EVOL 22 HP

[Hayfoot]

I know that there's been some interest on the board, so I wanted to share news of my latest/proudest acquisition:  a hot off the press Evol .22 HP slug shooter.  Yes, merry Christmas to me. 
Long story:
So I get the call that my rifle is ready, and since Tom is local to me, I opt for the drive over vs shipping.  After all the time and effort that went into this procurement, I'm not trusting anything to the postmen (bless their hearts) and prefer the opportunity to have a one-on-one with the author of my new shooter.

I arrived with gun case and mods in hand (new grip, scope, bipod, LDC, etc.) to check for fit and share enthusiasm over, and Tom was really nice about offering to install these for me.  He even mounted the scope for me!  I totally appreciated him taking time from his busy schedule to indulge me with add-ons and all my questions.  He was very patient. 

Oh, speaking of scopes, we dug in my parts bag and ended up using Steiner hi set mounts (1.35").  The mediums did fit the scope (the scope being an MTC ViperPro 5-30x50 sfp) , but for better clearance on the magazine, high mounts worked better.  With the PRS buttstock I selected, it was an easy cheek weld adjustment.  Very comfy.  He helped with the eye relief, and it was done.

Filled the tank on the rifle and we went outside to try and chrony some rounds. Note:  the tank will accomodate 5K pressure (it is the HP version after all) but recommended fill is 4k, with reg set at 2k.
Some notes: the trigger travel is slight like .26 and the 2nd stage break we adjusted from defalut 1.5 down to a comfy 18oz. 
The cocking is very easy.  For those who are familiar with FxImpacts (my only other reference), on the FX the cocking is fluid from front to back.  I'm trying to say there is no change in resistance.  On the Evol there is kind of a... staging.  Like it comes smoothly then there is a bit of resistance where you "click the valve" set.  I'm not complaining, just 'noticing' a difference.  As Tom explained, since this is a much higher pressure rifle, the valve seats tighter (?) and the spring tension is higher, so as you draw the lever back, you come against the stiffer spring at one point and there is a more 'tangible purchase' on seating the valve vs.. other rifles.  It was something for me to be aware of.

So next it was time to put some rounds through her, so we went out to his backyard.  Now... I know all the recent posts regarding this 'other product'... but, I took a sleeve of FxSlugs with me to try them.  This was in all honesty a mixed process of sighting the scope, chrony the slugs, and also finding which model/brand the barrel preferred.

The 1st round was with the FXslugs.  These are 22grain .217's and shot at:  1009, 1014, 1013, 1010...kind of range.
Next we tested the Nielson brand, and came up with:
.218 20.2gr shot at 1030, 1025, 1023, 1025 ish.
.218  28gr  shot at  887ish.
.217  23 gr  shot at  995, 999ish.
Tom played with the valve to get the best average shots and we were done.

Next, we tried for accuracy.  Tom set out a target at 85yds (measured by laser range finder).  First up again were the FxSlugs.  I don't think my rifle (Tom's rifle?) liked these much.  Let's just say that at 85 yds the grouping looked something like the constellation Orion, hahaha.  I might give them another try later on.  We played with the Nielson slugs, and they were much better accepted by the barrel.  At 85 yds it was only a matter of sighting in the scope and then the slugs stayed put.  I think the best groups I got (and by I .. I mean Tom doing the shooting) was 3/4 inch with the 20grains shooting about 1044fps, with 50ftlb energy. ish.  Trajectory was near flat!  Me.. I was able to hit the paper.  Now, here is something to aspire to... Tom mentioned that with another customer's evol he was able to hit 1.5" groups at 400 yds.  !!!   So, that means this rifle can easily out shoot  ~ me. haha

Them's all the news for now.  I've probably forgotten to mention things in all my excitement, but over all... I'm one happy fella.  This coming weekend will be target shooting and groups.  I'll let you know how it goes!
Cheers, and happy holidays,
Mike

[triggertreat]

Congrats!  Looking forward to seeing those groups...

[bear air]

Congrats! The Evol looks to be a very nice rifle and it sounds like its a shooter too. Looking forward to hearing more.

[Dairyboy]

Congrats man!!! This is exciting to see! Looking forward to getting my .22 EVOL!

[JoeWillie]

   Gongrats,

                     I know the long road you just traveled! Enjoy, looks to be a keeper. Problem now is anything over 2" at 400yds will just be a bit
      HooHum!  LOL

    Joe

           

[Moeshanker]

Wow! I’m seriously jealous! Looks like a very nice and very accurate Rig!

[QVTom]

Mike,

It was a pleasure to meet you and hang out for a while.  I took this photo of your target so you would have some reference.  I was surprised that the FX hybrids didn't fare so well; to be fair most of my development has been with the NSA slugs and this gun can benefit from a heavier slug.



Enjoy!