Author Topic: Chinese Air Rifles (Read 4708 times)

keith44 · « **on:** March 16, 2011, 02:34:01 PM »

So I hear alot of bad things said and posted about air rifles built in china. I really wish the generalizations would stop. Some are crap as has been posted, but there are some name brand units built under contract in china that must pass the quality standards of the company who puts their name on it.

Below are pictures of my Beeman, built in china. After three years of plinking and hunting this air rifle is as accurate and powerful as it was the first time I fired it.

The bottle cap was shot at 20 yards, one of many, but the only one I could find.

jamaldog87 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2011, 10:25:49 AM »

I had a B2-4 or the ones with the under barrel cocking. That thing was made like a SKS and shot like a crosman 2100, but it did kick. I only sold it because it was too long for my gun case and urban airgun hunting. The 1st runs of made in china like the one i had were less then 20$ and had nice wood and were really good airguns. mines was good out to 35 yards and was one of the best airguns i have used. The sights were also Mauser type and were easy to hit things with.

Somethings like the newer B4 and other made in china stuff is trash but most of it is well made and last a long time. I have a "outdoor life" pocket knife that i got a unknown number of years ago from big lots for 5$ and it was made in china. This knife was used in saltwater, a opener for shell fish, wood working tool, hunting/skinning knife and anything you can think of. It has lost-ed it rubber grips on one side and has some saltwater corrosion in place were it was not cleaned but, it still sharp and has not failed me yet.

keith44 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2011, 07:22:05 PM »

jamaldog87, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Things built to a price point (made to sell at a certain cost without regard to quality) are usually crap. Things built to the highest quality standards, cannot be sold at an affordable price. So there is compromise, quality parts, assembled by a skilled workforce, for a fair wage (based on local standards) has sent some jobs overseas to China. I cannot work for the wages they make and still pay my bills, but they can live well on those same wages, and send us affordable products that everyone can afford. Products that are built for quality.

scout4 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2011, 12:27:12 PM »

Hey keith44! Good post about your Beeman! I thought I had a shooter at first. Mine is Beeman Bearclaw, I've tried about everything I know and still come up shy of acceptable accuracy out of this rifle. My less costly crosman shoots better! That is a dandy looking rifle you have! What model is it? Thanks! scout4<><

keith44 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2011, 04:07:23 PM »

Mine is the RS-2 sportsman, the switch barrel model. Picked it up from Pyramid Air for around $140.00. I've fired two other Beemans and they are probably the most finiky air rifles built. Mine likes the RWS superdome in .22, but the gamo hunter pellets when wearing the .177 barrel. Also it takes about 100 shots to wear in the piston and compression chambers. Until it wears in really good, and then is lubed (sparingly) with moly grease they tend to shoot patterns. Some days, during the break-in period you can set the scope, shoot a respectable group, and put it up. Then the next time you get it out the scope will be off

! Once broke in and properly lubed (or super tuned by Beeman) they are a dream.

and thanks, I really enjoy this one. As best I can tell it's based on the R-1 model, but alot less costly.

Keith

scout4 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2011, 10:58:44 AM »

keith44 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2011, 12:27:45 PM »

Hi ya Scout4,

I just looked up the specs on your Bearclaw, and looked at the pic you posted. NICE lookin rifle!!

From what I can see, that rifle and mine are different versions of the same mechanics. In other words they share some critical parts. At least they appear to. The main spring, and piston and compression chambers should be nearly the same. According to Pyramid air we have the same triggers too.

One thing I have learned about all spring piston air rifles. They are very hold sensative. If you don't hold the same way every time you will not hit the same place.

The pop you're hearing is actually bad. Sounds great, but the noise is from dieseling. Burning off excess packing, shipping and assembly lubes. The more is burns the louder it is, and the more inconsistant your shot will be.

It's probably smoking a little bit too. Let it get quiet then check the accuracy, it'll be there if you do your part.

C Ya, and have fun!!

