TargetTalk

Variation of a very frequent question here, but usually it is focused on what is best to shoot (answer - whatever works for you)

Out of 5 major brands, what do you think is the best wrt. long term cost - ease of access to support, spare parts, servicing, turnaround for repairs/service, etc.?
Especially in PNW, where I do not believe there is any local support for any of them..

TIA.

Because it is a frequent top contender at Olympic levels, and the factory provides videos on how to do a lot of maintenance yourself, I think your best bet is Steyr. Our host (Pilkguns) sells and services them. Even over the long haul, if they close up shop, somebody will continue to import them, and presumably provide service.

Since I bought my first FWB C-20 in 1990, I have never had any issues or had to have them serviced with any FWB I have bought.

Since top brands are equally good in quality, equally priced (some cheaper than others, but all a big chunk of money) and equally precise, for me it comes down to maintenance.
I had problems finding spares for older models on most brands except Steyr and Feinwerkbau.
So my bet is on them.

Hope this helps

One of the longest running still in production and top of the line Air Pistols is the Morini 162.
A number of different variants are available and has had a few upgrades over the years but it was first used in 1992
and has won many medals since then.
Like all Air Pistols, seals/"O" rings need replacing every 5-7 years, they deteriorate with age.
Tanks have a 10 year ISSF life or a 20 yr OHS life if not competing at high level.
The main killer of the electronic trigger has been leaking batteries and neglect.
Poor quality batteries leak and cause black wire syndrome and corrosion.
Looked after there are still some 90's models on the firing line.
Still in production with all parts available, easily repairable and they are nice to shoot.

My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) is that Pilkington is no longer servicing Morinis since Buck left. Buck is only working on Crosman's. My early 1990's 162EI is still shooting fine, but I had it overhauled by Pilkington ~ 2018 or so. If my Morini dies, I have no idea who would fix it, or if I would have to learn to do it myself.

As for leaking batteries, NEVER use Duracells. I've tried a variety of batteries in all sorts of gadgets, and Energizers leak far less often than other brands. I've had more things destroyed by Duracells than any other battery. A student I helped coach went to work for Duracell a number of years ago. They reported that Duracell was aware of the leakage problem, but chose to do nothing about it. Basically, fixing it was more expensive than dealing with the occasional complaint. The student has since quit and gone to work for a company that doesn't intentional sell defective products...

If the boards act up, there was an outfit in India that repairs them. Fortunately, I've never had a problem with either my 162EI or my CM84E free pistol. For a while, it was very difficult to get the 15V batteries the CM84E requires, but that is no longer an issue.

The college team I help coach has 6 Morini air pistols, and we've never had a problem. I always pull the batteries over the summer, just to be safe.

The worst battery failure I have had to repair was a unknown china battery that had sat in the safe for over three years (still left ON).
The battery leak had delaminated the board and corroded the battery holder, black wired all the cables,corroded the plug and even
corroded the micro switch to the extent that the spring finger collapsed.
Repaired with a complete change of internals.
If stored for any length of time, please, remove the battery.

Thanks everybody!

Keeping this alive: looks like (at least at this point) the top votes are split between Steyr and FWB; Morini seems well behind. Interesting that nobody vouched for Pardini, and Walther / Hammerly are just mentioned as "they are used" :)