Christmas Eve Rat shoot

Couple of rats down the bottom of the garden.... Out comes the Gamo whisper fusion airgun! The warm weather has really increased the number of them!

Predator Polymag Pellets Review

Predator Polymag Airgun Pellet Review

www.diffcal.co.uk

Out last night rat shooting with my Evanix Sniper K air rifle and a BSA superten we decided to give the new Predator Polymag pellets a go.

 

These are the new ones that fit multi-shot airgun magazines (previously they were too long for them and only suited to single shot). Usually I would use Crosman hollow points or JSB Exacts.

Accuracy: As good as any other pellet that I have used. We were shooting at just 20 yards but the rats dart around various bits of cover in the chicken coop, so it's quite difficult shooting. Using my Nitesite Viper, I could actually see the pellets flying and they were spot on shot after shot. 

Stopping power: If you read the info about these pellets they are supposed to be ideal for hunting in the way that they penetrate the target thanks to the plastic tip, and the way in which they then expand inside causing maximum damage.

 

This is what they look like after being fired at a wooden backstop.

At a 'live target' they penetrate and expand well. Against ballistic gel you can see that the plastic tip doesn't break apart, but does leave the pellet (causing more internal damage) and the lead part deforms well.

In the field: We hit 18 rats and 3 mice with them. They all pretty much keeled over straight away with only a couple bolting from the 'adrenaline rush' that you often get on rats. Looking at what we had hit, there was not really any visible entry wounds on the rats as the pellets seem to enter more cleanly. These pellets are certainly impressive and do the job.

Cost: They are fairly expensive at around £12.50 for 200. Are they any better than the standard pellets we use? Maybe not. They dropped the rats quickly and are accurate, but then the same could be said about the Crosman hollowpoints which are cheaper. 

Verdict: Worth having a go with them, possibly more noticable difference on pigeons than rats (perhaps). We will definitely be using them again but perhaps on different quarry.

 

Choosing an air pistol

Air Pistols

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk

With the great number of models plus the huge price spread in airguns today, picking one specific gun is a challenging task. It's even more difficult for someone new to air-gunning who has to learn the technology before making a choice. In the UK pistol power is regulated to below 6ftlbs. This is essentially half the power of  an 'adult' air rifle. They are not suitable for hunting unless you are very close to your target.

You want to get something right away, but how do you know whether it's the right gun?

To narrow the field, you need to answer some questions:
 1. Budget. Typically air pistol prices start at as low as £30 for a simple break barrel, low power pistol. These are not recommended and neither are the cheap end 'bb' pistols as they don't tend to last. Having said that, have an idea of what you are willing to spend before you even begin to look.

2. What will the pistol be used for? Competition, Close range vermin control, fun targets in the garden? This will also impact on your budget. With air pistols, you really do get what you pay for.

Different guns have different 'power sources'. Typically they are split into 4 groups, these being CO2 capsule powered, break barrel, pre-charged pneumatic or 'pump-up'.

To begin with, lets look at some break barrels.
Pros
No ongoing expenses except pellets.
Fairly easy to operate
Can have more 'power' than CO2
Generally cheaper

Cons
Some recoil
Noiser
Single shot
Heavier and longer

The Bear Grylls pistol is a great beginners gun and ideal for back garden target shooting. It doesn't have the power for any vermin control and is probably not accurate enough for competion shooters. At £99 for the complete set though it is very good value and is suitable for the younger shooter or someone new to the sport.

The other type of break barrel are similar to the Benjamin Trail NP £120. These pack more of a punch than the BG guns and are ideal for close quarter vermin control (trapped rats etc).

Again single shot, but fairly accurate and getting on for the UK legal limit of 6ftlbs of power.

CO2 powered pistols are very popular. These can be single shot (for accuracy) or multi shot rapid fire for those of us that like to play.

Pros:
No need for cocking
Semi-auto (in some cases)
More authentic look and feel (with the replicas at least).

Cons:
Ongoing cost with CO2 capsules
Some can be less accurate (semi-autos)

The single shot guns are popular with those that like accuracy and are more serious about their target shooting.
The Airforce One Trophy pistol comes in .177 or .22 and there are both multi-shot and single shot versions available. The multi shot requires a bolt to be moved each time which makes it more accurate than a semi-auto.

We then have the multi-shot semiautos. These come in a number of guises including revolvers. Essentially they all work in the same way. A revolving magazine in the gun holds 8 pellets, the CO2 goes in the handle, and they fire as fast as you pull the trigger.
These are suited to the shooter that enjoys rapid fire action and are by far the most popular type of air pistol that we sell and most of our staff enjoy using these as well. Our own guns include the Umarex PX4 Storm and the Walther CP88.

