95 Vortex .22 pellet test - we have a winner!

[GD Giles]

I got the sample tins I ordered today and I was going to wait until tomorrow but I couldn't wait. So I took the gun and pellets with me to work and after work set up the range. 20 yards, indoors. I took 5 shots using the stock scope Optima 3-9x32, I set the power to about 6.1. Tomorrow I will try it again at a lower power to see if that alters the POI.

I'm not saying my pellet quest is over, there's still some I'd like to try but I'll be ordering a tin or three after one more test. You know, compared to some of the JSBs I was really surprised how well the CPHPs did.

[GD Giles]

no clue why those posted sideways. Oh well, it's all there. So in actuality, most shots were low and left.

[OnlyHalfRight]

Thought you were just a crappy shooter

Hahahaha, glad you got that sorted. Im holding off trying a sampler till i get a better scope. CPHP do decent for me thankfully. Strange how guns are different but same model.

Now stock up on those pellets!

[Hobbyman2007]

I think if you can get the cardboard carton of the crosmans ,you'll find they do even better than the tins . I found them to shoot well out of my 135 out to 50 yds then would open up slightly.

[GD Giles]

I ordered a tin of the JSB 18.13 to make my scope order over $100 for free shipping.

Denis the ones in the box seem awfully expensive. I think I paid $16 for 500 JSBs but that box of 600 Crosmans is around $24?

[Gut2Fish]

You can make that Optima scope pretty accurate. Unscrew the objective lens cover (opposite end you look through) the objective in those scopes can be adjusted, screw in or out but not too far. My stock scope objective was set for a far to long of a range making groups of shots impossible. Once I set it 50 ft it became quite accurate.

In case you don't know what is happening when adjusting the objective I'll give the the quick of it. It's not a focus. Many think that's what it does and it's not the whole story. If you can hold the gun with scope or scope alone in place so it won't move and is looking at an object you should be able to move your head back and forth while the cross hair stays is exact same place on object your looking at. If the cross hair moves on the object then your experiencing parallax. It's intense at short distances and cheap scopes many times come with a long distance adjustment. The cheap Optima scope can be adjusted so set it to a common distance you'll be shooting. It doesn't take much movement to "focus" the scope to a shorter distance and really tighten up shot groups.

[Gut2Fish]

You can't go wrong with the 18 grain JSB either. I like this pellet a lot. Kicking myself for buying two 500 tins of the 15.89 to try them out. I'll likely try to sell the unopened tin. The "flatter" trajectory is hardly noticed and it knocks about in wind at distance far more than the gain of 1/2 inch in elevation at 40 yards has merit. And my Talon just doesn't like the taste of them much. Poor groups compared to the 18's.

If it's not too late you may want to add to your order to take advantage of buy 3 tins and get one free. It's surprising how fast you go through a 500 tin, especially when sighting in new scopes!

[Methuselah]

You can make that Optima scope pretty accurate. Unscrew the objective lens cover (opposite end you look through) the objective in those scopes can be adjusted, screw in or out but not too far. My stock scope objective was set for a far to long of a range making groups of shots impossible. Once I set it 50 ft it became quite accurate.

In case you don't know what is happening when adjusting the objective I'll give the the quick of it. It's not a focus. Many think that's what it does and it's not the whole story. If you can hold the gun with scope or scope alone in place so it won't move and is looking at an object you should be able to move your head back and forth while the cross hair stays is exact same place on object your looking at. If the cross hair moves on the object then your experiencing parallax. It's intense at short distances and cheap scopes many times come with a long distance adjustment. The cheap Optima scope can be adjusted so set it to a common distance you'll be shooting. It doesn't take much movement to "focus" the scope to a shorter distance and really tighten up shot groups.

And if you move forward (or away? It's been a while) until the sight picture "tunnels" and is surrounded by black while zeroing, doing it again at other ranges than that set for parallax puts your eye in the same spot you zeroed.  Helps to eliminate parallax errors at ranges other than the one you set the objective for.

On mine I did it at 20 yards and set up zero and parallax focus for that range.  At 10 yards it was off as much as 3/4 inches if I didn't remember to center that "tunnel" - but dead on when I remembered to do it.

Glen is getting an AO scope, this may not adjust out parallax error completely but that is what the "head-bob" checks are for...

