9-**).

9478&>8
VOLUME 46 ISSUE 6

EDITORIAL
Editor: Dave Barham
dave.barham@fieldsportspress.com
Consultant Editor: Jim Tyler
Chief Sub-editor: Rosie Barham
Art Editor: Louise Walker
Official Archivist: John Milewski

SALES
Fieldsports Press
Macnab House, 14 Belford Rd, Edinburgh
EH4 3BL. Tel: +44 (0)1371 851890
Client Account Manager: Vanessa Zeolla
T: 01315 730400 M: 07918 767249
vanessa.zeolla@fieldsportspress.com
Commercial Team Leader: Sharon Simmill
T: 01315 730400 M: 07501 226711
sharon.simmill@fieldsportspress.com
Ad Production Manager: Sharon Wells

PUBLISHING
Managing Director: Dom Holtam
T: 01315 730410 .WJFQQ^INISѣY\FSYYTXJSIYMNXTSJGFHP9MJ'70'WTHTHP,MTXYNXFSFGXTQZYJLJRTKFWNKQJYTXMTTY
dom.holtam@fieldsportspress.com
ello everyone, and welcome and I are coming back to the during 2022 in regard to pellets
Publishing Consultant: Derek Barnes

SUBSCRIPTIONS
H to the January 2023 issue
of Airgun World. First off I wish
Shooting & Country TV YouTube
channel with some squirrel-
and the mammoth amount of
testing he has done. Paired with
Subscription queries? T: 01371 851890 you all a very Merry Christmas. specific films from this very Pete Evans’ reviews and some
Overseas T: +44 1371 851890 I’ve just returned from a hunt! I’ll let you know more great hunting material from
Online: www.airgunshooting.co.uk wonderful week away with my details as and when it all comes Mick Garvey and Russ Douglas
Email: orders@fieldsportspress.com wife, Toni. We drove over to the to fruition, but couldn’t be more as well as Jim Tyler’s expertise,
Write: ESco, Trinity House, Sculpins West Coast of Ireland to sample excited about it. and John Milewski’s antiques,
Lane, Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex, the Wild Atlantic Way scenery, I’m sure you’ll agree that we’ve
CM7 4AY and we weren’t dissappointed GHOST STORIES got a great team here.
www.esco.co.uk, enquiries@esco.co.uk - what a stunning place to visit! I really enjoyed testing this
T: 01371 851800 As I sit here writing this, I’m month’s cover rifle, the new PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
back to reality and substandard BRK Brocock Ghost. Even As always, please keep your
PRINTING/DISTRIBUTION Guinness here in Lincolnshire, moreso because I got to shoot emails coming, you can ask the
News distribution: Seymour, with the task of getting the Feb the 100 ft.lbs. .30 version at the team anything and we’ll do our
86 Newman Street, London issues of Airgun World and Air launch event. What a piece of kit very best to help – and send me
W1T 3EX.
Gunner to the printers in just that is! As far as mechanical more of those junior shooting
T: 020 7396 8000
kate.scofield@seymour.co.uk three weeks! It happens every rifles go, this is one of the best I pics please too, for the Air
Printed in England: ISSN 1741-1939 year because most printers shut have used to date – it’s just so Gunner junior pages! Drop me a
Printing: MRC Print Ltd down for the Christmas period, slick. line at: dave.barham@
so we’re always on a tight fieldsportspress.com 
TO BUY A BACK ISSUE OF schedule. That means I don’t GREAT FEATURES
AIRGUN WORLD CALL have many opportunities to get As always, we have some great

01371 851890 out shooting, but that’s okay, I

always make up for it over
content for you in this issue, and
for all you pistol lovers, the UBC
Christmas. As luck would have boys have put a great little piece
FOR ALL BASA ENQUIRIES CALL it, a good friend has just offered together detailing their favourite
01371 851890 me one of the best squirrel 13 budget pistols. Turn to page EDITOR
shoots imaginable, with the very 44 to see what they
5ZGQNXMJIRTSYMQ^G^ real chance of 100+ from a recommend. Tim Finley has put
+NJQIXUTWYX5WJXX1NRNYJI Reminder - February issue
couple of days shooting – keep together his Top 5 Plinkers on
your eyes peeled for that in the page 36, whilst Gary Wain looks is on sale on Wednesday the
11th of January!
New Year, because Terry Doe back at what he has learned

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 3

CONTENTS
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9*89p10 03 Editor’s Welcome
BRK BROCOCK GHOST The Editor is excited about a forthcoming
squirrel hunt

07 News
News of innovative products and airgun-
related dates for your diary

16 Points Of You
Here’s where you can exchange views, or
have your say about what matters to you

18 Subscriptions
Take out a subscription to your favourite
airgun magazine, and save money

20 Pellet Lessons
Gary Wain recaps on a year’s worth of pellet
research, and lessons learned

36 Dr Finley
Tim revisits his 2015 list of ‘best plinking
pistols’ – what’s changed?

40 Slider Show
Terry Doe finds the perfect owner for the
late Ken Turner’s ‘stainless slider’

42 Shooting & Country TV

Take a look at the latest shooting and
hunting videos - exciting stuff ahead!

43 UBC
Jason Curtis look at a ‘baker’s dozen’ entry-
level pistols from Umarex

2.(0,&7;*>p26
SQUIRREL HUNTING

4 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 CONTENTS

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2&92&33.3,p32
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

50 The Obvious Choice 76 Budget Quality 2

Pete Evans tries out a compact scope, ideal Pete Evans investigates further into his
for today’s bullpups – the AirMax Compact stripped-down Milbro Explorer

58 Airgunning for All 81 Vintage Airguns

Russ Douglas reviews a scope with some First part of John Milewski’s look back at
serious tech – the Alpex A50T the Webley Service air rifle

64 Shop Profile 84 Rosie’s Recipe

Terry Doe visits Just Air Guns, in Feltham, Fancy a bit of light relief from rich, festive
and finds out what he’s been missing food? Rosie has the answer

67 Airgun DIY 86 Dealer Locater

Conclusion of Pete Evans’ refurb of his By popluar demand a ‘where to find’. You
budget BSA Ultra, now fully converted. asked for it, and we listened

72 Technical Airgun 89 Up the M1 9.2+.31*>p54

Does reducing muzzle energy affect recoil? John Milewski tries out the M1 Carbine SMALL BUT IMPRESSIVE
Jim Tyler explains from Air Venturi

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 5

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BOOK TICKETS AT

SHOOTINGSHOW.CO.UK
VENUE DATES CONTACT
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<-&9ѣ8,4.3,43
NEW UK DISTRIBUTOR!
MTC 30MM ADJUSTABLE REACH FORWARD MOUNT Gehmann products will be distributed in the UK by top shooting trade
Setting up large 30mm tube scopes to achieve the right eye supplier John Rothery Wholesale Co. Ltd. Gehmann manufactures
relief can be a challenge for some shooters meaning they have some of the best competition shooting equipment in the world, from
to compromise, especially if they plan to shoot at extreme sighting systems and shooting frames, through to clothing and targets.
ranges of demand high levels of precision. To address the Gehmann dates back to 1936, when specialist shooter and champion
problem, MTC Optics has introduced the Blueprint 30mm Walter Gehmann designed his first precision rearsight assembly.
Adjustable Reach-Forward mount, capable of enabling shooters Today, owned by son Markus Gehmann, the company still produces
to set up their preferred rifle and scope combination properly. world-renowned accessories for small-bore, full-bore and top-level
Available as 11/12mm dovetail or Picatinny, the mounts are airgun competitors. Gehmann has world-wide recognition as the
engineered to the highest specifications and provide a 17mm leading target shooting equipment manufacturer and supplier. From
reach forward range. In addition, they offer tilt adjustment of the local shooting club to the Olympic games, where there are
up to 40° and height adjustment of 15 -22mm (high to extra shooters, there is Gehmann.
high). They cost £88 per set. Sean O’Driscoll, Managing Director comments “John Rothery
For more info, visit: www.mtcoptics.com Wholesale is delighted to have secured the distribution of one of the
biggest names in the competition shooting market. I was fortunate to
<JѣQQGJWJ[NJ\NSLYMJXJRTZSYXNS spend some time in Germany recently with the company and it is clear
IJYFNQNSFSZUHTRNSLNXXZJ
the family owned business has the same values that we hold. Over the
next couple of weeks we shall be working with Gehmann to select the
correct products for the UK market, ensuring good stock availability
for the retailer and consumer.”
For further details on the great range of Gehmann shooting
equipment, contact your local retailer or visit: www.bisley-uk.com

0JJUFSJ^JTZYKTWYMJXJXZUJWG
UWTIZHYX

HAWKE LAUNCHES LASER

RANGEFINDER BINOS +TWYMJMZSYJW\MTMFX
J[JW^YMNSL
Hawke, the world leader in quality sporting optics, has
launched their new Frontier Range Finding Binoculars.
Available in 8x42 (1800m range detection) and 10 x 42
(2300m range detection), the Frontier LRF’s features
Hawke’s H7 optics, boasting Fully multi-coated,
high-resolution, phase corrected lenses to create
superior light transmission and sharp images with true
colour reproduction.
The 6 levels of OLED illumination brightness display
the multiple modes available: Distance/Scan, Horizontal
Distance, Angle, Rain, Hunt and Near modes with an
auto shut-off feature. Waterproof to IPX7 and fogproof,
backed with Hawke’s lifetime warranty (2 years on
electronic parts). Frontier LRF binoculars are supplied
with harness pack and neoprene neck strap. 8x42 RRP
£999, 10x42 RRP £1099. For further information please
visit: www.hawkeoptics.co.uk »
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 7
 8TRJYMNSL^TZYMNSPFNWLZSSJWXXMTZQIPST\FGTZY$
9JQQZXFGTZYNYFSI\JѣQQXMFWJ^TZWSJ\X\NYMYMJWJFIJWXMNU*RFNQZXFYIF[JGFWMFR%KNJQIXUTWYXUWJXXHTR

GIVING SOMETHING BACK “There is a lot of solidarity in the group

A group of airgunning friends have – we can literally talk about anything. We
donated £180 to a men’s suicide always come together when somebody
prevention charity. The shooters, who needs help and some great friendships
share banter and shooting anecdotes on have been formed. It takes a lot of work to
a WhatsApp group called Fieldsports, keep it going, and I must thank the
held a raffle to raise the money for Andy’s admins Brad, James, Richie, Andy and
Man Club. Paul for everything they do.
Members donated a Relum Slavia “We like to give something back and
airgun, a gun bag, pellets, targets and have raised money for Cancer Research
John Darling’s Air Rifle Hunting book for in the past. This time we chose Andy’s
the online raffle. <JQQITSJYTJ[JW^TSJNS[TQ[JI Man Club. I have suffered depression and
Group founder, Steve Tickle, explained been in a low place myself, so it is
that Fieldsports has more than 100 about their love of airguns, members also certainly a cause that is close to my heart,
members from across the UK. He said create a valuable support network for and I am glad that we have been able to
that, apart from being able to talk openly each other. help,” Steve added.

PROTAC 2.0 HEADLAMP to ensure proper alignment of the charging port, and features LED
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting status lights to indicate charging status, including red for charging
and weapon light/laser sighting devices, have launched the and green for fully charged. An integrated safety circuit protects the
2,000-lumen ProTac 2.0 Headlamp, a high-performance battery from accidental overcharge or discharge.
rechargeable headlamp that also offers long run times. The The new light offers the latest LED technology for extreme
headlamp is powered by the new Streamlight SL-B50® battery pack brightness and provides three operating modes – High, Medium
that charges directly via an integrated USB-C port. and Low. On High, it delivers 2,000 lumens and 14,500 candela; on
The ProTac 2.0 Headlamp uses the SL-B50 Streamlight the Medium setting, it provides 650 lumens and 4,200 candela and
proprietary 4,900mAh protected Lithium-Ion USB rechargeable on Low, it offers 110 lumens and 750 candela. Run times range
battery, accessed by the light’s sliding sleeve. The battery is keyed from 25 hours on low to 2.25 hours on high.
The ProTac 2.0 Headlamp features a multi-function, push-button
;JW^MFSI^IZWNSLYMJ switch which permits one-handed operation of the light’s
\NSYJWRTSYMX momentary and constant on modes. Its TEN-TAP programmable
switch allows for user selection of three different programs: high/
medium/low (factory default); high only; or low/high.
Fabricated from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminium with
an anodised finish, it features a glass lens with anti-reflective
coating that also is gasket sealed.
Measuring 12.5cm wide and 6.5cm deep with a head diameter of
3.7cm, it weighs 297g with the included SL-B50 rechargeable
battery. The light has an IP64-rated design for dust-tight and
water-resistant operation, and is impact-resistant tested to 2m. It
also comes with a USB-C charge cord and both an adjustable
elastic head strap that fits comfortably over the head, and a rubber
hard hat strap that stays firmly in place. For more info,
visit: www.streamlight.com

NEW CLUB NEAR CREWE

Shooters in the Crewe area are being invited to check
out the facilities at an exciting new range. Brook Valley
Target Sports is based at Walnut Tree Farm Fishery,
just off the M6. Launched earlier this year, it already
has 20 field target lanes and a plinking range with
targets out to 55m.
The ground is currently open every other Sunday, but
the team plans to open every day of the week and to
extend the facilities to include a clubhouse and 100m
plinking range. All they need to deliver that vision is the
support of local shooters.
Brook Valley’s next open competition takes place on
Sunday 11th December. See the club’s Facebook group
for more information. <M^STYUF^YMJRF[NXNY$

8 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

THE EDITOR’S TEST
.YWJFQQ^NXFYMNSLTKGJFZY^

10 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 BRK BROCOCK GHOST

,-489
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The Ed gets excited at the launch of the new BRK Brocock Ghost PCP

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 11
THE EDITOR’S TEST
ebranding is always a gamble, but
R when it comes to huge, multi-national
companies it’s a very bold move indeed.
During the recent launch event for this rifle,
we were made aware that Brocock is in the
process of a gradual rebranding to BRK,
and what better time to announce it than at
the launch of their new Ghost.

HIGH POWER!
When I received the invitation to this
launch event, held at the excellent
Oakedge Shooting Ground in Staffordshire,
I became rather excited. Not just because
I wanted to find out what the Ghost was all
about, or because I’d finally get to spend a
day with our new Air Gunner editor, Mat
Manning. No, the real reason why I was so
excited was that I had been informed that I
could spend an hour or more on the range
with the 100 ft.lbs. Ghost in .30 calbre! I
mean, who wouldn’t relish the thought of
that? 9TS^'JQFXLN[JXZXFVZNHPGWNJKTKYMJWNKQJѣXIJ[JQTURJSY
When we arrived at the venue, there was
a short but very interesting presentation There are three main options; the QUALITY COSTS
made by UK head honcho, Tony Belas, Carbine, the Plus and a High Power. The Right then, before I get to the nitty gritty, I
during which I learned just how much Carbine option measures in at a gnats over know you’re dying to know how much one of
thought and development has gone into the 65cm long without a silencer fitted and has these little gems is going to cost. Well, it might
Ghost – it’s a stand-alone new rifle, built a 43cm barrel. This model is equipped with sound high to begin with, but the more you
from the butt up, well almost all of it is. a cute little 300cc carbon air bottle, discover about the Ghost, the more apparent
whereas the longer Plus and High Power it becomes that it is in fact very reasonably
LOOKS FAMILIAR versions both feature 480cc carbon bottles. priced, especially in today’s world where
I say it’s a brand-new rifle because it is, The Plus has the same length barrel as the literally everything seems to be doubling in
especially internally, but the main building Carbine, but with a longer shroud pushing it price year on year! Okay, so prices start at
block will definitely look familiar to many. to 73cm, whilst the High Power has a 60cm £1,440 for the Carbine, moving up to £1,500
Anyone who knows BRK’s sister company, barrel and an overall length of 85.5cm. The for the Plus and £1,600 for the High Power,
Daystate, will recognise the mono block as one I have here on test is the sub-12 Plus but bear in mind, these rifles will probably
that of the Delta and Alpha Wolf rifles. The model, so I’ll give the spec’s for that outlast many of us ‘oldies’, and probably our
big difference being that the Ghost is a particular rifle, but I’ll try to add as many children too – they are solid, and
mechanical rifle as opposed to the different spec’s into this review for all three manufactured to last. Just like the high-end
electronic Daystates. versions as I go. car market, both Daystate and Brocock rifles
have a history of holding their value very well,
.YѣXXZHMFQT[JQ^WNKQJYTXMTTYKWTRFS^UTXNYNTS
so I’d say it’s a wise investment, given the
countless years of enjoyment you’ll have from
owning such a magnificent rifle.

ADJUSTABLE POWER
One thing you’ll notice from the get go is the
massive potential for power adjustment with
these rifles. All of the Ghosts are fitted with
Huma regulators, with reg’ pressure viewed
on a gauge on the left-hand side of the stock,
which can be adjusted on the FAC rifles by
turning the knob above the neck of the bottle.
They also feature a power wheel just in front of
the butt pad, which adjusts the hammer
spring tension with no less than 20 settings!
It’s not as practical for most of us Sub-12ers,
but those of you who shoot FAC will have
hours of fun tweaking and tuning, for sure.
That being said, there will most definitely be
occasions when a subtle tweak of the dial will
help with accuracy, but we’re entering the
realms of pellet testing and performance here

12 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 BRK BROCOCK GHOST

and that’s a whole different story. It’s just nice in .177, 11 in .22, 10 in .25 and eight in .30,
to know that it’s there, especially if you’re one and because these mag’s are magnetic you
of the many technically-minded airgunners can use them in a ‘double-up’ formation,
who likes to fine-tune their hardware to the enabling you to fit two loaded magazines into
absolute best it can possibly be. the rifle and simply shunt the loaded one
across when the first one is empty.
CLEVER DESIGN To load the mag’s simply open the flip
The BRK Ghost is absolutely rammed with -up cover, turn the interior drum clockwise
features, both internal and external. One of until it stops then drop a pellet nose-first
the key points raised at the launch was the into the bottom chamber to hold the spring
introduction of a new rail system, which 9MJRTSTGQTHPNXFYYMJMJFWYTKYMNXWNKQJ tension. Then you just drop the remaining
cleverly features a 0.3-degree forward slant to pellets in – that’s it, you’re done. Close the
help eliminate the need for shimming scope magnetic lid, insert the mag’ and off you go.
mounts when zeroing at longer ranges. I don’t Filling is by means of a Foster connection,
know about you, but I’ve had problems in the and the fill port can be found underneath
past, mainly with digital NV scopes which BRK’s rather nifty magnetic port cover –
always seemed to need shimming. Maybe simply pull it off, fill up and push back on.
that’s because they’re actually designed for
use at longer ranges, rather than our usual SIDELEVER ACTION
30-40 yards, I don’t know, but it has been a Bearing in mind that the mono block was
reoccurring problem for me over the years. originally designed for use with an electric
Everything about the Ghost is geared to rifle, the sheer excellence of manufacture
9MNXSJ\[FQ[JX^XYJRNXXYFYJTKYMJFWY
user customisation and fit. For a start, shines through with the mechanical Ghost.
there’s a height adjustable butt pad and suchlike too. I should mention at this point The tolerances of engineering are so tight
cheek riser. The cheek riser sits on a small that there is a whole heap of superbly – we’re talking tenths if not hundredths of a
dovetail rail which can be slid back and forth machined accessories available for the millimetre here – that the sidelever and
internal workings run super-smoothly.
“there is a whole heap of superbly machined Talking of internal workings, another key
design feature of the Ghost is the brand-
accessories available for the Ghost” new valve system. BRK has spent a lot of
time developing this to be a ‘one valve does
to achieve correct positioning via Allen Ghost from the guys at Precision Rifle everything’ unit. It’s a completely new
screws. This rail also holds the Picatinny Systems. They include such luxuries as design and one that has been trimmed
scope rail and can be used to extend the Biathlon-style cocking levers, extended rails, down to as few internal parts as possible to
length of the top section of the stock. The butt-plate adaptors, cheek risers and more make it more efficient and more reliable –
whole system is geared to perfect eye relief – all of which are very reasonably priced. Go not that Brocock valves have ever been
and gun fit, and it’s very user-friendly to check those out at: www.pr-s.co.uk unreliable, it’s just like everything these
adjust. days, making it simpler with fewer parts
There are Picatinny rails mounted on both SEXY MAG’S means there’s less to go wrong.
sides and underneath for the plethora of I love these new-style, flip-cover magazines, So back to that sidelever. It’s a short
add-ons, such as bipods, lasers, lamps and they’re just so easy to load. You get 13 shots
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>TZHFSWJRT[JYMJXNQJSHJWFSIWJUQFHJYMJ
YMWJFIUWTYJHYTWSZYNKWJVZNWJI

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 13
THE EDITOR’S TEST

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UNXYTQLWNU
stroke, drop down beauty with a drilled There’s no creep, the release is crisp and ED’S VERDICT
handle which effortlessly glides the pellet predictable, and I like the way it comes set So how does this rifle perform? Well, as I
probe back and forth. Immediately in front from the factory with a decent first stage mentioned at the start of this review, I managed
of the drop-down handle on the main block that stops unmistakeably before the second to spend a good hour at the launch event
you’ll find the tiny push button manual stage release. It is, of course, adjustable, but shooting the .30 High Power on the 100-metre
safety. It’s very well positioned and easy to it’s very rare these days that I find myself range. I was literally buzzing with excitement at
use with the rifle mounted. messing about with trigger units, especially just how powerful and accurate this rather
I was really surprised at how nice and from the likes of Brocock or Daystate. The unassuming little bullpup is. The size of those
pellets, the ‘crack’ from the barrel, the speed at
“The size of those pellets, the ‘crack’ of the which it hits cold hard steel at 100-metres ... I
was like a little kid bouncing up and down.
barrel, the speed at which it hits cold steel” Maybe it’s because I haven’t shot FAC or
powder for quite some time, but the difference
crisp the trigger system is. Bullpup linkages blade itself is very flat-faced with the from sub-12 to this is huge. If only there was a
often lead to trigger unit problems, not with gentlest of curves on the vertical axis. It feels reason to own one here in Lincolnshire!
operation, just ‘feel’, but this one ‘feels’ like great against the pad of your index finger, There were spinners and knock-downs set
a trigger you’d find on a regular-length both bare and when wearing gloves, and at varying ranges on the day, and it took me
Brocock such as the Commander or Sniper. that provides a great deal of control. less than two minutes to work out my aim
2^RFYJ8NRTSKJQQNSQT[J\NYMNY -:2&J]HJQQJSHJ

9MJKNQQLFZLJNXJFX^YTWJFI

14 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

54.3984+>4:
THE AIRGUN WORLD FORUM FOR YOUR RANTS, RAVES AND Q&As

LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS THE JACK PYKE HUNTERS BOOTS

Hello Dave, a bit of research on. It seems that back in early 2019 the
What’s the furthest anyone has shot with an air rifle? Guinness World Record was set with open sights at a distance
I keep watching sniper movies on YouTube and I of 137.16 metres by Chris Turek in the USA. However, since
just wondered if anything like that was possible then, using an Altaros M24 .22 custom rifle and .22 61gr
using just air? pellets, someone hit a 22 x 18in target at a distance of
DAVID BECKETT 1400 yards (1280 metres). Apparently, the pellet
flight time to the target was 7.7 seconds! I believe
Hi David, this is an unofficial record though.
That’s a great question and one that I had to do Dave.

