Gamo PR-776 Revolver - Let the fun begin

Our brilliant sport of airgun shooting can be likened to an umbrella, with all manner of disciplines contained beneath. It truly is a sport for all, with all budgets and tastes catered for. At the top end, and for those that have the inclination, we have tack-driving machines that push the boundaries in terms of performance. But let’s face it, with various top competition airguns now costing north of £3000, the challenge is certainly on to perform with such high-end hardware, and not everyone wants or enjoys such self-inflicted pressure.
If this strikes a chord, then CO2 could well be the answer. It is the power source of choice for fun shooting, and given the versatility of the system, it’s little wonder there’s an abundance of models from which to choose, offering repeater mechanisms of one sort or another.  Pressure-free, and possibly the perfect tonic for stress.

Go ahead punk
On test here is a classic example of just what fun can be had for relatively little outlay. This is the PR-776 Revolver from the Spanish manufacturer, Gamo, and with an all-metal action and smart synthetic grips, first impressions with this model in hand, are very favourable indeed. It balances well, and at 2.5 lbs in weight, there’s an authentic feel for sure. The bold profile is similar to Dan Wesson/Taurus revolvers, and initially, I found it difficult not to start reciting Dirty Harry scripts.  OK, granted his was a .44 Magnum, but hey!
Everything looks very precise and well-made, and the contoured grips actually have a textured feel to them. I love the matte grey of the action, and with the model name laser etched along the barrel, the visuals just work. Alongside the pistol in the box, we get a spare metal rotary magazine (so that means two in all), and the instructions booklet.

Gassing-up
As with so many pistols of this type, the 12-gram CO2 capsule is neatly contained within the grip, and part of the beauty of this model is the relative simplicity and straightforward design. Just slide the black grips rearwards and the chamber is exposed. OK, if I must moan, then the grips slide and open just a little too easily. But hey, it’s no great problem, so let’s not dwell on the negatives.  With the chamber open, insert a new CO2 capsule, neck-first, and then use the tensioning bolt at the base to tighten and gently pierce the capsule. Do this quickly and you’ll probably hear a small hiss. The pistol is now powered, and the grips can be slid closed.

Revolver mechanism
A working revolver mechanism always adds a feeling of authenticity, and here, access is via the small safety button, just to the rear on the left side. Pull back to apply the safety, middle to fire, and push forward to allow the cylinder to swing out. This Gamo fires .177 pellets only, which is perfect in my book, being no fan of BBs. Pellets can be inserted directly into the magazine in situ in the cylinder, or the magazine can be ejected via the silver spring-loaded ejector bar, and then filled. 
Either way, ensure all pellets are seated flush, to allow the cylinder to rotate unhindered.
The trigger is double action, so to fire, we can either pull back the hammer to set the trigger or just pull all the way through. As for the open sights, the foresight gets a useful white dot up front, whilst the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, achieved by using a screwdriver.

Range time
On the range, once the sights were set, I recorded some rested groups, shot with the set trigger, and was rewarded with 1.75” over ten yards. However, the repeating action comes into its own when all eight shots are fired in quick succession, and here, with tin cans bouncing all over the place, the beauty of the design can be fully appreciated. The trigger is relatively light in full flow, and with some 120 shots recorded from the 12-gram capsule before velocity died off, it’s clear this model’s valve setup is pretty efficient! There’s even provision for alternative sighting systems since dovetail rails run along the top of the barrel. So, in theory, a red dot sight or small pistol scope could be utilized. Plenty of versatility on offer then.

Verdict
So, if it sounds like I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of testing this Gamo, you’d be right. In fact, I would say this has to be one of the nicest CO2-powered pistols I have encountered to date. It’s extremely well made, with plenty of performance to reward technique. Factor in the theatrical element and it’s hard not to see this Gamo as a whole lot of fun for the money.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs. for the kind loan of this pistol.