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CONTENTS
20 HUNTING: FISH
March 2015
FARM RATTING
ON THE COVER
74
FEATURE: STOCKMAKER
14 ON TEST: EVANIX
40 WORKSHOP:
SNIPER-K
WEIHRAUCH HW80
44 GEAR: BAITING CORVIDS 48 AMMO TEST: H&N
90 FIRST LOOK:
DAYSTATE PULSAR 10
NEWS: ROUND-UP
HOLLOW POINT .22 33
BALLISTICS: SHOW STOPPER
36
SHOOTER PROFILE
40
WORKSHOP: HW80
Mat Manning Mat’s called in to rid a scaly-tail infestation from a local trout farm of all places!
44
KIT: BIRD PULLERS
24
GUNS OF 2014
48
AMMO: H&N HOLLOW POINT
27
HUNTING: IN THE COLD
News and new releases, including some snazzy new clothing
WIN
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A FLIP-TARGET WORTH
£29.95! 14 20
31
POST BAG
The place to air your views – and perhaps win a flippin‘ good prize!
TEST: CUT-DOWN SNIPER
Nigel Allen The editor assesses Evanix’s new PCP shorty – the Sniper-K
HUNTING: FISHY RATS
Which guns have made it onto the podium in the prestigious Airgun Shooter Awards?
Ian Barnett The weather scuppers the planned foray – but at least Ian puts an ingenious kitbag item to good use
COMPETITION Win an Evanix Sniper-K worth £790!
Phil Bulmer Experimenting with Defensible’s new airgun-specific ballistic gel Des Edwards An insight into the kit and shooting style of this well-known FT stalwart from the Midlands Lyn Lewington Stripping, step-by-step, Weihrauch’s iconic powerhouse Pete Wadeson What you need when baiting down the corvids Simon Everett H&N Sport’s hunting-specific diabolo with an unusual head gets assessed in .22 calibre
52
SUBSCRIBE TODAY…
55
THE AIRGUN 100 INDEX
52
GET THIS HEAD LAMP
FREE!
…because you can save up to 64 per cent on the cover price – and get a free tactical headlight into the bargain!
Our official analysis of what’s been selling through the UK’s gun dealers...
PLUS BONUS KEYRING TORCH
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SH UN OO
2014
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CONTENTS: MARCH 2015
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
24 AWARDS: AIRGUNS OF THE YEAR
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR
27 HUNTING:
SQUIRRELS & CORVIDS
57
SHOOT-OUT: BREAK-BARRELS
62
ADVICE: HUNTING TIPS
65
GEAR: FOOTWEAR
70
TEST: CONCEPT ELITE
Mark Camoccio Shoulder to shoulder with the Remington XP Tactical and Weihrauch HW95K Ian Barnett Tips for pest controllers on how to hunt out the hotspots
We size up 10 pairs of boots to keep your feet dry
Nigel Allen Field trialling the Elite version of Brocock’s sumptuous Concept PCP
74
AIRGUN BUSINESS
76
MEDIA SHOP
79
PEST CONTROL: WOODS
84
VINTAGE: DOUBLE EXPRESS
89
SHOP TALK
90
EXCLUSIVE: NEW DAYSTATE
93
Meet the Dutch airgun stock builder with an international reputation
65 TEST
COMPARISON: WELLINGTON BOOTS
Grab a discounted shooting book or DVD for your shooting library
Mat Manning and Kev Hawker Two shooting buddies re-unite for a great day in the winter woodlands Paul Wold A rare and beautiful double-barrelled pneumatic air rifle from the 1980s Behind the counter at Rifleman Firearms in Somerset
Nigel Allen We take the wraps off Daystate’s ‘fifth generation’ PCP – the electronically-driven Pulsar
READERS’ CLASSIFIEDS Grab a used bargain, or make money from your old kit in our free-to-list advertisement section
70 REVIEW:
BROCOCK CONCEPT ELITE
84
COLLECTING: DOUBLE EXPRESS RIFLE AIRGUN SHOOTER
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Blaze Publishing Limited Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5SZ T: 01926 339808 F: 01926 470400 E:
[email protected] W: www.blazepublishing.co.uk
EDITOR’S VIEW
Front cover: Evanix‘s Sniper-K Editor: Nigel Allen
[email protected] Deputy editor: Mat Manning Sub editor: Catherine Kaye Graphic design: Lynne Stephens Publisher: Wesley Stanton Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess Production manager: James Folkard Advertising design: Steve Dawson Marketing manager: Sara Farmanfarmai Advertising sales manager: Toni Cole Cover photography: F-Stop SUBSCRIPTIONS Standard UK rate: 12 issues – £59.88 For special offers and overseas subscriptions please visit www.airgunmagazine.co.uk
T
Postcode:
hough it hardly seems like yesterday, it was actually at the end of January 2010 that issue number 1 of your award-winning Airgun Shooter first went on sale! Over those past five years, we’ve brought you many airgun revelations – and to kick off the start of the next five years, here’s another: the UK government and European Union are offering financial incentives to landowners who are prepared to undertake a national pogrom on the non-indigenous grey squirrel! What with Prince Charles’ October declaration of war on the tree-rat pest population of the Duchy of Cornwall estate and the belief that grey squirrels cause up to £10 million pounds worth of damage to British woodlands annually (as well as the part they play in the decline of our native red squirrel species), I’d say that the role of the airgun – and airgun hunter – is about to be somewhat elevated. You see, starting from now, landowners who can identify that greys are ‘an issue’ can apply for a forestry grant (from the Government or European Union) to help cull them. And we’re not talking small potatoes here, either – applicants can claim up to £100 per hectare per year for the next five years. It’s understood that there are ‘millions of pounds’ of grant funds available, too – so I’d urge every reader who’s a keen hunter to ensure the landowners of their permissions are up to speed; I’ve yet to meet a farmer who doesn’t listen when there’s a chance for some money to be made! Besides, just think of Brownie points you’ll be earning when you deliver them the news… Joint funding grants are also available for neighbouring farmers, so that the greys aren’t simply ‘driven’ from one location to become a problem on another. This, too, could potentially open up boundaries, getting new permissions on farms bordering your existing perms. Of course, I don’t mean you should start charging these funded landowners for your services – but I’m sure many of those farmers who are successful in receiving a grant will have cited ‘paid shooters’ as an option for using grant monies. Enter you: the active, enthusiastic airgunner… who’s happy to do the job for free. So, with a government-sanctioned national cull of the five million grey squirrel pest population, I’d say airgun hunters are set for a field day in the woodlands between now and the end of the decade. Go make the most of it; I’m sure farmers, estate and landowners will welcome you with open arms if you tell them they can earn £100 per hectare. Plus, of course, you’ll also be helping our beautiful, native red squirrel which is fatally susceptible to squirrel pox – a virus that’s carried by the grey, which is immune to it. Only around 30,000 reds are thought to be surviving in small pockets throughout England and Wales, so over the next five years, airgun shooters have the privilege to take on an important conservation role – one that’s rubber-stamped by a government and future king no less!
Tel:
Nigel Allen
Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE T: 01895 433800 Copyright © Blaze Publishing Limited 2015. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publishers in writing. The opinions of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.
If you have an idea for an article, our team will be pleased to hear from you. Contributions are always welcomed, and should be sent by email to
[email protected]
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BEST NEW MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR
working for airgunners www.basc.org.uk
Airgun Shooter is proud to be in partnership with The British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Next issue (April) is on sale at newsagents between 26 February and 25 March – or get the mag delivered direct to your door (see page 52)
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AIRGUN SCENE ● AIRGUN S The latest products, news and gossip from around the airgun world ON THE MARK
Ahead of his feature-length review, Nathan Kingsley has reported back that he’s mightily impressed with the Webley Mark VI CO2 4.5mm BB revolver that’s now arriving in UK gun shops. A doppelganger of the original officer’s revolver, which was in service from 1915 to 1947, long after production ceased in 1923, Webley’s new airgun version is field strippable and comes complete with six BB-holder cartridges, user manual and – what we think is a nice touch – a Crown-authorised reprint of the 1937 Small Arms Training manual issued to Army officers. At £199, it’s a must-buy for plinkers and collecting enthusiasts alike. www.webley.co.uk
NEW GASSERS
WORLD HFT CHAMPS
More than 350 top airgunners from across the globe will be competing in the 2015 WHFTA World HFT Championships at Kelmarsh Country Fair on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April. Apart from the overall open championship, there will also be classes for ladies and juniors, plus recoiling and .22 airguns, as well as international and manufacturers’ team stakes. www.countrymanfairs.co.uk
New from Sportsmarketing is this CO2 XS501 model. Dubbed the Rabbit Destroyer, its SRP of £149.95 includes hi-tech adjustable fibreoptic opens, auto safety, adjustable two-stage trigger and a ‘tunable’ hammer spring. Its single-shot, boltaction is powered by two, 12g CO2 capsules or a 90g bulk-fill and the rifle weighs in at a lightweight 2.4 kilos. Currently only available in .22 calibre, we’re told a .177 is in the offing, along with a synthetic-stocked model to be called the XS502 Rat Destroyer. www.sportsmk.co.uk
REMINGTON GUN SLIP
Every airgun shooter needs a gun slip, and this new offering from Remington will accommodate an air rifle with a scope fitted. Distributed by SMK, price £24.95, the fully padded canvas slip has an external zipped accessory pocket, tough webbed handles and shoulder strap. www.sportsmk.co.uk
September 2014 solution
BASC BOOMS
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), which has been a supportive partner of Airgun Shooter since our launch five years ago, has announced that its membership has now grown to more than 140,000! Already the UK’s largest shooting organisation, BASC’s sustained growth puts it in an even stronger position to continue to promote and defend our sport. Details of BASC membership benefits specific to airgunners join can be found at www.basc.org.uk.
COMPETITION WINNERS
Winner of the Brocock Contour XL Super 6 up for grabs in our September 2014 competition is Stephen Roberts from Totton. There’s a chance to win an Evanix Sniper-K worth £790 in this month’s free-to-enter competition on page 31.
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UN SCENE ● AIRGUN SCENE ● CHRONO AIRGUN SCENE CALDWELL The British Association for Shooting and Conservation
www.basc.org.uk 01244 573000
ELECTION CAMPAIGN BASC has boosted its campaign to ensure that MPs and general election candidates recognise the economic, social and conservation value of shooting sports by publishing details in an easy-tofollow ‘infographic’ that’s been sent to MPs. BASC’s election campaign website also enables people to contact local candidates, share the information with them, and find out their views on shooting. BASC Chief Executive Richard Ali said: “With facts at their fingertips, every MP elected to the next parliament will be in no doubt of the true value of shooting.”
S2 UPGRADE
The popular break-barrel S2 pistol from SMK has been received a revamp! It now comes with fibreoptic front and rear sights, plus modifications to the shape of the pistol grip to improve handling and comfort. www.sportsmk.co.uk
Here’s an amazing new release via distributors, Edgar Brothers – the Caldwell Precision Chronograph, which uses a high-speed 48MHz processor and advanced data interface circuitry to deliver a factory-calibrated output that‘s accurate to +/- 0.25%. There’s a Light version for £47.85 – but Airgun Shooter’s chief tester is rather sold on the Premium Kit, the £163.25 asking price of which includes a tripod, carry case, sun screen diffusers and LED sensor lights that work well indoors as well as a poorly-lit outdoors. The BPC can measure from 5 to 9,999fps and results are displayed on the front-facing LCD (making it ideal for downrange velocity testing) – but the Premium Kit also includes a 15ft lead to connect your smartphone and access the data by way of a free-to-download app! www.shootingsports.edgarbrothers.com
LATEST LINES
Airgunners can shoot their way through 2015 in the latest fashion courtesy of New Zealand performance clothing specialists, Ridgeline. They’ve unveiled two snazzy tops which bring both style and performance wear into the field. The £54.99, olive and orange Taipan (far right) is a wind- and showerproof long-zip fleece made of Southern Star 300 fabric with a membrane to keep you dry, and it boasts plenty of pocket space, Velcro-close cuffs and a drawstring hood. Or for more covert operations, there’s their new Igloo Top in Buffalo camo, price £44.99. Made of the same fabric, it’s a very versatile ‘bush shirt’ that deserves a place in any hunter’s wardrobe for those chilly dawn or dusk forays. www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
OBITUARY
RIDGELINE ANNIVERSARY
To mark 20 years in the business, New Zealand’s performance clothing specialist Ridgeline has released a celebratory anniversary hoodie, price £47.99. Practical, warm and snug, with a brightly coloured inner hood and contrasting zips that are enhanced further with embroidered special edition logos, we think its olive/orange design will look as good around town as it will in the countryside. www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
ON THE
quiet
The airgun world is mourning the loss of John Ford – one of the sport’s great pioneers. Founder of world-renowned scope mount business Sportsmatch-UK, John also co-designed the ground-breaking GC2 airgun with Gerald Cardew – the rifle many believe paved the way for the PCP revolution which changed the face of modern airgunning. Airgun Shooter passes on sincere condolences to the Ford family.
Brocock has brought out a nifty new silencer perfectly suited to its compact airguns, price £35. Machined from solid Delrin and utilising a passive baffle system, the Brocock Short Silencer attaches via a half-inch UNF thread and is field strippable. The compact twopiece mod measures up at 120mm long with a diameter of 30mm, and weighs just 100g. www.brocock.co.uk
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your
WIN £29.95! A FLIP-TARGET
The innovative new Flip-Target is easy to set up and take down. Hit the presented paddle and it will automatically reset itself to another. Perfect for ‘walking’ around the plinking range or for using to hone your hunting accuracy, it’s made from super-tough Polex to ensure long life. (Cadet ‘airgun’ version supplied.)
Granted your article on the .20’s trajectory (Know the Score, February issue) was acknowledged as being based on theory. But the generic roundheads in your work cannot have been of identical design, because they don’t relate as a cube of the pellet’s diameter, mathematically speaking. Had you chosen the H&N FTT pellet, I believe you would have arrived at a conclusion more favourable to the .20. Miles Morris, via email
Miles Morris’ H&N FTT data shows the .20 calibre in a better light than our theoretical article concluded last month
LETTERS
Send your letters to: The Editor, Airgun Shooter, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warks, CV32 5SZ – or email
[email protected], remembering to include your full name and address
has boosted A simple modification e BB gun, which the power of my Chines n to knock down was initially too weak eve oved the CO2 rem I . ets my magnetic targ it with one from a canister seal and replaced are now punctured Crosman 2240. Canisters power is up to and e with a neat, round hol ck down my kno to me s ble a level that ena . targets with some regularity John Barrow, Torrington
The editor replies: Sounds like a successful project, John – though I’d strongly advise you check the power level on a chrono to ensure the gun’s still legal after the DIY modification.
t While I can’t dispute tha the e hav lets pel ibre cal 7 .17 are and h, flattest flight pat the of g ivin forg re mo therefore te ima est to lity abi r’s ote sho re mo a l stil range, .22 calibre is let. pel ting hun e than capabl pe, By using a decent sco er cov to with aiming points 15 from act imp the point of nter to 40 yards – and to cou – it s the effect of crosswind to e ctic pra ch doesn’t take mu the h wit ent pet com become it’s bigger calibre. I reckon 7 .17 for tch more than a ma and .20. Steven Clarke, Birmingham
found a letter in January’s issue, I’ve In response to A. Green’s livers over d cte infe h wit n sio on my permis high percentage of rabbits rs ote referring an infection I recall local sho the last couple of years – 1980s. to as ‘spotted liver’ in the earance of an nessed the total disapp wit I , A few years ago don’t shoot. on common land where I enormous number of rabbits ether these wh r of myxomatosis, I wonde As there was no evidence ulations? pop bit rab to more destructive liver diseases can be even John Petersen, via email
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Here’s a neat trick for anyone who lets the spring from the safety catch go flying while working on the trigger of a Crosman airgun. WINNER! It just so happens that the spring that keeps the flint in on a clipper lighter will perfectly replace the lost spring when cut to size! Peter Sermanni, via email
After receiving my free 4x20 riflescope for subscribing to Airgun Shooter, I was determined to make the most of this handy gift on my Weihrauch HW40 PCA pistol! You can get the eye relief just right if you place your left hand over your right arm to support the gun hand – though you’ll need to screw down the rearsight to keep it clear of the scope’s eyepiece. The set-up has enabled me to notch up some very useful groups at 10 metres. Ken Smith, via email
Following on with the subject of calibre and optimum zero range, raised in the January issue, a 28-yard zero seems just about perfect for my combo. During recent testing in a barn with this zero range, a 14.3-grain pellet never strayed above the kill zone from eight yards out to 32 yards. Of course, factors such as scope height, pellet weight and power (10.6ft/lb in my airgun’s case) will cause variations. For example, my friend’s SMK SYNSG produces slightly less power, and gives best results when zeroed at 20 yards. Neil Edwards, N. Wales
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Military
MUSCLE!
A self-confessed lover of wood and steel, Nigel Allen reckons the latest military-styled Sniper-K from Korean gunmaker Evanix is a 10-shot PCP that could win him – and plenty of others – over to the dark side…
W
hile I’m not the biggest fan of military-looking airguns, certain models do take my fancy – and the Evanix Sniper-K is definitely one of them. When the Korean gunmaker first showed me their Sniper, it was in ‘rifle’ format, and came in way too long as far as I was concerned. But I did tell them I could see a lot of potential for it in 12ft/lb guise as a carbine – so now, via importer AC Guns, Evanix has delivered the Sniper-K to UK airgunners. It’s a much more compact version that really delivers a lot of rifle for your money. The only wood to be seen on this multi-shot PCP is a sliver of what looks to be walnut – the cheekpiece; everything else is either steel of aluminium extrusion. Yet despite its predominantly metal construction, the Sniper-K tips the scales at just 3.82kg unscoped – and thanks to a very shooter-friendly balance, it feels even lighter in your shoulder. Actually, the rifle’s heft can be significantly altered by way of its many adjustments, allowing perfect gunfit whatever your stature. The synthetic polymer forend – lifted straight out of the military hardware book – can be moved fore and aft a good 120mm on the Picatinny under-rail; the butt can be adjusted (in 25mm increments) by way of a push-button lock to give pull lengths of 295, 320, 345, 370, 395 and 420mm; and the cheekpiece can be raised and lowered to suit the mounted sight, as well as positioned fore and aft to suit your chosen length of pull. While a 370mm pull length would ordinarily be about right for most people on a rifle with a straight-line butt, I favoured the slightly shorter 345mm set-up as I found it brought the rifle’s overall balance back to where I liked, without me feeling too cramped up in the aim. I also brought the forend grip – which, incidentally, can be reversed – right back for the same reason. That’s the beauty of this system: changes can be made very easily to accommodate whatever you want. While the butt length can be done on the fly, you will need to use hex wrenches to reposition the forend grip and cheekpiece, but it’s still quick and easy to do. Most of my testing was undertaken in the winter months, and on colder days, I certainly needed to wear gloves while shooting; my fingers invariably fell on metal somewhere, despite the main forestock and pistol grips being ‘warmer’ by virtue of their
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For a perfect gunfit, the cheek is fully adjustable – and the butt adjusted by way of a push-button lock (below)
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ON TEST: EVANIX SNIPER-K The synthetic forestock – reversible and position-adjustable
The grip feels very ergonomic thanks to the stippled finger profiling
The Sniper-K‘s two-stage, adjustable trigger sports a near-straight metal blade
synthetic construction. Both give plenty of support in the hold and the stippled, finger profiling of the drop-down grip is particularly ergonomic – plus the Sniper-K’s design is fully ambidextrous. Although the rubber butt pad has no curve to it, I didn’t find it uncomfortable – and its ridged face was certainly practical as the rifle never slipped in the shoulder. In fact, there were times when I could have done with a little more ‘slip’. And while the ‘notch-and-lock’ system of the sliding butt exuded some play, once I’d pressed the rifle into my shoulder, any slack was immediately taken up and I never felt as though the gun wanted to waver in the aim. In fact, the almost infinitesimal adjustments that can be made to the Sniper-K’s back end give you the feeling of a very tailored gun indeed – and while it’s no match rifle, don’t think the Evanix is unable to print tight groups at distance. It can. In fact, my test sample could regularly land 10-shot groups inside a 30mm circle out to 50 metres – a testament to its 400mm barrel which is rifled and choked in Korea from a German blank. I’ve been lucky enough to witness Evanix’s Korean-based manufacturing process first-hand, and I can certainly vouch that they’ve got both the equipment and know-how to build super-accurate hardware. Many things go into the accuracy mix, of course – barrel, pellet feed, firing cycle and trigger let-off to name but a few. In terms of the latter, I’d say Evanix has got it just right on the Sniper-K. Though it’s two-stage and adjustable, there’s quite a lot of initial tension, and a little creep in the second-stage pull-through. Caress it like you would a traditionally sporting trigger, and you may be a bit disappointed. However, the near-straight metal blade lends itself to a more ‘attacking’ trigger technique. I found that by setting it up and treating it almost like a single-stage unit, my shooting became very accurate indeed. You don’t have to ‘snap shoot’; just be very committed to the shot. In conjunction with the straight-line design of the gun overall, this system isn’t hard to adopt, either. I did do some long-range shooting (out to 60 metres) off a bipod which I fitted onto the front accessory rail, and the way I was able to send spinners spinning proved to me that the Sniper-K doesn’t need a better trigger. I also felt that by comparison with all the previous Evanix models I’ve tested in the past five years, this is probably the best one yet.
