TalonDor .257 takes its 1st coyote!

Well, the day has finally come that I took my very 1st and long overdue Coyote with an air gun.  This has been a few years in the making and it was just as exciting as I knew it would be.  My half Talon and half Condor Air force air gun has a small history with coyotes and has been destined for this task.  Because of its stout power plant, this gun is one of the best candidates for modifications especially in small to medium bore air guns.  My TD257 is capable of making 200 FPE using 3200 psi and 100+ gr cast bullets.  It makes over 160 using 70-74 gr cast bullets which is plenty for coyotes and about 170+ FPE with 85 gr cast bullets.  This is tremendous power due to the fact that the bullet is small and light compared to big and heavy.  Its not about heavy vs light or big vs small but, at this power level, a small/light bullet will UPSET and perform like a work horse.

So, on this day, I head out to one of my usual hunting spots were I've seen more than 5 coyotes in one calling session.  I just haven't been lucky enough to get a shot on one and I never want to let them know that i'm there unless a coyote presents itself.  So I've passed on shots previously because I never had a clear shot.  On this day, that would all change.  I found and opening and a fallen piece of timber to hide behind so as they enter across from me, they never see me.

As  I drove and arrived at my locale, I honestly felt very lucky due to the fact that only 1 week prior, I had won and completed an ALL EXPENSES PAID trip to Alaska for fishing (due to a perfect job site safety record) and also received a Dave G .30 caliber air gun for testing the following week.  One just can't get any luckier than that (except for winning the LOTTO....lol).  The weather was also perfect as conditions were calm and just about perfect temperature wise.  More to come on the Alaska fishing trip at a later time and in another video.

THE STORY:

After arriving in the general area, I quickly sight my gun in at its zero of 75 yards.  The bullet of choice was the 100 gr Spitzer HP's that are cast by R.J. Porter at http://accuratebigboreairgunammo.webs.com/. 

 



These bullets are making right at 200 fpe at the muzzle which is plenty of punch for MRS. WILD E. COYOTE.  I spent about 10-15 minutes sighting in and after being satisfied, I packed up the targets and gun and headed to the coyote spot.  After arriving, I grab gun and gear and I get serious.  The whole time, i'm really feeling lucky due to my past 2 weeks.  And i'm being serious, I honestly had GOOD vibes about this outing.

After going through the ritual of properly camo'ing myself and making my scent invisible, I also have to grab bullets and air up the TD257 and head off to hunt.  After arriving at the perfect locale, I set up the E-Caller and walk back to my stand (me laying on my belly behind a fallen tree).  Everything up to this point was perfect.  I even closed my trucks door ever so gingerly.  I pull out the E-Callers remote and start calling with a pup in distress call.  I use that call for roughly 8-10 minutes and decide to turn it off and try something else.  The ole "JACK n DISTRESS" is super reliable but widely used around the globe for hunting yotes.  I use this call anyways as there is NOT a lot of hunting pressure in this area.  So what the heck....right!  Well, low and behold, after another 8-10 minutes of calling, I decide to stop as 20 minutes in one area is about 5 minutes to much anyways (IMO).  Just as I pull out the remote and STOP the caller, I glance to my right as my attention was distracted by a female yote moving in pretty fast in the distance.  I quickly but silently reach up to hit power and record on my video camera.  And I had just turned it OFF a minute ago....lol! The yote had no idea I was there and there was no way she could even see me.  As she approached with a quickness, my mind half went blank and I simply prayed everything would go well.

THE RESULT (video):

 

 

 

A FEW "TROPHY" PICS

 

 

 

Tofazfou

 

 

STAY TUNED!

S.W.F.A. SS MRAD 12x42 30mm Scope: Let's give it a try!

Since getting into long range air gun shooting my eye has been on the SWFA line of scopes.  With my TD257, I already had a scope or two laying around and I wasn't about to spend more money if I didn't have too.  But now that I have a 7mm air gun in the works, I knew I needed not only a clear scope (good glass) but also a scope with PLENTY of MOA to reach way out there when the need arises.  And IT WILL arise.  From all that I've read, the SWFA scopes have over 100 MOA in them and have 30mm tubes.  SWFA makes adjustable powered scopes as well as fixed power scopes.  After much deliberation, I decided to purchase a FIXED power scope at 12x.  You see, I mainly shoot at 12x anyways and I really hate moving my zoom in and out as it changes your POI if you don't get it right back to the setting that you sighted your gun in with. 
Scope stats:  12x42mm, 30mm tube, Matte Finish, the reticle is Mil-Quad Reticle (MRAD) instead of Mil Dots, Rear Focus, OK for .50 cal and .10 MRAD

 

 

Reviews:  Once of the great things about the Web/WWW is its wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips.  It makes shopping a lot easier due to the tons of personal reviews by people that bought the equipment before you.  While individual taste might vary, it at least gives you a good start and a good feeling about your purchases.  Just about every review I've seen on the SWFA line of scope has put it higher than other scopes such a Leupold, Night Force and Bushnell to name a few. So far, and at this point, I am very pleased with the scope.  It looks to be well made and a tank as well as the glass being clear.  VERY CLEAR.  While I will provide a pic of the reticle, that picture does this scopes clarity no justice.  Its a old camera lens looking through a new scope and I'm shooting up at the blue sky.  But you will get the point.  I will have to confirm once i get the scope mounted to the gun if the other review points were spot on.

