Hunting Fun

The Crosman 1077 CO2 powered air rifle is just about the ideal.177 caliber pellet rifle for backyard target shooting and plinking. Styled after a military carbine its 12 round clip is housed in a removable magazine. You can fire all 12 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger. A 12 gram CO2 cartridge should be good for about 60 full velocity shots outdoors in summer temperatures or in your indoor range.

The 20 inch steel barrel is rifled. Accuracy is surprisingly good for an air rifle in this price range (under $70), and is comparable to what you could expect from European models costing two and three times more. The front sight is fiber optic. The rear sight is notched and is adjustable for windage and elevation.

You may want a more elaborate rear sight, but the simple one that comes on the gun is certainly capable of 1/4 inch groups at 10 meters. You can scope the 1077 rifle for $10 with the Crosman 0410 Targetfinder Rifle Scope but you should really use the Leapers Accushot 1″ Rings, Medium for just another $10 to keep the front sight out of view.

The Crosman 1077 is rated at 625 fps with a 7-8 gram pellet. Fast enough to hit accurately out to 20 meters and not too fast to safely backstop with cardboard (to prevent ricochet) and 1/2 inch plywood. The best.177 pellet for accuracy is probably the H&N Finale Match. Crosman Competition pellets available at Walmart and other big box stores will not disappoint either, and will help keep down the cost of shooting this fun air rifle. You will shoot a lot of pellets because it’s hard to put the 1077 down once you get started with it.

The 1077 is quiet enough to use in the backyard without riling the neighbors. It probably would not be heard at all from inside a house closed up for air conditioning. You get nothing even close to the sound of the ‘report’ of a rimfire firearm.

The stock and many other components are made from black, military grade synthetic. It’s a good looking rifle. At 3.75 pounds and 37 inches the Crosman 1077 can be safely and easily handled by just anybody old enough to be shooting responsibly. There is no recoil. Some commentors mention a displeasure with the trigger pull but my personal experience is with a pleasantly smooth pull right out of the box. Working the trigger with dry fires while watching TV will smooth it out even further.

You will not find a more universally liked.177 CO2 rifle for backyard target shooting and plinking. Everybody will want to shoot the Crosman 1077 when you hit the range, and nobody will be disappointed.



By: Peter Boston

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Unbeatable Bang for your Buck!!

Overview

This was my first rifle chambered in the “New” hot rimfire round, the 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire. I was excited about getting a rifle in this new caliber but wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype I was reading so I opted for a lower cost rifle that still had all the basic features I wanted, heavy barrel, synthetic stock, etc. and the Marlin fit that bill nicely!

Marlin is one of the top producers of rimfire rifles in the U.S. and has a well proven reputation for being among the most accurate on the market while still keeping their prices in the economy range.

The basic specifications of the Marlin 917VR are as follows.

Magazine: 7-shot clip magazine.

Barrel: 22″, heavy contour, free-floating

Rifling: 4 grooves, 1 in 9″ twist, RH

Length of pull:14″.

Drop at Comb:1.3″.

Length: 41″.

Weight: 6.75 pounds.

Sights: None.

The barrel is a 22″, free-floating, varmint weight with recessed target crowns. The 900 series rifles come with the T-900 fire control trigger system. It has a consistent single stage trigger pull and a wide, serrated finger contact surface. The associated safety locks the trigger and is positive and easy to activate.

Packaging

Not much here, just a standard Marlin cardboard box with the gun in a plastic sheath (bag). Included were a sparse operators manual, one 7-round magazine and a cheesy plastic trigger locking devise. No open sights are included so you will need to select a sight system before you can shoot the gun.

The gun was relatively clean but I felt it should have had a little more oil on the barrel and action…it seemed kind of dry so the first order of business was to thoroughly clean the gun, check all screws for tightness and wipe it all down with a light film of gun oil.

Scope Selection

I choose the BSA Sweet 17 6-18X40 scope for this gun because it is designed specifically for the 17 HMR. This is a relatively inexpensive scope running less than $200 and has a trajectory compensator which allows you to zero the rifle a fixed distance (100 yards) and then, via a turret on top of the scope, select any distance from 100 to 300 yards and the scope will automatically re-zero to the selected distance. This feature works pretty well but most of the time I am shooting on the fly and just adjust my hold off the old fashioned way. This feature is handy when you are sniping ground squirrels and the like, when you can set up for a somewhat fixed distance.

This was the first BSA optic I had used and I am very impressed with its performance, especially for the price. The optics are very clear and the scope is coated with a rubberized matte black finish.

