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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
Mats 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

12

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 Evanixs 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 Defensibles 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, Weihrauchs iconic powerhouse
Pete Wadeson
What you need when baiting down the corvids
Simon Everett
H&N Sports 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 whats been selling

through the UKs gun dealers...

PLUS BONUS
KEYRING TORCH

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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SH
UN OO

2014

TER

AIR
G

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 Brococks 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 Daystates 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

EDITORS
VIEW

Front cover: Evanixs 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

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, weve brought you many airgun revelations and to kick off the start
of the next five years, heres 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), Id 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 were not
talking small potatoes here, either applicants can claim up to 100 per hectare per year for
the next five years.
Its understood that there are millions of pounds of grant funds available, too so Id
urge every reader whos a keen hunter to ensure the landowners of their permissions are up
to speed; Ive yet to meet a farmer who doesnt listen when theres a chance for some money
to be made! Besides, just think of Brownie points youll be earning when you deliver them
the news
Joint funding grants are also available for neighbouring farmers, so that the greys arent
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 dont mean you should start charging these funded landowners for your
services but Im 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 whos happy to do the job for free.
So, with a government-sanctioned national cull of the five million grey squirrel pest
population, Id 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; Im sure farmers, estate and landowners will
welcome you with open arms if you tell them they can earn 100 per hectare.
Plus, of course, youll also be helping our beautiful, native red squirrel which is fatally
susceptible to squirrel pox a virus thats 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 thats 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]

RESERVE
YOUR MAG
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AIRGUN SHOOTER
for me every issue

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NEWSAGENT: AIRGUN SHOOTER is published by BLAZE

PUBLISHING every fourth Thursday, 13 times a year, and is
distributed to the newstrade by COMAG

To get every issue

from your newsagent

008 Editors view_Rev3CK.indd 8

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 hes mightily
impressed with the Webley Mark VI CO2 4.5mm BB revolver thats now arriving in UK
gun shops. A doppelganger of the original officers revolver, which was in service from
1915 to 1947, long after production ceased in 1923, Webleys 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, its 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, were
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 UKs largest
shooting organisation, BASCs 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.
Theres a chance to win an
Evanix Sniper-K worth 790
in this months free-to-enter
competition on page 31.

10

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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 thats been sent to MPs. BASCs
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

Heres 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 thats accurate
to +/- 0.25%.
Theres a Light version for 47.85 but Airgun
Shooters 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.
Theyve 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, theres their new Igloo Top in Buffalo
camo, price 44.99. Made of the same fabric, its a very versatile bush shirt that
deserves a place in any hunters wardrobe for those chilly dawn or dusk forays.
www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

OBITUARY

RIDGELINE
ANNIVERSARY

To mark 20 years in the business,

New Zealands 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 sports 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

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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19/01/2015 11:48

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, its made
from super-tough Polex to
ensure long life. (Cadet airgun
version supplied.)

Granted your article on the

.20s 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 dont relate
as a cube of the pellets 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 Id
strongly advise you
check the power level on
a chrono to ensure the
guns still legal after the DIY
modification.

t
While I cant 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
rs
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
doesnt take mu
the
h
wit
ent
pet
com
become
its
bigger calibre. I reckon
7
.17
for
tch
more than a ma
and .20.
Steven Clarke, Birmingham

found a
letter in Januarys issue, Ive
In response to A. Greens
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
dont 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

12

Heres 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 youll
need to screw down the rearsight to keep it
clear of the scopes 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 airguns case) will cause variations. For
example, my friends 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

hile Im 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. Its 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 rifles 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 rifles 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.
Thats 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 its 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

14

For a perfect gunfit, the cheek

is fully adjustable and the butt
adjusted by way of a
push-button lock (below)

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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-Ks 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-Ks design is fully ambidextrous.
Although the rubber butt pad has no curve to it, I didnt 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 Id 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-Ks back end give you the feeling of a
very tailored gun indeed and while its no match rifle, dont 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. Ive been
lucky enough to witness Evanixs Korean-based manufacturing
process first-hand, and I can certainly vouch that theyve 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, Id say Evanix has got it just right on the Sniper-K.
Though its two-stage and adjustable, theres 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 dont have to snap shoot; just be very
committed to the shot. In conjunction with the straight-line design
of the gun overall, this system isnt 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 doesnt
need a better trigger. I also felt that by comparison with all the
previous Evanix models Ive tested in the past five years, this is
probably the best one yet.

