advice on new custom Airforce build
Friends,
I e-mailed Tony with the following and would like to know from you all if there is anything I left out and/or insight you might have on my custom build.
Here are some goals (in order of preference):
1) quiet enough for backyard use without disturbing the neighbors (whatever we need to do to get here – shrouding, baffles, etc.). In other words, as quiet as you can make it under hunting loads/pressure.
2) capable of easily decimating tree squirrels, crows, and possibly medium – large rabbits at 5 – 50 yards. Longest shots at maybe 75 yards for squirrels & crows.
3) relatively flat shooting (perhaps sighted in at 25 yards with no more than 1/2″ drop at 50 yards? Is this even feasible with a .20 or .22?
4) “hunting” accurate – capable of 1/2″ groups at 50 yards
5) relatively short overall length
6) lightweight – maximum 7 pounds with scope
7) I like the mad dog stock and would like to have it in an ambidextrous or right hand format
Caveats:
1) I plan on refilling from a scuba tank – can this be done without removing the tank?
2) Any recommendation on optics/rings/mounts?
3) What’s the current build time?
4) What would the cost be for this build?
5) Any other recommendations on modifications necessary to achieve my goals for this platform?
Pardon my ignorance, my other air rifle, several years ago, was a Beeman R9 that I never could shoot worth a darn (just recently learned about the artillery hold but the rifle is long since gone). So, I’m new to the PCP game.
All Replies
Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
If you’re filling from a scuba tank you won’t get many fills, and you won’t be able to fill all the way. You need an SCBA tank, because they hold 4500 psi.
You’ll be filling your condor to 3000 psi (if not a bit higher), and most scuba tanks only fill to 3k — You can’t fill another tank to 3000 from a tank that is only at 3000. I think you can end up close, maybe 2800-ish, but that will only be for the first fill.
For rabbits at 15 yards or less, I would consider building a small pistol or carbine. You don’t need much power at that distance. A 2400kt with pistol grips instead of extended stock makes a perfect rabbit gun…and wouldn’t have any problems out to 35 yards from my experience. (I take large iguanas at those distances with mine… 2400kt, 14.5inch barrel, BNM repeating breech w/16 inch shroud)
A condor from Tony is going to push more power than you need at those short distances.
As far as build time…. patience is a virtue. I am on month 7, still eagerly waiting. I know his build time will be improving very soon though; he mentioned to me he was moving his work station into a large warehouse where he will be able to put out his work at a faster pace.
As far as cost, if you go with all the extra’s, you should expect to spend around $1800 to $2000 on the entire thing, with the maddog stock it will definitely be closer to $2000.
I’d recommend getting the TTTA adapter. It drops the tank lower, providing you a better hold to view through the scope. It also allows you to fill the tank on the gun without removing it. (Price is included in my $1800-$2000 range)
You will absolutely destroy squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc. with it. If you go with the .25 cal version…..well, people take deer and hogs with them, so…………………………………
The other thing I’d recommend is a bipod.
Writing about this has me re-excited to get my build. I can’t wait to shoot it! Good luck on your decision making!!
Thanks!
Hey JP!
The only issue may be your desired trajectory. I think you are going to see a little more drop than that. Otherwise, Tony should be able to fix you right up.
I left sproingers behind myself and I knew about the artillery hold. I was getting incredible groups out of my CFX, but they were still not what a PCP is capable of.
Just saw that and fixed it! I thought it would auto-shrink but was wrong. 😀
make picture smaller
Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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I had Tony build a .22 Talon SS w/ all the shrouding and venting and hammer slap. The pellet smack is louder then the rifle 😎
Need to add the TTTA. I’m tired of pumping or buying air so a Shoebox compressor will be in the future.
Pellet drop will be greater then you wish. But my SS is very nice out to about 60 yards. So with all of Walks stuff, grips, rings, etc.
we’re in $1500 or so. Plus scope ($$$). I don’t remember the build time as it was a few yrs back. 3 months ?
Gotta say even after a 1000+ rounds, I couldn’t be happier !!! Tony creates one sweet rifle