Today, was a real experience for a rookie air gunner. I had the privledge of meeting a real old pro. Master Tuner Marcelo Zapatero who lives in Chesapeake Va., a 15 minuted ride for me from Virginia Beach VA. I had talked to him by phone and e-mail for the past 2 weeks. We met through one of the guys from the Dianawerks forum who liveS here in Virginia Beach. Well, I had told Marcel, that I had been wanting to tune my 34. He generously offered to do it provided I join him and the local guys on a Friday night get together. We also talked about a gun for my son who will be turning 8 yrs. old in April. He was delighted that I was looking for a B7, as it is one of his favorites. The other day, I received a call from Marcel. He told me he would sell one of his favorite guns a vintage HW30! Well I picked it up today and was just OVERWHELMED at this smooth firing gun. It has the indented gipe stock the old trigger and great sites. I was thrilled. I also had the pleasure of firing a Tuned Diana 35, and some of his treasured Beemans! Man! talk about smooth as SILK!!!!!! I mean so smooth it is like riding on a cloud after a long journey by stagecoach. All his guns are tuned by him with a Macari spring kit. I told him, I think my 34. is firing way too fast and he promised to tune it down and make it as smooth a butter. All, his guns cock with super ease and the trigger pulls are out of this world. I have my son's new HW 30 in front of me now, and just admiring it. I can't wait to have my 34 tuned down and as smooth as his guns. After the 34, Marcel will tune down my 460. God! what a great day!
Sometimes, most times, seeing is believing. I recall back a while folks on this forum were complaining about this or that gun not holding a scope, breaking scopes, etc. I said then that you may have to de-tune them to get them to shoot and hold optics. Well, that was heresey let me tell you. Folks don't want to lose power because they bought the gun on that feature. But when you shoot a tuned gun - a springer that has been tuned and is under 20 fpe or even at 10 or 12 fpe, that's when you can understand what all the fuss is about. I'd rather hit slow than miss fast.
Glad you got to meet Marcelo. Wished I lived closer - I'd hop over with a gin and a fine cigar. Seems like a nice chap. Enjoy - and I know your son will love his gun and cherish it all his life!
"but I'll be needin' that gun, fer squirrels and such."
By the way Bill, I will send your regards to Marcel, I will be seeing him in two weeks. We will drink one to you and ZVP! By the way, what is your last name and where do you live? You can e-mail me if you wish.
"I would like to at least know his name."
From movie "Hombre" after John Russell shot Mexican gunfighter.
I've really enjoyed Marcelo's posts and the many pics he's included in them . Did you happen to handle and fire the HW50s in the R8 stock ? For some reason - that one seems really nice .
Yesssss my Prescious . 
