My First

[CharlieNC]

I shoot center fire Fclass competively and do pretty decent, but with the loading component crisis decided it would make sense to try an air rifle for training. Trigger time, especially that which requires a degree of recoil control, is valuable. A couple of years ago a new 22lr was procured for the purpose and it serves well, but again time to save ammo.

After a bit of research I purchased a RWS 54 which arrived last Friday. An extra Swfa 12x was installed, and at 5yd in the garage it became apparent a droop base would be needed so one is on the way. Why not dial in the open sights, so I did even though even at 5yd my ability to see clearly isn't quite what it was many years ago. Surprisingly it's shooting 1/4" 5-shot groups on the bullseye, which is pretty impressive to me as I have been out of touch regarding air rifle capability. Looking forward to finish fitting the scope and head to the range to stretch the distance to 50-100yd to evaluate the capability using both 8.6 and 10.3 gr.

 

[Deerstalker]

Just aa note that there is a near zero and a far zero wilt a pellet rifle as with a .22lr BUT for me it is more apparent with pellets. Reference trajectory pic and good luck with your new rifle. My HW95L .22 groups seem to be improving even with these 80+ old eyes.

 

 

[CharlieNC]

Thank you Deerstalker, I came across similar info when I was researching pellets. Interestingly using published BC and nominal velocity data my Strelok ballistic app calculates the drops and windage quite well, and once at the range a few long distance shots should true it up nicely. This project is turning out to be more fun than I anticipated.

 

[biohazardman]

Get a decent mount for your scope if you want it to live a long and prosperous life on a springer. I had this on my Diana 52 a scope killer and it did well. I moved it to my 54 and it still keeps my scope alive for over 1000 shots on the new gun thus far. 

Scope mount

https://www.airgundepot.com/bullseye-zr-1-pc-mount-1-rings-11mm-dovetail-004.html

What to expect target groups with the 54

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/shot-some-targets-50-yards-with-the-diana-54/?referrer=1

 

[Odoyle]

Excellent choice for probably one of the most accurate modern day spring guns money can buy for long distance shooting that can hit things reliably up to 100 yards in your caliber.

The most accurate is the 22 caliber version of your RWS 54 if you plan to shoot past 100 yards and up to 200 yards realistically with proper holdover which no other modern day Springer and well as many PCPs can even come close to matching.