Benjamin Akela pics

[smythsg]

Randy, your out of the box description of the Akela matches very closely with what I posted about mine. (including the hard safety) I look forward to comparing my experiences with the rifle to yours. By the way, I too did not have high enough rings for comfortable scope mount so ordered a pair of the rings Scott mentioned, should be here Friday.

Just FYI, my Akela also does well with the NSA 17.5 slugs.

[randy_68]

I ordered a high offset and just a pair of extra high rings so ill have choices. My biggest issue is getting my eye relief right with the scopes I have. I need to mount them forward but ran out of rail so the offsets may work best.
I did adjust my trigger some and ended up with a pseudo 2 two stage that breaks at 1# now. I have a very light spring loaded take up for first stage from the spring on the rod, then it hits the wall and breaks at 1# with just a little creep. Pretty nice. The screw in front of the trigger opening is what adjusts the sear engagement and the nut on the rod adjusts takeup.
I waxed my stock last nite and it looks really good now.

[RichH]

There is no need for the scope to sit so high. It clears by a mile. And there is no reason to have the mag under the scope saddle. None. It is simply improperly mounted.


Knife

So you mount the scope so that the eye relief is perfect for you when you shoulder the gun. Since the LOP is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the scope saddle is NOT ADJUSTABLE and the mag well is NOT ADJUSTABLE how is it that the scope is "improperly mounted"? How would YOU mount it "properly"?

[randy_68]

That gun just disappeared to me, as well as any others that use the same mag.

The mag is too high and eliminates all but high scope mounting options. I'll never own a gun that I can't mount a scope however I want, which for me is always as low as possible.

Nope. Never.

The mag isn't an issue when mounting a scope on this gun as it sits behind the rail. Not even close to interfering with the scope.  On a regular rifle it can be an issue depending on scope, rings and mag height.

[Fate]

Randy, my comment was directed to Scott's Cayden and rings in post #8.

However, I also commented on the Akela with the same viewpoint, except only worse.

Everyone has their preferences. Those comments are mine.

For reference, I have low rings on my Synrod with a 2-16x44mm 30mm tube scope. It's as low as possible, just the way I wanted.

Since I'm editing this... same with my D48, although it took a bit more effort to get it there. The scope on my 35 is so close I can't use a cover... now that's perfect, for me that is.

[randy_68]

Ok no problem. I see your point. I too wish mfgs would use a mag setup more like the Taipans. About as simple and easy to use plus they load  into the barrel from the top. 

[smythsg]

Randy, what did you use to wax your stock? I have seen a couple of recommendations, just curious what you used.

Also did you explore adjusting the hammer spring while you had yours out of the stock?

[mrbulk]

Randy, what did you use to wax your stock?

Hey Steve, I used to think Lemon Pledge furniture wax was an old wive’s tale kind of thing, but not according to Marlin:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/taking-care-of-wood-stocks.32821/

[mrbulk]

In fact reading the posts till the end came up with this consensus, according to a cabinetmaker on the forum -

[Dan H]

I really like the Akela .... I just wish they would of put the side lever up by the trigger like the FX wild cat or Hatsan bullboss /gladius ... I would of paid a bit more for it also with that feature , and a regulator . ... I think the Avenger has raised the bar for the under 1000 /500 $$$ guns ..

[mrbulk]

I really like the Akela .... I just wish they would of put the side lever up by the trigger like the FX wild cat or Hatsan bullboss /gladius ... I would of paid a bit more for it also with that feature , and a regulator . ... I think the Avenger has raised the bar for the under 1000 /500 $$$ guns ..

Actually Dan, once they bullpup the Avenger I’ll probably get me one a them, too! 

[smythsg]

Charlie, that was an interesting read, and how can you go wrong with this  "VERY VERSITLE- OZ Polish is really polishing magic." I don't have an Amazon membership, but might look for another source. Thanks for the heads up!

[randy_68]

I used Minwax furniture paste wax and buffed it by hand. Just gave it a nice satin sheen. I don't feel like doing a full on refinish with the antique oil finish. It would really look good then buts its labor intensive and I just don't have time right now.

[randy_68]

Here are a few more pics with a different scope. I settled on the Aim Sports Alpha6 4.5-27×50 with med UTG 30mm quick attach rings. I then removed the top half of the cheek rest and that way my scope isn't too high plus I can get proper eye alignment.  It could probably go forward another 1/2" or so but I'm going to try it like this for now.
I'm switching all my scopes to 30mm as I just like them better. Seem to be much brighter.. I must say this new Alpha6 is pretty nice for the money. And I love the reticle in it. If it works out I hope to get it sighted in and maybe go on a squirrel hunt this weekend with it.

[Wayne52]

Randy a good 30mm scope can make all the difference in the world.

[Hangtown-Shooter]

Looking good Randy! 👀
How do you like that Alpha 6 so far? 

[randy_68]

I havent been getting home till  almost dark so I only had time to mount it and shoot a few shots but from what I've seen so far its great. Very clear and bright especially in the low light conditions I was using it in. I think its actually brighter than my Arken SH4 and my Athlon Talos BTR. I really like the reticle in this scope and its second focal plane

[superchikn]

Randy,
That scope really really looks good on you Akela.
My 1" scope on skinny hi rings looks anemic.  I have better rings coming and I do have a30 mm scope on the shelf which I may try but wanted to keep my scope on the light side.

[randy_68]

Finally was able to sit down and shoot a few groups before dark last nite. I started with a full fill of 3000 psi and the first group was 6 of the 18 gr JSB that were left in mag.. Power wheel was on full power and target was at 50 yards. I was aiming at top of center diamond with a 35 yard zero. They 18 gr are shooting around 925 fps, the 16 gr jsb around 975 and the Crosman 14.3 around 1000 fps. Oh and I backed out the hammer spring all the way and the 18 went from 945 out of the box to 925. The 16 gr dropped from 1000 to 975 . So not a big drop.

  It appears my gun really likes the 18 gr JSB. After I shot those first 6 at the center I shot two groups at the top left with the 16 gr JSB.  They aren't very good but they are shooting hot so maybe they would shoot better if slowed down. The smaller group on the left of that diamond is actually 18 gr again. I just forgot to mark it.

Next i tried the Hades on the top right target. After a few shots I stopped and emptied the mag. Just no good at that speed. The Crosmans were next and surprised me how good they were shooting at 1000 fps so I put it on half power and finished shooting them. They def show some promise.

For now I'm sticking with the 18 gr JSB.
I don't Ike how the power adjuster works on this particular gun as it feels springy like an oring is tight and hangs up. If I turn it all the way open it backs off just a hair so its hard to get a constant stopping point. Seems fine in the middle and low power.

I dont know what the deal is but everytime I upload photos on here they rotate. Just aggravates the &^^& outta me.

   

[mrbulk]

I dont know what the deal is but everytime I upload photos on here they rotate. Just aggravates the &^^& outta me.

Randy, but it helps when I'm falling asleep and I turn the computer sideways to read  in bed...

Nice groups, especially with the JSB 18's...