Thanks to the generosity of the people at Jack Pyke, excellent footwear, just for letting us know what’s on your
we’re able to give away a pair of the brand new Hunters mind. You’ve got to like those numbers!
boots every month to the reader we consider to have Email me with your letters and pics at: dave.barham@
sent the best letter. That’s over 150 quid’s worth of fieldsportspress.com

FILL GAUGE? While it was there I had a full service and overhaul, a full-length
Hi Dave, carbon shroud/silencer and new trigger mechanics, but I have
I wonder if you can help or point me in a direction that can. I have hardly used it since. I have tried having just 50 pellets in the tin
this BSA Super Ten FAC-rated, and the problem is that I don’t then changing the bottle, but it would still be nice to see what’s in
have a gauge on it to let me know how much air is left hence the there.
first time I used it I had to send it to John Bowkett to remove the What I’m hoping for is a little adaptor that will screw into the
pellets from the barrel! rifle where the bottle would, but with a gauge at the end so
when the bottle is screwed into it I will have a reading. The
'JXY+NYYNSLX\NQQIJKNSNYJQ^GJFGQJYTMJQUTZY bottle may be an inch or two further along the barrel, but I can
cope with that. I’m sure this has been asked before?
Hope you can help.
Thanks.
JOHN HAFFENDEN
Hi John,
Give the guys at Best Fittings a call. I’m quite sure that this
adaptor will fit the Super 10 - but they’ll know for sure.
https://www.bestfittings.co.uk/shop/fill-probes-adaptors/
custom-parts/bsa-theoben-quick-fill-upgrade/
Do let me know what they say, and if this solves your problem.
Dave.

ONE EYED JIM! Hi Jim,

Hello Dave, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having eye problems, but that’s good
Here I am suddenly with a right eye problem so I can’t shoot my usual news it’s not permanent. I also love the fact that you can still enjoy
HFT, but having treatment means I have to find an alternative. Lo and our wonderful sport, and relish the challenge of left-handed
behold, Tim Finley comes up with the answer – an HW45 pistol with shooting. I’m sure Tim will read this and set to work on future
ambidextrous grips so I can shoot it left- and right-hand. I found a articles. Dave.
second-hand Silver Star, so after an inspection I’ve bought it. As Tim
says, they are not the cheapest thing on the market, but what a pistol!
At 6m, I find I quickly get good groups of shots, for me, and at the lower
rate, it’s a great thing to shoot. The right eye, so the specialist says, will
come back in time, so I’m now a lefty pistol shooter and loving it.
I’d recommend this monster pistol as a challenge to anybody
looking for a different airgun, and I’ve bought a red-dot sight for
future adventures with it. What’s the chance of a follow-up article
on it and similar spring-powered pistols, and maybe one on 9NR+NSQJ^YTYMJWJXHZJ
smoothing out its action?
Best wishes,
‘ONE EYED’ JIM MARLOW

16 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

THE TACTICAL

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GARY WAIN

1*88438
1*&73*)
Gary Wain gives us his yearly round up after
12 months of serious testing and learning.

s is my wont, and as usual at this time of terms is a measure of the penetration pellets won’t actually surrender much of that
A year, I take some time to reflect on what I
have learned in regard to shooting, and more
characteristics of a projectile, or how easily
it will pass though something, whether that
energy to the target. Instead, they plough on
through and out the other side. What we’re
specifically, the testing I have carried out over be air, or indeed a rat or pigeon. In an overly looking for is a pellet that flies well through the
the last 12 months. Now that I think about it, I simplified form, sectional density is the air, losing little energy as it does so, and hits
probably ought to apply this methodology to relationship between the weight of a hard, surrendering that energy into the target
other aspects of my life, but here we are. projectile and its frontal area. rather than continuing to penetrate through it.
Back in February, I recapped on ballistics Ballistic coefficient is strongly related to Sounds simple, but the two factors are
and how we can learn from them and apply sectional density, but adds to the equation essentially mutually opposed.
that knowledge to our choice of pellet. Don’t by bringing in ‘coefficient of form’, which is a As I have now briefly recapped on
panic, I’m not going to launch into a lengthy fancy term for ‘shape’. You already know ballistics, it seems a good time to look at the
diatribe about ballistics, but what is of interest that pointy things move through the air various types of pellets I have tested over
is ballistic coefficient (BC), and the effect this better than blunt things, so you’ve already the last year, beginning with a super-test of
has on terminal ballistic performance. got a good grip on coefficient of form. no less than 11 hollow-point pellets,
Herein lies the problem; you see, the better From the off you can see that there was a
UNDERSTANDING BC a pellet is able to penetrate the air, the better it massive degree of variance in accuracy, and
To understand BC, we first need to know is often able to penetrate the target material, to a lesser extent, terminal ballistic
about sectional density, which in very simple which you might think is a good thing, but performance. The worst grouping pellet was

9MJWJѣXVZNYJF[FWNJY^TK
MTQQT\UTNSYIJXNLSX
<MNHMHFRJTZYTSYTU$

20 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 PELLETS TEST

'FQQNXYNHYJXYNSLNXFMJHPTKFQTYJFXNJW 9MFYѣXXTRJXJWNTZXJ]UFSXNTS
NSYMJXZRRJW
the SMK Victory Implode, which was only accuracy and terminal ballistic results. Superfields only costs about £13, whereas
just about able to group on the card with a So there we have it, all done and dusted. buying just 100 of the Mako will set you
pretty shocking dispersion of 71.2mm. Not The Mako wins! Well yes, but also no back a staggering £12.
far behind it was the Bisley Pest Control, because I’m going to award top spot to the I concluded that round of testing by
which grouped at 54.67mm. Bisley Superfield, for three reasons; it pondering whether hollow points were worth
We’ve looked at the worst and we don’t grouped within 0.1mm of the Mako; it has a using, and the answer was a resounding yes!
have to look far for the best. Although it was a pretty impressive terminal ballistic – provided you chose the right pellet.
late entry on a wild-card pass, and it could be performance, depositing 8.93 ft.lbs. of
classified as a slug-type pellet, the Mako from energy, just 0.125 less than the Mako; and MODIFIED HOLLOW POINTS
Precision Ballistics does have a hollow point, is probably the most relevant reason in the After testing the hollow points, it seemed a
and is also the clear winner, both in terms of current financial climate, a tin of 500 natural progression to look at what I call

HOLLOW-POINT PELLETS ACCURACY RESULTS

Pellet Group Size
Dynamic triple P1 41.33mm
RWS Super H Point 16.37mm
BSA Interceptor 12.69mm

SMK Victory Implode 71.20mm

Bisley Superfield 8.28mm
Bisley pest Control 54.67mm
Beeman Crow mag 17.42mm
Ultrashock HP 29.27mm
Rem Baracuda Hunter 18.39mm
H&N Baracuda Hunter 11.34mm
Precision Ballistics Mako 8.16mm

BALLISTIC RESULTS
Entry Velocity Exit Velocity Variance Entry Energy Exit Energy Variance
Metalmag 657.1fps 229.7fps 427.4fps 8.17 ft.lbs. 1.04 ft.lbs. 7.13 ft.lbs.
Hornet 671.2fps 395.6fps 275.6fps 8.77 ft.lbs. 3.10 ft.lbs. 5.67 ft.lbs.
Powerball 631.3fps 195.2fps 436.1fps 8.31 ft.lbs. 0.79 ft.lbs. 7.52 ft.lbs.
Ultramag 572.1fps 125.9fps 446.2fps 7.77 ft.lbs. 0.37 ft.lbs. 7.4 ft.lbs.
»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 21
 5QFXYJWHTWJRTZQIXFWJTKYJSJFXNJW
YTZSIJWXYFSIYMFSSZRGJWX

modified hollow points – a pellet that is ACCURACY RESULTS

essentially hollow point in nature, but where the
face of the pellet has been altered in an attempt Pellet Group size
to garner greater terminal ballistic results. JSB Predator Metalmag 11.14mm
With the exception of the H&N Terminator,
which grouped at just over 13mm, all the other H&N Hornet 10.97mm
pellets produced groups in the region of 9mm, RWS Powerball 7.38mm
the best was the JSB Hades, which produced a
group of 8.35mm. All the pellets fell inside the Skenco Ultramag metal 19.84mm
20mm cut-off, enabling all four to go through to
the ballistic stage of the testing, which showed top three pellets in this month’s test? In fact, plastic-tipped pellets.
that the Hades came out just slightly ahead from an energy imparted standpoint, the The results of the plastic-tipped pellets had
both in terms of accuracy and ballistic damage. results are so negligible as to be hardly worth me particularly excited, because when I
Although I declared the Hades the winner, if deliberation. That said, it’s the Powerball that examined the data from the Gamo Redfire I
you can find the Hunters cheaper, or find that comes out slightly on top. When we look at thought that I had discovered the perfect
they better suit your airgun, then they are
definitely a viable alternative. “It was then that I thought I might have the
METAL-TIPPED perfect pellet in front of me. “
These pellets are typically of a two-part design,
the main body of the pellet being lead and the accuracy, the gap widens slightly, with the pellet. At first, I thought that I couldn’t
tip made of a different metallic substance. Ultramag only just creeping under the 20mm actually use the results because there was no
This type of pellet is designed to penetrate and group cut-off point. The stand-out winner data for exit velocity and energy, so no way of
then have the tip separate from the main again, though, is the Powerball, with a making my usual calculations. Then the
body, leaving a hollow-point projectile that will fantastic 7.38mm max group size. reason dawned on me; the pellet hadn’t
then slow rapidly and deposit its kinetic energy escaped the back end of the wax block, so it
into the target material. PLASTIC-TIPPED had surrendered all of its energy and velocity
Would you believe that only 0.39 ft.lbs. of Following on from the two-part metal-tipped to the material. It was then that I thought I
energy, and 18.8fps of velocity separate the pellets, it made sense to examine two-part might have the perfect pellet in front of me.

BALLISTIC RESULTS
Entry Velocity Exit Velocity Variance Entry Energy Exit Energy Variance
Terminator 692.5fps 145.5fps 547fps 7.72 ft.lbs. 0.34 ft.lbs. 7.38 ft.lbs.
Destroyer 621.9fps 217.7fps 404.2fps 6.78 ft.lbs. 0.83 ft.lbs. 5.95 ft.lbs.
Hunter Ext 653fps 82fps 571fps 8.72 ft.lbs. 0.14 ft.lbs. 8.58 ft.lbs.
Hades 666.4fps 246.8fps 419fps 10.13 ft.lbs. 1.39 ft.lbs. 8.74 ft.lbs.

22 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 PELLETS TEST

-T\HFSUJQQJYXRFPJMTQJXYMNXGNL$

PERFECT PELLET? RESULTS

In my six years of pellet testing, when I must Pellet Group size
have shot hundreds of different designs and
calibres of pellets into the wax, I had never Gamo Zombie 24.54mm
had a pellet of any type that surrendered all
Gamo Redfire 12.57mm
its energy and velocity to the wax to such an
extent that it was captured within the JSB Predator Polymag 12.55mm
relatively slim 40mm of the target material.
JSB Polymag Short 8.01mm
The Red Fire had done just that, so it should
H&N Red Scorpion 19.19mm
&QQ.SJJIKTWFIF^ѣXUJQQJYYJXYNSL
be the winner, but it wasn’t because it didn’t
actually arrive with very impressive velocity
and energy figures. Although it surrendered
everything, other pellets had actually
bettered the Red Fire. – ‘Them’s the rubs’,
as they say. Have a look at the table above
which details the terminal ballistic
performance, and you’ll see what I mean.
So, now I had to pick a winner, which was
in no uncertain terms, the JSB Polymag
Short, a 7.4mm pellet that is likely to fit into
your magazine, (do please check, though),
can provide a group size of just 8.01mm at
20m(ish) and a set of ballistic
characteristics that most pellets would be
proud of.
You will have noticed that I’ve described
the group size of the Crossman SSP as
‘unknown’. This is because only four of the
five pellets fired actually hit the card, giving
a minimum group size of some 90mm, the
fifth failing to hit the card at all! »
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 23
PELLETS TEST

BALLISTIC RESULTS
Entry Velocity Exit Velocity Variance Entry Energy Exit Energy Variance
Gamo Zombie ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Gamo Redfire 574fps 0fps 574fps 5.76 ft.lbs. 0 ft.lbs. 5.76 ft.lbs.
JSB Pred Poly 653fps 203.5fps 449.5fps 7.58 ft.lbs. 0.73 ft.lbs. 6.85 ft.lbs.
JSB Poly Short 695fps 115.1fps 579.9fps 8.59 ft.lbs. 0.23 ft.lbs. 8.36 ft.lbs.
H&N Red Scorpion 665fps 162.4fps 502.6fps 8.17 ft.lbs. 0.48 ft.lbs. 7.69 ft.lbs.

8TRJRTINKNJIMTQQT\UTNSYXUJWKTWRJIGJYYJW *[JS\NYMTZYYMJUQFXYJW^TZHFSXYNQQXJJYMJ 9MJRJYFQYNUMFXIJYFHMJIFSIFQQT\JIYMJ

YMFSTYMJWX J]UFSXN[J\TZSIYWFHPYMNXUJQQJYMFXQJKY UJQQJYYTJ]UFSI

I only have ballistic results for two of the

five pellets reviewed because the other
three failed to produce a group under the
required 20mm size at the 20m, or so, that I
deem essential if a pellet is intended to be
used for hunting.
You can see that the QYS has
outperformed the RWS Superpoint by quite
a margin in terms of the reduction in velocity
<MNHM\FXYMJXYFSITZYUQFXYNHYNUUJIUJQQJY$ -T\\JQQINIRJYFQYNUUJIUJQQJYXUJWKTWR$ and dissipated energy of the pellets.

CONCLUSION
There are some pellets that stand out to me
as being superior to the others, but I’m not
going to tell you what I think they are
because shooters have different needs and
so the results may be interpreted in regard
to your style of shooting, the range, and
what you’re shooting at. If you examine the
tables, it won’t take you long to separate the
good from the bad, and the bad from the
3TYRZHMJ]UFSXNTSGZYMT\ITYMJ^UJWKTWR$ &WJFQQRJYFQYNUUJIUJQQJYXHWJFYJIJVZFQQ^$ ugly. So, there we have it – job done.
There are quite a few more types of
SINGLE-PIECE POINTED PELLETS ACCURACY RESULTS
pellets that I want to examine, some of
Pellet Group size which might upset the existing apple cart;
the old favourite, domed pellets, wadcutters,
Crossman SSP Unknown
and heavyweights, so if you were thinking
SMK Strike 37.61mm that my pellet testing was nearing an end,
RWS Superpoint 8.65mm don’t worry. There’s a lot more work to be
done, and if there are any aspects you’d like
SMK BS45 Black 24.99mm me to examine, then do please let me know
through the details at the front of this
QYS Pointed 6.42mm
fantastic magazine. 

BALLISTIC RESULTS
Entry Velocity Exit Velocity Variance Entry Energy Exit Energy Variance
RWS Superpoint 606fps 236.7fps 369.3fps 6.69 ft.lbs. 1.02 ft.lbs. 5.67 ft.lbs.
QYS Pointed 675fps 203fps 472fps 8.44 ft.lbs. 0.77 ft.lbs. 7.67 ft.lbs.

24 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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TOUGH ON THE TARGET

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 MICK GARVEY

9-*,7*>8&7*
'&(0.394<3
Mick Garvey is on a mission to protect red
squirrels with another grey cull.
9MJLWJ^XFWJGFHPNSYT\SGZY\NYMѢKFYXPNSS^ѣSTY9MNS1N__^
 HUNTING

oom! Just like turning a light switch on, a job well done and keeps the population
B the greys are back on the ground
taking the scatter feed and even making an
down, but letting them get to those
numbers is something we cannot allow in
odd visit to the feeders. There are reports ‘red squirrel land’ here in Penrith, and
of continuous sightings in gardens, on the that’s why my constant attention is on
estates where I carry out the red squirrel clearing greys.
conservation work and the trail cams are I have often said that one grey is one too
also confirming that the greys are back with many because it will only take that one grey
numerous sightings in all areas. The with the squirrel pox to clear a whole colony
numbers are not huge, but I put this down of reds, and with this in mind, I will take
to my constant presence throughout the whatever measures necessary to keep on
year; taking the greys out as they appear or top of the skinnies and provide the best
get reported and continually keeping the environment for the reds.
numbers down. I often see huge numbers,
and I mean ‘huge numbers’, of skinny kills NOWHERE TO HIDE
on social media, and taking this amount is I’ve spent many an hour sitting in the hide,
waiting for that single grey to appear –
mostly successfully, but sometimes not
when my intended target failed to show. I
have also stalked a grey through acres of .SYJQKWTRYMJYWFNQHFRNXNS[FQZFGQJ
woodland, finally catching up with it when
it must have thought it had lost me, but POINT AND SHOOT
with the thermal spotter in hand there is no So, with the recent winds and colder
hiding place. Even when the skinny weather, the remaining natural food is
manages to get a good distance away, it’s falling and bringing the greys to the scatter
just a matter of keeping it in sight. That’s feed provided by yours truly, and the
not always possible, I know, but careful welcoming committee, aka the FX Impact,
footsteps – heel and toe – keeping myself Hawke Airmax and Wildman slugs. The
in the shadows and using the lie of the land Impact has had more tuning work carried
and trees to mask movements, always out on it since its last appearance in these
helps towards a successful stalk, and you pages; a PRS power plenum, along with a
know what? That single stalked grey feels slug liner, a power kit and the V2 transfer
so much better than a handful from the port from Huma Air. I have to say, the
hide – for me anyway. service and quality from Huma is
»
3TKJFWTKXQNUUFLJ\NYMYMJ7JFUJWѣX[NHJQNPJLWNU\MJYMJWNYѣX\NYMYMJ.RUFHY
2F[JWNHPTWJ[JSFHJSYWJKNWJ

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 27

 MICK GARVEY
something to get excited about and the
difference the V2 makes is outstanding,
providing maximum air flow to the .25
Impact, which now develops a smidge
under 80 ft.lbs. at 960fps with the 39g
Wildman slugs. I have reset my zero to 60
yards, which is perfect for most of my
squirrel bashing – longer or shorter shots
are easily catered for, but it’s pretty much
‘point and shoot’ between 35 and 75 yards.
My trail cams had pinpointed a few greys
showing up in what I classed as a ‘red only’
area, so I was there at first light. It was a new
and difficult wood and I hadn’t built any
hides or vantage points to overlook the
feeders and scatter feed because until now
there had been no greys. I’d just
supplementary fed the reds, but now that
greys had been confirmed in the area, I had
to act quickly and try to clear these invaders
as soon as possible.

