Pyramyd Air Cup 2026 - The Journey Begins With A Stutter

[Billm]

Well, I’m not going to deny it, I was going to bail out on the PAC at 2am when I went to bed. As I’ve been documenting on here, I’ve had a rough time with my Panthera MKII. I thought I had it all good to go, but then realized that the leak was only half of the battle. But, I’ll create another thread about issue. Bottom line I left it too late to get another rifle ready. Then to really make things worse my GSX CS4, died. At 1:30am I had it apart on the kitchen counter, with no last minute success. First thought: forget the trip. Second thought:screwup! Go anyway! It’s all on me: poor decisions and some procrastination. I had mentioned weeks ago in the GSX thread that I thought my CS4 was dying, but, I didn’t plan for it actually happening. I had other rifles that I could have gotten ready, but I chose to insist on the FX. In my defense, it is a very accurate rifle when it wants to be.
So we got up at 5am and with 3 hours sleep, a broken compressor, probably a broken gun and not much air, started the 900 mile drive to the Pyramyd Air Cup. It’ll be a learning experience if nothing else . An expensive experience, but hopefully a fun one. I accept fully responsibility for the outcome LOL. It is what it is.

 

[hameditor]

Well, I’m not going to deny it, I was going to bail out on the PAC at 2am when I went to bed. As I’ve been documenting on here, I’ve had a rough time with my Panthera MKII. I thought I had it all good to go, but then realized that the leak was only half of the battle. But, I’ll create another thread about issue. Bottom line I left it too late to get another rifle ready. Then to really make things worse my GSX CS4, died. At 1:30am I had it apart on the kitchen counter, with no last minute success. First thought: forget the trip. Second thought:screwup! Go anyway! It’s all on me: poor decisions and some procrastination. I had mentioned weeks ago in the GSX thread that I thought my CS4 was dying, but, I didn’t plan for it actually happening. I had other rifles that I could have gotten ready, but I chose to insist on the FX. In my defense, it is a very accurate rifle when it wants to be.
So we got up at 5am and with 3 hours sleep, a broken compressor, probably a broken gun and not much air, started the 900 mile drive to the Pyramyd Air Cup. It’ll be a learning experience if nothing else . An expensive experience, but hopefully a fun one. I accept fully responsibility for the outcome LOL. It is what it is.View attachment 22458View attachment 22459

Bill, drive safely! I look forward to meeting you in Ohio

 

[Billm]

Bill, drive safely! I look forward to meeting you in Ohio

We will thanks. I look forward to meeting you also.

 

[BenjeneerJohn]

We will see you there. Don't worry about air. There is plenty around and PA has people filling tanks.

Take a bunch of sighters and hold for the velocity shift. You will learn and have fun either way!

John

 

[Billm]

We will see you there. Don't worry about air. There is plenty around and PA has people filling tanks.

Take a bunch of sighters and hold for the velocity shift. You will learn and have fun either way!

John

Thanks John, I will see you there.

 

[FL22]

Good luck Bill. Hope more than that, you have fun

 

[wolfmangreg]

Godspeed & have a great time!

Dunno when you're heading back, but if a pitstop is in order while on I-75 in northern Kentucky, whatever meal is appropriate at that time is on me if you're interested.

 

[pan60]

be safe!

 

[Auto1191]

I hope you brought your Panthera, their will be some great people their that could repair your rifle, just ask, & Happy Trails

 

[Billm]

I hope you brought your Panthera, their will be some great people their that could repair your rifle, just ask, & Happy Trails

I did, I also brought the Bull Barrel, I was told FX would be at the shoot.

 

[Billm]

Good luck Bill. Hope more than that, you have fun

Thanks.

Godspeed & have a great time!

Dunno when you're heading back, but if a pitstop is in order while on I-75 in northern Kentucky, whatever meal is appropriate at that time is on me if you're interested.

 

[Billm]

Godspeed & have a great time!

Dunno when you're heading back, but if a pitstop is in order while on I-75 in northern Kentucky, whatever meal is appropriate at that time is on me if you're interested.

Thanks. I appreciate the offer. We are from the the Panhandle and so we take I65. I think we are going to head back late Saturday night. That’s a really nice offer. Thanks again.

 

[Pumacarl]

Just have fun with it, do the raffle thing, you'll probably win another gun. Definately hit on FX to fix your barrel. I have noticed that the people that are worried about doing well, don't seem to have much fun. To me, those people already lost. Have a good time on your trip Bill!

