I always wanted one and I'm finally getting one. I'd like to hear what other members here think of them. I would appreciate your opinions... thanks.
Beeman Tempest San Rafael in .177
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I was able to try one out in.22 many years ago. What I remember most was that it had a pretty high cocking effort. That may feel like more than it is because you are holding it by a thin barrel (compared to a break barrel rifle) so the force is concentrated on a small area of the hand. I've always hoped to find one as well. Please let us know how you get on with it. I would love to know more about the trigger and accuracy.
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Hello I have had one for probably over 20+ years with countless rds thew it, been back to Beeman once for a rebuild ,but no complaints. It is a great little plinker ,knock around take any where pistol. It has enough power to dispatch starlings and chipmunks out to 20 yds. Accuracy is ok (pcp guns really spoil you) just under an inch at 10 yds.Great little pistol to take on a hike and just need to bring pellets ,not very loud, not to hard to cock, and easy to load. You will really enjoy it. Just one thing make sure the barrel latches when you close it. Once again congratulations and enjoy Eric
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Did not have the San Rafael model but a regular Tempest. Loved the look and quality feel it had but it was a bit over the top in spring twang to me. Inch to inch and half groups at ten yards so not all that accurate compared to my Co2 guns of the day. I sent it to a guy on the Crosman forum for some tuning werq. He stole it along with my 600 and the Crosman forum itself as well so I did not have to worry about that twang anymore. The Brown Crosman forum died shortly after and the Green Crosman took it's place with the Brown in it's archives. I still have the safety off of my Tempest though some fifteen or twenty years later. Got A Diana 6M to replace it and found the recoiless Giss system is really something.
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I have tuned many.
The gun promises so much with its snub nosed appeal and compact lines, being better fed looking than the other Webleys, that you almost over look the fact that it is plastic and alloy, compared to the firearm steel of the earlier models. With a set of wood grip options available, it takes some beating for handling.
However, it really struggles with accuracy, as the rearward moving piston, sort of creates a downward nudge to the right which can be hard to control. The trigger can be improved which i will detail for anyone interested..
It can be tuned but straying from my advice results in zero improvement, or making things worse...
The new version from Turkey is very pellet tolerant, being a true 4.5 mm bore. The Earlier English version (also sold under license and re-badged for Beeman) is 4.65mm bore and requires larger skirt pellets like Superdome and Hobby if you want to make accuracy...but its general quality is better than the Turkish version..
The gun promises so much with its snub nosed appeal and compact lines, being better fed looking than the other Webleys, that you almost over look the fact that it is plastic and alloy, compared to the firearm steel of the earlier models. With a set of wood grip options available, it takes some beating for handling.
However, it really struggles with accuracy, as the rearward moving piston, sort of creates a downward nudge to the right which can be hard to control. The trigger can be improved which i will detail for anyone interested..
It can be tuned but straying from my advice results in zero improvement, or making things worse...
The new version from Turkey is very pellet tolerant, being a true 4.5 mm bore. The Earlier English version (also sold under license and re-badged for Beeman) is 4.65mm bore and requires larger skirt pellets like Superdome and Hobby if you want to make accuracy...but its general quality is better than the Turkish version..
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I have one and I really like it. The cocking isn’t that bad once you get used to it. I put my thumb right behind the front sight and use it as a fulcrum and works OK for me. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the trigger pull. It’s adjustable but doesn’t make a lot of difference.I got a recommendation from somebody else to put a trigger shoe on it And it has made the trigger pull much nicer. You can use a trigger shoe for a Crossman 2300,2240,1377etc.It will fit perfectly.Mine doesn’t twang at all.I bought it from the original owner that took good care of it. When I store it I don’t keep the barrel completely closed so the breech seal stays in better condition. I put a little bit of silicone oil on it also. The guy gave me a spare one with it but the one that came with it is still OK.
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First ....notes on twanging..
The English/Beeman version does not twang as this model has a long guide rod which runs the full length of the piston once cocked, and therefore does not allow the fitting of a top hat. The guide is well fitting on the OEM flat section mainsprings...
The Turkish version has a very short guide which was originally intended to run with a top hat (the reason it is short to allow fitting) The top hat was not supplied OEM ....perhaps they assumed one would be added by home tuners...It certainly needs it, especially with the stronger mainspring...
Note...some overlap occurs, where early versions of the Turkish variant design changes crept into the English market...as the Finale model shares much of the same parts of the Turkish version, although assembled in the UK...I concluded Webley made the changes before the demise and then sold to the Turkish company as a going concern.
The English/Beeman version does not twang as this model has a long guide rod which runs the full length of the piston once cocked, and therefore does not allow the fitting of a top hat. The guide is well fitting on the OEM flat section mainsprings...
The Turkish version has a very short guide which was originally intended to run with a top hat (the reason it is short to allow fitting) The top hat was not supplied OEM ....perhaps they assumed one would be added by home tuners...It certainly needs it, especially with the stronger mainspring...