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15/01/2015 10:02

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 its engaged prior to the
rifle being cocked, the sidelever cant be drawn back a feature
Im not sure I like as it can put undue stress on the assembly if
youre a bit on the heavy-handed side.
As for the cocking process, it really is rather slick. Although its
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 its ideally shaped for a good grip. It springs
open to around 45 degrees, where a gentle pull-back to around 90
degrees is all thats 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-Ks long-range accuracy it clearly isnt an issue!
LOADING UP
Though simple in construction, the magazineloading procedure of PBs 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 doesnt fall straight through.
Once the last pellet is in, ease off the drums
tension, and it will hold everything in place (via
an interrupt fit). In practice, its much easier to
actually do than explain!

16

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. Theyve not been too comfortable with
Evanixs supplied magazine, so theyve worked closely with British
airgun engineers, Pneumatic Ballistics, to produce a really good,
10-shot magazine of their own. Whats more, this is supplied in
lieu of Evanixs with each new Sniper-K. Now thats 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-Ks breech housing uses to align it is a
little too shallow for my liking. Youve got to insert it very gently
from either the left or right in order to feel it locate.
And theres certainly a very precise set of operations to load the
PB mag! While its easy to undertake once you know how, theres
no denying that this system is more complex than you get on other
magazines (see panel below).
Charging up, on the other hand, couldnt 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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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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15/01/2015 10:03

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 rifles case, the flattest part of the curve occurred between 190 and
OVERALL LENGTH: Variable 903mm to 1,027mm
135BAR around 120 shots and the rifles refill pressure was around 130BAR.
BARREL LENGTH: 400mm
Given the Sniper-K probably isnt 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 MTCs low
LENGTH OF PULL: Variable 295 to 420mm in 25mm increments
mounts meant I had to drop the Sniper-Ks 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 scopes 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-Ks butt design, its a very simple matter to get perfect scope/
eye alignment.
Within the shroud,
Hunters will be well happy with the Sniper-Ks 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 Ive seen and as a lover of walnut and steel, its 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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19/01/2015 09:29

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

f Im not out with my air rifle, then its very likely Im 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.
Id been told the rats were active by daylight, so my first visit
was on a cold, damp winters afternoon but an hours 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 theyd 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 Id arrived a day or two too late. Nonetheless, Id
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.
Im 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 werent 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.

20

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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 Id 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 Eyes 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
nights account.
The doomed rats 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 arent 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 werent 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 waters edge

A rat lingering beneath a pallet

opened the nights account

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HUNTING: FISH FARM RATTING

Mat scooped up a big un at

the close of the session

22

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 its too easy for the rats
to pick up a tasty morsel and run away. (Thats 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 theyd 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 Id managed to build in the few
hours Id had.
A proportion of the remaining rats will, no doubt, fall to the
poison, but Im looking forward to the return leg. This time, Ill be
bringing some of my proven liquidised cat food bait and, perhaps,
some lamp-free NV gear.

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19/01/2015 09:29

Class of

2014

SH
UN OO

2014

TER

AIR
G

Readers votes have been counted and verified and now its 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 years 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 Expresss 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

AIR
G

AIR
G

BEST NEW
PCP

DAYSTATE REGAL

TER

2014

2014

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

Its 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

SH
UN OO

DAYSTATE WOLVERINE

SH
UN OO
TER

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
AAs ProSport taking silver, its 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

Weihrauchs reputation for

fine spring-powered airguns has earned the German
manufacturer countless accolades over the years, and now its 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

SH
UN OO

2014
201
20
14

TER

GOLD

AIR ARMS TX200

AIR
G

BEST
SPRINGER
UNDER
300

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

BEST
SPRINGER
OVER 300

24

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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 Ratcatchers 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 years winner, the SMK 78 series puts in another convincing
performance to add to its admirable tally of podium placings.

