Beeman R11 Mk II review part 1

[Cathartes]

I thought I would share my experience with my new R11 so far.

The aesthetics on this gun are great. The stock is a hybrid between a target shooter and a field gun. I particularly like the stippling on the grip and fore-end. It runs all the way underneath the fore-end from the front of the trigger guard to the end of of the wood. This is superior to checkering on the sides because it helps with the artillery hold.

What really sets the externals of this gun apart from the cheaper guns that I have used is the bluing. It is truly deep and rich. Photos don't do it justice.





The adjustable stock is a handy feature. I would like to see this in more field rifles. I found it easy to adjust and it fits like a glove. If you're shooting hunter class field target, it can be adjusted to the default position as seen above in order for it to be legal.





Below is two groups of 5 shots at 20 yards. This was my first test of this gun immediately after I bought it. I chrono'd it at the time, but I didn't record my shot strings. They were all just above 800 fps with H&N Field Target. The trigger is, of course, amazing. It's set up lighter than most of my other guns, so it took some getting used to.





A week or two later I did some serious testing on the rifle. I had shot a few sessions at field targets and it seemed to be doing fine. I shot this group from a sitting position at 30 yards.



However, when I put a string over the chrony, it seemed that it was losing velocity.

First string with H&N FTT 8.64 grain
762
755
746
751
742
736
728
720
723
716

The below group is from the bench, 5 shots. I wasn't particularly pleased with it, but I'm not sure if it's the gun or if I'm just not used the trigger.


My groups started to take on a pattern. Below is 10 shots, four of which are in almost one hole, and six of which are about 1/2-1 inch high left.



Again, not sure if this was me or the gun, but I shoot better groups than that with my CFX. About this same time I notice that the cocking cycle was starting to get a little rough.

I wanted to test some other pellets, so I begin testing with the chrony. Below are the shot strings for the four pellets that I tested.

Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.4 grain
771
765
760
762
753
748
756
754
760
747

Crosman Premier Hollowpoint 7.9 grain
838
831
798
829
791
798
803
784
790
780

JSB Exact Diabolo 8.44 grain
750
742
735
739
744
746
742
745
729
727

Second string with H&N FTT
712
709
702
712
701
710
710
714
709
709

RWS Superdome 8.3 grain
699
693
682
690
691
699
704
707
698
702

I had intended to do some accuracy testing with each pellet as well, but as I was shooting, the cocking cycle kept getting rougher and rougher. It sounded like sandpaper, so I came to the conclusion that I need to take it apart and check it out before shooting any more. I generally take any new air gun apart before shooting it, but I figured a high-end German gun like this wouldn't need it. I guess that's good practice no matter what.

Any way, part 2 of this review will be after I check the internals out. I'll include some pictures.

So far I love the fit and finish of this gun, and the trigger, but I'm a bit disappointed by the performance. I'm sure with some TLC it'll be much better. If I find anything wrong with the internals I'll probably order a vortek kit.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I know, I know... digging up an old thread again...
But I see Cathartes is still active here (yesterday).
Alan, What ever happened with this R11? I have a lead on one and was doing some research.

[Cathartes]

I traded  mine for a tuned Career 707 .22. It was an awesome gun, but I have gone almost all PCP. Still the smoothest spring gun I've ever shot.

The reason it lost velocity was a sleeve around the spring guide was working loose. Once I removed it it shot a lot more consistently. Not sure if it was stock or if the previous owner had made modifications to it, but the sleeve  was not a great idea.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Thanks for the reply!