 Prices range from £75 for a Crosman Vigilante

In the same price range is the Crosman Iceman at £80, a bit 'plasticy' for my liking, but it does the job.

or the classic Beretta 92F at £205

In the mid-range there is the Umarex CPS which is one of our best sellers. It is lightweight but well built and priced at £135

For those that like accessories on their guns there is a multitude of sights and other bits that can be added onto these.
Check out the Beretta XX-treme at £270 with a red dot sight and silencer

There are so many variations on these. Check out our website at www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk for a full list of what's available in the shop.

Pre-charge air pistols tend to be more expensive, but very much more accurate and are more for the serious target shooter.
Examples include the Brocock Grand Prix S6 at £460

Then there are the really serious Pre-charged such as the Steyr and Hammerli ranges. You can expect to pay upwards of £700 for these competition guns.

Come into our shop and have a look at the range we have available.www.diffcal.co.uk

Daystate Griffin Limited Edition Air Rifle

Daystate Griffin Limited Edition Air Rifle

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk

The U.K.'s premier airgun manufacturer Daystate has just released another limited edition run of 150 airguns. The Griffen SE is a Target version of the popular Huntsman Regal - refitted into a Gary Cane designed stock made in Italy by Minelli of Milan.

We have 2 of these coming in priced at £1499. These will be in .22 calibre. Reserve one today if you want it as they are likely to go fast! The scope shown is not included, we recommend the MTC Silver Genesis to finish off the look.

This air rifle has no electronic systems on it and is sold as a regulated mechanical target rifle with the ability to be used for hunting in the field as well.

 

The multi adjustable stock allows a high level of customisation as well as giving the Griffin one of the finest balances of any airgun on the market. 

 

The long 20-inch barrel and XL cylinder improve performance and shot count, while the still air muzzle break removes what little movement that is left from the slingshot hammer and Ti valve system.

Just 150 are to be made for Worldwide sales, with an allocation of just 2 rifles per shop! Griffin comes complete with a special hard carrying case and certificate.

Specifications

• Fill Pressure... 200 BAR
• Shots per charge... .177 – 110, .22 - 130 shots @ 12 ft/lbs; 40 @ 30 ft/lbs
• Overall Length... 1166 mm [42 ins]
• Barrel Length... 508 mm [20 ins]
• Air Cylinder Capacity... 162cc
• Weight... [unscoped] 4.3 kg [9.47 lbs]
• Available Calibres... .177 [4.5mm] .22 [5.5mm]
• Loading... via bolt
• Magazine... 10-shot rotary, removable (from left or right). Magnetic single-shot loading tray
• Trigger... Mechanical. Adjustable for trigger position, weight and length of stage
• Safety... Manual, rotary
• Stock... ambidextrous , Target in smoke grey laminate
• Standard features...Match 20” barrel, still air muzzle adaptor threaded for silencer, palm rest, adjustable cheek piece, 3D adjustable butt pad, XL cylinder side pressure gauge, custom hard case

New air guns in stock!

Even though it's coming up to Christmas, we continue to expand the range of airguns we keep in the shop. Thanks to all of our customers who have supported us as a local business which is enabling us to continue to grow. Our website is at www.diffcal.co.uk

We have opted to get in two new tactical looking precharges this month.
The Walther Rotex RM8 priced at £499 with scope.

It has a soft touch rubber coated wooden stock which provides superb grip and ergonomics, as well as being extremely weather proof.
At the core of the RM8 is a bolt action multi shot system, with an 8 shot aluminium magazine which rotates positively each shot so you always know when its ready to shoot. The pellets are loaded into a Lothar Walther barrel which ensures that accuracy is superb and makes it ideal for hunting and target shooting. The 200cc buddy bottle provides up to 180 shots per fil. The bolt of this is on the side of the gun and it has a 'thumbed' top safety switch.

The other option is the Gamo Coyote Tactical. We have chosen the model that comes without a fixed silencer as the 'whisper' one, whilst ok on a break barrel wasn't something we would choose ourselves (and a BSA VC silencer fits very well). This air rifle is only £399!

Everyone that has had a Coyote from us be it in wood, or tactical have been very pleased with the performance of these cheaper guns. Highly reccomended.

Staying with the tactical theme, the new JKhan Noblesse Bullpup has just arrived. We have these in a walnut stock as well, however the black looks quite mean!

It is a bullpup design and the stock is actually a stained wood rather than synthetic. These are priced at £800.

We are also busy expanding our range of pellets.
The new Predator Polymags are ideal for hunting and pest control. We have these in both .22 and .177 at £12.50 a tin. Reports from customers have been excellent.

