gamo shadow dx in .177

[andy303]

Hi guys i am acquiring a Gamo Shadow dx in .177 with Gamo 3-9x40 scope when the paper work comes thru, i know this is a cheaper style of air rifle but its all i can get with the limited funds at my disposal, my questions are 1/ what is the general opinion of this rifle in regards to reliability ,accuracy etc 2/ what do you think would be a good zero for this rifle in regards to hunting and what do you think would be maximum range to head shoot bunnies?. I have 8 different brands of pellets to put through this rifle to see which it likes best,also what about these raptor pellets that say they will increase your fps by 200? is it all hype ? thanks Andy

[Chrispy]

The Gamo's are more an entry level air rifle, but will function, and shoot. I owned a Gamo 440 Hunter for quite a few years, and hunted with it. Like all lower end air guns, it is the internal finish that is desired, not the external. All are usually a bit rough, and gritty feeling. Mine took quite a few tins to 'settle in' and groups then shrank marginally. Best bet, is to get a GRT III trigger shoe (from Charlie Detuna) and get an experienced person (or look up the many 'how to's out there) to 'lube tune' the action. Sometimes a new seal and spring, with the lube tune will transform an ordinary rifle into a real shooter.

I am not a fan of the raptor pellets, they start off fast, but loose alot of energy very quickly. They are also alot harder, due to the alloy, and will not deform when they hit the target (prey).

I zero'd mine at 10 metres, which also then zero'd again at 40 metres. I could comfortable take a rabbit with a head or chest shot at 35 metres. My Gamo preferred Beeman crow Magnums and H&N super point.

[fenring]

Like Chrispy said, forget the gimmick "PBA" pellets and stick with good quality lead pellets like Beeman, JSB and RWS.

How far you can kill a rabbit is how far you can consistently hit the rabbit's brain - note that I said "brain" and not "head" as a shot in the head with an air rifle will likely just wound if it's not close to or into the brain.

[andy303]

Thanks for the input guys i am only curious about the raptor pellets as i have never used them i just wondered if they did as claimed but as was stated they are very light so i would imagine that the wind would play hell with them i have never heard of lube tune i will search the forum as to what that entails but since this rifle is brand new i shouldn't require a new spring and seals just yet unless the factory ones are bad (hopefully not!) as you can tell i havent had a air rifle for a long long time any way thanks for the replies cheers Andy

[curan]

..........since this rifle is brand new i shouldn't require a new spring and seals just yet unless the factory ones are bad (hopefully not!) as you can tell i havent had a air rifle for a long long time any way thanks for the replies cheers Andy

Hi Andy,

Springs and seals in an air rifle are something you can upgrade in a similar manner to fitting a holley carby on a six cylinder holden. The engine still works with the old carby, but is magnificent with the right holley, if you know what I mean........
A good set of seals and a maccari spring can turn a nag into a thoroughbred sometimes.....

[andy303]

Hi curan food for thought, if I am disappointed with performance and or accuracy this definitely is the path i would go down ,any idea on a ball park price for spring and seals ? cheers Andy

[Chrispy]

Sadly, due to how some airguns are manufactured, the seals can get damaged at factory during install. I know for a fact Diana's suffer this, as did a couple of Gamo's I have seen.

Chrispy

[curan]

Hi curan food for thought, if I am disappointed with performance and or accuracy this definitely is the path i would go down ,any idea on a ball park price for spring and seals ? cheers Andy

Honestly. there are much better people than me to discuss the springs and seals with you. The maccari spring in my FWB was fitted by Lewis (before I bought it) and my Hornet, being a PCP, had no need for tuning or seals
My post was just saying is that if your gamo does not satisfy as a "nice bit of kit", don't automatically give up on it.
The advice given on lube tuning, etc, is solid advice from people who have been there before.
The best advice I can give is (and it sounds like you already understand most of it);
1. Forget the raptor bullsh*t. Speed does not equal results.
2. Go out and shoot the Gamo. Kick back and enjoy it.
3. If it feels great, be happy and leave it there. It will work, and you'll be happy. Life will be good.
4. Understand that there are a lot of telly/meteor/gamo owners out there, that have happy people doing exactly what you want to do. And their rifles do it fine for them.
5. If you are still wondering. and get the chance, then use an FWB, or a HW, and see what the world can offer.
6. Even better, use an airgun that has been tuned, and see what is possible, as amazing things can be done (I'm still in awe of Yrrah's posts).
7. You can then decide on a tune or a swap. Don't discount what a tune may do to get what you want.

This is a run down on my thoughts. I have used a Gamo CFX, and thought it a fine bit of kit for the price, so I don't feel biased against the lower end.

The whole point is, if it does what you want, then there is no issue, And I hope it does, and you enjoy it.

cheers, curan.