I think I watched every review before I got My Airacuda. And the Ping was very pronounced. Several tried to pass it off as "Conflict with the Camera" and stuff. But it was there. It has pretty much been removed on these later models.
Upvote 0
Other Truth behind Macavity Arms Prototype Airgun
- Thread starter Airgun Advisor
- Start date
I was going to stay out of this discussion due to being new and probably asking some questions that make the gun seem not as good as it is. I am extremely happy to be one of the early buyer's and owner's of the MA2 .25 Sniper. I have consistently had good groups with most of what I question being things a more experienced owner would fix in a few minutes (and possibly know to look for before anything is even indicated).
The only thing that I really questioned was the lack of a working moderator. The moderator build and attachment to the barrel is first class. It looks exactly as I would think it should. Just doesn't do a lot to lower the DB level.
That is the reason I came to the forum was to ask all the questions a newbie would without being judged too harshly. The reasons I purchased the MA2 fell into this same thinking. It has a high quality build, lots of features that would have cost a fortune just a few years ago. There is no reason to wait to purchase that is overwhelming. All of the changes to the next generation, first full featured production run., with soon to follow special editions, were things I did not need or feel was necessary for the limited area I have to enjoy the rifle in.
On top of all that, I am nearing 70 with some questionable vision and steadiness at the best of times. I have posted my groupings at 25-30 yards and I am overall happy with them. Most are dime size or smaller. Only time they differ is when I am just having fun and trying to feel the differences in how the rifle shoots.
If you really own one of these and are just trying to be helpful then please speak up. If you are judging by what you wish it could do at half the price of it's competition without really shooting or purchasing the product, then please let the ones of us who are trying to improve our experience do it with your help not just criticism.
My two cents, sorry for the rant, thank you for your help
The only thing that I really questioned was the lack of a working moderator. The moderator build and attachment to the barrel is first class. It looks exactly as I would think it should. Just doesn't do a lot to lower the DB level.
That is the reason I came to the forum was to ask all the questions a newbie would without being judged too harshly. The reasons I purchased the MA2 fell into this same thinking. It has a high quality build, lots of features that would have cost a fortune just a few years ago. There is no reason to wait to purchase that is overwhelming. All of the changes to the next generation, first full featured production run., with soon to follow special editions, were things I did not need or feel was necessary for the limited area I have to enjoy the rifle in.
On top of all that, I am nearing 70 with some questionable vision and steadiness at the best of times. I have posted my groupings at 25-30 yards and I am overall happy with them. Most are dime size or smaller. Only time they differ is when I am just having fun and trying to feel the differences in how the rifle shoots.
If you really own one of these and are just trying to be helpful then please speak up. If you are judging by what you wish it could do at half the price of it's competition without really shooting or purchasing the product, then please let the ones of us who are trying to improve our experience do it with your help not just criticism.
My two cents, sorry for the rant, thank you for your help
Upvote 0
I was gonna say something not nice about this gun but you are right You all are doing a fine job sorting it out. I will just say I had / still have high hopes for this rifle
Conceptually it’s a winner …
So I say. Press forward
Upvote 0
for anyone following this thread and waiting for the MA2 to be available. You can order the .25 long and short on their website now.
Upvote 0
Well, there have been a lot of reviews of the production version. Most reviewers did bash Macavity for the front pic rail, as they should. Some (actually one, for sure) didn't mention it all and I won't be putting much stock (a pun) in any reviews from him anymore. Rick Rehm summed it up best by using a bag front rest, to not take away from the actual performance of the gun. AEAC really needs to do one of his in-depth reviews, his tune charts are the best. I think I found the best tune for 18gr, as I posted above, but he does them for different weights, which would be nice.
