by UPS. I hope I do a better job of getting my feelings across here than I did in my emails with Ed.
I found upon unpacking the rifle that the scope crosshairs weren't vertical. My first thought was that they had shifted during transport. I should have just adjusted them before shooting...BUT, not knowing all there is to know, I decided to ask Ed if there was a reason for them being this way before I made any adjustments. Maybe he knew something I didn't. If so I didn't want to mess his work up. Guess I did a poor job of wording my email because Ed definitely thought I was suggesting that his work was no good.
I assured him that his word was good enough for me (regarding the fact that the scope was mounted correctly when he boxed the rifle). I then mentioned that the trigger was a little too heavy for me causing me to pull some shots off as I was spoiled by my tuned Rekord and CD triggers, but that I had managed to shoot at least one good (for me
) group. A nice round SMALL hole.
Again I failed to express myself clearly. Plus I ass-u-me-d that 1-1/2 to 2 pounds was as good as the RWS trigger was going to get. I had read that they could be tuned to be nice, but don't recall ever reading what a low limit was for this trigger. I said that it was no doubt a good hunting trigger, and would be better than anything my brother was use to using. The rifle was a gift for him.
So now not only was I questioning his ability to tune the trigger (and its capabilities), but was apparently suggesting he was lying about the gun's accuracy capabilities. No, Ed, I was only stating what I was capable of shooting with the trigger set at that weight. I had been able to shoot four 5-shot groups before going to bed the day it arrived. I shot the same number of groups the next night before hitting the hay. This last session was after lightening up the trigger some per Ed's instructions. And it did help my groups. Next day the gun was taken north to my brother. I believe Ed said the trigger can be set below a pound, but I have no way of measuring it, and like I said, it was probably already better than anything my brother has shot. As a side note, this is the only RWS gun I have ever had. Which means it is the only one I have ever shot.
I mentioned maybe I should feel sorry for him. AGAIN I did a poor job with my writing. I was referring to his getting some pretty awful emails sent to him. And that at least one guy had given him the shaft for money owed. My exact words were, "Maybe I should feel sorry for you if that is the way you have been treated."
To be as clear as I possibly can: AT NO TIME DID I MEAN TO QUESTION YOUR HONESTY, YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF TUNING, YOUR ABILITY TO TUNE, OR HOW GOOD A SHOT YOU ARE OR ANYTHING ELSE ALONG THOSE LINES!
My lack of faith in my own knowledge is what started all this misunderstanding. Unfortunately it is clear that I have insulted Ed beyond being forgiven. I apologize for any misunderstanding. English was always my worst subject. I hated writing. It seems to me that Ed is missing the point that upset me the most even tho I told him as plain as I knew how. And that is that he has such a low opinion of me.
Regarding Ed's work. I had told him that I couldn't adjust the open sight enough to get on target. Ed straightened the barrel although I don't remember asking him to do it. Ed said the crown wasn't quite right so he re-crowned it. The RWS screws were starting to strip, so he upgraded them. There may be more that he did, but I can't recall at the moment. This is above and beyond what we talked about Ed doing. It is exactly what I expected from Ed. I had read several times of his going above and beyond what he was originally contracted to do. Oh yeah, Ed also packed a couple cans of pellets with the rifle because he knew I wasn't going to have time to order some of its favorites before delivering the gun to my brother. He did this on his own dime. Apparently the rifle isn't pellet fussy, and shoots several brands of pellets quit well. A testament to Ed's tuning?
Now this doesn't mean that I expect Ed to do this for free. Nor should any of the rest of you.
Ed will be receiving more money from me as soon as the money I took out of my 401k plan arrives.
I wish I could give a glowing report of how much improved the rifle is. Now before ED or anyone else thinks I am knocking Ed's work...I'M NOT. I think everyone can agree 40 shots is nowhere near enough shots to wear the new parts in. Nor is it enough for a guy with my limited knowledge to form an honest opinion. You also have to remember that it has been about 18 months since I shot this rifle. No way can I remember how it shot then compared to now. No one has every accused me of having the ability to see the most minute things.
What I can tell you is that the cocking is pretty easy. Recoil is as linear as on any of my other guns. This much I do remember. Even at 1-1/2 to 2 pounds the trigger is WAY better than when I sent it to Ed. Plus it now has a first stage. There is a definite stop before tripping now. And if you release the trigger without finishing the shot, it returns. You don't have to worry about it going off with just a touch once back on target like I have to with my QB. The first stage is still there. I can make one-hole groups occasionally at 10 yards, but that speaks of my ability, not the rifle's. It shoots extremely well when I can maintain concentration.
I haven't had a chance to call my brother so I have no idea how well he likes the rifle once he got to shoot it. It was dark when I arrived, and it was still raining when I left the next day. I know he seemed very pleased to get it. I told him if he decided he didn't want it for any reason to let me know. I'd take it back in a second. Don't think that is going to happen.
We don't seem to be able to check crime, so why not legalize it and then tax it out of business? - Will Rogers
