Woods Walker Prod arrived today (Review & Testing)

[brewbean]

The cleaning rod was aluminum. All I know is that before I pushed the pellets out it was dead on. Immediately after, it was sloppy with the same pellet. I checked the seals, reseated the barrel... tried everything. The barrel was somehow damaged. I'm not sure, but I believe the barrel was Crosman - the standard barrel on the gun out of the box.

[William]

William budsgunshop has a Hawke Varmint 6-24x44($137) would be my 1st recommendation for a light weight scope. My 2nd choice would be the UTG 30mm Swat Compact 3-12x44 SF for $145 on Amazon for $145.

Thank you for the suggestions, but, I got impatient and order 2 scopes ...

1. UTG 3-9x32 AO Compact CQB Bug Buster Rifle Scope,

 https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-3-9x32-ao-compact-cqb-bug-buster-rifle-scope-illuminated-mil-dot?a=4222

I also ordered some 13.43 JSB's to try out in the Prod...

2. While at Walmart at 4am this morning I looked in the show case and they had one Barska 3-9x42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Scope that was missing the box and one scope ring flat clamp thingy lol
So I got it for $71.00 which normally in most places sells for around $129 +/- this scope I think is NON-AO but I took it outside and checked at different distances and it seems to not have hardly any parallax movement at all.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Barska-3-9x42-IR-2nd-Generation-Sniper-Scope/21392211?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=21392211&placement_id=irs-8-b1&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=MlF43xS2aCO8a6qxV_B1yY&category=&client_guid=54e10c7c-61fa-46ec-8b70-713ade284d7a&customer_id_enc=&config_id=8&parent_item_id=21392211&parent_anchor_item_id=21392211&guid=8637d1b8-111d-465c-8cf3-9f3108157ce3&bucket_id=irsbucket000&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

I may put the UTG on my Prod and the Barska on my Kalibrgun Cricket 9mm. Not sure yet, but that Barska is Crystal Clear and solid.

I am tired big bulky and heavy scopes, one thing is that I wish they would stop putting that stupid IR lighted reticle in all the scopes I do not have a need for it and wish they would give you a choice!

Thank you,

William

[William]

The cleaning rod was aluminum. All I know is that before I pushed the pellets out it was dead on. Immediately after, it was sloppy with the same pellet. I checked the seals, reseated the barrel... tried everything. The barrel was somehow damaged. I'm not sure, but I believe the barrel was Crosman - the standard barrel on the gun out of the box.

Are you sure you didn't knock a burr down from on the edge of the Barrel Transfer Port, send it back to Crosman maybe they will send you another one if it isn't damaged and have a spare, just a thought.

William

[FuzzyGrub]

That larger objective (50mm-56mm) lets in much more light than a 32mm or 40mm. As far as weight my 56mm weighs only 6oz more than  3-9x40. That extra 6oz isn't squat compared to the difference in light gathering or zoom for that matter. (I also run a night vision add on or sometimes a scope cam, so that extra light is needed). Its all about application as is just about everything else in this hobby. Im not saying thats what the OP should get. But for me it works perfect. I have mounted at least 8 different optics....and that size preformed perfect on my prod. I like the zoom even at even the shorter yardages....... Surgical.
I have a mrod that I will conserve weight on....(not the prod) its pretty anemic to start with. Little weight feels good on it. IMO

I agree the prod is light and could stand to gain a few ounces.  High rings for any thing above 44mm, heavy scope, with the stock Prod foregrip, the gun just wants to roll on its side.  A large scope just overwhelms the little gun.  If you are happy with your combo, nothing wrong with that. 

[FuzzyGrub]

I got impatient and order 2 scopes ...
1. UTG 3-9x32 AO Compact CQB Bug Buster Rifle Scope,

You may find you need offset mounts with the bug buster.  It is so short it does not allow much forward/backward adjustment for eye relief. 

[FuzzyGrub]

Where can a comb/cheek riser be purchased for the Crosman skeleton stock?  How much does it cost?  Is it easy to install without cutting or drilling anything?

I used ATI SKS like this: 

I think I paid about $12 but it was a while ago.  It is easy to install but need some help because of the "A" cross section to the crosman skeleton stock.  I lined the inside of the SKS with adhesive foam and it held ok.   For a tight fit, I had th give it a flatter surface by screwing a section of aluminum c - channel to the top of the "A".

Others have done DIY with everything from foam pipe insulation to stainless 1" rod with riser screws. 

[William]

I got impatient and order 2 scopes ...
1. UTG 3-9x32 AO Compact CQB Bug Buster Rifle Scope,

You may find you need offset mounts with the bug buster.  It is so short it does not allow much forward/backward adjustment for eye relief.