SH
UN OO

2014
201
20
14

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
pistols pedigree has been built
up over decades, and we reckon its 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.

TER

SMK 78 SERIES

SH
UN OO
TER

AIR ARMS FTP900 (tied)

AIR ARMS S410 (tied)
BSA R10 MK2 (tied)

SH
UN OO

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

BRONZE

DAYSTATE WOLVERINE

TER

AIR
G

BEST PCP
RIFLE

AWARDS: AIRGUNS OF THE YEAR

AIR
G

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

AIR
G

2014

WEIHRAUCH HW100

With its dominance in our Airgun 100 Index through 2014, GOLD
its 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.

TER

AIR
G

SH
UN OO

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 Trophys victory isnt a
great surprise as we know its been selling like BRONZE UMAREX WALTHER CP99
hotcakes, with demand outstripping supply.
Silver goes to another innovative CO2 pistol
but one thats 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 Bonds 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 BSAs stalwart PCP, the R10 Mk2.

SH
UN OO

2014

TER

GOLD

2014

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

AIR
G

BRONZE

BSA LIGHTNING GRT

BSA builds on last years 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.

SH
UN OO
TER

AIR
G

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR
AWARDS

AIRGUN OF
THE YEAR

BSA R10 MK2

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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A Winter

HUNTING: SQUIRRELS & CORVIDS

WEEKEND

Ian Barnetts winter weekend doesnt go quite to plan, but he still sees
some tree-rat and corvid action and puts an ingenious new kitbag item
to good use

he weekend saw me with three straight days of shooting

opportunity as I used up the last of my works 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.
Its 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 Saturdays 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. Id 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 wont touch them but reading the murderous
intention in Dylans 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, its their bark-stripping (which kills young trees) that makes
the grey unpopular. For most landowners, its the squirrels 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 hes 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, its red
or dead.
Well, Saturdays quota of greys was achieved without any
problems, including one of the biggest buck squirrels Ive 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 hadnt 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 hes ever shot
dog day, where Id 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.
Id marked this particular copse the day before as, from a distance, Id 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 Id decided
to take the magpie, theyd both seen me and flown off! Note to self: vermin first. Thats why
Im 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 isnt 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 days foray, it also holds a spare air cylinder for my Weihrauch HW100K-T. Theres
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 didnt 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 Mondays day off to good use. Or maybe not my wife
probably wouldnt 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 Id 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, Ive found some other good uses for
it, too. It makes a useful rain-guard for your rifles 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

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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)

Were 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 Shooters sixth year, its 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 UKs legal power limit of 12ft/lb. Whats 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 editors
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

any shooters especially hunters are keen to know the

penetration and deformation properties their chosen pellet
brand possesses upon impact with the target. Arguably, its
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. Ive 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
doesnt 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,
its actually quite relevant for the hunter who wants to find out a bit

Above: Defensibles Clear Ballistics Gel Air Rifle Block just

the right density for airgun pellets and its clear enough to
show the exact, post-strike characteristics

Plasticine is an inconsistent way of checking a pellets

penetration, and isnt 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 its not the whole picture by any means. For a truly
for pest control.
scientific analysis, youd 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 Ive long suspected.
manner. But nonetheless, Defensibles gel serves as a calibrated,
From the gel results, I gleaned that pointed pellets are inefficient; they
comparative medium.
lose energy quickly and dont 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 youre after the transfer of maximum shock
So, how does it work? Well, fire a pellet into it and youll 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
pellets 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 youll 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 its still identifiable. You can also
the shot, long after the triggers been pulled.
spot deformation in the gel thats ahead of
the pellet. Effectively, this highlights how
a shockwave can build up in front of the
projectile on impact, indicating the pellets
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. Heres 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 sports inception.
We find out a little
more about this
talented airgunner
from the Midlands

AS
DE
AS
DE
AS
DE

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 todays hi-tech FT environment are
stalwarts who have been around almost since the
sports inception back in 1981.
FTs big names are all approachable and
when public venues like the Midland Game Fair
showcase the sport, theyre 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 years European FT
Championships that even after all these years,
he simply cant keep away. We found out a little
more about this dedicated and accomplished FT
shooter from the Midlands

36

AS
DE

AS
DE

Whats your background, Des?