Note...some overlap occurs, where early versions of the Turkish variant design changes crept into the English market...as the Finale model shares much of the same parts of the Turkish version, although assembled in the UK...I concluded Webley made the changes before the demise and then sold to the Turkish company as a going concern.
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Thank you all for the input. As I've said I wanted one forever, since my teens. Back then I neither had the money nor the eligibility to legally own one because of where I lived. Then life got in the way and other things became more important. Now I'm retired and I can have what I want now as long as I can find it.
So it will probably be on its way tomorrow and I will take all of your comments under advisement when I get it. I will post a review of it as a follow-up on this thread. Thanks again guy's.
So it will probably be on its way tomorrow and I will take all of your comments under advisement when I get it. I will post a review of it as a follow-up on this thread. Thanks again guy's.
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Waste of money is just an opinion and nothing more. I’m very picky with my air guns and I’m very happy with mine. No it’s not dead nuts accurate. But mine will hit soda cans regularly at 25 yards. The English models hold their value good. So even if you don’t end up liking it you will always get your money back if you sell it. They have actually went up in price over the years and are starting to get a little harder to find here in the US. Steveoo Is correct about the pellet size. I’ve noticed that some pellets Fit a little tighter than others. Find one that fits a little snug.So far mine shoots the 8.64 grain H&N Pellets the best. But I do want to try some more types.The gun wasn’t made to be a target pistol,Just a plinker.And it’s not a powerhouse either.As long as it is in decent shape,You should enjoy it.
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I'd never be without a Tempest, I love 'em. Once you grasp its karma LOL - sport pistol, not match pistol or hunter - it's great. Compact, spectacularly durable, great handling, and really quite good power for its size. The stock grips fit my smallish hands absolutely perfectly. Heck, I even like the trigger, predictable and smooth once it breaks in; in fact the whole gun is one that gets better with use (IMHO these guns got a lot of bad press over the years from guys who simply didn't hang on to them long enough to "get" them).
Also a fan of the Tempest's older sibling, the Webley Hurricane. A bit more weight, longer sight radius, and click-adjusting rear sight are pluses, though it will never be as cute!
Trivia bit: both pistols are named after famous aircraft. During WW2 Webley manufactured parts for the Hawker Hurricane and Hawker Tempest fighters.
Also a fan of the Tempest's older sibling, the Webley Hurricane. A bit more weight, longer sight radius, and click-adjusting rear sight are pluses, though it will never be as cute!
Trivia bit: both pistols are named after famous aircraft. During WW2 Webley manufactured parts for the Hawker Hurricane and Hawker Tempest fighters.
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My first air gun, of any kind. Bought it used about 1985. Still shoots fairly well, with very little upkeep. Don't know what its current pellet (.177) velocity is.
As noted, not super accurate per todays guns, but when it was originally manufactured, it was able to hold its own compared to most other guns of its time.
Which version ? That is, where was it made (will say on the lower part of the forend).
Unfortunately I don't shoot it a lot. With my old eyes, iron sights are a big limitation, and there's no easy way to attach a red dot (as most of my guns have).
Overall, it's a fine gun (despite others dumb comments !). Best thing you can do with it, shoot it, and have fun.
Mike
P.s. - Ok, got the San Rafael comment..! A comma would have helped.
As noted, not super accurate per todays guns, but when it was originally manufactured, it was able to hold its own compared to most other guns of its time.
Which version ? That is, where was it made (will say on the lower part of the forend).
Unfortunately I don't shoot it a lot. With my old eyes, iron sights are a big limitation, and there's no easy way to attach a red dot (as most of my guns have).
Overall, it's a fine gun (despite others dumb comments !). Best thing you can do with it, shoot it, and have fun.
Mike
P.s. - Ok, got the San Rafael comment..! A comma would have helped.
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Love mine. Used to take it to my tree stand and plug squirrel and chipmunks with it. I guess they are only as good as the guy shooting it. Keep shots under 20 yards or you’ll be relying on luck. 
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Well the big brown truck dropped it off yesterday. 
At the start of this thread I said that I have always wanted one and for the week that I’ve been waiting for it my expectations ran a gamut of the positive and negative. I have never purchased a used airgun, sight unseen. The closest I have come to it was the purchase of my Umarex S&W 586, which was an open box purchase. The seller described the Tempest to be a San Rafael version, fully operational and in very good condition (VG) 90% of original condition.
Most of the comments and reviews I’ve read have described it as a good shooter that packs well, shoots well and although definitely not a target pistol it delivers a decent punch for it’s size with an effective range of 20 yards.
This is a gun that feels so good in your hand that you just want to shoot it. As everyone says it is a bear to cock but it’s not too bad once you fire it a few times, you develop your own technique. It is fun to shoot. I put a couple dozen pellets through a soup can at 10 yards. I don’t concern myself much with power, I just want to consistently hit what I’m aiming at. This pistol does that quite nicely, although it did put a hurtin on that soup can.