They have a plastic point in front of a hollow lead pellet. This allows for good pentration but huge expansion once inside a target. These ones are suitable for all air rifles including multi-shot magazines.

JSB have also bought out their hand selected packs for those that require spot on accuracy. These are in .177 and are £12.50 a box.

Baldock Bard is out shooting rats!

Our local poet is out on his farm shooting the rats!

http://www.u-boot.co.uk/baldockbardblog/?p=7621



There is much talk in the wake of the Paris attacks about ‘what, if and how’ a similar outrage would be treated on London streets. Debate is good, however it is not the time to have reasonable discussion. Here on the farm we are not allowed to have rats. Following a poison control failure I have had to introduce a ‘shoot to kill’ policy…

I taped a torch to my gun,
and went to where the rats do run,
no rodent rights in my head,
my only aim to shoot them dead.
One appeared gave me the finger,
not much longer did it linger,
I raised the gun loosed off a round,
a rodent terrorist fell to the ground.
No debate neither fun,
just an action that had to be done.

We should fully support our police and armed forces who risk their lives allowing us to sleep safely in our comfortable beds.

© Baldock Bard 2015

Airgun Christmas gifts

Gift ideas for Christmas

www.diffcal.co.uk

A quick look at what we have in stock for Christmas gifts.

If you are looking for an airgun for a younger shooter we have a really good range and plenty in stock.
The Crosman Pumpmaster is ideal for the under 10s being lightweight and cheap at £69.99. It fires both BBs and .177 pellets.

It also comes in pink!

If you are after a more traditional looking air rifle, we have plenty of the Gamo Junior Hunters in stock.
These are £89.99 and fire .177 pellets. They are ideal for target shooting and are small and light enough for 8-10 year olds to use. They have decent open sights on them, however there is a rail that will take a scope if required.

Bear Grylls has also produced his own version of this gun with Gamo. This comes as a nice boxed kit and is priced at £114.99 with scope, pellets and targets. The Young Explorer set

For teenagers, we recommend a number of different budget air rifles.
The first is a traditional wooden stocked break barrel from Hatsan. The Breaker 900x. This has been one our best selling guns at only £99 and the reviews from customers have been excellent.
Again this gun has good open sights using the 'tru-glo' system, but will also take a scope. The front silencer does a reasonable job at keeping the noise down. See a complete review here.

For those preferring a more tactical look, Hatsan also do this gun in black synthetic at the same price of £99 or there is the BSA Hornet

Going up to around £130 there is the Gamo range. These guns are much quieter than a traditional break barrel and are exceptionally well made. There are a variety of options to choose from starting with the Whisper X.

All of the Gamo range will take a telescopic sight.

Bear Grylls also has a full size rifle available in .177 for £149.99. This set comes with pellets and targets.

Pistols

We have stocked up on our range of pistols and have everything in the shop from target pistols to revolvers to replica automatics. Check out the full range on our website

The Crosman Vigilante is one of our best sellers at only £75

or there is the Umarex CPS which again is one of our best sellers at £135

Our top seller at the moment is Colt Single Action Army Peacemaker at £169. (limited edition is £199)

Stocking fillers:
We have lots of targets and accessories in stock as well.
Gamo target packs are only £5.30 with the funnel traps at £15

Then there are various knockdown targets from £20 upwards, including the Remmington range.

Perhaps something smaller? We have plenty of pellets to suit all types of airguns.

Check out our website at www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk to see what's available in store.

Gun Safety

Gun Safety

www.diffcal.co.uk

I have been having a lot of conversations with customers in the shop recently about gun safety and storage, hence a little article below for you.

Every airgun shooter considers themselves responsible and able to be safe when handling a gun, be it a rifle or pistol. We are all aware of the damage that even our U.K. standard 'low power' air guns can cause. BASC gives great advice on gun safety, most of which is common sense.

The following information may be of use to some new to the sport and is intended to highlight some of the legislation in the U.K.

The 'golden rules' are:

1. Always know where the muzzle of your air rifle is pointing and NEVER point it in an unsafe direction.
2. The safe conduct of air rifle shooting must meet the standards described in this code, show respect for the countryside, due regard to health and safety and consideration for others.
3. Before you shoot, make sure that a safe backstop is present to capture the pellet.
4. Consider live quarry; do not shoot beyond the bounds of your ability. Do not take chance shots.
5. REMEMBER – ignorance of the law is no excuse. If in doubt, always ask.

Most airgunners will follow these and be safe. (Obviously accidents can and do happen).

In 2011 a new law was introduced to stop under 18s having access to airguns. This was due to the following statistics (which until looking into I didn't realise were so high!)

1. In 2009/10 there were 1,317 incidents where an air weapon was obtained without permission. There was one death and 67 serious injuries caused by air weapons.