At The Range

After mounting the scope and performing a quick bore sighting, it was off to the local range to see how well this combination would shoot. Using the Hornady 17 grain V-Max, I set up my first target at 50 yards to see if my bore sighting was close…I was on the paper and just a little under the bull’s eye. I moved a fresh target to 100 yards and began dialing it in. After three or four three round groups I had it just were I wanted at ” high…just a personal preference. So I settled in and fired another dozen groups or so to get the feel of the rifle and see how well I could get it to group at the 100 yards. The bolt was smooth and the trigger was crisp and clean but a little heavier pull than I like…might have to fix this at some point.

After running 50 rounds through the gun I was very impressed with the accuracy. I could shoot sub 1″ groups all day with out much effort. My best groupings measured just under ” at 100 yards, not bad for an off-the-shelf rifle for under $500 with scope and all.

In The Field

As you may have gathered, I really like this gun and have fallen in love with the little 17 HMR cartridge. From the quiet but authoritative report to the laser beam accuracy, this cartridge is just flat fun to shoot and very addictive. I couldn’t wait to get in the field with it.

The primary reason I purchased the gun is to use when calling Coyotes and Bobcat in rural areas. I wanted something that could take a yote or cat out to 75 or even 100 yards but is very quiet and would not carry as far as a center fire cartridge and be a little safer when hunting within a mile or so of scattered homes. My choices were between the proven.22 WMR and the new kid on the block, the.17 HMR. The.22 WMR would have been a great choice but I was intrigued by the little.17 which advertized velocities of 2700 fps and superior accuracy.

I was not disappointed with its performance as demonstrated at the range but I was more than a little concerned about this little 17 grain bullets ability to take down a coyote size animal humanely. I have had experience with very small bullets traveling a great speed (22-250) but this bullet is substantially smaller and at least 1000 fps slower than the hot center fire varmint rounds.

For the maiden test of the 17 HMR’s stopping ability, I brought the rifle with me to call an area where I have had pretty good success calling both coyotes and bobcat.

It was evening and the sun was just getting ready to drop behind the mountains. About 15 minutes into the call sequence I saw some movement a couple hundred yards up the canyon hugging the toe of the slope and moving from bush to bush…right away, I knew this was a cat. I switched to my high pitch, low volume distress call and blew three short, low cries. Sure enough, this did the trick and the young cat moved to within 75 yards of my stand and then just stood looking in my general direct partially behind a small sage. I was up the canyon wall about 50 feet so I had a good vantage on the cat’s position.

By this time I had brought the gun up and now found the cat in my scope. Since I was slightly above and the cat was showing me its right front shoulder, I brought the crosshairs down and lined up the shot in just below the right shoulder area.

A smooth pull on the trigger and *****! He folded where he stood. I held on him for a few seconds just to make sure I didn’t have to follow up with another shot, but no further movement. I hiked down and pulled my pistol just in case but he was done. After inspecting the very small entrance hole and then flopping him over I could see there was no exit…perfect! The little 17 had proven itself, at least on a 25 pound cat.

Sometime after this I dropped my first coyote with the rifle in much the same manner with identical results. The 17 seemed to bring down the predators with less effort than the center fire cartridges, but I think this is due to the lower amount of energy being delivered, less violent impact….they just seem to drop without much drama. I did have one bad experience but it was my fault, I knew I should not have taken the shot. I had called in a coyote to within 30 yards or so but all I could see was the top of his head above the sage he was standing behind. He was looking right at me but hadn’t quite figured it out yet. I decided to take a head shot (I don’t like to do this unless I have to with lighter bullets) so I aimed at his left eye and pulled the trigger. I was off by about a half inch and the bullet skidded along the skull and exited behind the ear. This knocked the coyote down but he was whirling around howling. I had to finish him with the.357 which was no small feet because he was flopping and whirling like a top. Final got a shot into some vitals and it was over. I attribute this to operator error and not the 17 HMR but if this had been a.223 or 22-250 the result may have been different.

My recommendation for predator hunters is to keep it under 100 yards and be extra carefully with shot placement and as long as you can do this, the little 17 is a perfect choice for close in coyotes and cats where you want to be quiet and not afraid of the bullets traveling too far down range.

I have also shot a few rabbits and varmints with very good results but I have not had an opportunity to do any long range ground squirrel shooting which I think would be a blast. The area I live just doesn’t have much opportunity for this but I am going to Idaho this summer and of course I will be bringing the Marlin 17 HMR.