Macavity ended up changing the barrel lengths and putting on a regulator guage, just like they said they would from the start. They left the breech oring in the barrel, where it is just about impossible to get to, and did not move it onto the probe. The only unexpected change was a different, more universal, moderator design. They did not, and are not, including metal magazines with the guns. I really shake my head over this one. They have them. I have bought one. It functions the same (which I really don't prefer, but that's just me) and feels like a quality piece, yet on their introductory production gun they include three chinsey looking plastic ones, just brilliant! I would have rather got one metal one. The metal magazines are worth their cost over the plastic ones, if you plan to get more, and are more inline with the metal work of the gun. Which is awesome at the price level, certainly the best that I have seen. Overall, I like the gun and it is worth it if you don't plan on using the front pic rail. Hopefully, they will learn from this launch, and the honest reviews, and pull their head out... before their next release. The most irksome thing to me about all of this was how they really suposedly wanted feedback and basically did nothing with it.
Macavity ended up changing the barrel lengths and putting on a regulator guage, just like they said they would from the start. They left the breech oring in the barrel, where it is just about impossible to get to, and did not move it onto the probe. The only unexpected change was a different, more universal, moderator design. They did not, and are not, including metal magazines with the guns. I really shake my head over this one. They have them. I have bought one. It functions the same (which I really don't prefer, but that's just me) and feels like a quality piece, yet on their introductory production gun they include three chinsey looking plastic ones, just brilliant! I would have rather got one metal one. The metal magazines are worth their cost over the plastic ones, if you plan to get more, and are more inline with the metal work of the gun. Which is awesome at the price level, certainly the best that I have seen. Overall, I like the gun and it is worth it if you don't plan on using the front pic rail. Hopefully, they will learn from this launch, and the honest reviews, and pull their head out... before their next release. The most irksome thing to me about all of this was how they really suposedly wanted feedback and basically did nothing with it.
Upvote 0
This point of the initial thread hit home to all of us in general, "they really supposedly wanted feedback and basically did nothing with it." What else is new? (respectfully) They all do it. If those very same manufacturers even listened or take into account "us" as owners/shooters, alot of guns would be so much better than what is sold on the market. It's always the bottom line "profit" which we all understand but there has to be a balance between product and consumer rather than to take shortcuts on design or skimp on quality resourced material then in the end shove their overpriced product down our throats as the "next best thing" with a lot of paid advertisements and mega-hype (social media presentations, reviews, online videos etc.) which at times I see thru the BS. Imagine if a company really listened to our criticisms they would have a awesome product at a fair price and a huge loyalty base. But you are right they do nothing with it. I wonder now how many of them even come here or other similar places to gauge the shooters, potential customers? Our support is vital to their corporate survival. I did take a look at Mccavity but walked away as I wanted an addition to the collection. There are much better proven options out there and certainly worth the look, feel (honest performance) and price. Since the general consensus is that Mccavity wasn't ready for prime time if I were at a round table as a CEO with relevant staff (engineers or designers, logistical and production personnel. My approach would be to target the most popular gun with the most popular designs and performance and ask "explain how we can improve on every component (piece by piece) of this rifle as compared to the above?" and stay in the same price points and achieve higher performance levels. They should build a small variation of prototypes and field test the crap out of it not just by the company also by known experts and their "honest" perspectives. I am beginning to see a influx of newcomers to the crowded market with nothing different and that's why they will struggle to really take off in this market. Last but not least CUSTOMER SUPPORT! Just ask any gun owner that ever needed product support and CS is either terrible, slow, or non-existent. Sorry for the rant. I know many of us out there feel the same.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Jamxpr, good points. This company, like Crosman, is just saving money in the wrong places and believes that it is all going to work out in the end. It hasn't, and it won't. I still think the build of this gun, minus the flexy stock, is the best at this price point. I disagree that there are better options at this level, yes there are all metal and wood options, but their machining isn't better than this one. I guess when you factor in the all metal trigger components of the Aircuda you could say it's better to you, but that gun is a lot heavier too. Having been using two BRK Saharas this summer, myself and the owners, like the action of this Macavity better. I mean that's it, but it is still impressive to note.They could have priced it slightly higher, thickened up the front stock and included the metal mags and moved the oring to the probe and hit it out of the park, but alas no. As far as manufacturers listening or not listening goes, I will give you two solid examples of those that have listened, one inexpensive and another not inexpensive: Umarex and FX. Umarex have been changing up the Gauntlet since introduction and have even added a sidelever (where's the Marauder's?) because customers wanted it. FX lives for change and the bleeding edge, and many are not only willing to pay for it, they are in fact hungry for it. FX gives them what they want. The problem, or the solution, seems to always be the leadership at the top. FX, one guy at the top, enthusiast, =success. Vs., big holding group, mega bean counters, everything is just a business decision, decision by committee, =Daisy is now your new boss. That's how it looks to me, and the mrod will never blossom into awesome. (It always comes back to this for me.)
