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- Last updated: 27/01/2017
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There is something very satisfying about classic air rifles as it gets you back to basics. I collect them and one that was always on my list is the Original 45. Importantly it heralded a new calibre - the .20”. Popular in the USA it has never taken off here despite good, modern pellets. I managed to source a cracker off the internet with C H Weston’s supplying the ammo.
Second hand guns might not be in top condition; that’s how it can be! Cosmetics can be sorted but they need to be shooters. After some disappointments a nice .20” cal came along and was mine for the princely sum of £250! The Original brand is German and made by Mayer and Grammelspacher Ltd from 1979-81. This is your classic, break-barrel springer sporter with long barrel, wood stock and blued finish.
Original’s advertising stated: “A rifle that gives you power potential right up to the maximum and an accuracy at long range never before achieved!” Whether it was truly better is a moot point but at the time Field Target (FT) shooting was in its infancy and the new Model 45 could double as an FT gun too. The barrel shows wide, clean cut, 8-grooved rifling, which I polished with JB paste to remove the lead build up. The external finish has very deep bluing and the barrel locks to the air cylinder via a large seated ball bearing, rather like the Feinwerkbau Sport!
The .177 was advertised at 820 fps, and the .22 at 626 fps but the .20 split the difference at 680 fps. Original claimed 2” groups at 50 yards, good in those days. For me 30 yards is max with a springer anyway. Despite the high power, cocking is quite easy due to the 20.5” barrel that gives good leverage. It’s a bit ‘twangy’ on firing but smooth to shoot! Some early Model 45`s had a lot of vibration but newer materials and spring choice cured that as some older guns literally shook themselves apart!. That’s why there are two cross bolts above the trigger through the stock to help stop this.
When you cock the trigger is engaged and the large, automatic safety pops out at the back of the air cylinder which is easily operated by the firing hands thumb. The trigger is ok, but a bit creepy and heavy with a flat blade so you need to practice to achieve a system of pressure release that works for you. It was re-designed from older models and was a 2-stage unit that could be adjusted down to 1.5 lbs, more than light enough on a springer! The guard is immediately noticeable as it has a large angular look, some like it some don’t - I love it.
The stock by contrast is plain! It’s beech, but stained to look like walnut, then liberally finished in a thick varnish and no checkering. Yes it is slippery and I’ve seen some stripped and oiled which look really nice. The lack of cheekpiece and its tapered forend makes it ambidextrous so practical for all. There’s a large ventilated recoil pad and the pistol grip is nice and slim for a firm hold.
Originals came with good iron sights, but this one was bare-backed, I fitted an old 70`s Tasco 3-9x40mm scope, which looked the part. The dovetails are quite short and you will need a recoil arrestor otherwise that scope will start walking off the rails! Venom Arms made an outstanding version with custom Tyrolean stock and long series silencer; I would love one of those!
The .20 cal is the compromise calibre, flatter than a .22 and hitting harder than a .177 but you need the right pellet! Ballistic coefficients are also better for the same weight .20 and .22 counterpart, if both weigh 14.5-grains the .20 will always win due to its longer/slimmer profile.
Problem is you need a .20 cal to reach the same power as the other calibres to achieve its potential. With this example as you might expect the power was down, but not by much. So just enjoy the calibre and shooting properties of the Original 45 for what it is, fun. No silencer but the long barrel negates any loud muzzle blast. Yes the spring really twangs; get over it, and this 45 was consistent with a 25 fps extreme spread. The barrel seal is a bit ropy and if I can source a new one energy figures might rise a little. But one thing is for sure, you need a recoil arrestor to stop scope creep as there is still a lot of vibration with these old guns and check your scope reticules too, they often snap.
Accuracy-wise the .20 cal can be a bit finicky due to differing pellet skirt sizes only fitting certain barrels. The Original has a 5.05mm bore and these size pellets performed best, others at 5.1mm did not! Best were the Field Target Trophies (FTT) at 11.6-grains at 648 fps/10.8 ft/lbs and impressive 0.45” groups.
The Bisley Pest Control and Daystate’s were equal second with 0.75”, 5-shot groups at 25 yards. They produced 566 fps/9.0 ft/ lbs and 548 fps/9.1 ft/lbs respectively. The other brands were all 1”+ so with the FTT`s being the most accurate and powerful they are best for hunting. You probably have guessed I like the .20 cal Original 45! C H Weston`s have a good selection of pellets and some interesting old air rifles too. CONTACTS: C H Westons, 01273 326338
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
Comments
There is something very satisfying about classic air rifles as it gets you back to basics. I collect them and one that was always on my list is the Original 45. Importantly it heralded a new calibre - the .20”. Popular in the USA it has never taken off here despite good, modern pellets. I managed to source a cracker off the internet with C H Weston’s supplying the ammo.
