Caiman B-Type

We were toying with the idea of a bottle-type Caiman, and this is what we came up with:



Our new toy's got a 15-inch .22 cal brass barrel and is currently spitting out JSB's at 860fps for roughly 65-70 shots. I'd consider it a carbine, 37 inches OAL with moderator on, and 30 inches off. That's just a 3-9x40 Leapers scope on top, so you can judge the relative size of it.

It's got a pretty unique gauge position:



A simple tilt up will give you a look at the reading. There's a foster quick fill on the other side:



We found it was much easier to recharge while holding the rifle firmly about the middle, instead of fumbling with something at the muzzle end of the reservoir.

Accuracy?

We've only tested it at our 20 yard range so far as we haven't had time to hit the 50 yard one (which is quite a ways away from the shop), but I'm pretty satisfied that it meets our standards. Those are .22 cal pellet-sized targets...



And it comes complete with video. You may note I'm fumbling the 2nd shot because I noticed I stuck a JSB pellet in with a bent skirt (that's the nice thing about the Caiman's direct loading function), so I was trying to pry it out. I was aware the camera was running so I gave up on it, hehe.



You may also note the new thumbhole stock style, with a big indent for those who prefer a thumbs up position, and easier access to the hammer. Nice thing about it is, lefties like me can still shoot it comfortably.

I sure wish we had more time to get into this, but we're too busy at the shop right now. I do think it's got future potential. I like it, too bad Noli called dibs on it first.

Code name: Caiman B-Type, because I'm imaginative like that.

Gunshow season again!

Friends please visit us at the Defense and Sporting Arms Show.

Information is available here,

July 12 (Thursday) - 16 (Monday), 2007
Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong, Philippines

EVENT FACT SHEET
Host & Organizers : Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD,Inc.)


Event Dates : July 12 (Thursday) - 16 (Monday), 2007

Venue : Megatrade Halls 1 & 2, 5th Level, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, M.M., Philippines

Exhibit Hours : 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM


SHOW DATES start from Thursday (July 12)
and ends on a Monday (July 16).

Figures and Grain....

For those wondering how the Caiman might look like dressed in walnut, look no further:



That's the client's own walnut blank, he was very lucky to get the nice figuring on the forend.

The Export Saga Pt 2

Continuing on from Pt 1, we then witness the shop run out of space. Partially assembled and completed airguns were everywhere, some overflowing onto the visitors benches in the office. These are the export orders post-tuning and right before boxing.













Pt 3 will cover my own experiences after receiving this shipment...stay tuned.

Breakin' Fifty....

I'd like to draw your attention to Noli's latest project gun. Seems after our blood pressure raising export order run, he needed to do something to relax.

This Caiman started out with a standard tank and a 17 inch shrouded barrel. It now sports an extended Mid tank and reworked internals that help propel 21 grain .22 caliber Kodiak pellets at 1,050 ft/sec, giving it more than 50 Ft-Lbs. The 600cc, 3,000psi reservoir supplies enough air for 40 balanced shots. The new 24 inch HW barrel is still wrapped in a T3 aluminum shroud, and the black/pepper laminate stock was redone to take the medium tank. I believe the proud owner will be using it to compete in the local airgun benchrest competitions that are growing in popularity lately.



Here it is compared to a standard length shrouded Tornado.


A closer look at the butt plate...


The Mid tank it uses is 40.5mm in diameter, which puts it squarely between the standard (32mm) and the Bigboy (48.25mm). This new size reservoir looks promising as it offers a compromise between the size of the standard tank and the capacity of the Bigboy.

The local benchresters better watch out, this monster is the one to beat =)