Thanks for the info, I put the Barska on it this evening and I also put a super thin shim under the back scope mount (in the saddle between bottom of scope and mount) to get a little more Elevation on POI adjustment if needed. I always shim mine, every AG I have mounted a scope on was almost out of elevation adjustment, which will cause POI movement due to not enough tension on the spring in the scope. It will bounce inside and move.

Anyway the Barska 3-9 x 42 mm on the first group at 20 yards was a few inches high and almost dead on left to right, shot a bunch of groups at 20 and 30 yards to fine adjust and I couldn't stop shooting the Prod, this thing is so much fun and accurate its unreal. The Barska is not AO adjustable but at 30 yards its fine and if i turn it down to 5x you don't even notice it. This scope is crystal clear and solid, I was shooting pellet into pellet hole at 30 yards even on 5x.

I will maybe put the Bug Buster on my Cricket and see how that works out.

I will look into those Offset Mounts just in-case I need them for the Cricket, who knows I may swap and put the Barska on the Cricket and the Bug Buster on the Prod when I get it...

I seen those Check Rest's some where yesterday and cannot remember where, I will be getting one or something thats for sure.


Thank you everyone for the info and Ideas...

William

[gta-ken]

Where can a comb/cheek riser be purchased for the Crosman skeleton stock?  How much does it cost?  Is it easy to install without cutting or drilling anything?

I used ATI SKS like this: 

I think I paid about $12 but it was a while ago.  It is easy to install but need some help because of the "A" cross section to the crosman skeleton stock.  I lined the inside of the SKS with adhesive foam and it held ok.   For a tight fit, I had th give it a flatter surface by screwing a section of aluminum c - channel to the top of the "A".

Others have done DIY with everything from foam pipe insulation to stainless 1" rod with riser screws.

Thanks for the info.  It looks like that ATI SKS product is no longer available.  It's too bad Crosman doesn't provide an optional cheek rest that can be added.  I guess we either have to rest our chin on top of the skeleton stock or get creative with things we can get at a hardware store.

[FuzzyGrub]

Thanks for the info.  It looks like that ATI SKS product is no longer available.  It's too bad Crosman doesn't provide an optional cheek rest that can be added.  I guess we either have to rest our chin on top of the skeleton stock or get creative with things we can get at a hardware store.

It appears so.  As I mentioned it is not perfect anyways.  If you still want one, some old stock may pop up on ebay.   If you end up with Prod or 1720T contact me.  I might decide I have plenty sitting on the shelf.   

[William]

As mentioned and everyone knows the cheek riser is too low for scope mounting on the Prod, so, here is how I fixed mine and it works great. You can also stuff something between the elastic pad I used as storage space, gloves, cloth pouch with magazines in it or just what ever your imagination can come up with.

I did get the Idea from another member here on the GTA someplace but don't remember who! Anyway I thank him for such a great Idea. 

You want to get the smallest knee or elbow foam padding you can buy, I got mine a Academy Sports for $8.99 and you get 2, so you have and extra for another rifle....

The padding is already about 1/2" thick, but I needed about 1" or so, so I found some good 3/8" thick foam from a box of something shipped to me and cut 2 pieces the length or a little shorter than the Prod comb and wrapped it in place with electrical tape. When I was done it seemed to slide to easy, so I got a piece of double sided sticky tape and put on top of the comb between the tape and the knee pad, works great. Also I didn't do it but it would be best to add some double sticky tape between the Foam and The Top of the Comb as well....

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/rawlings-womens-volleyball-knee-pads
Rawlings® Women's Volleyball Knee Pads
$8.99
SKU# 019184092 Item #:TSRW3000

I also fixed the stock from moving with sticky tape as well, I took off the Stock and cut a piece of double sided sticky tape (Scotch Permanent Mounting Tape) its about 1/8" thick or less actually. I cut the tape about 5" long and split it down the middle, then stuck it to the very bottom of the butt of the handle and let it wrap up around the back about an inch or so. I did not peel off the outer layer, just stuck it to the handle butt, pushed the stock back on while pushing it hard to get the foam tape to squish a little or enough to start the screws and tightened it all down, she don't move or wiggle now thats for sure. 

Happy Shooting and hope this helps someone,,,,

William

[gta-ken]

Thanks for all the ideas regarding the cheek riser and how to get the stock to stay in place.  It's kind of strange the Crosman designs the skeleton stock that way and offers no factory option to add a cheek riser. PA has action kits with two different AR-style stocks that add $130 or $180 to the price of the gun, and they don't have cheek risers either.  Those stocks mount higher so they're better, but hardly worth all that extra money.

[William]

Thanks for all the ideas regarding the cheek riser and how to get the stock to stay in place.  It's kind of strange the Crosman designs the skeleton stock that way and offers no factory option to add a cheek riser. PA has action kits with two different AR-style stocks that add $130 or $180 to the price of the gun, and they don't have cheek risers either.  Those stocks mount higher so they're better, but hardly worth all that extra money.

