Just ordered a FD XS28M!

[sactargetshooter]

After getting a Hatsan 125 Vortex and getting it seasoned (stopped dieseling after 300 shots), I realized that the barrel/breech lock up is loose. Going to return that.

After much thought and research, I placed an order for a .22 (instead of .25) XS28M from FD. The main purpose of this gun is to reach out to 70 yards to hunt ground squirrels. I used to have a PCP with electronic trigger that can quite easily reach out that far. However, (1) the gun died (I killed it, don't ask!) and (2) I want to learn how to shoot a springer with accuracy. Having a gun that is self contained and not worrying about having batteries and air cylinder charged is a big plus, at least psychologically!

I know reaching out to 70 yards is asking a lot from a springer and its shooter. If you have experience shooting the XS28M long distance, please share! Thanks in advance!

[linoww]

I've had the same experience with the hatsans. Well the tuned  ones I bought here from two different individuals were wonderfully smooth rifles but  they were not very accurate. And three of the hatsan guns I had that were unmodified fell apart in short order. I've had a couple of RWS 350s (what your gun is based on) in .177  and been very happy with them. I'm curious what you're going to be getting velocity and accuracy wise out of the gun, please post. I've looked at those for Mike and thought about a .25 and 22 as well.

[sactargetshooter]

I will post as soon as I receive the rifle. The xs28m has a ball detent barrel latch like the Diana 350, and that is less likely to have lock up issues.

I still have a Hatsan PCP, and that is holding up well after some self tuning work. The main issue is the quality control.

Hopefully, Mike M is removing the risk factor when it comes to Chinese airguns, especially with the full tune service.

I will share results as soon as I have any.

[sactargetshooter]

Mike just replied that the rifle is shipped and will arrive on Thursday (3/10). Looks like Thursday night will be a bit of fun! I already have a 15mm 1/2" UNF adapter (originally for a RWS 34) to help quiet down things a little for some indoor chrony testing.

[lefteyeshot]

I've had the same experience with the hatsans. Well the tuned  ones I bought here from two different individuals were wonderfully smooth rifles but  they were not very accurate. And three of the hatsan guns I had that were unmodified fell apart in short order. I've had a couple of RWS 350s (what your gun is based on) in .177  and been very happy with them. I'm curious what you're going to be getting velocity and accuracy wise out of the gun, please post. I've looked at those for Mike and thought about a .25 and 22 as well.

 I got a full tuned .177 B26-2 coming from MM and FD. Suppose to be here Wednesday. What kind of Hatsans did you have fall apart? What fell off? They aren't the best air rifles in the world. I like mine enough they're keepers. But mine are built like a tank.

[Bryan Heimann]

The XS28M, with Mike's full tune, is hard to beat for a magnum springer.  I love mine to death.

[JoeV]

I've had the same experience with the hatsans. Well the tuned  ones I bought here from two different individuals were wonderfully smooth rifles but  they were not very accurate. And three of the hatsan guns I had that were unmodified fell apart in short order. I've had a couple of RWS 350s (what your gun is based on) in .177  and been very happy with them. I'm curious what you're going to be getting velocity and accuracy wise out of the gun, please post. I've looked at those for Mike and thought about a .25 and 22 as well.

 I got a full tuned .177 B26-2 coming from MM and FD. Suppose to be here Wednesday. What kind of Hatsans did you have fall apart? What fell off? They aren't the best air rifles in the world. I like mine enough they're keepers. But mine are built like a tank.

I'm wondering the same thing. I have four of them and all are in great shape and are great shooters. The Optima scopes is junk, so if someone is depending on that scope as the QC benchmark for Hatsan, they are using the wrong benchmark. All four of mine are nail drivers, and all are tight. Nothing wiggles or wobbles. Not accusing anyone of anything, but not everyone treats their equipment the same. You wouldn't starve a sled dog then ask it to run the Ididarod. JMHO

[SteveP-52]

I've had the same experience with the hatsans. Well the tuned  ones I bought here from two different individuals were wonderfully smooth rifles but  they were not very accurate. And three of the hatsan guns I had that were unmodified fell apart in short order. I've had a couple of RWS 350s (what your gun is based on) in .177  and been very happy with them. I'm curious what you're going to be getting velocity and accuracy wise out of the gun, please post. I've looked at those for Mike and thought about a .25 and 22 as well.

 I got a full tuned .177 B26-2 coming from MM and FD. Suppose to be here Wednesday. What kind of Hatsans did you have fall apart? What fell off? They aren't the best air rifles in the world. I like mine enough they're keepers. But mine are built like a tank.

I'm wondering the same thing. I have four of them and all are in great shape and are great shooters. The Optima scopes is junk, so if someone is depending on that scope as the QC benchmark for Hatsan, they are using the wrong benchmark. All four of mine are nail drivers, and all are tight. Nothing wiggles or wobbles. Not accusing anyone of anything, but not everyone treats their equipment the same. You wouldn't starve a sled dog then ask it to run the Ididarod. JMHO

+1 to this...I have 5 myself and 4 of those are the very inexpensive Edge line rifles and I've never had a single problem with any of them. The Edge Vortex .177 was bought just to tinker with so I don't count that one although I should because even for all my tinkering with it, the only problem with any of the 5 was stock screws loosening up on the Model 95 and loctite fixed that quick enough and with nothing more than barrel cleaning, they were all seriously accurate out of the box.

