Gamo Swarm Magnum precision: 5" at 50 yards?

[dbooksta]

I've shot firearms competitively for decades. I just got my first air rifle, a Gamo Swarm Magnum (.22 NP), for dealing with varmints in my back yard.

After cleaning the barrel and sighting in (with the Gamo factory 3-9x40 scope) I shot the following two targets at 50 yards with Crossman Premier 14.3gr pellets. I shot from a rest in zero wind. (I understand that the scope is fixed focus at 25 yards, but I believe I am experienced enough at minimizing parallax error by concentrating on maintaining a consistent position in the eyebox.)

Is 5" extreme spread at 50 yards reasonable? I hope not, because that's not nearly enough precision for dispatching varmints. I assume the next step is to try different pellets? If so what should I try?

 

[MScottLeeman]

Might I suggest trying several different weights and styles of pellets? Also,make sure all bolts and screws are SNUG. 

You'll have to put a little time into some testing.

Hope this helps Ya!

Have Fun!

Mike

 

[Guest]

Your rifle does not like that pellet.

You should be able to get 3 MOA or better without too much testing. Reducing that to 1 MOA in a springer platform is decidedly non-trivial. Can certainly be done but it will take some experimentation and experience.

The first thing you need to do with that springer is double check all the screws and put some loc-tite on them. There are different grades of loc-tite, use the least permanent. Screws should be snugged down so that there is no potential for play and vibration is minimized.

Spring rifles recoil backward and then forward. Magnum springers usually shoot middle to heavy weight pellets better. If you rifle is pushing the pellets above 950 or so and you are not getting the accuracy you want, consider a heavier pellet. Get that velocity down in 700 to 900 fps range and it will fly better. Typically the pellet which shoots best in your springer will also be one of the ones which extract the most energy from the power plant. I think this may be because vibration is aggravated by shooting inefficient pellet weights.

The most dramatic changes in accuracy I have experienced in spring rifles was because of scopes being damaged by the recoil, loose screws, and the size of the pellet. Once you are sure your scope is holding up and you have the screws stable purchase a pellet sampler and shoot some test groups with a few different weights. After you have a couple of good candidate pellets consider getting a pellet sizer and sizing your pellets to the diameter your rifle shoots best.

Hope that helps ... None of the things I have suggested here are HARD AND FAST rules. These are the things I have observed in my experience, other people will no doubt disagree with some of this.

 

[c_m_shooter]

50 yards is a long way for a springer. It may be able to do better with different pellets, but maybe not. Gamos are generally low to mid quality and a bit of a crap shoot as to getting a good one or not. Spring guns are very sensitive to hold, even if you are an experienced shooter there is a learning curve for each gun.

 

[Babaganoush]

Your story sounds almost exactly like mine. Long time PB shooter gets a springer and is extremely frustrated.

I was forced into using an airgun for pesting after a new neighbor made a stink about me using a Marlin39 and CBs for pest control. All my direct neighbors where fine with it, but since she was closer than 500ft and objected I had to hang up the Marlin. 

I got a Wally World springer and was in your boat. Even after trying differnet pellets and reading up on springer mechanic I wasn’t happy with groups. They beat up scopes, need a special artillary hold and can have POI shifts from barrel droop. No thanks. 

The gun is now with a buddies kid as a can plinker and I am loving my PCP. I just wish I did the research first and went right to the PCP.

I think you will be mich happier with a PCP rifle and there are some well priced guns that will work as a 50yd. critter getter. Some that come to mind are the Flash, Gauntlet, Fortitude and Liberty. There are always lots of deals an online coupons from major venders to get you started. 

 

[GoldenStateAIRGUNer]

Shooting firearms and getting your first springer tells me you have to experiment with different hold techniques. The Crosman Premier pellet is a little light and fit loose in the barrel. Look for pellets with a head size of 5.53 to 5.55mm. Not to sure about the scope your using either.

 

[survivor45]

If your only choice in pellets are Crossman Primers. I suggest washing them with warm water and dish soap. Then sort by weight. But I really recommend just ordering some H&N field target trophy’s or something from JSB. Second I’d say replace the scope and get a bubble level for your scope. Lastly, start off shooting at 25 yards. 
Read all you can here about shooting springers. They are very hold sensitive and you need to figure out what works best for your gun. Good luck. Don’t get too frustrated

 

[kingfisher61]

Lose the cappy scope! ! I had the same thing happen. I put on a decent Hawke and voila. ..accurate !

 

[Michigander]

Hi there. Many springers do best when rested at or just in front of the balance point. If you are resting your rifle at the forearm tip as you might with a firearm, that could be one contributor to poor accuracy from the bench. Shooting as shown below, I get groups hovering around an inch at 50 yards, or roughly 2 MOA. This may not prove to be the best way to rest your rifle, but it is not a bad place to start. Then experiment with RH grip, cheek pressure and shoulder pressure until you can get the crosshairs to hang on the aim point through the shot. I put my thumb just to the right of center and use light cheek and shoulder pressure. Rear bag is optional. This approach should produce decent accuracy.

If not, then certainly try different pellets. Actually, you will want to try different pellets anyway. The JSB brand in several different weights is a good place to start.

 

[Maizen]

Try the Predator GTOs. 

 

[AirgunnerSC]

You are the first person I know of or read about that has tried to shoot groups at 50 yards with a new break barrel. There is lots of advice , videos and discussion on breaking in new break barrels , holds etc. but I've never seen testing pellets at 50 yards before.

