So, today both Liz and me retraced our steps to the Kibworth Shooting Ground. After much deliberating, talking and mulling it over since Sunday, I had decided that, yes, I indeed wanted to get myself an air rifle. (Okay not perhaps the huge surprise).
We payed a quick visit to the Leicester and District Small-bore Rifle & Pistol Club. but for some reason it didn’t gave me the same impression Kibworth left on me. In fact it felt slightly off to me. I am not sure what it was, perhaps the over usage of stands, the darkness of the place, or the competitiveness of the shooting that seemed to take place. Competition shooting and how you would be put into a team based on performance was brought up within five minutes of arriving on site. So we decided for Kibworth (plus the fact they have a gunsmith on site, is always a plus).
But after reading and deliberating, I had decided that my previous conversation about which airgun to purchase was skewed by some preconceptions. So I decided to start again and go on the premise that 1) I was new to shooting 2) I didn’t know which gun (a springer, or pre-charged pneumatic aka PCP) would be best for me.
It’s funny though, up till Sunday, I always maintained that I wanted a springer, mostly because it’s harder to shoot, thus a greater challenge. After Sunday, I wasn’t so sure and thought a good PCP airgun may be well worth the investment as well. After talking with both ‘Micks’ at the shooting ground, we all agreed that a springer was better for beginners. Because they are more unforgiving than PCP air rifles you will need to master trigger control and follow through[1]. Thus learning to become a better shooter, something that will undoubtedly be of advantage in any shooting discipline. So I made a full circle from Springer, to PCP, to end up at a Springer
While they didn’t had the air rifle to test fire, one of the gentlemen currently shooting at the air-rifle range had the same rifle with him today and he was kind enough to let me put a couple of rounds on target. The recoil that worried me in the first place, gave an actually very reassuring feel to it, knowing that the rifle had discharged. So soon the choice was made …
And thus, I proudly present, my first airgun, the Air Arms TX-200 Mk III Hunter Carabine.
The Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine Mk3 Air Rifle[2] is a fixed barrel, spring powered air rifle, utilizing an under lever cocking action, complete with sliding breech, which shoots the .177 calibre pellets. My current pellets are the Air Arms Diabolo Field .177 cal/8.4 grains (4.5mm / 0.547 grams for those using the metric system).
Since the rifle doesn’t have any iron sights, a decent scope was needed. I eventually settled on a decent Hawke Sports HD scope[3], a “3x9x50” scope for the connoisseur. It makes I think for a decent combination to start shooting. And hopefully eventually (once I can shoot consistently and hitting what I want to hit), perhaps partaking in Field Target, or Hunter Field Targeting.
Other things that I bought today was a beanbag for rifle rest and shooting support and the nice folks at the shop tossed a gun-bag in it for free to store my rifle in.
Once that was done, me and one of the range officers headed down to one of the sheds that houses the air rifle lanes and he helped me zero in the scope (Thanks Mick!). I was struck by the friendly atmosphere. The other shooters were very welcoming and made me quite at ease despite being an terrible newbie in their midst. The jokes were flying back and forth and I soon realized that it was near impossible to keep a straight aim while laughing. It was all very relaxed and for about an hour or so I aimed, shot and worked the gun (feeling particularly satisfied when I hit a spinner on and about the 45-60 yard range.
All in all, a great great afternoon, very enjoyable. The gun shoots great and although it takes some time getting the pellet into the breach, I am sure that will go easier over time. I felt very relaxed and mellowed out on the way back, and I think a smile a mile wide on my face. I definitely am looking forward to return there, although I need to inquire about setting up a target so I can see how well my shots group together.
Happy Shooting and stay safe!
[1] – Great post about springers and their advantages.
[2] – Review of the Air Arms TX-200 Mk3 HC
[3] – To be precise the HK3009 variant which comes with the mil-dot scope.
