[RobThatsMe]

Well, I been needing something around here to take care of some varments!
This will be great.

I bought a Crossman Nitro Venom Dusk.
It's a break barrel rifle with a Nitro piston, and comes with a 3-9x32mm scope.
Perfect for the @#% woodpeckers that have caused $1,500. worth of damage to my house.
There also seems to be a growing population of tree rats around me.

No ammo shortage here, $6.40 got me 500 rounds! Well, until they put a ban on lead anyway.
Can't wait to shot it and break it in. Still looking it over. I need to mount the scope, and give it a good cleaning.
I ordered a .177 boresnake for air rifles, but it has not come in yet.

Next, I need to put some suet up in the yard to pull those pesky birds in.

 

[RobThatsMe]

OK guys... pics to come after I finish putting on the scope, and fondling it for a while.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Finally, got the scope on, but too dark to go plinking outside now.
Just as well though, as I do want to clean it before I shoot it.

Here's a few pics. I got a good deal on it, only $149. The scope is OK too, like that it is a variable, and even comes with lens covers. It's a CenterPoint Scope.

 

[RobThatsMe]

That is sweet. How loud is it?

HAven't shot it yet, but from what I have read about this rifle, and also from the owners manual, it is as loud as a 22LR for the first 100 shots, until it is broke in some, then it is supposed to quiet down considerably.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Looks great! Thanks for the pix and let us know how it shoots. Have started looking into air guns -holy cow, soooo much to learn!! My desire is to have something that is relatively quiet so we can shoot it on our farmette without the neighbors having a canary! 15 acres just isn't big enough for shooting regular firearms -and besides, airgun pellettes are easy to find -unlike 22lr!!

I didn't want to go overboard with cost for mine. Just wanted something to get the job done.
I bought mine from Cabelas. Good price too!
Most of the different reviews I read on this air rifle were very postive, and I really liked that it had a variable scope!

Rob

Also, from what I am reading, most pellet rifles are loud at first until broken in.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi ozzy,

I looked at that. That one has the wooden stocks, and not a real clear mention of the scope.
Here is the site that I found the model I purchased from.

Cabela's: Crosman Nitro Venom Dusk .177-Caliber Rifle

 

[RobThatsMe]

I've had spring air rifles for years, and the only thing that's really objectionable about them is the recoil. I had a RWS model 54 side cocker that got around the recoil by allowing the entire action to move back and forth. It worked almost like an artillery piece, and while it eliminated the recoil and improved accuracy, it also cost around $500. Seems to me like the nitro piston guns shouldn't recoil like a spring air, and for a lot less money than the RWS setup. I'll be real interested to hear what Rob has to say about his new rifle's recoil.

Another problem with the spring air rifles is that you can tear them up by dry firing them. I'm also interested in whether or not the nitro pistons have the same issue.

I'm looking forward to Rob's range report when it's available.

Hi debeardslee,

I'll be sure to let you know how it shoots.
First things first though, I am still waiting for my cleaning kit to arrive for the .177 bore.
After I clean it, I will then need to break it in with 100 rounds, then I'll fine tune the scope and put it to the test.

I did want to mention that the manual for this air rifle strongly suggests using the "Artillery Hold" when shooting it for best accuracy.
It states that spring-load and nitro piston breakbarrel airguns move in all directions when fired due to the power generated when the action of the piston ring is being shoved forward by either the mainspring, or the nitrogen-filled gas ram.

Here are a few clips that explain this in detail.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Started plinking away yesterday. I was hitting old paint can from 25 yds. but didn't get serious about zero'ing in the scope yet.
I need to put another 50 rounds through it first.
The force used to pull the barrel down to charge the piston was surprising to me. It does take a little effort to do so.
As for the sound. It really was quiet. Not even close to the sound of a 22lr.

More to come when I get ready to zero in and see how close my groups can be with it.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Great video... I also enjoyed seeing the arc on target, and it was useful to me as I get more used to my new air rifle.
Today, I put another 40 rounds through it, and started to zero in the scope.
I got it to shot within 1 1/2 inch groups from 25 yds, at a 2" bullseye from a free-standing position using the artillary hold.

The sound has really quieted down too!

I'll contunue to fine tune it, and feel confident that I can take out a few varments with it now.
Im thinking this is a real tack driver, and that I can really tighten up my groupings.
I'll be sure to post some pics of my target shots next time I shoot.

These are fun to shoot! But, after each shot, I still find myself wanting to make sure there is no cartridge left in the chamber. LOL!

Also, reloading it is like getting an arm workout, especially after shooting it so much.