@blackpaw, for sub 50 yard pesting in tight places. Definitely on my radar. I like that some PCPs are trending towards being lighter and smaller. Ex: AGT Vixen, Leishy 2, etc.
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AGN & AEAC - Share n' Compare the AirMaks CAiMAN & CAiMAN X
- Thread starter Michael
- Start date
Steve & I both did some pellet culling over the weekend. The CAiMAN X puts out a bit more power than the CAiMAN so Steve was also able to test some slugs too.
Though not designed to be a benchrest airgun, it sat remarkably well in my old benchrest (I don't have an adapter for the rail to use a bi-pod)
The CAiMAN came to me shooting:
25g @ 700 FPS
21g @ 760 FPS
18g @ 800 FPS
15.9g @ 850 FPS
14.3g @ 890 FPS
The left target is all 3'' bulls, 10 shot groups, @ 50y. The right target was for sighting in each pellet. Love me some Splatterburst Targets!
My CAiMAN seemed to like JSB 18g and JSB 14.3g best.
Though not designed to be a benchrest airgun, it sat remarkably well in my old benchrest (I don't have an adapter for the rail to use a bi-pod)
The CAiMAN came to me shooting:
25g @ 700 FPS
21g @ 760 FPS
18g @ 800 FPS
15.9g @ 850 FPS
14.3g @ 890 FPS
The left target is all 3'' bulls, 10 shot groups, @ 50y. The right target was for sighting in each pellet. Love me some Splatterburst Targets!
My CAiMAN seemed to like JSB 18g and JSB 14.3g best.
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@michael based off the photos from Steve the Caimen’s CZ barrel doesn’t look picking on what you thrown down the barrel. I am seriously impressed especially for the price. I could easily MOS accuracy at 150 yards in 22 cal with those type of groups.
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Steve and I agree that a "Donny" compliments our rigs perfectly.
And both of us chose to mount up a new Hawke scope! Steve is using the new Hawke AirMax 30 SF compact 3-12x40 SFP
While I opted for the new Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x50 FFP scope
And both of us chose to mount up a new Hawke scope! Steve is using the new Hawke AirMax 30 SF compact 3-12x40 SFP
While I opted for the new Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x50 FFP scope
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@L.Leon based off the results I think in theory the Caimen is easily a 75 yard gun like my Taipan Compact, and the Caimen X is 100 plus, if needed. Ideally though, both options best for “close combat” when your back is against the wall. 
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I would like to know if anyone has weighed the walnut vs laminated stock on these two models? laminated stocks are usually heavy. It looks better with the moderator on the stackables than without. I would much prefer the Caiman over the X. While I probably will not buy either, this a a great thread. Thanks 2 both of u guys for the "consumer report" . 
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to either Steve or Michael
did UA give any indication on having these in stock in .22 cal ?
did UA give any indication on having these in stock in .22 cal ?
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In stock? I would call when I was IN the store two weeks ago to check specifically the Caimens they had stock on hand.
However they were expecting an order to arrive in what now should be next week.
If you can’t see it first hand I would just preorder
However they were expecting an order to arrive in what now should be next week.
If you can’t see it first hand I would just preorder
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Loving this duel (sic) testing.
love the Tatsu on the X.
love 27.3". and the dark Green laminated
but, due to its out there power adjustment , the Prophets 30" still edges it*
*this as local law wont let me have a K1.
thanks guys, please keep this going.
love the Tatsu on the X.
love 27.3". and the dark Green laminated
but, due to its out there power adjustment , the Prophets 30" still edges it*
*this as local law wont let me have a K1.
thanks guys, please keep this going.
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Here's a full shot chart for the CAiMAN compact 
It's difficult to tell where the regulator is actually set, the overall velocity didn't make a clean drop until after the 90th shot (about 90 bar). But it first dropped into the 830 fps realm about shot 57. I'm guessing the regulator is set really low and the Extreme Spread (ES) may benefit from increasing the reg pressure???
It's difficult to tell where the regulator is actually set, the overall velocity didn't make a clean drop until after the 90th shot (about 90 bar). But it first dropped into the 830 fps realm about shot 57. I'm guessing the regulator is set really low and the Extreme Spread (ES) may benefit from increasing the reg pressure???
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I ran the shot charts and cross checked them with a 2nd Caiman X I've got here, as well as with Shooter1721's November Shot Chart YouTube review of the Caiman X. They're all reading the same, slowly descending velocity from the 300 bar max to when it falls off the reg at 100 bar and spikes. Even though an AEAC Tuning Guide wasn't requested on this review, I went to work trying to flatten the curve on my own... the hammer spring is externally adjustable and is very responsive to input.