 



 

 

I also purchased a few extra goodies to go along with the scope and my taste.  SWFA offers a good deal of extras with their scopes and they post them right there next to the scope so you don't have to search the WWW for them.  Things like the "OPTION" to add Mil dots and also to order Butler Creek Flip up Covers as well as Sun Shades and Scope Levels and other options.  I also ordered a set of Burris 30mm Signature Zee rings with +10 MOA inserts.

 

 

Of course, once I get my next long range missile launcher together I will give you all my own REVIEW of this scope along with some video of its performance.  I've heard so much about this scopes ability to click up and down, left and right and track true that I simply can't wait to check it for myself.

 

Stay Tuned

Tofazfou











The Dave G Experience: TAC730 BA TDR........pt. 2



 

BUILD QUALITY:  I continue to be impressed with the build quality of Dave G's air guns.  Not just with the external appearance but also the internal parts of the gun also.  YES, I've opened this gun up.  Dave has given me permission to take a look inside and that is most impressive within itself.  And what I can tell you is....the inside looks just as good as the outside does.  No secrets or badly drilled holes here, it's simply good build quality.  I honestly place his build quality right up there with the likes of FX and Daystate and Theoben.  His parts fitment is spot on to say the least.  Not only that but, he puts this whole package together and it weighs a mere 6 lbs-11 oz (unscoped).

 

 

 

The overall accuracy and consistency of Dave's Tac730 is astounding considering it can put a multitude of .30 cal pellets into a .307 CTC cluster!  This is on par with many sub calibers like the .177, .20, .22 and .25.  You just don't expect 30 cal pellets to print .3-.4-.5" CTC groups.  The above best groups were easily duplicated once I figured the gun likes a slight more FIRM hold as told by the above target.

 

 



 

 

Lastly, I will leave you with a video that further explains my overall feel for this gun in only 2 outings.  Check out how accurate and consistent the gun is IN HIGH WINDS at 90 yards!  The accuracy and power speaks for themselves...............I'M DONE TALKIN.....lol!

 

 



 

 

Stay Tuned!

 

Tofazfou

 



Michael Chavka: Figured Maple CORSAIR stock. WOW!

 

I was recently contacted by Mr. Chavka who is a local stock maker and makes some of the nicest air gun stocks around.  Michaels stocks stand out from the rest and it's noticeable at 1st glance.  He's just got his own style.  His style is not overbearing and nor is it boring by any stretch of the imagination.  The designs are just right in my eyes and his gun stock lines flow smoothing with the guns line as well as having just the right features that make you say "HELLO".

He had noticed that I was upgrading my .308 Corsair and just so happened to have a stock laying around that he made for another Corsair.  So he offered to have me fit it too my gun and see if I liked it.  Upon receiving the gun and unboxing it, it was an instant love affair and I knew for certain that I wanted to keep it.  I currently have a Richards MicroFit gun stock on my Corsair and that stock is of the Pepper Laminate color.  Michael made his own "PEPPER COLOR"  called Rustic Silver Maple and I love it even more than the Richards Laminate color and its much more elegant in every way.  You can see down below for yourself....lol!

The MC stock is also just a tad lighter than the RMF laminate stock by some ounces.  Maybe due to the skeletonized butt stock or its the difference in material between the two.  The MC stock weighs in at 2 lbs - 11 oz while the RMG weighs in at 3 lbs - 4 oz.  Lengths of both stocks are identical.  The LOP also seems to be the same between the two which is perfect cause I love the feel of the RMF LOP.  Also, the MC stock comes with a front and rear sling stud and the RMF doesn't.  The MC stock also comes with a nice butt pad while the RMF doesn't.  The MC stocks are finished and the RMF aren't cause they are for the DIY's which means work.  Also, because of my long and slender fingers, the finger grooves on the MC stock are a big plus compared to the skinny pistol grip on the RMF stock.

Unfortunately, my Corsair is getting a make over and is unavailable so there are no current pictures of the stock on the action.  Along with a host of other custom parts, Michael's stock is gonna make one hell of a great addition to the overall look, feel and quality of the finished Corsair.  I can't wait till it all comes together.  But for now, I will leave you with pictures of Mr. Chavka's creation for my Corsair.  ENJOY!



When the Corsair gets put back together, this post WILL BE CONTINUED.................

Stay tuned!
TOFAZFOU

The Dave G Experience: TAC730 BA TDR

TAC730 BA TDR.

 



Now, in case your wondering what that means, it stands for.....TACTICAL-7TH VERSION-30 CALIBER-BOTTLED ACTION-TAKE DOWN RIFLE. Or, TAC730 BA TDR.  So there you go.

