Airforce Yet More Texan questions. Why the swing in votes?

Hi All.

First post, don't be too hard on me.

I want to upgrade to a big bore. My requirements are simple I think.

ACCURATE
RELIABLE
Simple to use operate and maintain.

I have a Diana in .177 (most accurate one I own), a Flashpup in .22, a Stormrider in .22 a Seneca in .25 and an Airbow. Hand pump. And a compressor that I am still figuring out!

The number of shots I understand is relative and not a really big deal within reason. As to cost, I am limited (thankfully) to around $1000

I think (as uneducated at this as I am) the AirForce TexanLSS-CF Package seems to fit my bill.

First then, the caliber. 308--357--457.

308-- More shots??
357-- Have Lead and molds. mostly pistol weights (grains)
457-- Have Lead and molds. All types 45LC to 45-120 monsters for BPCR Shillohette (sp)

I understand I would get 3-4 good shots from the last two. Not sure about the 308.

My State has not legalized Air Rifles for Deer yet. So I don'tknow what caliber. Also I would like to shoot it more than just deer season and prep.

Why does there seem to be such a disparity on the Texans? Or is it AirForce. Either it is super accurate or it's crap. Is there that big a difference? I can only afford to do this once!

So, these are my thoughts. Care to jerk me into reality? Please do!!!!

Any and all guidance is truly appreciated.
 
I don't have a Texan, but do have a TalonP in .25 and absolutely love it. Your list of Acurate, Reliable, and Simple are the reason I love mine.

A Texan is on my wish list also.
I am looking at the 308 for a couple of reasons. First, I am not looking to take down large game, but I think the 308 would be adequate for deer as long as you are realistic about your maximum range. For me, 308 is a good long range target caliber and also capable of taking down predatory varmints that theaten my animals.

The other thing about the 308 is that as I understand, it and the .257 have the same valve, and barrels are pretty easy to swap, so there is that caliber versatility.

Back to my TalonP, 3 years and thousands of pellets and slugs shot, and other than a bad gauge, no problems. The simplicity of Airforce guns is a big part of their reliability.
 
Why does there seem to be such a disparity on the Texans? Or is it AirForce. Either it is super accurate or it's crap. Is there that big a difference?


Because they are airguns, and those offering feedback are airgunners. Most of them are either also, or almost, human(s).

.
 
I’m taking mine out this weekend and try it out to 150-200yrds. Don’t know why I haven’t yet!
First season air gun hunting was last year Texan .457 was spot on deer and a hog had it valve lock on my daughter this season which was a heart breaker as there was a nice buck on the other end of that but that could’ve been my fault learning the gun and how pressure can change with temperature very accurate
 
Why does there seem to be such a disparity on the Texans? Or is it AirForce. Either it is super accurate or it's crap. Is there that big a difference?

I have consolidated my air guns to a single Condor SS, and two Daystates (Alpha and Delta Wolf HPs). They are at the two extreme ends of air rifles, but they have been the most consistent air guns for me.

- Daystates do not need any maintenance/tinkering (well, I replace the seals every other year). They are very consistent, and extremely accurate. Most importantly, I do not need to tinker with them to get them perfect (I am too old to spend days to tune for the right spring).

- Condor has a similar simplicity. There isn’t much to tinker with. Yes, people modify it. However, IMO, every future update is a marginal improvement, at best (there are exceptions, obviously. BTW, I understand tinkering is a hobby for a lot of us).
There aren’t a lot of things that can break on that air rifle (I think it has only 4 seals). Even if something breaks, since the design is ~20 years old now, you can easily find replacement parts/accessories.
Anyways, Condor is always accurate at a given pressure. Since it does not have a plenum, you cannot regulate the speed of each shot. That changes you POI. It is an easy problem to fix; add an electronic gauge and record what happens as your tank pressure drops. You then know what you should expect from your airgun. It will not be as consistent as a Daystate, but dang reliable.

PS
BTW, replace you hammer spring frequently (each year?) Helps with consistency.
 
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I have consolidated my air guns to a single Condor SS, and two Daystates (Alpha and Delta Wolf HPs). They are at the two extreme ends of air rifles, but they have been the most consistent air guns for me.

- Daystates do not need any maintenance/tinkering (well, I replace the seals every other year). They are very consistent, and extremely accurate. Most importantly, I do not need to tinker with them to get them perfect (I am too old to spend days to tune for the right spring).

- Condor has a similar simplicity. There isn’t much to tinker with. Yes, people modify it. However, IMO, every future update is a marginal improvement, at best (there are exceptions, obviously. BTW, I understand tinkering is a hobby for a lot of us).
There aren’t a lot of things that can break on that air rifle (I think it has only 4 seals). Even if something breaks, since the design is ~20 years old now, you can easily find replacement parts/accessories.
Anyways, Condor is always accurate at a given pressure. Since it does not have a plenum, you cannot regulate the speed of each shot. That changes you POI. It is an easy problem to fix; add an electronic gauge and record what happens as your tank pressure drops. You then know what you should expect from your airgun. It will not be as consistent as a Daystate, but dang reliable.

PS
BTW, replace you hammer spring frequently (each year?) Helps with consistency.
You now can get a reg for the condor and still make over 100fpe with the right parts. How do you get updates for your daystate?
 