I studied for an HNC in Engineering, and Ive 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 FTCs 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 havent done much to it, if Im honest, and its factory-standard other than the custom
muzzle brake from Hydro Graphics I added. It doesnt 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. Its 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 Steyrs breech...

The Steyr LG110 is

the latest in a long
line of FT guns Des
has shot with

AS
DE

AS
DE

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 its 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, Ive 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

AS
DE

AS
DE

In a long, dedicated airgunning career, what have

been the highlights?
Ive 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 sports 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 countrys rulebook is
different.
AS Given youre 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 thats 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

W
1

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

40

eihrauchs HW80 break-barrel springer

made its UK debut in 1981 and its 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
its 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) doesnt take the gun over the UKs 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 Weihrauchs famed Rekord trigger, a
one-piece unit, which makes life easy in the workshop.
To remove it, tap out the rear pin from the actions 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

from the main cylinder. Its 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.
Ive 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

unscrewed I use a punch pushed into one of the trigger pin holes
to act as a turning arm [7].
Even when the blocks threads are fully removed from the cylinder,
you may need to keep turning the compressor as the rifles mainspring
may still be under tension. Only when youre 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 (shooters
eye view) of the breech [9]. Put it and its spring washer safely to one

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WORKSHOP: WEIHRAUCH HW80

13

10

11

NEW STYLE SLIPPER

OLD STYLE SLIPPER

12

42

14

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 pistons cocking rod pokes out of the end, you can pull it out by hand.
Though its not always essential, if you want to service the barrel latch plunger which
provides the all-important breech lock-up, and thus accuracy then youll need to use a
punch and hammer to tap out the roll-pin located in the side of the breech block [14].
Lifes 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 Ill 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
dont 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. Its also handy
to have when hide-hunting on very gloomy days things can get very dark behind a wellcamod screen!
Fenixs 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. Its 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 doesnt 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.
Theres 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

SEAT

t this time of year, food is harder to

find for all quarry species a factor
that can be used to the airgun
hunters 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 youve got the
right kit to hand...

44

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, its 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 Hawkes Shooting Sticks.
Theyre 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 Ive 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. Ive 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 theres a food jar and insulated mug range.
Thanks to their stainless steel and metal construction, theyre 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; dont overdo it or youll be sussed!
Acmes Crow Call is probably the easiest if youre new to calling; by gently
squeezing the mouthpiece either side of the reed with your teeth as you blow, youll
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 youve
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

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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15/01/2015 12:52

GEAR: BAITING CORVIDS

SILENCER
When youre shooting from cover, a moderator is a must so you dont give away your hidey-holes
location and I like BSAs 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 VCs 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 doesnt add much weight to
your rifles 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 its 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 dont 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.
Thats 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 dont give off any unnatural shine in
sunlight.
JPs 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 JPs 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 theyre known)
give the impression of an incoming bird; Ive 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

46

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AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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

&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 worlds finest pellet producers, using their
own special machinery.
The Hollow Point pellet from H&N Sport (as theyre 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 itll 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 theyre using to control
pests with.
Although its supplied in tins of 200, my sample contained 211 pellets
and none were damaged beyond use! Not that Im surprised; this clean
production is a familiar aspect across the entire range of H&N Sports 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.