MASKED PRESENCE
The floor of the wood was undulating, and
my feeder had been positioned at 50 yards
from the entrance, but my presence was
slightly masked by dying brambles that had
climbed the spruce trees and formed slight
cover, so I would also be able to adapt the
prone position once venturing deeper into
the spruces.
The first thing I do, even before entering
the wood, is to scan round with the thermal
spotter to see if anything is showing. A good
thermal spotter will see deep into the
darkest of woods and locate any heat source
that might need further attention.
I always start at ground level and work
upward to the treetops, and if that’s all clear, I
move on for about 10 paces, then re-scan. I
continue with this process either until I’m
satisfied that the area is clear, or I spot a target
– I use this method for my rabbiting, too.
This time there was no moving on
because the unmistakeable glow of a

&QQYMJUFWYXFIIZUYTTSJMJQQTKFSF\JXTRJ
MZSYNSLWNKQJ

feeding squirrel below the feeder filled the

InfiRay’s viewfinder. At 50 yards I wanted a
support for the shot, but a slight breeze
caused the only available support, a thin
spruce, to sway in the breeze, so I had to be
patient before taking the shot.

DEVASTATING SHOT
The Airmax confirmed that it was indeed a
grey and as the air stilled briefly, I had an
opportunity to take the shot. Even at 50
yards, the strike from the Wildman slug was
devastating, causing maximum head trauma
and an instant kill. There had to be more
skinnies waiting in the wings, so I decided to
utilise a carbon-fibre K800 tripod from KJI,
 HUNTING

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5FYNJSHJUFNITKKFSI.\FXTSYMJR .XYMJWJFS^\TSIJWYMFY.QT[JYMNXUQFHJ$

supplied by my good friends at Sellmark. It plenty of activity in the depths of the wood, appeared, but the Hawke confirmed it as
has the Reaper grip which gives a vice-like and I could see a couple of skinnies being a red, albeit an agitated one. It
hold on the rifle so there’s no chance of it ratching around, through the thermal appeared to stand on its hind legs,
slipping out. I have been asked about the spotter. I was hoping that they would come chattering away whilst looking at me, and
Reaper because I carry the tripod on my to my target area because the shot out to then it shot off to the left. A minute or so
later, it was back doing exactly the same
“I followed it in the viewfinder of my spotter, thing. I really thought it was trying to tell me
something, so on its next performance I
and I couldn’t believe my eyes. “ followed it in the viewfinder of the spotter
and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I could see
shoulder with the gun attached. ‘I have total the depths was littered with more three more squirrels, and they were greys.
faith in it not letting go,’ is always my reply. brambles, fallen branches and other Surely, the red hadn’t been alerting me to
With the Impact secured in the KJI, and undergrowth, but they seemed satisfied them! Either way, I was going to make sure

»
set up into a corner of the wood, I had a where they were. they were taken out, and at 60 yards my
clear view of the target area. There was Another squirrel-shaped heat source zero was spot on for the target zone.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 29

HUNTING

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MY LITTLE RED FRIEND three down, thanks to my little red friend … movement. I could see a couple around 45
The Impact is set up with the Donny FL well maybe. I never pick up until I’m ready to yards out, but there was no chance of a
Sumo, and it really does tame the bark of the move on because you never know what’s shot, so a belly crawl to a slight hump got
FAC .25. The sound of the slug hitting home hiding out of sight but watching. That can me on point. I had to take a heart/lung shot,
is way louder than the muzzle report. I happen, even with a thermal spotter, so I which bowled the big male over nicely, and
expected the skinnies to exit the stage, but gave it another 30 minutes, but it was a no with a couple of twitches it was done, but
no … their heads lifted and they looked show from any further greys. I picked up all this time the partner wasn’t hanging around.
around in alert, but before they could make a four and stashed them on a tree stump – I Five taken with more to come, I was sure,
move I had the Impact mag’ cycled and just had to have a go at the skinnies deeper in so I returned a few days later and took a
another one was schwacked. That definitely the wood. further three. A most magnificent sight
got the third one on its toes, but only as far as greeted me on my arrival; a red of a different
the first branches on a nearby spruce. The MORE TO COME variety – a red stag, sideways on, standing
shot wasn’t on, but giving it a few seconds to I left the tripod in the truck and slowly made tall and proud. I love this place and my only
reposition itself whilst checking out his my way into the depths, using shadows and regret is not making the move years
comrades gave me the chance I needed – the thicker tree trunks to cover my earlier.

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IJ[FXYFYNSL \JQQRF^GJ

30 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

NEW

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052+4'&$;'0'..+&'5+)0'456*'70+37'#0&'4)101/+%5*#2'5/#-'56*+5#0'.')#06#+44+(.'T

FNF;06*'6+%1/$1TEKK#0&TFFX(7..219'4g57224'5514TOFKI
0018#6+10X'%*01.1);n6;.'6*'G24+0%+2.'5$'*+0&6*'FNX/#-+0)+6(+62'4('%6.;616*'5*116'4T

GTEKKX.19219'4g/+&5+<'T OEFN
07.64#%1/2#%6#+44+(.'X+06#%6+%#.g56;.'$.#%-5;06*'6+%9+6*#5-'.'610+5'&561%-X/#-+0)+6
2'4('%6(14,70+1455*116'45T
Stoeg_0522Range+1

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GMK on 01489 587500 or visit www.gmk.co.uk
MAT MANNING

9-*2&,.(-4:7
Mat Manning is reminded that it’s all about being in the right place at
the right time, as he heads out in pursuit of destructive grey squirrels.

here is no denying that some times of the

T day are much better than others when it
comes to the likelihood of crossing paths with
our quarry. This was really hammered home
to me during a recent mooch round the
woods when a permission that had for several
hours appeared to be devoid of pests
suddenly burst into activity as the light began
to fade. I am pleased to say that I ended up
making a reasonable bag, but it could easily
have been a blank if I had lost patience and
headed for home after the long quiet spell.
The concept of getting your timing right is
nothing new to anyone who does much
airgun pest control. It is common knowledge
that rats and rabbits tend to become very
active as dusk begins to set in at the end of
the day, pigeons flight back to their favourite
roosts during the early evening, magpies
can be very active during their rounds at first
&HMJHPTSYMJKJJIJWXXZLLJXYJIYMFYXVZNWWJQX
\JWJXYNQQINXYWFHYJIG^SFYZWFQKTTIXTZWHJX 2FYѣXUJWXNXYJSHJ\FXWJ\FWIJI\NYMFKQZWW^TKFHYN[NY^NSYMJKFINSLQNLMY

light, and grey squirrels often feel inclined to significantly as a result of my efforts to
visit their favourite food sources when they reduce numbers of bushy-tailed bark-
wake from a long night in the drey. If only life strippers over the past few years. I still found
made it possible for us to be able to head plenty of signs of the destruction caused by
out with our airguns at these prime times. the invasive rodents, but none of it appeared
to have been inflicted very recently.
SIGNS OF DESTRUCTION
My recent outing saw me in pursuit of grey SQUIRREL BEHAVIOUR TRAITS
squirrels. With the final pickings of last Whilst rambling through the trees, I also
autumn’s beech mast and acorn crops still spotted clear signs of ongoing grey squirrel
lingering, my feeding stations had yet to activity. Decimated acorn husks showed
attract any serious attention, so I decided on where they had been feeding, and newly
a roving approach. constructed dreys provided clear evidence
Apart from the fact that my feeders were of the fact that more needed to be done to
not yet pulling really big numbers of grind down numbers of these unwelcome
squirrels, I also fancied a bit of a leg-stretch. woodland residents.
Ambushing greedy bushy-tails as they turn Something else that was very apparent
up to dine on peanuts is a great method of was the complete absence of any actual
pest control, but it limits you to a very small sightings of squirrels. I was moving with
area of your shooting permission. By hunting stealth, keeping close to cover, treading
on the move, I planned to investigate some carefully and pausing frequently to scan all
of the less-visited areas and earmark any around me. Nonetheless, despite my best
spots that could make productive sites for efforts, I failed to spot a single squirrel.
my feeders when colder weather makes the It would have been easy to put the lack of
squirrels really ravenous. activity down to plain bad luck – maybe a
Roving around the woods proved very dog walker had passed through the woods
interesting. It enabled me to inspect trees ahead of me, or perhaps I had simply
for squirrel damage, which has declined chosen the wrong day – but I knew better »
32 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk
 HUNTING

&QYMTZLM2FY
XF\UQJSY^TK
XNLSXTKXVZNWWJQX
IZWNSLYMJ
FKYJWSTTSMJ
INISѣYLJYFS^
HQJFWXNLMYNSLXTK
MNXVZFWW^

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 33

MAT MANNING

2FYYFPJXFX\NKYXYFSINSLXMTYYTRFPJYMJRTXYTKFXZIIJSTUUTWYZSNY^FXYMJXZSGJLNSXYTXNSP

than that. The fact is, grey squirrels have a long, and it is a behaviour trait that is very BIG MISTAKE
habit of holing-up throughout the day and apparent on this particular permission. With My first chance actually came before I
then emerging with a burst of activity just that in mind, I still felt confident of bagging reached my intended area. I was on the
before nightfall. It makes sense that they one or two as I made my way to what I move and spooked a squirrel that had been
would want to feed up at last light, especially hoped would be a productive spot when the foraging amongst the leaf litter. The startled
at this time of year when the nights are very sun began to sink. rodent scuttled to a fallen branch propped
against an ivy-clad tree, but rather than
9MJXNYFSI\FNYFUUWTFHMUF^XTKKFSI2FYQNSJXZUKTWFXMTYNSYMJY\NQNLMY scrambling up the limb and disappearing
into the cover, it made the mistake of
lingering to look back at me – from about
20m away.
Unsupported standing shots are not my
strong point, but I knew the squirrel would
bolt if I tried to settle down for a kneeler.
Instead, I shouldered my BSA R-10TH,
flicked off the safety catch and brought the
crosshairs to bear on the bewildered
rodent’s head. Thanks in no small part to
the very close range, the shot was a good
one and I had my first squirrel of the session
in the bag.
It was great to be off the mark, but that
sudden, unexpected and frankly very easy
opportunity made a mockery of my efforts
to creep stealthily through the woods
during the previous few hours. It also
confirmed the fact that the squirrels were
beginning to creep out for their twilight
binge. I needed to get into position to make
the most of it.

34 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 9MJXVZNWWJQXGJHFRJ
NSHWJFXNSLQ^FHYN[JFXIZXP HUNTING
HQTXJINSTSYMJ\TTIX

MAGICAL WINTER
EVENING
I was soon amongst a
stand of tall oak and ash
trees. Although the former
had by now dropped most of
this year’s acorn crop, the area
still held plenty of appeal for
squirrels, which would be able to forage
remaining morsels amongst the carpet of
leaves. I positioned myself against a thick tree
trunk and put on a head net to hide the tell-tale
sign of a pale face in the twilit understorey.
There is something magical about being in
the woods as the sun sinks behind the hills and
the light begins to fade on an early winter
evening. Even if the afternoon has been a
blustery one, a stillness usually descends as
day drifts into night, and the sounds of
<NYMIZXPFUUWTFHMNSL2FYX\NYHMJXYTFRGZXMYFHYNHXFRTSLXYF
creatures that were previously inaudible UWTRNXNSLXYFSITKTFPFSIFXMYWJJX
amongst the daytime noises suddenly spring
from the gloom. oak about 30m from my spot. Although
Not far away from me, a mouse flickered within range, the squirrel refused to keep
back and forth beneath a blanket of ivy. A few still, but a quick click of my tongue was
minutes earlier, the distant clatter of a enough to make it freeze. Framed in the
farmer’s hedge cutting flail would have crosshairs, the skittish rodent twitched its
prevented me from hearing the gentle rustle of ears as it tried to locate the source of the
the tiny creature’s movements, but now the clicking sound. A wallop to the skull
sound was unmissable. Also apparent was the prevented it from ever finding out, and from
trilling of a blackbird away in the undergrowth doing any further damage to the trees.
– the thin but piercing call of a distressed bird Another squirrel that I had obviously failed to
that had presumably seen something it didn’t notice sneaking out was spooked by the smack
-FSLNSLTSZSYNQYMJRFLNHMTZWTKIZXPJSFGQJI
like lurking in the gloaming. of the impacting pellet, and sprung through the 2FYYTVZNHPQ^FRFXXFWJXUJHYFGQJYFQQ^FKYJWF
treetops before disappearing from sight about XQT\XYFWY
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME 50m away from me. The activity was certainly
The blackbird eventually settled, and its call picking up now, it was just a pity that I only had rodent from its lofty perch. The height the
was replaced by a sound which immediately about 20 minutes of light left by which to shoot. stricken squirrel had dropped from was
piqued my senses – the sound of claws A frenzied ten minutes followed, during emphasised by the wallop it made when it hit
clicking against bark. A squirrel was on the which I managed to account for another two the deck – I literally felt it through the ground.
move, making its way down the trunk of an squirrels – both of them coming from the I'd marked each squirrel as it fell, so I was
same oak as the first one taken from this able to retrieve every one by the light of my
(FWJKZQRFWPNSLJSFGQJI2FYYTWJYWNJ[JMNXMFZQ
G^YTWHMQNLMY spot. Remaining foliage made it impossible torch, with a final total of five – not bad at all
for me to tell whether there was a drey up given that I'd been stuck on zero about an
there or whether the squirrels were just hour earlier. Being in the right place at the
visiting the tree to search out any remaining right time is vitally important when it comes
acorns. I was just glad that I’d set up in the to successful air rifle hunting, and the
right spot to bring them to book. privilege of getting to enjoy the drama of
By now the screeches of hunting tawny twilight in the woods feels right to me.
owls were echoing through the woods. I was
fast running out of light, but as usual,
struggled to drag myself away. Occasional MAT’S KIT
sightings of squirrels weaving through the „ GUN: BSA R-10 TH
boughs were enough to keep me rooted to bsaguns.co.uk
the spot, although the rodents’ refusal to „ AMMO: BSA Goldstar (.177)
keep still made for a frustrating few minutes. bsaguns.co.uk
„ OPTIC: Zeiss Conquest V4
SUCCESSFUL RETRIEVAL zeiss.co.uk
Another good opportunity eventually came; „ SCOPE MOUNTS: Sportsmatch
this time as a squirrel lingered on a branch two-piece. sportsmatch-uk.com
close to where it joined the trunk of one of the „ JACKET: Ridgeline Grizzly III Jacket
towering ash trees. It was a slightly longer ridgelineclothing.co.uk
shot than the rest, but in still conditions and „ GLOVES: MacWet Long Cuff
taken from a leaning position, the pellet range-right.co.uk
found its mark and bowled the unsuspecting

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 35

DR FINLEY

(WTXRFS7

945+.;*
51.30*78
7*;.8.9
Tim Finley revisits his ‘top five’ list of plinking guns
from 2015, and it’s all change - almost!

ack in 2015, my esteemed editor asked

B me to pick my top five plinking guns
along with the reasons why they made that
top five. I now have a new editor – Hi Dave
– and now, some seven years later, it’s time
to revisit and revise that list. Times and
technology have changed massively, as has
my top five, . Only one of the top five from
back then has remained in my current top
five, unsurprisingly. Much of the change was
driven by me upgrading my loft range, which
was again driven by the purchase of a new
gun and changes in technology – one -<
affected the other, and vice versa.

CROSMAN R1
The newest addition to my plinking arsenal
is the Crosman R1 CO2 semi-automatic
rifle, which fires 4.5mm BBs from 25-shot
magazines as fast as you can pull the
trigger. It looks just like an AR and can even

36 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 TOP FIVE PLINKERS

take after-market AR items. I fitted were made for a real ‘45 Auto and these happens to be the one I use most often. It’s
the old pistol grip from my .22 transformed the feel of the gun. so easy to cock and is two-thirds of the
bullet-firing AR onto my R1. It allows The latest HW45 models have fibre-optic weight of the HW45 – 0.75kg as opposed
me to practise for mini rifle competitions rods on the open sights, which are an to 1.15kg.
in my loft – a rare privilege, indeed. I don’t improvement to be sure – the Silver and Black The Umarex Buckmark URX looks like a
just use the R1 for firearms practice,
though – it is a real treat to blast away at
plastic planes and tanks.
“A good grip and trigger technique is a must
with the URX and shooting it keeps me honest“
WEIRAUCH HW45
The only airgun to remain in my top five is a Star versions have awesome grips, too. I own a .22 rimfire, long-barrelled firearm I used
spring-powered air pistol. The Weihrauch Silver Star model and if you can add just a little to own, another great reason why I like it
HW45 being the pinnacle of such guns. It’s extra money on the top of a standard HW45, I so much. It’s nowhere near as accurate
the most expensive of my top five, at £340 and would get a Star version or as powerful as the HW45, but I end up
fitted with a Hawke red-dot sight, it’s deadly of the HW45 for the grip alone. They now using it much more frequently and I enjoy
accurate. It is a real handful of a pistol, but do a Black Star and a very cool Bronze Star, the challenge of hitting stuff with it. A good
rewards the shooter with superb accuracy and although this is 90 quid more than the grip and trigger technique is
the satisfaction of hitting the target, shot after basic HW45. a must with the URX and
shot. For plinking it has a half-cock mode of 3 shooting it keeps
ft.lbs., and full cock mode of 5 ft.lbs. in .177 UMAREX BUCKMARK URX me honest in terms of
calibre. On my own HW45, I fitted a set of The next gun on my list is also a hold and trigger
American-made, Hogue rubber grips which break-barrelled air pistol and technique.

:RFWJ]'ZHPRFWP:7=

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 37
TOP FIVE PLINKERS

9MJ2H6ZJJSѣX\FQQ.RFIJMFXGJJSKFSYFXYNHKZS

,FRT,+TWHJ

CROSMAN 2240
A pistol even easier to use is another
Crosman, this time a CO2 pistol. It’s a
bolt-action, single-shot in .22, the only .22
calibre in my top five.
Of course, the ones I use are not standard. I
have replaced the trigger springs with
magnetic systems, fitted larger bolt handles
and sound moderators, not to mention
barrel intermounts and large 40mm (WTXRFS
diameter red-dot sights. This means it’s very
hard to miss what you are aiming at, and
the short moderators take away the painful
ear-blasting crack-off completely in the
closed loft space. This is caused by the
bigger .22 and very short barrel, when it
discharges the blast of pressurised CO2. My the two plastic soldier McQueen’s
daughter, when she does venture into the walls that I fabricated out of steel sheet.
loft always insists on using her 2240, I have The G-Force 15 was a break-barrelled,
a pair set up in an identical fashion, spring-powered air rifle from Gamo, sadly
meaning she and I can shoot together. now discontinued from the Gamo range,
Running off a single 12 gram CO2 bulb gives but you can still pick one up if you shop use in my six-yard loft range. I
us plenty of shots and lots of time to enjoy around. fitted lasers along the barrel
ourselves. The ‘15s have been replaced in the Gamo plane and low-powered scopes
line-up by the Delta Fox, also a low- that I re-parallaxed down to six
GAMO G-FORCE 15 powered, black tactical-looking, break- yards, we can shoot the heads of the toy
Finally, is the air rifle that my barrel springer, which I reviewed in last soldiers with ease with them. Turning the loft
son, George, and I use on month’s Airgun World. lights off means we can then use the laser’s
-JFIXMTYXTSYMJ The G-Force 15s are black and red dots as illumination, such fun.
UQFXYNHXTQINJWXFWJ look AR-ish, even to the
YMJSTWRKTW extent that they TOP FIVE
,JTWLJFSI.
have a faux Strangely, only one of my top five plinkers is
drop-down a fast-fire fun gun, the Crosman R1. I hope
stick my personal top five has given you
magazine under the stock, as well as a inspiration; keep on plinking, always use eye
tactical-looking fixed butt stock. Their protection, upgrade your targets, check
relatively low power level makes your backstops and keep the guns locked
them easy to cock and perfect to up between sessions. 