Last edited:
Upvote 0
New guy here. This is my first PCP rifle after diving down the rabbit hole a week ago. Experienced with firearms, but wanted to do something different so I bought a Agility long in .25. Got it sighted in yesterday and was hitting a 1' steel plate at 110yrds no problem with FX 25.39 pellets. Held good groups at 50yrds. Using a TKO moderator. Obviously I have no other PCPs to compare too, so my opinions are moot. Only disappoint so far is the regulator is already creeping. I've kept it pressurized since I got it friday. After sitting over night the reg is reading over 2500 psi, but holds consistent at 1800 while shooting. So I reckon I'm going to tear it down and hope it's just a simple o ring replacement. I did email Macavity this morning and I'll report back what they have to say. Any words of wisdom are appreciated! New vortex 4-12x AO, good inline compressor filter and a decent bipod are on the way.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
I'm starting to really like the FX pellets. I added a couple of the metal magazines last week and just had a chance to try them this morning. Swapped back and forth between plastic and metal. No real difference in performance but the metal mags seem so much more solid. Groups right at 1/2" to 3/4". Black area on target is 2".
Upvote 0
I noticed comparing side by side with JSB exact king heavys that the FX pellets have nearly zero casting seams in them.
Upvote 0
Goodfast08, Congratulations on wanting to take the bull by the horns and just fix it yourself! Most people new to this just send it back, but since you have already determined the gun to be accurate you are smart to not risk it to the perils of shipping, or to get another that might not shoot as well. Eventually, all these guns need to be serviced anyway.
If you haven't already, just watch some videos of people taking apart airguns first. Hajimoto has some good ones where he talks through what he is doing and why. You will want to have the right tools handy along with silicone oil and silicone grease, and dry lubricant ( I use graphite) for the hammer. I always run my hammers dry and I don't get any weird velocity changes with the seasons. Opinions vary, that's mine. Do this in a very clean area, not on a garage workbench with lawn mower parts on it and dust blowing in. More like your kitchen table. Have a smooth plastic pipe that is longer than your airtube, to push regs in and out. I like the diameter to just fit inside the tube so that it doesn't push on the adjustment screw. This gun has a bleed screw so you won't have to do anything weird like unscrewing guages or burst disks to de-gas, which is a nice feature. Take your time and be careful, you rarely have to tighten anything very much with pcp's, the orings handle the pressure not the threads. In some cases you actually have to back things off so guages line up. I know that I never thought about stuff like that when I started, so I am just mentioning it. Others will now probably chime in on this to let you know all the variables. Good reading the first time. Good luck!
By the way, this really isn't a good gun to use a bipod with, Macavity screwed up with that, no denying it. You will be much better off using a shooting rest, or a bag, in the front, or shooting sticks if you need support. Bipods connected to the front plastic picatinny rail, flex it like crazy.
If you haven't already, just watch some videos of people taking apart airguns first. Hajimoto has some good ones where he talks through what he is doing and why. You will want to have the right tools handy along with silicone oil and silicone grease, and dry lubricant ( I use graphite) for the hammer. I always run my hammers dry and I don't get any weird velocity changes with the seasons. Opinions vary, that's mine. Do this in a very clean area, not on a garage workbench with lawn mower parts on it and dust blowing in. More like your kitchen table. Have a smooth plastic pipe that is longer than your airtube, to push regs in and out. I like the diameter to just fit inside the tube so that it doesn't push on the adjustment screw. This gun has a bleed screw so you won't have to do anything weird like unscrewing guages or burst disks to de-gas, which is a nice feature. Take your time and be careful, you rarely have to tighten anything very much with pcp's, the orings handle the pressure not the threads. In some cases you actually have to back things off so guages line up. I know that I never thought about stuff like that when I started, so I am just mentioning it. Others will now probably chime in on this to let you know all the variables. Good reading the first time. Good luck!
