Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Jim Stanis of Precision Airguns Celebrates His Birthday With A Smile


Thank you to everyone for all the Birthday Wishes yesterday.
It rounded out the awesome weekend I had
at the AAFTA Nationals in Kalamazoo, MI
 I came home with 2nd Place in the Open Rifle P.C.P. Class. 


At the end of the event, I was tied with Master Shooter
and AirGun Manufacturer, Mike (Thomas) Nitsch.
Three rounds later, Mike took home
the much deserved 1st Place Plaque.
Not only does Mike produce the Thomas Airgun
he is a great shooter and has an uncanny understanding of how to
accurately shoot in various wind and weather conditions.
He spent a day at our shop before the Nationals, and was more than
willing to share his knowledge with other shooters
as well as myself.
Thanks Mike and Congratulations 


Special Thanks to Chris Martin, his Team and SMGC
for Hosting the AAFTA Nationals
A huge undertaking with 100+ Shooters
A good time was had by all.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Bench Rest Benches (Or How I Spent My Memorial Weekend)


Time to give Precision Airguns a face lift on the Range.  I went through a variety of benches through the years.  Based on what I've seen and had, I decided I could build some better myself.  In my opinion, the key to what makes these benches different than any others that I have tried are the laminated tops.   After much thought, and remembering that a hollow core door can be light weight, yet rigid from corner to corner, I decided to adapt this principle to a shooting bench top and I came up with the laminated top idea.                                                                                                                      
Several years ago, I built the first top out of 3/8" exterior plywood with 1 1/2" wide filler material.  A few hours before having one of our first informal bench rest shoots, I threw some wood legs on it.  These were suppose to be temporary, just to test out the concept of the laminated top, but actually ended up using this bench for about 3 years.  It was very stable and strong. It actually performed better in my water test than the new steel leg versions I built over the holiday weekend.  More about the water test and the steel legs in bit. The wood legs are simply better at absorbing resonance than the hollow steel legs. Old woody has been relinquished to sit behind the shooting shed, it appears the squirrels and woodchucks have been working it over.
How far we've come- Early Bench Rest Set Up
Old Woody and my Theoben Rapid MKII
Back in the day - 245 3X was an average card
After purchasing a fairly expensive ($600.00 range) bench, I was extremely disappointed with the benches stability.  Oh it looked the part, had a beautiful 3/4" ply top, with beefy 1 1/2" to 2" angle iron frame underneath the top.  The bench had three legs which is common. As you know a three legged bench/stool/table can not wobble on an uneven service.  Excited to test out the bench.  Set it up, and fired my first shot using a 12fpe Steyr air rifle. After firing my first shot, I was amazed to see the cross hairs of the scope dance around.  It seemed like forever, in reality it was probably just a couple of seconds.  A heavy bench with a heavy rest and rifle, shooting at only 12fpe produces this much movement, hmmm what gives?   I was drinking a bottle of water at the time, and noticed after pulling the trigger, you could watch the bottle of water wobble and gyrate for sometime after the shot cycle.  I realized the reason it moved so much, was that the top was springy, it would easily flex from corner to corner and the screw in legs, even though beefy, they would continue to dance around with the flexing top.  This was now my go to test for testing the stability of my benches, what I like to call the harmonics water test, which is placing a cup of water or a water bottle on the bench while then thumping down or bumping in different directions on the bench to measure resonance, vibration, movement ect.  
The steel units are easy to break down for transportation should that be necessary.  Wing nuts could replace the nuts used on the cross bracing, and helicores could be installed in the bottom of the laminated tops where I used wood screws as I do not plan on transporting them often.  Two legs close together in the rear was much more rigid and supportive than three, yes in some cases it may be necessary to shim one of the legs, but not a big deal.  Again, many ways to customize this bench idea for your needs such as ambi, left hand, more mass or better yet a shelf to accept slide in weights when needed.  If not being transported, the structure could be even more rigid if the horizontal cross brace was made of the same 1 1/2" .075 steel tubing and welded in place.  The main jest of the story is how happy I was with the laminated bench top idea.  The final out come is a bench that is fairly light weight and portable, but still provides good stability, and passes my harmonic water test. 

