Xisico XS-B3-1 Air Rifle

 

By Todd Cooper

 

 

For several years I have been reading about the many competitively priced Chinese Xisico airguns, available in the USA and now in Canada. As always, I prefer to test a product myself and document findings to form my own opinion and also for the benefit of other airgunners.

 

As of March 2005, the Xisico-USA airgun selection encompassed 19 different models. In Canada, our Xisico choices are growing from many non-PAL models to possibly include the higher velocity rifles in the near future.

 

As I looked through the selection of Canadian imported, non-PAL rated, Xisico airguns, I found myself drawn to the AK-47 copy. This rifle is labelled as the XS-B3-1. At first I was caught between the B3 and B7 but finally opted for the military looking B3 version in .22 calibre. Apparently, the B7 has the same receiver tube installed in a wooden sporter stock rather than the AK style with pistol grip and folding metal butt stock.

 

The XS-B3 is a heavy built, side cocking, spring-piston rifle with adjustable sights, scope rail, and folding stock. My B3 was purchased through an online mail order dealer and was not a selected rifle. The package was received within a week and was in perfect condition. Inside the shipping box was the rifle, company product brochure, specifications sheet, cocking/loading directions, and the cleaning/parts kit (purchased extra).

 

My first impressions of the B3 were very good. The all metal construction, real bluing, and solid feel were welcome features. In this price range I have become accustom to the typical plastic or painted pot metal parts and flimsy design. With the B3 even the sights are all metal construction.

 

After a quick barrel cleaning I shot a few dozen pellets to get a feel for the rifle. Velocity was likely erratic during these initial shots, due to excess oils being burned during compression. The two main disappointments quickly became evident after this initial shooting session. The stock pull was only 12” and the trigger pull was about 10 pounds. Yuck! Something had to be done before I went any further with this rifle.

 

The stock pull length was easily extended with the addition of a thick rubber buttpad and a piece of ¾” scrap oak I had laying around. Ahhh… much better. The pull length was now 13.75” and fit me perfectly.

 

The trigger pull would likely lighten as it smoothed out from more usage but I didn’t want to wait the time. The trigger was polished with a hard Arkansas stone and lubricated with moly paste during the lubricant tune procedure, which immediately followed the stock extension modification. After the tune, and a few hundred shots, the trigger pull released at 3 lbs 1.8 oz. The pull still has a tiny bit of creep but I don’t find it to be excessive or bothersome. Next I tried the popular method of taking up the creep with the safety engaged and then releasing the safety to complete the trigger pull and fire the shot. This technique resulted in a light pull weight of 1 lb 13.8 oz but I’m not sure how safe this method would be for everyday shooting. This method sets the trigger up for a knife edge engagement which might not be a good idea for a simple single stage design. Sear wear or a jarring to a cocked rifle could produce an unplanned shot. For safety reasons it’s best to stay away from this questionable trigger technique.

 

The only other change made to the rifle was a small alteration at the forend. The wood was chopped immediately behind the side sling swivel and left flat on the end. This was done for aesthetic reasons only and had no bearing on performance or function. After the wood was shortened I sanded the end smooth, bevelled the edges, stained, and applied several coats of Tru-Oil to seal out the elements. The barrel channel seemed slightly offset so I opened it up a bit and applied some epoxy compound to give a close and centered fit. While I had everything apart, I sealed all wood inletting with several coats of Teak Oil.

 

Other Facts:

  The bottom corner of the buttstock hinge was very sharp but a file took care of that little problem.

  The folding stock hinge is so cool I find myself opening and closing it just for the feel. The design locks in the closed and open position. A push of the metal button releases the metal hinge for movement.

  The crown on the muzzle is a nice contour which resembles the crown on a decent quality rimfire rifle. There are no burrs or messy cutting.

  When I look down the barrel, with a white paper in the breech, the rifling appears shiny like a mirror.

  The metal bluing looks quite good on the B3. No painted enamel parts could be found. There are several grind marks found on the lower receiver but they are blued. This is not a Weatherby, but rather a low priced military style air rifle.

  The cocking arm has a metal push button closure. The arm itself is much heavier than the one on my IZH-61.

  The section that links to the piston is almost 0.20" thick solid machined steel.

  The stock finish is the typical finish and stain combination with no grain visible. Functional but not pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HISTORY

 

The Jiang Su Xin Su Machinery Manufacturing Co. Ltd, often shortened to Xisico, was established back in 1965. The company was originally focused on manufacturing 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles and 7.62mm pistols for military use. Their manufacturing skills have contributed greatly to the cause of the Chinese national defense.

