N/A Leshiy 2 or Sidewinder or ???

[dflo]

I was thinking that I wanted a Sidewinder compact, but then I started looking at Leshiy 2. I am looking at these because I want a semi-auto with removable magazine that has excellent reliability and reasonably compact. I have a .25 GK1 and everything about it is great except for the nonremovable mag. I would probably get .25 again in either of these since I already have the GK1 in .25 and lots of different ammo to try out, but I'm not set on the caliber. At least the Leshiy is an easy barrel/mag swap to a different caliber (and I think Sidewinder might be also), but can you even buy the barrels to do so? I haven't seen them listed for sale anywhere.
What am I looking for? No fuss reliability. Compact and portable. Reasonably accurate (either of these are better than my skills). Use for informal target shooting and rare pesting. Bonus if it is extremely quiet because then I can occasionally shoot in the backyard for a quick session, but max 20yards so more suited for pistol. I also don’t shoot if any neighbors are out and nothing with any noise so they don’t think I’m doing anything more than plinking with a BB gun. I probably don't get to shoot enough to justify the cost of either of these but I want a great experience when I do. Any other contenders for my criteria?
(This thread has lots of good comments on these already… https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/the-semi-sisters.1305959/ )

Leshiy 2 "Wolverine" long, 350mm, Behemoth moderator, large 460cc bottle
+ Great design
+ I love that it folds up so small, especially with the twist off suppressor option
+ easy to make completely safe
+ available speed loader (I saw a video on it but haven't seen it for sale)
+ from reviews, seems like it’s pretty quiet with the behemoth
- no regulator guage (easy add though)
- not as powerful as Sidewinder at max (at least in .25)
- can't easily adjust power (I would prefer to typically use low or medium power for shot count but turn up on occasion) Could this be replaced with a nice knob?
- smaller magazine (8 rounds)
- cost
- cost
- cost
What's the shot count with the large bottle? (at max power or at an acceptable lower power)
Does it still fold completely into lock-in position with the large 460cc bottle?
Sounds like this is pretty quiet with the Behemoth. Any comments on noise with that or the standard suppression? If it's quiet enough then I can sometimes shoot in the backyard.

Sidewinder S compact
+ easy to adjust power and has regulator guage
+ Can do more power than Leshiy
+ bigger magazine (15 rounds)
+ sounds like it might be a little less fiddly than the Leshiy, or maybe at least with adjustments
- longer. Even the compact is not as portable as a folded Leshiy, but probably ok for me.
- lower shot count on compact due to smaller bottle, but still sounds like more shots per fill than the Leshiy
- cost
- cost
Is there a speed loader available, or do I need to buy extra of those expensive mags?
From what I've read on this, with the standard suppression it probably isn't quiet enough to use in my backyard. Any comments on noise level or upgrading suppression, beyond weevil and subscriber's great thread here https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hushing-the-sidewinder-mini-30.1307559/

In general, I love the portability and design of the Leshiy. But the Sidewinder power adjustment and cost are big pluses. And at lower power, the Sidewinder might have better shot count.
This is not a near term purchase. The GK1 still stings. Probably at least a year maybe two, so who knows what else might be out by then too, but I want a goal post for the next purchase.

 

[dflo]

Ok, I did find the Leshiy barrels and other parts.

 

[dan_house]

IVe had my L2 for a couple three years now. One thing Ive learned..... I will never transport it in my backpack folded.

there are o-rings and "hockey pucks" that are just friction fit, and you could lose one afield. Not a big deal if you can find it or have spares on hand.
Also.... NEVER dry fire it without a mag installed.... dont ask how I know this

if some one could develop a "sock" or a "boot" to go over the end(s) of a folded L2 to protect and keep those bits in place, theyd have a winning product

 

[dflo]

IVe had my L2 for a couple three years now. One thing Ive learned..... I will never transport it in my backpack folded.

there are o-rings and "hockey pucks" that are just friction fit, and you could lose one afield. Not a big deal if you can find it or have spares on hand.
Also.... NEVER dry fire it without a mag installed.... dont ask how I know this

if some one could develop a "sock" or a "boot" to go over the end(s) of a folded L2 to protect and keep those bits in place, theyd have a winning product

