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GAMOKid18 · New Member

I'm 18, Got 2 years experience with Airsoft (Crosman Powermaster 660 650FPS) I mainly small game hunt, and target, I'm looking into a Refurbished GAMO Big Cat 1200 (Refurbished from Cabelas.)

I was wondering if that gun would be adequate for my needs, and how hard they are to maintain. Any experience reviews would be appreciated. Thank you guys!

Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

The Gamo Big Cat 1200 is a really great air rifle. It doesn't require much maintenance (Besides a little oil) and it is very accurate for the price. However, the Spring can quickly get fatigued, and you could lose tons of power.

GAMOKid18 · New Member

Thank you! I've heard nearly nothing but good things about it, I'm happy my old Wal-Mart Crosman can have a rest. And is the spring hard/expensive to replace? Or should I just look into getting an aftermarket spring?

Slavia · Moderator

Maintenance consists of minor lubrication and a wipe-down to prevent rust. I wouldn't even worry about the spring. Don't dry fire it and don't leave it cocked for long periods (days) and you should be fine for a long time.

Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

radar · Silver Status Member

+1.
Spring-piston guns are pretty durable and reliable unless abused.

GAMOKid18 · New Member

Thanks for the replies, I think I will be pretty careful with this one. With the Powermaster you could be kind of abusive, considering it was a starting rifle, I mean, it did its job but I had a cracked Air Chamber after a year or two (probably from being too rough with it.) But I hope this GAMO lives up to it's name in the areas that I need it to. I don't intend to leave it cocked for days, but I am an avid shooter, I go out every single day and fire 50 rounds a day avg. Hmm, maybe I'll give the GAMO a break and be a bit less aggressive.

Slavia · Moderator

GAMOKid18 · New Member

I try to keep my giggles to a dull roar at the range. I usually head to the forest near my apartments and shoot, sometimes at 50-200M Shots (Now before I get asked, I'm not saying I hit at 200m, just practice.) I've picked up the GAMO about 6 hours after posting this thread, and I couldn't be happier. I've already taken down 34 Tree rats. (MMM MMM, Good cookin!) Even with the crappy PBA Ammo, I can hit a squirrel (Usually not where I'd like, but an extra shot fixes that.) at about 50m or so. I have to say, I'm really impressed.

Thank you for all the responses,

Jared

SMP · Silver Status Member

A quick note on the PBA ammo.

Using light ammo is really the only threat to the long term survival and performance of your new gun. Congrats BTW, sounds like your having lots of fun with it. Smile

What happens is there is not enough mass in the pellet to resist acceleration for the instant that it takes for the piston to be slowed by a cushion of air. So the piston slams into the tube end and sends a violent harmonic back down through the spring.

I know this sounds a bit harsh but in fairness to your new gun you should pour the PBA in the garbage and test various ammo in a traditional configuration.

GAMOKid18 · New Member

True that, PBA fails, Plain and simple. But I was like a kid on christmas morning, I didn't care, I just wanted to shoot it. xD. I'll be picking up a tin of Diabolo though (: And I've never had more fun with an airgun, even after 2 years of using my Crosman, It's just way too much fun to put down. And It looks nice on the wall :D