THE BACK STORY:  Every since Daystate introduced the Wolverine and FX has introduced the Boss, I've been interested in testing or owning a 30 caliber Air Gun.  In comes Dave G.  Dave has been around the Air Gun community for some years now making highly demanded custom air gun stocks.  Dave has recently (in the last bunch of years) dabbled into making "FULL" custom air guns based on his own ideas and designs.  This gun, is one such gun. Dave was able to get his hands on some FX 30 caliber ST barrels and VOILA!  I've recently had the pleasure of testing Dave's 177 caliber Raven action and when he received 30 caliber Smooth Twist barrels from FX, I had to try one of his creations.  This takes us to the present................

The TAC730 BA TDR:  The gun is all custom made by Dave except the FX ST barrel, 22 ci bottle, quick connect fitting and QC dust cover.  It's barrel is the FX Smooth Twist at 21" long and 30 caliber.  The barrel is then shrouded for quietness to take the bark out of the muzzle blast.  The air tank or bottle is 22 ci and Dave made the lower tube so that it also holds some air capacity.  Its total HPA capacity is 360 cc's.  It DOES NOT have a regulator either.  The valve tuning takes care of its overall efficiency.  The stock forearms and pistol grip as well as the butt stock is also made by Dave.  Loading and cocking the gun are 2 separate operations.  If the gun is NOT cocked then it is "SAFE".  It can be loaded and carried afield that way but will not fire until you cock the guns hammer.  A quick fill nipple is added to the air plenum/tube for the ease of filling the gun.  No unscrewing the bottle to fill it then screwing it back on.  EASY!  Dave also custom makes his own 2 stage adjustable custom trigger housing.  It can be adjusted to down under a pound in pull weight.  It's a really nice trigger with a great fill and a ton of adjustments to suit each and everyone's "FANCY".  The gun is also right at 41" OAL.  It also has a vast power adjustment range.  So far, I've had it in the 600+ fps range all the way up to over 900+ fps.  The bottle can be filled to 3200 psi MAX.  It also weighs just 1 ounce UNDER 7 lbs with no scope.

Now, on to my opinion on the gun:  So far, and with very little time behind the trigger, I find the gun quite fabulous and it has a damned good feel to it.  Its light and it shoulders quite nicely even though the length of pull is just a hair short for me.  But, I'm also 6'-2" tall and I have the arms of an orangutan.  I would honestly keep the gun 100% the way it is.  Also, the shroud and baffles are pretty effective for a 76+ FPE 30 caliber air rifle.  And for you guys interested in "MOUSE FART" quiet, this gun IS NOT that quiet!  If it were a 177 at 18 FPE then yes, it would be "MOUSE FART".  But its 76 FPE of pure leaden muscle.  So far, this gun has posted a couple of 5/8" groups at 55 yards with some being smaller.  I have a lot of testing to do before I find this guns absolute accuracy potential within my capabilities.  But 5/8" @ 55 yards from me is a good start.

This is the kind of gun that you can hunt with, then set it up atop the mantle and let guest OOGLE at it then bring it down and do some serious target shooting with.

MY VIDEO REVIEW:

Stay tuned for part 2

Tofazfou

.30 cal EXCITEMENT!

Every since the introduction of the Wolverine (Daystate) and the same with the Boss (FX) .30 cal air rifles, I've been very interested in owning/trying out one of those guns.  I'm very interested in the calibers performance on game and targets as compared to the 25 cal.  Just like I was when the .25 cal was first introduced.  I wanted to compare it to the 22 cal fodder.  And ooohhhh boy what a performance difference it was.  But let me clarify, it was more of a performance gain for the 25 cal over the 22 cal in the THWOCK department.  So now, it's time to see if there is the same "PERFORMANCE GAIN" in the 30 cal department as compared to the 25 cal.  If the .30 cal is even close to the 25/22 cals in the accuracy department then..........OMG...........!

Move to present day and we now have other airgun makers getting involved in the 30 cal game.  Once such person is DAVE G.  I've previously tested one of his Raven actions in 177 cal with EXCELLENT results and performance was on par and often better than many of the reputable top dogs.  Dave has come through again and created his own .30 cal action and has offered me a chance to test out his creation.  Obviously, YOU DON'T TELL DAVE G NO......lol!

I was excited to get the news on the DAVE G gun but now that the pellets are here, i'm twice as excited.  These things should pack some serious.............THWOCK!

Thanx for reading and stay tuned for parts 2, 3 and possibly 4.

Tofazfou

Scenery and Air Guns: They just go together

This post needs very little subject matter.  It's about Air Guns and Scenery that I have the pleasure to experience.  These are just a tiny handful of the thousands of pictures that I own. Some of the Air Guns are mine and some are others but, the scenery is from Mother Nature and it belongs to all of us.

Enjoy the pictures.  This is the second half of my Air Gun Passion (shooting cameras...lol)!:

   

 I hope you enjoy!