Want to be a better pistol shot?

Most shooters do, yet surprisingly few of us shoot nearly as well as we're capable of. That's a pity, because pistol shooting is really a simple process.

There are only four critical steps to sending bullet after bullet through the X-ring. They are:

1) Correctly align the sights.

2) Shift the focus to the front sight.

3) Depress the trigger without disturbing that alignment.

4) Keep the pistol aligned until the bullet exits the barrel.

We all know this, but the difficulty arises in executing the process perfectly time after time. What's the secret to improving our game? Practice of course. But not just sending a lot of bullets down range. What we need are short daily sessions of very methodical and careful practice.

The very best way to achieve that is at home with an accurate, quiet, inexpensive-to-shoot air pistol. For our uses we don't require a pricey Olympic-grade instrument. but we do need a pistol that shoots extremely well, with adjustable sights and a good trigger, and that describes Gamo's Compact Target Pistol.



Made in Spain, the Gamo Compact has every feature we need for improving our shooting. Sights consist of a patridge front and a unique rear sight adjustable for windage, elevation and, interestingly, an adjustable sighting notch width. Sight radius is a generous 9.25 inches. The trigger is also adjustable..

The hand-filling target stocks are of European walnut, stippled for a sure grip and with an adjustable heel shelf. The 8-inch barrel is of steel and rifled for .177 pellets.

Operation couldn't be simpler. Press the release button below the rear sight and the top portion of the pistol pivots up and forward. Insert your pellet directly into the barrel then close the action. Cocking effort is light, the report is mild, and the recoilless discharge produces roughly 400 fps. That, by the way, is more than adequate for pest elimination, such as rats.

Accuracy is good, really good. From across the room if you don't string your shot holes together it's your own darn fault.

Features

* Caliber: .177 Pellet Velocity: 400 fps
* Weight: 1.94 lbs
* Barrel Length: 6.75" / Overall Length: 12.6"
* Number of Pumps: 1
* Trigger Pull: Adjustable
* Action: Single Stroke Pneumatic
* Over-lever cocking / Single Shot
* Barrel: Precision Rifled Steel / Finish: Blued
* Sights: Front Post,
* Rear sight notch can be adjusted to open or close
* Scope Rail: No
* Trigger: Finely Adjustable Match
* Safety: No
* Grips: RH Ergonomic Walnut Target Grip (LH available, waiting for confirmation)
* with Adjustable Heel Plate
* Usage: Target Practice / Ten-Meter Competition