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To cock the rifle, gently pull the sidelever to around 90 degrees
That also applies to the manual safety catch – a cross-bolt affair, forward of the blade and in the upper part of the guard unit. Mind you, it does suit right-handers more than Southpaws because it pushes ‘off’ to the left, which is a more natural operation for the index finger of your right hand. Also, if it’s engaged prior to the rifle being cocked, the sidelever can’t be drawn back – a feature I’m not sure I like as it can put undue stress on the assembly if you’re a bit on the heavy-handed side. As for the cocking process, it really is rather slick. Although it’s cast, the anodising of the sidelever on the right of the breech is a perfect match to the finish of the breech and outer chassis. There are no sharp edges and it’s ideally shaped for a good grip. It springs open to around 45 degrees, where a gentle pull-back to around 90 degrees is all that’s needed to cock the hammer and trigger. The rearward stroke of the sidelever allows for the magazine to index to the next shot. As the pellet seating probe is retracted, the inner drum of the magazine cassette rotates anti-clockwise to align the next pellet to the bore. The indexing system uses the ‘interrupt’ method, whereby the chambered pellet itself stops the inner drum over-rotating. This system has its critics, but I refer again to the Sniper-K’s long-range accuracy – it clearly isn’t an issue! LOADING UP Though simple in construction, the magazineloading procedure of PB’s 10-shot cassette is a little more complicated than most magazine systems – but it is easy once you know how! With the mag removed, the inner drum needs to be rotated clockwise against spring tension [1] until the thicker division shows through the bean-shaped loading aperture [2]. Loading pellets can now commence – and this should be done with the waiting chamber of the drum always to the far right of the beanshaped aperture [3]. In order to rotate the drum, initially hold the cassette with both hands [4]. Then, manually index the top of the drum using the index finger of your left hand – the knurling helps [5] – until the next empty chamber aligns to the right of the loading aperture [3]. At this point, use your thumb to hold the drum in place against the spring tension [6]. Repeat this until the last (10th) empty chamber displays – this one needs to be loaded in the left position [7], ensuring a finger from your other hand is blocking the hole at the rear of the cassette [8] so that the pellet doesn’t fall straight through. Once the last pellet is in, ease off the drum’s tension, and it will hold everything in place (via an interrupt fit). In practice, it’s much easier to actually do than explain!
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The magazine can be inserted either from the left or right
And I must commend AC Guns for their additional work on behalf of UK Evanix owners. They’ve not been too comfortable with Evanix’s supplied magazine, so they’ve worked closely with British airgun engineers, Pneumatic Ballistics, to produce a really good, 10-shot magazine of their own. What’s more, this is supplied in lieu of Evanix’s with each new Sniper-K. Now that’s what I call a brilliant service from the authorised UK distributor! The PB mag is beautifully constructed, although the ball-catch arrangement that the Sniper-K’s breech housing uses to align it is a little too shallow for my liking. You’ve got to insert it very gently – from either the left or right – in order to ‘feel’ it locate. And there’s certainly a very precise set of operations to load the PB mag! While it’s easy to undertake once you know how, there’s no denying that this system is more complex than you get on other magazines (see panel below). Charging up, on the other hand, couldn’t be simpler. Simply plug the supplied probe into the filler port – the opening of which is protected by a rotary dust cover – and fill up with air until the on-board manometer, just forward of the trigger, registers 200BAR. Though an unregulated carbine PCP in .177 calibre is about the least efficient spec you can get, my test rifle clocked up no fewer
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3
2
4
5
6
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ON TEST: EVANIX SNIPER-K
AC Guns and Pneumatic Ballistics have produced a beautifully constructed 10-shot mag for the UK market
To charge, simply plug the supplied probe into the filler port...
...which is protected by a rotary dust cover
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ON TEST: EVANIX SNIPER-K
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION MANUFACTURER: Evanix, Korea ● www.evanix.com MODEL: Sniper-K UK IMPORTER: AC Guns ● www.acguns.co.uk TYPE: Multi-shot precharged pneumatic MAGAZINE: 10-shot (Pneumatic Ballistics version) COCKING: Sidelever CALIBRE: .177 (tested) and .22 than 140 shots within a 0.75ft/lb power curve – an impressive 14 magazines’ worth FILL PRESSURE: 200BAR of shots! There were another two magazines on top of that for a ‘usable’ range, SHOTS PER CHARGE: .177 – 160 (tested); .22 – 170 (manuf. claim) too. In my test rifle’s case, the flattest part of the curve occurred between 190 and OVERALL LENGTH: Variable – 903mm to 1,027mm 135BAR – around 120 shots – and the rifle’s refill pressure was around 130BAR. BARREL LENGTH: 400mm Given the Sniper-K probably isn’t going to be used for competition, these are WEIGHT: 3.82kg (excl. scope) very impressive stats for hunting work – and, of course, sporting shooters have SIGHTS: None fitted. 22mm rails plenty of real estate on this Evanix to fit accessories like a laser, bipod and tactical TRIGGER: Two-stage, adjustable torch by way of Picatinny/Weaver (22mm) mounts. SAFETY: Manual cross-bolt, resettable I opted to equip my test rifle with an MTC 1-4x24 Mamba. This compact, STOCK: Retractable butt with synthetic pistol and forend grips fast-handling telly was an ideal marriage for the Sniper-K, although MTC’s low LENGTH OF PULL: Variable – 295 to 420mm in 25mm increments mounts meant I had to drop the Sniper-K’s cheekpiece quite low. Okay, I could POWER: 11.6ft/lb (max) with 7.9-grain Rangemaster Li have used higher mounts, but as I like a scope’s optical axis as close as possible SRP: £790 including 10-shot PB magazine and filler probe to the boreline, I felt this distance was already enough. At least with the Sniper-K’s butt design, it’s a very simple matter to get perfect scope/ eye alignment. Within the shroud, Hunters will be well happy with the Sniper-K’s muzzle report which, for sprung baffles, curler a carbine PCP, is very quiet. Initially, I put this down to the shrouded barrel and wadding inserts make for a very quiet acting as some sort of reflex silencer. In fact, though, sound suppression muzzle report is more to do with the sprung baffles, curler and wadding inserts that sit just behind the screw-off compensator. I think the shroud is there just to look good – a purpose which it fits admirably! Indeed, to my eyes, the Evanix Sniper-K is one of the best-looking ‘military’ airguns I’ve seen – and as a lover of walnut and steel, it’s not often I say that. While, pricewise, it sits in the upper echelons of the market, it certainly gives you an excellent return on your investment – not just in looks and engineering, but also in terms of versatility and overall performance. ●
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Fishy
TAILS
Mat Manning visits a fishery to tackle an influx of rats that have developed a taste for trout pellets… Additional photos: Nicky Brown
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f I’m not out with my air rifle, then it’s very likely I’m out with my fishing rod, and every so often my two favourite pastimes converge. Fisheries can attract more than their fair share of vermin, as I discovered during a recent assignment to help rid a trout farm of a rat infestation, news of which had reached me through the angling grapevine. Further investigation by a friend who fishes at the venue revealed that there was, indeed, a problem with rats. I was soon granted permission to pay a visit with my air rifle, because even though the owner had embarked on a major poisoning programme, the abundance of alternative feeding opportunities meant it was having a limited effect. I’d been told the rats were active by daylight, so my first visit was on a cold, damp winter’s afternoon – but an hour’s careful observation resulted in not a single sighting of a rat! That said, my recce revealed lots of evidence that they were there. The trout in the stock ponds are fed generous helpings of highprotein fish pellets several times a day, and the countless ratty footprints in the soft mud at the edges of the banks suggested that the rodents had been making the most of any spillages. In fact, it seemed like they’d got a serious taste for the nutritious pellets: sacks stacked on pallets at the loading bay were frayed and torn where the greedy scaly-tails had been nibbling. There were also rat-runs and holes around – even underneath – the rat-proof drums the pellets were stored in next to the stock ponds. My investigations revealed that some rats were taking the poisonlaced bait as there were blue/green pellets dotted around – and I began to wonder if I’d arrived a day or two too late. Nonetheless, I’d brought my lamped-up Daystate Regal and was determined to hang around until nightfall in case any remaining rats decided to venture out after dark. I’m glad I did stick it out, because the change brought about by the arrival of dusk was just like somebody had thrown a switch. As the light faded, rats started to move all around. I saw them slinking beneath the pallets, and darting back and forth along the grass tracks between the stock ponds and the feeder stream. It also appeared that the poison was having very little effect; these lively critters weren’t behaving like rodents that had eaten a dose of bait poison, the early stages of which make them become sluggish (and easy to shoot because of it). But this nest was on full alert. They kept close to cover and moved rapidly whenever they ventured out into the open. My guess was that the sheer amount of alternative food meant that only some rats were taking the bait, and those that had were probably eating sufficient trout pellets to dilute the dose enough to stay relatively healthy.
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HUNTING: FISH FARM RATTING The ravenous rats had been gnawing through feed sacks to gorge on trout pellets
Blue/green droppings indicated that rats were taking the poison-laced bait
Whatever the reason, it was clear that there was no shortage of rats for me to go at with the Regal, so I set up my stool in a spot that enabled me to cover the loading bay and the track. From here, I hoped that I’d be able to survey the ratty activity, and pick off one or two as they went about their business. As I flicked the lamp on as night closed in, it was more than apparent that the rats were in fine fettle. Even the soft crimson glow of the Red Eye’s beam was enough to put the scaly-tails on edge, sending them darting for sanctuary every time I tried to settle the spot on one. Eventually, one lingered beneath a pallet, the wooden frame no doubt making it feel safe – but its exposed position gave me just enough clearance to thread a shot through to its head and open the night’s account. The doomed rat’s final twitches flipped it out to just beyond the edge of the pallet, which did me an unexpected favour. Another hungry rodent soon ventured out to lap at the blood weeping from the fresh kill. Yes, these natural survivors certainly aren’t guilty of letting anything go to waste! Anyway, I settled the crosshairs onto the head of the cannibalistic rat and whacked it over to make it a double. Over the next half-hour, I nailed four more from my position on the edge of the loading bay, but I was spooking more than I was shooting. As they weren’t lingering long enough to get a shot off, I decided to see if they could be tempted with a few free offerings. Trudging across to one of the gnawed feed sacks, I grabbed a fistful of pellets Footprints revealed a hive of ratty activity at the water‘s edge
A rat lingering beneath a pallet opened the night‘s account
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HUNTING: FISH FARM RATTING
Mat scooped up a big ’un at the close of the session
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and deposited them in a heap on what appeared to be a busy run on one side of the grass track. Another handful went on the opposite side of the trail, with yet another going next to a pallet. With the sacks full of holes, it was obvious that the rats were going to pinch plenty of pellets during the night, and I figured that the best way to stop them from repeat offending was to bump them off while they tucked in. The ruse worked, sort of, but the rats were still playing hard to get, darting out to grab a mouthful of pellets before scuttling back to safety in a flash. This sort of behaviour is common when using particle baits such as pellets and grain – it’s too easy for the rats to pick up a tasty morsel and run away. (That’s why I find liquid attractors work so well.) I did manage to bag a couple from the baited areas, but I soon decided to take further action to swing the odds more in my favour. The ground on the track was quite soft, so I walked over and stamped the two piles of pellets down into the deck as hard as I could. This, I figured, would still hold some attraction to the rats, but they’d have to hang around to grub them out if they wanted a decent feed. Stamping in the pellets slowed down the rats enough for me account for a dozen before I had to call it a night. My time was limited because I had to be off site in time for the fishery to be locked up, but I was pleased with the bag I’d managed to build in the few hours I’d had. A proportion of the remaining rats will, no doubt, fall to the poison, but I’m looking forward to the return leg. This time, I’ll be bringing some of my proven liquidised cat food bait and, perhaps, some lamp-free NV gear. ●
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Class of
2014
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2014
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Readers’ votes have been counted and verified… and now it’s time to announce the 2014 winners of the prestigious Airgun Shooter Awards!
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
We knew the Walther LGU was one to watch after clocking the super-slick underlever at last year’s IWA show in Germany. Its winning combination of clever engineering and solid performance impressed us from the outset, and has clearly found favour with readers, too. The Remington Express’s runner-up ranking is proof indeed of the high standard of spring-powered airguns released in 2014. And, meeting modern airgun shooters’ seemingly insatiable appetite for ‘tacticals’, the Black Ops Sniper from SMK takes bronze.
BEST NEW SPRINGER
GOLD
WALTHER LGU
SILVER
REMINGTON EXPRESS
GOLD
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BEST NEW PCP
DAYSTATE REGAL
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2014
2014
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
It’s a double for Daystate, with the British manufacturer taking gold and silver with its Wolverine and Regal models. Both guns represent the pinnacle of modern PCP design, combining precision, balance and sizzling good looks tied) AIR ARMS HFT500 (tied) BRONZE in two very different packages. BSA GOLD STAR SE (tied) This category was an incredibly close call, as demonstrated by the inseparable bronze ranking for Air Arms and BSA. The Brit gunmakers tied with their respective HFT500 and Gold Star SE airguns – PCP models coincidentally released at the same time with trophy-hungry HFT shooters in mind. SILVER
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DAYSTATE WOLVERINE
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SMK BLACK OPS SNIPER
BRONZE
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Two top spots here for Air Arms! As reigning champ in this category, the TX200 is clearly a favourite with spring-gun connoisseurs – but with SILVER AIR ARMS PROSPORT AA’s ProSport taking silver, it’s proof that the Sussex-based gunmaker is setting the standard where spring BRONZE WEIHRAUCH HW97 power is concerned. To make it a trio of fixed-barrels on the podium, the Weihrauch HW97 stalwart takes bronze. Interestingly, all three models prove that good designs can stand the test of time. GOLD
Weihrauch’s reputation for fine spring-powered airguns has earned the German manufacturer countless accolades over the years, and now it’s the turn of the HW99S. Despite its compact dimensions, the 99S knocks out power close to the 12ft/lb legal limit, and certainly proved to be a big hitter in the voting stakes. Shooters are spoilt for choice when it comes to affordable airguns, and that was apparent from the large number of nominations in this category. Nonetheless, the Remington Express made a convincing showing to take silver, with the BSA Lightning snatching bronze.
WEIHRAUCH HW99S
SILVER
REMINGTON EXPRESS
BRONZE
BSA LIGHTNING
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BEST SPRINGER UNDER £300
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
BEST SPRINGER OVER £300
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2014
BEST CO2 RIFLE
GOLD
CROSMAN RATCATCHER
SILVER
UMAREX AIRMAGNUM 850
2014
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
BEST SPRING PISTOL The Crosman Ratcatcher’s latest 2250-XL incarnation, with lengthened barrel and 12g power-plant, has given this ever-popular CO2 series a new lease of life, winning it even more fans and no doubt helping the famous ‘Ratty’ to the winning spot. The magazine-fed Umarex AirMagnum muscles in for a silver ranking, while last year’s winner, the SMK ‘78’ series puts in another convincing performance to add to its admirable tally of podium placings.
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GOLD
WEIHRAUCH HW45
SILVER
HATSAN MOD 25
The Weihrauch HW45 takes gold again to sustain its awesome run in the spring pistol category, BRONZE WEBLEY TEMPEST notching up a string of four wins on the bounce! This German pistol’s pedigree has been built up over decades, and we reckon it’s going to take something pretty special to end its reign. Taking silver is the futuristic Hatsan Mod 25, just ahead of another ‘old guard’ of the air pistol empire: the Webley Tempest – a perennial favourite which has certainly stood the test of time.
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AIR ARMS FTP900 (tied) AIR ARMS S410 (tied) BSA R10 MK2 (tied)
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BRONZE
DAYSTATE WOLVERINE
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BEST PCP RIFLE
AWARDS: AIRGUNS OF THE YEAR
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AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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2014
WEIHRAUCH HW100
With its dominance in our Airgun 100 Index through 2014, GOLD it’s no surprise to us to see the Weihrauch HW100 taking gold (again) in this category – even pipping the newer, SILVER double-gold Daystate Wolverine! But what a close category this was – with another tie for bronze, this time an unprecedented three-way one between the BSA R10 Mk2, and Air Arms’ S410 and FTP900 BRONZE airguns. The modern airgun shooter is clearly spoilt for choice when it comes to high-performance PCPs.
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TOP GAS-RAM RIFLE
GOLD
SILVER
HATSAN 125 VORTEX IMPACT AIRGUNS RM100
TOP PISTOL CO2/ PNEUMATIC GOLD
DAYSTATE WOLVERINE
SILVER
WEIHRAUCH HW100
BRONZE
AIRFORCEONE TROPHY
This incredibly diverse category can throw up SILVER WEBLEY MARK VI some unexpected results, but the recently released AirForceOne Trophy’s victory isn’t a great surprise as we know it’s been selling like BRONZE UMAREX WALTHER CP99 hotcakes, with demand outstripping supply. Silver goes to another innovative CO2 pistol – but one that’s based on an old classic! The Webley Mark VI BB revolver is an amazingly close replica of the original, and is also great fun to shoot. Bronze goes to the Umarex Walther CP99, another gasser based on James Bond’s pistol of choice.
Despite the shock absence of its previously award-dominating MK4, Daystate has still managed to take another prestigious gong. The new Wolverine is your airgun of 2014 in this mandatory voting class – a rifle which initially hit the airgun scene in 100ft/lb, .303 calibre guise and has now been complemented with a family of other models, including cylinder (C-Type), aluminium and carbon-fibre buddy bottle types – B-Type and Hi-Lite (shown) respectively. The strong showing from fans of the Weihrauch HW100 is no surprise, given its domination of our Airgun 100 sales chart last year – and gaining another bronze is BSA’s stalwart PCP, the R10 Mk2.
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2014
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GOLD
2014
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AIR G
BRONZE
BSA LIGHTNING GRT
BSA builds on last year’s runner-up slot to take the gold in the 2014 poll with its Lightning GRT – its combination of good looks, a fast gas-ram firing cycle, and crisp, adjustable trigger unit making it your favourite ‘rammer’ on the racks. The Hatsan 125 Vortex is a new face on our gas-ram rostrum, scoring very well indeed to push Impact Airguns’ RM100 – regarded by many as the pinnacle of refined gasram airgun design – into bronze position.
