Читать книгу Guns Illustrated 2011 - Dan Shideler - Страница 22

AIRGUNS BY TOM CACECI

The 2010 SHOT Show had many new products of interest to anyone using an airgun. Modern airguns are serious, high-performance tools for target competition or sport hunting. New technology and production methods have created air weapons that are affordable, easy to use, and typically free from most of the restrictions imposed on firearms. At the same time, they’re powerful enough to use effectively in pest control operations or serious small game hunting. What’s out there today isn’t a “kid’s BB gun” any more.

AIR ARMS from the United Kingdom has introduced the EV-Z MARK IV rifle for target work. It has an adjustable palm rest and a poplar stock that can be finished in a wide variety of colors to suit the taste of the buyer.

BEEMAN, another UK manufacturer no stranger to US airgunners, has introduced the dual-caliber ELITE X-2 rifle with interchangeable barrels.

BELTFED is a brand-new name in the airgun world, with a product that is unique. Everyone loves full-auto fire: while BB guns and softair guns simulate it, this company’s .22 is a CO2-powered pellet gun, firing actual pellets at the astonishing rate of 12 shots per second or 720 rounds per minute. As the name implies, it’s belt fed: the belt is enclosed in a drum-type housing that gives the Beltfed the look of a “Tommy Gun” to go with its performance. Power is provided by a large CO2 reservoir that connects to a tank adapter. Magazine capacity is up to 125 rounds, and velocities are comparable to other CO2 powered guns. No word yet on when this product will be on dealer shelves.

BSA is one of the best-known brands of airguns in the world, usually associated with pump-pneumatic and break-barrel rifles, but they have introduced a new line of PCP (precharged pneumatic) rifles to the American market this year. The Ultra Tactical lowest priced PCP rifles on the market, no doubt making it even more attractive to new airgun enthusiasts.

CROSMAN, America’s most famous airgun manufacturer, displayed many new products, and an entirely new technology for break-barrel guns, the Nitro Piston Magnum power plant in their Trail NPXL series rifles, available in .177, .22, and now .25 calibers. The Nitro Piston mechanism replaces the conventional spring of the typical break-barrel gun. The heart of the Nitro Piston is a gas-filled cylinder, which offers numerous advantages compared to a spring. Crosman claims it is 70% quieter than a conventional spring, requires less cocking force to achieve the same level of power, and most importantly, can be cocked well in advance of shooting. In a spring-powered rifle, cocking too far in advance of the shot will result in the spring taking a “set” and the result is diminished power: not so with the Nitro Piston system. The gas cylinder is also unaffected by outside temperature so that velocities are consistent from shot to shot. Another advantage is a reduction in recoil compared to spring power.

The display screen used on Daystate Rifles, and their patented Harper valve system.

Alan George, General manager of Air Arms, holds their EV-2 Mark IV Rifle, a target gun with adjustable palm rest and a poplar stock that can be finished in many different colors.

Dani Navikas of Beeman Precision Airguns displays the X12.5, a 1250 FPS Rifle in their line.

Anschutz is a major name in shooting, and have a line of airguns to complement their firearms, which have long dominated the fi eld of biathlon competition. Anschutz expects the use of airguns in biathlon to continue to grow, as they permit younger shooters to enter the sport.

Top to bottom: The Air Wolf MCT, the Air Ranger, the Huntsman Midas Grade, and the Mk 4 from Daystate.

Following up on the success of their BENJAMIN Discovery and Marauder series, Crosman has brought out a .25 caliber version of the Marauder, their top-of-the-line PCP rifle. The new Marauder operates at 2500 PSI, moving a heavy .25 caliber pellet at 850+ fps, generating 45 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, a significant increase over the .22 caliber version introduced last year. It has a “choked” (tapered bore) barrel to enhance accuracy and uniformity of velocity, will run on CO2 as well as air (the so-called “Dual Fuel” option), and a built in pressure gauge. The handsome hardwood stock is checkered, and a two-stage, adjustable trigger is standard equipment. The .25 Marauder is intended for the varmint hunter and pest control airgunner who needs high levels of power; the big pellet is more effective, with superior knock-down power for larger animals.

Crosman introduced the Silhouette, a PCP handgun for target shooting.

Named for the Outdoor Channel’s TV series, the “Bone Collector” is new from Gamo.

The Hatsan Rifles feature the “Quattro Trigger” for improved pull and crisper let-off than is typical of break-barrel Rifles.