Summary

The Marlin 917VR is an excellent.17 HMR varmint rifle. Judging by my range and field results Marlin’s reputation for accuracy is well deserved and holds especially true for the 917. I would highly recommend both the Marlin 917VR (and I’m sure the other models are just as capable) and the .17 HMR for anything from serious close in predator hunting to 200 yard varmint shooting, plus it is just so incredible fun to shoot, it brings a smile to my face every time I pull the trigger.



By: Dennis Crownover

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Every season, millions of hunters take to the woods with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. Unfortunately, many come away empty handed, returning day after day to face similar results. It’s every hunter’s biggest dilemma, but some have found the perfect solution, and that is hunting by moon phase.

Fishermen have long been aware of the powerful influence of the moon on the tides and chart the various phases of the moon in order to determine the best time to fish. Similarly, animals are in tune with their surroundings and certain shifts in natural forces trigger corresponding responses in the wild.

For years, researchers have studied the reaction of wildlife to changes in the position of the sun and moon and have come up with some rather interesting observations in relation to hunting by moon phase.

So, how does this work? How can paying attention to the phases of the moon help ensure a hunter’s success?

Animals and the Moon

Animals in the wild tend to be less active during daylight hours. Feeling safer under the cover of darkness, many animals will increase their activity as dusk falls.

However, many observers have noted that activity amongst all animals is greater when the moon is full and that this one form of hunting by moon phase — hunting during periods of full moon — can yield excellent results.

In other words, if you’re aware of the phases of the moon, you’re in a better position to anticipate the peak of animal activity. The more active they are, the better your chances will be of finding them.

Moon Phase Deer Hunting

Much of the research that has been done on this subject has involved hunting deer, and many hunters swear that hunting by moon phase is the only way to accurately predict deer activity.

But the moon doesn’t only have an impact on deer activity. The various phases of the moon also seem to have a direct effect on deer mating patterns, which in turn make them easier to locate. It’s because of this that moon phase deer hunting — as it’s becoming commonly known — is quickly gaining acceptance.

Being aware of when the breeding season begins helps to determine travel patterns and areas of increased deer activity. When the breeding season is at its peak, finding deer is easier and finding more than one in a particular area more likely.

So what does this have to do with the moon? A female deer’s reproductive cycle is influenced by the different phases of the moon, and peaks in the three or four days surrounding the second full moon after the autumnal equinox. When the does are in heat, the bucks begin rubbing and scraping in an attempt to attract them. If you know when the full moon occurs, you can be at the right spot, at the right time, and have the best chance for success, luring the bucks into your site.

By being aware of the different moon phases, deer hunting can be far more successful. But not only that, it can also help you figure out when not to hunt. You aren’t going to be successful after the deer have mated and even the phase when the bucks are chasing the does can be pretty fruitless.

By becoming familiar with these patterns and planning ahead, hunting by moon phase will almost certainly lead to your best hunting season ever.



By: David Rose

About the Author:

Sniper paintball guns are used by recreational players who want a gun that shoots accurately over a long distance. Recreational games are played over large areas including woods and fields; they have several variants. We used a combination of guerilla warfare with strategically placed sharpshooters armed with sniper rifle weaponry in lofty perches. The BT Sniper Paintball Glove is a streamlined, full-fingered glove with a flexible, breathable main body construction. They feature silicone printing on the palm and fingers that enhances the grip of your Paintball Gun/Marker.

Sniper Rifles are an integral part of a paintball team. Their stealthy ability allows them to raise hell with the opposing team. Use a soft cloth, extreme rage flexie swab squeegee and pro team pro-clean barrel cleaner on a sniper paintball rifle or any paint ball gun.

A sniper paintball rifle can either aid or burden your paintball ability. Some paintball players question the validity of sniper paintball guns.

You certainly can’t have your sniper paintball gun holding you down. The M1 is extremely light, weighing only three pounds. With that said, it is entirely possible to purchase a used sniper paintball gun which can save you up to fifty percent of the new retail price. If you are purchasing used, ensure you thoroughly examine the gun and preferably be allowed to shoot a few rounds with it to gauge the build quality of it. Sniper gear is very important for those who wish to minimize their chances of injury. Although the bullets shot in paintball games are not lethal and would not cause any life-threatening injuries, they still hurt.

This may allow you to update the game and possibly return for one of the barrels to play like sniper guns. The accessories of the Paintball guns are very cheap. Sniper guns are not bought, they are created by assembling the right parts in conjunction with the caliber of paintball fired. People always underestimate the importance of matching the inner bore of a barrel to the variation in.68 caliber paintball being used. If you want to get a good rifle then get a sniper paintball rifle.