 Tweeks or Mod's are only limited to one imagination. adding various, fillers, foams, weight, damping material are just a few ideas.  After shooting MANY cards on Old Woody, my personal best has been  250 24X.  So far my best card on the new metal legged benches with the Thomas gun is a 250-23X. Hoping more bench time will reward me with the ever elusive 250 25X.
Note: Cards were shot indoors, building is 25 yards long,
 actual shooting distance is approximately 24 yards
Target #1 "OH SO CLOSE"












Monday, February 29, 2016

Brocock Compatto In Stock


We are proud to offer you the Brocock Compatto

The new Brocock Compatto semi-bullpup air rifle incorporates engineering and manufacturing expertise from one of the finest Italian shotgun makers and air rifle technologies from Daystate, makers of the finest English made air rifles. The Compatto is not just a new model to come out of the English factory it is the first all new gun to be 100 % designed and produced by the new Diana group with their considerable resources and attention to quality. Striving to attain airgun perfection the Brocock team is proud to offer this new semi-bullpup performer.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Michigan Suppressor Hunting Now Legal in Michigan

Great News for Michigan Hunters

Michigan Suppressor Hunting Now Legal
Written by ASA on February 12, 2016
http://americansuppressorassociation.com/michigan-suppressor-hunting-now-legal/
On February 11th, Michigan became the 38th state to allow for the use of firearm suppressors while hunting when the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) voted 4 – 1 to approve an amended version of Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 1 of 2016The measure became effective immediately.
The initial proposal included two arbitrary restrictions which would have limited the decibel reduction of suppressors allowed in the field to 30 dB, and would have also prohibited the use of subsonic ammunition by anyone using a suppressor while hunting. Prior to the final vote, Commissioner Louise Klarr offered an amendment to remove these two provisions from the proposed rule. Her measure passed also 4 – 1.
“We are incredibly excited that hunters in the great state of Michigan can now use suppressors to help protect their hearing while they’re in the field,” said Knox Williams, President of the American Suppressor Association. “It was a pleasure working to educate the NRC Commissioners and members of the DNR on the realities of suppressor use. We applaud their decision to remove the prohibition on suppressor hunting without the two restrictive provisions. In doing so, they have done their part to ensure that the next generation of hunters does not have to sacrifice their hearing.”
The American Suppressor Association was one part of the team working to legalize suppressor hunting in Michigan. The ASA would like to thank the National Rifle Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), and Safari Club International (SCI) for working together on this initiative to make Michigan a safer place to hunt.
The American Suppressor Association is also grateful for the support of our members, as well as everyone who took the time to support this initiative. We are very excited about bringing suppressor hunting to The Great Lakes State. We will continue to work towards our goal of legalizing suppressor ownership and hunting in all 50 states through our No State Left Behind campaign. Special thanks to Michigan for taking us one step closer!
asa_edu_map_021216
Since 2011, 16 states have legalized suppressor hunting for all game animals. Despite common misconceptions, suppressors are not silent. They are simply mufflers for firearms. There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:
  1. HEARING PROTECTIONNoise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 – 35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world.
  2. SAFER HUNTINGMost hunters do not wear not wear hearing protection in the field because they want to hear their surroundings. The trouble is, exposure to even a single unsuppressed gunshot can, and often does, lead to permanent hearing damage. Suppressors allow hunters to maintain full situational awareness, while still protecting their hearing. The result is a safer hunting experience for the hunter, and for those nearby.
  3. NOISE COMPLAINTSAs urban developments advance into rural areas, shooting ranges and hunting preserves across the country are being closed due to noise complaints. Although it can still be heard, suppressed gunfire helps mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting land.
  4. ACCURACYSuppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

FX Wildcat - Quiet Fun

Had many FX Wildcats go through the shop.
They never fail to put a smile on my face. 6lbs 10oz of quiet fun.