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AIR G
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AIRGUN OF THE YEAR
BSA R10 MK2
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A Winter
HUNTING: SQUIRRELS & CORVIDS
WEEKEND
Ian Barnett’s winter weekend doesn’t go quite to plan, but he still sees some tree-rat and corvid action – and puts an ingenious new kitbag item to good use…
T
he weekend saw me with three straight days of shooting opportunity as I used up the last of my work’s annual leave. At this time of year, with game shoots in full swing, Saturdays are a no-no in many areas, so I have to be selective about where I hunt. It’s also why I chose to make my long weekend stretch to Monday, rather than take the Friday off. Stalk around the coverts on the day before the game shooters arrive disturbs and scatters the birds, so I leave them well alone. Given Saturday’s limitations, I chose to spend time on the estate farm. As I drove in, I recognised the signs that the carrot boys were around – orange veg was strewn all down the drive and there was
5cm of wet mud everywhere. I’d just had a courtesy valet done on the vehicle – but, oh well, it was a working 4x4, I suppose! With four-wheel traction, I carried on, watching the gang who were still hard at it, tipping trailers full of carrots into heaps ready for the bulkers which would be arriving over the next couple of days to ship the crop to market. I parked the motor on the only bit of greenery I could find, and the peacocks came to greet me, as they often do. They seem to accept that my lurcher won’t touch them – but reading the murderous intention in Dylan’s eyes, I hissed a firm “Leave!” command at him all the same. The dog was with me today; grey squirrels were the target quarry and he lends himself well to their hunting. Controlling grey squirrels has suddenly become very topical and I find it strange how quickly public opinion can be influenced when the right people push the right buttons. For years, most of the popular media has decried the hunting of grey squirrels in this country, preferring to paint a picture of Squirrel Nutkin as a cute visitor to the urban garden or park. Of course, hunters and foresters have held the opposite view for half a century, having seen the decline and extinction of native red squirrel populations in all but a few isolated corners of the UK. For foresters, it’s their bark-stripping (which kills young trees) that makes the grey unpopular. For most landowners, it’s the squirrel’s appetite for song- and gamebird eggs or chicks which signs its death warrant. Recently, though, HRH Prince Charles surprised many by lending support to the culling of grey squirrels on his own land in the Duchy of Cornwall, and he’s also got right behind the red squirrel conservation groups. Yet a government-approved cull would be futile unless married to solid initiatives to re-introduce the native red. Red squirrel enclaves need to be cleared of greys and then protected in the way the Cumbrian Red Squirrel Group has with their full-time rangers. The war against the grey squirrel on the areas I shoot is one of attrition. The creature breeds twice a year, producing up to four
Left: Dylan is an ideal companion for hunting grey squirrels
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kits. Those kits are capable of breeding within four months, so there can be as many as 10 dreys per acre in some woods – and as fast as I can clear a tract of woodland, it starts to fill again (for nature abhors a vacuum). And therein lies the rub. Complete removal of the grey squirrel population in Britain would be impossible while the critter is upheld as a welcome garden visitor and parkland attraction. The only hope for our native red squirrel is ‘safe havens’, rigidly patrolled by people with guns. In my view, the choice is simple – if the native squirrel is to survive, it’s ‘red or dead’. Well, Saturday’s quota of greys was achieved without any problems, including one of the biggest buck squirrels I’ve ever shot. It sat hissing and chattering at me on a branch – silenced by a well-placed .20 H&N Baracuda. It was so big I stopped Dylan retrieving in case it hadn’t expired, but the head shot had been clinical. A credit to these pellets! Sunday saw me creeping from the house guiltily as Dylan Ian bagged one of the biggest buck gave me that ‘begging to come’ look. But this was a nosquirrels he‘s ever shot dog day, where I’d be back in the coverts looking for some roost shooting. I took my bucket seat and a face mask. I hate wearing the latter, but it was a bright day, so needs must. I’d marked this particular copse the day before as, from a distance, I’d seen dozens of woodies flashing in and out. I sat quietly for an hour, wondering where the birds were. Conditions were the same as yesterday, even the wind direction… Then two birds arrived simultaneously, right above me – a woody and a magpie. Each within range, so I procrastinated: Edible or inedible? Food or vermin? Too late – by the time I’d decided to take the magpie, they’d both seen me and flown off! Note to self: vermin first. That’s why I’m allowed here! The mission developed into a rather fruitless one, with not a single shot taken at a pigeon in two, cold hours. I did squeeze the trigger once, though – at a foraging squirrel. Now, the gamebag you often see slung over my shoulder during my hunts isn’t really a gamebag at all, but a kitbag. I use it to carry all the little tricks and contraptions I might need to turn a barren day into a fruitful one. Squeakers and bird calls, Opinel knife, secateurs, rubber hens’ eggs, sometimes a decoy or two. On a full day’s foray, it also holds a spare air cylinder for my Weihrauch HW100K-T. There’s always spare ammo, disposable gloves for skinning out, a drink of some kind and last, but not Main image above: Ian faced a least, my camera equipment to document my time in the field. As you can imagine, the bag is quite dilemma while taking aim...
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HUNTING: SQUIRRELS & CORVIDS
Ian spent the rest of the afternoon in a barn, watching a stoats‘ den...
weighty, so if anything else is to get space allocated in there, it has to be something a little bit special. And the latest ‘special something’ is my new Wiresafe (see below) – light, small and oh so useful! ...but it was all in vain, despite With a couple of flocked magpie decoys also brought the fresh prints in the sand along today, I was able to numbly traverse a barbed at the entrance showing wire fence to place them (and some rubber eggs) on a that it was in use margin to see if I could attract any corvid action. It didn’t take long for some high-flying rook scouts to spot the magpies ‘dining’ on a clutch of eggs – and within minutes, the sky above was a whirl of feathered frenzy. There were rooks, crows, jackdaws and magpies wheeling and dive-bombing in all directions. My first shot took out a crow which had settled in a pine tree to overlook the decoys. At the sight of the fallen bird, the racket went up a notch… until I shot a rook from another tree. This seemed to break up the mob which then fled, leaving behind just a single jay. It took me an eternity to spot it among the dead leaves of a winter oak – and to then see it flash away before I could draw a bead! Following the lull, I spent the rest of the grey afternoon in a barn, watching a stoats’ den in vain. The fresh prints in the sand thrown out of the entrance told me it was being used… but, hey, maybe I could put Monday’s day off to good use. Or maybe not – my wife probably wouldn’t be best pleased if I had three shooting days in a row. Besides which, I had to find the time to write this up for you to read… ●
THE WIRESAFE My latest kitbag addition is easily justified. The Wiresafe from Leisure-Safe is an ingeniously simple idea that allows you (or your dog) to traverse barbed wire fences easily and safely. It consists of a strip of waxed cotton with three brass eyelets and elasticated toggles, which wrap around the top strand of a barbedwire fence. It folds down into a waxed cotton storage band that easily fits a pocket (or game bag) and I can confidently say that if I’d carried a product like this over the past 30 years, it could have saved a dozen pairs of trousers, half a dozen shirts and hundreds of quid in vets’ bills! Since taking it out on a very squally day, I’ve found some other good uses for it, too. It makes a useful rain-guard for your rifle’s scope, or a kneeling pad to keep your trousers dry. Simply brilliant! SRP: £18.99 W: www.leisure-safe.co.uk
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FREE TO ENTER: COMPETITION
. . . N I W . . . N I W . . . N I W . . . N I W . . . WIN THIS EVANIX SNIPER-K
WORTH
£790!
The latest Karbine Sniper from Evanix could soon be in your gun cabinet… having not cost you a penny! (Scope not included in prize package)
We’re giving you the chance to get the fabulous Sniper-K precharged pneumatic from Evanix into your gun cabinet – and to celebrate the commencement of Airgun Shooter’s sixth year, it’s not going to cost you a penny to take part in our easy-to-enter competition! Unveiled on page 14 of this issue, our cover gun represents one of the best multi-shot PCPs currently on the market, offering full adjustability of its slide-out stock, as well as many scope and accessory mounting options on top of its full-powered, recoil-free performance. Boasting fast-action loading courtesy of its sidelever cocking system, our prize rifle will be coming to the lucky winner in .177 calibre, and will also include the Pneumatic Ballistics 10-shot rotary magazine into the bargain. With an on-board manometer, integral silencer, plug-in (and protected) charging, and a two-stage adjustable trigger, the Sniper-K returns around 150 shots per charge, all bang on the UK’s legal power limit of 12ft/lb. What’s more, its telescopic stock and movable forend make it ideal for shooters of all shapes and sizes. Worth a cool £790, it could be yours for nothing more than a bit of time spent seeing if you can find the differences in our fiendish spot-the-difference competition below. If you can, then make sure you send in your entry form – our competition is free to enter… and you could soon be the proud owner of this stylish Korean Karbine! Good luck…
HOW TO ENTER
Find the five differences between the two images opposite. Then either send us this page with those differences marked and the form below filled in… or email us brief descriptions of the differences to:
[email protected], putting ‘Airgun Shooter 066’ in the subject bar. Remember to include your name, address and age declaration that you are over 18 for the entry to be valid. (Under 18s must have the entry countersigned by an adult.) You can also enter online at www.airgunmagazine.co.uk – click on the competition tab and follow the instructions. In the event of a tie, the winning entry will be drawn from the editor’s shooting hat. Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: Email: I am over 18 years of age. Signed: Post your entry to: Evanix Sniper-K Competition, Airgun Shooter 066, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warks, CV32 5SZ. Prize must be collected from Blaze Publishing in person to enable photos and competition audit to take place. Image(s) of the winner may be used in editorial and for future promotions. Winner will be announced in a forthcoming issue. Only one entry per household. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older, or have their entry form countersigned by an adult. Entry closing date: 2 April 2015.
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A good
GEAR: DEFENSIBLE BALLISTIC GEL
CATCH! CATCH!
Ballistic gel is much better than Plasticine when assessing the penetration and deformation properties of a particular pellet. Phil Bulmer experiments with some new stuff…
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any shooters – especially hunters – are keen to know the penetration and deformation properties their chosen pellet brand possesses upon impact with the target. Arguably, it’s as vital a characteristic as the trajectory and accuracy. Shooting into an old telephone directory is a bit of a basic yardstick, and using Plasticine or ballistic putty is messy and awkward. I’ve tried making my own ballistic putty from sachets of culinary gelatine – but it was a messy affair and getting the required density was very hit and miss. Now though, the life of the airgun ballistician is made much easier courtesy of Kent-based Defensible Ballistics. They market a very stable, petroleum-based synthetic material known as Clear Ballistics Gel – as used by the FBI (where each batch is calibrated and standardised to meet specific density criteria). The good news is that as well as being suitable for use with firearms, knives, arrows and other missiles, the gel is also supplied for airgun use – specifically in the shape of the £35.99 Air Rifle Block (roughly 23x10x10cm). In terms of stability, Clear Ballistics Gel is a fabulous medium: it doesn’t dry out, shrink, go cloudy or degrade generally. It also feels dry to the touch and can be re-used a number of times (see panel below). Primarily, the FBI and similar bodies use it to assess wound tracts (tracks) in human targets, but as animal flesh is broadly comparable, it’s actually quite relevant for the hunter who wants to find out a bit
Above: Defensible’s Clear Ballistics Gel Air Rifle Block – just the right density for airgun pellets and it‘s clear enough to show the exact, post-strike characteristics
Plasticine is an inconsistent way of checking a pellet’s penetration, and isn’t really comparable to skin tissue – plus the block has to be opened up before any visual assessment can be made
Once the Clear Ballistics Gel Air Rifle Block has become exhausted, you simply chop it up, melt it in an oven or slow-cooker, strain out any debris through a kitchen sieve and remould it – I used a loaf tin. Defensible can also supply small blocks of the gel (inset, left) to top up the mix should you require, price £3.95. www.defensible.co.uk
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GEAR: DEFENSIBLE BALLISTIC GEL
A quick once-over with a heat gun can melt away any surface imperfections to give the Air Rifle Block a glass-like appearance
more about the downrange properties of the pellets he intends to use shapes – though it’s not the whole picture by any means. For a truly for pest control. scientific analysis, you’d need to weigh pellets and take chronoscope Of course, there is the caveat that the gel can only be an approximate readings both at the muzzle and target – but the results I saw appear to analogue of tissue – clearly bone will stop projectiles in a different corroborate what I’ve long suspected. manner. But nonetheless, Defensible’s gel serves as a calibrated, From the gel results, I gleaned that pointed pellets are inefficient; they comparative medium. lose energy quickly and don’t offer improved penetration at 25 yards. The gel is very clear, and though it displays ripples and irregularities Wadcutters are devastating at short range, and judging by the shock from the moulding process on its surface, you can improve the opacity by disturbance around the embedded pellet, their lack of penetration is waving a heat gun or hairdryer over the surface to smooth it out. actually an advantage if you’re after the transfer of maximum shock So, how does it work? Well, fire a pellet into it and you’ll hear in as short a space of time – and distance – as possible. By 25 yards, quite a ‘whack’ – not entirely the sound you might expect. Pellets are though, the flat-head has shed much of its energy and is probably not captured doing their stuff beautifully, too – and you can simply dig a good choice. into the gel with a knife to recover the pellet for closer examination, The good old roundhead is generally the more efficient pellet, keeping post-shot/impact. a good residual energy and giving good penetration at 25 yards – What I found is that the gel shows how minimal (usually) an airgun typical air rifle hunting ranges with a sub-12ft/lb gun. Additionally, the pellet’s ‘expansion’ is – a slight squashing and perhaps a blown skirt roundhead appears to better disturb the gel beyond its actual stopping from the initial air blast is about all you’ll see. point; I noticed it even projected a short wound track in front. The gel also manages to capture the path of the pellet – or, if you So, in conclusion, Clear Ballistics Gel gives a good ‘window’ on the like, the potential wound tract. This path can reveal a lot of about how world of ballistics. With a far more detailed approach incorporating a projectile performs – the bigger, the better for despatching quarry, of pellet scales and a chronograph, it makes for a tremendously useful course. The gel follows the flesh model and the tract will pretty much diagnostic tool for anyone interested in what goes on at the arrival of close up behind the pellet, though it’s still identifiable. You can also the shot, long after the trigger’s been pulled. ● spot deformation in the gel that’s ahead of the pellet. Effectively, this highlights how a shockwave can build up in front of the projectile on impact, indicating the pellet’s potential stopping or ‘shocking’ power. I tried the block with a .177 rifle nudging the 12ft/lb UK legal limit, shooting roundhead, pointed and wadcutter pellets into it from 25 yards, broad side. Interestingly, the gel retarded the wadcutter… but the other two head types zipped straight through! So I re-shot them into the block end-on, where its 23cm length was enough to stop the pointed and roundhead diabolos easily enough for me to analyse their strike patterns. The gel makes it easy to assess the performance of My initial testing with the three pellet a variety of pellets. Here’s a close-up comparison of types speaks volumes about pellets and their roundhead, pointed and flat-headed pellets
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Seasoned
PRO
Des Edwards has competed in FT shooting almost since the sport’s inception. We find out a little more about this talented airgunner from the Midlands…
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onsidered the pinnacle of outdoor airgun competition, field target (FT) attracts a cross section of shooters from all walks of life – and a few of those who step onto the firing line in today’s hi-tech FT environment are stalwarts who have been around almost since the sport’s inception back in 1981. FT’s big names are all approachable – and when public venues like the Midland Game Fair showcase the sport, they’re always very happy to give you a masterclass in what makes a good shooter. Des Edwards is one such longstanding FT combatant – and proof that even with the advent of Hunter FT as an outdoor discipline, the original knockdown silhouette sport is a hard habit to kick. In fact, Des openly admitted to us when we caught up with him at last year’s European FT Championships that even after all these years, he simply can’t keep away. We found out a little more about this dedicated and accomplished FT shooter from the Midlands… ●
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What’s your background, Des? I studied for an HNC in Engineering, and I’ve been a Project Engineer for a while now. So how did you get lured into shooting? I started in 1979, when I got into bell target shooting at The Talbot in Bewdley. I read the early reports about Field Target shooting and had a go myself in 1984. I can even remember the month – October! I shot at Wyre Forest FTC’s ground, in Kidderminster. As a long-time FT-er, you must have had numerous airguns? Yes – but a Weihrauch HW77 was my first rifle – a great gun; the best springer of its day, which was winning everything in FT shoots. An early Daystate Huntsman PCP followed, then a couple of Ripley AR5s, a Feinwerkbau P70, an Air Arms RN10. Finally, my current Steyr LG110. Is the Steyr modified in any way? I haven’t done much to it, if I’m honest, and it’s factory-standard other than the custom muzzle brake from Hydro Graphics I added. It doesn’t just look great, it actually makes a difference and the Steyr feels really good to shoot, especially with its very ergonomic butt. I also use Leupold quick-release mounts, because they let me remove the scope without any zero shift. And that scope is…? A Nikko (Stirling) MK1 10-50x60. It’s probably a little heavy, but it range-finds correctly,
Adding a custom muzzle brake to the Steyr makes it feel really good to shoot, says Des
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FT PROFILE: DES EDWARDS
Close-up of the Steyr‘s breech...
The Steyr LG110 is the latest in a long line of FT guns Des has shot with
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time after time, with hardly any shift due to temperature changes. I use a scope enhancer on the eyepiece to help with range-finding. Do you shoot for any team? Well, back in the 1980s, I shot for Black Country Marksman – the biggest and most renowned FT clubs at the time. We were regulars in the Clubs Cup – and it’s such a shame that tournament fizzled out as I really enjoyed travelling around the country, competing against other clubs. I guess the rising travel costs will stop it ever being resurrected. These days, I shoot for the BASC team in national Grand Prix rounds and, over the years, I’ve shot for England in the Home International and World Championships. I also shoot for Harriers FTC in the Midlands Clubs Cup, and shoot bell target for Astley in the Lord Ednam Air Rifle League – a sporting air rifle league shot over six yards using springers like HW77s and open sights. Busy then. Do you practise much? I only practise for an hour at a time – but I try and make it competition standard, whatever I do.
Des has mounted a Nikko Stirling scope on his LG110 because it range-finds correctly
...and its very ergonomic butt
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In a long, dedicated airgunning career, what have been the highlights? I’ve had several results at club level over the years, but I get the biggest buzz from competing the major tournaments. I suppose a second place in the Masters; third in the European Championships, Top 10 in the Worlds and a win in International Silhouette have all been among the high points. What still draws you to FT after all these years, and do you think the sport’s changed at all? I really enjoy travelling to new venues around the country, and competing against the very best shooters out there. Field Target has really developed over the years, both in terms of shooting ability and the equipment used. I reckon it works well, but I do think it needs a set of international standard rules to govern the World Championship, wherever it happens to take place. At the moment, each country’s rulebook is different. AS Given you’re a bit of an FT sage, any final advice to newbies? DE Just get yourself to a club, enjoy the learning curve, and get as much advice as possible along the way. Clubs are also great for being able to try different guns. When you feel ready, enter some competitions – because that’s really the best way to improve. Plus, competing in FT is great fun!