Crosman hasn’t neglected the air-powered handgunners, either. They have introduced two new PCP pistols, the Silhouette and a one-hand version of the Marauder. The Silhouette is offered in .177, the Marauder pistol in .22. The 10-shot Marauder pistol utilizes the same internal technology and sophisticated trigger system that the rifle version does, and Crosman offers a detachable shoulder stock as an optional accessory. The smaller-caliber Silhouette has a barrel made by Lothar Walther and Crosman claims it will shoot quarter-inch groups at 30 meters. Velocity of the Silhouette is approximately 450 fps. It meets both International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association and NRA standards for competition.

Crosman Corporation also has partnered with REMINGTON (which also owns Marlin) to produce new branded products. The MARLIN Cowboy is a traditionally-styled lever-action BB gun with an “Old West” look and feel that will appeal to kids. It has numerous safety features that guns of a previous era lacked, though: notably an anti-snapback system to prevent the cocking lever from pinching hands if it’s accidentally released. With a velocity of 350 fps, the Marlin Cowboy is an ideal entry point into shooting for young people.

A Remington-brand break-barrel rifle using Crosman’s Nitro Piston technology will be available with a number of features to appeal to the small game hunter: a synthetic all-weather stock with a ventilated butt plate, enhanced trigger, and a Crosman CenterPoint 3-9x40 scope.

Crosman is also producing airsoft guns under the BUSHMASTER brand, with applications to gaming and law enforcement training. The Bushmaster Predator and Carbon 15 airsoft guns are very realistic electrically-driven rifles suited to law enforcement training scenarios. The Game Face airsoft line has also been expanded to include three very realistic models marketed to the gamers.

Hatsan also has an extensive line of conventional spring-pistol break-barrel designs.

The prototype for Cometa’s new value-priced PCP rifle, which is slated to enter the US market in the Spring of 2010.

Crosman has introduced Verdict Marker Pellets for use in all airsoft guns. These are coated with a chalk-like substance that leaves a mark when it impacts a player at 60 fps or more – a feature especially useful in law enforcement training activities, where there must be confirmation of a hit. The Verdict pellets are seamless and environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable. Biodegradable pellets are also sold under the Game Face label.

Low-powered guns ideal for training new shooters are Marksman’s specialty.

Located in the UK, DAYSTATE is one of the world’s premier manufacturers. They are offering rifles on the cutting edge of airgun technology that incorporate proven systems and first-class workmanship. This year they have introduced the Air Wolf MCT, a PCP rifle, available in both .177 and .22 caliber. In the UK, air rifles are limited by law to energy levels of 12 foot-pounds or less, but the Air Wolf is intended for the American market and is far more powerful, producing muzzle energy of 17 foot-pounds and 40 foot-pounds depending on which caliber is chosen. The Air Wolf uses a patented Harper “slingshot” valve, designed to reduce the “hammer bounce” usually associated with PCP rifles and to permit very high power levels thanks to the use of what Daystate calls “Map Compensated Technology” (MCT) system. The Air Wolf is a very high-tech rifle, designed with the needs of the airgun hunter and fi eld target shooter in mind.

The Air Wolf MCT is a 10-shot repeater with a 230-Bar (3335 PSI) air tank that can provide up to 70 shots at 40 foot-pounds and as many as 400 at 12 foot-pounds before a refill is needed. MCT uses an on-board computer to monitor the firing cycle on a micro-second basis, feeding the information back into the main firing valve control system to produce consistent velocity from one shot to the next, by adjusting the valve output and lock time. Continual regulation of the power output results in a fl at power curve as well as absolutely controlled air release. No air is “wasted” by this very precise, computer-controlled air regulation, producing more shots per tank. An LCD display screen shows the rifle’s status continually.

Justin Biddle, Marketing Manager for Umarex USA, displays the new “EBOS” (Electronic Burst of Steel) CO2-powered full-auto BB gun.

The on-board computer also permits the shooter to choose one of eight distinct firing modes and to choose one of two pre-programmed power levels. Another version (cataloged as the Air Wolf MVT) permits the shooter can select the level of velocity and power desired. The Air Wolf is available in a left-hand model, as well as in rifle or carbine length. Other features include a sound moderator system, adjustable electronic trigger, and a keyed safety “Power Isolator” switch.

The MCT technology is also used in Daystate’s MK4 iS-S and ST rifles, also available in rifle or carbine length. The MK4 series guns are fully programmable, and equipped with handsome walnut stocks, with the option of conventional (S) or thumbhole (ST) styles.

Also on display was the latest version of Daystate’s famous Huntsman rifle, the Huntsman Midas LE Grade. This beautifully upgraded Huntsman is to be made in very limited quantities: only 100 will be produced for worldwide distribution. The number to be sent to the USA has not yet been determined. Airguns of Arizona, Daystate’s importer, said they have ordered 25 of the Midas grade rifles but don’t have a delivery date yet.

GAMO, one of the world’s leading manufacturers, has several new break-barrel guns and high-tech pellets that provide a new level of performance. Chief among these is the Gamo Bone Collector, a break-barrel rifle designed in collaboration with Michael Waddell and Travis “T Bone” Turner of the Outdoor Channels TV series of that name. The Bone Collector rifles are a limited release, with a special Hunter Green synthetic stock handsomely accented with grey rubber inserts. The Bone Collector logo is emblazoned on each side of the stock. Bone Collectors are available in both .177 and .22, with muzzle velocities of up to 1250 and 950 fps respectively using Gamo’s new PBA pellets (see below). The rifles are fitted with integral sound suppressors and a special 3-9x40 scope as well as open sights.

Gamo’s new products also include the a new series, the SOCOM Tactical, Carbine, and Extreme guns. These all utilize an advanced power plant to drive pellets up to an amazing 1600 fps in the Extreme. The SOCOM Tactical, offered in .177, has an adjustable cheekpiece on its synthetic stock, a molded fore-end and a palm swell. It is fitted with a scope as well as open sights and includes as well a fully adjustable laser and light for night use. The SOCOM Carbine in .177 is a fast-handling high-powered rifle fitted with a scope only; it too has an adjustable stock. The SOCOM Extreme has taken the break-barrel rifle to a new level, with a completely redesigned power plant that has been tuned for maximum velocity with the PBA .177 pellets. The composite bull barrel reduces cocking force and the near vertical pistol grip assures excellent control. The 3-9x40 scope provided includes red, green, and blue illuminated reticles.

For hunters, Gamo has brought out the Rocket series, designed for high performance at moderate price. In .177, they generate velocities of 1250+ fps, and are fitted with 4x32 scopes from the factory. Stock options include black or camouflage synthetic. The light weight and high performance of these sporting guns make them ideal for the small game airgun hunter.

In keeping with the current trend towards big bores in airguns, Gamo has introduced their Hunter Extreme “Cannon” Big Bore in .25 caliber. This scoped rifle has a high-grade beech stock and a 3-9x40 scope, and claims 1000 fps with PBA ammunition. It’s Gamo’s ultimate product for hunting and varmint control.

High velocity is the key to airgun utility: the slogan of the airgunner is “Speed Kills,” and Gamo has taken steps to produce special pellets with lower weight for enhanced ballistic performance.

The heart of this new pellet technology is the Platinum Ballistic Alloy (PBA) introduced in 2005 and incorporated into several new pellet designs. PBA is lighter than lead, offering the potential for up to 30% higher speeds. Pellets made from PBA are available in several styles, including a domed all-PBA version, and two specially-tipped varieties. PBA pellets are made in .177, .22, and .25 and are suitable for use in all makes of guns.

In addition to the domed version, Gamo has brought out the tipped Blue Flame and Glow Fire pellets. The Blue Flame is made in .177 using the PBA alloy; the Glow Fire is a lead pellet. Both are made in .177 at this time. Both the Blue Flame and Glow Fire pellets incorporate a polymer tip, for reduced weight and higher velocities. The Blue Flame’s tip initiate expansion on impact, coupling high velocity and high terminal energy for use on small and medium sized game. The Glow Fire lead pellet is intended for the night hunter: its polymer tip literally glows in the dark after exposure to light, to facilitate loading a rifle at night.

STOEGER is a new name in the airgun fi eld, though not to American shooters. They are importing an attractively-priced line of break-barrel guns made in China. The Stoeger X-Series rifles run from the X-5 to the X-20, the numbers indicating top velocity levels. The X-5 is rated at 800 fps, the X-10 and X-20 at 1200 fps and the X-50 at 1500 fps (all ratings listed are with alloy pellets).

All the X-Series rifles are in .177 caliber, and have an ambidextrous safety catch, adjustable rear sights, and an adjustable two-stage trigger. Stock options include wood, black synthetic, and Advantage Timber HD camoufl age. The X-10 and X-20 can be fitted with an optional scope sight. This range of airguns is expected to cover the needs of new shooters, youths, and small game hunting. UMAREX has teamed up with Ruger to produce a youth-oriented spring-air gun carrying the Ruger brand name. The Ruger Explorer Youth rifle is light, moderately powered, and sized to smaller shooters; it incorporates several safety features that make it ideal for training new shooters. The Explorer weighs less than 4-1/2 pounds and is only 37 inches long, sized to fit smaller frames. Its synthetic thumbhole stock is ambidextrous; the power plant drives a pellet at under 500 fps and requires a cocking effort of 16-1/2 pounds, half the normal amount. Importantly, the Explorer is equipped with a trigger barrel-safety system to prevent the barrel from slamming closed if the trigger is pulled while it’s open, eliminating the chance of a fi nger injury. Very competitively priced, and with a “name” label, it should appeal to new shooters and their parents or coaches.