For the thread, it's not the 28M but I have Mike's XS25 in .22 with his full tune and there's no risk factor, the rifle could be the twin to my HW95 it shoots that good..smooth, quiet, trigger smooth as butter and the pellets make more noise hitting my backstop than the rifle does shooting them. Money very well spent IMO.

[sactargetshooter]

The Hatsan that I am returning is a 125 Vortex. The breech lock up mechanism is loose to the point where my thumbs can nudge it after it is in closed position. Upon close inspection, the chisel is a little wiggly although it is under proper tension from the spring. It may be the gun, it may be me. But I have a number of break barrel rifles and only this 125 and a Stoeger X20S have this lock up issue.

I am really excited about the XS28M, but cautious not to over expect. I have a R7 (very sweet little rifle!) and the trigger is just fantastic (better than that of the LGV). I am guessing the HW95 has a similar trigger. In terms of recoil, I can handle the recoil of the 125, so the XS28M should not be much worse if any. The XS28M will fill a long-range niche of my collection. R7 for near targets, LGV for medium long targets, and the XS28M for long range targets. I am sure I will remain as the limiting factor for a while!

[Bigship]

Without a full tune by Mike, this gun will most likely have difficulty reaching its maximum potential.

[sactargetshooter]

A brown truck dropped off a long box today, yay!

Out of the box is another humble-looking box that contains a somewhat humble-looking rifle. Other than the distinct smell of Chinese mechanical products, it is just like the big brother of my RWS 34. Surprisingly, there are very few plastic parts, even the triggers and open sight are all metal and sturdy!

Cocking the rifle is easy to begin. This contrasts my experience with the Hatsan 125 which required a bit of force to break open. There is a little bit of crunching/grindng noise cocking the rifle, and that is also different from the smooth cocking of the Hatsan 125 (a Vortex). The last part of cocking has a lot of resistance and I use both hands for that part.

Both the crown and the leade are smooth and professionally finished as a part of the full tune. Loading a JSB Jumbo Heavy pellet into the barrel is smooth but with proper seating resistance. The trigger has moderate resistance in 1st stage, 2nd stage requires a relatively light pull (lighter than the stock Quaddro trigger on the Hatsan 125) and let off is crisp and predictable. I think the trigger is every bit as good as the LGV's, but just a little less crisp than the R7's.

The first shot dieseled and had a slight crack to it. I removed the front globe sight and inserted a 15mm 1/2" UNF adapter. That was a very tight fit (in a good way). With a HW LDC attached and no further dieseling, I have to say this rifle is now my quietest rifle (to my ears)! Yes, this is compared to my hushed R7 and LGV, as well as AT-P2 shooting 10.5 FPE.

I thought the gun was shooting too slow, way too slow. Brought out the chronograph and prepared for the worst.

775 fps average with JSB Jumbo Heavies (18gr). That is a healthy 24 FPE! I think the geometry and volume of the compression chamber and barrel is key to this lack of report. Recoil is not much more than the LGV (14 FPE). There is no thwang or much mechanical noise. The Hatsan 125 Vortex, on the other hand, was deafeningly loud to the shooter by comparison.

I did not have enough time to completely sight in and shoot groups. However, I can tell that there is absolutely no barrel droop and the scope rail is true (aligned with the barrel). Weather and time permitting, I will probably take this rifle to the range on Sunday and stretch its legs.

Up to this point (without any long range groups), this rifle really is a pleasant surprise given the price point. My only concern is the light grinding noise when the rifle is being cocked. If I have time tonight, I'll sight it in at 10 yards and see what kind of groups I am capable of with this rifle.

[linoww]

I've had the same experience with the hatsans. Well the tuned  ones I bought here from two different individuals were wonderfully smooth rifles but  they were not very accurate. And three of the hatsan guns I had that were unmodified fell apart in short order. I've had a couple of RWS 350s (what your gun is based on) in .177  and been very happy with them. I'm curious what you're going to be getting velocity and accuracy wise out of the gun, please post. I've looked at those for Mike and thought about a .25 and 22 as well.

Webley valumax-smoked and dieseled  so bad the piston seal burned out in 300 shots.

Striker vortex .22- shot well but after 2000 shots the ram failed.

Pistol(forgot model name) .177-after 500 shots got noisy and lost power.returned for a new one but that had a poor barrel. First one was Lazer accurate though.

125 .25- from the factory so gritty you could hardly stand to shoot it.Mike E. Did a wonderful gas ram and tune and it was as smooth as my theoben eliminator.problem was barrel was garbage.it fought to get 2" average ar 25 yards.

95 .25-bought here used with a tune.again smooth and all but accuraccy beyond 10 yards was a joke.