Ouch!

The legislation is essentially to keep your airguns away from children unless supervised by an adult (although there are provisions for 14+ younger shooters to be on their own in certain circumstances). It is the storage when not in use that is important. Those of us with children will know how they like to show off in front of their friends with 'toys' and we must remember that even low powered air pistols/bb guns can cause serious injuries.

I have to note here that there are some under 18s I would trust with a gun more so than some adults. We get a lot of very responsible young shooters in the shop asking sensible questions and it is great to see responsible attitudes towards shooting being taken by parents and clubs.


How to keep your weapon safe:

• store your airgun out of sight and separately from pellets
• use a robust, lockable cupboard and keep the keys separate and secure
• always store your airgun inside a house rather than in an out building, such as a garden shed
• never store a cocked or loaded airgun
• when using your airgun, keep it under close supervision and never leave it unattended

The law essentially means if an under 18 gains unauthorised access to an airgun it is the adult that will be prosecuted.

The offence has been introduced to Parliament with a Commencement Order enforceable under Section 46 of the Crime and Security Act 2010. The new offence comes into force on 10 February 2011. Individuals will face a fine of up to £1000.
Common sense should prevail..... Watch the video below!

Umarex Colt Single Action Limited Edition.

Umarex Colt Single Action Limited Edition.

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk

A little while ago, we showed off the Umarex Colt Single action air pistol. These have proved very popular and the build quality is excellent for the price. The Nickel version seems to be the one most people go for.

Now (as in the U.S.) a limited number of special edition U.S. Marshal versions have become available in the U.K.

Numbered individually from 1-1000 they are of the same quality of the standard ones but have the edition of the 'U.S. Marshals' logo on the butt. 

"The Limited Edition U.S. Marshals Peacemaker serves as a tribute to our nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency started by President George Washington and the first Congress 225 years ago."

A real tribute to the 'old west'. Come get one before they sell out!

Loading the ammo uses 'bullets' that take .177 bbs and it is as close to the real thing as you can get. These run off standard CO2 capsules. More info on our website

These are priced at £199 and we have a very limited stock of them. www.diffcal.co.uk

 

 

 

Gamo Delta Fox GT Junior air rifle

Gamo Delta Fox GT Junior Air Rifle

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk 

Delta Fox GT Junior

October/November

The Gamo Delta Fox GT is an exceptionally well made junior air rifle. At only £89.99 they are a cheap way to introduce youngsters into shooting.
It is suitable for the younger shooter up to age of around 13 after which we would recommend a full size gun.

As with the other Gamo air rifles we stock, it has a built in silencer which is more than adequate for the power of this rifle (It is around 6ftlbs which is ideal for target shooting with youngsters.).

The main feature of this junior rifle is the pistol grip which many youngsters find easier to hold and use than the traditional sporting stock. It also has a light enough trigger to suit smaller hands.

The open sights are more than adequate for back garden shooting and the adjustable rear sight is easy to fine tune. Note that there is a standard 9-11mm scope rail built into the gun, which will take most telescopic sights. Whilst not required for a beginner, we would recommend either the Gamo or BSA 4x32 scope as anything bigger is not going to make much of a difference for the ranges this gun can shoot at. (They are only £20 as well!).

It is a break barrel spring gun which means no real ongoing costs, except for .177 pellets. It is fairly easy to cock, however some younger shooters will need an adult to load it (no bad thing).
The gun is only £89.99 and in stock now, an ideal Christmas present perhaps?

 

Free shooting insurance

www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk

Every gun purchased in store now gets you 4 weeks free shooting insurance with gunplan.

£20 a year gets you a lot of cover for you money.

Why choose gunplan shooting cover?

Up to £10m Personal Liability cover for just £20.00 a year
Also available as stand-alone cover
 
Up to £50,000 cover for theft and accidental damage of shooting equipment Includes gun(s), ammunition, telescopic sights, clothing, accessories & free equipment hire
 
Up to £50,000 cover for personal accident

Legal expenses cover up to £100,000 available
Free personalised Personal Liability confirmation card
Provides evidence of your Personal Liability cover when you attend shoots

New for old cover as standard on guns & equipment up to 3 years old
We can cover your shooting accessories as well as all your guns
Equipment hire up to £200 in the event of a claim for theft or accidental damage

Automatic cover if you take part in more than one type of shooting
No single article limit on shooting equipment
Guns covered both in and out of the home so no need to add to your household insurance and risk raising your household premium if you make a claim
Worldwide cover available

Our 14-day money back and lowest price
Underwritten at Lloyd’s of London

Build your own policy – so you only pay for the cover you need
Our knowledgeable customer service team who can help with any questions or claims