Avenger return and replacement sucessfull

[puddleglum]

I returned the Avenger that I was not able to turn the reg down on, and received the replacement very quickly. Great service from Pyramyd Air.

The new one has a better looking stock, and I was able to drop the reg down to 1400psi. I got it out over the chronograph at it was moving Air Arms 16gr pellets right around 800, a few different 14gr pellets around 810, and JSB 13gr RS pellets around 830. These speeds were with the hammer spring adjuster turned in 1.25 rotations. All had very decent accuracy. The Bugbuster was a little too far forward, so I am sure I could have shot better. Sitting in the closet for a day now, the reg did climb up to 2000psi, so creep will be a thing, maybe that will settle with time, or maybe I will find a fix for this. Now I am letting it sit for a few days, to make sure it isn't leaking. Once I have no reason to think I will need to return this one, I will drill a few holes in the shroud to vent it, to get the best performance out of the mono-core baffles I put in the shroud.

I am encouraged that the JSB 13gr RS pellets shot well. I plan to get it back out this week, with a new scope mount, and try to dial in the speed on these pellets for best accuracy. Since this will get a lot of backyard use, these lighter pellets should be ideal. I also should try the 14gr Crossman pellets and see if they happen to shoot well. I am sure my stepdad would like to be able to buy cheap pellets at Fleet Farm.

Obligatory pic


IMO, it is quite a nice gun, for the price.
-pg

 

[Ranchibi]

Glad you got a good replacement asap fro PA! Nice looking wood Avenger.

 

[puddleglum]

I drilled the holes in the shroud yesterday and it quieted down fairly well. Not quite mouse-fart level, but much quieter and lower pitched. It is definitely backyard friendly now. This was with the gun moving 13 grain pellets at ~840fps. I turned it up just a little, to move a 14 grain at ~850fps, but no real difference in noise.

I will be giving it to my stepdad tonight, along with an IOU for a range day tuning session, after he decides what power level he wants to tune the Avenger to. I am pretty sure he will want to stay in the 13-14 grain range to keep his shot count up and overpenetration risk low. I have a feeling he will want to see if it will shoot Crosman 14 grain pellets well, since they sell them at local sporting goods stores. If he wants to use Hades to ensure maximum energy is deposited on arrival, it can be done. If he want to go to 18 grains to buck the wind a little more, we can do that. Even if he wants to tune it to shoot 25 grain Monster Redesigns, and make it into a woodchuck's nightmare, we can do that too.

I had a cantilever mount that let me move the scope a little closer to the eye, which is much more comfortable for me. My stepdad is about the same height and general build as me, so I think it should translate well to him, but I haven't snugged down the mount or rings yet and we'll make sure he finds it comfortable before we do.

I am looking forward to seeing his face, because he has no clue I have been working on this for him.

 

[puddleglum]

The Avenger was a big success, received very well.

We shot about 100 pellets last night. My mom was laughing at us because we were like two twelve year olds with a new BB gun. We started with the JSB 14 grain, and then tried some Air Arms 16 grain. Both grouped decently, considering a quick makeshift shooting rest and the scope still probably needs a little adjustment for better eye alignment. This was just the "try out the cool new tool" outing. Once he picks a power level he wants, we'll try a few pellets and dial in on the one that shows the best accuracy potential.

The trigger was a bit heavy from the factory, but I backed out the trigger weight screw a bit and it is pretty decent now. Not up to snuff for a trigger snob, I am sure, but it seems pretty good for us laymen. It might be able to be lightened a bit more, but I will let him decide how light he wants to go.

Overall I would describe the avenger as a whole lot of gun for the money, as long as a person knows that it might take a little work, and that a number of people have had to exchange guns due to factory defects. I guess we will see how it does over a longer haul.

 

[Bob B]

I drilled the holes in the shroud yesterday and it quieted down fairly well. Not quite mouse-fart level, but much quieter and lower pitched. It is definitely backyard friendly now. This was with the gun moving 13 grain pellets at ~840fps. I turned it up just a little, to move a 14 grain at ~850fps, but no real difference in noise.

I will be giving it to my stepdad tonight, along with an IOU for a range day tuning session, after he decides what power level he wants to tune the Avenger to. I am pretty sure he will want to stay in the 13-14 grain range to keep his shot count up and overpenetration risk low. I have a feeling he will want to see if it will shoot Crosman 14 grain pellets well, since they sell them at local sporting goods stores. If he wants to use Hades to ensure maximum energy is deposited on arrival, it can be done. If he want to go to 18 grains to buck the wind a little more, we can do that. Even if he wants to tune it to shoot 25 grain Monster Redesigns, and make it into a woodchuck's nightmare, we can do that too.

I had a cantilever mount that let me move the scope a little closer to the eye, which is much more comfortable for me. My stepdad is about the same height and general build as me, so I think it should translate well to him, but I haven't snugged down the mount or rings yet and we'll make sure he finds it comfortable before we do.

I am looking forward to seeing his face, because he has no clue I have been working on this for him.

I'm new to the Air Arms Avenger but impressed with it's accuracy. I think it's loud so am intrigued with the idea of drilling holes in the shroud to quiet it down. I'd sure like to see the details on this trick. How many? Pattern? Diameter?

 

[JimD]

I also have holes in my Avenger shroud but I think you will need to have an in shroud moderator or baffles in the shroud ahead of the barrel for the shroud holes to make a difference. I would start with 2-4 really small holes. I don't think it takes a lot.

If the OP wants to improve the trigger I would put in a longer sear adjustment screw. You have to be careful, of course, since you can make the gun uncockable or subject to bump fire if you try to go with too little sear engagement. But on mine the stock screw was much too short to get a nice feeling trigger. I don't remember the thread but I was able to get what I needed from the local Home Depot. I have a nice crisp single stage trigger that is pretty light.

I had to send my Avenger back because it leaked from day one (and I didn't know how to reseal it at that time) but it has had no issues since then. I agree that they are nice guns for the price.