SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2ND-Shot Show 2008

Well we made it to the 2008 Shot Show-Left Michigan under Blizzard Conditions, after Monte Carlos Fire Issues, we ended up with a room at Treasure Island...Having some computer issues, so I'll keep it brief...
Here are some highlights:
 
AirArms is introducing a Bi-athonlon rifle based on the 400 action, shoots at around 6fp, comes with four mags, and diopter sites similar to the one shown here


Pricing to follow

Also got my first look at the S200 Stocks, S200's with the one piece stocks...Pricing and avail. should be coming in the next week or so


In case you haven't heard, Beeman is picking up some of the Falcon Rifles, Interesting as I remember when they actually carried Flacon years ago...Pricing is not yet avail. Power levels should be in the 20-28fp level depending on caliber

They are also introducing a new line of import air rifles (sorry, just for me)

Got to see the guys at Hawke Optics, Nick Jenkinson, Tony and Brad are a great group of guys.

For those of you who are expressing concern in regards to the quality issues of Crossman Premier pellets,I did get to spend some time with their chief engineer, this is the same fella that designed the Discovery Rifle. He listened, but in closing he, "didn't have a good story" concerning the issues (his exact words),soooo thats where that was left...

Moving on, we will be checking more product out tomorrow to see the latest and greatest...

Perhaps some of the optic companies will have something new for us precision airgunners

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3RD AT THE SHOT SHOW
Checked out many optics today:
Leapers:They are introducing their new Easy Tap Illumination, avail. early summer. Here is their SCP3-4-16



Nightforce: Talked with the guys at nightforce, they are still trying to accomadate us airgunners, if anything happens it will probably be based on their bench rest 8-32. Kevin said this will be better for parallax range estimating as well as offers an external adjustable lit reticle, which the NXS does not have. It has to be internally adjusted.

Bushnell: I was very impressed with the Bushnell Elite 6500 Series. Great Optics. Avail. 2.5-16x42 for $600.00 range, 2.5-16x50 $700.00 range. They also make a 4.5-30x50 however this one does not parallax below 25yards grrrrrr. The other scopes focus cleanly down to 10yards, have side wheel paralax and 30mm tubes, Very Nice I will be stocking this one as soon as it is avail. should be the end of April...


Leupold:Had the usual EFR and Competition Series, but nothing new at this time.

Saw many variations of high power spring rifles, offered by big brand name companies, but all looked like similar imported guns but with different name plates. Perhaps it time we start a new classification for airguns. I think they should be called "Production Airguns" This new class would help educate new airgun purchasers, as well as in what I saw at the shot show, misinformed firearms dealers trying to get into the airguns market. Back in the day (25-30 years ago) you had your BB Guns, a few pellet rifles and then you took a big jump to get into real "Precision Adult Air Rifle). These were usually of European origin, had high build quality, excellent triggers and most important accuracy, that would exceed most rim fire rifles. Now for a little more than the cost of a BB gun, companies are marketing what they label as a precision airguns with magnum power and extreme velocity. There is nothing wrong with these as a choice, however when I see these production airguns marketed & hyped to this point, I believe they could be mudding the water, to the point new airgun enthusiasts & dealers may never experience what a real precision airgun is. Only my opinion, once again as I've always stressed precision over power...