Actually Garrett, if you do upgrade I'd recommend a side focus scope.  Takes too long and is too awkward if you try to hunt with the AO's 

[Methuselah]

You can't go wrong with the 18 grain JSB either. I like this pellet a lot. Kicking myself for buying two 500 tins of the 15.89 to try them out. I'll likely try to sell the unopened tin. The "flatter" trajectory is hardly noticed and it knocks about in wind at distance far more than the gain of 1/2 inch in elevation at 40 yards has merit. And my Talon just doesn't like the taste of them much. Poor groups compared to the 18's.

If it's not too late you may want to add to your order to take advantage of buy 3 tins and get one free. It's surprising how fast you go through a 500 tin, especially when sighting in new scopes!

Garrett,

You might find this interesting:

[Gut2Fish]

 Methuselah

I do have a side focus scope. Was just mentioning how I got the Optima that ships with the gun usable. Once realizing the gun itself is very accurate went ahead and purchased more scope for it than it deserves. Didn't want to error on the low side but was certain a 50mm and 16 zoom was ridiculous and 9 zoom about right, went with Hawke 3-12X44mm as that model is side objective adjustment instead of reaching to front of scope every time.

I can zero in a scope in just a few shots but when doing so usually go nuts and start having targets from 50ft out to 200ft at 25 and 50ft intervals. I'm sure it's not just me but when there is any excuse whatsoever to break out the gun and targets 100-200 pellets will vanish easily. 250 tins may last an entire season but only two shooting sessions.

[bebanovich]

Thanks for all who have chimed in on the topic but, especially Glen for logging his experience with this rifle from pre-day-one. I'm sure I will conduct my own tests but it really is great to have a tangible jumping-off point when diving into this hobby on a shoestring budget with my only frame of reference being volumes of reading, a handful of shaky videos and distant childhood memories of shooting friends' airguns.

[Methuselah]

Thanks for all who have chimed in on the topic but, especially Glen for logging his experience with this rifle from pre-day-one. I'm sure I will conduct my own tests but it really is great to have a tangible jumping-off point when diving into this hobby on a shoestring budget with my only frame of reference being volumes of reading, a handful of shaky videos and distant childhood memories of shooting friends' airguns.

Welcome to the GTA David.  The Hatsan 95 is a good value for the coin and most report an accurate shooter.  I've got the 125 and it is a bit heavy.  If I had it to do over I think I'd also consider the pump ups, like the Benjamin 392 as a starter (or older version of it on the used market).

Hope you enjoy the new addiction, I started like you did --- friends had a Winchester-looking Daisy.

[Old Corps]

You can make that Optima scope pretty accurate. Unscrew the objective lens cover (opposite end you look through) the objective in those scopes can be adjusted, screw in or out but not too far. My stock scope objective was set for a far to long of a range making groups of shots impossible. Once I set it 50 ft it became quite accurate.

In case you don't know what is happening when adjusting the objective I'll give the the quick of it. It's not a focus. Many think that's what it does and it's not the whole story. If you can hold the gun with scope or scope alone in place so it won't move and is looking at an object you should be able to move your head back and forth while the cross hair stays is exact same place on object your looking at. If the cross hair moves on the object then your experiencing parallax. It's intense at short distances and cheap scopes many times come with a long distance adjustment. The cheap Optima scope can be adjusted so set it to a common distance you'll be shooting. It doesn't take much movement to "focus" the scope to a shorter distance and really tighten up shot groups.

I've got 2 much nicer Centerpoints on hand but I'm entertaining the idea of installing the cheapo Optima that came with my 95 Vortex just for grins to see how long it lasts (or doesn't?). I'm wondering how you adjust the objective after you unscrew the cap. Do you just put pressure on the lens with your fingers & rotate it or? Thanks!

Ed

[Methuselah]

You can make that Optima scope pretty accurate. Unscrew the objective lens cover (opposite end you look through) the objective in those scopes can be adjusted, screw in or out but not too far. My stock scope objective was set for a far to long of a range making groups of shots impossible. Once I set it 50 ft it became quite accurate.

In case you don't know what is happening when adjusting the objective I'll give the the quick of it. It's not a focus. Many think that's what it does and it's not the whole story. If you can hold the gun with scope or scope alone in place so it won't move and is looking at an object you should be able to move your head back and forth while the cross hair stays is exact same place on object your looking at. If the cross hair moves on the object then your experiencing parallax. It's intense at short distances and cheap scopes many times come with a long distance adjustment. The cheap Optima scope can be adjusted so set it to a common distance you'll be shooting. It doesn't take much movement to "focus" the scope to a shorter distance and really tighten up shot groups.