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First season air gun hunting was last year Texan .457 was spot on deer and a hog had it valve lock on my daughter this season which was a heart breaker as there was a nice buck on the other end of that but that could’ve been my fault learning the gun and how pressure can change with temperature very accurate
Hi, Not to derail my own post but...what is valve lock?
 
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I did buy a Huma regulator for the Condor but it just made the airgun too long. I could have bought a shorter fat-bottle but it increases the cost of the condor (again, I can buy another airgun with a regulator instead). I think the Condor is good as it is.

As for the A/D Wolfs, you can get mostly cosmetic updates from the Internet but they are in very limited numbers. And Daystates are already over 100 ft-lb 🙂
 
  • Like
Reactions: markhooper
I have consolidated my air guns to a single Condor SS, and two Daystates (Alpha and Delta Wolf HPs). They are at the two extreme ends of air rifles, but they have been the most consistent air guns for me.

- Daystates do not need any maintenance/tinkering (well, I replace the seals every other year). They are very consistent, and extremely accurate. Most importantly, I do not need to tinker with them to get them perfect (I am too old to spend days to tune for the right spring).

- Condor has a similar simplicity. There isn’t much to tinker with. Yes, people modify it. However, IMO, every future update is a marginal improvement, at best (there are exceptions, obviously. BTW, I understand tinkering is a hobby for a lot of us).
There aren’t a lot of things that can break on that air rifle (I think it has only 4 seals). Even if something breaks, since the design is ~20 years old now, you can easily find replacement parts/accessories.
Anyways, Condor is always accurate at a given pressure. Since it does not have a plenum, you cannot regulate the speed of each shot. That changes you POI. It is an easy problem to fix; add an electronic gauge and record what happens as your tank pressure drops. You then know what you should expect from your airgun. It will not be as consistent as a Daystate, but dang reliable.

PS
BTW, replace you hammer spring frequently (each year?) Helps with consistency.
a way to have each shot on the airforce guns identical is to have a inline regulator on the fill whip and shoot tethered, but that's only practical for bench rest in my opinion..
another thing not mentioned yet is the airforce guns are lifetime warranty in the odd chance it breaks you have a good company support.
I have two Condors in 22 caliber.. a long barrel Condor and the Condor SS ..I got them both, conflicting wishes, the SS because of quiet and the 24" barrel for long distance shooting, I've given up on long distance shooting for now, too much shaking from my bad thyroid.. one is going to end up in the classifieds as soon as I can figure out how to advertise.. want to get a GK1..yes I am not good with computer and just doing this is difficult.. one other thing with the Condor, I ended up putting a Donny FL shogun on the 24" barrel to make it tolerable.. and I got the adapter so it would also fit on the Condor SS.. the SS does a good job for silence.and the shogun makes the 24" barrel about the same sound level as the SS.. now put the shogun on the end of the SS and it only helps if you are using too much power for the projectile.
I will also say a couple more things about the Texans.. the 257,308, and 357 you can run pellets for close range shooting..if you look at video of the Texan it's got something that I wish the Condor's had.. they made the barrel longer and milled the top 3/4 off so you basically have a tray that you can drop the pellet or slug in and then slide it on into the barrel vs the Condor you have to get it in the end of the bore..
honestly I think long distance shooting you have the best selection of ammo for long distance target shooting.. hunting I'd assume that as long as you have enough gun, for your animal it will be fine..
i personally don't think you can go wrong with the Texan.. but unless you like powder burner noise either get a SS or LSS or plan on adding a Donny FL to it..
Mark
 
I did buy a Huma regulator for the Condor but it just made the airgun too long. I could have bought a shorter fat-bottle but it increases the cost of the condor (again, I can buy another airgun with a regulator instead). I think the Condor is good as it is.

As for the A/D Wolfs, you can get mostly cosmetic updates from the Internet but they are in very limited numbers. And Daystates are already over 100 ft-lb 🙂
not only too long but I'm not sure how you use it with the fatter tank.. personally I like to keep the scope close to the bore.. maybe my cheek bone is too big but I ended up having tall dovetail to picayinny rail riser and on top of that the high scope rings..
only thing I'd add to the Condor SS is if I could get a open sights.. so exactly front post and preferably a Williams micrometer adjust rear notch sight..
for some reason I don't care for peep sights..
I'd love to hear anyone suggestions on that..
Mark
 
OP
you are asking all the right questions.. hopefully you get the information you need to make the best decision.. if you want reliable and simple and more than enough power,id say the Texan lss fits your wants
honestly if I wasn't trying to stay with 22 caliber for my uses.. it would have been a Texan lss in 308.. pyramid air even sells the spire point boat tail slug for it..
Mark
 
OP
you are asking all the right questions.. hopefully you get the information you need to make the best decision.. if you want reliable and simple and more than enough power,id say the Texan lss fits your wants
honestly if I wasn't trying to stay with 22 caliber for my uses.. it would have been a Texan lss in 308.. pyramid air even sells the spire point boat tail slug for it..
Mark
Lots of great information coming in!! It seems my choice is ok but I still have to make that caliber decision! Have to scrub my uses..
HHHHHmmmmmm