted?
Maybe it was the wrong scope used (corrected)... not "It is simply improperly mounted."
If I moved that scope fore or aft it did not suite my optical "impairment" or the ring height for my cheek weld.
Throw stones at someone else with your obviously gifted body structure, face shape, and vision. ::)
I am just a long lanky, square-head, with poor eyesight. ;D
Scott: ;D ;D ;D
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Well... Shucks... ;)