I've got 2 much nicer Centerpoints on hand but I'm entertaining the idea of installing the cheapo Optima that came with my 95 Vortex just for grins to see how long it lasts (or doesn't?). I'm wondering how you adjust the objective after you unscrew the cap. Do you just put pressure on the lens with your fingers & rotate it or? Thanks!

Ed

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=83794.msg803816#msg803816

Within is a YouTube video, ocular for crosshair focus, objective side (after loosening bezel end) for target.  Do move around eye with scope secured (head-bob) because there is a wide range in focus even though only one critical place of adjustment where the crosshairs stay on target (zero parallax).

When I do the adjustment, I then zero.  If not at same range, do the black circle perimeter thing to put your eye as close as possible to center (hopfully very close or same as zero parallax...)

Whew - lot to type on a tablet 

Happy Holidays Ed!

[Old Corps]

Thanks for taking the time Steve. That you tube link was no longer "highlighted" so I could go directly to it but I found a couple that were very helpful including "how to fix cheap scopes". I think I've got now. Very nice review on the 125! I've got a XL1100 that's very accurate and powerful but it's also a monster. I love it but it's a handful for this old man.

Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you may entertain! How's that for PC?

Ed

[Methuselah]

Thanks for taking the time Steve. That you tube link was no longer "highlighted" so I could go directly to it but I found a couple that were very helpful including "how to fix cheap scopes". I think I've got now. Very nice review on the 125! I've got a XL1100 that's very accurate and powerful but it's also a monster. I love it but it's a handful for this old man.

Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you may entertain! How's that for PC?

Ed

 

It's this one (you probably found it...):

[Old Corps]

Thanks for taking the time Steve. That you tube link was no longer "highlighted" so I could go directly to it but I found a couple that were very helpful including "how to fix cheap scopes". I think I've got now. Very nice review on the 125! I've got a XL1100 that's very accurate and powerful but it's also a monster. I love it but it's a handful for this old man.

Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you may entertain! How's that for PC?

Ed

Nope, I didn't see that one, thanks for the link. I'm gonna put the Optima cheapie on either my Vantage or my 95. It'll probably last longer on the Vantage. When it blows up I'll get hold of you to see if you still want a broken one. Notice I didn't say "if".

Ed

 

It's this one (you probably found it...):

[GD Giles]

Of the two Optima 3-9x32's I have, I've already pledged one to a friend. Maybe I'll keep the other one and adjust like Rick does in the video to 10 yards and make a short range scope for another gun to be had down the road.

[wll2506]

Thanks for all who have chimed in on the topic but, especially Glen for logging his experience with this rifle from pre-day-one. I'm sure I will conduct my own tests but it really is great to have a tangible jumping-off point when diving into this hobby on a shoestring budget with my only frame of reference being volumes of reading, a handful of shaky videos and distant childhood memories of shooting friends' airguns.

Welcome to the GTA David.  The Hatsan 95 is a good value for the coin and most report an accurate shooter.  I've got the 125 and it is a bit heavy.  If I had it to do over I think I'd also consider the pump ups, like the Benjamin 392 as a starter (or older version of it on the used market).

Hope you enjoy the new addiction, I started like you did --- friends had a Winchester-looking Daisy.

I have the 125, 95 and the Edge. Yes the 125 is a big heavy gun, a real powerhouse. The 95 is easier to carry in the field for sure and the Edge is a great field hunting gun with power that is right there with my 95. (of course it does not have the nice trigger and is a bit harsher, but you get what you pay for).

The pump up are nice and light, but IMHO they don't have the consistency of a springer or ram gun ..... (not talking about PCP at all here)

wll

[GD Giles]

Thanks for all who have chimed in on the topic but, especially Glen for logging his experience with this rifle from pre-day-one. I'm sure I will conduct my own tests but it really is great to have a tangible jumping-off point when diving into this hobby on a shoestring budget with my only frame of reference being volumes of reading, a handful of shaky videos and distant childhood memories of shooting friends' airguns.

My pleasure.   I'm all about the shoestring budget too so I research like crazy to make sure I'm getting maximum value. I don't have the resources of time or money to try a lot of things so I ask and read A LOT to make up for that. I think you'd make a great choice with the 95 and I do like the gas ram. Check for refurbs for the best value. I got mine from www.airgunproshop.com .