38 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

GIVE YOURSELF
THE EDGE !
“The Rainson Edge is a top-value, fully regulated, bullpup-style, multi-shot (or singe shot),
pre-charged, sidelever pneumatic, of substantial heft and commendable build quality.”
AS REVIEWED BY TERRY DOE (AIRGUN WORLD EDITOR AND RENOWNED AIRGUN GENIUS)

Distributed to the trade by: a-s-i.co.uk

ASI, Alliance House, info@a-s-i.co.uk
Snape, Saxmundham, 01728 688555
Suffolk IP17 1SW
TERRY DOE

9-*-&3)4;*7
Terry finds just the right person to appreciate Ken Turner’s personal rifle.

n terms of airgun development, Ken

I Turner was one of our sport’s most
influential contributors. I was lucky to call
him a friend, and it was a privilege to help
test some of the ideas he came up with,
often side-by-side with him, on our club
range at Bisley. One of the most memorable
of Ken’s rifles was his ‘stainless slider’,
which I featured inthe November issue, and
shooting it again after Ken had passed away
was a truly emotional experience.
Ken’s widow, Jean, asked me to find the
best home for the rifle, and it was her wish,
as it certainly would have been Ken’s, to
place that incredible airgun with someone
who would truly appreciate it. I believe I
have done that.

MEET POLISH PETE

Polish Pete – it’s his preferred name – was
a former member of Bisley, and our paths
crossed again at the funeral of another of
our sport’s great innovators, John
Whiscombe. I was honoured to give the
eulogy at John’s funeral service, and Pete,
who like me was a friend of the great man,
paid me the ultimate compliment, by saying
that my speech had really captured John’s
persona. That endorsement means more
than Pete could realise.
Pete is an unstoppably enthusiastic
airgun shooter, and he collects airguns
made by John Whiscombe and Ken Turner.

MUTUAL ADMIRATION
Ken and John were there together at the
very beginning of what became the ‘field
target shooting revolution’, and there was a
genuine mutual admiration between them.
Both were engineers, and both qualified for
the ‘quiet genius’ label, although neither
would acknowledge such an award.
After Ken had tuned my Air Arms TX 200
– he was the ‘T’ in ‘TX’ – I expressed my
amazement at what he’d done, and, -JWJѣXFRFS\MTYWZQ^FUUWJHNFYJXJ[JW^FXUJHYTKYMJLZSXMJHTQQJHYX
typically, he dismissed my praise with, ‘It’s
just engineering, mate. Increased efficiency bring about that ‘increased efficiency’, and MEETING PETE AGAIN
means less effort in, for the result you want, to keep it working perfectly throughout When Pete discovered that I was looking to
and that means lower recoil for you to thousands upon thousands of cycles. In my re-home Ken’s rifle, he made it his business
handle. Couldn’t be more simple, see?’ experience, genius is either mercurial or to contact me, through yet another mutual
What Ken so typically dismissed there, was modest, and Ken Turner was firmly in the friend of ours, and another of modern
the time, expertise, and vision required to latter camp. airgunning’s founding fathers, Dave

40 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUN COLLECTION

HE'S A SHOOTER
Pete is also a skilled shooter, and his airguns
are not for exhibition only, that’s for sure. I
always study other shooters’ techniques, and
as I watched Pete go through the motions
with the slider, plus a glorious .25 calibre KT
break-barrel, and one of the Whiscombes
he’d brought along, it was obvious that I was
watching a man who really knew what he was
doing. Proper trigger technique, relaxed hold,
controlled breathing and correctly applied
follow-through; it was all there, along with the
pure satisfaction of hitting the target. Yes,
Polish Pete was definitely a full-on shooter, as
well as being an intensely dedicated
collector. He’s the right man for Ken’s rifle,
no doubt about it.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

When I unzipped the case containing the
slider, Pete just smiled and slowly shook his
head. He knew in that instant that he
needed to own, and shoot, that remarkable
rifle, and he said as much. By the time he’d
put a couple of pellets through it, Pete’s
mind was made up and he said, ‘Terry, I
Ѣ1TTPNYѣXWJXYNSLTSFMJFWYѣ0JS\TZQIMF[JFUUWJHNFYJIYMFY want to buy it. Thank you for giving me the
opportunity, and please give my regards to
Welham, formally of Airmasters. Dave knew the slider in his hands, I wouldn’t be taking Ken’s wife for allowing this to happen.’
I’d be OK with him giving Pete my mobile it home.
number, and thus contact was established. HE'LL BE BACK
That first conversation told me all I FULL APPRECIATION I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bisley with
needed to know about Pete’s regard for There are a few people in this world with whom Pete, and as previously mentioned, we’ve
Ken Turner and the rifles he made. Pete I share an instant affiliation, and Pete turned arranged to meet again, and this time he’s
owns several, and I’ll be exploring these out to be a perfect example. He has an going to bring along more of the gems from
wonderful airguns in a future issue. We obvious, and contagious, passion for his his collection, and I’m already counting
finished our phone conversation by airguns, and he appreciates them on every the days.
organising a meet-up at Bisley, where Pete possible level. A huge part of this appreciation For now, I’m happy and content that
could see, feel, and shoot for himself, the comes from his admiration of their creators, Ken’s precious slider is now in the keeping
mechanical wonder that is Ken Turner’s and he’s genuinely proud to own examples of of someone who appreciates every aspect of
stainless slider. The price of the rifle had their craft. Having spent many hours watching, it, and the qualities of the man who
been set, and if Pete found it to be and listening to, Ken Turner and John designed, built, developed and perfected it
everything I’d said it was, he’d be adding Whiscombe, I know exactly why Pete feels so - my much-missed friend, the quiet genius
it to his collection. I knew, once Pete had privileged to own the rifles he’s collected. that will always be Ken Turner. 

5JYJ\FXFQWJFI^XRNYYJSFXXTTSFXMJXF\ 5WTUJWYJHMSNVZJFSIYMJOT^TKMNYYNSLYMJ 'JQNJ[JNYTWSTY5JYJZXJXYMNXNSHWJINGQJ09

YMJWNKQJGZYG^YMJYNRJMJѣIXMTYNYFHTZUQJ YFWLJY.YѣXYMJRFWPTKXTRJTSJ\MTPST\X GWJFPGFWWJQXUWNSLJWYTXMTTYWFYX
TKYNRJXMJPSJ\MJMFIYTT\SNY MNXXYZKK ,TTIQFI

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 41

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42 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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5*7+*(91>
57.(*)5.89418 Jason Curtis from the UBC takes a close look at 13
Umarex entry level pistols
re you new to air pistol shooting? If you’re be said for that – not forgetting that it looks give you an idea of what they are like.
A thinking about giving it a go and looking at
getting your first pistol, or you want to get the
good, feels nice to hold, it’s accurate and
doesn’t break the bank at around £240.
All were shot at a distance of 6 yards in my
home range, from a rested position, to make
kids involved in your hobby, but don’t want to That said not everyone wants to pay it as uniform as possible for each pistol, the
splash out too much cash, then you might find £200-plus for their first pistol, and you don’t point of aim at the centre of target. It’s the
this article helpful – I’ve been having fun with have to because there are some nice pistols grouping we are interested in, though, point
air pistols for many years, from top-end out there in the sub £100 price range – okay, of impact can be adjusted later. The
competition models to backyard plinkers, and two here are a little over that, but they will all temperature was 20°C – temperature affects
a vast array in between. give you hours of fun plinking, and even a bit the CO2 capsules, and the colder it is, the
I always recommend the Umarex Walther of target work. We will be looking at 13 – yes fewer shots you will get, and vice versa. All
CP88 as a good starting pistol. It was the 13 – pistols, mainly 4.5mm BB CO2s at this pistols are less than 3 Joules (approx. 2.2 ft.
first replica CO2 pistol made by Umarex, price range, although we will look at a couple lbs., and for testing purposes, all were loaded
and it is still going over 35 years later, so it of pellet spring guns, and a sub £150 pellet with either Umarex Steel 4.5m BBs or
has stood the test of time and there’s a lot to blow-back. The reviews will be short, but will Umarex 4.5mm Mosquito pellets.

UMAREX RUGER MKIV the pistols in this review. It looks great, is easy to cock and load, with fully
This little spring-powered, single-shot pistol is lightweight, but not the adjustable sights, a comfortable grip, automatic safety, and the more .177
lightest here, having a polymer frame and barrel shroud weighing in at 625g, pellets you put down the rifled barrel, the better it gets. It’s great fun for
and 274mm in length. The silver version I have has imitation wooden grips plinking and perfect for some decent target work, and with a RRP of £74.95
that look really nice. The build quality is solid and it’s the most accurate of all in black or £89.95 for the silver, you just can’t go wrong.

44 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 PISTOLS REVIEW

UMAREX HPP UMAREX TORNADO

From a lightweight to a heavyweight, the HPP is the second heaviest and The Tornado is a 10-shot rotary mag’, futuristic-looking BB revolver.
second highest priced on the list. Of full metal construction, this It has a polymer frame although still a nice weight at 687g and 260mm
blow-back, steel BB-firer weighs in at 815g and is 175mm in length. It long. It also has a metal hammer and trigger, a slide safety under the
feels nice in the hand, and has a 15-shot BB drop-out, plastic stick mag’, hammer, fixed sights and two Picatinny rails to add a red dot and laser
which gave 120 shots from a single CO2 capsule. It has fixed sights and – if you wanted to add to that futuristic look. It’s single and double
all the catches work – they’re not just for show – and the safety is a action, although double action is a little heavy, and it’s an accurate
manual, solid slide action. The trigger is broad and lighter than expected little gun, giving 120 full power shots from a single CO2 capsule.
and is double-action only. The blow-back isn’t harsh, and it does lock They really pounded the back of the target box, and it gave me another
back after last shot. It’s not as accurate as some of the others here, but 20 lower-powered ones before the CO2 ran out. A perfect pistol for
add a laser to the lower frame Picatinny rail, put some tin cans out and plinking and target work, and hours of family fun for a bargain RRP of
this compact handful will put a smile on your face for a RRP of £109.95 £74.95

UMAREX COLT DEFENDER UMAREX SMITH & WESSON M&P 40

The Defender is a bit of a personal favourite. This stubby non-blow-back 1911 Dare I say, another favourite; the M&P 40 has a polymer frame and a
is all metal, weighing a nice 760g and only 177mm long. The mag’ release metal non-blow-back slide, and weighs 577g at 194mm long. It is very
allows the grips to slide back and reveal a built-in, 16 BB shot magazine, so similar in build to the Defender, with nice trademarks, imitation
there’s no chance of losing it, and simple CO2 fitting. From a single CO2 moulded catches except for the mag’ release, and the same ‘press and
capsule I squeezed out a staggering 192 full power shots, and it still managed slide’ safety, fixed sights, Picatinny rail and double-action trigger that’s
another 48 lower-powered ones. It has nice trademarks and really looks the slightly heavier than the Defender. The M&P benefits from a metal
part with fixed sights, a single-slot Weaver rail, and imitation moulded catches. 19-shot drop-out BB magazine, from which I managed another high
It’s comfortable, feels great and the double-action trigger isn’t too heavy. The shot count of 171 full-power shots and another 38 lower ones. Accuracy
safety is a nice ‘press and slide’ action, and accuracy is pretty good for an was very good, giving a reasonable group from this BB-firer. This really
entry-level pistol that groups well with a few fliers. There you have it; compact, is a great pistol if you’re on a budget, at an incredibly cheap
accurate with an amazing shot count for a RRP of £95.95 RRP of £79.95

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 45
UMAREX BOYS CLUB

UMAREX MAKAROV UMAREX TDP 45

The Makarov is an all-metal non-blo-back, with a moving slide for cocking, The Tactical Defence Pistol 45 is the lightweight of the bunch, weighing in at
weighing in at 684g and 162mm in length, and has imitation Bakelite grips only 455g and 165mm long, and it’s also the cheapest of the bunch. It does feel
that slide back to reveal the single CO2 compartment. It has an 18-shot, very plastic, but the price reflects this. Thankfully, it has a 19-shot, metal
drop-out metal stick BB magazine from which it managed 126 full power drop-out BB magazine because had it been a plastic stick mag’, the TDP might
shots, and like the Tornado, they hit the back of the target box with some have floated away. ‘Sounds a bit naff’, I hear you say, but you would be wrong. If
force, which makes sense considering the lower shot count from these two this is your first-ever pistol, it will put a smile on your face just like the rest of
pistols, although it did manage another 36 lower-powered shots. It’s single the list, with its high 190 shot count, firm but smooth dou ble-action trigger and
and double action with a heavy trigger – the safety is thumb operated – along white dot sights. It’s a fun little gun. The back strap lifts up for easy CO2
with fixed sights and nice trademarks. Although compact, it felt nice to hold insertion, and there’s a safety that does what it should. It also has a Picatinny
because the grips are broad, and it is accurate for this type of pistol, leaving a rail for a nice little laser. Yes, it’s simple; a no thrills, budget pistol with accuracy
nice big hole in the target with only a few fliers. If you fancy a nice little that matched and beat some of the other pistols tested, and it can be yours for
replica, you can pick this up for a RRP of £89.95 a bargain basement RRP of £54.95

UMAREX IWI
JERICHO B
This was my first time shooting
one of these, and it was very
comfortable, with the finger
grooves on the grip, and it felt
substantial in the hand, even
though its only 548g at 190mm
long. It has a polymer frame and
metal slide, and it’s stated as
being double action, but you can
pull the slide back to give you a
sort of single action – it’s a nice
touch all the same, but the trigger
is a bit graunchy but useable. It
has fixed sights, a
Weaver rail and moulded
catches, apart from the
right-hand thumb safety and
mag’ release. The magazine is a
full drop-out version, which
houses the single CO2 and 23
BBs, which gave 138 pretty
accurate shots. It’s a shame this
wasn’t a blow-back version – that
would have made it even better,
but it is entry-level and it’s a fun
pistol all the same. You can pick
this up for a RRP of £79.95

46 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 PISTOLS REVIEW

UMAREX HECKLER
& KOCH HK45
Another new one to me, and
this felt just right straight out
of the box. The stippled grip
and finger grooves felt
comfortable, and it’s a nice
weight at 630g and 203mm
long. The HK45 has a polymer
frame with a metal, fixed top
slide, so no blow-back here. It
has a nice matte finish with
H&K trades, and fixed sights
as we have come expect from
this price range, with a
Picatinny rail. The back strap
lifts for a single CO2 capsule,
and the safety is thumb-
operated. The mag’ release is
incorporated into the trigger
guard, which drops a metal,
19-shot BB stick magazine.
The trigger is double action
only, and squeezed off 209
shots all staying in the black of
the target – now that’s
impressive! This pistol feels
more expensive than it is, at a
RRP of £99.95

UMAREX BROWNING BUCKMARK URX UMAREX COLT PYTHON 357 MAGNUM

I have always liked the Buckmark and it’s cheap for what you get and Bring out your inner Dirty Harry with this lightweight 357 Magnum, the most
self-contained, being a springer and accurate. It is mostly of metal powerful handgun here. Weighing in at 561g and 290mm long, it’s lighter than
construction, with a polymer barrel shroud, and it has a rubberised grips with it looks, but it’s still a hand cannon. As you can guess, it is mostly polymer, and
finger grooves, which makes it comfortable to hold. It’s well-balanced, has a metal hammer, trigger and pellet mag’. Three 10-shot rotary mag’s are
weighing in at 680g and the longest of the bunch at 305mm. It has fully included; two of metal, for pellets, and one plastic for BBs. The barrel isn’t
adjustable rear sights, and a Picatinny rail fitted to the top, so you could add a rifled, but it’s still accurate, and pretty good with BBs, too. It managed 100
red dot or scope to improve accuracy. The trigger is metal and quite broad; shots, less than others, but with more hitting power. It can be shot single or
the pull is firm without being too heavy, and it has a predictable let off to each double action; the trigger is rather light once cocked, and the safety is found
shot. Cocking this singleshot shooter is easy and smooth, and like our other under the hammer. Fitted with fully adjustable rear sights,and chequered grips,
springer, the Ruger, it has a rifle barrel and is the second most accurate pistol one of which houses the hex key for tightening the CO2 capsule. It looks good in
here. All this can be yours for the truly amazing sum of £74.95 RRP its matte finish with subtle trades. This is a lot of pistol for a RRP of £84.95.

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 47
PISTOLS REVIEW

UMAREX LEGENDS P.08

The P.08 is a heavyweight. It’s all
metal, and the second heaviest
here at 818g, and it’s 216mm
long. This is the non-blow-back
version, with imitation action and
catches, apart from the sure-
footed safety and mag’ release. It
is fitted with plastic grips, and the
right-hand side grip comes off to
reveal the CO2 compartment. The
stick mag’ is metal and holds 21
BBs – it fired off a healthy 147
shots and kept them all in the
black of the target. The sights are
fixed, and the trigger blade is wide
and heavy – not one for the kids,
but it somehow suits this pistol.
Give your trigger finger a workout
and grab this piece of history for a
RRP of £99.95

There you have it, after about 1800 shots

UMAREX BERETTA PX4 STORM and one sore trigger finger, we have a
We have reached the final pistol, an entry-level, blow-back pellet and BB shooter. The baker’s dozen of pistols, types and prices to
Storm has a polymer frame and metal slide, it’s well-balanced and feels nice in the suit everyone, and all you have to do is
hand weighing 755g and 192mm long. The mag’ is a plastic stick drop-out that has decide which one. Once you have shredded
an 8-shot rotary mag’ at each end, which take both pellets and BBs and houses a a few tin cans, why not go to the Umarex
magnet to stop the BBs falling out. The shot count is low at only 80 shots because the Boys Club website and print off some free
blow-back takes up a lot of CO2. If you’re shooting with pellets, it can hold its own targets and enter our competitions to keep
accuracy wise, but with BBs you’d better find yourself a nice barn door; to be fair, the fun going. Happy shooting and stay safe.
though, for some plinking at tin cans it will be plenty good enough. It has fixed sights I would like to thank John Rothery
with nice white dots to acquire your target quickly, along with a Picatinny rail for a Wholesale, who kindly supplied the pistols I
laser. The blow-back is strong and adds to the real feel and will have you grinning didn’t own to be able to complete this
from ear to ear. With nice trades it’s a good looker and a worthy first pistol. We are review, your support and help is always
breaking the sub-£100 with this, but it’s still a steal at an RRP of £145.95 greatly appreciated. 

