Beeman R9 .20 Caliber Review

Overall Rating

Quality
Lightweight
Feel

None, other than accuracy problems described below.

I searched the market for over 6 months before settling down for the Beeman R9.
I like everything in this rifle. I like its look, its feel, its quality craftmanship and I've tried hard come around the lack of accuracy I've experienced with this rifle.
I understand it is sensitive to hold and I do my best to always hold it with a feather-like touch.
I tried different pellets and the ones I like the most are the Beeman Crow Magnum.
I scoped the rifle with a SWIFT Premier 4-12x40mm (airgun rated).
The problem: I can't put two pellets in the same damn hole! The rifle seems to shoot erratically, way beyond what can be considered normal.
I disassembled and reassembled it to verify that everything is normal. And everything is normal in the spring/chamber compartment. I tightened the stock screws and kept an eye to them. The rifle is in perfect conditions!
When I zero in it, it shoots with WONDERFUL accuracy for 10-15 shots. Then off it goes again.
I can't shoot it for one day without missing an elephant at 10 yards at the end of the day.
Even if I zero it in and leave it alone for one day, I have to zero it in again from scratch the next day, with the rifle being off by way too many clicks... And then it won't hold an accurate zero for more than a few shots. Might it be the scope?

I'm pulling my hair with it, and don't get me wrong, I'm not badmouthing this rifle for the fun of it.
I LOVE it. But everything I pick it up I taking the habit of asking: "Ok, let's see where you are shooting today".
I'm getting frustrated and I'm considering trading it in for HW97K.

Any suggestions?

Members' Comments onsug's Review

• chile on 18th Apr 2007

  Hi. It sounds like your scope is moving. Even a midpower gun like this one HAS recoil that moves your scope, unless you have good quality mounts with a scope stop.
  Rod.

• Lonegunman SA TX on 18th Apr 2007

  The number one accuracy problem with spring piston air rifles is in the rifle scope and the scope mounting rings. These items are notorious for losing their zero. This is especially indicated when the rifle shoots well and then suddenly drifts off of zero. The scope is most often too blame. I note that you have an air rifle rated scope and this is Most Important. Scope could be defective. Next look at the rings. It is often the case that the rings move or that the rear most ring will cant at an angle as the recoild moves it. The best mounts are the one piece mounts which are also adjustable for barrel "droop". Next look at the scope mount rail on the rifle itself to make sure it is secure. There is the slightest possibility that the barrel has movement in relation to the receiver. In this regard the original barrel mounted sights are superior as all sighting is done on the barrel itself. I would suggest removing the entire scope and rings and working towards accuracy with the iron sights in an attempt to discover the culprit. Furthermore, be aware that any oil which is introduced into the spring piston chamber is subject to combustion. This will produce shots which have radically higher velocities and thus very different points of impact. Also any oil which has been introduced onto the back end of the pellets can be likewise a combustion source. You have already mentioned the tightness of the stock to action screws. Sometimes trigger action can be a source of inaccuracy if the trigger is not consistent or if it is being over controlled. Certainly different pellet weights, and pellet brands are a factor as is the consistency from pellet to pellet of any one type of pellet used. Barrel crowning and condition are factors. And of course you have already mentioned "hold" and we all know that any "wind action" will make a difference. I suppose in short, EVERYTHING can be a source of inaccuracy. However, my first impression on the most likely problem is with the scope and scope mounting system.

• sussexgunner on 19th Apr 2007

  I agree that the 'scope assembly is suspect number 1. If you have no repeat of the problem when using the open sights, the problem is confirmed. Get a good quality one piece mount (preferrably one with hex key bolts), it isn't wasted money if it turns out the 'scope is defective, since it will be best in the long run.
  
  Hopefully that will be the cure. If not, the 'scope is almost certainly defective, the reticle probably moving under the recoil. I assume you could get it changed under warranty if you bought it recently.
  
  Good luck.

• texas87 on 22nd Apr 2007

  Dude, i had the same problem. At the end of the day my gun would be completely off and I would have to resight the entire thing. I ended up carving the spot that I began with from the beginning of my shooting until the end of the day and the scope mount moved 2 inches. I ended up getting a scope mount with a pin stopper and now after months of shooting I still have the carving that I had on my mount in the same spot! It hasn't moved since. So look into that and I'll bet its probably just your mount.