Beeman .25 Caliber Kodiak

[FOsteology]

I'm in the market for a decent airgun for dispatching coons, rabbits, squirrels, etc. I've looked at the Beeman Kodiak in .25cal and it seems like a contender (29fpe).

Does anyone have first hand experience with this air gun? Is it reliable and accurate? Being a springer, I'm sure it'll be tough on scopes. What would be the ideal scope mount and scope to use on this??

Is there any other models in the same price range ($500) that I should consider as well?

Appreciate your assistance!

[prob]

It just so happens that I do indeed have a Kodiak, and it's a .25 to boot! I think you will be happy with this rifle in that not only is it very powerful, it's  accurate as well. These rifles are very well finished and are fun to shoot. I might add that some people find them somewhat difficult to cock, but if you are a relatively robust individual, you should have no problem.  
   Although I enjoyed my rifle from the start, I decided early on to have a gas ram spring installed. The gas ram transforms an excellent rifle into an awesome rifle, but  be forewarned, with this modification they aren't for the faint of heart when it comes to cocking. I have been using an old Beeman model 66 scope on mine, but I do believe that my brother uses a Bushnell Trophy(4x14) on his. Neither one of us has encountered any scope related problems. I used the Beeman one-piece mount without any troubles whatsoever.  
   The Kodiak is Beeman's version of the Webley Patriot so do not be misled by nomenclature. If you go to the American airguns classified ads site you will find that some fellow is selling one of these rifles for around $350 (if memory serves me correctly), which is a great deal.  
  If you get one, try the Diana Magnum pellets. Everyone I know who shoots .25 caliber airguns has been pleased with this pellet.  
Ciao,
Phillip

[Lawdog]

FOsteology,

My first "springer” rifle was the Beeman Kodiak.  Great rifle and very powerful.  But knowing what I know now I would get the Webley Patriot.  Reason is the cost savings.  As said the Kodiak is just a re-named Patriot.  Webley is one of the better names in English made air guns.  As far as a scope mount goes get the Webley & Scott, One- Piece Double Ring Single medium height mounting system as it is made for the Patriot.  Make darn sure you get a GOOD air rifle rated scope(such as Leupold, Burris).  My Kodiak is the air rifle that trashed a Leupold scope back in 1992 when I got it.  Leupold no longer makes that model scope so have no fears on Leupold.  I have a .25 caliber still and for hunting stay away from domed and pointed pellets in this caliber.  They enter and exit without departing very much shock.  I use Beeman Crow Magnum pellets even on such large game as raccoons and turkeys with great results.  Which pellet is the most accurate out of your rifle, only you will be able to tell by trial and error.  Get a good pellet sampler and you’ll be well on your way to finding out.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog
 

[VictorLouis]

That Kodiak or Patriot comes with one of the best set of adjustable sights ever to grace an airgun. The rear sight looks almost like a set of Millett adjustables for an auto-pistol, if you're familiar with those.

LawDog, I noticed there's a knurled ring around the muzzle. Does that serve to hold the shroud and foresight it place? I kind of suspect it's removable for the use of a moderator, which is a whole lot cheaper and easier over in the U.K...

[Lawdog]

VictorLouis,

When I bought my Kodiak I did so right at the Beeman head office in Santa Rosa, California(they have since moved to southern waters(traders)).  I spent a good deal of time shooting/trying different rifles in their indoor range(loads of fun shooting all the different models they had there) until I settled on the Kodiak.  I told them I planed on using a scope so they offered to removed the sights and installed a Beeman Muzzle Brake at no extra cost.  I never noticed whether or not the front end was knurled or not, didn’t even look.  I was just so happy to get a pellet rifle that would dispatch a raccoon without endangering the expensive surrounding rabbits in the rabbit barn.  When the rabbits that the kids had in cages there are valued at $75.00(and UP) each you want to make darn sure you only kill the raccoon(or whatever critter that is trying for an expensive dinner).  I will have to take your word about the knurled ring on the end of the barrel.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog
 

[VictorLouis]

No biggie. I was just trying to satisfy my curiousity. :lol: