Posted by Jody Fite on August 01, 2000 at 20:37:43:
Anyone have experience with the Aeron B-96, good or bad. How about the Aeron Chameleon? I,m looking for an entry level gun for 10M pistol and need advice on what to look at. Also experience with dealers. What about comparason with the IZH 46. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Roland Cannon on August 01, 2000 at 22:28:08:
I have shot the Chamelion. It is a decent gun, but has a few drawbacks. The co2 capacity is low. Maybe 40 shots on a good day before a filling is needed. This is a pain during a match. The other drawback is a lack of dealer support. If I were to buy one I would buy the RWS version (CP 95??), or better yet, buy from Mac-1. I believe he is the only dealer that sells the Aeron guns with the ability to service them. The build quality is probably better than the IZH 46, but I liked the 46 better for 10 meter work.
Posted by Phillip Reedy on August 01, 2000 at 23:06:24:
It seems that the B-96 and Chameleon are basically the same, with the obvious exception that the B is a five shot autoloader. Keep in mind that 10m rules prohibit the loading of more than one pellet at a time, so the B-96's autoloading feature is not helpful, and in fact adds an extra cost that doesn't return any benefit.
I've not used a Chameleon, but I have used a TAU-7, which is very similar. These pistols have pretty decent grips, in fact they're almost as good as the ones found on the high-schilling rigs. You can also vary the grip angle and balance point, and I can't think of any other pistols in this price range that will allow this. I think that the TAU-7 and Chameleon both make great 10m starter pistols, and you wouldn't go wrong with either one. My preference would be for the TAU-7, as I'm doubtful if the Chameleon's performance is worth it's extra cost.
The IZH-46 is also a great starter pistol. It costs less than the Czech pistols, but is just as accurate, and quite possibly more reliable. I think that the -46 provides the highest amount of performance for each dollar spent within this entry-level class. Positives are ease of compressing and loading, long sight line, and the best trigger you will find in a $225 pistol. Negatives are grips that aren't as nice as the Czech pistols (but still very useable), a fixed grip angle (if I recall correctly, which doesn't always happen...), and a none too easily changeable balance point.
Although I would prefer to shoot with the TAU-7, I would have to say that of all the "entry-level" pistols, I would buy the IZH-46 if I were just starting out. The fact that you don't have to mess around with CO2, and the high performance/dollar ratio would swing my decision in favor of the -46. The -46 can be used in any temperature, and you can even mount a scope on it (with specially made scope mounts) if you decide not to pursue the 10m game.
As for dealers, you can get the -46 from Joe Goulart, who is as good a dealer as you will find. His company is called The Golden Toller Guns, and can be found on the internet. Me and hundreds of others can highly recommend him. I don't know if he carries the Czech pistols, but you can buy them from Rada Plesinger at European Air Pistols, again a company that can be found on the internet. I've not dealt with Rada personally, but I've heard nothing but good things about him.
Posted by Rod Madsen on August 02, 2000 at 09:10:16:
Two additions to the above. First another source for the IZH-46 is Champion's Choice - 1-800-345-7179 (no web site) Also if you are seriously looking at the Aeron B96 it comes with both a single shot magazine and a 5 shot magazine so it is legal for 10m matches. But if I were looking at the Aeron B 96 I would have to buy the FAS 609 for about $100 more and you are shooting a gun that is right up at the top. I had a very difficult time deciding between it and my Styer. I spent months wondering if I had made the right decision. I am very tempted to buy one for a backup or for resale when the price goes up again.
I would also add that I shot an IZH - 46 for over a year before I bought the Styer and it was many months before I shot a better score than the my best with the 46. In my book it is the best starter gun available. It will still shoot 10s all day long, pity I can't. I also noticed that Golden Toller has spare seals so replacement parts are available.