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in the
WORKSHOP with LYN LEWINGTON Perhaps the break-barrel springer most responsive to a tune-up, the Weihrauch HW80 is also a very easy rifle for its owner to maintain. Lyn explains how to strip this German powerhouse…
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TOOLS YOU WILL NEED… ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Small, medium and large flat-blade screwdrivers 3mm and 4mm parallel punches Hammer Spring compressor (sash cramp) Tool to ‘break’ end block Dowel rod Rags and cleaners
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eihrauch’s HW80 break-barrel springer made its UK debut in 1981 – and it’s gone on to become one of the most iconic rifles in the HW stable with relatively few changes despite a comprehensive line-up of model variations. Its beefy dimensions serve as a clue to its performance, so while it’s a particularly easy air rifle to self-maintain, care must be taken to ensure that any work carried out (like the addition of a new spring or polishing of the internals) doesn’t take the gun over the UK’s 12ft/lb legal limit. Having ensured the rifle is uncocked and not loaded, split the action from the stock by removing both trigger guard screws (allowing you to lift the guard free) [1] and each bolt either side of the forend [2] with suitably sized screwdrivers. The HW80 uses Weihrauch’s famed Rekord trigger, a one-piece unit, which makes life easy in the workshop. To remove it, tap out the rear pin from the action’s end block. This will allow you to then pivot the unit forward on the remaining pin so that you can extract the crossbolt safety catch and its small tensioning spring [3]. Both can fly out of the block at high speed, so cup your hand round them as you tilt the trigger to catch them. Tapping out the forward pin will then allow the Rekord unit to be withdrawn [4]. The cylinder end block (which housed the trigger) must now be unscrewed
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WORKSHOP: WEIHRAUCH HW80
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from the main cylinder. It’s a process that will require a spring compressor, but before inserting the action into one, you first need to ‘break’ the threads – and this end block can be screwed in very tightly indeed. I’ve made my own workshop tool out of bronze, but you could make something similar out of aluminium or brass, or use something else as a lever. It needs to be about 9mm thick and roughly 50mm wide to fit into the trigger slot; the taller, the better. To get the leverage, I find it best to clamp the flat sides of the breech block, suitably protected, in a vice [5, previous page]. You can then apply plenty of pressure on the bar [6] – though you may even need to start it off with a sharp tap from the hammer. Once the end block is free, undo it no more than a couple of threads. It must then be put into a spring compressor and gradually
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unscrewed – I use a punch pushed into one of the trigger pin holes to act as a turning arm [7]. Even when the block’s threads are fully removed from the cylinder, you may need to keep turning the compressor as the rifle’s mainspring may still be under tension. Only when you’re sure that the spring load has gone should you take the action out of the compressor. With the end block removed, you can slide out the spring guide and the mainspring itself [8]. These may look a little different from the model shown here as Weihrauch have made some changes to these components over the years. To get the piston out of the cylinder, you must first remove the barrel and cocking arm assembly. Using a large screwdriver, undo the dome-headed barrel axis bolt on the right-hand side (shooter’s eye view) of the breech [9]. Put it and its spring washer safely to one
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WORKSHOP: WEIHRAUCH HW80
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NEW STYLE SLIPPER
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side and then tap open the barrel. You can then extract the bolt from the left (along with another spring washer) [10]. The breech block can now be slid out of the cylinder jaws, taking care not to damage the thin shim washers that are fitted either side of the block [11]. Sometimes, these can ‘stick’ to the faces of either the breech block or jaws; they need to be removed and cleaned up before the rebuild. A good workshop tip to protect (and also not lose) these is to screw the bolt and washers back into the freed breech block by hand. With the barrel assemblage free, you can now unhook the cocking arm linkage from its ‘slipper’ in the main cylinder – tilt it towards the back of the action and it will simply pull out. The slipper can then be extracted by sliding it to the wider cut-out section at the front (barrel end) of the cocking slot. This small component has been subject to a design change relatively recently. On older models, it slides on the piston liner, but in newer versions, it runs tram-like along the sides of the cocking slot. Both types of slipper are shown in [12]. To remove the piston, push it back along the cylinder, using a screwdriver or punch [13]. Once the piston’s cocking rod pokes out of the end, you can pull it out by hand. Though it’s not always essential, if you want to service the barrel latch plunger – which provides the all-important breech lock-up, and thus accuracy – then you’ll need to use a punch and hammer to tap out the roll-pin located in the side of the breech block [14]. Life’s made easier if you press against the latch to remove some of the spring tension during the de-pinning process – and get ready to catch the plunger and spring as you withdraw the punch [15]. The HW80 is now fully disassembled and can be degreased ready for reassembly and relubrication, the process of which I’ll cover next month. In the meantime, this Weihrauch can benefit greatly from a polish-up – so use fine-grade paper to polish the tail of the piston and sides of the cocking slot and slipper. To avoid rounding any square edges, wrap the abrasive around a small file or similar straight-edged object – and don’t forget to clean out any bits of swarf or polishing dust afterwards. ● 15
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GEARING UP FOR…
baiting down corvids
Corvids such as magpies and crows can be tempted within range using a technique known as baiting down. Pete Wadeson advises on kit to help you achieve success…
HEADLAMP To make the most of this hunting technique, you ideally need to have baited up and be in position well before sunrise – so a hands-free utility light is very useful. It’s also handy to have when hide-hunting on very gloomy days – things can get very dark behind a wellcamo‘d screen! Fenix’s impact-resistant HP11 LED Headlamp has a variable light output from a mere 5 lumens right up to 277 (in four increments), plus SOS strobe and frequent flash mode. Its Cree XP-GR5 LED is powered by either four AA Alkalines (supplied) or a rechargeable Ni-Mh battery (optional), with run-times of between four and 206 hours according to output level. It sits comfortably on your head courtesy of its adjustable elastic straps, and the control buttons fall to hand easily. You can also tilt down the head and there are flip-up diffusers to make the beam wider and softer on lower settings. It’s also waterproofed to IPX-6 standard. SRP: £54.95 (incl. p&p) W:
www.myfenix.co.uk
HIDE Pop-up style hides – which unfurl in a jiffy – are a huge asset to any airgun hunter who either doesn’t have time nor the location to make a more permanent hide. The added bonus of this portable, roomy Protector 2 Nylon model is it also has a roof – ideal when targeting the crafty corvid clan. Packed down, it fits a circular carry case with adjustable shoulder straps for ease of transport – and when popped up, its sprung steel frame presents a 60x60in base that can be staked into the ground. Its roof measures 68in at its apex. There’s a large, zipped access area on one side, with the oval zippered windows on all its sides featuring smaller port-holes with darkened mesh covers. This means you get maximum visibility with nothing more than ‘muzzle show’. SRP: £79.95 W: www.swillingtonshootingsupplies.co.uk
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t this time of year, food is harder to find for all quarry species – a factor that can be used to the airgun hunter’s advantage when targeting corvids like magpies and carrion crows. ‘Baiting down’ tactics – where you set up, say, a slitopen rabbit within range of your hide – are particularly effective when you’ve got the right kit to hand... ●
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A comfy seat is a must when hide shooting – and I like those which incorporate a kitbag, like this Harkila Bear Rucksack Chair. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry, using the adjustable padded shoulder straps. It can also be fully protected from the elements en route by using the integral rain cover. The rucksack itself is manufactured from hardwearing polyester with the detachable fold-out chair thoughtfully incorporated into the design. Measuring 52x35x22cm, the 25-litre rucksack has a flask compartment and features a pair of large, zippered side pockets, two mesh side pockets and one on the overflap. When deployed, the strong steel frame of the fold-out seat offers a 30x20cm perch that boasts extra padding for those long waits between flurries of action. SRP: £109.99 W: www.bushwear.co.uk
www.harkila.com
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GEAR: BAITING CORVIDS
SHOOTING STICKS Height-adjustable shooting sticks are ideal for steadying your aim from within the often cramped and awkward confines of a hide – and I often use either the bi- or tripod versions of Hawke‘s Shooting Sticks. They’re manufactured from lightweight aluminium with a matt black, anodised finish and feature retractable hard rubber feet that can be wound inwards to expose ground spikes if needed. Leg length is set and secured by strong finger-adjustable cam-locks and their swivel head has a non-slip, ABS yoke for a rock-steady, protective rest. SRP: £24.95 (bipod); £34.95 (tripod) W: www.deben.com
KNIFE A folding lock-knife is an essential piece of field cutlery for preparing your baits – and I’ve picked the Bucklite Max range as an example as it ticks all the right boxes for my corvid-baiting ops. There are four models, including three folders and their fixed-blade counterparts – but shown here is the large folder that measures 127mm (when closed). Weighing just 87 grams, it holds a 92mm-long, 420HC stainless steel clip point blade with dual thumb studs for one-handed operation – and its rearpositioned lock-back mechanism securely holds things in place once the blade has been deployed. I’ve found the texture of its slim, glass-reinforced nylon handle perfect for a non-slip grip in all conditions, and a finger choil adds extra security in the palm. It also features a lanyard hole and stainless steel belt/pocket clip – all in all, an excellent knife for the money. SRP: £32.95 W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk
FLASKS It goes without saying that a hot drink and certain food items are necessities for the airgun hunter who has to wait patiently in a hide for long periods, especially in the colder months – and in my opinion, a flask brand most suited to this is the iconic Stanley. The choice of Stanley flasks is huge, with sizes of 0.47, 0.74, 1.0 and 1.3 litres – plus there’s a food jar and insulated mug range. Thanks to their stainless steel and metal construction, they’re deemed unbreakable and covered by a 25-year guarantee. All are manufactured using 18/8 rust-proof (BPA-free) stainless steel and have a green hammered tough outer finish. Fluids in flasks are kept hot or cold for up to 24 hours; the food jar is capable of keeping suitable food items hot for 12 hours. For hide work, the Classic One-Hand Vacuum Mug is a boon. Available in 0.35 and 0.47-litre capacities, as the name implies, it can be operated one-handed – you simply squeeze a button in the lid to open the mouthpiece. Releasing the button reseals the lid and the liquids can be kept hot for between four and six hours, or cold for 20 to 24 hours (0.35-litre mug). SRP: Flasks – £26.99-£36.99; Classic Food Jar – £26.99; One-Hand Vacuum Mugs – £24.99 (0.35l) or £29.99 (0.47l) W: www.bisley-uk.com
QUARRY CALLS To get corvids to ‘take the bait’, you may need to call them into range – and this pair of English-made Acme calls are very much proven in the field… though both need a little practice to perfectly mimic the bird in question. The trick with both is to follow the frequency at which the birds are calling; don’t overdo it… or you’ll be sussed! Acme’s Crow Call is probably the easiest if you’re new to calling; by gently squeezing the mouthpiece either side of the reed with your teeth as you blow, you’ll find you can imitate the sound of crows and younger birds. Their Jay & Magpie Call is a little trickier to master, but very effective once you’ve got the knack of blowing across the mouthpiece with your hands cupped around its bell-shaped base. SRP: £6.29 (Crow Call); £9.61 (Jay & Magpie Call) From: www.bisley-uk.com
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GEAR: BAITING CORVIDS
SILENCER When you’re shooting from cover, a moderator is a must so you don‘t give away your hidey-hole‘s location – and I like BSA’s VC model for its universal fit that can span a wide range of hunting hardware. VC stands for variable choke – specially sized baffles which the user can insert into the silencer for specific use with either a .177 or .22. The smaller choke really does improve the VC’s efficiency when used in conjunction with a .177 rifle, especially as most .177 PCPs tend to be the loudest and benefit from a tighter exit chamber. The 30mm-diameter silencer is 185mm long and weighs 110 grams, so doesn’t add much weight to your rifle’s muzzle – but the combination of its variable choke, three ‘hair-curler’ baffles and a sounddeadening felt lining make it a big performer in the field. SRP: £44.99 W: www.bsaguns.co.uk
LASER RANGEFINDER Corvids often alight on a nearby perch to assess the situation before flying down to the bait, so while you may have paced out the distance between the bait and your shooting position, it pays to predetermine ranges to other potential shoot-points, like sitty trees and fence posts. ‘Zapping’ these from the comfort of your hide with a laser rangefinder makes the job all the easier, especially when it’s got a 6x magnification like this monocular-style one from PAO. Accurate to +/- 0.1%, the PAO ranges between 15 and 400 metres – just point it, press a button… and read the range displayed in the viewfinder. Powered by a CR-2 battery, the palm-sized PAO has modes to allow ranging over a rainy outlook as well as when the target is highly reflective. SRP: £129 W: www.range-right.co.uk
DECOYS Many airgun hunters use deeks when baiting down – with territorial crows, it can really coax them in. You don’t need a pattern as you would with woodies; one or two will suffice – but they need to look realistic if you are to dupe the wiliest quarry of them all. That’s why I like full-body ‘flocked’ deeks, such as these from Jack Pyke, which are covered with a synthetic fibre material to simulate the look of real feathers. The bonus is that flocked deeks don’t give off any unnatural shine in sunlight. JP’s full-body deeks come with ground stakes, and their crow comes supplied with clip-in legs – but you can also get models in a flying posture. These have outstretched foam wings and tail which can be used with and attached via a cradle (supplied) to JP’s flying decoy pole – a two-piece fibreglass pole measuring 165cm. The pole has a ground stake that freely swivels to add authentic movement and once set up, these ‘floaters‘ or ‘bouncers‘ (as they’re known) give the impression of an incoming bird; I’ve found this works very effectively as an attractor to real corvids lurking elsewhere in the vicinity. SRP: Flocked Full Body Decoy – £6.95; Flying Decoy – £14.95 (magpie)/£16.95 (crow); Flying Decoy Pole – £7.95 W: www.jackpyke.co.uk
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Ammo in
ACTION
Simon Everett puts popular airgun pellets to the test. This month: H&N Sport Hollow Point .22
Bottom right: The .22 Hollow Point is a lightweight hunting pellet
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&N has been in the ammunition-making business since 1847, when Carl Natermann acquired the Hann fortified tower and began to make lead shot. In the 1950s, the company expanded into the production of bullets and airgun pellets – and Haendler & Natermann have gone on to become one of the world’s finest pellet producers, using their own special machinery. The Hollow Point pellet from H&N Sport (as they’re now known) is a hunting round developed specifically for use in sub-12ft/lb airguns. The .22 on test here has a factory-specified weight of 12.65 grains, so is quite a lightweight for a hunting pellet. The upside is that it’ll return higher-thanaverage velocities for any given power level which, in turn, should have benefits in the trajectory arc. It comes with a specially designed, ‘raised hollow’ head intended to increase shock effect and deformation on impact out to 30 yards. Unsurprisingly, given its head shape, 30 yards is really to be considered the limit of its intended use – but most hunters will tell you this is their selfimposed limit with a sub-12 air rifle whatever pellet they’re using to control pests with. Although it’s supplied in tins of 200, my sample contained 211 pellets – and none were damaged beyond use! Not that I’m surprised; this clean production is a familiar aspect across the entire range of H&N Sport’s pellets. They weighed in pretty much as per the stated weight on the lid, too.
TEST CONDITIONS
As this is a lightweight pellet with a high-drag nose configuration, I deliberately chose a particularly calm day to ensure the test showed the true potential of the Hollow Point. There was a slight crosswind (5mph) and I expected this to really play a role in both the 35- and 40-yard accuracy tests.
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Throughout this series of articles, pellets have been tested out to the extreme range of 50 yards. Clearly, for a pellet that doesn’t purport to have longrange qualities, it would be futile (if not unfair) to test it at such a range. So after some deliberation, the editor and I decided to make an exception and reduce the Hollow Point’s maximum test range to 40 yards. For the sake of consistency and comparison, however, I’ve maintained the zero range at 35 yards – though most hunters would probably zero a .22 Hollow Point somewhere in the region of 25 yards.
DOWNRANGE ACCURACY
Despite my original reservations, the .22 Hollow Point proved extremely effective downrange, holding a tight group at 25 yards and printing one at 35 yards which could still be covered by a 2p piece (25mm diameter). You’ll notice left and right wind-drift in my group placements – this was because the breeze increased slightly after I’d initially zeroed the test rifle, and did a complete 180 turn during the course of the day. At 25 yards, it wasn’t a problem, but owing to the rapid slow-down of velocity caused by its non-aerodynamic shape, at 35 yards the pellets took quite a bit of buffeting. This is a characteristic you’d have to deal with if you were hunting in the open fields; close-range forays around the farmyard or in a wind-protected wood would be far more suited to consistent shooting with the Hollow Point – as the 25- and 30-yard groups I obtained here prove. As for 40… well, it was just a step or five too far!
FALL OFF
Because its lightweight construction returns a higher velocity, the Hollow Point naturally follows a flatter trajectory out to medium ranges, with a vertical deviation of just 28mm between 25 and 35 yards – arguably the
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AMMO TEST: H&N HOLLOW POINT .22 25 yds
Right: Accuracy and drop-off at 25, 35 (zero) and the reduced maximum range of 40 yards. Wind was minimal; drift is due to changes in conditions after the original zero. For this mid-range hunting pellet, an ideal zero range would probably be around the 25-yard mark
35 yds
WEIGHT CONSISTENCY – H&N Hollow Point .22 40 yds
extremes that most hunters would use this pellet between. That ‘pudding pie’ nose also deforms more on impact – and even its rapid slow-down has benefits at mid-ranges. After all, who wants ‘overkill’? It’s far better to dissipate all the pellet’s energy into your target as there’s a much better chance of the shot being clinically clean.
VERDICT
The H&N Hollow Point is a clever design for its intended use. Out to 35 yards – perhaps its absolute extreme – it holds both energy and accuracy. With the right zero distance – specific to the scope/mount/rifle/power combination – it effectively offers ‘dead-on’ aiming when rats or feral pigeons are in the crosshairs. And its quick velocity fall-off also reduces the fall-out area needed behind your target – useful when you’re shooting in a farmyard environment, for example, or after squirrel in the woodland canopy. It may not be as aerodynamic as a roundhead, but even starting at 10.3ft/lb in my Daystate Air Ranger, I was more than happy with the HP’s residual energy, trajectory and accuracy at 35 yards. The well-priced Hollow Point will drop most vermin comfortably, providing you recognise its range limits. ●
SPECIFICATIONS PELLET: H&N Sport Hollow Point DISTRIBUTOR: John Rothery Wholesale www.bisley-uk.com TYPE: Hollow-nosed diabolo CALIBRE TESTED: .22 (5.5mm) AVERAGE WEIGHT: 12.7 grains (sample tin) USES: Hunting up to 30 yards, hobby shooting SUPPLIED: Tin of 200 SRP: £5.49 per tin
DOWNRANGE PERFORMANCE STATISTICS H&N HOLLOW POINT .22 PERFORMANCE AT…
MUZZLE
25YDS
35YDS
40YDS*
Average velocity
605fps
576fps
478fps
399fps
Average power
10.29ft/lb
9.33ft/lb
6.42ft/lb
4.48ft/lb
Energy retained
100%
90.67%
62.39%
43.54%
N/A
+28mm
0
- 60mm
Rise/fall from zero
*NB: Due to the intended use of this pellet, the decision was taken to reduce the ‘extreme’ test range by 10 yards, to 40 yards
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19/01/2015 09:34
the AIRGUN The official Blaze Index of what’s selling in this month’s airgun marketplace
INDEX: AIRGUN 100
100
Every four weeks, Airgun Shooter's market analysis team survey 20 different gun shops to establish the last five airguns each has sold. These 100 responses are then ranked, giving you an official snapshot of what airgunners are spending their cash on right now… that this model is exceptionally well suited for a tune-up – and ARC Tuning even told us that they can’t keep up with orders. “People are now buying new guns and sending them straight to us without 1 BSA R10 Mk2 so much as a shot,” they told us, apparently because “they’re so inexpensive, there’s plenty of money left in the pot to lavish on a 2 Weihrauch HW100 tuning job!” 3 Remington Express On what the trade’s saying, we’re predicting the Remy to be a 4 BSA Ultra SE regular during 2015. Who knows, it may even usurp a PCP for the 5 Air Arms S410 top spot – we’re certainly hearing on the grapevine that PCP users are looking toward the spring gun market more and more, not to replace their pneumatics, but to complement them. We’re interested to interpret this month’s data for a couple of reasons. Aside of the Remington, the top five is pretty much made up of high-end PCPs. BSA takes a second slot, in at four with its super-compact Ultra SE, and another big-Brit gunmaker rounds things off – Air Arms and their S410. Surely, this must be one of the most successful PCP airguns of all time. If MARKET REPORT it’s not, smart money must be R NUMBE t may be a regular at the top of the Airgun on the fact that it will, one 100 sales charts, but the Weihrauch HW100 is day, be seen on a higher certainly under constant fire – and according to the data from the level than the famous festive period (compiled by our analysts in the first week of January), Theoben Rapid Seven. it’s not been able to outgun BSA’s R10 Mk2 over Christmas. Yes, it’s Secondly, what happened to Daystate over Christmas? Both the Regal and Wolverine were in the the Birmingham gunmaker’s buddy-bottle 10-shot PCP that leads us chasing pack – surprising positions in light of the rather impressive into the first of our 2015 charts – though only by a whisker from the showing that pairing made in the 2014 Airgun Shooter Awards, the German stalwart! Taking third spot is the Remington Express – the index data for which results of which (revealed on page 24) suggest they’re somewhat also includes the many variants that distributor Sportsmarketing has guns of the moment! unveiled in recent months. It’s one spot up from last month, showing that As we’ve seen in recent charts, variety is still very much the spice this affordable – and very capable – break-barrel sporter is continuing of life in the current airgun climate: the 20 gun shops we contacted to build on its growing platform of fans. It’s right on the money straight at random listed no fewer than 42 different models among their five out of the box… but we’re also hearing from more and more dealers best sellers of the month. ●
TOP OF THIS MONTH’S AIRGUN CHARTS
TOP
5
I
1
Affordability is being attributed to the year-round popularity of NV, and the £385 Pitch Black Field Master is a prime example.
PRICE IS RIGHT FOR NV Have gun shops noticed a spike in sales of night vision gear during the shorter days of winter? Answer: a resounding ‘yes’, though they didn’t reckon increased trade was necessarily down to airgun shooters wanting to extend their winter hunting time. “It’s the improved affordability and reliability of modern NV kit that’s the draw,” one dealer told us, who also reckoned hunting with NV is now not season-specific. “The rise in the popularity of night vision kit has been quite a surprise,” one northern retailer told us. “It’s getting more affordable all the time, and shooters are often surprised by just how easy it is to use.” Current kit favoured by airgun shooters looking for optimum after-dark stealth included the Nite Site Viper, Yukon Photon, Pitch Black Field Master (pictured), Starlight Arrow and Night Master Atom.
Information compiled to week ending 3 January 2015
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Breaking the SILENCE!
REMINGTON XP TACTICAL: WEIHRAUCH HW95K 310-S
Mark Camoccio goes head-to-head with a pair of silenced springers from two of the biggest shooting names on the planet…
REMINGT O XP TACTIC N v AL W E I H R AU CH HW95K SILENCER
Above: The HW95K (shouldered) is ever the traditional sporter
T
his month’s springer pairing is particularly interesting. Both Weihrauch’s 310 HW95K model is ever the traditional sporting rifle, break-barrels, they hail from big name manufacturers with proud with a smart, fairly slimline look that’s well presented. Despite its high reputations to maintain – and while one model is a relative standard of finish, though, it’s hardly the most distinctive of profiles. newcomer, the other’s a proven old stalwart. Both models come with silencers as standard – but, given it’s over an Weihrauch HW95K needs no introduction, having earned its place in impressive £130 cheaper, the Remington also includes a 3-9x32 scope the German gunmaker’s illustrious HW line-up; the test model is the and mounts. 310-S version, with a 310mm barrel and silencer. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★✩✩ Squaring up to it is one of the latest variants Remington’s recently Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★✩✩ released Express – a rifle that’s caused quite a stir. This XP Tactical version also sheds open sights in lieu of a silencer, but it comes to the market significantly With the Remington XP Tactical, you get a 3-9x30 scope and cheaper than its rival. Game on! mounts in the bargain
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I was mightily impressed with the original, wooden-stocked Express – and with four new variations now available, Remington are certainly striking with a hot iron. Although the colour of XP Tactical’s synthetic stock may look a little drab, its ultra-thin grip and forend give the rifle a distinctive profile.