<*'8.9*8
\\\ZRFWJ]GT^XHQZGHTZP
\\\ZRFWJ]HTR
\\\GNXQJ^ZPHTR

48 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

PETE EVANS

(TRUFHYNSQJSLYM
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(425&(9
(425&3.43
Pete Evans gets his hands on a compact scope from Hawke
in the form of the AirMax Compact 3-12x40 SF AMX.

esop once suggested that good things to do so. Before we take a look at the that this scope should be launched amongst
A came in small packages. As he penned,
or perhaps chiselled those words, he didn’t
scope in-depth, let’s consider what type
of rifle might be a suitable mate for this
what seems like a pandemic of bullpup
ownership. There is no denying the fact that
have the Hawke AirMax Compact in mind, compact beauty. this scope is the obvious choice for a
but they could well have been prophetic. bullpup, the design features lending
It’s difficult to believe that all the most CHOOSE YOUR GUN admirably to the task, and the physical size
up-to-date technology we crave can be The obvious gun for a scope such as this enhancing the bullpup theme. To
packed into a scope of just 277mm in would be short and compact. To this end, I pigeonhole the scope into this role would be
length, but Hawke have certainly managed don’t think it a case of mere coincidence limiting, though, and with that in mind, I

50 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRMAX 3-12 X 40 SF AMX

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NRFLJHQFWNY^ WJUJFYFGQJJQJ[FYNTSFIOZXYRJSYX

8NIJKTHZXNXFZXJKZQKJFYZWJHZWWJSYQ^NS 2FS^UJTUQJZXJFXNIJ\MJJQ'Z^FS&NW2F]
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^TZWUJQQJY\NQQYWF[JQ

FEATURE-PACKED start with, they are high target-style, with the

First up, we know this scope belongs to the inner adjusters protected by a pair of plain
AirMax family, which is a range of scopes covers. Once these covers are unscrewed,
developed with the airgunner in mind. It we are greeted by the adjusters which
comes in three options with differing feature numbers and reference points,
magnification ranges and objective lens which can be used to ‘dial in a zero’, and
sizes, and in keeping with my own that term perhaps needs some unpacking.
preference for lower magnification scopes, I For example, if you decide to zero the
chose the 3-12 x 40, which is 277mm in scope at 30m, you would do so in the
length, and weighs in at 589g. time-honoured fashion, making the
turned the tables a little and decided to Up front, we have a fairly standard-looking necessary arrangements as you go. When
marry it to the Air Arms 510 TDR. 40mm diameter objective lens. I say you are satisfied with the vertical
Although the TDR is not short when ‘standard-looking’, but acknowledge that it adjustment, the adjuster cap can be
assembled, there is no getting away from has been subjected to 16 layers of coating removed by first removing the securing
the fact that a take-down gun gives the to improve light transmission and reduce screw, and the cap refitted so that it lines up
impression of being compact, which comes glare, and it’s good to see a set of lens caps in the zero position. This means that
from the fact that it does break down into supplied, to aid their protection. adjustments can be made and then
smaller pieces. Having used and viewed this Move rearward along that 30mm tube to returned to the zero position if you want to
combination from all angles, I am more the mid-section, where it’s all happening, elevate the adjuster for a 40m shot for
convinced than ever that this scope suits the starting with the adjustment turrets. example. In this way, it becomes easy to plot
gun perfectly, and offers everything that a a chart with numbers corresponding to
hunter needs. So what exactly do you get UP, DOWN, SIDE TO SIDE differing distances. There is also an
with this compact companion? Let’s get on The vertical and horizontal adjustment indicator to let you know you have travelled
with a tour of the highlights, and how that turrets differ remarkably from the ones a complete revolution – all very clever stuff.
translates into real life in the field. encountered on other Airmax models. To The degree of adjustment is measured in

8N]QJ[JQXTKNQQZRNSFYNTSYMNXXJYZULN[JX ?TTRWNSLTKKJWXOZXYYMJWNLMYQJ[JQTK +FXYKTHZXQJSX LJYNYWNLMYYMJKNWXYYNRJ

INWJHYFHHJXXYT^TZWIJXNWJIXJYYNSL WJXNXYFSHJ FSIXMTZQISѣYSJJIFQYJWNSLKTWF\MNQJ

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 51
AIRMAX 3-12 X 40 SF AMX

milliradians (mrad), the adjusters being

termed 1/10 mrad. To make things easier
one click = 1/10 mrad which equates to
10mm adjustment at 100m, 5mm at 50m,
and so on.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Adjacent to the horizontal plane adjuster we
have the rheostat for adjusting the
illuminated reticle, which is red with a
choice a six brightness settings. Controlling
luminosity is not quite the same as other
models with the two colour options. The
adjuster cycles in steps between zero – no
illumination and a predetermined
brightness; it sounds complicated, but I will &RRINFRJYJW\NQQFKKTWIRTWJWFSLJFIOZXYRJSYUTYJSYNFQ
explain. Suppose we start at zero, move
forward a step and you get 1(low side-wheel which fits snugly over MOUNT UP
power), move one more and the adjuster, giving extra As a general rule, I like to get the scope as
it goes to zero; move one torque, which could be close to the action as possible, and by using
more and it’s 2, and so &NRUTNSYX useful for cold fingers medium Sportsmatch mounts, I was able to
on. The beauty of this FUQJSY^ whilst out hunting on a get good clearance on the TDR, whilst
\NYMTZYGJNSL
system is that you T[JWKZXX^ frosty morning. gaining correct eye relief, which is around
can flick between Although I fully 76mm. Zeroing at 30m was achieved in
no illumination, and acknowledge their short order, before using the vertical
just one click to get benefits, I don’t use adjuster to dial in on those more distant
straight to your them myself because targets.
desired level of I prefer to keep things As I have come to expect from the AirMax
illumination, instead as simple as possible, range, the optical quality of the scope
of cycling through the but I’m probably in the proved to be excellent – those extra
whole range. In use the minority, so the vast coatings really making all the difference.
steps are well defined, majority of shooters will be The addition of the illuminated reticle makes
with no chance of happy about it inclusion. this a versatile companion for a hunting rifle,
inadvertently altering the settings. Moving even further back takes us to and using it on the lower settings really
the fast-focus eye piece, through which is proved useful inside buildings. Due to the
FOCUSING IN viewed that fine AMX reticle – a staple compact dimensions the scope did nothing
Side adjusting parallax is all the rage now, ingredient of the AirMax range. to unbalance the rifle, only enhancing the
and this compact has such a feature, which The instruction booklets, there are three handling characteristics.
will focus form a scant 10 yards out to of them, has one dedicated to the reticle, The icing on the cake is that this scope is
infinity. We know that the scales on these explaining the spacing of the aim points, covered by Hawkes coveted lifetime
adjusters are approximations, but I actually and how they translate to mil-dots. This warranty, which effectively means that this
found the values very close for my eye, reticle is fast becoming one of my favourites could be a scope for life. Since the return of
which was reassuring. because it offers everything the airgunner the loan scope, I decided to put my money
Hawke have thoughtfully included a requires without being too busy. where my mouth was and buy my own
Compact, which sits nicely with my trio of
5QJSY^TKNSXYWZHYNTSXFQJSXHQTYMFSIFMJ]PJ^KTWYMJFIOZXYJWPSTG 2-7 x 32s and a 3-9 x 40.
So, in conclusion, if you have a compact
hunting rifle and are keen to have all the
up-to-date features in a compact format,
look no further – you have the perfect
lifelong partner! 

CONTACTS
Hawke Optics. Avocet House. Wilford
Bridge Road. Melton. Woodbridge.
Suffolk. IP12 1RB.

Tel. 0345 345 5555.

Hawke AirMax Compact 3-12x40 SF

AMX IR £329.
www.hawkeoptics.com

52 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 INTRODUCING

W H Y H AV E O N E S H O T W H E N Y O U C A N H AV E T E N ?

INCLUDES 9834$01&"/%.06/54

NEW

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• /LJKWZHLJKWV\QWKHWLFVWRFNFRPSOHWH • :KLVSHU0D[[LPLQWHJUDOVLOHQFHU
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www.gamoguns.co.uk Available at all good gun retailers.

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TOP VALUE GUNS

7*=.2*=2>9-
Tim Finley reviews the rather sexy Myth rifle from
Reximex – which features a bottle in the stock.
ange Right is a fantastic firm, and they ergonomics, no doubt, so two this extends to the underneath. The
R are constantly looking for superb airguns available air reservoirs POINTS sculptured shape with two flat
to bring to us in the UK. Reximex hails from removes the drawback of a OF INTEREST areas at different depths is
Turkey, founded in 2015, and they produce shorter barrel lessening If you are in the clever. For those hunters who
pre-charged pneumatic air rifles. One such the shot count. want to fit a sling, or indeed a
market for a quality PCP
rifle in their range is the Myth, a very compact bipod, they can do so easily
PCP thanks in part to its use of a buddy bottle MORE FEATURES with a lot of features at because Reximex has put a
as part of the rear stock. The term ‘buddy The compactness and a highly competitive sling stud at the very front of
bottle’ derives from a small compressed-air the impressive shot count price, the Myth takes the fore end and also at the
tank and to fill our PCPs, we use 12-litre are not the only features a lot of beating. base of the butt. I fitted a bipod
compressed air tanks that are the normal size that set the Myth apart. It’s so I could use that off the bench
that divers strap on their backs. hard to know where to start, so for zeroing at the range, and
The .25 litre buddy bottle as a butt stock is I’ll begin with what drew my eye first accuracy testing out to 55 yards.
a very clever idea, and another even better – the stock/furniture. It’s black synthetic, the They also give you a 65mm-long
idea from Reximex was to have a traditional buddy bottle has a fitted cover with an Picatinny rail with an Allen stud. The rail
PCP cylindrical compressed air reservoir adjustable butt pad, and the cheekpiece can be fitted to the underside of the fore
under the barrel. The combination of these area is stippled to give your cheek something end because there is a hole for the Allen
two takes the Myth into a select group of to weld onto. stud already mounted into the underside. I
PCPs, giving the shooter over 200 shots. The pistol grip is very target-looking, with also found I could pull the cover back on
I can see why they went for a dual system; finger grooves and a palm rest. It is also the buddy bottle to increase the pull length
they wanted a short rifle, and as we all know ambidextrous, as is the rear stock, of course. to my ideal 375mm; fully pushed up to the
short barrels on PCPs makes them less The fore end has the same stippled grip front it goes down to 340mm, which is a bit
efficient. The shorter barrel improves the pattern on its sides as the cheekpiece and short for me because I’m six foot one tall.

8JYZUFYYMJWFSLJ
\NYMFXHTUJFSIGNUTI

54 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 REXIMEX MYTH

8NIJ[NJ\XTKYMJ2^YM

There is no rotating cocking bolt, but 30mm tube and a quality and precision to
there’s a sidelever system on the right-hand- match the Reximex. The Myth’s action is
side of the action. It is also a multi-shot rifle, split by the breech area, where the single-
with a rotary magazine, and Reximex give shot tray or multi-shot rotary magazines fit in,
the owner two magazines. In the review rifle, pushed in from the right-hand side.
I had two 14-shot, .177 calibre magazines,
and in .22 they are 12 shots. CLEVER SCOPE RAIL
The action has a very clever scope rail.
FAST AND RELIABLE Reximex gives you the option of an 11mm or
There is a manual safety catch above the a 20mm Weaver/Picatinny scope mounting.
trigger guard; push the recessed black 9MJFRGNIJ]YWTZXYFWLJYXY^QJUNXYTQ The Picatinny rail is 164mm long, the 11mm
button in from the left to set to ‘safe’; push LWNUNXFYWNZRUM dovetail measuring 144mm long. I fitted the
in from the right, it goes to ‘fire’ and a red Bushnell scope straight on with Weaver
ring can be seen around the button – action from the right-hand side. The bolt scope rings – just remember that the
simple but effective. probe has to be out of the way first, so the multi-shot magazine sticks up above the top
The sidelever is fast and reliable, and you cocking lever has to be to the rear. of the breech block by 12mm. The dual
can do it with your cheek still on the I fitted the single-shot tray to begin with, scope mounting is a real selling point for me,
cheekpiece. Reximex give you a single-shot and I fitted a scope, of course – the superb and I wish more PCP designers would follow
tray as well as the two magazines, and all of Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16 x 42. It’s a suit because it gives owners greater
these pellet-carrying bits slide into the mil-dot sidewheel parallax scope with a flexibility. »
9MJ2^YMNXFXNIJQJ[JW 9MJUT\JWFIOZXYJWNXTSYMJWNLMYMFSIXNIJTKYMJFHYNTS

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 55

REXIMEX MYTH

9MJXFKJY^HFYHMMFXFWJIWNSLYTQJYYMJ
XMTTYJWPST\NYѣXTSѢKNWJѣ

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XJJNY\NYMTZYYZWSNSLYMJWNKQJT[JW

The power adjuster takes the gun down HIGHLY RECOMMENDED end of the barrel is threaded for ½ UNF, so I
from 11.5 ft.lbs. to 7 ft.lbs. – perfect for The pressure gauge on the side of the rifle is fitted a moderator and the gun is supplied
indoor or back garden plinking, and taking much better, in my opinion because you with a grooved 60mm long thread protector,
the shot count up to silly figures. The power don’t have to tip the rifle upside down to see so you can also fit a muzzle brake if you
adjuster is a red rotating lever in front of the how much air you have left. I didn’t alter the wish. The trigger has a target trigger shoe
and at 600 grams these two things were a
“modern PCP air rifle with all the features and factor in the Myth’s accuracy.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the
the number of shots you will ever need“ Myth. It’s a thoroughly modern PCP air rifle
with all the features, and the number of
breech opening and with the lever looking gun’s power level; it was to see what it did at shots you will ever need, at a price that does
straight up it’s 11.5 ft.lbs., and when 45 yards and the answer was very well! make it a Top Value Gun. 
pushed down to the horizontal it’s the 7 ft. Expect sub-20mm groups at 45 yards; off
lbs. power level. If you run the Myth at that the bipod it was pellet on pellet, and out at Many thanks to Gill for help in production
lower level, you will get over 300 shots! 55 yards it was 20mm groups – wow! The of this article
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RRP £499

56 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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RUSS DOUGLAS

(1.2'.3,
9-*-*.,-98
Russ Douglas reviews one of a new breed of high(er)
tech digital scopes, coming away impressed.

igital scopes per se are nothing new; in daylight mode until everything gets too dark which seemed like witchcraft at first to many
D fact, there’s a plethora of them out
there now, and what’s good for one shooter
and grainy, then engage night-vision (NV)
mode and use an IR illuminator. This has the
of us established NV users. The first such
mainstream scope to hit the market was the
might leave another unimpressed. Until effect of turning night into day, albeit in Pulsar C50, an excellent tubed scope with a
recently, digital scopes included a digital black and white (B&W). Then there were superb, graduated zoom, but currently
camera sensor with infrared (IR) murmurs of scopes that could ‘somehow’ beset by UK supply issues – as I
functionality, whereby you use them in still see and display colours after dark, understand. Pard are also in the process of
4ZYYJXYNSLYMJSJ\&QUJ]&9NSHQZINSLWJHTWINSLHTRUFWNXTSXYTR^5FWI817+

58 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUNNING FOR ALL

(TWIWJYFNSJIXNIJHFUFSIHMFWLNSLNSINHFYTW
:8'(HFGQJFQXTITJXYWFSXKJWXWJHTWINSLX

-FSI^HMFWLNSL[NF5T\JWGFSP 9TUYZWWJYYFPJXTSJ(7GFYYJW^KTWFS
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launching their tubed DS35 and I should more effective with digital NV devices, but Yes, it’s a digital scope, so the viewfinder
receive one of the first in the country from its lens gives off a tell-tale visible red glow, display is simplistically a TV screen,
Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC) for exclusive which can scare off lamp-shy prey. The displaying what the 1,920 x 1,080 HD
review. Between the two, HIKMICRO 940nm IR may be 25% less efficient with NV sensor detects, superimposed with a reticle
launched the Alpex A50T another gear, but has the big benefit of giving off and lots more besides. However, when
conventionally-shaped scope, with a 30mm almost no lens glow, thus being more covert/ conventional digital scopes have grown
tubular body, and some serious tech within. stealthy. grainier and almost black, the Alpex still
The Alpex ticks boxes immediately, taking displays vibrant colours on this 1024 x 768
SO, WHAT’S NEW? conventional 30mm scope mounts, plus display. Run time is up to 12hrs, and so far
This designation indicates the 50mm power-wise by having two onboard batteries I’ve found the battery indicator
objective lens and 850nm illuminator, and accepting standard non-rechargeable underestimates how much juice is left in the
whereas the A50TN features a 940nm CR123 batteries, via the faux top turret, for main battery, but best keep a CR123 handy,
illuminator. For those unaware, 850nm is far one-hour boosts per battery. just in case.

8NIJG^XNIJNSIF^QNLMYGTYMFWJNRUWJXXN[J
GZYYMJ&QUJ]XMNSJXGWNLMYFKYJWIFWP

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 59
RUSS DOUGLAS
WHY NIGHT-VISION? Alpex’ outstanding build quality is its weight.
Before getting to the amazing bit, I’ll Yep, this scope, IR illuminator, with battery
answer this question with two prime and adjustable QD mount, and low two-
examples from a very personal viewpoint. piece mounts weighs-in at 1.5kg, and for
Firstly, I live in the north-east of Scotland, some, this might be acceptable, whilst
and a month from now (21st December) others will simply pair it with a lighter rifle.
sunrise will be 8.45am and sunset will be The AirMaks Arms Krait that I’ll be reviewing
around 3.30pm, which doesn’t leave us soon, weighs just 5.5lbs unscoped, leaving it
pest controllers many daylight working feeling more like a pistol carbine than fully
hours. Yes, there are coloured torches capable rifle in hand. This helps to
available for night stalking – red being the accommodate a relatively heavier scope.
most popular and effective – but For reference, my current Pard008S-LRF
eventually, all prey becomes lamp-shy and day and night scope, with adjustable mount
scarpers at the first sign of light. weighs 718g – literally half the Alpex. It’s
The second more personal reason is that equipped with an IR illuminator, laser
being 6’4” and on crutches, I’m not exactly rangefinder (LRF) and ballistic calculator,
graced with ninja-like powers of stealth. but it doesn’t have any low-light sensitivity;
Dress me in camo and I still look like one horses for courses.
ungainly bush, even on a good day, so I’m The Alpex’ scope body feels very solid and
generally limited to static daytime stakeouts. &MYMJIT\SXNIJTKYMJ&QUJ]NXYMJ\JNLMY very well engineered, with a nicely stiff-
Darkness is my best camouflage, and to PLFQQNSNSHQZINSLRTZSYXFSI.7YTWHM ridged eyepiece (dioptre) focus ring at the
take full advantage of it I need a scope that back of the eyebell, and a gently ribbed
sees through it as if it’s not there. times, but I scanned upwards (rifle objective focus collar at the front. This front
unloaded) and the foliage atop the range collar was actually a little too stiff, so Ian
SOMETHING GROUND-BREAKING backstop was still showing autumnal Blackwood (www.blackwood-outdoors.co.
The Alpex’ sensitivity is impressive, which colours, long after it looked black to me, uk) who’d very kindly lent Bruce and I this
together with some processing wizardry, silhouetted against the slightly lighter scope to review, had included a ‘coaster’, or
enables the display to show colours clearly background sky. fishing accessory that tightens around any
well after all is dark to the naked eye. Bri collar and provides an excellent projecting
and Erni were blown away last night by the THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM handle to help fine-tune the focus. The
clear and vivid colours of the range’s grass, I’m always 100% honest and don’t shy away Alpex also has 60mm of eye relief, and no
compared to their day scopes. Colours can from revealing both pros and cons of rear corrugated rubber eyecup, which is my
look surprisingly vivid, almost falsely so, at everything I review. The downside of the preference with NV scopes.

?JWTNSLNSGFWSXG^IF^WJFI^KTWYMJWFSLJYMJSSNLMYYNRJUJXYHTSYWTQ

60 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUNNING FOR ALL

<JNMWFZHM=10RTII^FIIJIWJFI^KTWUJXYHTSYWTQ

CONTROLS batteries – is a detachable torch mount and quick-detach (QD) adjustable, sprung clamp
Three low-profile rubber buttons are atop compact 850nm LED IR torch. It’s LED at one end, and a 25mm diameter clamp at
the front of the rear eye-bell control; (1) because the A50T’s sensitive sensor doesn’t the other. To set it up, first remove the rear
power with on/standby/off, (2) recording require the increased IR provided by VCSEL cap from the torch, slide it in through the
with long presses saving still images, and (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) IR clamp’s 25mm aperture, slot in a pinhead
short presses starting/stopping video torches, which many existing digital scopes 18650 battery (+ first) then replace the end
recording, plus (3) selecting daylight or NV like Pards benefit from. This torch is well cap. After dark, this clamp can gradually be
modes. Top tip: slide your finger forward designed, with a ridged front lens collar, tightened via two Allen screws, whilst you
along the eyebell until it stops at rubber, to rotating to flare and widen, or narrow and pivot the torch body within its ball-joint
avoid accidentally pressing the front button concentrate the beam. Just aft of that is a housing to align the IR beam to surround
and powering-down the scope – when you second collar bearing a red stripe, which is your crosshairs at your chosen range. Once
want to record. the stepless/silent power controller. Rotating you’re happy all’s aligned, simply nip-up the
The left turret’s a little slack for my taste, this clockwise first switches the torch on, two Allen screws to clamp it snugly. Once
but rotates anticlockwise to step smoothly then gradually increases the power. the QD bracket’s clamp arm is rotated to set
between 1x (base mag 3.5x), 2x (7x mag) Everything feels very well designed and the tension, the whole thing can quickly be
and 4x (14x mag). Pushing this dial brings built, nothing slack or rattly here. dismounted and replaced, without losing
up the classic HIKMICRO full digital scope The mount is an asymmetric curved this torch alignment.
menu, allowing you to select preferences, ‘hand-cuff’ design, with a 30mm diameter, I already own several LED and VCSEL
and access the zeroing menus. There are
five zeroing profiles; A-E, with nameable 9\TMTZWXFSIFIT_JSWFYXQFYJWTSJXHWJJSXMTY.XJSYYTYMJKFWRJW
distances as an aide-memoire, five reticles,
plus ‘Off’, e.g. for observing and recording
wildlife, and one fully graduated first focal
plane, in five colours.
One learning curve was that pressing the
jog dial controller to freeze the image, after
firing a group, to allow the X & Y to be
adjusted onto the downrange holes, kept
moving the scope off target. So, I soon
learned to ‘pinch’ the left and right turret
caps to press the button whilst keeping the
image still.
The top turret cap houses the back-up
battery, whilst the right one, retained by a
synthetic cord, covers the USB-C slot, for data
transfer (64GB memory) and charging the
internal batteries. All caps are protected by
‘O’-ring seals and the scope’s IP67 certified.

