Hello world... new member in Reading England.

[Mk2]

Been reading this forum quietly as a lurker for advice and tips, and now that I have bought a used springer, thought I'd join in!

Used to have firearms, but for the last few years, nothing. All sold. I used be an avid reloader and "tweaker". Even black powder.

But now keeping chickens with what appears to be the inevitable, unwanted, accompanying residents; rats.

So looked around for something low power, accurate, quietish and effective at controlling these pests. Ended up buying an inexpensive second hand, break barrel springer, a Stoeger X20 Suppressor mk1, in 0.22 flavour. Yes it's made in China, and appears to be pretty much a clone of an old Gamo or BSA. All the parts look pretty much identical.

Being an engineer, thought I'd fully rebuild it to see if I could improve accuracy. Groups in the condition it was, were around 10cm (4"), and now slightly better at 3" all at 20 yards approx. Not impressed. I used to get that with a bolt action 22LR at 100yds!

Have done the following so far:
New main 25.5mm seal.
New main spring (same size, not an upgrade) to keep same power rating.
New breech seal.
Ball bearing trigger upgrade.
Phosphor bronze pivot washers to replace the plastic bearing at the barrel break hinge. All lapped and precisely fitted.
Rehoned the cylinder wall.
Covered the piston with high temperature teflon coating.
Teflon coating on the main spring.
Correct clean and lube.

My next steps are to find the best pellets for this thing. I've read that it should be capable of 1.5cm groups at 20yds.

I wanted to fit metal sights, but this doesn't look possible.

The telescopic sight seems to be in good condition and securely mounted.

So hello everyone, wherever you all are! 

[ezman604]

Welcome to GTA Forums!!!

SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave

[AThomas]

Welcome to the GTA!

[dk1677]

Welcome to the GTA !

[mr007s]

HOWDY, WELCOME, HAVE FUN, AND  "Follow the Yellow Brick Road”

[Mk2]

Thanks for the warm welcome all! 👍🏻🇬🇧

[Bobhicks]

Welcome to the GTA

[Berserkeley Mike]

Welcome to the GTA!

I too keep chickens.  If, someday, you ever get tired of shooting rats, try feeding the chickens in some kind of feeder that you can bring inside at night.

[Mk2]

Welcome to the GTA!

I too keep chickens.  If, someday, you ever get tired of shooting rats, try feeding the chickens in some kind of feeder that you can bring inside at night.

Funny thing is I already do exactly that. But you know chickens.... they're messy.

Arrived today was a box with a LOT of different pellets to see what brand and type gives me the best groups. Just need to wait for a nice, not windy day... 35 different pellets, in packs of 20. I need to find a thread on this forum where I can post results. I'm sure people will be interested.

[Berserkeley Mike]

Arrived today was a box with a LOT of different pellets to see what brand and type gives me the best groups. Just need to wait for a nice, not windy day... 35 different pellets, in packs of 20. I need to find a thread on this forum where I can post results. I'm sure people will be interested.
[/quote]

I don't know, European gate or Projectiles?

Where did you get such a varied sampler?

[splitbeing]

Howdy, Mk2.  We're moving some things around and haven't set up a stoeger gate.  However, if you type gatewaytoairguns.org and then your stoeger model into google, you'll likely find some valuable threads to read and post in.

Edinga made nuah [100 yd target shooting club here) with a .177 bullshark pcp in .177 by stoeger.

[Mk2]

Arrived today was a box with a LOT of different pellets to see what brand and type gives me the best groups. Just need to wait for a nice, not windy day... 35 different pellets, in packs of 20. I need to find a thread on this forum where I can post results. I'm sure people will be interested.

I don't know, European gate or Projectiles?

Where did you get such a varied sampler?
[/quote]

There's a chap on eBay UK that buys every pellet he can find, then splits them into bags of 10/20 or whatever on request. So if you have a new gun and you're trying to find what is the optimum pellet for it, he's the guy.

Saves a lot of time and money buying full tins, when all we want is accuracy and tight groups.

I'm now just waiting for a windless day to get out and run them all through.

All air guns are very fussy about what you put in them. So I guess it makes sense to find the right one. Else what's the point? It'd be just like shooting in random directions for the fun of it!

I have a question about copper clad pellets. I'll put it on the main board...

[mr007s]

HOWDY, WELCOME, HAVE FUN, AND  "Follow the Yellow Brick Road”

[amb5500c]

Welcome to the GTA.
Richard