48

Throughout this series of articles, pellets have been tested out to the extreme
range of 50 yards. Clearly, for a pellet that doesnt 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 Points maximum test range to 40 yards. For the sake
of consistency and comparison, however, Ive 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).
Youll notice left and right wind-drift in my group placements this was
because the breeze increased slightly after Id initially zeroed the test rifle,
and did a complete 180 turn during the course of the day. At 25 yards, it
wasnt 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 youd 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

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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? Its far better to dissipate all the pellets
energy into your target as theres 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 youre 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
HPs 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

- 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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050.indd 50

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AIRGUN SHOOTER

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054.indd 54

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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the AIRGUN
The official Blaze Index of whats selling
in this months 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 cant 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 theyre so
inexpensive, theres plenty of money left in the pot to lavish on a
2 Weihrauch HW100
tuning job!
3 Remington Express
On what the trades saying, were 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 were 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.
Were interested to interpret this months 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
its 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.
its not been able to outgun BSAs R10 Mk2 over Christmas. Yes, its
Secondly, what happened to
Daystate over Christmas? Both the Regal and Wolverine were in the
the Birmingham gunmakers 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 theyre somewhat
also includes the many variants that distributor Sportsmarketing has
guns of the moment!
unveiled in recent months. Its one spot up from last month, showing that
As weve 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. Its right on the money straight
at random listed no fewer than 42 different models among their five
out of the box but were also hearing from more and more dealers
best sellers of the month.

TOP OF THIS MONTHS AIRGUN CHARTS

TOP

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 didnt reckon increased trade was
necessarily down to airgun shooters wanting to extend their winter hunting time. Its the
improved affordability and reliability of modern NV kit thats 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. Its 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

055 Airgun 100_Rev3CK.indd 55

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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15/01/2015 14:27

56

056.indd 56

AIRGUN SHOOTER

19/01/2015 09:34

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

his months springer pairing is particularly interesting. Both

Weihrauchs 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 thats well presented. Despite its high
reputations to maintain and while one model is a relative
standard of finish, though, its hardly the most distinctive of profiles.
newcomer, the others a proven old stalwart.
Both models come with silencers as standard but, given its 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 gunmakers 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 Remingtons recently
Weihrauch HW95K 310-S
released Express a rifle thats 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 Tacticals synthetic stock may
look a little drab, its ultra-thin grip and forend
give the rifle a distinctive profile.

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57

15/01/2015 14:46

The Remys textured pistol grip

curves at the bottom lip

The HW95Ks receiver has

arrestor holes for a pinned mount

Plenty of grain shows through the

lacquer of the Weihrauchs beech stock

TAKING STOCK

I particularly like the feel of the Remys 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 its a half-decent
ambidextrous design, Im 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 Weihrauchs 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 its much shallower by comparison. Like its opponent,
the HW95Ks butt also lacks a cheekpiece, but its ambidextrous
configuration is still very functional.
Remington XP Tactical

Weihrauch HW95K 310-S

SCOPING UP

The Remys 3-9x32 telly is pretty much a starter package but

although its sight picture is rather average, lets 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 Remys
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 Remingtons silencer (top)

and the Weihrauchs (bottom)

Though theres no scope with the Weihrauch, the HW95Ks 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 Remingtons 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 cant contemplate it in the future. I cant 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 Expresss plastic trigger but the blade of the XP
Tacticals is metal. With a flat, ridged surface, it feels good to use. Theres 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 theres no user manual explaining
how to adjust it.
But, of course, its up against the Rekord Weihrauchs legendary
two-stager that comes part and parcel of the more expensive HW95Ks
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 HWs flower petal breech

The XP Tacticals 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 Weihrauchs pop-out button
worked faultlessly. In terms of resetting, you simply have to pull back the
Remingtons, but lifes 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 cant tell if youre 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
Remingtons saving grace.
Weihrauchs 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, Im often amazed at the consistency a modern-day springers

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
JSBs Air Arms Diabolo Field.

Just like the last Express, the XP Tactical variants machining and finish
doesnt 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, its another classic example of Weihrauchs
esteemed gunmaking prowess. Its rich blueing is deep just that little
bit more polished than the Remingtons and even that lack-lustre
chequering cant 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 Remingtons 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 Weihrauchs meatier

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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15/01/2015 14:47

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
triggers creep, I was regularly able to score sub-10mm
c-t-c groups.
By contrast and rather surprisingly, I must say the
Weihrauchs 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, its an absolute steal at
the price.
Weihrauchs name alone means the HW95K is a strong
contender for anyones 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 cant
fault its performance and it may even have tied on points if my test rifles
safety catch had been more reliable.