ACCESSORIES
The main accessory included with the Alpex,

»
beside the quick-start guide and two 18650
torch batteries – two backup CR123

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 61

AIRGUNNING FOR ALL

;NIJTXHWJJSXMTYHTRUFWNSLGFXJRFLѣTK5FWI817+FSI&QUJ] ;NIJTXHWJJSXMTYHTRUFWNSLYMJ5FWI817+ NSXJYFSI&QUJ]FKYJW

FKYJWIFWP\NYMYMJQFYYJWѣX1*).7 IFWP\NYMTZY.7 FQRTXYGQFHPYTYMJSFPJIJ^J

torches, so I knew what I wanted to do next. directed it toward the corner of the barn so we can now compare it with the Pard
Whether LED or VCSEL, all IR torches have a with the most rat activity. I ascertained that DS35, which we’re really looking forward to.
‘grid pattern’ of IR emitters, so I rotated both regardless of whether I used 850nm or Follow the QR codes to the Flickr album
collars clockwise to maximise and focus the 940nm, the crevices I was targeting were containing more photos, and my
beam, which then showed-up as a series of clearly illuminated at 40m. accompanying YouTube video(s). I say
fat lines. Next, I rotated the torch body so ‘videoS’ because ground-breaking scopes
this grid was ‘square’ to the crosshairs (OCD FUTURE ARTICLES, ANYONE? like this deserve a thorough test and in
= happy), then reversed the lens collar to Chris, one of our GARC stalwarts recently addition to unboxing and daylight/dusk/
flare out the beam to fill my field of view, got in touch, having just bought the same darkness testing, I’ve also recorded honest
which is 7.7 x 5.8 degrees. Diana Mauser K98 multi-shot PCP I side-by-side comparisons with one of my
reviewed in the January issue. He’s own Pard008S-LRF scopes. Plus a pest
IR LIGHT 101 absolutely loving its super-slick bolt-action, control video; viewer discretion is advised
The Alpex automatically compensates for and last night was shooting it scoped at 25m there.
falling light levels, without user intervention. indoors, to determine which pellets it I hope this has been interesting and that
Then once the light’s gone, press the rear-right prefers. He’ll probably try it with open sights you take care out there in the dark, and of
flush rubber button, and everything goes on the club’s HFT course, being seriously course that you enjoy your shooting.
B&W, then once you activate the IR illuminator impressed with its accuracy.
– voila! All is revealed. At this point, a slight He also showed me a classic (circa 1912)
focus adjustment’s required because IR light tap-loading under-lever, believed to have KIT USED
focuses slightly differently to visible light. The been owned by Lincoln Jeffries, going by the „ FHIKMICRO Alpex A50T
same applies if you opt to change between faint markings on the buttstock. At some £799.99
850nm and 940nm IR, when swapping point in its life, it’s had a section of BSA https://www.blackwoodoutdoors.co.uk/
between the two wave-lengths requires a small scope rails brazed on, and currently wears a product/hik-alpex-day-and-night-scope/
but noticeable focus adjustment. basic scope Chris’ dad brought back from (includes 850nm IR illuminator & fully
As a test last night, I also took along the World War 1! Let me know if you’d like me adjustable 30mm QD bracket, plus
Brinyte T28 Artemis IR torch I previously to do an article on this classic. Weaver QD mounts)
reviewed on my channel. This does have a
less useful white light, which if activated CONCLUSIONS
accidentally can scare off your prey – wish This scope’s low light sensitivity (0.001 lux) VIDEOS AND EXTRA PHOTOS
that was red – but it has a silent stepless has to be seen to be believed. To quote Erni. Scan the QR codes
power button/adjuster, and a lever to select ‘I’ve just found the next thing I want to buy’.
white light, or 850nm / 940nm IR. During a Thanks again to Ian Blackwood for kindly
lull in the rat shoot, I balanced the rifle lending NV guru Bruce (@phoenix on the UK
between the trigger sticks/saddle and my NV forum) and me the Alpex for our honest
shoulder, held this torch in my left hand and review. He’s very kindly extended this loan
+NWXYWFYXMTYNSUNYHMIFWPSJXX%R 8JHTSIWFYXMTYNSUNYHMIFWPSJXX%R

Video 4/4 will be

online by
the time you
read this.

62 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 LAMPETER
 

   

  
SHOOTING SPORTS
Air Rifle Specialist | All Gun Servicing

 
  
 

01570 422 288 info@lampetershootingsports.co.uk

Unit 1, Former Five Courts, Harford Square, Lampeter,

Ceredigion, SA48 7DT


 
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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 63

TERRY DOE

Terry Doe visits Just Air Guns – and has his mind
blown by what’s on his doorstep.

2FWP<FYYXѢ.YѣXFQQFGTZYLN[NSLYMJHZXYTRJW\MFYYMJ^\FSYѣ

like to think I’m a chap who has his warehouse that keeps Just Air Guns came in, it became obvious to me that this
I finger on the airgun pulse, but somehow
the phenomenon that is Just Air Guns
stocked, is absolutely enormous. company is founded on just two words –
customer service.
had escaped my notice. I heard about BASIC PHILOSOPHY It was customer demand that brought
the company from a reader who was I was welcomed by company owners, Mark about Just Air Guns in the first place, and
praising their delivery service, and I Watts and Harpreet Bhatia, who sat me once the company discovered what its
decided to check them out for myself. down in their office and explained to me customers wanted, the wheels were set in
Just Air Guns was established back in what Just Air Guns is all about. We were motion to deliver it, and to do so in all areas,
2009, just a few miles away from me in there for almost an hour, and I learned a including actually delivering airguns and
Feltham, Middlesex, and whilst the great deal – plenty of which I should have gear to the customers’ doors. It’s a massive
company’s shop is impressive, the already known – and as the information undertaking, requiring equally massive

64 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 SHOP PROFILE

three-storey warehouse really is massive,

and every part of it is utilised. Frankly, the
more Mark showed me, the more
embarrassed I felt about only just finding out
about it.
After the warehouse tour, we moved on
to the shop, where the conventional
face-to-face retail sales are carried out.
Again, the stock was impressive and the
enthusiasm obvious, and I asked Mark
about the company’s policy regarding
repairs. He told me,
‘We leave the technical aspects entirely to
the experts at our suppliers. We get the work
done as quickly as possible, and to the
highest standard, and for us, that means
having it carried out by those who know
these guns inside-out. I’m proud of our
reputation for customer service, and we put
a huge amount of emphasis on that.’

I’LL BE BACK
My visit to Just Air Guns was overdue, and
fascinating, and I came away feeling
.\FXXMT\SWFHPFKYJWWFHPTKJ[JW^HTSHJN[FGQJ ,ZSXFSIRTWJLZSXUQZXFQQYMJFHHJXXTWNJXYT
FNWLZSUWTIZHY extremely positive about a company with a LT\NYMYMJR
commendable regard for its customers, and
resources, technology, and dedicated staff, the sport that sustains it. I’m pleased to say I future, so watch this space. In the
but if the growing success of the company is have an invitation to return at any time, and meantime, check out the company website,
any measure, Just Air Guns has all three, Just Air Guns has plans to expand its and see for yourself what I’d been missing
and everything else it needs to continue its product range considerably in the very near for far too long! 
remarkable growth.

MASSIVE WAREHOUSE – TOP SHOP COMPANY INFO PHONE: 0330 999 5224
I was then given the grand tour by Mark, and Trimex UK Ltd (Just Air Guns)
his pride in what Just Air Guns has created Trimex House, EMAIL:
is obvious, and no wonder. I was shown rack Pier Road jag-support@jbbg.helpscoutapp.com
after rack of air rifles, pistols, BB-firing guns, Feltham
pellets, targets, and literally more TW14 0TW WEBSITE: www.justairguns.co.uk
accessories than I could comprehend. The

JUST AIR GUNS

1. Just Air Guns was formed as a direct result of Just BB Guns best it can be.’
(airsoft) customers wanting a more accurate shooting 7. The Just Air Guns website is full eCommerce, meaning it is
experience. But over the past 6 years, it has developed into a SSL encrypted and totally secure, the purchasing process is
larger part of the company than the airsoft side. simple, and they have a separate tool to upload your ID via your
2. Just Airguns keeps over 5000 air rifles and air pistols in mobile phone or via email and text.
stock across their UK-based warehouses. This must surely be 8. The payment processing is via Berkley EPDQ, and Just Air
one of the most well-stocked airgun retailers in the UK. Guns accepts all credit and debit cards. If you prefer, you can
3. They have a newly refurbished shop, but they also offer make your order online and pay over the phone, but they urge
low-cost home delivery by their own vans and drivers. customers to try the website first.
4. They supply only .177 and .22 air rifles and pistols with a 9. Support is via the company’s online support system, and it
large selection of 4.5 BB pistols and rifles, with no plans to can be accessed via the website, or by sending them an email.
offer shotguns or other classifications regarding firearms, Just Air Guns is also happy to accept calls during opening
hence the name Just Air Guns. hours.
5. Just Air Guns caters for all airgun shooters, from beginners 10. The website is impressive! The Just Air Guns team works
that are looking for a low-cost break-barrel springer, to hard to make each page as helpful, interesting, and easy to
experienced shooters who want a high-end PCP. navigate, as possible. Most products have detailed images,
6. Just Air Guns also stocks a huge variety of different airgun videos, specifications and descriptions. ‘We strive to make a
pellets. ‘We understand that each individual gun performs page engaging for our visitors, and not just a white page
better when using a specific make and model of ammo, and we shopping website, but more like something you would find in a
work with our customers to make their shooting experience the magazine gun review.’

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 65

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 AIRGUN DIY

(425&(9&3)'./4:
PART 4
Matters come to a conclusion this month, when
we get to sample the fruits of Pete Evans’ labour.
’m fully aware that last month I left you all has a cut-out that makes way for the BREECH REASSEMBLY
I on a precipice, with an air-tight cylinder
and not a lot else. It always amazes me how
magazine catch on multi-shot guns. As we
are working on a single-shot gun, this has
The plastic pellet tray can now be
refitted through the breech opening –
much is involved in a rebuild and less significance, although I was keen to fit be careful to get the correct orientation
conversion, and hence to give the whole this with the cut-out on the underside, with with the hole in its base nearer the rear
subject justice, it proved necessary to the gap equidistant distance on both sides. of the action.
stretch the work over a four-part series. This Due to the fact that this rear mount is held in Fit a new ‘O’-ring to the probe, and
month, I promise to finish, and bring you the place by three opposing grub screws, the although the probe runs through a plastic
results, of the fully converted Ultra. underside one is hidden by the cylinder, bush, it was lightly greased as was the outer
hence why it's a good idea to fit now, before side of the plastic probe housing. Make sure
WHERE WE LEFT OFF the breech and barrel assembly is replaced. the housing and probe are correctly
Resuming work with the cylinder, new Huma Slide the mount down the barrel. I like to assembled before re-entering the assembly
regulator and quick-fill gauge, it’s time to get leave a tiny gap between the shroud and back into the breech housing.
the hammer housing back into place. breech, so a slip of paper was sandwiched Prepare the bolt catch with a little
With a new ‘O’-ring on the base, replace between the two faces. With the cut-out molybdenum grease, and then whilst
the port with the deeper section inside the positioned underneath, work round the holding the bolt in position, enter the catch
valve body, this should fit perfectly if you three locking grub screws, tightening them through the right side of the breech. There
have refitted the valve body to the correct sequentially to maintain uniform pressure, may be some manipulation of the bolt and
depth inside the regulator body. If it won’t fit before removing the paper. Replace the ‘O- catch to get the correct position, but when
it may be necessary to move the position of ring on the top of the transfer port, and then you are happy, slide the pin with the splined
the valve body slightly. the barrel and breech assembly can be end back into position on the left side of the
At this point, I would recommend fitting carefully lowered into position. Once action. The catch, although rather floppy,
the rear mount for the shroud. Unscrew the everything is lined up, replace the hex-head will be pinned into position.
rear end of the new Huma shroud, which screw in the base of the breech. To tension the catch, replace the spring
.YѣXHTRUQJYJFSIITJXSѣYNYQTTPFRNQQNTSITQQFWX

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 67
AIRGUN DIY
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from the right of the breach – I bought a attention before replacing. INTERNET SUPPORT
new one because the one taken out was We established early on that the Ultra has Airgun forums can be a useful resource for
bent out of shape. Fitting the top of the a heavy, metal spring guide, which fits inside the airgun tinkerer, as long as you can vouch
spring into the U-shaped cut-out in the the hammer, thus increasing its mass and for the source of that wisdom. I had the
catch, and then pulling up the base of the therefore its momentum, but because we pleasure recently of dealing with Robert
spring to sit inside the hole at the base of the are using a regulator, we don’t need that Smith (robs5230) on the AirgunBBS, from
breech is much easier. extra momentum. It’s going to be preferable whom I purchased a rare and attractive
to hit the main valve with less force, walnut stock for a Diana model 52 – more on
COCKING ASSEMBLY AND SPRINGS therefore we need to reduce hammer weight that another time. During our conversations, I
The MMC assembly can be replaced and and spring energy. mentioned this Ultra project, something that
held by the stock-fixing stud. Push the knob To reduce the weight, it’s pretty Rob had undertaken previously. He told me
on the cocking assembly so that it passes straightforward, insomuch as replacing the that he had a lighter hammer spring and
inside the trigger assembly, before replacing steel guide with a custom-made Delrin one, guide, which he was willing for me to try –
the forward hex-head bolt to secure the as you might with a spring gun. well, it would be rude not to.
trigger group. With the spring, there are two options; This spring set was purchased from XTX
Next consideration will be the spring and reducing the length of the original offering, tuning before they stopped trading, so there
guide, which will need some thought and or sourcing a lighter gauge one. will be no more, but at least it gave me an

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68 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 BSA ULTRA

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opportunity to take some measurements, form of a threaded spring seat inside the hiss of escaping air, which on a fresh rebuild
which might come in useful. rear cylinder cap. Using a wide-bladed is not what you want to hear. It seemed to be
Originally, my Ultra spring had a coil screwdriver, it’s possible to screw it in or emanating from the filler – from the gauge
diameter of 1.46 mm, with an overall length out, thus adjusting the preload. For the face, to be more precise. Before contacting
of 44 mm. The replacement has a coil purpose of this rebuild I opted to screw Huma, I thought it best to make some
diameter of 1.16 mm, again with an overall it all the way down, giving the minimum investigations, so I removed the twist cover
length of 44 mm. A brief Internet search did of preload. for the fill probe – it simply pulls forward
throw up a couple of options around these Once the cap is back in place, secure over the pressure gauge – and it became
sizes, so it might be possible to source it with the hex screw through the back obvious that the gauge dial unit itself was
alternatives. It’s impossible to say how many of the breech block, and from underneath loose, so after tightening, normal air
coils would need to be removed if you go with a screw through the rear of the retention was resumed. Note to self: Don’t
down the shortening route, although I would trigger group. always assume the worst!
recommend removing one coil at a time. At this point, I opted to fill and test-fire the First test shots were encouraging at 10.3
gun, to make sure that it wasn’t leaking, and ft.lbs., and following a turn and a half out
ADJUSTING PRELOAD also to get a feel for its power. on the preload adjuster, I obtained 11.33
These early Ultras have a secondary As I inserted the fill probe, and opened ft.lbs.with JSB Exacts 8.4 g, which was just
method of increasing spring preload, in the the cylinder valve, I was greeted with a loud about perfect. »
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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 69

BSA ULTRA

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FXHWJ\YMWTZLMYMJ KFHYTW^YMWJFIJIGFWWJQ8TRJLWJFXJ \NYMYMJXZUUQNJIKJQYXYWNUX
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SHROUDED IN SILENCE specific, and so the holes in the washer will 18fps. This compares very favourably with
So we come to the final adornment – fitting be supplied in different sizes. Fitting a .22 the standard gun – 30 shots of similar
the remaining parts of the Huma shroud. shroud on a .177 will work, but sound power, with 39fps variance. I think that this
Fit the forward shroud mount by screwing suppression won’t be optimal. Fit a .177 figure could be improved upon further with
it onto the end of the barrel. There is an shroud on a .22, and you risk clipping the some adjustments, although I’m more than
‘O’-ring on the outer edge to which I applied internal parts with your pellets. happy with those figures.
some grease to aid the passage of the Continue the process until you reach the The gun itself is now easier to cock, due to
shroud. last wire cage. After wrapping, I inserted this the weaker hammer spring, and the noise
Remove the threaded end cap from the into the end cap and threaded it on to the end from the action is different, inasmuch as it
shroud, and slide it over the front support of the shroud. I found there was a very small sounds as though the gun is low on air. This
and onto the rear support, where it can be gap between the cap and shroud, due in part makes sense because the valve is now
threaded into place. to the small gap I had introduced at the working against a constant and lower
pressure of 105 bar.
“As you would expect, all the Huma parts were A combination of the reduced action
noise and the shroud sound suppression
finished to a very high standard“ translates to an 8dB loss in sound over the
screw-on moderator, which means the good
As well as being cosmetic, the shroud is breech end. To rectify the problem, I carefully news continues. It’s certainly worth noting
functional, in that it is a sound moderator. removed the red-coloured rim from the cage, that the shroud also looks so good.
The last few inches house a series of and then removed about 2mm from the end of Having the ability to keep check on air
felt-wrapped wire cages and washes, which the cage, before replacing the rim, and status with the aid of the Huma filler/gauge
provide the sound suppression. refitting the cap to give a perfect fit. is a definite improvement, and certainly
Select one of the three wire cages and beats counting pellets. As you would expect,
tightly wrap with one of the pre-cut felt THE RESULTS ARE IN all the Huma parts were finished to a very
strips, then simply push inside the end of So, the bit we’re all interested in – ‘Was it high standard, which makes the job a whole
the shroud. They are a good fit when wound worth the effort?’ These are my conclusions lot easier. Their high quality also means that
correctly – too tight means that you haven’t as found: their longevity is assured. All factors
wound them tightly enough. Filling to a pressure of 230 bar, which for considered, I rate this a very worthwhile
Next, insert one of the plastic disc me would be an absolute maximum, I project, and would urge any Ultra owners
washers, which forms a baffle. It’s worth achieved a total of 50 shots with an average out there to consider the conversion for their
noting that these shrouds are calibre power of 11.2 ft.lbs., with a variance of own guns. 

<NYMYMJHFLJNSXJWYJIKNYTSJTKYMJXJUQFXYNH .XMTWYJSJIYMJQFXYHFLJYT
\FXMJWXGJKTWJNSXJWYNSLYMJSJ]YKJQYJIHFLJ JSXZWJFLTTIKNYKTWYMJ
XMWTZIJSIHFU

CONTACTS
Huma-Air
www.huma-air.com

BSA Ultra MMC regulator €87.50

Quick-fill gauge €71.50
Barrel shroud/moderator €89.00

70 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 71

TECHNICAL AIRGUN

57*14&)
&3)7*(4.1
Jim Tyler looks at the effects of altering
spring preload on the recoil cycle

ike most people, the only objective

L measurement of a springer’s
performance that I could take until just over
a decade ago was the muzzle velocity. I had
no idea of what effect any modification had
on the shot cycle, whether or not the recoil
cycle was improved in any way, nor why. I
could – and did – shoot the rifles, and try to
reconcile my perception of changes in the
recoil cycle with what I imagined might be
going on inside it, but truth be told, I did not
know whether any conclusions were real or
just imagined.
Lacking the knowledge, experience and
budget to even contemplate taking
measurements of the internals of the springer
during the shot cycle, the next best option was
to record the recoil cycle, and try to deduce 7JIZHNSLYMJRZ__QJJSJWL^KWTRKYQGXYTKYQGXMFI[JW^QNYYQJJKKJHYTSYMJWJHTNQYWF[JQ
what I could from that. Sounds simple, but it
took me years to get to the point at which I had SURPRISE barrel rifles at under the UK muzzle energy
accurate enough measurements. Not only did To anyone who has only experienced limit, and those figures would be for an
being able to measure the recoil cycle open springer recoil by shooting the rifles, the airgun that was floating in the air with no
windows on the inner workings of the springer, distance by which springers seem to recoil restraint – let’s call it ‘free recoil’ – when
but it also allowed me to see the effects of any during the compression stroke can feel a lot the rifle is being held by the user, those
modification, such as altering spring preload, more than the 5.5mm to 8mm that might be figures reduce significantly. Real-world
on the recoil cycle. typical for popular underlever and break- recoil travel is a lot less than it seems.
You can easily and fairly accurately
7JIZHNSLYMJRZ__QJJSJWL^YTKYQGXWJIZHJIWJHTNQYWF[JQG^OZXYRRFSIFQXT calculate the maximum free recoil of a
WJIZHJIWJHTNQFHHJQJWFYNTS
springer by multiplying the available stroke
minus 1mm, by the weight of the piston plus a
third the weight of the spring, and dividing that
by the weight of the rifle and scope minus the
weight of the piston and a third of the spring.
For my HW95 with a 500g scope, that would
be 84 x (.27+.033)/(3.6-(.27+.033)), or
7.71mm, and that figure reduces markedly
when the rifle is held and shot.