That's a good point. Having some of the mechanisms exposed there doesn't seem ideal for transport. I bet someone could 3D print some caps to go on each side to protect and keep the pieces in. EDgun should just make those for sale.
I did see that dry fire without the mag would let the valve push out.
Have you had any reliability issues in your time on the L2? I want something that's not too fussy so I can enjoy it when I get to use it.
Thanks for the input

 

[dan_house]

been running perfectly since I got it
the one "issue" Id warn folks about is you can drive yerself nuts tuning it...... hockey pucks, jets, reg setting..... find soemthing that works then leave it alone

 

[GeneT]

I have a couple L2's and love them. I do not have the Wolverine, but if there's one place my original configuration Leshiys would not satisfy you it would be the noise. The short-barreled .25 really barks. The .22 not as much, but it's not as quiet as other .22s I have. For *my* backyard the .22 is fine, and the .25 requires maybe a little more discretion. Performance and reliability have been rock-solid though, and they thankfully came with 'real' (analog) pressure gauges.

I have no experience with the Sidewinder.

GsT

 

[dflo]

I'm glad they switched to the analog gauges, I saw some videos comment on that change.
Thanks for the report on the noise. I think L2 are going to be better for noise than the sidewinder. If going smaller I might just lean to the .177 for increase in shots and probably don't even need a larger bottle or the Behemoth. But I then question spending that much on something that doesn't have much power... although would be fine for my main use targets and plinking and if it means more quiet to get some use in my own yard then probably better. Then I would definitely keep the GK1 which is accurate and powerful enough for any larger pests. (Probably wouldn't part with it regardless!)

 

[Airgun Al]

No experience with Iguana's here, but .177 for 5' iguanas seems very anemic.
.25 would be my preference....maybe even jump to .30 depending on your ratio of coyotes vs. iguanas.
If you have electricity, skip the hand pump!
If Palm Beach offers to let you shoot before you purchase, Id spend a entire day, experimenting with different brands and calibers.
Good luck!

 

[coastal drifter]

I bought my leshiy2 from Francisco in .22cal. a couple years ago. He tuned it before he sent it and its run like a clock from day 1. It's the short barrel shooting JSB 18s at around 840fps and I get 40 shots in a 250-bar fill. @ 55 yards off a bipod and rear bag 1/2-inch groups average. The trigger takes a little getting used to. Love the gun.

 

[delooper]

IVe had my L2 for a couple three years now. One thing Ive learned..... I will never transport it in my backpack folded.

there are o-rings and "hockey pucks" that are just friction fit, and you could lose one afield. Not a big deal if you can find it or have spares on hand.
Also.... NEVER dry fire it without a mag installed.... dont ask how I know this

if some one could develop a "sock" or a "boot" to go over the end(s) of a folded L2 to protect and keep those bits in place, theyd have a winning product

It's easy to 3d print a little cover that'll protect the puck face when the Leshiy 2 is folded. I've never had any problems carrying the folded Leshiy on my back or in backpack, so I hadn't bothered. But if there's demand I'll create a 3d printed cap.

 

[coastal drifter]

I was thinking that I wanted a Sidewinder compact, but then I started looking at Leshiy 2. I am looking at these because I want a semi-auto with removable magazine that has excellent reliability and reasonably compact. I have a .25 GK1 and everything about it is great except for the nonremovable mag. I would probably get .25 again in either of these since I already have the GK1 in .25 and lots of different ammo to try out, but I'm not set on the caliber. At least the Leshiy is an easy barrel/mag swap to a different caliber (and I think Sidewinder might be also), but can you even buy the barrels to do so? I haven't seen them listed for sale anywhere.
What am I looking for? No fuss reliability. Compact and portable. Reasonably accurate (either of these are better than my skills). Use for informal target shooting and rare pesting. Bonus if it is extremely quiet because then I can occasionally shoot in the backyard for a quick session, but max 20yards so more suited for pistol. I also don’t shoot if any neighbors are out and nothing with any noise so they don’t think I’m doing anything more than plinking with a BB gun. I probably don't get to shoot enough to justify the cost of either of these but I want a great experience when I do. Any other contenders for my criteria?
(This thread has lots of good comments on these already… https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/the-semi-sisters.1305959/ )