Keith44

scout4 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:19:15 PM »

keith44 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2011, 05:08:58 PM »

Hey Scout4, give PyramidAir.com a look. Check out the different brands of pre-charged (if you want to stay in the upper power levels) They sell re-firbs as well as new, so they might (and I mean a far out may be) offer a trade value for yours. Might be easier than just selling it. Sorry you aren't happy with your springer, I love em I guess cause not just anyone can pick up the same rifle and get the same groups. Best of luck with your search for a better fitting air rifle. Contact me if you want help researching any you find.

Keith44

keith44 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2011, 05:12:39 PM »

Oh and Scout4, I've had my RS-2 for 3 years, and have fired aprox. 1,500 .22 pellets, and am on the third tin of .177's. So yes I shoot ALOT

See Ya around Pal

scout4 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 22, 2011, 03:18:34 PM »

worthless

jlwilliams · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2011, 12:50:09 PM »

The Chinese air rifles have come a long, long way.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2011, 05:27:23 PM »

Yep, China is pretty far away!

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

keith44 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 25, 2011, 08:23:38 PM »

yup

Victor3 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2011, 09:37:00 PM »

If you want to see a good example of how a Chinese airgun has progressed, look at the latest QB78's. The first offerings were pretty rough but as far as fit & finish go, the new ones are better looking than the original Crosman 160 I have.

http://www.archerairguns.com/QB78-Deluxe-Chinese-Air-Rifle-p/ibqb78d.htm

keith44 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 25, 2011, 10:03:56 PM »

nice CO2 rifle, just seems a tad slow for using 2 cylinders

Victor3 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 26, 2011, 11:42:20 PM »

Doesn't matter how much Co2 a rifle holds; pressure (and thus velocity) is the same at a given temperature with 12 grams or 12 pounds of the stuff in the gun. More Co2 just gives you more shots before a refill is required.

White Foxx · « **Reply #17 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:23:48 AM »

My only reply;

is, you all should move there and then tell the Chinese government about your “right to keep and bear arms”..... Keep buying Chinese cause we don't no need any stinking jobs here in the USA....

White Foxx

keith44 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:25:50 AM »

They (Crossman I think) used to advertise that the parallel cylinder arrangment would increase the velocity. (Yeah I know advertisement) What was usually done was in the valving and ports to release a larger amount of gas. The greater volume of expanding gasses would shoot a heavier pellet at equal velocities as the lower weight pellets. And made the standard weight pellets really scream (for the day). So maybe I'm just remembering the hype, but the two cylinder guns used to be advertised with higher velocities than single cylinder guns.

keith44 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:34:35 AM »

So umm White Foxx, who in the US makes this level of quality air rifle, at the same prices?? Yes we need jobs here, good manufacturing jobs. But remember we still out produce the next closest country by 40%!! Free market being what it is, best quality at lowest wins.

Keith

Oh and if you are wondering I am a union electrician and union steward, as well as a life member in the NRA. I am well versed in the concerns you have raised.

White Foxx · « **Reply #20 on:** March 28, 2011, 05:35:48 AM »

Pretty soon there will be Chinese electricians and they will do your job for 70 % less, and you will no longer have a job, or a union, and then you won't be able to buy even cheap Chinese airguns.....

Maybe even feed yourself. I know if I wanted to destroy the USA I would never attack it, cause I know I would get wiped out, but destroying its economy will bring no hostile action, only more greed, and its people will say the

“Free market being what it is, best quality at lowest price wins.”

The Chinese greatly deflate their currency to give them an unfair price advantage, that’s not ”Free Market,” that’s Fraud and you are buying it. So, save yourself a hundred bucks or so now, and pay big later! I hope you remember this when your union gets dissolved because they can get the Chinese to do it cheaper. They have been getting rid of unions’ right and left for more than 30 years, and you maybe next.

Is that plain enough for you? and maybe you should be more than just "concerned" $:-\$

keith44 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 28, 2011, 06:43:03 AM »

you still are skewing the facts here. To get an air rifle like I wanted I either pay the Germans, the Italians or the Chinese, similar situation with the style muzzloaders I prefer (Italian built), not even close in QUALITY!! The craftsmanship involved with these items is just not in the US unless you go to a full on custom built.