Right: Weihrauchs
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

was intrigued by Arthur Brownes letter in last Decembers edition, in

which he explains how hed 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 thats the case.
Perhaps Im being a little unfair to Arthur... Indeed, as Ive reported in
my columns of late, abundance is the last claim Id make when it comes
to rabbits in my part of Norfolk. Consequently, Ive shot very few rabbits
recently, preferring to farm them back to a healthy population.
A high proportion of Norfolks farmland is put over to crops beans, peas,
potatoes, brassicas, cereals, rape and such like. Naturally, its a magnet for
scavenging pests. Ive travelled through Arthurs area enough to guess that
his permissions are walled livestock land, interspersed with high copses and
wooded river valleys. This means hed need to be very selective about where
to focus his hunting sorties.
If it were me, Id be centring activities around those low-level wooded
areas; theyll be havens for roosting corvids and woodies, as well as grey
squirrels. Ill 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 Shooters 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, were 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, Im dubbed The Squirrel Man by some landowners. Its not a title I
particularly like as I think there are far more strings to Mr Barnetts hunting
bow than that! Yet its a handle that opens doors and gains permissions.
Trouble is, Im 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, thats 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 isnt 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 Im 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

wont 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 hunters 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 dont 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. Theyre 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, Id suggest you take a different approach. Just because vermin
doesnt magically appear in front of your gun doesnt mean you should
assume theres 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 its
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 didnt 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 dont see it

Red letter days illustrate

good shooting not
necessarily good hunting

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Sole

TEST COMPARISON: WELLINGTON BOOTS

SEARCHING

Dont 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, weve 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 theyre 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.
Theres 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 Countrymans 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 zips backed up by a waterproof gusset to seal
out the wet from top to bottom.
The boots lined with 3mm Neoprene to keep out the cold
and add comfort, and theres a cushioned footbed to put some
bounce in your step! This can be removed to accommodate
thick socks.
JPs 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 youre 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 theyre 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 thats not enough, theres 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.
Harkilas
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 doesnt 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 its an
exceptionally good one, complete with shock-absorbing gel pads beneath the heel
and forefoot, you may not want to! Theres 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

GRUBS 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.
Theyre 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 theres 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: Grubs Boots

Wed choose these handmade boots for stalking wary rabbits

on wet grassland as their fit is unrivalled and theyre so light
and supple, youll forget youve 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, theres a surprising amount of
support around the ankle though they might be a little too
narrow if youve 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 doesnt 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 doesnt
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 thats been a firm
favourite with hunters around the world
since 1996. Theyre expensive,
but many regard them as the Rolls
COMFORT:
Royce of wellies, and theyre built
TRACTION:
to last.
BUILD QUALITY:
The fit of this elegant boot is
superb; its 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 its 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 soles triple-density construction gives even more shock absorption
FROM: Aigle
than the Parcours 2s 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 its 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.
Theres 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; its 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 wasnt the grippiest of our test selection, but at
least it didnt 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 dont 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 doesnt feel much heavier than a
robust trainer, and also makes them easy to put on and take off. Jack Pykes 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 arent just warm,
theyre 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, theyre
100 per cent breathable, so you
shouldnt 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
didnt 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, its a boot that wont 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. Theyre also light and supple, which means theyre ideally suited to stalking
through woodland or across grassland, and they wont 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. Rockys
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 years 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 youre not flush enough for the Elite, then the S6 is worth considering. At just 439, its in Gamo Coyote, Hatsan AT44 and
Walther Rotex RM8 territory-proven rifles against which it can easily hold its own.
Brococks 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 theres no on-board manometer on
the S6, charging is still quick and easy, using a snap-fit connector. The S6s trigger unit is identical to the Elites.