Leshiy 2 "Wolverine" long, 350mm, Behemoth moderator, large 460cc bottle
+ Great design
+ I love that it folds up so small, especially with the twist off suppressor option
+ easy to make completely safe
+ available speed loader (I saw a video on it but haven't seen it for sale)
+ from reviews, seems like it’s pretty quiet with the behemoth
- no regulator guage (easy add though)
- not as powerful as Sidewinder at max (at least in .25)
- can't easily adjust power (I would prefer to typically use low or medium power for shot count but turn up on occasion) Could this be replaced with a nice knob?
- smaller magazine (8 rounds)
- cost
- cost
- cost
What's the shot count with the large bottle? (at max power or at an acceptable lower power)
Does it still fold completely into lock-in position with the large 460cc bottle?
Sounds like this is pretty quiet with the Behemoth. Any comments on noise with that or the standard suppression? If it's quiet enough then I can sometimes shoot in the backyard.

Sidewinder S compact
+ easy to adjust power and has regulator guage
+ Can do more power than Leshiy
+ bigger magazine (15 rounds)
+ sounds like it might be a little less fiddly than the Leshiy, or maybe at least with adjustments
- longer. Even the compact is not as portable as a folded Leshiy, but probably ok for me.
- lower shot count on compact due to smaller bottle, but still sounds like more shots per fill than the Leshiy
- cost
- cost
Is there a speed loader available, or do I need to buy extra of those expensive mags?
From what I've read on this, with the standard suppression it probably isn't quiet enough to use in my backyard. Any comments on noise level or upgrading suppression, beyond weevil and subscriber's great thread here https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hushing-the-sidewinder-mini-30.1307559/

In general, I love the portability and design of the Leshiy. But the Sidewinder power adjustment and cost are big pluses. And at lower power, the Sidewinder might have better shot count.
This is not a near term purchase. The GK1 still stings. Probably at least a year maybe two, so who knows what else might be out by then too, but I want a goal post for the next purchase.

I would also suggest looking into the wildcat m3bt compact. best of both worlds shot count and power. I owned the m2 but gave it to my son. very accurate and reliable. The 34gr JSB's are heavy enough to buck the wind and put a hurting on most critters. Theres a good review on TedsHoldover shooting slugs too.

 

[dflo]

I would also suggest looking into the wildcat m3bt compact. best of both worlds shot count and power. I owned the m2 but gave it to my son. very accurate and reliable. The 34gr JSB's are heavy enough to buck the wind and put a hurting on most critters. Theres a good review on TedsHoldover shooting slugs too.

Thanks for the suggestion. It sounds nice, good shot count and power, but I really want semi automatic function. And that's mostly why I'm looking at these expensive options, because these seem to be the ones that can do that reliably.

 

[elwoodblues]

Get a Huben best semi out their

 

[dflo]

Get a Huben best semi out their

My GK1 is pretty great. Only improvement would be a removable magazine, which is why I’m looking at these options, and might as well try a little different form factor but not something too big so a compact or foldable seems to be a good option. Although maybe I will just end up disappointed about spending more for something different with removable mag and it’s not as good as what I already have?

 

[TRIPP]

I was thinking that I wanted a Sidewinder compact, but then I started looking at Leshiy 2. I am looking at these because I want a semi-auto with removable magazine that has excellent reliability and reasonably compact. I have a .25 GK1 and everything about it is great except for the nonremovable mag. I would probably get .25 again in either of these since I already have the GK1 in .25 and lots of different ammo to try out, but I'm not set on the caliber. At least the Leshiy is an easy barrel/mag swap to a different caliber (and I think Sidewinder might be also), but can you even buy the barrels to do so? I haven't seen them listed for sale anywhere.
What am I looking for? No fuss reliability. Compact and portable. Reasonably accurate (either of these are better than my skills). Use for informal target shooting and rare pesting. Bonus if it is extremely quiet because then I can occasionally shoot in the backyard for a quick session, but max 20yards so more suited for pistol. I also don’t shoot if any neighbors are out and nothing with any noise so they don’t think I’m doing anything more than plinking with a BB gun. I probably don't get to shoot enough to justify the cost of either of these but I want a great experience when I do. Any other contenders for my criteria?
(This thread has lots of good comments on these already… https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/the-semi-sisters.1305959/ )

