I said I wouldn't do it....new Air Gun review

[Atchman2]

Well I said I wouldn't buy another inexpensive air gun.  With the issues I've had with .177 guns (a curse actually), I decided to give them one more try.  I have a TON of pellets in .177 that I really wanted to shoot.  The .177 guns are less expensive to shoot and I prefer them for plinking.  

Over the last month, I sold my two problem .177 guns, an Air Hawk that I never got to shoot right, even after a JM spring, and a MM tune!  I was just cursed with that gun!  The other one was a Hammerli Titan that I couldn't ever tame.  There just was no way for me to keep a scope on it.  So I sold them cheap and accumulated some money in the gun fund.  

Over the 4th of July weekend I kept getting email from Compasseco about specials.  Since I've ordered parts from them and a TF 89 I've had lots of good experiences.  Well they extended a deal for me and I got a TF 99 Premier in .177 for a great price.  It was just TOO good to pass up!  

It of course showed up when I was out of town!  And of course the WIFEY had to sign for it!  

It was in the normal Compasseco box which is pretty sturdy.  It had no marks anywhere on the gun and the gun itself was in bubble wrap.  



As you can tell by the picture the stock is the same deep brown as most of the Techforce rifles.  It does have some nice checkering that you wouldn't expect from an inexpensive gun.  

There are several improvements over the TF 99 in .22 that I own. It is an older model.  



First it has fiber optic open sights.  That is a nice change from the others.  They are identical to the ones you get on the TF 89 (and probably the 87 as well).  



The front sight is hooded, similar to the German guns.  That is nice because it will protect the front blade.  



The stock has the covers on the stock screws.  On my TF 89 they didn't last that long to be honest due to the great recoil of that rifle.  



The one thing I like about the TF 99 rifles both the old and new is they have a simple but effective scope stop.  This one is better than the ones that come on the newer model rifles in my opinion.  The newer ones, while they help, will still move on certain guns notably the TF 89.  



They haven't forgotten a nice recoil pad.  I'm a big guy and the TF 99's stock fits me very well.  

Opinions:

Don't get me wrong but the first opinion you have of one of these things is "juicy".  They have the older leather seals instead of the new plastic ones.  That means that the rifle has more oil in it than folks are used to seeing in an air gun.  It will also smoke a lot when you first shoot it.  

I haven't mounted a scope on it yet, deciding to just use the fiber optic sights.  My first shots were with Daisy Wadcutters at 12 yards.  It took me only about three shots to zero it in.  After that it was grouping very nicely with the fiber optic sights.  

To be honest, I'm not in the mood to shoot too much more today.  It is HOT and HUMID here and it drove me back inside.  I put about 40 shots through it though and it seemed to be getting smoother with each shot.  The first time I cocked it, it was a little rough, but after that is started smoothing out.  

This gun is a nice improvement over the old TF 99 guns.  It has better sights and the front retaining thing is better than the old one.  What I've liked about every TechForce gun I've owned is they are accurate right out of the box!  You'd think they would need a tune to be okay (and that WILL help), but tighten up the stock screws, clean the barrel, and they will be reasonably accurate.  I actually like the trigger on the 99 a little better than the one on the TF 89.  It is easier to learn.  

I hope you enjoyed the review!  Hopefully it will cool down enough to enjoy shooting it by this evening.  

Last thing, I've dealt with the folks at Compasseco a few times now and they are just outstanding people. They are helpful, friendly, and I enjoy buying stuff from them.  While they are more known for their Tech Force rifles, they sell other brands as well.  The TF 89 I got for Christmas from them, is just a fantastic hunting gun.  Hard hitting, accurate and easy to carry in the field.  Every bit of game I took with an air gun on my recent visit to KS was with my TF 89 Contender. 

[gene_sc]

Just remember never to point the barrel down on this gun or you will lose all the oil... Always keep gun barrel up when storing..

Have fun bud.

[popadave]

One of these days I am going to buy a under-lever springer.  What other ones did you consider?  How much is the cocking force? 

[Atchman2]

Just remember never to point the barrel down on this gun or you will lose all the oil... Always keep gun barrel up when storing..

Have fun bud.

Thanks Gene (I think)  

I stole the scope from my RWS 350.  I've been wanting to shoot it with open sights after the American Air Gunner episode anyway.  Took me about 10 shots to be happy with the zero, but she is stacking them on top of each other at 12 yards.  Lots of smoke still though!  I know that is normal for these guns.  

I'm back inside again covered in sweat.  

[gene_sc]

I guess you live in NY.. Jeff has told me the heat is almost unbarable up there.  Sounds like you got yourself a winner..

[Atchman2]

One of these days I am going to buy a under-lever springer.  What other ones did you consider?  How much is the cocking force?  

Well I didn't really consider any others.  I have the same gun in .22 that I bought from a forum mate.  He wasn't shooting it and I got if for a great price.  

There are lots of good underlever guns I'm sure.  Some folks swear by the Gamo CFX guns for an inexpensive underlever.  I want to try out a TF 87, but I'll wait until I go up to KY and maybe go by Compasseco to try it out.  

For a hundred bucks you can't hardly beat a TF 99 for an underlever gun.  There are better guns I'm sure but for what you get for the price it isn't bad at all.  It is easy to cock and load.  

[Atchman2]

I guess you live in NY.. Jeff has told me the heat is almost unbarable up there.  Sounds like you got yourself a winner..

I still live in TN, but it is STILL hot and humid here.  Hey, when is the next fun shoot?  I'm ready to drive the RV over there.  

[dk1677]

Looks like a nice one! Congrats!

[Jay]

Wow Bro. that is a nice gun for a $100,I got to get one!!! Oh I got my finger's crossed for you on the curse going away.

[Brutuz]

Enjoyed reading your review  (Karma +1)

I own a close relative, this .22 XS38 (Brit version)



Mine is a bit twangy, have cut off the plastic factory tapered spring guide, left a stub and fitted an XS20 spring guide which improved it a bit, still not the tight fit it should have but a bit better.

Is yours twangy?

[bwana]

Randy, I hope the new gun is blessed with good groups. The airhawk you sold me has turned into a gem. I put a BSA red dot on it and I'm getting cloverleafs with Crosman Destroyer EX pellets at 20 yards. Thanks again.

[Atchman2]

Randy, I hope the new gun is blessed with good groups. The airhawk you sold me has turned into a gem. I put a BSA red dot on it and I'm getting cloverleafs with Crosman Destroyer EX pellets at 20 yards. Thanks again.

GRRRR   Just kidding.  It is already grouping well.  I'll have to find a scope for it. 

Glad the Air Hawk is working out!  I'd be lucky to hit a tin can with it. 

[popadave]

One of these days I am going to buy a under-lever springer.  What other ones did you consider?  How much is the cocking force? 

Well I didn't really consider any others.  I have the same gun in .22 that I bought from a forum mate.  He wasn't shooting it and I got if for a great price. 

There are lots of good underlever guns I'm sure.  Some folks swear by the Gamo CFX guns for an inexpensive underlever.  I want to try out a TF 87, but I'll wait until I go up to KY and maybe go by Compasseco to try it out.  

For a hundred bucks you can't hardly beat a TF 99 for an underlever gun.  There are better guns I'm sure but for what you get for the price it isn't bad at all.  It is easy to cock and load. 

Thanks Atchman

[deanda]

Nice review Atchman.......thanks for taking the time.