@noviceairgunner : Am going through a similar phase now, choosing the right second AR for me... All the best on choosing one.
Am as well lured by the AR offered by SDB, the model 2000. However, am a more old school person when it comes to AR and would like to have the feel of the piece, inspect and fire it initially before I make it mine. Apparently I could not find any of the stores in B'lore having the SDB-2000 in stock. I have my apprehensions in getting one from the
Aimco Kovibazaar.com, as it is the only channel where we can source the said AR. Not having doubts about the service from
Aimco Kovibazaar.com, but the particular piece of AR that would be tagged for me.
@Basu : The PH AR trigger system had a fair share of issues as well. The more they made it complex and sophisticated, (ofcourse to give us a good shooting experience) more were the issues to it. Though heard almost all has been ironed out by now, I still have my doubts on them and would prefer manual safety trigger system if given a choice.
No second thought on the fact that the PH triggers are smooth, soft and crisp, in comparison with IHP that I own or the Jimmy I have fired before.
bennedose wrote:
I cannot comment on the NX - Nitro piston. Most people are all praise for it - but Nitro pistons have not been adopted across the board internationally when you Google for info on Gas Ram powered air rifles abroad. Besides it is 1.5 t0 2 times more expensive, which is what made me postpone buyng the NX. I am deliberately going to wait for some more time to see what happens over time before buying one. The laws of physics will ensure that all gas rams will eventually lose power because it is impossible to make a seal that seals off all gam molecule leakage permanently in a moving device where the gas is compressed and released regularly. All car boot raising devices are powered by gas rams and those rams all lose power over several years. The question is how good service will be or how much it would cost to repair/recharge. Currently springers have the advantage that I can service them myself - but the disadvantage is the hassle of doing that and a huge change in performance until you can tune it to your liking.
When I read information about springers versus gas rams online - the main stated advantages of the gas ram are the fact that they can be left cocked - which hunters abroad find useful No hunting in India so this feature does not concern me. Gas rams are quieter - and there is no "torque" of uncoiling spring. Frankly I don't think this is an issue unless you start holding extra powerful 27 Joule (20 ft-lb) hunting rifle. This is an "America problem". The "twang" of my rifles does not bother me - as a dedicated plinker the sound of tins cans being hit and clang of the metal sheet backing of my target sheet makes a louder noise.
My viewpoint is obviously biased but my current rifle choices are based on these thoughts. If one of my rifles fails miserably and is not worth repairing, I may consider replacing it with an NX 100 but I have not decided for sure. My hesitation is based on the fact that I can, in theory "play" with the power of a springer - but I have no control over an Nitro piston. People speak of "recharging" Nitro pistons to a higher pressure - but guess what - it won't be in India.
@bennedose : Exactly my concern as well. There are a few people saying Nitro Piston looses it thump after 2K to 3K shots.
Going by science & physics, its inevitable that the power has to decline over time (use).
The question is whether to stay away from the latest technology, which ofcourse is taking a chance in this given context or to go with the aged, tested & proven old school springer way. Tough call it is...
Having the limited options we have on table, it all now boils down to the money you have to invest and the perseverance you have to deal with any dismay.
If the contemplation is for buying one's first AR, its always advisable to stay with the trusted Springer.
-Arvind S.
Edit : Changed the SDM-2000 AR available channel from Aimco to Kovibazaar, as I have seen the piece only at Kovibazaar online store and not at Aimco.