Leshiy 2 "Wolverine" long, 350mm, Behemoth moderator, large 460cc bottle
+ Great design
+ I love that it folds up so small, especially with the twist off suppressor option
+ easy to make completely safe
+ available speed loader (I saw a video on it but haven't seen it for sale)
+ from reviews, seems like it’s pretty quiet with the behemoth
- no regulator guage (easy add though)
- not as powerful as Sidewinder at max (at least in .25)
- can't easily adjust power (I would prefer to typically use low or medium power for shot count but turn up on occasion) Could this be replaced with a nice knob?
- smaller magazine (8 rounds)
- cost
- cost
- cost
What's the shot count with the large bottle? (at max power or at an acceptable lower power)
Does it still fold completely into lock-in position with the large 460cc bottle?
Sounds like this is pretty quiet with the Behemoth. Any comments on noise with that or the standard suppression? If it's quiet enough then I can sometimes shoot in the backyard.

Sidewinder S compact
+ easy to adjust power and has regulator guage
+ Can do more power than Leshiy
+ bigger magazine (15 rounds)
+ sounds like it might be a little less fiddly than the Leshiy, or maybe at least with adjustments
- longer. Even the compact is not as portable as a folded Leshiy, but probably ok for me.
- lower shot count on compact due to smaller bottle, but still sounds like more shots per fill than the Leshiy
- cost
- cost
Is there a speed loader available, or do I need to buy extra of those expensive mags?
From what I've read on this, with the standard suppression it probably isn't quiet enough to use in my backyard. Any comments on noise level or upgrading suppression, beyond weevil and subscriber's great thread here https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hushing-the-sidewinder-mini-30.1307559/

In general, I love the portability and design of the Leshiy. But the Sidewinder power adjustment and cost are big pluses. And at lower power, the Sidewinder might have better shot count.
This is not a near term purchase. The GK1 still stings. Probably at least a year maybe two, so who knows what else might be out by then too, but I want a goal post for the next purchase.

Brian at Edgun West has the Sidewinder compact pro with the Behemoth moderator and a 350 cc CF bottle. Its very quiet I mean really quiet. Its on my.washer cause i had my Alkin W31 vertical compress or plugged into the only 240 volt outlet. Alkin was filling my CF Joe Brancoto Great white tank. Which i then used to fill the tank on the sidewinder then shot a starling in my backyard. Its a keeper in my opinion. Specs are on Edgun West websight.

 

[dflo]

View attachment 450153
Brian at Edgun West has the Sidewinder compact pro with the Behemoth moderator and a 350 cc CF bottle. Its very quiet I mean really quiet. Its on my.washer cause i had my Alkin W31 vertical compress or plugged into the only 240 volt outlet. Alkin was filling my CF Joe Brancoto Great white tank. Which i then used to fill the tank on the sidewinder then shot a starling in my backyard. Its a keeper in my opinion. Specs are on Edgun West websight.

Thanks! That looks like a great configuration. I like this. The Behemoth is getting good remarks everywhere. What caliber is your quiet sidewinder?

 

[TRIPP]

Its in .30. It was so quiet i thought i would shoot it without Behemoth made my ears ring. Omg.

 

[bigHUN]

No matter what I do my .22 L2 has a blow-by between the barrel and the mag, also the mufflers from R2D2 blowing the air straight into my face, a good hour of shooting and eyes dries out even with safety glasses.
So the L2 quietness can be more of an issue for a shooter vs a person standing just couple meters away.

 

[dflo]

No matter what I do my .22 L2 has a blow-by between the barrel and the mag, also the mufflers from R2D2 blowing the air straight into my face, a good hour of shooting and eyes dries out even with safety glasses.
So the L2 quietness can be more of an issue for a shooter vs a person standing just couple meters away.

Hmmm, I definitely don't want something that is blowing lead dust in your face, regardless if it is a dangerous amount or not. Is there something wrong with the rear seal? I thought those should push out and seal up reasonably for a shot? I do understand there is still some noise there for the shooter, but I'm not concerned about that noise if it's fine when you step away.

 

[8thman]

l have a sidewinder 22cal but not a compact with a sto faux suppressor that works great in keeping it at least no louder than the internal noise. An amazing gun I can shoot 25gr @ 940 and when I go inside a barn I turn the power wheel down to 800fps so I don’t damage anything in the barn. The accuracy was much better than I thought it would be, it’s a fun gun that suits my needs I just turn it to semi and squeeze the trigger a smooth shooter.