Second hand guns might not be in top condition; that’s how it can be! Cosmetics can be sorted but they need to be shooters. After some disappointments a nice .20” cal came along and was mine for the princely sum of £250! The Original brand is German and made by Mayer and Grammelspacher Ltd from 1979-81. This is your classic, break-barrel springer sporter with long barrel, wood stock and blued finish.
Original’s advertising stated: “A rifle that gives you power potential right up to the maximum and an accuracy at long range never before achieved!” Whether it was truly better is a moot point but at the time Field Target (FT) shooting was in its infancy and the new Model 45 could double as an FT gun too. The barrel shows wide, clean cut, 8-grooved rifling, which I polished with JB paste to remove the lead build up. The external finish has very deep bluing and the barrel locks to the air cylinder via a large seated ball bearing, rather like the Feinwerkbau Sport!
The .177 was advertised at 820 fps, and the .22 at 626 fps but the .20 split the difference at 680 fps. Original claimed 2” groups at 50 yards, good in those days. For me 30 yards is max with a springer anyway. Despite the high power, cocking is quite easy due to the 20.5” barrel that gives good leverage. It’s a bit ‘twangy’ on firing but smooth to shoot! Some early Model 45`s had a lot of vibration but newer materials and spring choice cured that as some older guns literally shook themselves apart!. That’s why there are two cross bolts above the trigger through the stock to help stop this.
When you cock the trigger is engaged and the large, automatic safety pops out at the back of the air cylinder which is easily operated by the firing hands thumb. The trigger is ok, but a bit creepy and heavy with a flat blade so you need to practice to achieve a system of pressure release that works for you. It was re-designed from older models and was a 2-stage unit that could be adjusted down to 1.5 lbs, more than light enough on a springer! The guard is immediately noticeable as it has a large angular look, some like it some don’t - I love it.
The stock by contrast is plain! It’s beech, but stained to look like walnut, then liberally finished in a thick varnish and no checkering. Yes it is slippery and I’ve seen some stripped and oiled which look really nice. The lack of cheekpiece and its tapered forend makes it ambidextrous so practical for all. There’s a large ventilated recoil pad and the pistol grip is nice and slim for a firm hold.
Originals came with good iron sights, but this one was bare-backed, I fitted an old 70`s Tasco 3-9x40mm scope, which looked the part. The dovetails are quite short and you will need a recoil arrestor otherwise that scope will start walking off the rails! Venom Arms made an outstanding version with custom Tyrolean stock and long series silencer; I would love one of those!
The .20 cal is the compromise calibre, flatter than a .22 and hitting harder than a .177 but you need the right pellet! Ballistic coefficients are also better for the same weight .20 and .22 counterpart, if both weigh 14.5-grains the .20 will always win due to its longer/slimmer profile.
Problem is you need a .20 cal to reach the same power as the other calibres to achieve its potential. With this example as you might expect the power was down, but not by much. So just enjoy the calibre and shooting properties of the Original 45 for what it is, fun. No silencer but the long barrel negates any loud muzzle blast. Yes the spring really twangs; get over it, and this 45 was consistent with a 25 fps extreme spread. The barrel seal is a bit ropy and if I can source a new one energy figures might rise a little. But one thing is for sure, you need a recoil arrestor to stop scope creep as there is still a lot of vibration with these old guns and check your scope reticules too, they often snap.
Accuracy-wise the .20 cal can be a bit finicky due to differing pellet skirt sizes only fitting certain barrels. The Original has a 5.05mm bore and these size pellets performed best, others at 5.1mm did not! Best were the Field Target Trophies (FTT) at 11.6-grains at 648 fps/10.8 ft/lbs and impressive 0.45” groups.
The Bisley Pest Control and Daystate’s were equal second with 0.75”, 5-shot groups at 25 yards. They produced 566 fps/9.0 ft/ lbs and 548 fps/9.1 ft/lbs respectively. The other brands were all 1”+ so with the FTT`s being the most accurate and powerful they are best for hunting. You probably have guessed I like the .20 cal Original 45! C H Weston`s have a good selection of pellets and some interesting old air rifles too. CONTACTS: C H Westons, 01273 326338
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
click on image to enlarge