 

In the late 1970s the Xisico company began manufacturing firearms for civilian use. These new products included air rifles, air pistols, shotguns, and accessories. The company is very proud of their skills and achievements in the firearms industry. Xisico airguns display a “BAM” emblem on the receiver which stands for Best Airgun Manufacturer in China.

 

During the 1990s the Xisico company spread their technology skills to the manufacturing of high pressure hydraulics for domestic usage and export. This new movement further spread to the production of hydraulic disc brake systems for motorcycles.

 

The Xisico company now manufactures over 100 products for domestic and export purposes. Over the last 40 years the company has experienced extreme growth and has contributed greatly to the productivity in China. Enhanced skills, technology, and determination have enabled Xisico to become what it is today. Their company motto reflects this determination, “Try, try till better is the best!”.

 

Note: the above history information was created from the Xisico company brochure

 

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

* including hinge

** barrel is tapered from .648" at receiver to .551" at muzzle

*** no pellet count was stated

 

 

 

 

SAFETY MECHANISMS

 

The XS-B3 features three different safety devices, which should help reduce accident potential. The devices include a manual safety lever, anti-bear trap mechanism, and trigger block device.

 

As with many other airguns the B3 has a simple manual safety, which blocks the trigger movement. This safety is a turning lever type located on the left side of the receiver. The lever may be turned in either direction to accomplish the block. It would be a wise precaution to engage this safety when the cocking lever is fully open, before inserting a pellet. The safety can then be disengaged prior to shooting.

 

The side cocking arm is linked to an anti-bear trap ratchet mechanism which prevents accidental closure before reaching the full cocking motion. If your hand should slip off the arm during the cocking motion, the ratchet system would prevent the arm from slamming closed under spring power.

 

The third device is an automatic trigger block bar. This device works in conjunction with the ratchet system. When the cocking arm is fully open the trigger block bar will jam the trigger to prevent movement and accidental firing. The bar moves away from the trigger when the cocking arm is closed for shooting.

 

As with all firearms safety devices they should never be trusted for perfect function. Mechanical parts can become worn or damaged from continued use so extra precautions are needed. With a side cocker it’s always a good idea to block the cocking arm with your upper arm when loading a pellet. The technique is not too difficult to master and it prevents the sliding breech from slamming on fingers if the mechanical safety devices failed.

 

 

 

 

VELOCITY TESTS

 

My.22 caliber Xisico XS-B3 has all the original factory parts. The spring ends were polished and a lubricant tune was completed using Macarri moly paste. Velocities were charted after approximately 400 break-in shots.

 

 

Notes:

  CZ Boxer was a loose head fit (sloppy)

  Beeman Trophy was a tight head fit

  Beeman FTS was a tight head fit

  the RWS and Ruko pellets had a slip fit at the head

  pellet fit seems to effect velocity

  average velocity for all three 14.3/14.5 grain pellet types was 497 fps

  manufacture test pellet was likely 14.3/14.5 grains for Canadian market

 

 

 

ACCURACY TESTS

 

For accuracy testing I shot 6 groups with each pellet type and averaged the best 5 groups. I think 5 groups of 5 shots each gives a reasonable indication of accuracy potential. A single 5 shot group or 3 shot groups leaves much to question. Even 5 groups of 5 could leave some questions.

 

All my shooting was from a firm front rest. A softer rest might give tighter groups but I have difficulty keeping the crosshairs steady with a soft pillow up front. Experimenting with hold techniques, rest firmness, and rest position all effect accuracy. This was something I did not take time to investigate.

 

A different pellet selection may also give tighter groups. The Xisico brand match pellet might be one worth trying in this Xisico rifle. The JSB and H&N pellets are also known to be consistent many rifles.

 

Finally, I should mention that this rifle has about 800 pellets down the barrel. Further shooting could improve accuracy somewhat. Experimenting with a new muzzle crown could also change results.

 

 

 

 

 

MOUNTING OPTICS

 

The XS-B3 has a short 3.4 inch scope rail which functions fine for a red dot sight or a rifle scope. In my opinion, the design of the rifle seems to balance and look proper with a short dot sight mounted. My plan is to mount a scope for accuracy testing and then switch back to the red dot for casual plinking.

 

The scope rail on the B3 is not cut directly into the receiver tube, like with the B7. The B3 uses a hardened metal extension bar extending back from the rear sight. A horizontal screw through the rear sight base is used to fasten the front end of the rail and a small Phillips screw is used to fasten the back end. This arrangement could allow a slight bit of side wobble if the screws became loose. I took a precautionary measure and applied a bead of Automotive Goop to the underside of the rail and stuck it to the cleaned receiver surface. Goop is a flexible adhesive that seems to hold up to the mild recoil of the B3 rifle. The purpose of the Goop is to hold the rail snugly against the receiver with the help of the factory screws. After more than 800 shots my rail is still holding solid.