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The Remy‘s textured pistol grip curves at the bottom lip
The HW95K‘s receiver has arrestor holes for a pinned mount
Plenty of grain shows through the lacquer of the Weihrauch‘s beech stock
TAKING STOCK
I particularly like the feel of the Remy’s thin pistol grip because of the way it curves in at the bottom. The forestock is pleasantly swelled with a nicely shaped tip – but although it’s a half-decent ambidextrous design, I’m no great fan of its featureless butt. Surely, some form of cheekpiece definition would have been easy to achieve at no extra cost? That said, the grippy feel and texture this dense stock exudes does add overall appeal to the XP Tactical – although it has a much longer-than-average pull length. The quality of the Weihrauch’s beech timber is such that plenty of grain shows through the medium brown lacquer. The full-powered HW95 model was introduced many years ago as a lightweight alternative in an otherwise ‘heavy’ stable, and its weight loss is reflected in the scaled-down, thinned-out woodwork. Though very neatly executed, I think the laser-cut chequering is a far cry from the HWs of old – it’s much shallower by comparison. Like its opponent, the HW95K’s butt also lacks a cheekpiece, but its ambidextrous configuration is still very functional. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★✩✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★✩✩✩
SCOPING UP
The Remy’s 3-9x32 telly is pretty much a starter package – but although its sight picture is rather average, let’s not forget the attractive all-in price. You could splash out on a very tasty optic (if you desperately wanted to), and still pay less than for the Weihrauch. I noticed that cross-pin indents were machined into the Remy’s receiver, into which could be located an anti-creep pin beneath your mounts (or with a separate arrestor block). Doing this would, of course, mark the action.
58
The Remington‘s silencer (top) and the Weihrauch‘s (bottom)
Though there’s no scope with the Weihrauch, the HW95K’s receiver has purpose-built holes for a pinned mount, so that would never be a problem. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★★✩
COCKING CYCLE
The Remington’s silencer – which is bonded onto the barrel – is a big help in cocking the rifle, and it offers a comfortable grip during the operation. Like the original Express I tested a few months back, the cocking action is easy and fairly smooth, suggesting spring guides are used in the internal set-up. Cocking the HW is also an effort-free affair with even little less spring ‘graunch’ during the stroke. Again, its silencer – threaded to the barrel on this gun – is a useful cocking aid… though I did find it had an irritating tendency to unscrew over longer sessions. I reckon the addition of an O-ring placed at the shoulder would stop this from happening – a simple DIY remedy if the manufacturer can’t contemplate it in the future. I can’t complain too much, though – that silencer is a Weihrauch, considered a market leader. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★✩✩
TRIGGER AND SAFETY
Previously, I criticised the Express’s plastic trigger – but the blade of the XP Tactical’s is metal. With a flat, ridged surface, it feels good to use. There’s a little creep in its two-stage let-off, but overall the unit is way above average for this style of rifle. The only negative is there’s no user manual explaining how to adjust it. But, of course, it’s up against the Rekord – Weihrauch’s legendary two-stager that comes part and parcel of the more expensive HW95K‘s componentry. Years old in terms of design, it still takes some beating on a sporting springer; pull weights can be reduced and a very tailored let-off can be found to suit even the most pernickety of shooters.
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REMINGTON XP TACTICAL: WEIHRAUCH HW95K 310-S The HW95K features the famed two-stage Rekord trigger
To reset the safety catch on the Remington, simply pull the lever!
...and the revised lead-in of the HW‘s ‘flower petal‘ breech
The XP Tactical‘s breech...
As for safety systems, neither of these rifles have anti-bear traps fitted – so each can easily be decocked. Both also feature automatic safety catches – but I was a little concerned that the one on the test rifle that Remington supplied me occasionally failed to engage. The Weihrauch’s pop-out button worked faultlessly. In terms of resetting, you simply have to pull back the Remington’s, but life’s more complicated on the HW. To re-engage it, the barrel needs to be drawn all the way back again. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★✩✩✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★✩✩
Chambering AADFs in the Weihrauch highlighted the revised chamfer that the German gunmaking ace now machines at the breech. Distinguished by a ‘flower petal’ profile, the new breech lead-in allow pellets to slip in easily for a much more comfortable loading procedure – but the downside is that you can’t tell if you’re ‘breeching’ a slack or tight round. With pellets straight from the tin, the HW95K returned a 19fps spread over 10 shots – still highly creditable for a springer. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★★✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★✩✩
HANDLING
OVERALL BUILD
Ambidextrous stocks have now all but taken over these days, and the sleek synthetic offering from Remington here epitomises just how good they can be; it has a really nice feel in the shoulder. Yes, that straight-line butt and hard rubber pad do nothing for the aesthetics, but balance and poise are here in spades. Synthetics usually have a cheap look about them, but the density and texture of this composite material is the Remington’s saving grace. Weihrauch’s ambi grip is a compromise but, to be fair, does the job on what is a standard, no-frills sporter configuration. I like the look of the reddish brown butt pad, but in keeping with the Remington, it could still do with a little more ‘give’. And while its slim forend tip looks neat, I reckon it could do with being fuller for your leading hand to properly get hold of. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★✩✩✩
CONSISTENCY
These days, I’m often amazed at the consistency a modern-day springer’s powerplant can return – and this .22 calibre Remington XP Tactical certainly proved the point. Ten-shot strings over the chrono varied by just 12fps with JSB’s Air Arms Diabolo Field.
Just like the last Express, the XP Tactical variant’s machining and finish doesn’t disappoint. Okay, closer inspection will reveal a moulding seam running underneath the synthetic stock, and plastic trigger guard – but the stock-to-action fit is perfect. And engineering-wise, everything feels solid and tight. As for the HW95K, it’s another classic example of Weihrauch’s esteemed gunmaking prowess. Its rich blueing is deep – just that little bit more polished than the Remington’s – and even that lack-lustre chequering can’t detract from an impressive level of machining, fit and finish throughout. Weihrauchs are still set apart from most of their spring-powered rivals. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★✩✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★★✩
FIRING CYCLE AND ACCURACY
On my 30-yard test range, the Remington’s report was most noticeable by its absence. Add a slick action as the piston gets underway once the trigger is pressed and it highlights just how much detail Remington has gone into at the design stage of this model. Even though it uses a ball-catch closure at the breech (as opposed to the Weihrauch’s meatier
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REMINGTON XP TACTICAL: WEIHRAUCH HW95K 310-S
Below: The XP Tactical (shouldered) feels well proportioned and solidly built
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS sprung-plunger arrangement), the downrange results certainly belied its price tag. Once I got the hang of the trigger’s creep, I was regularly able to score sub-10mm c-t-c groups. By contrast – and rather surprisingly, I must say – the Weihrauch’s firing cycle was positively ‘twangy’; there was plenty of spring resonance going on. That said, recoil was actually quite modest, making it an enjoyable gun to shoot. Of course, its superior trigger meant top accuracy was slightly easier to extract than its rival, and after a brief period of familiarisation, I was able to post several identical groups to match the Remington. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★★✩ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★★✩
MODEL
XP Tactical
MANUFACTURER
Remington
Weihrauch
UK DISTRIBUTOR
Sportsmarketing www.sportsmk.co.uk
Hull Cartridge www.hullcartridge.co.uk
ACTION
Spring and piston
Spring and piston
CALIBRE
.177 and .22 (tested)
.177 and .22 (tested)
COCKING
Break-barrel, de-cockable
Break-barrel, de-cockable
OVERALL LENGTH
1,168mm
1,143mm
BARREL LENGTH
440mm
310mm
WEIGHT
3.54kg (incl. scope)
3.18kg (excl. scope)
TRIGGER
Two-stage, non-adjustable
Two-stage, adjustable
SAFETY
Automatic, resettable
Automatic (re-cock to reset)
SIGHTS
Remington 3-9x32 scope and mounts
None
STOCK
Synthetic sporter, ambidextrous
Beech sporter, ambidextrous
HW95K 310-Silencer
LENGTH OF PULL
381mm
356mm
TYPICAL POWER
11.6ft/lb with AADF
11.3ft/lb with AADF
SRP
£199.95, incl. scope, mounts and silencer
£334, incl Weihrauch silencer
VALUE FOR MONEY
Remington has its Express range produced in China to keep production costs down, and with that 3-9x32 scope, mounts and silencer thrown in, it’s an absolute steal at the price. Weihrauch’s name alone means the HW95K is a strong contender for anyone’s money – especially when it comes with the famed Weihrauch silencer into the bargain! Cast-iron build quality and a level of performance to cope with pretty well anything means it, too, is great value for its own, higher asking price. Though guns like the Remington have to be considered formidable competition, Weihrauch is still the sought-after brand that it is for good reason. For me, both these guns offer outstanding value for money. Remington XP Tactical ★★★★★★★★★★ Weihrauch HW95K 310-S ★★★★★★★★★★
Remington XP Tactical Weihrauch HW95K 310-S
81/100 83/100
FIN VERDAL ICT
I must say that this pairing provided very enjoyable break-barrel airguns. The HW95K has more than earned its enviable reputation down the years, and the 310 Silencer model is a natural evolution of an excellent sporting air rifle. But I can understand why the Remington Express has been ringing the tills so loudly since it was launched – and this XP Tactical model, which feels well proportioned and solidly built, is not only a great option to the original Express, but also an ideal alternative to the traditional sporter genus in general. It may not be quite such a polished all-rounder, but you can’t fault its performance – and it may even have tied on points if my test rifle’s safety catch had been more reliable.
Right: Weihrauch‘s name and its famed silencer help make the 310-S model the winner here
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Hunting out the
HOTSPOTS
Ian Barnett explains the best approach when you think all the pest species have apparently upped sticks from your permission…
I
was intrigued by Arthur Browne’s letter in last December’s edition, in which he explains how he’d like to practise what I preach were it not for the dearth of quarry on his permissions compared to mine. Come on, Arthur! Are you saying that Gloucestershire is devoid of woodpigeons, rats, crows, rooks, jackdaws, magpies and grey squirrels? I doubt that’s the case. Perhaps I’m being a little unfair to Arthur... Indeed, as I’ve reported in my columns of late, ‘abundance’ is the last claim I’d make when it comes to rabbits in my part of Norfolk. Consequently, I’ve shot very few rabbits recently, preferring to ‘farm’ them back to a healthy population. A high proportion of Norfolk’s farmland is put over to crops – beans, peas, potatoes, brassicas, cereals, rape and such like. Naturally, it’s a magnet for scavenging pests. I’ve travelled through Arthur’s area enough to guess that his permissions are walled livestock land, interspersed with high copses and wooded river valleys. This means he’d need to be very selective about where to focus his hunting sorties. If it were me, I’d be centring activities around those low-level wooded areas; they’ll be havens for roosting corvids and woodies, as well as grey squirrels. I’ll be totally honest, though, and say I have no idea if the squirrel population in Gloucestershire is as prolific as it is in Norfolk. Actually, given Airgun Shooter’s wide distribution, I sometimes worry if my hunting articles concentrate too much on the squirrels and woodpigeons – but as the editor is well aware, the reason is simple: in my part of the country, we’re swamped with both the pest species. To be honest, the grey stuff is best dealt with in large numbers by my shotgunning friends, but I like to do my bit because they are a tasty addition to many recipes, not to mention a challenging target for the sportsman – obviously (to remain within the framework of the law), the sportsman whose primary objective is pest control...
62
Locally, I’m dubbed ‘The Squirrel Man’ by some landowners. It’s not a title I particularly like as I think there are far more strings to Mr Barnett’s hunting bow than that! Yet it’s a handle that opens doors and gains permissions. Trouble is, I’m expected to run the full armoury against the grey invaders, including trapping and drey-poking. Trapping means checking every 24 hours (as required by law) and as I have a day job, that’s not possible. I do drey-poke, but not in the traditional way. As I detailed more fully in the Summer 2014 edition, I either evict the occupants with a well-placed slingshot or I plug a few pellets into a tree branch near to the drey. I never, ever shoot directly at a drey, though – it might be occupied by another species, such as an owl. I shoot hundreds of grey squirrels every year for these landowners... but they just keep on coming! Anyway, let me get back to giving Arthur some pointers – and he certainly isn’t the first reader to raise the issue. Without actually doing a recce on his land, I can only attempt to be generic here, but the most common mistake made by the eager hunter is – and I’m being serious when I say this – ‘to hunt’. Let me qualify that. If you keep moving, stalking, disturbing the countryside, then your quarry will move fast ahead of you. So, often the best gambit is to simply find a likely vermin ‘hotspot’ and sit quietly in cover. By vermin hotspots, I mean those places or landmarks which attract corvids, pigeons or mammals – and let me give you some examples. Spoil heaps are warm and riddled with beetles and grubs. Gateways in hedgerows or walls allow vermin and game to move between fields. Derelict sheds or crofts give shelter and offer nest sites. Dead trees (lightning trees) will attract corvids and woodies, and water sources such as puddles or troughs tempt all manner of vermin. Game bird feeders are
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HUNTING: TACTICS
Puddles and spoil heaps are proven vermin hotspots
also magnets for passing vermin, which won’t resist the chance to snoop about. Sometimes, the most effective hunting you can do is just hiding and ambushing – ‘static hunting‘ as some call it. My personal record hauls for woodies, squirrels and rabbits have all come from days when I spent the whole time in a single spot, letting the quarry come to me rather than vice versa. Yet that raises another point that needs to be brought into perspective. The hunter’s perception of success. Regular readers will know I rarely report a huge bag. For me, a successful hunt is one where I have brought one or two vermin to book. And, yes, there are days when I don’t ever fire a shot... The most satisfying hunts are those where I have used cunning and experience to achieve a result against a specific target, such as nesting magpies. They’re not the red-letter days when I have half-a-dozen squirrel tails in my bag, or a dozen head of rabbits lined along the turf. Those days illustrate good shooting, but not necessarily challenging hunting. So to Arthur and anyone else who thinks they have no vermin on their permission, I’d suggest you take a different approach. Just because vermin doesn’t magically appear in front of your gun doesn’t mean you should assume there’s nothing there! Granted, the word ‘hunt’ means ‘seek’ – but the true hunter employs whatever means necessary… and that can mean coaxing the quarry in rather than seeking the quarry out. Generally, quarry is always there, and there is constant evidence to be found: feeding signs, droppings and scats. Quarry numbers may ebb and flow due to weather, disease, crop or landscape, but I promise you that it’s always there, somewhere. The trick is in pulling knowledge and experience together to engage with it. Finally, think hard on what I mentioned earlier about the perception of success. If you spend four hours in the field, yet take only one successful shot against the vermin you were given permission by a landowner to shoot, then you have been successful. If you didn’t get anything, but learned from the experience… in my book, that is also success. ●
Evidence of feeding and droppings are a sure sign that quarry is present, even if you don‘t see it
Red letter days illustrate good shooting – not necessarily good hunting
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TEST COMPARISON: WELLINGTON BOOTS
SEARCHING
Don’t let your feet get wet in those spring showers – buy proper boots! As good old wellies have come a long way since the sloppy gumboots of yesteryear, we’ve sized up 10 pairs of footwear favourites… HUNTER BALMORAL NEOPRENE-LINED BOOTS Hunter is a bootmaker that needs no introduction; its handcrafted boots have been a favourite with countrymen and women for decades. Made from tough rubber with reinforced areas around the shin and foot, Balmorals are certainly built to last. A flexible, waterproof gusset makes these boots easy to pull on and off (aided by a kick-spur on the heel), and the adjustable, lockable strap ensures a snug fit around the leg once they’re on. The internal heel grip stopped any rubbing and swapping between the supplied 3 and 6mm cushioned antibacterial insoles meant we could tailor them perfectly to our feet, whether wearing thick or thin socks. There’s a choice of boots with either a 3mm Neoprene lining, which should cover most scenarios, or a 5mm version for extreme cold. Added insulation and cushioning comes courtesy of an COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★★✩ EVA midsole, and the robust rubber TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ outsole features multidirectional tread, which gave great grip. BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: Neoprene lining, choice of insoles, excellent fit, kick-spur SRP: £120 with 3mm lining; £135 with 5mm lining (tested) FROM: Hunter W: www.hunterboots.com
JACK PYKE COUNTRYMAN WELLINGTON BOOTS An impressive and affordable offering from JP, the Countryman’s tough rubber compound is surprisingly supple, resulting in a waterproof, hardwearing boot that still allows freedom of movement when stalking. The stippled, dark green finish and stylish brown trim aid concealment and we liked the full-length YKK zip when it came to slipping our feet in and out; it also offered a tailored leg fit and that zip’s backed up by a waterproof gusset to seal out the wet from top to bottom. The boot’s lined with 3mm Neoprene to keep out the cold and add comfort, and there’s a cushioned footbed to put some bounce in your step! This can be removed to accommodate thick socks. JP’s off-track rubber sole features chunky cleats that offer great traction, yet are far enough apart to shed COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ mud when negotiating TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ sticky ground. A kickspur on the heel BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ makes them easy to TANDOUT FEATURES: Neoprene lining, STANDOUT push off with your removable insole, supple rubber, fulltoe when you’re back length zip at base. SRP: £89.95
BEST VALUE
FROM: Jack Pyke W: www.jackpyke.co.uk
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HARKILA FORESTER 17 3MM H-VENT They may not be cheapest of wellies, but they’re packed with features to keep out the elements and enhance comfort. Lined with 3mm H-vent Neoprene, they promise warm feet in temperatures down to minus 20C – but that lining does more than seal in the heat: it makes for an extremely comfortable fit when combined with the soft, padded collar around the top of the boot. And if that’s not enough, there’s even a removable Ortholite footbed – breathable and odour-repellent – plus a felt midsole for further insulation and a fibreglass arch support! Unusually, the gusset and strap are at the rear of the boot rather than on the side, but it still works well, with a tightening strap that locks and unlocks with a positive click. The generous drop on that gusset makes it really easy to slip your foot in and out. Harkila’s dark olive, vulcanised rubber is well COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★★✩ suited to field use – supple enough for stalking with a TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★★✩ cushioned heel to aid soft footfalls. Their Vibram sole has an BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★✩ exceptionally grippy tread pattern; the Vibram Icetrek rubber STANDOUT FEATURES: H-vent compound has been developed to provide traction on the Neoprene lining, Ortholite footbed, slipperiest of surfaces. Vibram Icetrek sole, very supple
BEST ALLROUNDER
SRP: £149.99 FROM: Seeland W: www.harkila.com
SEELAND ESTATE VIBRAM 18 5MM At 460mm high, these boots will certainly keep your feet dry on rain-flooded perms – and it doesn’t compromise manoeuvrability as the soft rubber of these handcrafted boots is exceptionally flexible. The adjustable side gusset is deep to facilitate leg entry and removal, and the adjustable strap is easy to tighten down and unclip. A lining of 5mm Neoprene keeps feet super-toasty, while the leather trim around the top of the boots makes for a comfy shin/calf fit. The Vibram sole provides impressive traction by means of an arrangement of cleats that claw into most terrain yet still shed mud when covering sticky ground. Like most top quality wellies, these have a removable footbed – though as it’s an exceptionally good one, complete with shock-absorbing gel pads beneath the heel and forefoot, you may not want to! There’s also a steel shank in the midsole for added stability.
BEST STALKER
COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★★✩ TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: 5mm Neoprene lining, removable footbed with gel pads, Vibram sole SRP: £119.99 FROM: Seeland W: www.seelanduk.co.uk
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TEST COMPARISON: WELLINGTON BOOTS
GRUB’S STALKING 5.0 A rather different looking boot constructed from Neoprene, these have a tough rubber overlay around the foot and up to just above the ankle. They’re certainly robust, with additional reinforcement around the toe and heel, and the moss green Neoprene and dark green rubber shell looks at home in the woods and open fields. Your toes will be kept warm courtesy of the Insu-Foam lining, developed to seal in heat in temperatures down to minus 20C, while the wicking fibre stops clammy feet. Although there’s no adjustable gusset, these boots are easy to pull on – though you need to use the kick-spur at the heel to assist removal. We were initially concerned by their narrow tops, but there was enough stretch in the Neoprene. Foot-fit is good, though our testers needed really thick socks to avoid heel slap. What impressed us was their soles. Shock-absorbing midsoles keep footfalls nicely cushioned, while Vibram outsoles provided awesome traction over COMFORT: ★★★★★★★✩✩✩ all terrains courtesy of an aggressive tread TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★★✩ pattern that extends right around the outer BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ edges of the sole. STANDOUT FEATURES: Vibram sole with aggressive tread pattern, impressive heat retention SRP: £100
LE CHAMEAU VIERZONORD
FROM: Grub’s Boots
We’d choose these handmade boots for stalking wary rabbits on wet grassland as their fit is unrivalled – and they’re so light and supple, you’ll forget you’ve got them on! The only thing that might give these boots away to wary quarry is their light green finish, though a bit of field mud will soon sort that. For such a lightweight boot, there’s a surprising amount of support around the ankle – though they might be a little too narrow if you’ve got chunky calves. Comfort is enhanced by a lining of 3mm Neoprene which Le Chameau says will keep your feet warm when the thermometer falls to minus 15C. The side gusset has an easily adjustable, snap-fit strap, though the limited drop means it doesn’t open as wide as some when pushing your feet in and pulling them out. Made from dual-density rubber, the sole has an almost sticky feel – just as well, mind, as the Vierzonord doesn’t have the most aggressive looking tread pattern.