 

[Septicdeath]

Your rifle will settle down after break in period. Work on your shooting technique. Hold the gun lightly. Don't grip the stock just lay it in your hand. Take a breath exhale and squeeze the trigger with the tip of your finger. Try holding your position until you know the pellet has left the barrel. It takes a few milliseconds unlike a powder burner which is instantaneous. Try shooting in military stance crouched, prone or standing. A Springer is not a easy gun to master but practice and you will be getting tight groups in no time. My range is 40 yards and I shoot off hand. My group averaging 1.5 to 2 inches.

 

[uglymike]

Typical new guy story we hear all the time. "I shot at Camp Perry every year, 1000 yard competition shooter, etc, etc, etc." Then they get ahold of a springer for the first time and suddenly their tail is tucked between their legs. Not NEAR a good a shot as they thought they were. There is a reason the spring piston class of is considered the most difficult discipline. Please find consolation in the saying "if you can shoot a springer accurately, you can shoot anything accurately". 

My advice, get one of those low end Chinese PCPs for about $200 and a hand pump if your pesting will be done @ 50 yards.

 

[Espo66]

I haven't been around airguns very long, but been around firearms for a long time. I agree with the second post by oldspook. Not sure why everyone is saying get a PCP? My son has the same gun, it is very accurate. Never tried to group at 50 yards but he hits a small 3' bullseye sticker I stuck to a frisbee on a tree about that distance. We have grouped at 30, 60 and 90 feet. No issues, gun is not the issue, IMO.

A few things;

• We ditched the scope right away. It was routinely bashed by every reviewer, I had some nice scopes off of gunpowder rifles readily available, so we didn't waste time with it. That may be a source of the issue.
• Never tried that particular pellet, but I believe you are in the right weight group. I know we have had luck with other brands at around 14 grains. 

So, I wouldn't rush to sell or buy anything (except pellets). With some tweaking you'll get to what your seeking.

 

[Mossonarock]

I'd also recommend starting at 10 yards and shoot at that distance till you start getting tight groups. Then move out to 20y then 30y and so on.

It takes time to become familiar with a springer's recoil. It won't happen overnight.

Also as you shoot the rifle, it will eventually get broken in, making it easier to shoot accurately.

A new springer in the hands of someone unfamiliar with shooting springers?yyeah 5" at 50 yards isn't surprising at all.

Look for springer airgun rated scopes. That double recoil of springers is what kills scopes.

 

[dbooksta]

Thanks to all for the advice so far.

One thing I'm unclear on: Are the shooting and recoil characteristics of a "gas piston" the same as a bona fide "springer?"

This gun uses a gas piston, which I assumed (without checking) would not have the infamous "double recoil" of a purely spring-powered air gun.

The Gamo scope is so bad I don't understand why they even bother. For $60 I got a Hammers 3-9x40AO airgun-rated scope in rings and a single-piece mount. That's less than I have ever spent on just the mount for a gun scope, but per Amazon ratings it does well on airguns when it's not DOA. Fit, finish, and function on the scope are really good for these short ranges.

I bought 18gr H&N Sniper Magnum and an assortment of Benjamin 14.3gr pellets. I moved the target up to 25 yards and put another 50 rounds through the gun with the new scope. The H&Ns are the best so far, mostly staying in a 2" diameter. Benjamins string vertically, and the Crossmans ... to avoid crying I'll just attribute their performance to me still settling into a natural shooting relationship with the rifle.

 

[2manyAirGunz]

Both the gas piston and the spring piston air guns have the double recoil. However, since the gas piston has no spring, there is less vibration than with the spring piston.

https://airgunmaniac.com/types-of-air-gun-with-pros-and-cons-in-detail/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIllYUzBr_Q

 

[r8lmpz]

I've have gotten a significant increase of accuracy lately by taking a closer look at the barrel. ... BUT first off you really need to hone in on the discipline this magnum needs . Like everyone else says HOLD ,FOLLOW THROUGH AND Concentration play important roles . Compared to my other break barrels like WEIHRAUCH, RWS AND AA pro sport. This particular rifles can reward you with dime size accuracy. THOSE ARE still kinda hold sensitive but has as much compared to GAMO which interesting seems to make make everything out of plastic and once in a while throw a wooden stock. Having a little weight helps alot when looking for tight groups. Now . The barrel hmmmm now where do I begin . I took a look inside the barrel with a bore scope and I've noticed that barrel has alot of imperfections compared to an entry level Diana 34Pro compact. When I compared the two the Diana is Far more superior than the GAMO barrel. Diana barrel was extremely square and straight . No dips, Nics, or even gualing which I saw first off in my GAMO barrel. If GAMO would take the time to make a barrel as TRUE as let's say, a (Loather Walther) barrel ? And Add a wood stock for a little more weight . I really believe it would destroy most BOX retailer air guns out there today. 

 You can see some of imperfections in the rifling but I've been taking time to polish the barrel and it seems that it's been making some improvements in accuracy. Still work in process. But I've been thinking of fitting it with a LOATHER WALTHER barrel and then add a pound in the stock to see if it will improve its accuracy. 

looking at this angle about the 10 to 11 position you can see major gualing in the rifling. I think this is where most of our problems might be at. . 

 

[r8lmpz]

Does anyone here know of anybody removing a a GAMO barrel and installing a aftermarket ? Since we talking about these GAMO rifles?

 

[dbooksta]

@r8lmpz – are those photos and that assessment made after attempts to give the barrel a thorough cleaning? The grooves do look like a mess in your photos, but the lands not so bad. (If it's lead galling from shooting that's not as big a deal as galled barrel steel from the rifling process!)

Before I put a pellet down the barrel after purchase I cleaned it with CLP and got a significant amount of brown-orange out (rust? oil? I don't know).

What are you using to polish the bore? Given your attention to detail I imagine you have JB Bore Paste or equivalent. Did you try a full treatment of that?