So who are the chinese taking these jobs from??

Curtis · « **Reply #22 on:** March 28, 2011, 11:52:10 AM »

In very few instances can you even buy American any more if that is the goal on many of your purchases. I gave up a long time ago. My Honda motorcycle was made in Marysville Ohio with American labor while my GMC pickup was made in Canada with parts from all over the world. I can't decide which is better/worse.

Curtis

White Foxx · « **Reply #23 on:** March 28, 2011, 02:35:43 PM »

Well keith44:

Yours I hope real soon.....

Curtis

Actually, Crosman makes a couple of air rifles, while they sell many Chinese they also sell one that are mostly made here............. But your right why bother, and who cares ?? Better Red than dead "A" ?

If you all don't, then I sure don't case its your tax dollars that support me!

Thank-you

White Foxx

No, I won't spend your tax dollars on Chinese crap if I can help it.

scout4 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 28, 2011, 03:39:44 PM »

Wow! Hey White Foxx you need to calm down before you blow a gasket!

This is about airguns!

scout4<><

Curtis · « **Reply #25 on:** March 28, 2011, 05:28:36 PM »

My apologies for helping get this thread off track. So.........how do I find out if my Benjamin 392 was made in China? I don't see USA stamped anywhere except where to write Crosman to obtain a manual.

Curtis

keith44 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 28, 2011, 08:39:21 PM »

No worries Curtis, I'm not sure how you would learn the pedigree of an unmarked rifle. I think writing to crossman would be a first step, have serial number ready. They may not want to or have the information available to reveal the origins of your rifle.

As far as Mr. Foxx goes, he is entitled to his opinion and free to voice it to whomever is willing to listen. I have heard all I care to listen to, and have excercised my right to "ignore" that user.

White Foxx · « **Reply #27 on:** March 29, 2011, 05:43:59 AM »

Actually, as with all things said or written it is about politics, and so are posts written on any and all forums. I just want everyone to know who and what they are buying from. As a politician I had to register for the graft very early and my problem with the Chinese is and always was personal and political. I can also say I never took any Chinese money.

Unlike most of our shooting enemies they never did surrender and I take the fact that they sent around a half a million armed men to try and kill a member of my family, some 60 years a go. Well, him and a whole lot of other US Marines, but that was war…. But, wait we never invaded China did we?

That is one thing that tends to color my opinion of the Chinese, or the Chinese government, I should say the. Oh yes, then there was that nasty business back in 1989 when the murdered and/or imprisoned hundreds of their own students for protesting in that square. You must remember that unarmed guy standing in front of that huge tank? Yes/No?

Do we even care if that tank ran him down or not?

Curtis:

Unless Crosman picked up the old Benjamin factory and moved it, I am fairly sure your Benjamin 392 was made here.

Please feel free to ignore my remarks! After all what do I know; well a few years back I tried to warn everyone that the economy was going to get really, really bad no one listened then either………..

White Foxx

Curtis · « **Reply #28 on:** March 29, 2011, 07:49:41 AM »

Quote from: White Foxx on March 29, 2011, 05:43:59 AM

Curtis:
Unless Crosman picked up the old Benjamin factory and moved it, I am fairly sure your Benjamin 392 was made here.

Thanks for that info. There is no doubt however about my SKS ....it's chinese.

WF I agree with your politics to a point, but somewhere along the line I developed a defeatist attitude when it comes to buying American. The corporations are in control in my opinion, not the consumer. Look how many tried and true American made products went overseas production despite strong US sales for the dubious excuse of making more money for the shareholder. There I go off topic again, sorry.

Curtis

White Foxx · « **Reply #29 on:** March 31, 2011, 04:26:25 AM »

No Curtis:

Actually, you are right on point, and that is one reason we are in such a mess, and that is the

POINT.

White Foxx

PS: I think it is a real shame for an American to say "we should buy American," ONLY TO BE IGNORED BY EVERYONE HERE IN THE NEW CHINESE STATES OF AMERICA