As I mentioned in my previous article, I’ve been away from the office and out at our TX ranch. It affords me the wonderful opportunity to shoot just about whatever I want, whenever I want, as far as I want. That’s not something that I get to do back in Havasu unless I want to take a drive. In TX, I can just step out the front door of my 5th wheel camper and I’m on my “range.”
I had hoped to get in some serious small game hunting and maybe even some predator hunting, but the darn weather and other scheduling issues got in the way of those plans. I did however decide to take an extra day before heading back and just get in some good old fashioned shooting.
Airguns are perfect for everyone
Will you indulge me just for a moment and let me tell you why I love airguns so much? Shooting, from my perspective, is a bit part of our American Heritage. It’s something that’s getting lost due to all manner of reasons. Much of the “fear” that folks have today about guns stems from a general ignorance about them. Airguns are a way to break down the fear barrier that seems to hold so many back from being willing to even touch a “gun.” My “day of shooting” was a great example of how Airguns can really play a part in breaking down that barrier of fear and ignorance.
Here’s my “lawyer” brother-in-law getting ready to shoot the Sam Yang 909 .45 Cal.It was a great opportunity to have folks from all walks of life and age groups to handle some pretty cool airguns. I had something that would appeal to just about any type of shooter. From the new Umarex APX youth multi-pump, to the Sam Yang 909 .45 Cal big bore monster. I had young shooters, older shooters, men & women. There were folks with zero experience, never having ever touched a gun and previously terrified to do so, to ex-military Special Forces types.
My nephew Sammy trying out the new Multi-Pump APX from Umarex.By the end of the day, everyone had taken turns shooting the various options with not a single frown to be seen. Everyone left with a big smile having had a great time. About the only disappointment was that we had to stop shooting because dinner was on the table and we were about to run out of daylight.
The Evanix Max ML Bullpup – The gun that stole the day
Hands down the gun that got the most use was the Max ML .357. Everyone wanted to shoot it and nobody wanted to share! I spent most of my time playing referee and running back and forth to my big Air Venturi Carbon Fiber tank trying to keep it filled up.
I’m getting the Max ML ready for the next shooter.I’ll put all my cards on the table here. When I first had the chance to shoot an Evanix Max ML Bullpup, I was not all that crazy about it. I found it heavy and a little uncomfortable to shoot. But, now that I’ve got one here in the shop and I’ve been able to take some time to get it setup to my liking, I have to say that my opinion has changed quite a bit. I specifically requested the .357 caliber as I’m more and more interested in big bore airguns. The more I shoot the Max ML in .357, the more I like it. And, I was not the only one either.
Everyone loved shooting the Max ML!The Max ML .357 (full review coming soon…) is essentially the traditional Evanix side lever action that’s been fitted to a bullpup style stock. It seems heavy for such a short gun when you first pick it up. But, when you shoulder it, the weight shifts back over the grip and it’s very easy to hold and maneuver. As it has no open sights, I mounted a 2.5-10×44 Hawke Varmint Side Focus scope with a set of high rings. The combination works very well and allows for close range, quick target acquisition, should I be hunting in the scrub brush, or longer range precision shooting, should the need arise for some longer shots.
Karen, a new shooter, really loved shooting the Max ML.Both types of shooting were put to the test as we shot MegaBOOM bottles at 25 yards and tin cans suspended in the mesquite some 50 and 60 yards away. It didn’t really matter what we were shooting at or where we put it, the Max ML .357 with the JSB .357 pellets put lead on target with great reliability. The 7 shot magazine combined with the smooth side lever action were a big part of the appeal.
Max ML .357 vs 2L coke bottle. Now you see it… Now you don’t!What’s up next?
I’ve got a lot of product here in the shop. With the holidays coming up, I hope to get some useful info out to you all in a timely and efficient manner. If you have specific questions or would like to see information on a specific product, simply reach out to Airgun Depot or drop a note here in the comments. We love to hear from our readers!
