I finally got my Talon SS set up the way I like it!!!

[Gear_Junkie]

Well, I finally got my Talon set up the way I want it, with a nice case, too.  I did quite a bit of research in order to try and make sure I got the right parts the first time around.

I had a hard time with the scope mounting, given that there aren’t many adjustable 30mm scope mounts.  I tried the 30mm BKL adjustable mount, but that thing was a piece of garbage and would not lock the rear.  I ended up going with a UTG drooper-mount  and max-strength, low weaver rings.  The drooper mount adds 10" of upward adjustment at 30 yards, which keeps the scope within a few clicks of center when sighted in at 35 yards.  Although the scope sits pretty high, it’s nice and solid, and I no longer have POI shifts when I go to shoot on different days (the Tri-Rail is what I think made the most difference with eliminating the POI shifts).  I just have to be careful not to cant the rifle with the scope this high.   The UTG 3-12X44 scope is nice and compact, with a superb etched glass reticle.  I really like this better than the thick reticle on other UTG scopes.  I tried the illumination, which is kinda cool, but I doubt I’ll use it.  The only negative I’ve found with this scope is that eye position needs to be consistent at 12X magnification.  With my previous scope, a UTG 4-16X40 True Hunter AO, eye position wasn’t an issue.  Even at 16X magnification, if my eye shifted position slightly, the reticle would still stay on target.  It’s not a big deal, just something that I need to be conscious of.  Maybe this is more of an issue with compact scopes… I don’t know???

Since the Power Wheel on my gun has no effect on velocity, I added a rubber washer behind the top hat.  It didn't affect the velocity, but it almost doubled the shot count.  I get about 60 shots shooting 18gr JSB's from 800fps down to 760fps.

I also got a Wok Guard so that I could use a different grip.  This was a nice addition to the rifle.  The finish is a great match and it fits nice and tight.  The only thing I don’t like about it is that there is less of the safety exposed to push on.  With the AirForce trigger guard, I could push off the safety with the nail on my trigger finger.   With the WokGuard, this is much more difficult.  Not a big deal, just a slight irritation.  Overall, I’m very happy with the looks, fit, and function.  The Hogue grip also feels much better than the original grip.

The final accessory was an armored UTG bipod.  It’s very heavy duty and gives just the right amount of extension.  The only weak point with this bipod seems to be the locking pins that lock the legs in the 3 different positions.  (You have to push these pins in when changing the leg positions.)  These are thin-walled pins that already show quite a bit of wear with minimal use.  I’ll just have to see how these hold up.  If solid pins were used, this bipod would be a 10 out of 10.

For the case, I went with a 36" Plano AW Rifle Case.  This case is a beast!  It is extremely well made, and easy to customize with the pluckable foam.  The rifle just barely fits, but still feels secure and very-well protected.

It’s nice to finally be done with this rifle, and have it the way I want it.  I really wasn't anticipating spending so much money on additional parts, but I guess it is what it is.  I’m looking forward to actually just enjoying the 1/8” groups it produces at 35 yards.  I may even try out some squirrel hunting when the season starts.

[mcc1961]

Very nice setup.I am working on my .257 condor and am getting it close to the way I want it.