Your welcome on the ideas and easy ways to solve the very little issues with the Prod... and I agree on the extra money on the AR Stocks.

William

[gta-ken]

Where can a comb/cheek riser be purchased for the Crosman skeleton stock?  How much does it cost?  Is it easy to install without cutting or drilling anything?

I used ATI SKS like this: 

I think I paid about $12 but it was a while ago.  It is easy to install but need some help because of the "A" cross section to the crosman skeleton stock.  I lined the inside of the SKS with adhesive foam and it held ok.   For a tight fit, I had th give it a flatter surface by screwing a section of aluminum c - channel to the top of the "A".

Others have done DIY with everything from foam pipe insulation to stainless 1" rod with riser screws.

Thanks.  Midway appears to have the ATI SKS cheek risers in stock for $6.00.

[William]

More Testing today With JSB 13.43 grain Pellets.... I still have not Chronograph-ed these yet, but they should be around 700 FPS compared to the Crosman 14.3 which is around 675 FPS +/-

I shot groups at 30 and 20 yards.
The JSB's 13.43 grain do very well from 3000 PSI down to 2000 PSI (5) 5 shot groups in the size of a Dime.
They also done very well at 20 yards less than a Dime with (4) 5 shot groups and (1) 12 shot group just over a Dime.

I also shot (3) 8 shot groups with the CPHP 14.3 grain pellets from Walmart.
The Crosman 14.3 grain and JSB 13.43 grain shoot in the same POI, so no scope adjustments needed when switching back and forth.
The CPHP's do not group as well with a 3000 PSI fill to 2800 PSI at 30 yards but still do well at 20 and 25 yard, they seem to like about 2700 PSI to 1900 PSI for 30 yards or longer.

I do believe that even though these groups are perfect in grouping, that if it had not been so freaking windy they would have done a little better. The wind kept blowing my target all over the place, but I took my time and got my shots off between gusts so all is good I think.

The Scope I used today was the UTG 3-9 x 32mm AO Compact CQB Bug Buster Rifle Scope, I like the AO adjustment compared to the Barska 3-9 x 42mm which has no AO adjust, but the Barska works just as well. Both scopes perform perfectly with plenty of clarity and brightness. So if you decide to get a scope on the Prod do not be afraid of either one of these scopes they are perfect.

UPDATE: FPS on the 13.43 JSB.
I Shot 24 13.43 JSB's over the Chronograph today and they are running pretty good. These really like to be shot starting at 3000 PSI for 24 shots! But I didnt realize I was only at 2800 PSI until I started so maybe next time a higher fill start pressure.

Fill pressure   2800 PSI
End pressure 1900 PSI
Shot # 1........ 680
Shot # 12...... 694
Shot # 24...... 678
My Chronograph was acting funny earlier not registering my shots on my other AG, but it is very cloudy here today so those numbers above I think should be higher!

Posted groups below..

Happy Shooting,

William

[Cal73]

Hello! Glad you're enjoying your P-rod! Not that I have much to compare it to, but I love mine. I went through an extensive period of finding the optimal pellet and sweet spot in the fill curve. I found that the power was lower and groups more erratic up at the high fill pressures.. 3000-2500. Power was highest and most even from about 2200 down to around 1300. 3 mags if you will. So now I fill it to just over 2000, shoot the 3 mags and top it back up again with 25 pumps on a hand pump. As far as pellets go, I tried tons of different ones. JSB RS, Exact, Monster, RWS Hollowpoints, Wadcutters, H&N Crow Magnum, Hunter Extreme, .. The list goes on and on. I found that the best pellet for my barrel, and apparently some others, is the H&N FTT. I've tried all head sizes.. 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 .. No real difference. For a heavier domed pellet, the H&N Barracuda (21 gr), also known as Beeman Kodiak, groups really well. For an expanding pellet, the Predator Polymags are great. Best of luck! Not the best photo,  but I made a raised comb out of mahogany that I just glued to the stock with gorilla glue.. works awesome and looks pretty clean!

[moorepower]

 I am surprised no one with a 3D printer is not making a riser.

[Cal73]

Moorepower.. Absolutely! Even fabricating a whole new stock fixing both the riser problem and the mounting slippage problem.

[William]

I agree on a 3D print cheek rest, that would be cool and I defenitly would buy one if someone made me one.

Cal73,
That is a nice cheek rest you made, looks really clean and neat. My make shift one works ok, but there is always better, like yours is great.


William

[Cal73]

William..  I cut a few while I was at it.. so I have some blanks left over.  If you're interested I can get one over to you.  Happy shooting!

[gnef]

How did you cut the inner channel to fit to the skeleton stock? I might be interested in making something similar.