W: www.grubsboot.com
COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★★✩ TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: Exceptionally light and supple, 3mm Neoprene lining, SRP: £165 FROM: LLC Ltd W: www.lechameau.com
MOST COMFORTABLE
AIGLE PARCOURS 2 ISO
Handmade in France, this is the latest incarnation of a boot that’s been a firm favourite with hunters around the world since 1996. They’re expensive, but many regard them as the Rolls COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★★✩ Royce of wellies, and they’re built TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★★✩ to last. BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★★ The fit of this elegant boot is superb; it’s sculpted to the foot to prevent any rubbing when walking and the quick-release strap means it can STANDOUT FEATURES: Excellent fit and be adjusted to suit all leg sizes. The waterproof gusset is deep, giving a wide opening at the top, and it’s lined shock absorption, 4.5mm Neoprene with 4.5mm Neoprene for warmth in cold weather. The Parcours 2 also comes in a choice of colours, including lining, all-round traction brown (tested), bronze/green, black, and khaki green. SRP: £170 Its rubber feels tough, but is flexible, and the sole’s triple-density construction gives even more shock absorption FROM: Aigle than the Parcours 2’s predecessor. The squashy insoles and increased cushioning in the heel give the impression of walking W: www.aigle.com on air and have been proven to reduce fatigue, while the innovative ‘paw grip’ lugs on the tread are designed to give 360-degree traction. They gave great grip on all the surfaces we tested them on, and shed mud well when the going got boggy. Above the treads is an abrasion resistant outsole to help to protect against sharp stones and sticks.
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TEST COMPARISON: WELLINGTON BOOTS BARBOUR CLASSIC BOOT Barbour is often regarded as being an expensive brand, yet their Classic is actually the most affordable welly in our round-up! Looking ever the true classic welly – and coming in olive green, navy and black – it’s very well made from vulcanised rubber with, reinforced areas around the heel and toe. Despite a relatively basic fabric lining, the Classic has a good fit and is comfortable to wear. The rubber is supple, though not in the least bit sloppy, and with no discernable creep around the heel. There’s no gusset, but they still slip on and off easily, with removal assisted by a substantial kick-spur at the heel. A strap and buckle on the outside of the boots allows for limited adjustment; it’s more for show than function. The soles are quite simple in design, with soft, squashy inners for additional comfort. On the outside, the basic horizontal tread pattern with a stippled finish wasn’t the grippiest of our test selection, but at least it didn’t clog up in the mud. A good, warm-weather boot for anyone looking for a no-frills waterproof welly.
LACE-UP ALTERNATIVES
Want to keep your feet dry without being up to your shins in rubber? These hikers will keep out the wet, as long as you don’t wade in too far past your ankles… JACK PYKE FIELDMAN BOOTS A great choice for anyone wanting a hiker-style boot, these are both waterproof and comfortable. The full-grain leather upper makes for a rugged look, especially combined with the chunky rubber rand which provides a tough bumper to protect the lower section from hazards such as sharp stone and barbed wire. The mid cut makes for a relatively light boot that really doesn’t feel much heavier than a robust trainer, and also makes them easy to put on and take off. Jack Pyke’s Speed Lace System, makes for a snug fit with a surprising amount of ankle support for a fairly low boot. Padding around the ankle, heel and tongue provides added cushioning and insulation, bolstering the heat retaining properties off the 200g Thinsulate lining. These boots aren’t just warm, they’re also waterproof, courtesy of their Hydroguard membrane; they kept our testers’ feet totally dry in soaking wet grass and on boggy ground. And, despite being great at locking out the wet and cold, they’re 100 per cent breathable, so you shouldn’t get clammy feet in warm weather – plus the lining incorporates an antimicrobial treatment to reduce unpleasant pongs. The chunky Vibram sole gave very good grip, even on wet grass and rock, but didn’t clog up in the mud either. COMFORT: ★★★★★★★✩✩✩ TRACTION: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: Vibram sole, waterproof and breathable, antimicrobial treatment SRP: £110 FROM: Jack Pyke W: www.jackpyke.co.uk
ROCKY OUTBACK HIKER 6” GTX
COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ TRACTION: ★★★★★★★✩✩✩ BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★★✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: Classic style, light and comfortable, very well made SRP: £64.95 FROM: Barbour W: www.barbour.com
Looking very different from the typical military-style that most hunting boots tend to assume, these would be equally good for casual wear as for field use. With a light brown, full-grain leather upper, it’s a boot that won’t look out of place if you have to nip to the shops on the way home from a hunting trip. They certainly deliver in the field, though, where their Gore-Tex lining provides total waterproofing and absolute breathability to keep your feet dry and comfortable even on really soggy ground. They’re also light and supple, which means they’re ideally suited to stalking through woodland or across grassland, and they won’t feel too cumbersome when warmer weather arrives. The D-ring lacing system enables the boots to be tightened down for a perfect fit, with the padded collar and tongue providing a snug and comfortable seal right around the ankle. Rocky’s Air-Port footbed further enhances fit and comfort, cushioning the footfall and giving the boots a nice bounce. On the outside, the high density rubber soles have reasonably deep treads, which gave good grip on most terrain.
MOST VERSATILE
COMFORT: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ TRACTION: ★★★★★★★✩✩✩ BUILD QUALITY: ★★★★★★★★✩✩ STANDOUT FEATURES: Casual styling, Air-Port insole, waterproof and breathable SRP: £139.99 FROM: Uttings W: www.uttings.co.uk
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Becoming
ELITIST Since last year’s company takeover, Staffordshire-based Brocock is promising some exciting new hardware. But as Nigel Allen finds out courtesy of the Concept Elite, the latest versions of its established models are still worthy investments…
The compact thumbhole, with thumb-up and thumb-through options
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MAKER: Brocock, England MODEL: Concept Elite TYPE: Six-shot precharged pneumatic COCKING: Side-bolt CALIBRE: .177 and .22 (tested) MAGAZINE: 6-shot rotary, removable FILL PRESSURE: 200BAR maximum SHOTS PER FILL: 75 (on .22 test model); 70 claimed for .177 OVERALL LENGTH: 940mm BARREL LENGTH: 520mm WEIGHT: 2.25kg (excl. scope) SIGHTS: None fitted, scope only STOCK: Walnut thumbhole, right-hand LENGTH OF PULL: 362mm TRIGGER: Two-stage, adjustable SAFETY: None. Bolt is open-lockable SRP: £549 incl. spare magazine and quick-fill probe CONTACT: Brocock ● www.brocock.co.uk
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REVIEW: BROCOCK CONCEPT ELITE
CONCEPTUAL DIFFERENCES If you’re not flush enough for the Elite, then the S6 is worth considering. At just £439, it’s in Gamo Coyote, Hatsan AT44 and Walther Rotex RM8 territory-proven rifles against which it can easily hold its own. Brocock’s S6 sports ambidextrous beech furniture (though there is a walnut option) which, along with a 25mm cylinder and shroud-free barrel, reduces the unscoped weight to 2kg. Though it still measures the same length overall, that thinner cylinder gives up around 20 shots per fill (but loses no power). You will have to either fit a dedicated Brocock silencer to the 10mm muzzle thread (or invest in a 1/2in UNF adaptor) if you want to add stealth to the package. And while there’s no on-board manometer on the S6, charging is still quick and easy, using a snap-fit connector. The S6’s trigger unit is identical to the Elite’s.
Under the dust cover is a 1/2in UNF threaded muzzle for an optional silencer
Plug the probe into the the Concept Elite‘s port to charge it
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ith the Brocock ship seemingly at full steam ahead as far as new ‘2015’ models are concerned, I spent the latter part of 2014 enjoying the latest version of one of their stalwart PCP models – specifically the Elite version of the elegant Concept. Both the Concept and its stablemate Contour now only come equipped in Super Six (or S6) format, with a six-shot rotary magazine – but the ‘S6’ model suffix is given to the 25mm cylinder versions, while those dubbed Elite feature a 30mm air cylinder. Besides a greater shot-count, the larger-bodied Elite also boasts a plug-in probe filler and on-board gauge, as well as a bull-barrel shroud with 1/2in UNF threaded muzzle and, in the case of the £549 Concept Elite, a rather nice thumbhole walnut stock. When Brocock initially launched the Concept, I wasn’t too keen on its long and thin style – but the model has now evolved into something a lot more refined; in Elite guise, it’s finally won me over. If you want a lightweight rifle that’s a good price, with a fairly decent shot-count and accuracy to spare, it certainly ticks all the boxes… as long as you’re right-handed, mind; the Concept Elite is a right-hand only deal. I tested the Elite version of the Contour back in September 2014’s issue, so given that gun’s uber-compact dimensions (and my initial reaction to the Concept way back when), I half expected this test rifle to also feel too long in my shoulder. On the contrary, however – the Concept Elite has a really compact feel about it. Thanks to a very manageable design – involving sensible ergonomics and good distribution of its light weight – I never once felt like I’d lost control of its muzzle. The walnut stock offers a compact thumbhole with thumb-through and thumb-up options (perhaps a little too vertical on the latter), married to a comfortably raked pistol grip. Its rounded forestock is also extended far enough to give you plenty of choice when faced with ‘awkward’ shots – and its slim dimensions mean there’s no undue weight forward of the hold, either. And with a secure grip afforded by panels of skip-chequering for both hands – plus a semi-rollover cheekpiece that’s been properly sculpted for
use with the mandatory scope – the Concept Elite is nothing short of a delight to bring to point. The general sleekness of design is further accentuated by an action that feels anything but cumbersome, even though it sports the 30mm diameter cylinder, over which the barrel has also been fattened up by way of a fully encasing shroud. Brocock has mixed and matched its metalwork, opting for the high polish of blued steel on the cylinder, with a matt-anodised finish on the aluminium barrel shroud and breech block. Yes, it looks obviously different, but it doesn’t fight from an aesthetical viewpoint – and given that most of the ‘viewable’ metalwork is matt, the overall effect is one of practicality. The Concept Elite is quite anti-reflective in a field environment. At only 940mm long, this rifle will appeal to hunters; it’s both a carrygun for extended stalking sessions and compact enough to handle the confined situations posed when shooting from a hide or around farm buildings. You can stretch out the rifle by adding a silencer to the 1/2in UNF threaded muzzle (secreted under a neat, screw-off cover), but my .22 calibre test rifle didn’t have enough of a bark to justify the fitting of one – even though the barrel shroud is for show only, and doesn’t double as a reflex-type sound suppression system. Charging is by way of a plug-in probe that locates into a port protected by a knurled cover – and Brocock’s suggestion is a maximum fill of 200BAR, which, they claim, is enough to provide 80 shots at full power (70 in .177) in the sub-12ft/lb model. For FAC holders, the Concept Elite can push out around 40 to 45 shots at 24ft/lb. Although there’s no separate air regulator fitted, Brocock’s literature refers to the valve as ‘self-regulating’ – and the flattest part of my test rifle’s power curve certainly had a healthily long sweet spot between 11 and 11.4ft/lb to give such bumph credence (see graph over the page). There’s an on-board manometer (gauge) situated at the front of the air cylinder, which is incorporated into a fairly wide collar assembly, although this bears on the shroud, rather than the barrel itself. In fact, the barrel isn’t really free-floating as it’s held at both the breech and
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The wide, flat-faced trigger blade sits within an integral guard
muzzle end – although I didn’t experience any zero shift as the rifle cycled through its charge. Indeed, accuracy from the Concept Elite was excellent, with the 520mm-long, choked Lothar Walther barrel seemingly enjoying any diet of pellets, as long as they were what I’d term ‘quality’ brands. Heavyweight Bisley and Weihrauch Magnums, mid-weight JSB derivatives – AADF and Rangemaster Sovereign – and standard weight roundheads from Crosman, H&N and RWS all printed single-hole groups out to 25 yards. By 40 yards, the JSBs probably had the edge, but all the aforementioned still returned sub35mm groups, so hunters contemplating The six-shot mag will especially the Concept Elite will have plenty appeal to hunters of ammo options open to them, regardless of their field needs. Match-accurate attributes like this make the Concept, despite not being offered in a singleshot option, a good performer on the HFT range. Furthermore, it has a quite superlative trigger, with a very ‘playable’ first stage and a beautifully crisp secondstage let-off. Sitting within an integral guard, its curved blade sports a wide, flat face and while it is adjustable, I was more than happy to leave things at the factory settings.
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The bolt lock doubles up as a safety catch; there‘s no separate switch
Its six-shot rotary magazine will appeal mostly to hunters, though. It’s a simple affair, having no movable parts to go wrong. Because it’s so tiny in diameter (see below, left), it’s not the slickest ‘turner’ – but as long as you don’t dither when operating the Concept’s side-bolt, it indexes to the next chamber (on the back stroke) without any issues, seating a pellet firmly into the rifling on its return. It can be locked open on full-cock in order to extract the magazine for reloading, and the lock also doubles up as a safety catch; there’s no separate switch. The stainless bolt is both attractive and practical, its dumbbell shape being easy to grip and the stroke being short, with minimal muscle required. It’s situated on the right of the action, and while that’s ideal for the Elite’s right-handed stock, Brocock does make its S6 models as dedicated southpaws, with the bolt situated on the left of the breech housing. By virtue of its dinky proportions, the magazine sits nice and low within the breech – and although the 11mm dovetails don’t span the entire block, you don’t have to worry about scope-mounting. A twopiece set will amply straddle fore and aft of the magazine bay; the magazine won’t snag the saddle; and as the magazine inserts from the right, you can use a sidewheel scope if you want. Mind you, I wouldn’t recommend going with too big an optic, as it may upset the Concept Elite’s lovely balance. From a hunter’s perspective, the British-made Concept Elite is certainly one to consider, especially if you’re fed up with large, bulky and heavy PCPs. I think Brocock have struck the right balance of elegance and function, and thrown in a healthy smattering of performance. I’d be happy to have one in my gun cabinet. ●
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The
SCULPTOR
Jan Paul Loeff looks at the exquisite work of master stockmaker Frederik van Breen, a genius craftsman from Holland whose first airgun project saw a collaboration with another airgun maestro, John Bowkett...
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rederik van Breen has had a flair for fine woodwork since his early teens, when he set about making a better handle for his pump-up Sheridan air rifle. Now, he’s recognised as one of the most talented stockmakers in the world, renowned for turning everyday airguns into fully functioning works of art! Frederik’s craft was coursing through his veins even before his first serious airgun project, however. It was in his genes: his father made ornate wooden cases for firearms and his grandfather was a master painter. So his ability to work with wood as well as his eye for lines and proportions were genetically inevitable. Despite his creative background, the Dutchman’s career path initially took an unlikely turn – he actually completed a Master’s degree in tax law... and then spent long hours working behind a desk. However, bored and frustrated with the rigmarole of office work, Frederik sought solace by making gun stocks as one of his hobbies. As is often the case with these things, Frederik turned his pastime into his profession. In 2001, he took the plunge, turning his back on the world of tax law and embarking on a full-time career in stockmaking. He studied the art of stock design closely to ensure that his creations not only looked great but delivered top-class performance when shouldered. Ironically, he quickly concluded that the traditional ‘British rifle style’ of gun stock was best for the field – and, to this day, most of his works follow that same classic design. In short, they combine elegance, balanced proportions and, most importantly, functionality. It’s clear for anyone who visits his workshop that Frederik’s heart lies in time-honoured elegance and simplicity, and even his modern classic Beaumont thumbhole stocks are of a traditional straight shape with relatively little ‘drop’. Yet despite his fondness for tradition, Frederik also likes to incorporate modern shapes – and the elaborate laminate stock on his own BSA SuperTen bears testament to that. While he appreciates traditional design, he often incorporates more modern techniques to make his stocks durable and accurate. He has no qualms about using pillar bedding and epoxies for a perfect wood-to-metal fit – although he admits to having a certain disdain for white line spacers! These, he told me, originated as a cheap marketing trick used by Weatherby in the 1950s and 1960s to make their stalking rifles stand out from the crowd in gun shop racks! Frederick also reckons that the majority of eye-catching stocks are designed behind a desk, with no real thought given to how they actually function as a true gun handle. Moreover, he feels that too many stock
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shapes are ultimately determined by how easy they are to manufacture, rather than effective shooting ergonomics. On that latter point, Frederik is well equipped when it comes to practical, in-the-field experience as he’s been shooting since he was just eight years old and has made frequent hunting trips to Venezuela. Enchanted by its large swathes of uninhabited wilderness, he even thought about immigrating to the South American country, but instead decided to take the stockmaking savvy he gained through those many hunting forays back to his native Netherlands. Surprisingly, Frederik had no formal education as a stockmaker. Neither has he served any form of gunmaking apprenticeship – although under Dutch law he is a fully fledged, licensed stockmaker! This lack of professional training, he told me, has proved both a help and a hindrance. On the plus side, it’s meant that his creativity has never been restricted by the confines of the standard industry approach; he’s certainly not one to follow the ‘this is the way we’ve always done it’ mentality. The main drawback, as he sees it, was that it forced him to start out without
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FEATURE: STOCKMAKER
Above: This custom-made Bowkett PCP has been graced in a superlative laminated van Breen stock Main image left: Frederik, holding an old Daystate X1 for which he’s sculpting a contemporary thumbhole handle
Above: Another Bowkett custom, this time fitted with an elegant sporter stock Frederik carved from tiger-striped maple Below: Close-up of a southpaw cheek belonging to a Theoben Rapid for which van Breen was commissioned to make a bespoke stock
any network of gunmaking experts upon which to call when he was undertaking tasks outside his area of expertise. (He did, however, quickly assemble the support of craftsmen to assist with metalworking skills.) Frederik’s professional stockmaking career started with airguns – and legendary UK airgun designer, John Bowkett, was one of the first big names he worked with. Indeed, it’s a standing joke that Frederik is one of the few people who can make BSA’s super-accurate but no-so-elegant old SuperTen look good! He also had a hand in Daystate’s Huntsman stock, and created the woodwork on their now highly collectible Sable PCP, which combined the style of a shotgun with the action of an airgun. Frederik acknowledges that it was the famous British PCP manufacturer that introduced him to Alfred de Vries of the custom outfit, Beaumont Airguns – a company I’ll be bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at soon. He’s been building custom stocks for these high-end air rifles ever since, from straight stock designs through to subtle Monte Carlo and thumbhole versions. Frederik’s stocks owe their beauty both to his craftsmanship and to
the exceptional pieces of wood he sculpts them from. French walnut is his favourite to work with, though he likes Caucasian walnut for special figuring, and uses Turkish walnut for the Beaumont rifles. Working alone in his dusty workshop in the south of the Netherlands, this talented, self-taught master stockmaker has made bespoke handles for all sorts of guns over the years, from mass-produced air rifles to highly expensive commissions for high-powered hunting rifles. However, his own favourite air rifle is a gas-ram powered Weihrauch HW90 breakbarrel, cradled (naturally) in one of his carefully carved creations. ●
Although much of his work is now commissioned by gunmakers, Frederik Van Breen can take on some bespoke projects and can be contacted through his website at www.gunsandgunstocks.com. Anyone who decides to call upon the skills of this highly talented artist certainly won’t be disappointed – his stocks can turn even the most mundane airgun into a prized work of art!
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MEDIA SHOP ● MEDIA SHO Our selection of the best airgun books and DVDs for your shooting library… with some special Xmas offers, too!