 

Sliding optics becomes a bit of a problem on the B3 rail. There are no recoil stud holes or recoil stops so optics will often creep off the back of the rail unless a special fastening method is used. When using a red dot and scope I applied a large drop of Goop under each mount claw and had no scope creep problems. Apparently a heavy-duty mount with dual screws for each claw will allow a tight enough adjustment to avoid optics movement. The Goop seems to work fine for me and with a bit of work it can be removed. Another approach I have seen is to drill a small hole through the rails and use screws or a small bolt to fasten a metal “C” shaped strap across the top of the rails. When placed in the proper position, this strap and screws will act as a recoil stop. I tried to use this method but had grief drilling holes through the rails. After using 3 old HSS drill bits and a new 1/8” HSS I only had a small dimple in the hardened rail. A harder drill bit material might do the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRON SIGHTS

 

The sights on the XS-B3 are not as bad as I expected for such a low priced rifle. The elevation is adjustable with the metal slider bar located on the metal rear sight (like many military rifles and CZ-452 rimfire rifles). The windage is adjusted on the metal front sight by using a drift punch on the side of the sight post. This tap and check method was used back when rimfire rifles had dovetailed rear sights (like Ruger 10/22).

 

If the rear sight runs out of elevation the front sight can be adjusted for elevation too. A special tool needs to be used but I think a standard AK-47 or SKS sight tool will work fine. A tool could likely be made to accomplish this task but I managed to use a pair of needle-nosed pliers with slim tips. I dropped the front sight two turns to allow the rear sight to use a very low setting for 10m. This gives more vertical adjustment at the rear sight for longer shooting distances.

 

The front sight is not the typical plastic stuff found on many low priced airguns. It looks very similar to the sight that I saw on an SKS at a local gunshop. This beast is solid steel! My windage adjustment put the sight post a little bit to one side and I didn't like that look. I tapped the front sight frame with a urethane hammer but it didn't move at all. A few good wacks with the urethane hammer moved the entire sight housing just enough to allow a centered front sight post for center hits. The sight housing/frame did not bend or get distorted at all. Military construction.

 

The only problem I had with my sights was a rear sight with a bit of side play. The straight bar that the slider rides on would wobble back and forth in the base. My simple solution was to pop out the cross pin, remove the slider bar, and slightly bend the sides of the base inwards until the fit was tight. This approach worked perfectly and I now have a wobble free sight. I originally tried to bend the sides with the slider bar in place but the metal would flex back and the sight would not tighten as much as I desired.

 

Overall, I appreciate the heavy-duty metal design of the B3 sights. This is a real bonus in today’s plastic world.

 

 

 

 

 

POWER PARTS - SEALS & SPRINGS

 

  The synthetic snap-on piston seal is easily changed. The seal pops onto a disc, just like HW seals.

  Breech seal is synthetic.

  The piston is straight walled with no flared skirt. It has a piston rod.

  The mainspring has flat ground ends. The spring quality seems okay but mine has a few very minor bends and wear marks. I will use it until breakage and then swap to the straight one from the Cleaning/Parts Kit.

  The tubular metal spring guide is secured to a metal washer base.

 

 

 

 

The new mainspring came with the Xisico Cleaning Kit, along with two breech seals, piston seal, B4 trigger spring, B4 cocking arm catch, cleaning rod, oil, bore brush, and bore mop. The instructions on this cleaning/parts kit state that it is for the B-3-1, B-3-2, and B4 rifles. The B7 is not mentioned but the spring and seals should work fine for this rifle too.

 

Oddly, the original factory mainspring and the new spring (in cleaning/parts kit) are wound in opposite directions. The wire thickness measures the same but the kit spring has 3 more coils. The extra 1” length could possibly be from the compressed state of the factory installed spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISASSEMBLY AND TUNING

 

Disassembly Instructions

 

1 – Remove stock bolt located under forend (Phillips)

2 – Remove bolt on top of receiver, at rear (Phillips)

3 – Lower receiver and stock should separate from upper receiver

4 – Remove small screw at rear of scope rail (small Phillips)

5 – Remove cocking lever pivot screw from bottom of receiver (slotted screw)

6 – Carefully lift cocking lever and separate hooked end of linkage from compression chamber (lift away from rifle)

7 – Remove trigger return spring

8 – Apply pressure to endcap (with spring compressor) and tap out receiver crosspin. Trigger will drop out when free from crosspin.