[Bryan Heimann]

In my own experience the Hatsan 125 was a difficult rifle to master.  Mine was a Walther Talon Magnum- the same rifle, rebranded.  It took some time to put 5 in inch at 20 yards with consistency, and an inch at 30 only with max concentration.  Under 20 yards I could grip and rip and hit a 1.5" spinner consistently.  They are good guns for the money, and will hit the kill zone from normal distances you'd see game in thick woods.
The tuned XS28M from flying dragon, on the other hand, can put ten in an inch from 30, off a wobbly rest consisting of a 5 gallon bucket-sitting on a rocky riverbed- and a winchester bag.  I don't think I ever even fully wrung that one out and gave it a fair chance for accuracy, just hecause I was satisfied I could manage good groups without absolute perfect consistency and the right hold

[linoww]

I bet the .25 in the FD 28 would be a nice shooter.

[Bryan Heimann]

I bet the .25 in the FD 28 would be a nice shooter.

It definitely is.  Mine averages about 700 fps with jsb kings, and it's probably the second smoothest springer I've owned and shot, except with the nicest trigger.

[sactargetshooter]

I just finished some preliminary pellet testing. The XS28M in .22 likes Polymag and Crosman CPHP the most so far. Interestingly, JSB pellets do not shoot well out of this gun, nor do HN Barracuda Match pellets. I don't have any JSB Jumbo (I only have RS and Heavy pellets), so that will be on my list to acquire. I'll probably get some more Crosman variety pellets. Polymags are the most promising ones as they group really well. CPHPs are okay.

[linoww]

I bet the .25 in the FD 28 would be a nice shooter.

It definitely is.  Mine averages about 700 fps with jsb kings, and it's probably the second smoothest springer I've owned and shot, except with the nicest trigger.

Im.surprised your getting that much power out of the 28.that's like 27-28 fpe.i.didn't think that platform could push that much energy.

[Bryan Heimann]

I was surprised by it too.  The numbers Mike was getting with the Peak pointed pellets he chronied it with in his shop were somewhere around 24 fpe.  But that is the energy she is making with Kings. My rifle was also well broken in at the time.
It is possible to push the XS28 platform to 30 fpe, and the 350 as well.  The factory 350 magnum springs are only .128 wire.  The swept volume is there.  I think Mike put an ARH spring in this rifle.  I believe ARH makes a .135 spring for the 350 that pushes the powerplant a little harder.  Of course most anything that fits the 350 fits the XS28M. I have also read that these guns may have slightly more swept volume than a 350.  I don't know if that is the exception or the rule, but I am sure it varies on the high and low end due to more slack tolerances than the German guns.  Regardless, I am pretty happy with mine.

[sactargetshooter]

Got a little bit of time to shoot the rifle and adjust the trigger. I shortened 1st stage and reduce the pull of 2nd stage. As I disassembled the gun, I realized the front stock screws were not exactly tight (though not loose to be turned by fingernail, either). After putting the rifle back together, I found the accuracy was improved quite a bit and now it shoots many pellets accurately.

Also, using a gun sock to support the front part of the forestock works well. A gun sock is just a long sock filled with some material and used as a sandbag. I filled mine with crushed walnut shells from Harbor Freight.

I went back and shot some JSB Jumbo Heavies (18gr) and this time the heavier pellet shot accurately. I am getting a little more than 23 FPE at muzzle. Interestingly, I get the same muzzle energy shooting RWS Superdomes (14.5gr).

[sactargetshooter]

I have enough time to practice with this gun to get some reasonable results. The rifle has no droop, so no droop compensating mount is needed. I put one on accidentally and had to switch the mount.

Breech lock up is very secure. I cannot feel any play (unlike the returned Hatsan 125 Vortex), and there is no vertical string, either. On the other hand, the barrel does open up smoothly and without much effort (no slapping).

Mine seems to like medium weight pellets as far as accuracy is concerned. H&N FTT 14.66gr and JSB Jumbo Express 14.3gr are the best pellets so far. With either, I was able to shoot tight groups albeit only at 10 yards. It is not uncommon to have single hole groups and one shot will break the pattern (4 through the same hole, 1 goes somewhere else). I think it is the shooter, not the gun. Still learning how to pull the trigger consistently.

With JSB Jumbo Express, I get a muzzle energy of 22 FPE. That is plenty to reach out to ground squirrels at 70 yards given that the shooter can shoot accurately enough!

All-in-all, at this point, I think the FD fully tuned XS28M is a better deal than the Hatsan 125 Vortex Sniper. Of course, this opinion is subjective and based on my particular experience.

Oh, here is one more interesting fact. With a HW LDC attached, the XS28M shooting at 22 FPE has about as much report as a 14 FPE .177 LGV with its own NC LDC. The report is a little more than that of the HW30S (also hushed), but that is to be expected. I am quite impressed by the lack of mechanical noise and relatively moderate muzzle report. In fact, when I look at the recorded waveform, the LGV actually has more mechanical noise than the XS28M. It is very interesting looking at recorded waveform!