EDITOR’S CHOICE
THE AIR RIFLE HUNTING COLLECTION - VOLUME 1 The Airgun Show
Capturing live hunting action on film is never easy task, but having enjoyed watching Blaze’s new DVD compilation, The Air Rifle Hunting Collection, I can vouch that it certainly puts the viewer into the thick of the action; at times, I almost felt like I was shooting next to my old buddy and The Airgun Show presenter, Mat Manning! Volume 1 – which happily suggests we’re going to see some sequels – is both entertaining and informative. It comprises a two-disc DVD equating to more than two hours of the forays featured on The Airgun Show’s popular new YouTube channel, and you’ll be able to watch broadcast-quality coverage of Mat undertaking rabbit and grey squirrel hunting, ratting and farmyard pest control. Double Disc Set Apart from packing in plenty of hunting action through changing seasons, and featuring a variety of locations from dairy farms to sporting estates, this DVD set is full of useful tips to help the airgunner put more game in the bag. I’d say the viewer certainly benefits from Mat’s 25 years’ airgun hunting experience; he lifts the lid on some of his most productive tactics as he takes you through 14 varied hunting scenarios. Mat also narrates the reasons behind his pest control forays and provides a helpful insight into quarry behaviour, and how hunters can exploit wily pests’ weaknesses to make optimum use of their time in the field. Instructional sections cover topics such as hide-building, stalking and static hunting to bag bunnies and grey squirrels. And he also takes you on to the farm with corvids, feral pigeons and rats in the crosshairs – including some awesome night vision footage. As is often the case with airgun hunting, it doesn’t always go to plan, and it’s fascinating to watch Mat drawing on his knowledge of fieldcraft to make the most of those tough days when his quarry refuses to read the script – something which I felt added a real air of credibility to the DVD. This professionally-produced collection is DVD a certainly a must-see for any air rifle hunter. Airgun Shooter price: £15
NEW
AIR RIFLE HUNTING THROUGH THE SEASONS
ADVANCED AIRGUN HUNTING
In a fresh approach for a hunting tome, Mat’s second book on the subject describes over 30 hunting scenarios that you’re likely to come across through the calendar. Covering all methods and the airgunner’s main quarry species, Mat comprehensively explains how to fill your bag… and then tempts you with a number of mouthwatering recipes – from rook pie to squirrel surprise! SRP: £19.95 Airgun Shooter price: £17.95
John Bezzant’s latest book does exactly what the title’s by-line suggests – it covers fitness training and marksmanship tests, as well as more conventional topics on taking quarry at longer-thannormal ranges. SRP: £19.95 Airgun Shooter Price: £17
A Guide to Fieldcraft Mat Manning
JHB
A Guide to Equipment, Shooting Techniques and Training John Bezzant
JHB
AIRGUN FIELDCRAFT
THE AIRGUN HUNTER’S YEAR
This 198-page book devotes chapters to each airgun quarry species, with further fact-filled chapters on topics like power and calibre, hunting with a dog, tracking and trailing, and the art of concealment (to name just a few). Beautifully illustrated with the author’s at-the-scene images, it’s one of the most influential writings on airgun hunting – and guaranteed to improve your own skill level as a hunter. Airgun Shooter price: £19.95
Through its 224 pages, Ian’s inaugural book takes you on an airgun hunting journey through a year, with each of its dozen chapters dedicated to a month where Ian recounts his personal hunting experiences in a most informative way. The chapters are packed with valuable information about quarry, technique and tips on what to look for when you’re out hunting. It’s a superb read from one of the most highly esteemed airgun hunters of our time. SRP: £20 Airgun Shooter price: £17
A Lifetime’s Hunting Advice Ian Barnett
KINDLE EDITION AVAILABLE
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Ian Barnett
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BEST SELLER
TOTAL AIRGUNS – 2nd EDITION
The Complete Guide to Hunting with Air Rifles Pete Wadeson
NEW HB
AIR RIFLE HUNTING John Darling
The legacy left by the late, great John Darling – ‘The Hunter’. Probably the biggest-selling airgun hunting book of all time, this is the perfect way to learn your art: from the master himself. Providing blanket coverage of the sport, JD’s chapters on rabbits, squirrels, rats, mustelids, woodpigeons, corvids and doves rank as the most important airgun writings ever documented in a book. SRP: £16.99 Airgun Shooter price: £14.50
A re-written work of the author’s classic, now with 30 extra pages and better photographic illustrations. Contains a wealth of information – from choosing a rifle, ammo selection, sighting systems and accessories to proper, safe gun handling in the field, with a bias on the hunting theme, from basics to the law. A must read… even if you had Pete’s first work. SRP: £25 Airgun Shooter price: £20.99 JHB
CORVID CHAOS David James PAL 118 minutes Double Disc Set
A double-disk DVD from David James, aka HuntersVermin on YouTube. Over two hours of superb hunting footage dealing primarily with corvid pest control, although there are also detailed sequences on rabbit stalking, woody decoying and hide building. The hot, new airgun hunting film that no true fieldsman should miss. SRP: £17.99 Airgun Shooter Price: £14.99
Air Rifle Vermin Control in Northern Ireland David James
PAL 123 minutes
Double Disc Set
The sequel to his best-selling first movie, this 123-minute collection of David James’s on-camera forays includes high-quality footage of not only corvid control, but also rabbit stalking, woodpigeon shooting and hide building. Chock-full of in-the-field hunting, the double-disc set comprehensively explains how to get the best from any challenge the air rifle pest controller may face. SRP: £17.99 Airgun Shooter price: £14.99
DVD
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CORVID CHAOS II
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DISCOUNT ORDER FORM Something take your fancy? Order through us – by phone, online or by post – for the special Airgun Shooter discount on all items. TITLE
GAS, AIR AND SPRING GUNS OF THE WORLD W.H.B. Smith
Air Rifle Hunting through the Seasons
The latest 2010 printing of the airgun ‘bible’, first published in 1957. Contains 270 photos and operational drawings in its 279 pages, along with specs and test results of every major world manufacturer of its time. A comprehensive encyclopaedia for every airgun enthusiast, collector, dealer or historian. SRP: £22.50 Airgun Shooter price: £19 HB
AIR PISTOL SHOOTING
A Guide to Pistols and Techniques John Bezzant
£15 Mat Manning
£17.95
Advanced Airgun Hunting
John Bezzant
£17
Airgun Fieldcraft
Ian Barnett
£19.95
Ian Barnett
£17
Total Airguns 2nd Edition
Pete Wadeson
£20.99
Air Rifle Hunting
John Darling
£14.50
DVD
Corvid Chaos (1) DVD
David James
£14.99
DVD
Corvid Chaos (II) DVD
David James
£14.99
Gas, Air and Spring Guns of the World
W.H.B. Smith
£19
Air Pistol Shooting
John Bezzant
£10.99
Air Rifle Shooting
John Bezzant
£14.50
Custom Knifemaking
Tim McCreight
£12.50
Butchering Small Game and Birds
John Bezzant
£12.99
Pest & Predator Control
BASC
£14.50
Pest Control for the Smallholder
David Bezzant
£12.99
AIR RIFLE SHOOTING
for Pest Control and Rabbiting John Bezzant
JHBSB
✓
The Airgun Hunter‘s Year
NEW
Written by a journalist and self-sufficient shooter, this 192-page, hardback book covers everything from choosing your rifle to using it effectively for pest control. As well as general fieldcraft and examining the specific habits of individual quarry, topics include ballistics, range-building, gun-mounting, zeroing and maintenance. The author also considers the ethical aspects of the sport, including care of the quarry and how to despatch injured quarry humanely. SRP: £16.99 Airgun Shooter price: £14.50
PRICE
NEW
Aimed at pistol shooters who want to experience more than just the fun-gunning element of the sport, this 96-page softback carries colour photos and illustrations from the author as he helps you embark on a programme to become a better shot with an air pistol. There’s even a chapter on how to be quick on the draw – though more orthodox guidance covers grip, stance and trigger technique. SRP: £12.99 Airgun Shooter price: £10.99 SB
AUTHOR
NEW The Airgun Show – Hunting Collection (Vol. 1) DVD
Pest Control with the Air Rifle
Jim Tyler
£10.95
Rabbit Control
Jackie Drakeford
£12.50
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10 Projects from a Master Craftsman Tim McCreight A knife is an essential kitbag item, and by way of illustrated sketches, this 22-page book takes you through 10 projects, ranging from a lock-back folding knife to a simple kitchen paring knife… and you’ll probably have all the tools you need in your garage tool box! SRP: £14.95 Airgun Shooter Price: £12.50
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BUTCHERING SMALL GAME AND BIRDS Rabbits, Hares, Poultry and Wild Birds John Bezzant
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Newly published, this well-illustrated book is ideal for the many airgun hunters who would like to learn the correct techniques for getting their shot quarry onto the dinner plate. Covering all aspects of ‘butchery’, including how best to use and maintain knives, step-by-step photos support detailed explanations of important topics like hygiene, paunching, skinning, dressing, jointing and meat preservation. There’s even a chapter on how to turn rabbit pelts into shooting hats! SRP: £14.99 Airgun Shooter price: £12.99
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BASC Handbooks
AS MAR-15
A 120-page guide from Britain’s largest shooting organisation, this book provides detailed advice on shooting, snaring, trapping, poisoning, the use of dogs, and humane despatch – plus the law governing pest species and, in particular, the General Licences that are frequently misunderstood by shooters. Very applicable to airgun hunters, this guide will also appeal to those with a keen interest in the countryside. SRP: £16.95 Airgun Shooter price: £14.50 HB
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Mates in the
HUNTING: MIXED BAG
WOODS
Mat Manning is reminded that air rifle hunting isn’t all about bag size when an old mate joins him for a day in the winter woods…
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unting in winter woodland is always a great privilege. It means a day spent in beautiful surroundings and, with quarry species left exposed after the autumn leaffall, there’s always the chance of making a mixed bag. My latest visit to the woods was made all the more enjoyable by the presence of my old mate, Kev Hawker. These days, I mostly hunt on my own – and while there’s no denying that nothing beats a solo foray when it comes to stealth, there’s something very special about shooting with a friend. The company definitely enriches time spent in the field, and a good shot is all the sweeter when witnessed by another shooter. Of course, an extra gun means that safe shooting is paramount (not that there’s ever an excuse for neglecting safety). In my experience, there are two ways to go about accommodating another shooter. One is to set up a long way from each other; the other is to stay very close. For the former to work, you need to be a long way apart and still ensure that no shots are taken in the direction of your companion. It helps if you can stay in touch via mobile phones, so you can notify each other if and when either of you decides to move. But I actually favour the latter – keeping close. Okay, it means you’ll be covering less ground and sometimes have to ‘volunteer’ shots for your mate, but I always find it reassuring to always know exactly where my shooting companion is. So that’s what we decided to do on this occasion. Kev settled into the cover of a laurel bush, where a dense screen of waxy leaves created a nice shady hiding place, and I picked a nearby spot where an ivy-clad tree trunk provided just enough concealment to make me inconspicuous in head-to-toe camo. We were comfortably close enough to see each other and could even speak in whispered tones. Not that we chatted for long; nothing puts wildlife on edge like the sound of human voices, so you have to be strict about chit-chat if you want to bag anything when hunting in company.
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As luck would have it, we’d chosen a lovely sunny afternoon, following a morning that had started with a very hard frost. The weak rays of winter sunshine were just warm enough to thaw the frozen ground, and the woods were alive with the cheerful sound of songbirds, which were no doubt elated to be able to forage in the softening soil. The presence of wildlife, even non-quarry species, is always a very welcome sign. It means that wild creatures are on the move and going about their business. And if songbirds are venturing out, it’s a sure sign that the critters on your hit list will be doing the same. Our list of potential quarry was quite varied. Woodpigeon were flighting in and out of a winter drilling on an adjacent field; the stand of trees we’d settled amongst was also, we knew, home to several grey squirrels. We couldn’t see any pheasant feeders from where we’d set up, but the bushy-tails would have to get past us to dine on the grain held in the nearest ones. Our close proximity to the feed hoppers also gave us the chance of intercepting jays and magpies as they swooped in for a free meal. Our tentative plan was that if we didn’t manage any corvids by day, we’d head over to the crow roost at dusk. Actually, the gamekeeper had asked me to thin out some of these opportunistic scavengers before the pheasants start nesting, so I was grateful to have an extra gun and experienced shot on hand. Back to daylight activities, though, and both of us had opted for standing positions to enable us to cover plenty of treetops. It also meant we could quickly shift to another spot if quarry seemed to be moving elsewhere. The first opportunity was a while coming, and I was glad I’d wrapped up warm with lined trousers, fleecy hat and neck snood, an extra pair of socks, and a new pair of Jack Pyke’s neoprene gloves. There’s nothing more distracting than feeling cold when you’re trying to keep still and quiet, so good insulation is essential for successful winter hunting. The initial chance actually came to me, as a squirrel clamoured through the spindly upper branches of a tall beech tree – on its way to those pheasant feeders, no doubt. It was off limits for Kev as the shot would have meant him aiming in my direction, but I was happy to oblige. The squirrel was toppled with a direct hit to the head, and crashed down into the brittle carpet of leaves.
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Kev gave me the thumbs-up – he may not have been able to take the shot, but he’d enjoyed watching the action unfold. As luck would have it, the next opportunity came to me, too – just a few minutes later… A woodpigeon swooped in to a tree on my side of the one I’d dropped the squirrel from, so using the tree trunk to steady my Daystate MK4, I settled the crosshairs onto its head and quickly touched off the trigger. Rather than the expected sound of the pellet hitting home, the pap of the muzzle blast was followed by a whining ricochet as the little projectile was deflected by a fine twig I’d failed to spot in the sight picture. The pigeon was unscathed, but understandably startled and it clattered away leaving me cursing at my incompetence. I seem to do this far too often. I looked over my shoulder, and to add to my embarrassment, a smiling Kev was giving me a thumbs-down gesture! About 30 minutes later, a pair of pigeons circled overhead and fluttered down into a tree about 25 metres from Kev. It was presented safely enough for him to take the shot and, this time, events unfolded as planned, with no unforeseen twigs interrupting proceedings. Kev’s shot found the pigeon’s head, flopping the bird into the leaf-litter with a crunching thud; a sound that was followed by the immortal words of “watch and learn” from my shooting buddy. Well, Kev did actually teach me to shoot when I was a kid – but it’s a fact he’s determined never to let me forget... However, that woody marked the end of any action from our first port of call, so we were soon making our way to the crow roost as the sun began to set. The undergrowth in this part of the woods was splattered with white droppings, so it certainly looked like a few corvids had been frequenting the area. Roost shooting for crows is usually short, but sweet – the birds flight in very late in the day, but often in good numbers. From the spot I’d chosen, I didn’t get a single shot, but jammy old Kev had two before we finally ran out of light. And he made both count to take a brace of hefty carrion crows. At least that’s two less to devour the eggs and chicks of pheasants and game birds when springtime comes. You could argue that two crows, a woodpigeon and a grey squirrel is a fairly modest bag for two shooters. However, I think successful shooting is about much more than bag size. Kev and I had had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening in the woods, and the journey home was spent planning our next one together. ●
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HUNTING: MIXED BAG
NEOPRENE GLOVES My new all-weather gloves from Jack Pyke are just the thing for winter forays. Wrists are adjustable for a comfortable fit that seals out the cold, and their grip-dot palms guarantee a firm gun-hold. They’ve even got foldback index fingers for perfect trigger control – a feature I really like; you keep your index finger warm while you’re waiting out your quarry and then simply unfurl it when it’s time for some trigger action. SRP: £19.95 Patterns: JP’s English Oak, English Woodland and Wild Trees Sizes: S to XXL
Left: A squirrel ventures out... and Mat gets ready to open the campaign Right: Mat aligns a woody in his sights... but is foiled by a ricochet! Below: Kev shows off a big carrion crow he managed to topple from the trees Below right: The lads finished up with a decent mixed bag
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The two-dozen
TWO-SHOT!
Arriving during the ‘airgun revolution’ years, it was an air rifle destined to fail. Yet a quarter of a century on, it’s now a highly soughtafter pneumatic that collectors will pay thousands for! Paul Wold looks at the Double Express pumpup from the Imperial Air Rifle Company…
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n the mid-1980s, the airgun world was practically boiling over with creativity. This was an era when UK designers gave us new-fangled airguns like the Air Arms Shamal and Sportsmatch GC2 precharged pneumatics, the Saxby and Palmer air cartridge Ensign and Orion, and the Air Logic Genesis single-stroke pump-up. We’d already seen the advent of the gas-ram in the shape of Theoben’s Sirocco, too. But one gun was to arrive that, though beautiful, was simply too expensive and too avant-garde ever to make it – a double-barrelled pump-up from the newly formed Imperial Rifle Company. The Double Express, as it was called, in figure 1 was effectively launched to the public at the end of 1986. Its inception was the realisation of a longstanding dream of airgun mastermind, Mike Childs – a technical genius who’d already given us his electronic Skan chronoscope for measuring the velocity/power of our airguns. In conjunction with Chris Price from MOD component manufacturers, Helston Gunsmiths, he delivered one of the most beautiful airguns of the modern era. Innovatively – and at a time when the ‘calibre controversy’ was raging among airgunners – the Double Express boasted a two-shot facility courtesy of a pair of barrels, the calibres of which could be mixed between .177 and .22, with even a .25 available to special order! Perhaps ‘manufacture’ is the wrong word, however – the rifle was pretty much hand-built. Most of the action’s components were fabricated in Helston’s Cornwall workshops, then assembled, finished and the woodwork fitted in Mike’s Essex workshop.
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Initially, it was sold through The Airgun Centre, at a price of £550. In the mid-eighties, that was a serious amount of money – even the flagship German springers were well under £200! Despite a burgeoning economic climate and the airgun industry riding the crest of a wave, the rifle was simply not able to cut it against other high-performance hardware also being unveiled. Airgunners of the time wanted performance and practicality, not connoisseur models. Indeed, its twin-barrel configuration wasn’t really satisfying any sort of ‘need’ in the market – and neither was its relatively lowly power output of 10ft/lb. Add the fact that it needed to be pumped up with 10 strokes to achieve this figure (albeit you had two shots at equal output), and it just couldn’t compete against modern precharged pneumatics like the Air Arms Shamal and Sportsmatch GC2 that were stealing all the headlines. Yes, fewer pumps made life a little easier for Double Express users, but ‘reduced power’ was the opposite of what airgunners wanted back then! Within a couple of years, the rifle was canned, with only 25 having been assembled. Although Mike claims production was always intended to be “limited to just 50 guns per year“, that was wishful thinking. The Double Express simply proved economically unviable, despite being dubbed ‘the Purdey’ of air rifles. Each gun was consecutively numbered, with the last rifle (no. 25) coincidentally sporting a .25 barrel configuration. The example shown in figures 1 and 9 (over the page) is serial number 14, dating from approximately mid-1987; it sports two .22 calibre barrels. In beautiful
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COLLECTING: DOUBLE EXPRESS RIFLE
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condition (and full working order), it weighs 4.5kg inclusive of the scope, measuring 926mm from butt to muzzle, with each rifled barrel being 526mm. The serial number is stamped under the breech block, along with the words “PAT. APPLIED FOR“ (figure 2). The stock is styled very much along a shotgun’s aesthetics – further enhanced by its double trigger set-up and long rake of the rounded pistol grip (figure 3). Length of pull is slightly long – though this varies as the Imperial Air Rifle Company offered a made-to-measure service – and the butt is finished with a black-and-white line spaced, ventilated rubber butt pad from Parker-Hale. Despite arriving in an era when the retro-fitting of custom stocks to high-end actions was commonplace, the Double Express’s two-piece stock is original, hand-crafted from walnut with hand-chequered panels on both the grip and the forestock. The latter is connected to the swing-out pump handle that pivots from just under the muzzle (figure 4) and it operates today with a reassuring tightness that bears testament to the high standard of engineering. The rubber ‘bung’ set inside the handle (figure 5) stops any ‘slap’ as you pump away. The rifle was not supplied with open sights, but the breech was machined to take a scope. Inherent in the design of the double-barrel system was an ‘x and y’ screw-adjustment feature – two screws secreted in the shroud a little way back from the muzzle – that allowed you to fine-tune one barrel’s aspect so that you could zero each of the side-by-side bores to the scope (figure 6). This was especially necessary if the gun mixed calibres, though
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COLLECTING: DOUBLE EXPRESS RIFLE BREECH SEQUENCE
To operate the Double Express’s breech, first press on the raised ramp switch at the end of the block [A] to swing it open [B]. Pellets can then be inserted into each barrel, after which they’re perfectly seated into the rifling by two probes [C] after the brass knob at the rear is pressed in.