THE MANY FACES OF RECOIL

There’s more to recoil than displacement
(travel). I once reduced the available piston
stroke of my HW95 from 85mm to 77.5mm,
and the free recoil reduced from 7.71mm to
7.03mm. To me, the rifle certainly felt
different to shoot, but was I able to detect
the 9% reduction in the recoil travel? Could
 CHANGING MUZZLE ENERGY

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FQYJWFYNTSXYTRZ__QJJSJWL^ FSIH^QNSIJWYTLJYFPST\SXYFWYNSLUTNSY

it have been the 4.3% reduction in the time ft.lbs.) reduced the recoil, based on the user’s 0.14mm (0.0055”). That is a truly tiny
taken for the compression stroke from perception of the recoil. One recent poster amount, and I’d be amazed if anyone shooting
9.7ms (milliseconds – thousandths of a described how 11.4 ft.lbs. gave ‘more’ recoil, the rifle at the two power levels could detect
second) to 9.3ms? Was it a mixture of these, and 10.7 ft.lbs., with less spring preload, gave any difference, so was there anything else they
or something else? ‘less’ recoil from his TX200, so I decided to might actually be able to perceive? The only
The ‘something else’ is the recoil replicate the recoil cycle with my TX200 by significant difference in the recoil cycle was
acceleration, especially the effect on the recoil varying the preload, and measure the real effect that the 10.93 ft.lbs. set-up accelerated the
of the transition from the piston being of shooting it at a range of muzzle energies. piston to 48fps in 7.6ms, where the 11.59 ft.
stationary to reaching its peak velocity, which I de-greased and re-lubricated the cylinder lbs. set-up accelerated the piston to 51.75 fps
is normally in the region of 45fps, occasionally and piston, set the rifle up with 38mm of in the same 7.6ms.
up to 60fps, usually within the space of 8ms, preload and, after a couple of shots to settle
and occasionally as fast as 6ms. things down, recorded the recoil cycle with a NEXT STEP
When we shoot a rifle after a modification, weighed pellet, then did the same, but with The obvious next step was to reduce the
our perception of changes in the recoil could 41mm of preload. The result can be seen in muzzle energy further and record the
be one of these three factors, any two of them, ‘Recoil and muzzle energy’. First, 38mm of change in recoil, so I reduced preload to
or all three, though I am growingly convinced preload gave 10.93 ft.lbs. of muzzle energy, 35mm, which gave 10.4 ft lbs., and now
that the overriding factor that we perceive is the compression stroke took 9.568ms there was a much greater difference in the
change in the acceleration and, if that’s right, (milliseconds), and peak cylinder air pressure primary rearward recoil, as seen in ‘Recoil
it is important, because faster acceleration was 925.3psi. Next, 41mm of preload gave and muzzle energy 2’. The difference in
seems to be a major cause of hold sensitivity. 11.59 ft.lbs., a shorter compression stroke of recoil travel between the rifle at 11.59 ft.lbs.
9.46ms., and peak cylinder pressure was and 10.4 ft.lbs. was still just 0.36mm.or
POWER AND RECOIL significantly higher at 1,049psi. 0.014”, begging the question of whether or
Time and time again, I read accounts on The difference in recoil travel between the not the shooter would be able to discern
Internet forums describing how a reduction in rifle delivering 10.93 ft.lbs. and 11.59 ft.lbs. such a small change, let alone be moved to
muzzle energy (typically from 11+ ft.lbs. to 10+ was between 4.56mm and 4.7mm, or just reduce muzzle energy deliberately for such

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.RFPJR^T\S TSJ\JNLMJILST[JWYMJ\JNLMYUWNSYJITSYMJYNS

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 73
CHANGING MUZZLE ENERGY

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a small reduction in recoil travel.

The peak cylinder pressure was down to
863psi, and the time to peak cylinder
pressure increased to 9.9ms, so it is possible 9MJUWJQTFIKTWHJWJXNXYXUNXYTSGTZSHJFSIYMJRTWJYMJUWJQTFIYMJLWJFYJWYMJHTSXJVZJSY
the shooter might perceive the extra 0.3ms NSHWJFXJNSJSJWL^JKKNHNJSH^
of compression stroke time as less recoil,
though that seems doubtful, so perhaps the tended to use, and the sellers of minor in comparison with that of stiff
‘something else’ I mentioned earlier, recoil aftermarket springs have tended to supply, ‘magnum’ springs; it’s a matter of degree.
acceleration, might be responsible? much stiffer (higher rate) springs, which
The 11.59 ft.lbs. took 7.6ms to accelerate give far faster recoil acceleration than the GREAT EXPECTATIONS
the piston to 51.75fps and the rifle to around spring used in my tests above. Strangely, People tend to believe what they want, or
2.7fps, whilst the 10.4 ft.lbs. took a leisurely many people shooting rifles with stiff are conditioned, to believe. On more than
8.3ms to accelerate the piston to 47fps and springs seem to view the much quicker shot one occasion, I have tested a springer that
the rifle to nearer 2.51fps., and it is often the cycle that results from faster recoil the owner was struggling with and believed
recoil acceleration, I believe, that people are acceleration as somehow desirable, and it had a fault, found nothing wrong with it, so
feeling when they judge, and verbally is possible that they do so because they did nothing to it and handed it back saying
describe, recoil. The question is whether or have been conditioned by years of I’d fixed the ‘fault’, and the owner has shot
not the slightly faster recoil acceleration has marketing to think fast is good. better with it as a result, so the owner had
a tangible effect on hold sensitivity, and the I am firmly of the opinion that fast first convinced himself the rifle was faulty,
only way to answer it is to thoroughly test the acceleration into recoil is not desirable, then that it was ‘fixed’. I reckon that if I had
field accuracy of the rifle. because it increases hold sensitivity. As the rifle someone’s springer for a week, did
recoils, it naturally wants to rotate around its precisely nothing to it, and gave it back to
ACCELERATION centre of gravity, the muzzle to rise, the butt to them saying that I had reduced the recoil,
The tests above all involved my 85mm fall, and even the slightest change in rifle hold then many people would shoot the rifle and
piston stroke TX200 with a standard Mk3 changes the rate at which the rotation occurs, agree that the recoil had indeed reduced.
spring which, at about 30 lbf/in (5.27 N/ and changes the pellet point of impact. The Our perception of springer recoil is often
mm) is what I describe as a ‘soft’ spring. effect of the variations in acceleration that I based on our expectation, as much as by
Since the early 1980s, airgun tuners have recorded with my TX200 and soft spring is very what the rifle is actually doing. Fit a tuning
kit that claims to reduce recoil, and when
'JNSLFGQJYTRJFXZWJWJHTNQHFSKFXYYWFHPYWTZGQJXMTTYNSLXZHMFXNIJSYNK^NSLGWJJHMXJFQ you shoot the rifle you will probably believe
QJFPFLJ\MNHMLN[JXRTWJWJHTNQYWF[JQKTWQT\JWRZ__QJ[JQTHNY^
the rifle is recoiling less regardless of how
the recoil has actually been affected.
Reduce the muzzle energy by a foot pound
and you will expect, and genuinely believe
you can feel, a reduction in recoil travel,
even if it is but a fraction of a millimetre.
You don’t necessarily need to measure
the recoil cycle, or even try to judge it by
feel, to determine whether a springer is
better or worse following any modification,
because that will be revealed by the
accuracy you achieve with it.
My experiments suggest that effecting
small variations in muzzle energy by varying
spring preload does not come at the cost of
any undesirable side effects in the recoil
cycle, other than a slight change in recoil
acceleration that probably has little effect on
hold sensitivity. 

74 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUN WORLD
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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 75
PETE EVANS

;4>&,*4+
).8(4;*7>
Pete Evans uncovers the internals of his Milbro
Explorer, which has a few surprises for him. PART 2
n my former scribbles from last month we
I took a look at the Milbro Explorer, which
for a gun costing so little, certainly had a
great deal to offer. Now it would be quite in
order to leave things there, but I don’t want
to do that, because I know you’re itching to
see inside, if only to see if this gun’s appeal
is purely skin deep.
As I mentioned last month, I think this
gun may hold a few surprises and I like
pleasant surprises, so without further delay,
it’s time to get the screwdrivers out.

OPEN SIGHTS
First step for me is to remove the rear sight, to
avoid damage later. Keep turning the elevation
wheel anti-clockwise until it comes off, and
then hinge the sight up. Inside will be the
tensioning spring and two cross-head screws
which secure the base. These are quite small
and tight, so take some time to select the best
fitting bit before attempting release.
Turn the gun over and find the two
cross-head screws at the fore end, which
have locking star washers, and the larger of
the two cross-head screws through the 9MJKZWYMJW.IJQ[JNSYTYMNXLZSYMJRTWJ.FRFRF_JIFY\MFYNYMFXYTTKKJW
trigger guard. Remove all three of these and
manipulate the action out of the stock. in mind that the gun must not be cocked with few light blows to introduce a little more
the stock removed because this could play. Be careful, working slowly, constantly
COCKING LINK damage the end of the cocking link. checking the joint because you don’t
With the stock removed it’s clear to see that If you want to remove the cocking arm want it too loose.
the makers haven’t skimped on the finish to completely, it would mean driving out the
those unseen parts. All the metal work is riveted pin underneath the breech block. SPECIAL SCREWDRIVER
finished to the same standard, which we have Whilst this is easy to perform, it could mean In order to remove the barrel, it will be
established previously as being very good. that it will be loose on replacement because it necessary to first remove the breech
The cocking link is articulated, so it is would need to be re-riveted, or be replaced cross-bolt. This has a cross-head on the one
possible to release it from the cocking slot with an alternative pin. side, and a slotted nut on the other. The nut
by pulling it upwards at its joint, and The rivet joining the two halves of the arm although slotted can’t be removed with a
drawing its end out from the slot. can sometimes be tight, relying on use to standard screwdriver because the thread
There are U-shaped plastic shoes that are free it up. Move the joint back and forth, and protrudes slightly, thus blocking the blade.
a friction fit on the link arm, insulating it from if it feels particularly tight, it is possible to The cross screw-head has serrations on its
the cylinder and ensuring that it doesn’t rub, loosen it slightly. To effect this will mean underside, which lock it in position, so it’s
which could lead to galling. It’s worth bearing using a punch on the riveted end, using a going to be preferable to remove the nut.

76 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUN DIY

9TZSHT[JWYMJWJFWXNLMYKNWXYZSXHWJ\YMJJQJ[FYNTS\MJJQ 9\THWTXXMJFIXHWJ\XXJHZWJYMJXNLMYGFXJ

There are screwdrivers sometimes referred Look into the hole left by the breech With the stud and block removed, apply
to as, ‘snake tongue’ type that have a blade screw, and you will just be able to make out some pressure to the trigger mechanism,
with a cut-out in the middle, to bridge the end a join – yes, you’ve guessed it, there is a pushing it toward the rear of the action,
of the screw thread. These commercially loose hollow pin supporting the breech. when it will disengage from the slot in the
made ones, in the main, don’t look strong Using a thin dowel, the pin should drive out cylinder. This is a one-piece, self-contained
enough for the job because they seem to be with very minimal pressure. It’s a good idea, trigger, so there won’t be any loose bits to
made for tackling smaller security fixings. the like of which I haven’t encountered fly across the room.
Personally, I was far more satisfied with a before; the thick hollow pin takes the greater In some ways, the trigger seems similar to
simple home-brewed solution. pressure of continual cocking, the thinner the base Gamo design, derivations of which
Starting with an 8mm blade, slotted
screwdriver, I slimmed the edges slightly, “the lesson here is to examine carefully
before cutting a shallow notch with a
small hand-held electric rotary tool and before applying brute force“
grinding wheel.
With the nut removed, the small in screw and nut securing it in place, and can be found on many lower-cost guns.
diameter screw, can be extracted from the applying some tension to the breech jaws. Even so, this one does seem more
opposite side. Needless to say, once the hollow pin has developed than most, with far more
been removed, the barrel hinges out easily, adjustment opportunities, and sears that do
BREECH SURPRISE with a thin breech shim either side, very look well prepared and finished.
The first impression on removing the breech similar to those used on Weihrauch guns.
screw is its very small diameter and it really SAFE AND SECURE
doesn’t appear to be up to the job of TRIGGER TIME Now it’s time to dismantle the power plant,
supporting the fairly chunky breech and With the just the main action in hand, it’s and this is best undertaken in conjunction
barrel. The next issue to manifest is the fact time to tackle the trigger unit. Loosen the with a sash cramp, so that the spring pressure
that the barrel won’t separate from the 8mm trigger retaining/stock fixing lug at the can be released in a controlled fashion. There
breech jaws. I know that sometimes the rear of the action. There will be a silver- is a plastic section that protrudes from the
breech can be tight in the breech jaws, but coloured block under this. If downward rear of the action, and inside this there is a
there was no give whatsoever – the lesson finger pressure is applied, the stud will be metal cylinder end plug, all secured by a large
here is to examine carefully before applying easier to remove – otherwise it tends to ride pin that traverses the cylinder.
brute force. up and foul the thread. I have found through previous experience
9\THWTXXMJFIXHWJ\XYTWJRT[JFYYMJKTWJJSIѰ ѰFSIOZXYTSJFYYMJWJFWTKYMJYWNLLJWLZFWI

»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 77
PETE EVANS

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HTHPNSLXMTJ

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that when pins are driven through several very secure and no doubt easier to line up SHAPELY PISTON
layers of material, they can be a bit tight. when it comes to reassembly. With the mainspring removed, the piston
With this in mind, I gave all the visible areas At the other end of the spring is a can be drawn back and removed from the
a spray of lubricating penetrating oil, before monster-size metal guide, which although rear of the cylinder. The piston itself does
attempting to get the pin moving a fraction. will serve the purpose of keeping the spring nothing to detract from the previous
Once the pin had moved a millimetre, it was straight, adds far too much extra ballast to findings on this gun; -t is well machined
time to get it secure in the sash cramp, with the piston. With an overall length of 55mm and finished, and is of very good quality.
light pressure bearing on the plastic end and a weight of 80g, I’m sure this has been Having a waisted design, there are only
cover. With the pin loosened and the added to increase power by increasing three raised sections on the body which
pressure taken off with the cramp, it was an piston momentum, but it’s definitely have potential interference with the
easy matter to drive the pin all the way out, something to remove and replace with cylinder. This also has a weight saving
and slowly release the mainspring pressure. something less weighty. by-product, which from stock is replaced
The mainspring in comparison does look by the heavy front guide, although I will be
SPRING STATS as though it’s worth working with. With a reaping the benefits of the lighter piston.
Surprisingly, the mainspring has a synthetic free length of 290mm, a wire diameter of Currently, people are actively trying to
guide, which is actually a good fit inside the 3.14mm, and correctly collapsed/ground reduce piston weight by drilling holes in
spring. The base of the guide is deep, and end coils, it would seem churlish not to them, or reducing their diameter, whereas
fits inside the metal end block, making it make further use of it. this piston weighting in at 260g is already

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78 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 AIRGUN DIY

.YRFPJXXJSXJYTLJYYMJFHYNTSNSFXFXM
HWFRUGJKTWJWJRT[NSLYMJJSIGQTHPUNS

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there. Further good news is that the spring subject, using his own guns as a test bed, range of possibilities.
is actually a good fit inside the piston – so making use of adjustable transfer ports I’m going to leave the works there for
good, in fact, that it is doubtful that a piston made from grub screws, with different size now, and give a whole month for the
liner will be required. Capped with a blue holes drilled through them. implications of that last finding to sink in.
parachute seal of 29mm diameter, the Which brings me neatly to the last In my view, this gun is a tinkerer’s dream,
piston is another winner for the Explorer. surprise that this gun has up its sleeve, or and I reckon that now its secrets are out,

ADJUSTABLE PORT “I reckon that now its secrets are out, many
Transfer ports on spring guns are generally
determined for size at the factory, although are going to be seeking them“
on occasions there can be some benefits for
airgun tuners who know what they are doing should that be ‘cylinder’? many are going to be seeking them.
to open them up slightly. I use the word Take a look at the end of the transfer My advice – if you can get one, do so
‘slightly’ because on all too many occasions, port, it’s not round as you would expect, because they are a real bargain,
power hungry individuals open the port to but hex-shaped, and that means only one considering what you’re getting.
silly sizes, which does nothing but wreck a thing, it’s removable. Get a 5/16” hex key Next month, I’m going to be investigating
perfectly good gun. in there, and unscrew the grub screw, and further, and may be looking at some radical
Our own Jim Tyler has spent time on this of course, it’s going to open up a whole measures to enhance this gun. 

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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 79

TARGETS OFFER

(:89429&7,*98
 ).8(4:39
Back again, by popular demand, here’s the queen of the target
scene, herself, Nikki Cox, with an extra 20% off this fantastic offer!

SO EASY TO BUY! BONUS. Type AGW20 into the coupon section

when you view your cart before checkout, to
get an extra 20% off your entire order.
Simply choose how you’d like to buy your targets, and let my Type FREE SKULL in the comments section of
team and I do the rest! I love it when people phone in with your online order, or remind me when you call
orders and for a chat (01460 77766 or 07547 662393) or you to order, and I’ll make sure we include your
can use our online store discount and one of our Skull Reactive
www.customtargets.co.uk If you have any questions or just Targets in your parcel. It’s an 8” target with
need to communicate with us, email me directly nikki@ 60 reactive zones including some funky teeth
customtargets.co.uk shots – you’ll love it! If you have any trouble
Don’t forget our AIRGUN WORLD MAGAZINE READER’S at all with the website or any questions please just call me.

80 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 MILEWSKI

9-*<*'1*>8*7;.(*
&.77.+1*9*89*)PART 1
John Milewski looks back to the pre-war era when
Webley Service air rifle was king!
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he pre-war BSA air rifle enjoys a sit flush against the air cylinder in the my findings suggest it was closer to the
T deserved reputation for consistent
accuracy and is generally the first choice
manner of a bolt-action rifle. When a new
washer was fitted to the rifle, the ball could
actual performance of a rifle when new
than later claims made in 1938.
when consideration is given to entering a sit with the lever almost vertical. The lever is The .22 and .25 were a little below
vintage shoot. Comparisons are inevitably of no use in the vertical position because it advertised claims, with the .22 on test
made with the 1930s Webley Service air rifle obscures the sight line, but just off to one achieving +/- 2fps over 5-shot strings, which
and generally speaking, many collectors and side is acceptable, although aesthetically, I is an amazing performance for an 80-year-
shooters tend to write off the Webley as appreciate it does nothing for the rifle’s old air rifle. I also chornographed a .177 1st
inaccurate by comparison. I believe this to looks! I obtained the following mean results Series Service (S52), which is in pristine
be grossly unfair and over the next three when I chronographed muzzle velocities at condition with very little signs of use and
issues, I intend to dispel this myth by
sharing my own experiences with the iconic “to dispel this myth by sharing my own
Service rifle.
experiences with the iconic Service rifle“
EXPERIMENTS WITH A LATE MODEL
Webley’s advertised velocities in their 1938 room temperature: presumably still fitted with the original
catalogue prompted me to carry out As can be seen, this particular rifle mainspring. That averaged 564fps, which
detailed accuracy and handling testing with achieved almost 90fps above the was also above Webley’s advertised 1938
this rifle, which is accompanied by three advertised average with the .177 barrel. figures, but well short of the 700fps claim
original pre-war Webley barrels, although Mysteriously, Webley initially quoted a from 1933.
only one matches the serial number on the ‘Super Velocity – hitherto unknown’ of
rifle. The rifle is a 1939 model (S13334) and approximately 700fps in the 2nd edition of TRIGGER PULL
I had replaced the mainspring with a new Frank Morton’s Hints on Air Rifle Shooting The trigger pull was initially described as
TX200 spring, which resulted in no pre-load handbook. They did not specify the calibre being of the ‘well-known military double-
strain. I also fitted a new leather breech but presumably meant .177. This pull’ type in the first advertising flyers for
washer. Webley pointed out that the ball of reference to velocity was omitted from later the rifle. Frank Morton’s tips on trigger
the breech screw lever was not designed to editions of the handbook, but after testing, release in the rifle’s ha ndbook also make
reference to two stages, but later flyers
RESULTS simply describe the trigger pull as
‘Carefully adjusted to the most suitable
.177: 638 with H&N FTT pellets compared with an advertised velocity of 550fps pull-off weight’. Webley may have
.22: 479 with H&N FTT pellets compared with an advertised velocity of 500fps suggested the pull is two-stage because in
use, the two-part sear on the 1st Series
.25: 427 with Milbro Rhino compared with an advertised velocity of 475fps rifles results in the shooter feeling a distinct »
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 81
VINTAGE AIRGUNS

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stop during the trigger pull. Later one-piece and a lot less creep on the later rifle. In balance of the Service was an advantage over
sears did not have this stop and to me, the both cases, the non-adjustable pull was other air rifles and I am offering my views here
pull feels like a single stage. Webley initially heavier and a little creepier than the crisp based on my experience. A shooter more used
said the pull weight was set between 5 – pull found on contemporary BSA air rifles of to the Webley than the BSA may well find the
7lbs in their flyers for the 1st Series rifles, the 1930s. former easier to handle.
but later omitted any mention of the trigger Neither Service tested had a bad trigger,
pull weight in advertising material. At just TRIGGER TECHNIQUE but neither was as good as the BSA. There is
under 5½lbs, I found the pull reminiscent In practical terms, the lighter muzzle weight of no trigger return spring on any of the Webley
to the one I experienced when shooting a the Webley meant that I had to concentrate Service air rifles and when uncocked, the
Lee Enfield No 4 during my time in the Air harder on good trigger technique and ensure trigger can move around and look sloppy.
Training Corps, several decades ago. perfect follow-through. In comparison, this This is quite normal and the trigger locks up
There was a fair amount of element of the shooting cycle seems easier on without issue once the rifle has been cocked.
creep on the 1st the more muzzle-heavy BSA, but then I have Next time, I’ll relate my experiences with the
Series rifle I far more competition experience with the Webley when I entered several competitions
tested BSA. Webley claimed that the more neutral with the overhauled rifle a few years ago. 