By the way, this really isn't a good gun to use a bipod with, Macavity screwed up with that, no denying it. You will be much better off using a shooting rest, or a bag, in the front, or shooting sticks if you need support. Bipods connected to the front plastic picatinny rail, flex it like crazy.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
My Avenge x Tac 25 cal likes those too. JSB makes the FX pellets for them. Mags generally don't improve performance if talking about shooting results. They all fit the breech the same no matter the mag. It comes down to durability, convenience and speed loading/unloading is what mags are judged on. 30 yds is cut and dry as a tac driver on my gun, the same at 40. I focus on 50 yds as my main range given the terrain and vegetation around my home in South Georgia for critter control purpose. I snipe from the front or back porch. in stealth mode. At 50 yds or more they never know what is about to hit them and it ain't lightning! lol JSB and FX pellets are my go to. The new AEA pellets come really close to the JSB and FX. JTS is pretty good too. I just don't like the tight fit when charging the gun. The others are are a perfect fit and smooth. You can't go wrong with either one. I have given up on slugs(Nielsen or Zan) on my Avenge X 25 tac. Not as tight in accuracy as the pellets despite slug delivering harder punch. I just think the gun needs a specially tuned barrel for it to be on the level as the FX, Daystate, BRK or any upper tier gun and I don't see myself jumping into that pool! lol Maybe Air Venturi can design one just for slugs as a add on since it is a modular platform. Do they even read what's in these forums written by shooters? Hint-hint.
Upvote 0
I have just recently taken my MA2 apart and adjusting some things. I am finally getting what I feel is a very consistent shooting experience. Put 200 rounds through the gun today and never really had what I would call a flyer or bad group. I am getting old so not really trying for those pellet on top of pellet groups but very happy when most 10 shot groups will fit under a dime.
Still trying to watch and rewatch many of the videos you've mentioned in the past to really find the sweet spot on this rifle. Using only one weight of pellet and brand to try and build real confidence in the predictability of each shot. With my limited shooting area not sure if there is a point to trying to expand to a heavier pellet just to shoot targets.
Upvote 0
Thank you Puma! I was hoping for exactly that kind of response. Much appreciated, this seems to be a great community here. Pretty easy stuff, like working on anything, take your time and be patient. Comes apparent nicely. Just need to throw some pressure to her. O rings looked good but had some slight metallic dust on them from manufacturing
Upvote 0
If something is big enough to see, at these pressures, it can mess something up. Sometimes you can't actually see a cut in an oring either, until you stretch it just right. Best to replace them all while it is opened up, than to chase finding the culprit. Orings are cheap, your time is priceless.
Upvote 0
I replaced them, I ment to say that in my post. O rings are certainly dirt cheap. Had to figure out how to keep the air from coming out of the barrel while filling from zero. Found the answer here of course. Going to have to adjust my horizontal zero. About impossible to reindex it where it was with the barrel movement from the barrel/tank clamp.
Upvote 0
I don't know if anything came of it but McCavity sent me a pre-production MA2 and an LW barrel to machine to for this model. The OE barrel that came with it was Chinese I believe.
Upvote 0
It would be awesome if someone would make a split clamp that went around just the tank, or tank and barrel, with a picatinny rail. That would remedy the bipod movement. Currently I just have a piece of cardboard slid between the stock and tank to stabilize it a little more.
Upvote 0
I think it would be a great project for Buckrail.. I hope he makes a replacement stock and m-lock hand guard for these.
It would improve functionality and look awesome!
Upvote 0