After investing a day to figure out exactly where I was at 300/250/200/150/100 bar in super small 1/10th turn increments on the HS (and with both a 16gr and an 18gr) I discovered that the long descending graph remained. It actually retained the very same slope, it didn't matter whether I started a 16gr at 900/875,850 fps or an 18gr at 900/875/850 fps. This all leads to one conclusion - the only way to flatten and maintain 870 fps with a 16 or 18gr would be to increase the regulator pressure to 110-120 or so (hypothesizing from experience) and the regulator is not readily accessible. One could also set the the X's HS to begin it's 300 bar journey at 830 with a 16gr (24 fpe) and try that. We know from my findings in the Marauder semi-auto review that this pellet/speed will 50 & 100 yard perform at MOA. I strongly suspect this would do the trick, as Michael's shorter barreled Caiman ran flat at an 844 average with the 16gr. Being that the X has a longer barrel (520mm vs 400) and I suspect AirMaks is using the same action for both guns without a regulator retune, setting the X to 830-ish should flatten it out... but I'll leave it right there. It's time to get to making movies
Steve
After investing a day to figure out exactly where I was at 300/250/200/150/100 bar in super small 1/10th turn increments on the HS (and with both a 16gr and an 18gr) I discovered that the long descending graph remained. It actually retained the very same slope, it didn't matter whether I started a 16gr at 900/875,850 fps or an 18gr at 900/875/850 fps. This all leads to one conclusion - the only way to flatten and maintain 870 fps with a 16 or 18gr would be to increase the regulator pressure to 110-120 or so (hypothesizing from experience) and the regulator is not readily accessible. One could also set the the X's HS to begin it's 300 bar journey at 830 with a 16gr (24 fpe) and try that. We know from my findings in the Marauder semi-auto review that this pellet/speed will 50 & 100 yard perform at MOA. I strongly suspect this would do the trick, as Michael's shorter barreled Caiman ran flat at an 844 average with the 16gr. Being that the X has a longer barrel (520mm vs 400) and I suspect AirMaks is using the same action for both guns without a regulator retune, setting the X to 830-ish should flatten it out... but I'll leave it right there. It's time to get to making movies
Steve
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I’ve got a CZ75 P06 in .40 caliber and love the Czech guns. Would love to try the CaiMAN X to get into air guns as well.
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I would say I prefer the black stock. Look at that Bad Boy!
I'm with you, Home Boy!
Black or laminate >>> I just love how the stock encapsulates the entire gun!
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I’ve had my X in .25 for a couple of months now and a little over 1000 pellets. This thing is amazing. I topped mine with the Element Helix 6-24 x 50 FFP. I’m getting dime groups at 50 yds with JSB 33.95gr, and Air Arms 25.4gr. I’m still waiting for my UIT to Picatinny adapter, so I’m shooting off a bag rest for now. But it shoulders well and I’ve killed a few starlings and squirrels offhand. I was torn between the Caiman X and AGT Vulcan 2. I’m pretty happy with my choice.
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Is it just me or is it reminding me of the Uragan. Surprised that Steve has never reviewed it. Built like the proverbial tank. These two guns have a LOT in common!
Knife
Knife
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I’m a big fan of how robust the construction of the Russian/Eastern European guns seems to be. However, in the age of the AV Avenger I have a hard time with any high end PCP that doesn’t have an externally adjustable reg. Having a good tune is so important that I’d consider not having easy access to one of the most critical adjustments a deal breaker.
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I agree. It is a pita in todays tech. Hope they come along soon. I'm tuning it for solugs now. Odd there is no reg gage Sure makes it hunt and peck! I will eventually put a Huma in it. They are very dependable and I have several in different guns. Thinking of adding one to the Cattleman Test mule I have here. Looks like the one from my Rainstorm II will fit.
Oddly, I have it shooting lights out now. All it took was removing the overly tight choke. The new versions will have this improvement, in a less tight choke.
Knife
Oddly, I have it shooting lights out now. All it took was removing the overly tight choke. The new versions will have this improvement, in a less tight choke.
Knife
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Okay I know this is kind of weak but Steve’s video on the Caimen X. Steve’s comments on how the reg pressure wasn’t properly synced to give a constant linear shot string turned me off the gun as an option. No I’m focused maybe on the Caimen as a future option.
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Well guys i will add a comment or 2 on the Caiman X
As some of you saw i listed the one i bought for my wife , trying to find a bullpup she will accept, she rejected this one as she has several other attempts so my 1st reaction was to pass it on at Very good sale price...
The few days i had it listed it was driving me nuts that I never gave the gun a fair shake in my hands, i literally took it out of the box , cleaned the barrel sighted it in , and she shot maybe 2 mags through it and i shot a couple of mags all using 18.13's .... that was that and back in the case it went....
Well after some deliberation i took it off the market and decided to actually spend some with the gun . i have spent the better part of 2 days now playing with it with a couple of pellets at various speeds across the chrony .
Out of the box with the 18.13's it was shooting 910-920 for the 1st 40 ish shots from a 300 bar fill , there was the occasional higher/lower but for the most part through those 40 it was pretty damn consistent, then i started to see the gradual, i mean gradual, fall off across the chrony.
