Ruger Explorer?

[Ken13]

What do yall think of this little gun? I want a cheap, reasonably accurate, open sights shooter. Would this fit the bill?

[bradyman1]

I hear mild melick is selling the b12 for $75 right now. Probably a much better value considering mike lubes it before he ships.

[Ken13]

Really know? Im gunna go take a look 

[bradyman1]

Check this out.

 http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,28008.0.html


 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

"What do yall think of this little gun? I want a cheap, reasonably accurate, open sights shooter. Would this fit the bill? "

 It might well do so but if you will go to the thread in the post above you will find my analysis of the B-12 from Mike.

 Although I have subsequently traded off my B-12 that I bought from Mike about this time last year (for a BSA I've long sought) I still have the Ruger Explorer I got at W-M @ Christmas time.

 The B-12 readily tuned to 620 fps with factory parts and a lot of TLC while the Ruger struggles to top 490 with light pellets.

 That said it is beginning to appear that the Ruger may wind up the more accurate of the two. How long that might last is up in the air however as the Ruger uses a plastic shrouded steel barrel set into a plastic breechblock,

 Were I making a choice now from my backlog of experience I'd get the B-12 from Mike again. And at $75 I'm struggling to not pull the trigger!   HTH, Tom

[Airik]

I like my Explorer. I got it to target shoot in the basement at 17 yards on the cold winter days (overkill) - It's awfully accurate - dime groups every single shot @ 15 yards w/ cheapo Tasco scope I mounted (listed below). All I've done is debur the breech with a Dremel bit (gently). It was awesome without the scope also. Its favorite pellet is the Destroyers so far. The grip could be a little longer for my wide hands, but I'm not complaining one bit for the price. It also has a squirrel under its belt.

[Tactical Tom]

I purchased 2 of these as Christmas gifts for my boys (Twins 8yrs old) It's a great "Starter" air rifle ! They seem to be pretty accurate & so far they shoot the CrosMan Destroyer pellets the best(what little I've got to test it) The boy's love'em. Not the most powerful of the Youth Rifles but they are perfect backyard plinkers !

[Airik]

It'll puncture a full can of beets, or creamed corn, and dent the other side at 28 yrds.  Again, with it's favorite cheap pellet -- the Destroyers.  Crosman Premiere Hollow Points (CPHP's) and Crosman pointed "hunting" (semi-dome) aren't it's forte.  Neither are Crosman boxed domed.  I've had better luck with cheapo daisy pointed and cheapo Destroyers with this gun.  But the B16 from Mike will kill this Explorer.

[mikeiniowa]

XS-16 is the same rifle with more spring.............

[Tactical Tom]

XS-16 is the same rifle with more spring.............

Can a person upgrade the spring in the Explorer ?

[z28rod]

Can a person upgrade the spring in the Explorer ? probubly but it would cost as much as just buying a new b-12 from mike melick unless you change the spring out yourself but you need to know how.