Some of these vintage SSP 10 meter air pistols gave the high end PCPs a real challenge as far as accuracy, though. In fact, one of them is legendary. It's the Baikal IZH 46M, affectionately called the "Izzy". It's big and heavy and awkward compared to PCP 10 meter air pistols, but it is very accurate.
Unfortunately, the Izzy was a victim of sanctions the U.S. placed on Russia some years ago, due to Baikal also manufacturing military weapons. This means this original Baikal version can no longer be imported. The good news is there is a new version made by a different Russian gun maker that can be imported. It's called the AV (Air Venturi) 46M.
I bought my original Izzy from an old forum friend who was using it for competition. He did the stippling job on the wood. It does help with the grip.
Here's a pic of the Izzy with the cocking arm fully extended and the breech open and ready for loading. Being a 10 meter air pistol, velocity is 480 fps or so. (Has to stay under 500 fps to be legal for 10m competition.)
Another plus for the Izzy is that it is easy to add an optic, thanks to several sources for scope mounts. Mine now wears a 2-7x Hawke AO scope, though I mostly use a red dot on this gun. The scope is perfect for long range accuracy work, though.
And it is 30 yard accurate, too. Shot this group this afternoon and it was quite breezy, too. Also under an inch, just like the Steyer PCP. Like I said, the Izzy could shoot right with the high end PCPs in its day.