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XQNIJYMJGFWWJQNSTWTZY

82 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

ROSIE’S RECIPE

5*55*75495.,*43
Rosie Barham creates a light lunch, or a satisfying supper!

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uring the Yuletide season, when you’ve and ‘not turkey’. some crusty bread, or you could serve it as a
D eaten far too much turkey, roasties,
pudding and chocolate, there comes a day
Cooked rice is a good way of incorporating
the pigeon meat into the peppers, along with a
main meal – that’d be two peppers per person
– with some sauté potatoes and a glass of
when your gastro-intestinal department just few veggies, but you could use cous cous, or something festive. If you’re feeling a tad
wants something simple. For me, it’s the day even breadcrumbs if you prefer. This easy little ‘overwhelmed’, give your digestive system a
after Boxing Day, when I’m usually on my dish is great for a light lunch, accompanied by rest and try this. You’ll love it! 
own again and eat very little, in order to
recover from the onslaught – I’m back on it .3,7*).*398
as we approach New Year, obviously, but I
do need a bit of respite in between.
You don’t have to use pigeon, of course. Red, green, yellow peppers A chicken stock cube, or bouillon powder
Let’s face it, you’re bound to have a few One cup of cooked rice Handful of strong cheddar
leftovers hanging about looking dismal, so Any veggies you have handy – I used onion, You can add chopped bacon, olives, stilton,
you can include anything you fancy, but I mushroom, tomato and garlic chili … whatever takes your fancy
like the pigeon because it’s clean and lean,

84 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

 PIGEON PEPPERS

2*9-4)

Remove the core and seeds from the peppers. Spoon the rice mixture into the peppers.
Stir-fry the diced pigeon meat for about three minutes. Top with the rest of the cheese.
Fry the veggies with the pigeon for a further three minutes, then add the Bake in a moderate oven, or an air-fryer, or even slow cooker, until the
cooked rice. peppers are soft.
Add the dry stock cube, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread, and something fizzy.
Mix in half of the cheese.

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748.*ѣ8(440'440
Rosie’s ‘cookbook with
a difference’ includes tales of
the misadventures of a
teenage airgunner - that’s
Dave Barham -
top tips, and loads more.
A few copies left. £14.99 inc
P&P Email Rosie - rosie.
barham@fieldsportspress.com
1ZXHNTZXFSIKWFLWFSY

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 85

DEALERS DIRECTORY
1
BRADFORD STALKER
Visit our spacious showroom with hassle free on
site parking. Wide range of rifles & pistols: BSA,
Weihrauch, Daystate, Webley, Brocock, FX, Air Arms, SUFFOLK AIR RIFLES 2
Gamo, Umarex, Walther. Clothing & accessories We hold one of the largest ranges of Air Rifles and
inc, Night vision, Scopes, cylinders, bags, pellets, Pistols in East Anglia. Top brands such as Air Arms,
lamping equipment. Airgun & cylinder refills available, Weihrauch, BSA, Gamo, FX, UMAREX, Sig Sauer,
services & repairs arranged. Opening Hours: Mon- Fri
9.00 – 5.30/Sat 9.00 – 5.00. Credit cards and Finance Crosman and many more.
available. Suffolk Air Rifles/Birds Tackle, Gipping road,
Ouston Bank Farm, Ouston, County Durham DH2 1BB Gt Blakenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 0JB
Tel: 0191 4100565 Tel: 01473 834042
contact@bradfordstalker.co.uk Info@suffolkairrifles.uk
www.bradfordstalker.co.uk www.suffolkairrifles.uk

3 CITY AIR WEAPONS & 4

C&H WESTON FIREARMS
Established 1819, C&H Weston offer a friendly service.
We are stockists of all specialist shooting equipment and
We stock all good brands such as Air Arms, BSA, accessories; Target Air Weapons, Shotguns and Section 1
Weihrauch, Gamo, ASG, Crossman, SMK. We stock a Firearms. We also stock a full range of general sporting air
massive range of pellets and other shooting accessories. weapons, such as SMK, Weihrauch, B.S.A., Gamo, Webley,
Hawke, BSA. PX a pleasure. Second hand guns also Falcon and Air Arms as well as many accessories.
stocked. Competition Match air rifles and pistols are our speciality.
A large selection of used match rifles and pistols is always
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-5.30. Closed Wednesdays. available and fully guaranteed. Full servicing and repair
12 East Street, Brighton, Sussex BN1 1HP service available.
Open: Mon - Sat 10:00am - 5:30pm
Tel: 01273 326338 Closed: Wednesday & Sunday
info@chweston.co.uk 28 Brearley Street, Hockley, West Midlands, B19 3NR
www.airgunexpress.co.uk Tel: 0121 742 1329

5
KITT PONGO & HOGMAN 6
Two floors and four rooms full of airguns, hunting VALLEY ARMS
equipment, clothing and army surplus. 1,000’s of items We stock a large selection of 12, 20, 16 and .410 game and 11
available clay shotguns, principally AYA, Beretta, Browning, Baikal, MFC OUTDOOR STORES
Open Seven Days a week (half day Sun) Lanber, Lincoln, Remmington, Bettinsoli, Franchi, Escort, New and Second-hand Airguns bought and sold.
Normal opening hours 08:30 till 17:30. Winchester, Miroku and BSA a wide range of Air Guns, Pneumatic Service Centre with Spares, Repairs, Scopes,
128 Northgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1QS prices ranging from £40 up to several thousand pounds. Ammo, Soft Air, Decoys and Cartridges. Camo Clothing
Ruthin, Bolero Camp, Park Road, Ruthin LL15 1NB and Combat Boots. Also a wide range of Workwear,
Tel: 01325 355366 Bangor, 101 High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1NS Fishing Tackle and Bait.
kitt2@thehogman.co.uk Tel: Ruthin 01824 704438 9 Station Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BE
www.thehogman.co.uk Bangor 01248 351641 Tel: 01323 846883
www.valleyarms.com www.mfcoutdoorstores.co.uk

7 12
DRAGON FIELD MOOREDGES AIRGUNS
SPORTS WREXHAM 8 Extensive range of all leading airguns, scopes and
PARK STREET GUNS accessories. Mail order available. Open 6 days a week.
Full range of air rifles and pistols: Webley, Weihrauch, Registered Firearms Dealer. Mon - Sun 10.00 am - 4.00pm. Closed Tuesdays
BSA, Crosman, Logun, Air Arms, Brocock etc + Scopes, Open Bank Holidays
Lamps, Archery 1-2 Park Street Lane, Park Street, St. Albans AL2 2NE The Chantreys, Mooredges Road, Thorne,
21 Pentre Felin, Wrexham. LL13 7NB Tel: 01727 872646 Doncaster DN8 5RY
Tel: 01978 290990 parkstreetguns@talk21.com
www.gunshot.co.uk
Tel: 01405 741706
www.dragonfieldsports.co.uk www.mooredges.com

JOHN FORSEY
9
GUNS
13
MAY OF LONDON LTD
14
Air rifle and pistol sales. Gunsmith on-site. Dive cylinders
and filling station on-site. Indoor range. Vast range
10 We sell every make of air rifle & pistol
See our full range on Gunstar PICKERING GUNS
of goods and accessories. Expert and friendly advice We repair 95% of all air rifles and pistols Large display of new and second hand shotguns, rifles,
always given. We also sell Shotguns, Rifles, Cartridges, MELBOURNE GUN LTD air weapons, and general shooting accessories. Part
Ammunition, Cabinets and Clothing. Large selection of new and second hand Sporting rifles, 32 Park View Road, Welling, NW Kent DA16 1RT
exchange welcome. Guns bought for cash.
Shotguns and Air Rifles. Outdoor, Waterproof Clothing & Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-5pm. Closed Wed.
Open: Tues-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm
21-23 Cherry Tree Rise, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 6EU Footwear. Barbour, Aigle & Seeland stockist.. Tel: 0208 304 9922 8 Birdgate, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AL
Tel: 0208 504 5946 64 Church Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire
johnforseysales@gmail.com Tel: 01751 476904
email: info@mayoflondon.co.uk Tel: 01332 862091 www.johnforseyguns.co.uk info@pickeringairguns.co.uk
website: mayoflondon.co.uk www.melbournegun.com www.pickeringairguns.co.uk
 To advertise on these pages please contact
Sharon Simmill on 07501 226711

15
PORTSMOUTH GUN CENTRE 16
We stock rifles, pistols, shotguns, airguns and black CRACKSHOT
powder weapons. Keeping the leading brands in stock, We stock a huge array of Airguns with makes such as Air
the business can accommodate all enquiries from Arms, BSA, Daystate, Weirhaugh, Gamo, Walter, Sig Sauer,
customers and shooters alike. Complimenting the vast Webley, Umarex and Colt. Come and visit our shop and
range of firearms, Portsmouth Gun Centre also carries a try before you buy on our purpose built indoor range.
large amount of accessories, ammunition, clothing and
miscellaneous shooting equipment. 1-2 Sabre Close, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6TW

Tel: 02392 660 574 Tel: 01626 242978

sales@portsmouthguncentre.com info@crackshot.uk
www.portsmouthguncentre.com www.crackshot.uk
1
5

14
17 18
28 S.C FULLER
Established in 1892 we supply a large selection of
airguns, pellets, optics, clothing & shotguns. Open
T.R. ROBB AIRGUN SPECIALIST
Monday-Saturday 8am-5.30pm. Sunday 10am-3.00pm Full range of Air Rifles, Pistols
Closed bank holidays. and Telescopic Sights. Tuning. Servicing Kits.
12 28 - 30 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2HQ
Airguns Bought and Sold.
26 Tel: 01306 882177 316 High Road, South Benfleet, Essex SS7 5HB
enquiries@scfuller.co.uk Tel: 01268 752888
21 www.scfuller.co.uk www.trrobb.com

24 10
7
22 20

19
4 THE GUN ROOM ANGLIA TACKLE & GUN 20
& COUNTRY CLOTHING Outdoor supplies specialist for all your hunting
2 Probably the best selection of Airguns in the South
West. Weihrauch, Daystate, BSA, Air Arms and many and shooting needs. We supply the highest quality
more! New and Secondhand available – Quality products and prices throughout East Anglia. Products
service, part exchange welcome. 20 yard indoor and
50 yard outdoor range with a variety of targets. from BSA, Air Arms, Weihrauch and many more.
A wide selection of clothing also available in store!
8 Endsleigh, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9JL Tel: 01603 870353
Tel: 01752 893344 www.angliatackleandgun.co.uk
9 18 www.thegunroom.co.uk sales@angliatackleandgun.co.uk
25
13
17
23 11

15 3 WIRRAL GUNS 21 22
16 Air rifles, Air pistols & Accessories from all THE SHOOTING PARTY
manufacturers. Air fills for PCP & Paintball, Air gun We are the exclusive importer and Distributor of PAO
repairs. Airguns to suit everyone’s budget £££. Rifle & Pistol scopes, sights, lasers and Range Finders
Monday–Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday 9am–1pm.
19 Closed Wednesdays & Sundays. Finance available.
and the AirForceOne range of Airguns & Accessories,
including the MOSIN-NAGANT Steel BB Rifle, the
Now test on site with our new 30 yard range Trophy & Taichi Pistols and Panther pellets. 100 +
53 Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, South Wirral, CH65 8AB Airguns always in stock. Used airguns always wanted –
cash paid. Try before you buy in our indoor range.
Tel: 0151 355 6666
shop@wirralguns.co.uk
www.wirralguns.co.uk
Tel: 01543 480 361
www.shootingparty.uk

23 25 Trackside Guns and Archery is a retail shop with and

WOODYS OF WEMBLEY indoor and outdoor Archery Range and indoor Airgun
Established 50+ years. shooting range based in Lincolnshire. At our shop we
We have a choice of two air rifle ranges with re-setting sell Airguns, pellets, shotgun cartridges, live rounds
targets, a 30 yard wind out zeroing target and a 70 yard Our Comprehensive Stock Can Be Seen at
www.woodysofwembley.co.uk, As Well As In Store! and everything you need for Shooting Sports. We also
electronic target both of which you can put your own
paper targets. Our on-site shop stocks a variety of air
24 Tuesday-Friday 9:00 – 6:00 Saturdays 9:00 – 5:30 stock a large range of Archery Equipment.
rifles, pistols, pellets and accessories. We offer repairs and WALKERS OF TROWELL Trade Assoc: BASC Trade Member & GTA Trade Member Opening hours: Mon-Tues CLOSED, Wed - 9am - 9.30pm,
servicing, power testing, air fills and finance. We are open Stockists of: Daystate, BSA, Weichrauch, Air Arms, Items Stocked: Airguns, Pistols, Optics, Clothing/ Thurs, Fri, Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun - 9am -1pm
7 days a week Umarex, Hawke. Large range of Pellets & Accessories. Station Yard, Station Road, North Kelsey Moor, Caistor,
Footwear, Knives, Hides & Decoys, Pellets & Accessories,
Mon-Fri - 9-3pm, Sat - 9-4pm, Sun - 9.30-1.30pm Fishing Tackle & Outdoor Clothing. Archery, Gunsafes Lincolnshire LN7 6HD
Quarley, Andover, SP11 8PX Nottingham Road, Trowell, Nottingham NG9 3PA. Services Offered: Repairs & Servicing, Power Testing Tel: 01652 678895
Tel: 07395 768715 Tel: 0115 930 7798 0208 902 7217 tracksidegunsandarchery@gmail.com 26
www.targetsandtins.co.uk www.walkersoftrowell.com 565 High Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 2DW www.tracksidegunsandarchery.com

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 87

 MILEWSKI

8-479':9
8<**9
John Milewski tests the M1 Carbine
BB repeater from Air Venturi.
ir Venturi market an interesting range of MISUNDERSTOOD less than 36 inches. Based on studies of pistol
A ‘replica’ airguns, which are among the
most realistic on the market today. For
With over 6 million M1 Carbines produced
during WW2, the little carbine was made in
use in WW1, it was clear that a short and light
carbine is easier to use than a pistol, and offers
example, the M1a underlever cocking air rifle greater numbers than any other US small arm greater accuracy and power. It was also more
is full-sized, full-powered and based on the during the war. It was also the most accurate than a sub-machine gun and offered
civilian version of the M14 service rifle. I tested misunderstood in terms of purpose and greater power, so when compared with these
one in the July 2022 issue of this magazine performance. Comparisons are often made short-range weapons, the M1 Carbine was
and it remains one of my favourites. with the full-sized Garand, and the Carbine indeed superior in many instances. The .30
A smaller offering from Air Venturi is a dismissed as an underpowered poor calibre cartridge for which the weapon was
CO2-powered M1 Carbine. Compared with performing rifle. However, it was never developed, offered performance similar to a
the heavy M1a, the M1 Carbine is intended as a replacement for the Garand; the .357 Magnum, when fired from a longer barrel
diminutive, just as the original was when original concept was to replace as many and was popular with troops whose primary
compared with the Garand service rifle pistols in service use with the M1 Carbine, purpose was not fighting as infantry, such as
during WW2. which weighed just over 5lbs and measured artillery personnel, drivers and support troops.
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»
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 89
CO2 M1 CARBINE

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THE CO2 M1 CARBINE CO2 cartridge chamber. Drop a new one in aperture with a guarded blade fore sight up
Air Venturi’s take on the M1 Carbine is an neck first and screw in the cap to pierce front and is my favourite sighting option. You
excellent 1:1 sized copy. Available with using a hex key or slotted screwdriver. can adjust the rear sight laterally, but not
either a well-grained faux wood, or real wood The magazine can then be loaded with horizontally, unlike the original – luckily,
stock, I initially opted for the faux version BB or copper-coated lead ball if preferred, mine shot to point of aim at 6 yards.
and was lucky enough to source a spare and accepts up to 15 rounds, just as the
wood stock, which handles better. The CO2 original did. Or at least it should – mine only RESULTS
rifle is a blow-back design based on late-war loaded up to 14 balls. I didn’t try BBs I was seriously impressed with the little M1
variants of the M1, which featured an because I tend notto use them due to the Carbine on my indoor 6-yard plinking range.
updated safety catch, adjustable sights and greater risk of ricochets. The magazine is I was able to hit my Crosman bell target,
a bayonet mount. Yes, the replica will then inserted into the Carbine and clicks Gamo spinning target and drop the bars of
accept a genuine bayonet, too! Air Venturi into place. The rotary selector-style safety is my ex fairground plinking target regularly
offer a reproduction sling and canvas bag, located behind the magazine release catch when rapid firing. The copper-coated lead
but originals are available on the surplus and can then be set to ‘Fire’. Rack the balls hit each target with authority and
market and offer a more realistic aged look, cocking bolt back and release, just as with flattened out, just as they should,
which I prefer. an original and you are good to go. The demonstrating that power was above
cocking bolt can be locked back by means average at an advertised 425fps. Naturally, I
LOADING UP of a pin, just as with the original, but does extended the range when I tested the
If you are used to CO2-powered replica not lock back after the last round has fired, carbine outdoors, but the limitations of
pistols, the M1’s magazine will be familiar to again just as with the original. It is therefore copper-coated lead resulted in more misses
you. It is slightly larger than an original important to count your shots to avoid than had been the case indoors.
because it houses a standard CO2 cartridge, wasting gas. As with all lower-powered airguns, if
a spring-loaded BB/ball magazine and the I was able to fire two full magazines before expectations are suitably managed and full
valves necessary for operation. After the power dropped off during the third, and safety precautions taken, great fun can be
checking the magazine is empty of when you consider the gas also cocks the had. The M1 Carbine is a great slice of
projectiles and charged CO2, unscrew the action, the relatively low shot count is history and is one of those airguns that begs
cap at the magazine’s base to reveal the understandable. The rear sight is an to be picked up, admired and used.

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90 AIRGUN WORLD www.airgunshooting.co.uk

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIRGUN WORLD 91
The Kral Arms Mortal is a series of PCP air rifles that give maximum flexibility in a
tactical stock. Features a folding and adjustable stock, adjustable cheek piece and
height adjustable butt pad. The ergonomically shaped pistol grip provides a stable and
comfortable grip. Both first and second stage of the trigger can be adjusted and there’s
even an adjustable trigger blade. The manual safety can be (de)activated with your
trigger finger.
To facilitate mounting a rifle scope or red dot, both Mortal variants feature
a Weaver/Picatinny rail.
The stock features a removable foregrip rest, along with carrying
spaces for 2 magazines (supplied).

RRP
£599.00
INC VAT

MORTAL

RRP
£635.00
INC VAT

MORTAL X • Calibre: .22 & .177

• Capacity: 12 in .22 / 14 in .177
• Length: Mortal 84-92cm
Mortal X 101-109cm
• Power: 11.5 ft.lbs
• Stock: Synthetic
• Tube Size: Mortal 200cc
Mortal X 300cc

NOTE: ACCESSORIES, SCOPES & SILENCERS

NOT INCLUDED (unless stated otherwise)

AVAILABLE FROM ALL GOOD GUN SHOPS. CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST.

Unit 4, Freemans Way, Harrogate Business Park, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1DH