The gun was delivered in a aftermarket pistol case as well as an owners manual. The previous owner also fitted the trigger with a wide comfortable shoe which was a nice added bonus for me. My fears of that 90% of original condition were laid to rest immediately. In my opinion this pistol leans more towards excellent than it does towards very good. The only visible flaw I can see is a very faint stress crack on the underside of the plastic forearm. The only wear I see is in part of the “Tempest “ branding on the right side of the forearm. Otherwise the pistol is very clean. In fact I would say to the casual observer it appears to be in mint condition. My collection is not huge or fancy but I do have some nice classics in very good condition. Whoever owned this gun took excellent care of it. It’s safe to say that I am very happy with the purchase.
Most of the comments and reviews I’ve read have described it as a good shooter that packs well, shoots well and although definitely not a target pistol it delivers a decent punch for it’s size with an effective range of 20 yards.
This is a gun that feels so good in your hand that you just want to shoot it. As everyone says it is a bear to cock but it’s not too bad once you fire it a few times, you develop your own technique. It is fun to shoot. I put a couple dozen pellets through a soup can at 10 yards. I don’t concern myself much with power, I just want to consistently hit what I’m aiming at. This pistol does that quite nicely, although it did put a hurtin on that soup can.
The gun was delivered in a aftermarket pistol case as well as an owners manual. The previous owner also fitted the trigger with a wide comfortable shoe which was a nice added bonus for me. My fears of that 90% of original condition were laid to rest immediately. In my opinion this pistol leans more towards excellent than it does towards very good. The only visible flaw I can see is a very faint stress crack on the underside of the plastic forearm. The only wear I see is in part of the “Tempest “ branding on the right side of the forearm. Otherwise the pistol is very clean. In fact I would say to the casual observer it appears to be in mint condition. My collection is not huge or fancy but I do have some nice classics in very good condition. Whoever owned this gun took excellent care of it. It’s safe to say that I am very happy with the purchase.
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Thats a nice real Webley you got there buddy....It will have the better quality build i described, with the full length guide rod and so will not twang...
Webley supplied this gun to Beeman under license and is a sought after model....Its really worth investing in some nice wood grip options available for it.
If you need tuning advice and trigger advice, you know where to find me ..but it looks like its made a decent start with the Beeman trigger shoe already installed .....Hobby pellets if you want the accuracy..
Webley supplied this gun to Beeman under license and is a sought after model....Its really worth investing in some nice wood grip options available for it.
If you need tuning advice and trigger advice, you know where to find me ..but it looks like its made a decent start with the Beeman trigger shoe already installed .....Hobby pellets if you want the accuracy..
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I have the Turkish version and can hit a soda can at 15 yards almost all the time. I think the groups are probably 2-3 inches? Shoots pretty well with RWS R 10 Match 7 grains (the black tins). I throw it in my backpack for camping/hiking/fishing.
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Thanks again for your comments guys. I will be shooting this bad boy as is for quite awhile. I will seek you out Steveoo if I ever decide to open her up.
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Anytime....Your best bet, if you are not opening it, is to clean the barrel. Many pre owners use all types of lubes in these pistols which the they do not require due to the Teflon seal.....these lubes eventually working their way out into the barrel, wrecking accuracy...
Later if you want to tune it, do not add anything like slip washers at the distal end of the gun as you need the full guide rod length left alone....its seating face for the mainspring is already well finished, however, the bottom of the piston is not. You can drop a 14mm diameter steel washer down inside the piston to give you a nice smooth face for the mainspring and it will smooth out the cycle, removing torque.
Then clean your mainspring and inside of piston.....adding a smear of Superlube general purpose grease on the guide rod. Do not go near it with Moly. Moly is good stuff in air rifles but robs power in the pistol...its more of a damper...Superlube is a better choice...its also nice and clean to use on the cocking slide area, especially if you like pocketing the gun.....keep the moly away...
Add a touch of Superlube to the piston seal to aid fitment ...check the breech seal and you should be @ 470/480 fps with the Hobby.
Later if you want to tune it, do not add anything like slip washers at the distal end of the gun as you need the full guide rod length left alone....its seating face for the mainspring is already well finished, however, the bottom of the piston is not. You can drop a 14mm diameter steel washer down inside the piston to give you a nice smooth face for the mainspring and it will smooth out the cycle, removing torque.
Then clean your mainspring and inside of piston.....adding a smear of Superlube general purpose grease on the guide rod. Do not go near it with Moly. Moly is good stuff in air rifles but robs power in the pistol...its more of a damper...Superlube is a better choice...its also nice and clean to use on the cocking slide area, especially if you like pocketing the gun.....keep the moly away...
Add a touch of Superlube to the piston seal to aid fitment ...check the breech seal and you should be @ 470/480 fps with the Hobby.
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Thanks Steveoo. Just so I'm clear on the product it's the same stuff I can get at home depot. "Synthetic Grease with Syncolon PTFE"
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Yes, the very same product..with PTFE....you do not want the Silicone version which gets mistakenly used, causing galling.
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