Under the dust cover is a 1/2in UNF

threaded muzzle for an optional silencer

Plug the probe into the the Concept

Elites port to charge it

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 wasnt too keen on
its long and thin style but the model has now evolved into something
a lot more refined; in Elite guise, its finally won me over. If you want a
lightweight rifle thats a good price, with a fairly decent shot-count and
accuracy to spare, it certainly ticks all the boxes as long as youre
right-handed, mind; the Concept Elite is a right-hand only deal.
I tested the Elite version of the Contour back in September 2014s
issue, so given that guns 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 Id 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 theres 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 thats 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 doesnt 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; its 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 didnt have enough of a bark to justify the fitting
of one even though the barrel shroud is for show only, and doesnt
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 Brococks 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 theres no separate air regulator fitted, Brococks literature
refers to the valve as self-regulating and the flattest part of my test
rifles 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).
Theres 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 isnt really free-floating as its 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 didnt 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 Id 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.

72

The bolt lock doubles up as

a safety catch; theres no
separate switch

Its six-shot rotary magazine will appeal mostly to hunters, though. Its a
simple affair, having no movable parts to go wrong. Because its so tiny
in diameter (see below, left), its not the slickest turner but as long
as you dont dither when operating the Concepts 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; theres
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. Its situated on the right of the action, and
while thats ideal for the Elites 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 dont span the
entire block, you dont have to worry about scope-mounting. A twopiece set will amply straddle fore and aft of the magazine bay; the
magazine wont snag the saddle; and as the magazine inserts from the
right, you can use a sidewheel scope if you want. Mind you, I wouldnt
recommend going with too big an optic, as it may upset the Concept
Elites lovely balance.
From a hunters perspective, the British-made Concept Elite is certainly
one to consider, especially if youre 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. Id be
happy to have one in my gun cabinet.

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AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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...

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, hes recognised as one of the
most talented stockmakers in the world, renowned for turning everyday
airguns into fully functioning works of art!
Frederiks 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 Dutchmans career path initially
took an unlikely turn he actually completed a Masters 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.
Its clear for anyone who visits his workshop that Frederiks 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

74

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 hes 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, its meant that his creativity has never been restricted
by the confines of the standard industry approach; hes certainly not
one to follow the this is the way weve always done it mentality. The
main drawback, as he sees it, was that it forced him to start out without

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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 hes 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.)
Frederiks professional stockmaking career started with airguns and
legendary UK airgun designer, John Bowkett, was one of the first big
names he worked with. Indeed, its a standing joke that Frederik is one
of the few people who can make BSAs super-accurate but no-so-elegant
old SuperTen look good!
He also had a hand in Daystates 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 Ill
be bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at soon. Hes been building
custom stocks for these high-end air rifles ever since, from straight stock
designs through to subtle Monte Carlo and thumbhole versions.
Frederiks 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 wont be disappointed his stocks can turn even the
most mundane airgun into a prized work of art!

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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15/01/2015 15:51

MEDIA SHOP MEDIA SHO

Our selection of the best airgun books and DVDs
for your shooting library with some special Xmas
offers, too!

EDITORS
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 Blazes 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 were 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 Shows popular new YouTube channel, and youll 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. Id say the viewer certainly benefits from Mats 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 doesnt always go to plan, and its 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, Mats second book on the

subject describes over 30 hunting scenarios that youre likely to
come across through the calendar. Covering all methods and the
airgunners 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 Bezzants latest book does exactly what the titles 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 HUNTERS 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 authors at-the-scene images, its 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, Ians 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 youre out hunting. Its a
superb read from one of the most highly esteemed airgun
hunters of our time.
SRP: 20 Airgun Shooter price: 17

A Lifetimes Hunting Advice

Ian Barnett

KINDLE
EDITION
AVAILABLE

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Ian Barnett

JHB

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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, JDs 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 authors 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 Petes 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 Jamess 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

DVD

76

CORVID CHAOS II

AIRGUN SHOOTER
EXCLUSIVE

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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SHOP MEDIA SHOP

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

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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

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David James

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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 Hunters 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
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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
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SRP: 12.99 Airgun Shooter price: 10.99
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AUTHOR

NEW The Airgun Show Hunting

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Pest Control with the Air Rifle

Jim Tyler

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Rabbit Control

Jackie Drakeford

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Total plus 4 p&p (free on orders over 30)*