So i filled it back to 300 loaded up some mags with the 18.13's and went to the targets, @ 45 yds it was pretty much lights out , hole in hole 3/8" groups right along the same shot count numbers ( 40ish ) .
Now the interesting part was for next 30 or so shots i did notice the " fall off " , again this was at 45 yds , but the fall off on paper was still sub MOA grouping so now we are at 70 shots plus and still shooting sub MOA , i would say that is More than acceptable ..( i say 70 plus because there were a few mags where i lost count and fired 11 shots ) All of these shots were set back to the factory setting i received the gun in, 910-920 starting point..
Now lets get to the results with the 15.89's
I Dropped the speed down to 870-880 , again with a few high/low but averaging the 880ish on a 300 bar starting point
The shot count before fall off Was higher , getting closer to 60ish , same deal accuracy wise , actually a little tighter through those 1st 60 , then the fall off as before , but still sub Moa up to 90ish shots.. again More than acceptable
Air usage as per above shots in bar
18.13's start @ 300 ended at 170/175
15.89's start @ 300 ended at 180/185
I guess my point in all of this preliminary shooting and tuning is lets NOT get hung up on Steve's comment about the regulator drop off, hell he and Rick ( shooter1721 ) both said its " Nominal " and is going to be damn near un-noticable at 50 and under yardage .. My Very early findings are backing that up
Trust me i have had Much higher priced guns that wish they could shoot as well as this little gun .
I will be shooting a ton more pellets , and some slugs, in a multitude of different weights and speeds through this in the coming weeks so stay tuned...
In closing i want make a statement , for the $1349.00 price of this gun you get a gun that comes in
1) Under 7lbs with AIT to Pic rail adapter and DonnyFL adapter ( no scope or rings ) Walnut stock mind you, not cheap ass plastic
2) CZ Barrel
3) Regulated
4) Great Trigger
5) Reversible cocking handle
6) Adjustable , Rubber Butt Pad ( not a cheap ass plastic one )
So all in all not a bad deal on pretty damn good shooting gun....I will be keeping this one a while as a " fun gun " .. Lol
As some of you saw i listed the one i bought for my wife , trying to find a bullpup she will accept, she rejected this one as she has several other attempts so my 1st reaction was to pass it on at Very good sale price...
The few days i had it listed it was driving me nuts that I never gave the gun a fair shake in my hands, i literally took it out of the box , cleaned the barrel sighted it in , and she shot maybe 2 mags through it and i shot a couple of mags all using 18.13's .... that was that and back in the case it went....
Well after some deliberation i took it off the market and decided to actually spend some with the gun . i have spent the better part of 2 days now playing with it with a couple of pellets at various speeds across the chrony .
Out of the box with the 18.13's it was shooting 910-920 for the 1st 40 ish shots from a 300 bar fill , there was the occasional higher/lower but for the most part through those 40 it was pretty damn consistent, then i started to see the gradual, i mean gradual, fall off across the chrony.
So i filled it back to 300 loaded up some mags with the 18.13's and went to the targets, @ 45 yds it was pretty much lights out , hole in hole 3/8" groups right along the same shot count numbers ( 40ish ) .
Now the interesting part was for next 30 or so shots i did notice the " fall off " , again this was at 45 yds , but the fall off on paper was still sub MOA grouping so now we are at 70 shots plus and still shooting sub MOA , i would say that is More than acceptable ..( i say 70 plus because there were a few mags where i lost count and fired 11 shots ) All of these shots were set back to the factory setting i received the gun in, 910-920 starting point..
Now lets get to the results with the 15.89's
I Dropped the speed down to 870-880 , again with a few high/low but averaging the 880ish on a 300 bar starting point
The shot count before fall off Was higher , getting closer to 60ish , same deal accuracy wise , actually a little tighter through those 1st 60 , then the fall off as before , but still sub Moa up to 90ish shots.. again More than acceptable
Air usage as per above shots in bar
18.13's start @ 300 ended at 170/175
15.89's start @ 300 ended at 180/185
I guess my point in all of this preliminary shooting and tuning is lets NOT get hung up on Steve's comment about the regulator drop off, hell he and Rick ( shooter1721 ) both said its " Nominal " and is going to be damn near un-noticable at 50 and under yardage .. My Very early findings are backing that up
Trust me i have had Much higher priced guns that wish they could shoot as well as this little gun .
I will be shooting a ton more pellets , and some slugs, in a multitude of different weights and speeds through this in the coming weeks so stay tuned...
In closing i want make a statement , for the $1349.00 price of this gun you get a gun that comes in
1) Under 7lbs with AIT to Pic rail adapter and DonnyFL adapter ( no scope or rings ) Walnut stock mind you, not cheap ass plastic
2) CZ Barrel
3) Regulated
4) Great Trigger
5) Reversible cocking handle
6) Adjustable , Rubber Butt Pad ( not a cheap ass plastic one )
So all in all not a bad deal on pretty damn good shooting gun....I will be keeping this one a while as a " fun gun " .. Lol
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