 

[RobbieGio]

Good luck, Bill. Least you are keeping your spirits up. Hopefully, the FX reps there can answer some questions; or, put you in touch with someone to get the ball rolling on corrective actions.

 

[duchunter007]

Good luck Bill!! You will have a good time!

 

[Billm]

Good luck, Bill. Least you are keeping your spirits up. Hopefully, the FX reps there can answer some questions; or, put you in touch with someone to get the ball rolling on corrective actions.

Thanks, the FX USA response has been phenomenal.

 

[Billm]

Good luck Bill!! You will have a good time!

We are exhausted, but already having a great time. I was hoping that you would make it.

 

[Billm]

The wife Elaine I arrived here at 2pm today. Skipped checking into the hotel and went straight to the range. Registered for 100yd benchrest. Received a cool swag bag with some neat towels, keychains, bottle openers, stickers and more. Met Tyler Patner. I mentioned Hard Air Magazine and he said you’re BillM aren’t you. I laughed and said yes . He responded: its all good. LOL. He then took the time to walk a novice through everything that I needed to know about participating in the event. I also met Calvin Cieslak who also was very friendly and helpful. Everybody that I have met has been very friendly.
The benches were all taken for practice. I patiently waited for a bench to open up. Bench 32 opened up, that’s convenient, I drew the first round at 34. Then the fun began. First four shots fell below the target. That was expected, as usual the first 5 shots were 810-897fps. The next shots were 844-974fps. At least it was consistent. I used windflags placed by the gentleman next to me. Left to right winds. Four MOA shift to the right. Winds were constantly shifting. He had 3 flags out, not one pointed in the same direction. He told me that the conditions were calm compared to normal. I shot roughly 50 pellets. I used the time to try and get my scope sighted close when the wind was calm. Hopefully it will be close in the morning. I skipped the last 30 minutes of practice, so that I could show FX my Bull Barrel and Panthera. They agreed that the threads looked rough, but thought that I had cleaned them up enough to use it. They also agreed there was an issue with the rifle. I had Airbuks and the techs from FX USA looking at it. They offered to break it down. I decided to wait until after the first card. The valve seat that I replaced may be the issue, the new ones are keyed, the MK1s are not. They twist causing velocity deviations. They also believe the rifle is at its best using 110-120bar. I’ll follow up with what happens. All I can say us, what a great bunch of guys. Just what I’ve experienced so far has made the trip worthwhile.

 

[PapaT]

The wife Elaine I arrived here at 2pm today. Skipped checking into the hotel and went straight to the range. Registered for 100yd benchrest. Received a cool swag bag with some neat towels, keychains, bottle openers, stickers and more. Met Tyler Patner. I mentioned Hard Air Magazine and he said you’re BillM aren’t you. I laughed and said yes . He responded: its all good. LOL. He then took the time to walk a novice through everything that I needed to know about participating in the event. I also met Calvin Cieslak who also was very friendly and helpful. Everybody that I have met has been very friendly.
The benches were all taken for practice. I patiently waited for a bench to open up. Bench 32 opened up, that’s convenient, I drew the first round at 34. Then the fun began. First four shots fell below the target. That was expected, as usual the first 5 shots were 810-897fps. The next shots were 844-974fps. At least it was consistent. I used windflags placed by the gentleman next to me. Left to right winds. Four MOA shift to the right. Winds were constantly shifting. He had 3 flags out, not one pointed in the same direction. He told me that the conditions were calm compared to normal. I shot roughly 50 pellets. I used the time to try and get my scope sighted close when the wind was calm. Hopefully it will be close in the morning. I skipped the last 30 minutes of practice, so that I could show FX my Bull Barrel and Panthera. They agreed that the threads looked rough, but thought that I had cleaned them up enough to use it. They also agreed there was an issue with the rifle. I had Airbuks and the techs from FX USA looking at it. They offered to break it down. I decided to wait until after the first card. The valve seat that I replaced may be the issue, the new ones are keyed, the MK1s are not. They twist causing velocity deviations. They also believe the rifle is at its best using 110-120bar. I’ll follow up with what happens. All I can say us, what a great bunch of guys. Just what I’ve experienced so far has made the trip worthwhile.

Glad you stuck to it to find your fun!

 

[duchunter007]

We are exhausted, but already having a great time. I was hoping that you would make it.

Maybe next year, Pesty is out there with his wife