A
C
B
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I’ve yet to come across such an example, and Chris Price also suspects none were made with a dual-calibre configuration. In operation, the rifle is unusual but comfortable; its weight is particularly well balanced (more so with a scope on board), yet the ‘feel’ brought about by the stock design is quite unlike your average airgun. At a time when bespoke airguns were sporting Custom Stock designs that shooters could ‘sink into’, it was probably ‘too different’ to win over potential buyers, however. All the Double Express’s metalwork is steel, highly polished and richly blued with a brass ‘pellet seater’ button and silver steel trigger blades. Loading the barrels is undertaken by an exquisite mechanism – a press of a raised ramp atop the rear section of breech ‘cocks’ the pellet seating mechanism and swings out the section (pivoting from the left side) to reveal the breeches proper. Pellets are inserted directly into each bore by hand, and these are then properly seated into the rifling once the breech block has been closed and the disc of the brass end knob pressed in (see figure 7). Pumping up the rifle independently charges each barrel’s compression cylinder, so that a single pumping operation primed both barrels. The power level couldn’t exceed the UK legal limit courtesy of a blow-off valve, and the shooter determined which barrel was fired according to which of the double triggers was pressed. The furthermost forward blade worked the right-hand barrel; the rear blade the left – and each trigger was ‘cocked’ once the safety catch lever on the right side of the breech assembly had been turned to the horizontal position (figure 8). When vertical, this lever renders the rifle ‘safe’, and the pump lever will not compress any air into the compression chambers. Although it’s beautifully made, the Double Express pays homage to its hand-crafted design in the shape of many tell-tale signs of its ‘human input’, with filing marks quite visible in many areas of both wood and metal. Far from detracting from the rifle, this rather adds to its appeal in the same way as it does on vintage classics like the early BSA underlevers and Webley Service air rifles.
Indeed, part of the reason Mike developed the Double Express (and later, the Bullpup PCP he launched in 1991) was because he believed airgun manufacture of the day had put too much emphasis on ‘mass production’, losing many of the gunmaker’s skills in the process. But while the market decided to choose mass production over hand-built quality at the time – the irony is that Mike was ultimately proved right. When an Imperial Rifle Company’s Double Express does occasionally come to market, it commands prices well in excess of £3,000 according to condition; I know the original owner of number 009 wouldn’t take anything less than £4,000 for his. So for those who took the plunge and splashed out £550 all those years ago, I’d say that’s a pretty good return by anyone’s standards. It might not have been an air rifle you wanted back then – but it’s certainly a very desirable one now! ● 8
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My thanks to the owner for the loan of this fine Double Express example, serial no. 14. And also for information passed on by Mike Childs himself, and by way of a personal audience with Chris Price, October 2014.
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Talking
TALKING SHOP: RIFLEMAN FIREARMS
SHOP
We talk business with Mark Tutton, joint owner and director of Rifleman Firearms in Somerset Gun shops are the backbone of airgun shooting, without which our sport wouldn’t prosper in the way it does. While shooters often concentrate on the latest guns and gear, it’s the people behind the counter at our local airgun dealership who influence our wants and service our needs. They’re the cornerstone of our industry; the unsung heroes without whose encouragement, assistance and expert advice many of us would be lost. With around 2,500 registered airgun dealers throughout the UK, Airgun Shooter goes behind the counters to find out a little more about what makes them tick… Q Rifleman Firearms has made a name for itself very quickly – how did the business start? A We launched it just over a year ago in December 2013 – ‘we’ being me and business partner Matt Lewis. We’ve been good friends for more than 35 years and are avid shooters, so we decided to turn our hobby into something where we could help others to share our passion. We’ve had a great year making new friends. Q Who does what in the Rifleman Firearms team, then? A Matt’s background is in farming – he’s managed several large farms through his career. I worked in the IT sales and management sector, where I managed several national and international sales teams over the years. We both bring our own unique qualities and talents to the business. Matt is very hands-on and practical, especially with airgun repairs and full-bore reloading skills. My strengths are more ‘back-ofhouse’, managing the business and ensuring targets and strategies are met. Q What would you say sets Rifleman Firearms apart from the rest? A Well, we really do go out of our way to ensure that our customers are delighted with the products they buy. We also ensure both our pre- and post-sales service is second to none. To that end, we’re always dishing out cups of tea and coffee, and we’re happy to spend as much time as is required to ensure the customer gets what they really want and everything is fit for purpose. All packages are fully set up before the customer leaves the shop. Q How have you tailored your business for airgun shooters? A We offer airgun servicing, air top-ups and a wide range of air rifles, pistols and accessories. We’re also a regulated credit broker so can offer really competitive finance on airguns, accessories and clothing, with
The airgun brands on the shelves have all been used by either Mark or Matt
repayment periods up to 48 months. On top of that, we offer a free lifetime warranty and service care cover on all new air rifles bought from us, so if your airgun becomes poorly (accidents and malicious damage excluded), we’ll look after it free of charge. Q How do you decide what airgunning brands make it on to your shelves? A Luckily, being keen shooters means we can be very hands-on and passionate about what we offer – so the brands we have on our shelves have either been or are currently being used by either Matt or me. We have over 70 years of combined experience between us, so have tried a gun or three down the years! Q What is the best thing about co-owning Rifleman Firearms? A Apart from the great bunch of regular customers we have, and meeting new ones on a daily basis, from my perspective it’s working only three miles from home and riding my bike to work in the summer – gone are the days of motorway traffic delays, airport lounges and bumpy flights! Q Do you have any exciting plans for the future? A Oh yes! Our vision, goals and growth strategy are broad and very exciting. We’ve already just about outgrown the 1,000 square-foot premises we’re in, so are looking to expand in physical sales space, brands and stock. We’re From left to right: Matt Lewis,Clive Wensley, John looking forward to our second open day on Mulhearn, Matt Cook, Sarah Miles and Mark Tutton Saturday 9 May 2015, too – last year’s was an amazing success with over 400 shooting families coming to enjoy the many hands-on events we laid on. We’ll also be at the West Country Game Fair at the Royal Bath & West Showground on 21 and 22 March – and Airgun Shooter readers are most welcome to pop in and say hello.
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Racing
PULSE
Claimed to be a new pinnacle in modern airgun engineering, Daystate affords the editor an exclusive audience with its about-to-be-launched ‘fifth generation‘ PCP…
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aystate is a gunmaker that’s been synonymous with being at the forefront of airgun technology since the company’s inception back in the 1970s. Considered the founding fathers of the modernday precharged pneumatic, they’ve since developed and introduced many innovative concepts into the field of air rifle design, not least the computerised, electronic action – dubbed CDT, or Capacitive Discharge Technology – first seen on the revolutionary Mk3, in late 2003. Due to the company’s philosophy of never standing still, that science evolved into MCT, or Mapped Controlled Technology – utilised in the MK4 rifle derivatives. While all this electronic wizardry came with a premium price, the success these rifles brought to both Daystate and those field and target shooters who invested in them made the guns worth every penny. And now we have the ‘fifth generation’ rifle – exclusively shown to Airgun Shooter prior to Daystate’s official unveiling at the international SHOT Show in Las Vegas on 20 January so that we can give readers an initial viewing of a rifle that Daystate is claiming ‘takes air rifle shooting into the next era’. Pictured here is all-new Pulsar – a computer-driven, electronically powered PCP that combines the CDT and MCT systems to deliver a totally new and updated control centre in the shape of an integrated GCU, or Gun Control Unit. Protected against dirt and water ingress within a fully encased housing, it is without doubt one of the most compact and advanced air rifle firing systems ever developed – the perfect, beating heart for one of the most elegant rifle designs ever to leave Daystate’s Staffordshire gunmaking plant. Obviously, we will need much more time before penning a comprehensive report and delivering our verdict on the Pulsar, but the few hours we’ve spent with it on the test ranges has left us in little doubt that the new Daystate will not only make a serious impact in the world of airguns, but also make its mark right from the get-go. Its unique design may carry an air of ‘bullpup’ about it, yet the Pulsar comes to shoulder with the familiarity of the finest sporter. Sure it looks conceptual, but its handling is about as ergonomic as you can
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get, combining a synthetic drop-down grip, height/cast adjustable butt and a ballistic nylon forestock that has origins in the 2014 Airgun of the Year Wolverine. Incorporating an integral laser – situated at the front of the trigger guard – the Pulsar can also acquire its target with ease from any stance, and the forend’s 22mm rail adds further accessory options, like a flashlight, bipod or sling swivel. The Pulsar’s stock is wood – the black ‘tactical’ laminate version being shown here, though forest ‘camo’ laminate, standard walnut and synthetic model options are currently on the drawing boards. However, to mark what will become a historic release of this flagship, Daystate are launching the first 200 Pulsars in a limited edition OS – or Oro Series – guise, clad in exotic grade walnut with appropriate accoutrements. Shot-release comes courtesy of Daystate’s proven electronic trigger, the Pulsar’s feeling less like a mouse-click and more like a mechanical match trigger – and with a wide range of adjustability, it offers the perfect let-off whether your target is feather, fur, metal or paper. A crossbolt safety catch (that also controls the laser) is one of many safety features, which include an anti-double load system, bolt-open de-activator and low-air failsafe. As with the Mk3 and MK4, the Pulsar is fully programmable. Controlled via the trigger and sidelever, the information screen showing the various modes is set on the left side of the rifle, within one of the shapely synthetic panel fillets that adorn the cheek. Both the cheekpiece rest and sidelever can be moved to accommodate dedicated right- or left-handed shooting, and the 10-shot rotary magazine – Daystate’s latest incarnation, but which remains backward compatible – can also be inserted from either side. Meanwhile, the Pulsar’s breech offers the single-shot tray option should you wish. Housed inside the barrel shroud is a 432mm long, match quality Lothar Walther, at the muzzle of which sits an interior, baffled sound suppression system – though an additional silencer can be added if required. Under the shroud sits Daystate’s usual snap-fit valve, protected by a large, screw-off dustcover which allows fuss-free filling of the 300cc cylinder.
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FIRST LOOK: DAYSTATE PULSAR
Main image below: The new Daystate Pulsar – a new benchmark in airgun design?
The electronic trigger and laser-controlled safety catch
SCOOP PHOTOS The new GCU (Gun Control Unit), the motherboard of which is secured in protective housing
The cheek and sidelever are reversible for southpaws, and magazine insertion/removal can be either left or right
Above: A first glimpse of the lavishly stocked OS model – a launch edition of the Pulsar which will be limited to just 200 units
The shots we’ve fired so far confirm advancement of the already fast lock-time Daystate’s electronic guns are renowned for; the Pulsar’s firing cycle is totally ‘dead’ and it is, without doubt, one of the most forgiving rifles to shoot accurately. Further precision is guaranteed by an integrated marriage of the barrel to both the breech block and 11mm railed intermount assembly, the latter offering plenty of mounting options for all manner of glassware and incorporating an integral bubble level to help alleviate rifle cant. Daystate have championed the use of the electronic powerplant and though it has its critics, the successes that have been brought about by the evolutionary refinements we’ve seen in the system have undeniably proved that the award-winning British airgunmaker has been right to persevere with it. With the GCU-powered Pulsar, however, the company has quite possibly set a new benchmark – one that looks set to redefine, yet again, PCP airgun design as we know it. If there is a more advanced airgun out there, we’ve certainly yet to see it… ●
AT-A-GLANCE SPECS RIFLE: Daystate Pulsar CALIBRE: .177 and .22 (with FAC options) OVERALL LENGTH: 780mm WEIGHT (UNSCOPED): 3.8kg SHOTS PER CHARGE: 220+ PRICE: From £1,800 AVAILABILITY: Late February 2015 (OS series)
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GUNS & GEAR FOR SALE It’s FREE for readers to advertise in Airgun Shooter. If you have an airgun or accessory you’d like to sell, simply send us in the form below (or email
[email protected] with ‘Airgun Shooter’ in the subject line) and we’ll include it in the next available issue… absolutely free. You can even include a photo if you want. IMPORTANT. The Guns & Gear For Sale service is reserved exclusively for readers undertaking private transactions. It is not a service for those who deal in guns by way of trade or business. It is the responsibility of readers to observe prevailing laws; transacting parties must prove they are over 18 years of age. Privately sold/bought airguns that are exempt from licensing – i.e. air rifles under 12ft/lb muzzle energy and air pistols under 6ft/lb – do not require a face-to-face transaction, but Airgun Shooter suggests that due diligence is undertaken and thus recommends it. We also recommend the inclusion of a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) – an assurance that the airgun offered for sale complies with the 12ft/lb (rifle) or 6ft/lb (pistol) power limits. You can download a CoC free from www.airgunmagazine.co.uk. In the case of an FAC-rated airgun, the transaction must be face-to-face, and you may need to liaise with the firearms officer of your local constabulary before committing to any transaction. The publisher reserves the right to amend and/or refuse an advert.
Weihrauch HW98 .177, with 6x24-50 AGS scope, very good cond, £300, no offers. Lee Smith 07938 597126 (N. Yorks) Daystate Mk 4 .177, grade 3 walnut stock, Daystate Mk 5 silencer, sling and swivels, MTC 10-44 IR Viper scope in BKL mounts, all keys and manuals, superb cond, as new, £900 ovno. Andy 07511 771269
[email protected] (Suffolk) Vintage airguns for sale: Weihrauch 35 Export .22, remanufactured by gunsmith, £250; Haenel 302, re-washered and sprung, good cond, £120; Diana Model 5 .177, new, £125; two gems, rebuilt, tight actions, would consider exchanging for Match firearms. Derek 0115 9893639 (Notts) Air Arms 400 Classic rifle, beech stock, Ben Taylor regulator silencer, good for FT, mint cond, £350. Kevin Young 07961 759759 (Essex) Wanted good-quality knives, especially Bowie, by collector, must be good cond. B Harris 0121 4306534 (W. Mids) Wanted Pre-War Slant Grip Senior, must be superb original cond, top cash for top cond. Kelvin 01530 242816 (Leics) Hills Dry-Air System pump as new, £110; Black Ops Justice Dealer S&W CO2 pistol revolver, with 30 cartridges and speed loader, as new, £100; Webley Hurricane .177 air pistol, nice example, £75; Custom Stocks CS700, with adjustable butt pad to fit AA400 series, £110. All items can be posted. Barry 07895 093568
[email protected] (Suffolk) FX Verminator Mk 2 .177, two magazines, 17 shots 400cc bottle in stock, 1/2in silencer adaptor, excellent cond, buyer collects, £525. K Whale 01384 296854 (W. Mids) Air Arms EV2 Mk I, excellent cond, bipod, MTC Viper 8-32x60 scope, serviced by XTX Air, silver and black laminate stock, buyer collects, £650. K Whale 01384 296854 (W. Mids) Walther CP99 Compact .177 BB gun, black, in box, with booklet, hardly used, will deliver in MK area, £75 + p&p. F Gardner 07516 048429
[email protected] (Bucks) Weihrauch HW77 with scope, mint cond, £160 ono. Martin 07414 884129 (N. Yorks) Theoben Evolution .177 < 1 year old, only fired 100 pellets, like new, Nikko Stirling 4-12x50 AO Mountmaster, Buffalo River gun bag, £450. Darrin Hunt 07765 466563
[email protected] (Hants) BSA Martini Mk11 International .22 small-bore target rifle with thumbhole butt, spotting scope, stand, ammo box, single point rifle sling, cast iron front bench rest, rear butt rest, 1970s-type shooting jacket (has some wear), all items excellent cond, £160
ono. Buyer must hold an FAC. Raymond Butcher 029 20331872
[email protected] (Glam) Crosman 2240 .22 CO2 pistol, Hawke red dot sight, 30 ParkerHale silencer, folding stock, nearly full tin of pellets, £120 + p&p, or buyer collects. A Newberry 01767 312757 (Beds) Rapid Mk1 .22, good cond, Vortex silencer, 2 large buddy bottles, 1 small spare tactical stock, spare 20in barrel, bipod, sling and swivels, Bushnell 3-9x50 scope, x12 mag, x20 shot, £700 ono. David Knox 07734 877260 (Middx) Original Model 50 .22, new spring fitted, good cond for age, classic air rifle, £150 ono + p&p. Buzz Bates 01736 600046
[email protected] (Cornwall) SMK S3 .22 air pistol, only used once, excellent cond, still in original box, approximately 500 pellets for this pistol also included. Any questions, please ask. Roy 01460 77914
[email protected] (S. Somerset) HW80 Venom Mk1 .177, thumbhole stock, silencer, sling, gold trigger, nice cond, approx 1983, £600. Wanted any model of BSA Model D or Lincoln Jeffries, anything considered. F Howe 07930 612612 (N. Wales) Wanted BSA Mercury MK2 stock, finish not important if no splits or cracks. Ken Rees 07753 423702 (N. Somerset) Walther LGV Challenger synthetic .177, shot only 1 tin of pellets, excellent cond, 2x moderator, buyer collects, try before you buy, £150, no offers. Richard Keates 07852 149760 cm-keates@ yahoo.co.uk (Norfolk) Weihrauch HW97K with Nikko Stirling Mountmaster scope, hardly fired since purchase in April 2014, £290 ono. James Cullen 07570 912674 (W. Sussex) Wanted Airgun Shooter issue 1 to complete collection. Barry Warren 07895 093568
[email protected] (Suffolk/Essex) Weihrauch HW30 .177, 4x32 scope, very good cond, £70. Clifford Vincent 01473 787454 (Suffolk) Daystate Mk 4 .177, Grade 3 walnut stock, Airstream Mk5 silencer, MTC 10-44 Viper IR scope, BKL mounts, sling and swivels, all keys and manuals, as new cond, £850 ovno. Andy 07511 771269
[email protected] (Suffolk) BSA Super Meteor Mk 3/4 .22, with period Tasco 4x20 scope, £60 + p&p; SMK XH53 .177 pistol, £20 + p&p; 20in .22 barrel for Theoben Rapid Mk 1, £50 + p&p. David Knox 01784 482055 (Berks) Logun Mk II .22, excellent cond, as new, £350. Andrew Polychroni 07527 892985 (London) BSA Mercury .177 Mk II, new piston seal and spring, does
Fill out the form below and send it to Reader Ads, Airgun Shooter, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warks CV32 5SZ – or email it to
[email protected] with ‘Airgun Shooter’ in the subject line. The item stays in until it gets knocked off by other items.
FREE TO LIST
10.5ft/lb, open sights, £150. Roger Archbold 07812 911441
[email protected] (Middx) Regulator for BSA R10 Mk2 .177, £150 and barrel shroud for same, £45, replaced during tune-up, both excellent cond. Greg Haddock 01225 764429
[email protected] (Wilts) Weihrauch HW45 Black Star .177, little used, still boxed, Hawke red dot sight, unmarked, can swap for Crosman 2240 with cash difference, £200. John Hood 07890 781668 (Leics) HW100 .177, Sporter stock, 2 mags, Hawke Sport HD 3-9X50 scope, Haris bipod, silencer, beautiful walnut stock, mint cond, first to see will buy, f-to-f only, £600. P Schietaert 07549 761580 (W. Yorks) Weihrauch HW97KT .22, black synthetic, Hawke 2-7x32 mil-dot scope, all in near-mint cond, £300. Peter Ilbery 07900 884471 (Oxford) Air Arms Jackal silencer, slide-over, £30 ono. Simon Martin 01473 258689 (Suffolk) Weihrauch HW77K .22, good working order, £160; BSA Cadet .177, £60; Enfield no. 5 Jungle Carbine Peep Sight, will fit on air rifle, £25. J P Sheehan 07747 327240 (Mid Glam) BSA Airsporter Mk II .22, good cond, £100; BSA Falcon .22, £50. M Jones 07415 298994
[email protected] (W. Mids) Gamo Knockdown Target and Case-Gard front rifle/pistol adjustable rest, both unused and unboxed, £25 each or £45 the pair, buyer collects. Allan Russell 07538 720290
[email protected] (Herts) Park RH91 .22 recoilless rifle, mint cased example, with paperwork, rare twin piston gun, £400. Geoff 07821 283976
[email protected] (W. Yorks) Hebridean Night Vision monocular with attachment to convert day scope into night vision scope, was £300 new, will sell for £130 or swap for good cond Sheridan or Benjamin Franklin pneumatic pistol. J P Sheehan 07747 327240 (Mid Glam) Wanted HW45, .177 or .22, must be in good cond, price to include p&p if further than 40 miles. D Martin 01329 841654 (Hants) BSA Super Meteor Mk 3/4, recently had main spring and washers replaced, with period Tasco 4x20 scope, £60 + p&p. D Knox 01784 482055 (Berks) Anschutz 250 Match vintage rifle, cased, with accessories, mint cond, £400, would exchange for Match pistol; Haenal 302 .22 vintage rifle, new internal parts, good, smooth action, £130. Wanted Match pistol (eg BSF 20 Target), ring with details. D F Perkins 0115 9893639 (Notts) Daystate Mk4 .177, excellent cond, oiled walnut stock, Reflex silencer, shroud, Bisley adjustable shoulder support, three Daystate .177 mags, on/off keys, charger, CD with instructions, JSR 6-24x50 AO/IR scope, £650 ono. John Slater 01189 668992
[email protected] (Berks) Daystate Mk3, new, L/H walnut T/H stock, 4-16x44 scope, fill adaptor, battery charger hardly used since new batteries and service, gunbag, HW silencer, excellent cond, buyer collects, £450 ono. David Bessell 07949 174570
[email protected] (Lancs)
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