Beeman R9 or R1 Carbine...

[AirTrigr]

I've finally decided to follow many of you and take the step into higher quality airguns... My appreciation for quality and craftsmanship have increased, and now I suppose I am interested in paying for it as these gems of the airgun world don't come cheap...  After much consideration and thought, I think I've narrowed my choices down to either the R9 or the R1 Carbine in .20 cal.  Of course quality and craftsmanship come with a price, as a few of my other airgun treasures may possibly have to depart the locker to fund this project.

I'm mostly planning on small game hunting and paper punching with this rifle, and will definitely tune either rifle following break-in, and may even treat myself to a pro tune eventually with one of our destinguished professional members.  I've tuned all of my rifles myself up until now, but with this new experience, might try one of the pro's.

Good folks of the GTA that have been fortunate enough to experience these fine Beeman/Weihrauch guns, which rifle to choose??  I already have a clone R9, 350ProCompact, 34Classic, 34PantherProCompact, 34clone, and 350clone, B19, many home tuned and with vortek kits.  Can't seem to make up my mind, and at this point, won't be able to purchase both...?

Thanks for the help in advance! 
AT   

[Rico14]

The  R9 is one inch longer than the R1 carbine, but one pound lighter, 7.3# vs 8.3#. This is without a scope. The R1 shoots about 50 fps faster. The biggest difference is in the price, R9 is $449 vs $649. If you are going to be carrying the gun in the woods, one pound might make a difference to you. Installing a Vortek kit in the R9 would be cheaper than buying the R1. I have a Vortek kit in my R9 .20 and it's shooting H&N 11.5 at 830 fps.

[AirTrigr]

Rico14,

I was hoping with either rifle to be shooting around 830-850 fps/15-18ft lbs if possible.  Did you get a chance to crony the R9 before the PG2 install?  Sounds like the Vortek really performs well in your R9.  I suppose shot cycle was improved with the PG2, which of course is typical Vortek performance...  What kind of accuracy do you get out to approx. 50 yards?
 
Greatly appreciated!
AT  

[Rico14]

here are the numbers

                  before Vortek        after Vortek
H&N 11.5       772                      830
JSB 13.7        692                      767       I'm getting around 17.5 fpe

yes, the shot cycle improved also, it's short and crisp. Accuracy improved also, I get one ragged hole for 5 shots at 25 yards. The .20 shoots flat out to 50 yards. I've taken ground nutters at 68 yards with the .20 by holding just over their heads

[Mark 611]

I'm going to give you my take on these guns, IMO the R1 carbine is what I'd buy! and here's why, for one the R1 has a screw off end cap where the R9 has a plug, it's easier to disassemble {R1} and it's easier to tune to get the power you looking for and that pound of extra weight is going to help keep the shot cycle more stable therefore the gun will be more accurate, if your wanting a 20cal gun here is what my experience's are between these 2 guns is the R9 tuned up to shoot 800+ in 20cal I noticed the gun became more hold sensitive because your pushing it's power limits and even tho tuned it's very jumpy, they are a light gun to begin with and the added power increases recoil in a light gun, I really like the R9 but it's best kept at factory velocity's, a slight bump in power is ok but if you gonna try to push it into the R1 power range why not just get the R1? The R1 out of the box will shoot 800 to 810fps and is very pleasant to shoot! and if you want to tune it it can be done very easy at home if you have any skills, these gun's are very easy to take apart and reassemble! I also find the R1 in 20cal is at its best around 850fps w/FTT's 11.4gr thats plenty of power and very flat shooting!
Here's a pic of my R1 carbine in .22cal and my R9 .177cal and you can see the size difference and it ain't much!

[AirTrigr]

Mark611,

Thank you for your information and especially the side x side pics of both rifles!  Both guns have their attractions and benefits, but what you state makes clear sense.  For what I'm trying to achieve, the R1 Carbine is likely the choice I'm going to make.  No question, the gun rack will have to relieve a few occupants to make this project happen, but your experience with both guns definitely gets me pointed in the right direction... Thanks to all who have responded.  As we all know, the GTA and it's members are why this is the place to be.  Does anyone recommend a dealer?  Obviously the guns are available many places, but a good price w/quality service can really help a guy out.  PA, Mac1, AGD...?  Unfortunately, the coupon codes do not work at PA with this purchase, otherwise it would be a done deal today!

Have you had any problems with scope shift?  Likely the heavier rifle build and weight will likely reduce any ring movement combined with the stops...

Thanks to all for your valued assistance!
AT     

[Mark 611]

I use a 2 piece Leapers Hi ring set up that comes with a stop pin and its a rock solid set up!

[Mark 611]

Specialty Shooting Sport's their out of Canada but they ship from the U.S. border so shipping is gonna be the same as anywhere else! also try Straight Shooter's but P.A.'s prices are hard to beat with free shipping!

[AirTrigr]

Found a slightly used R1 Supermagnum .22 at a great price.  Excited to either gas ram or Vortek tune this rifle.  Build quality is excellent!  Found a .20 barrel at PA for a good price...Looks to be the makings of a great hunter. Thanks for the pics, great info, and help!

AT;)

[Mark 611]

good to hear! I hope you enjoy your new find!