What Is Possible With A Springer?

Frederick Williams · 2026-05-15T20:34:03+0100

Question for the collective, please.
After shooting spinners in the 25 yard backstop, with my .177 FWB Sport. I thought I would try 50 yard. After finding my point of aim in the sand, I shot this 10 shot group.
Ignoring the flyer to the right (pilot error?), and the two .303 bullet holes. The other nine shots have given an 1 & 1/8 inch group. This was with 8.4 gn JSB's at about 10.7 ft/lb. Left hand resting on a bag. I think my S400 would out perform this, even in my modest hands. Would you be happy, or should I expect better?

Mrs. H · 2026-05-15T20:55:12+0100

Chances are any pcp is always going to outperform a springer at distance as they just have less positional variables on them.
Was it windy?
Would be worth redoing to see what the grouping is like at 25yds; the spinners would be, what 25mm round? So you don't know what the actual grouping is like there, just that you're hitting them.
Always worth trying a variety of pellets as the differences can be be significant.
But in essence, no, the grouping isn't bad. If you were shooting HFT you'd be getting the 45yarders (35mm).

Frederick Williams · 2026-05-15T21:21:29+0100

Ey up Mrs. H. Yes, in all probability, the 25 yard spinners will have been about 25mm. But, I could miss them with ease. After a while I think it was a case of hold sensitivity. I feel to have done better with a gentle hold rather than gripping it like a centrefire.
Don't get me wrong, I shoot my airguns frequently. But only the odd shot in a confined space, where a powder burner would be inappropriate. It has been more years than I care to mention since I shot a concentrated string at a target. So have very little idea of what I am looking at.
The reason I shot the FWB today, was because I have just rebuilt it. The piston washer collapsed so I had to strip it, and it has languished in a cardboard box for around two years.
I have struggled with a plethora of different mainsprings. I was either sadly underpowered, like pistol power. Or somewhat over powered. this present build is giving around 10.7 I am going to call it a day.
So after an hour or so with a very early Lee Speed, I thought it would be a good idea to put a tin full through the FWB to settle it in.