9 – Slowly allow spring to decompress

10 – End cap, spring guide, and spring will lift from receiver

11 – Grab piston rod with hooked tool or needle-nosed plyers and pull out of receiver tube

12 – Tap out rear most crosspin in ratchet frame (located below receiver)

13 – Manipulate ratchet wedge (and hold in position) to allow ratchet bar to lift away from receiver

14 – Lift ratchet bar away from compression chamber and slide toward back of receiver. Cross slot in receiver must be used to allow ratchet bar to be removed from compression chamber.

15 – Trigger block safety bar (aluminum part) will slide out rear of ratchet frame/box. Small spring is located in end groove of aluminum trigger block bar.

16 – Last two crosspins must be drifted out to completely remove ratchet bar and ratchet wedge (not recommended).

 

Note: when reassembling, make sure piston rod hook faces down and piston slot lines up with square notch in compression chamber.

 

 

 

Simple Tuning Instructions

 

1 – Polish spring ends with emery paper (80-150-220 grit).

2 – Bevel sharp ends of spring wire.

3 – Lightly stone/polish receiver cocking slot and piston slot.

4 – Slightly bevel seal end of piston body (remove sharp edge).

5 – Carefully polish trigger sear engagement surface with hard stone. Maintain angle.

6 – Carefully polish piston rod hook with hard stone. Maintain angle.

7 – Wipe down all metal parts with clean cloths (inside/outside).

8 – Burnish moly paste into compression chamber using electric drill and cleaning rod with patch.

9 – Apply thin coat of moly paste to:

      Mainspring body (inside/outside/ends).

      Piston body (inside/outside), stem, and slot.

      Perimeter of piston seal.

      Spring guide.

      Compression chamber (inside/outside).

      Receiver tube (inside) and cocking slot.

      Trigger engagement surface and pivot pin.

      Cocking arm pin.

      Hook on end of cocking arm linkage.

10 - A 50/50 mixture of moly paste and Pellgunoil (30W-ND oil) can be worked into the cocking arm linkage pivot pin, cocking arm release button, and under ratchet bar.

11 – Apply lithium grease to aluminum trigger block bar.

12 – All metal exterior surfaces should be wiped down with a suitable oil protectant. My preference is RemOil or Lube-1.

13 – All unfinished interior wood surfaces can be sealed with Danish Oil, Tung Oil, Teak Oil, or Tru-Oil.

14 – Clean barrel.

 

 

 

PARTS DIAGRAM

 

 

 

 

SHOOTING CHARACTERISTICS

 

The XS-B3 is a comfortable rifle to shoot, once the stock has been lengthened and the trigger tuned. I prefer the feel of the rifle with the factory iron sights because the butt stock gives a firm contact to my cheek. With the optics mounted I would prefer a slight elevation to the comb. This could easily be accomplished by adding height to the straight comb with a piece of black conduit or a painted section of dowel/broomstick.

 

My shooting tests are very limited during the winter months so time was spent indoors at 10 metres. The RWS Super-H-Point seems to be a reasonable accuracy performer in the rifle so this pellet was used for all shooting.

 

The groups below were all shot within 30 minutes without too much concentration on holding technique. I actually shot 6 groups in all but one had a slight flyer, opening the group to 1.20”. This group was not included in the average for the series.

 

 

This average seems to be typical for my ability with this rifle. In the past month I have shot many 5 pellet offhand groups from 10 meters that measure .60” to .90”. The B3 is not a tricky rifle to shoot and it doesn’t seem to be very sensitive to holding techniques.

 

Only one offhand group series was shot using the scope. Magnification was set at 9X to shoot 6 groups at 10m. The best 5 were used to calculate an average.

 

 

From looking at the offhand groups above I feel the B3 might shoot tighter benchrest groups if a softer front rest was used. Accuracy seems very good from the offhand position and, being mainly an air pistol shooter, I rarely shoot offhand with rifles. Maybe I will eventually do more benchrest shooting with the B3 to see how groups are effected with different types of front rests.

 

 

 

BRIEF SUMMARY

 

Here is a very brief summary of the .22 calibre Xisico XS-B3:

 

  Velocity  =  497 fps with 14.5 grain pellet (non-PAL in Canada)

  Accuracy  =  0.5” at 10 metres and 1.0” at 20 yards (5 shot groups)

  Construction  =  7 pounds of steel and wood

  Price  =  Reasonable

 

Simple modifications to my rifle:

 

  Stock extension

  Trigger tune

  Lubricant tune

  Scope rail glued (Goop)

  Rear sight tightened

  Forend shortened

 

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