P03 Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 One of my many alter-egos is a scout leader and I have been tasked with setting up an air rifle range for our group. My question is directed at anyone who has first hand experience with the SMK Biathlon trainer......is it any good?? Ta in advance P03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Not had any experience with that gun in particular. But If you are after a cheap, <12 ft/lb 'target' rifle to be used and abused, GET BSA METEORS!!!!!!! They are light and very simple to use, I have a mid 1970's model and its been resprung once since then, still putting out 9.5 after all thoese years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_haganizer Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 The scout group that I have been part of and still occasionally help with use Gamo air rifles.. I have a feeling that they are the Delta ones from looking at the pictures on the website, good rifles for teaching younger people to shoot- they were the ones I learnt to shoot with and I was getting near single pellets 5 groups within a couple of goes.. Robo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
air gunner Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 I would say BSA's too great rifles last ages too the other thing iss try to zero the things when i helped out with scouts once the guns dident shoot straight for ****. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Used to be an Akela in a former life and to the best of my memory the guns need to be .177 and springers only. If you're using them on a scout campsite, make sure you let the warden/service crew know you're bringing your own guns - They can get a wee bit touchy and may ask that you allow them to store the guns while not in use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet boy Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Depends on your budget and how many rifles you want to get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Good rifle for scouts? .243 ought to take 'em out easy enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_haganizer Posted April 5, 2009 Report Share Posted April 5, 2009 Good rifle for scouts? .243 ought to take 'em out easy enough true true... but to be honest, they move so damn fast that shotguns make life much easier.. :good: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet boy Posted April 5, 2009 Report Share Posted April 5, 2009 HW80`S! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuftySnuffer Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 I know a scout leader who also mentioned that they needed to be 177 springers too. Even though this individual now regularly shoots with my old .22 tracker. For relatively accurate and lightweight I can recommend the tracker or any one of the BSA light springers. The Bsa at least will have a better trigger than the tracker, whereas the tracker is a nice lightweight equivalent to the airsporter but in side lever. I like your idea bullet boy but I must admit that a HW80 isn't always the answer to every airgunning problem (it should be though ). I think a full blown HW80 will have far too much mass for the little uns to handle. Unless the scouts you are talking about go down the gym 3 times a week. regards PGB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 i'd agree on that - though the HW80 is a mighty fine bit of kit - i remember when i got my HE35E (aged 11) - i couldn't cock it without resting the butt on the floor and leaning on the barrel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet boy Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 Well i say start them with good quality rifles.They are going to be supervised anyway,so it`s not that they are going to be on their own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 The loacal scout group i used to be a member of and later a helper / leader with used to be a great bunch but there current kids and leader i wouldnt trust with an elastic band ! What is the current reqirement for a scouting leader to run an air rifle range ? ie: what must the leader have quallifiction wise etc ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_haganizer Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 I can't remember what the exact qualification the leader must need but it's something to do with a rangemaster.. I am working towards doing it, but maybe also with archery as well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biffo1262 Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 Saying get quality is fine if they have the budget. All I can say is get the best you can AFFORD. Many scout troups in the Northwest use the SMK Biathlon Trainers. I know SMK has it's knockers but speaking from experience and not club heresay (I shoot an Air Arms S400 but I also have four custom tuned, by myself, QB/XS78's and 79's), the CO2 guns are fine, reliable and accurate IF you are prepared to do a little work. The drawback is the cost of CO2, which can only be negated by bulk filling. I feel this may be just a little too much for starters, but the Biathlon Trainer (springer) has a proven record with Scout Troops. One of the reasons for it's popularity is that it is already equipped with peep hole target sights and so the initial need for a scope is not a priority. By all means, if you have the finances, buy Weihruach etc but some of the budget rifles are actually rather good which would enable you to put more guns in more hands. Perhaps a couple of cheaper starter guns then the shooter moving up to better quality as they get more proficient is the way to go. Have you also thought of approaching a local club for the use of their facilites and club guns. It's a good way to keep your costs down, foster good community relations, and make use of a plethora of experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 I'd go for BSA Meteors too. Istarted off with one and they are fine for kids. Fairly light and the long barrel mkes them easy to load. They don't need to be full power for targets so the ease of loading is more important I feel. Why not let them shoot your .243 on your patch? You're allowed to I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scout Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 The rifle does indeed have be .177 , there is no need for it to be a springer. The link below outlines the requirements in POR for setting up, using and managing a range for use by the Scout Assocaition. There are a number of other hurdles to jump, with regard to using air rifles with Scouts , such as parental permission etc. It can a real nightmare so have fun. We have used the SMK Biathlons before and they are easy to use, maintain and cheap. Scoutbase Factsheet on Air Rifle Ranges Give me a shout if you would like more advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borntoshoot Posted April 9, 2009 Report Share Posted April 9, 2009 for scouts it has to be .177 springer. and you must have the licence to use them on scout property.( i know because im legally not allowed to shoot the rabbits on our scout field because we dont have the licence to even have guns on the property) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amateur Posted April 9, 2009 Report Share Posted April 9, 2009 Strange that scouts now don't let you hunt for quarry. I remember that when I was a lad, the Backwoodsman badge required you to gut, skin and cook a rabbit over a campfire. It would certainly be more authentic if you had to shoot it first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borntoshoot Posted April 9, 2009 Report Share Posted April 9, 2009 Strange that scouts now don't let you hunt for quarry. I remember that when I was a lad, the Backwoodsman badge required you to gut, skin and cook a rabbit over a campfire. It would certainly be more authentic if you had to shoot it first yeah it still does require you to do that but scouts cannot kill it or see it be killed, neither can they shoot at an animal or something that resembles a person or animal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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