NAME
ADDRESS

CUSTOM KNIFEMAKING

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 youll 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

NEW

HB

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. Theres
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 Britains 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
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interest in the countryside.
SRP: 16.95 Airgun Shooter price: 14.50
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78

078.indd 78

AIRGUN SHOOTER

19/01/2015 09:37

Mates in the

HUNTING: MIXED BAG

WOODS

Mat Manning is reminded that air rifle hunting isnt

all about bag size when an old mate joins him for a
day in the winter woods

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, theres 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 theres
no denying that nothing beats a solo foray when it comes to
stealth, theres 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 theres 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 youll 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 thats 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, wed 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, its 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 wed
settled amongst was also, we knew, home to several grey squirrels.
We couldnt see any pheasant feeders from where wed 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 didnt manage any corvids by day, wed
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 Id wrapped
up warm with lined trousers, fleecy hat and neck snood, an extra pair of
socks, and a new pair of Jack Pykes neoprene gloves. Theres nothing more
distracting than feeling cold when youre 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.

80

Kev gave me the thumbs-up he may not have been able to take the shot,
but hed 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 Id 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 Id 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.
Kevs shot found the pigeons 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 its a fact hes 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 Id chosen, I
didnt 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 thats 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.

AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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. Theyve even got foldback index fingers for perfect trigger control a feature I
really like; you keep your index finger warm while youre
waiting out your quarry and then simply unfurl it when its
time for some trigger action.
SRP: 19.95
Patterns: JPs 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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AIRGUN SHOOTER

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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, its 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

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. Wed already seen the advent of
the gas-ram in the shape of Theobens 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
whod 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 actions components were fabricated in
Helstons Cornwall workshops, then assembled, finished and the woodwork
fitted in Mikes Essex workshop.

84

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 wasnt 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
couldnt 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

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 shotguns 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 Expresss 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 barrels
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 Expresss 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 theyre
perfectly seated into the rifling by two probes [C] after the brass knob at the rear is pressed in.

Ive 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 Expresss 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 barrels compression
cylinder, so that a single pumping operation primed both barrels. The power
level couldnt 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 its 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 gunmakers 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 Companys 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 wouldnt take
anything less than 4,000 for his.
So for those who took the plunge and splashed out 550 all those years
ago, Id say thats a pretty good return by anyones standards. It might
not have been an air rifle you wanted back then but its certainly a very
desirable one now!
8

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.

86

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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 wouldnt
prosper in the way it does. While shooters often concentrate on the latest guns and gear,
its the people behind the counter at our local airgun dealership who influence our wants
and service our needs. Theyre 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. Weve 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. Weve
had a great year making new friends.
Q Who does what in the Rifleman Firearms team, then?
A Matts background is in farming hes 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, were always dishing
out cups of tea and coffee, and were 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. Were 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), well 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 its 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. Weve already just about outgrown the 1,000 square-foot
premises were in, so are looking to expand in
physical sales space, brands and stock. Were
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 years was
an amazing success with over 400 shooting
families coming to enjoy the many hands-on
events we laid on. Well 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

aystate is a gunmaker thats been synonymous with being at the

forefront of airgun technology since the companys inception back
in the 1970s. Considered the founding fathers of the modernday precharged pneumatic, theyve 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 companys 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 Daystates 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 Daystates
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 weve
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

90

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 forends 22mm rail adds further accessory options, like a flashlight,
bipod or sling swivel.
The Pulsars 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 Daystates proven electronic trigger, the
Pulsars 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
Daystates latest incarnation, but which remains backward compatible
can also be inserted from either side. Meanwhile, the Pulsars 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 Daystates 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 weve fired so far confirm advancement of the already fast lock-time
Daystates electronic guns are renowned for; the Pulsars 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
weve 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, weve 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
Its FREE for readers to advertise in Airgun Shooter. If you have an airgun or accessory
youd like to sell, simply send us in the form below (or email [email protected] with
Airgun Shooter in the subject line) and well 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

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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)

Item description

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Item price

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