Posted by Joe G. on August 03, 2000 at 00:39:31:
Couldn't help putting my two cents in especially after reading Ron's comments which are almost identical to my own experience. I started shooting 10 meter with a Gamo Compact and quickly moved up to the IZH-46 which I purchased second hand at the time they weren't available new. It is an easy shooting gun and certainly an excellent value. About a year ago a Steyr LP-1 became my main shooter but it did take a while for me to top my best scores done with the 46. In addition to some vintage 10 meter guns I have also added a FWB103 to my group but I will definitely keep the 46, it's still a lot of fun to shoot. I also recommend Joe at Golden Toller as a great guy to deal with. Joe G.
Posted by BobC on August 02, 2000 at 12:27:42:
If you are shooting 10 meter that is single shot only.
If you shoot in cooler climates IZH-46 is the way to go.
CO2 doesn't do well in 60deg or less.
I personally have tested the IZH-46, TAU-7 and the chameleon.
I like the balance of the chameleon the best. I get approx 55
shots per bulk fill.
Best way to know is shoot all 3.
All 3 are capable of expert/masters level shooting w/
the trained shooter.
I purchased my pistol through NASSA (they purchased directly from Rada Plesinger).
Posted by Sam on August 02, 2000 at 18:14:45:
I have both an Aeron Chameleon and IZH-46. Both are excellent guns to get started in 10M; each with a different way of getting you there.
The Chameleon has cleaner lines and wood/metal fit and finish. It comes with everything you need to get started with 12.5 gr. cylinders or bulk CO2 (except a tank) including a decent carrying case. The gun's finish is very similar to Swiss & German quality. The grips dark-stained walnut, stipled and very comfortable. The gun has a muzzle-brake similar to the 88mm gun on a Panzer tank. That may or may not help in actual shooting, but it sure adds to the "coolness" factor. The Chameleon's trigger is more adjustable than the IZH-46 and is wider. Unfortunately, mine has a bit of creep easily corrected by a gunsmith.
The IZH-46, at first glance, isn't as pretty. It comes with its very own genuine cardboard box. The Russians seem to lube up all their guns with the worst-smelling cosmoline grease! A bit of cleaning with WD-40 brings out a clean but still relatively-unattractive pistol.
For me, the grips are very uncomfortable. They are made of light-stained smooth wood. I have long fingers, and the grips are awkward. I had to file off about 0.05" inch off the front sight to get the gun hitting in the ten ring.
All that said, the gun is a shooter. It's very easy to cock and shoot. Custom grips can be obtained by Arnie Vitarbo for less than $90, bringing the total price still below that of the Chameleon. The gun seems a bit more accurate than the Chameleon from a machine rest. It's also much more quiet and less expensive to operate since there's no CO2 to buy. B-Square makes a fine scope mount, and coupled with a Red Dot Sight, it's a plinker's dream. Just the thing for hunting grasshoppers on the back porch!
I'd lean towards the IZH-46. For $250, it's a very fine gun. The next step up are those expensive ($1000+) guns which I'll explore when (if) I get to that level of shooting.
Posted by Charlie on August 03, 2000 at 01:00:15:
Jody, There is a fair amount of info further down on this board and also in the archives ( go to Pilkington main page, click center & go to archives.) I've bought Daisy products from Joe at Golden Toller and found him to be honest and helpfull. Have dealt with Airgun Express in Montezuma, IA. for Aeron & Tau with good success also. They are a warranty station for same but still have problems with some parts. Another poster recently said they were not real helpful with parts but my experience has been good. They can't sell what they can't get. I would test the B-96 immediately for magazine ( 5 shot ) hanging up, seems to be a common problem. Again, see older posts which cover most care & feeding on all models.
Posted by Lanning R. Hochhauser on August 03, 2000 at 09:47:05:
My experience is with the Tau-7. I have put about 6,000 shots through it as well as thousands of dry-fire shots(Yes, I have worked out a way to dry fire the pistol with damage.). I like the Tau-7 as a starter 10 meter pistol. Until you bust 90+ you need nothing else. Adjusted to 450 fps a 12 gr CO2 bulb will yield in excess of 70 good shots. Honing the trigger parts also adds to its performance.
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