Walther of Germany makes a line of precision target air Rifles as well as their famous firearms.

Produced by Crosman, this traditional Western-style Marlin BB gun is sure to be a hit with youngsters.

Umarex has also teamed up with BROWNING and has expanded their line of pistols with the Browning Model 800 Mag spring-air handgun in .22 caliber, complementing the .177 model already in the line. Like the .177 version, the Model 800 has an ergonomic ambidextrous grip and recoilless action which reduces the amount of recoil produced by the movement of the spring piston. It attains a velocity of 600 fps in .22 caliber, and to reduce cocking effort, includes a cocking assist handle. Other features of the Model 800 Mag include an automatic safety, fiber optic sights, and a synthetic ergonomic pistol grip.

Umarex also makes CO2 powered guns, with licensed branding from other famous companies. New this year is the MP5K-PDW in their HK-branded line, a tactical-style rifle shooting BBs at 400 fps. The COLT Defender is yet another CO2-powered BB gun, a close copy of the scaled-down M1911-style Colt product. The Umarex copy has double-action-only lockwork and a maximum speed of 440 fps from its 4.3-inch barrel.

Umarex sells CO2-powered guns under its own name as well, and has several new entries into this fun-shooting segment of the market. The tactical style Electronic Burst of Steel (EBOS) semiautomatic has an electronic trigger to control gas release, and three modes of operation: single shot, a four-shot burst, and an eight-shot burst. In single-fire mode this gun generates 540 fps with BBs and boasts tactical railing, a removable forearm grip, and an adjustable rear sight. Power is provided by an 88-gram CO2 capsule concealed in the gun’s grip.

Also out under the Umarex brand is another tactical style BB gun, the Steel Storm, featuring a six-shot burst mode, a 300-shot reservoir, and tactical railing for mounting accessories. The Steel Storm uses a pair of 12-gram CO2 capsules and can generate speeds up to 430 fps in single-shot mode.

Realism is part of the fun of shooting BB guns, and Umarex caters to that need with their new High Power Pistol (HPP), which routes some of the CO2 propellant into a circuit to “blow back” the slide, producing a very realistic recoil feel. This is an invaluable training feature. Despite using gas to simulate recoil, the HPP moves a BB out at a very respectable 410 fps. Umarex’s entry into the “ultra-fast pellet” competition is the new RWS Hypermax alloy pellet, in .22 caliber. This follows on the very successful .177 version and is intended for use in all brands of .22 caliber guns.

Predator International is importing the Polymag pellets, in various calibers: this one is not for 155mm howitzer, it’s a display of their polymer-tipped product!

Sunny Sun of Xisico USA, with the bamboo-stocked Model 206.

It’s no secret that China is one of the largest sources of airguns. Given their enormous domestic market and their power in export sales, neither is it a surprise that new players and new companies come into the game every year. XISICO AIRGUNS is now competing in the USA, with a break-barrel rifle and pistol as new products.

The Model 206 break-barrel gun made by this company has a stock made from bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent stock material, thanks to its density and hardness: the arrangement of the fibers in this woody material give it extraordinary strength in compression. Bamboo is also capable of being worked almost like metal to facilitate inletting and precision fit. The companion piece to the Model 206 is a break-barrel pistol with a Picatinny rail and an automatic safety feature.

Xisico has an under-lever rifle, the Model 46U with a quick-release lever lock, an auto safety, and a pellet speed of 1000 fps.

They are also producing and exporting their first CO2 powered gun, the Model 60C. The model designation is obvious when you look at it: it bears a startling external resemblance to the famous Marlin Model 60 autoloading .22 rifle! This too has an automatic safety and it boats an adjustable trigger.

Turkey has recently emerged as source of economically-priced, high-value firearms, and their industry is turning its attention to the airgun market as well. ARMED is producing two break-barrel guns, the Model 6 and the Model 6W, the latter having a wood stock. To date there is no importer bringing Armed guns to the USA but they hope to be selling here in the next year.

HATSAN, a Turkish company better known in the USA for its line of shotguns, is now producing break barrel Rifles. The Hatsan Model 88 features a specially designed Quattro Trigger system for improved pull; and also a power plant with an integral recoil reduction system. The mechanically identical Model 88 TH has a thumbhole stock.

Stefan Gervasoni, Export Manager for Daystate in the UK, holds the Grand Prix, their top-of-the-line rifle for fi eld target shooting.