I'm eyeing an artemis p15 in 177

[customcutter]

I'm wondering when some of the "bad" P-15 were purchased.  I'm sure there were issues in the beginning, as with any brand or new models.  I would think that bad barrels, pellets falling out, etc. would have been addressed long ago.  Of coarse, I've been wrong before, just ask my wife.   

[Pelletjunkie]

I'm wondering when some of the "bad" P-15 were purchased.  I'm sure there were issues in the beginning, as with any brand or new models.  I would think that bad barrels, pellets falling out, etc. would have been addressed long ago.  Of coarse, I've been wrong before, just ask my wife.   

Aaah, this must be the the thought process that drives potential Snowpeak/SPA buyers. When you really want something bad enough, you just need that one glimmer of hope to add the gun to your cart. If you could order one from Pyramid or some other US dealer that sells bottom end stuff, I’d say go for it. You can always easily send it back. Krale on the other hand, it might not be as simple.

[JimD]

Other than a burr in the port my barrel seems fine.  When I push a pellet through the drag is light and consistent, maybe a little more  for the last inch.  I thought there was more at the end but yesterday I did it again and it seem like there wasn't much if any additional.  I also shot a few slugs into water jugs yesterday and the rifling marks were nice and consistent on them (34s didn't expand at less than 700 fps muzzle, 28s did a little (750 fps)).  But I don't know that the 22 I plan to buy will be as good.  But it also might shoot better. 

I think there is a tendency for a lot of us to want the "latest and greatest" and sometimes the bugs are not fully worked out initially.  But the P35 is a modified P15 which has been around awhile.  I have no idea how the current ones compare to the early ones but I'm hoping I get another "good one".

If you shoot right handed there are other options that are not terribly heavy with nice features - like the Avenger bullpup.  But for me, shooting from the left shoulder, the options are much more limited (unless I decide I like a cocking lever and/or magazine in my face). 

[customcutter]

I'm wondering when some of the "bad" P-15 were purchased.  I'm sure there were issues in the beginning, as with any brand or new models.  I would think that bad barrels, pellets falling out, etc. would have been addressed long ago.  Of coarse, I've been wrong before, just ask my wife.   

Aaah, this must be the the thought process that drives potential Snowpeak/SPA buyers. When you really want something bad enough, you just need that one glimmer of hope to add the gun to your cart. If you could order one from Pyramid or some other US dealer that sells bottom end stuff, I’d say go for it. You can always easily send it back. Krale on the other hand, it might not be as simple.

I have a KAM P-12 that pre-dates SPA, Artemis, or Snowpeak names.  It's a tack driver.  The only thing I've ever done to it is change the o-rings on the fill probe.  Also last year I converted it to a multi-shot, by milling out the receiver to accept Gauntlet magazines.  Now it's a 10 shot wonder.  Your mileage may vary.

[Pelletjunkie]

Just some food for thought. When Diana introduced the Skyhawk, a P15 with a nice stock, it had all the same issues as the P15’s did from two years prior. Tons of them got returned. I don’t believe Diana even offers the gun anymore. Ironically they still offer some of the seriously bottom end stuff built for them by SPA. Since the P15’s intro, other manufacturers have stepped up their game in that price range so Diana was smart to bail on a $700 gamblers gun. It’s a shame because everything on the gun is built with the minimalistic approach compared to something like my Taipan. So it’s light and handles very well offhand. The one I kept and have the most $$ in is a .25. It’s jumpy because of its light weight. A .177 should be smooth.

[JimD]

A quick google search indicates several major air gun suppliers still have the Diana Skyhawk on their website including Pyramid Air and Airguns of Arizona.  Nobody seems to have them in stock, however.  I saw a review where the claim was made that the Dianas have special barrels, still made by SPA, however.  They definitely have a prettier stock.  They are about $100 more than a P15 from Krale, possibly a little less with transportation factored in.  Seems like a way to get a prettier P15 from a U. S. supplier, possibly with some more QA, and I presume with a warranty.  The Diana laminate stock will increase the weight, however.

[Pelletjunkie]

Trust me, they don’t have special barrels. Well maybe Diana bought them a new drill bit to do their crowns and leade with.