The T68 UDSF sniper paintball gun is ready for action right out of the box. It comes with the latest attachments, like the flip-up samurai front sight and the sidewinder scope mount. These factors will ensure that you will be able to use your sniper gun over a wide range of applications for as long as possible. Any large game in the woods will include sniper paintball guns doing their job. Most organized teams want several people toting these guns and making eliminations.

The AT 4 Sniper gun has a design, weight, length and feel like the real thing. The AT 4 features a high-pressure, gas-powered semi- and full automatic capabilities (720 rounds per minute), has great accuracy and velocity consistency, a fluid, short-stroke trigger for a realistic firing, a true sound and muzzle blast, and a bulk-fed, automatic, magazine-based feed system that simulates “live fire”.



By: Brendan Mace

About the Author:

In choosing a shotgun, it is important for you to learn about their several types and mechanisms. Generally, you can divide them into 2 categories: the action and feature types. However, there are subcategories belonging to each of them.

Need some action?

Action type shotguns can be autoloading or semi-automatic, slide or pump action, and hinged or break. Autoloading shotguns can extract, fire, and reload automatically every time you pull the trigger.

Slide or pump action shotguns are designed for loading with shells through their slides that move to the back and then pumped forward upon firing. Then, the hinged or break shotguns require you to manually insert the shells in their chamber. These shells are extracted and then ejected when the action opens. They can have a side-by-side barrel, a caliber barrel, or a rifled third barrel and can be classified into 3 more subtypes according to the configuration of their barrel: side-by-side, single shot, and over-and-under.

More shotguns

Other types to consider when choosing a shotgun include feature types. These are the sawn-off and the double-barreled shotguns.

Sawn-off shotguns have customized designs and the barrels is shortened to hide the action, while double-barreled shotguns have 2 barrels arranged side by side or on top of another.

Your shotgun criteria checklist

It is important for you to check on a gauge and the choke. Choose a 12-gauge shotgun if you want more versatility and power that allow for use in hunting or recreational activities. If you want to use your shotgun in wet conditions, choose one with a stock anodized or a synthetic choke to ensure durability on the metal part and resistance against water.



By: Ilse Hagen

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When you’re ready to buy your next rifle scope it’s important to consider that Swift offer a wide variety of scopes that are ideal for many different types of hunting and shooting. One of the most popular scopes that Swift offer, and one that is proving very popular with hunters everywhere, is the Swift 676 Premier series of scope. This scope has tons of features but amongst the best of these are a 4-12×40 adjustable objective lens as well as speed focus. Not only that but this scopes is also waterproof and multi-coated – making it extremely tough.

One of the best things about this scope is that it is extremely adaptable, making it excellent for individuals who want to use it to hunt small game and varmints. Air rifle owners will also find that it is extremely suitable for this type of purpose as well. With the speed focus, you are able to set a gauge on your target quickly and easily while the parallax adjustment gives you plenty of options from 10 yards all the way to infinity.

Another excellent Swift rifle scope is the Swift 672M. The features of thie scope that are most appealing are the speed focus and 6-18×50 lens. Like the Premier Series, this scope is also multi-coated and waterproof. Target shooters and those who are interested in hunting varmints and small game alike will appreciate this scope with its optimum focusing ability at any of the power settings as well as an adjustable objective.

A Swift scope designed specifically for field target shooting is the Swift 677M. This model features a speed focus as well as a tube body that is longer than usual and allows for additional eye relief adjustment for airguns or air rifles with a longer action. This model is suitable for use in any medium power air rifle, delivering great focusing ability with a waterproof guarantee – top stuff!

The Swift 678M has become a favorite of many target shooters due to the accuracy and close range this model consistently delivers. Serious hunters also enjoy the fact that the 678M offers accurate range finding abilities along with clear optics. A removable sunshade is offered, making this model even more convenient and flexible than most.

If you’re using a high recoil spring air rifle then you’ll love the Swift 686M. This scope was designed specifically for high recoil usage. With a compact size of 12.5″ this model works well on spring rifles, making recoil level an issue of the past. The Swift 688M works well in a variety of situations including target shooting and small game hunting. Like most of the other Swift rifle scopes lineup, this model comes with the Speed Focus feature as well as being multi-coated. A Mil-Dot reticle is also included.

So as you can see Swift has something to offer every type of shooter and hunter out there. Put Swift on your shopping list – you won’t be sorry.



By: Niall Roche

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