First Starling of Spring!

[ghostdncr]

I was sitting on the back porch and working on a cup of coffee a few minutes ago when a group of five starlings came in and began walking across the lawn. Doing their traditional line walk and pecking at things, you know? They were a good distance away so I slipped in and retrieved my old .177 Diana Model 38, which was leaned against the cupboard just inside the door. Loaded up a CPHP and took rest across the deck rail, expecting them to fly like they so often do the moment before I send it. One by one they began launching as if on cue but just as #5 squatted, I pressed the 38's trigger and the pellet was gone.

This gun recently got a Vortek spring kit and seal installed and seems to be running quite a bit hotter than before, although smoother and quieter. I don't have a chrono to confirm that, but that's my impression of things. The accuracy tightened up a LOT after the installation and so far, I've been beyond pleased with the performance. There's a tablespoon hanging 45 yards off the back porch and when missed, it's a pretty safe bet the cause was either me or cheap pellets. As far as springers go, the 38 has quickly become my go to gun for about anything that crops up around here that needs shooting at. The diopter/globe sights look out of place and give my eyes fits when shooting game, but work so well on paper targets that I've not bothered to change them out.

The 38's light recoil was sufficient to completely obscure the fine sight picture and I lost the starling from my field of view. Satisfied with the follow through, I looked around the left side of the rear sight in time to see one flutter above the grass. Then stillness...

Forty-three yards from the muzzle, the CPHP had blown completely through the starling's chest and anchored it to the footprints it was standing in. Wonder how many of our native songbirds that one shot saved?

Man, I love this rifle!

[ranchibi]

John, excellent shot, wonderful D38 and nice write up! That is one classic accurate springer!

[dk1677]

Nice shot John!

[ghostdncr]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I must've been pretty excited to have forgotten a photo of the starling... 

[ranchibi]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I must've been pretty excited to have forgotten a photo of the starling... 

LOL...don’t blame ya! Nice shot again 😉.

[Hayfoot]

Nice shooting there John!