Pellpax, Author at Pellpax Blog

Buyer’s Guide to Air Rifles for Pros

Once you’re proficient in the sport of shooting an airgun accurately and consistency, whether for field target shooting, or match shooting where each millimetre counts, you might want to look for an airgun that will serve you reliably for the years to come.

This fantastic Buyer’s Guide by our resident airgun enthusiast Joe Meakin covers some of the best air rifles and best air pistols that are currently available on the market. We hope it will guide you along the right path to you buying one with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

Best Spring Air Rifles

If spring is your thing then we have a great range of top quality models from the finest makers around today such as Air Arms and Weihrauch. Air Arms is a British based airgun firm who make everything in house to an incredibly high standard and this certainly does show when on the target range. Their range of spring powered air rifles consist of the TX200 and the Pro-Sport.

Air Arms

The internals of the TX200 feature some very advanced features that would normally only be found on a ‘tuned’ target rifle such as the bearing rings on the piston itself. This means the piston has very low friction and a constant contact surface which makes each firing cycle very similar, to minimise any fluctuations in the muzzle output.

Air Arms also install one of their CD trigger systems which can be finely adjusted to your requirements to eliminate any trigger creep and the possibility of you ‘pulling’ the shot if the trigger is set too heavy.

Air Arms also offer the Pro-Sport which is very similar to the TX200 in terms of the internals, but differs on the exterior. The TX200 has a standard underlever, positioned under the barrel out the front, and the Pro-Sport has an underlever which is smartly incorporated into the underside of the stock. This dramatically improves the balance of the rifle which helps in target acquisition and steadiness when shooting. If you’re looking for Air Arms’ top model, then the Pro Sport is the model to go for.

See the Air Arms airguns range

Weihrauch

Weihrauch is a marque of quality in the world of airguns

Weihrauch are a German airgun manufacturer, and are one of the longest established airgun firms around today. Through being in business for many years, they have seen how the airgun market has changed throughout the years and refined their products to a remarkably high standard and matched them to the needs of today’s shooters.

Their top end spring air rifles consist of the HW97K, which comes in many different models with different stocks and action finishes, and the HW98. The HW97 is an under lever air rifle, similar to the TX200, and has a standard spring and piston system on the inside. The HW98 is a break barrel rifle, but has features such as an over sleeved barrel, and target stock, to cater for the target shooters.

The HW97 is a heavy rifle, which most shooters prefer, as it helps steady the rifle on each shot. The 97 is also available with a thumbhole stock so you can get a really solid grip when taking each shot. Of course, it is fitted with the Weihrauch Rekord trigger unit for an excellent shot release each and every time.

The HW98 has a target stock, which has an adjustable cheek piece, adjustable rubber butt pad, and textured inserts on the fore stock and pistol grip for a really affirmative hold in damp conditions. This stock makes it the perfect choice for target shooters as it can be tailored to the individual, and the action with the over sleeved barrel offers great accuracy as all the Weihrauch air rifles do.

See the Weihrauch airguns range

Best PCP Air Rifles

PCP rifles offer advantages over spring rifles because they have no recoil, and the high pressure air that they use provides excellent shot to shot consistency. The main drawback to PCP rifles is that they do need an air source to recharge them such as a dive bottle or a stirrup pump, but once you’re all set up the ongoing costs are minimal. There are quite a few top manufacturers for PCP rifles and these consist of Air Arms and Weihrauch again, as well as Daystate.

Air Arms

Air Arms’ top offerings in the PCP range are the HFT500 and the FTP900. The latter is an out and out target rifle, with a multi adjustable stock and regulated action.

Both rifles are only available in .177 calibres and have a shot count of around 100 shots. The HFT 500 has a match grade Lothar Walther Barrel for superb accuracy, whereas the FTP900 has a specially selected match grade Lothar Walther, to give it a slight edge over the HFT.

Both rifles have a laminated stock in colours that are unique to Air Arms, and the stock of the FTP 900 is adjustable in about every angle possible to allow the rifle to fit the shooter, whereas the HFT 500 does have some degree of customization in the cheek piece and butt pad, but nowhere near as much as the FTP does.

See the Air Arms airguns range

Weihrauch

Weihrauch has the HW100 PCP air rifle, which is a truly excellent piece of engineering, and when you purchase one of their rifles it comes complete with 2 magazines, and on selected models a silencer is fitted. The rifle is available in several different options with either carbine or rifle length, with a choice of stocks such as Sporter and Thumbhole, so you can choose the perfect model for yourself. Weihrauch also recently released this air rifle quite with a laminate stock and an adjustable cheek piece, and it has been a firm favourite with top shooters since its release.

The action of the rifle is regulated and it sources air from a quick fill, detachable air reservoir. This air then fires pellet down one of Weihrauchs own barrels, which offers awesome accuracy, as you would expect. Plus, if you pick a model that comes with a silencer, they are one of the quietest air rifles that I’ve ever heard!

See the Weihrauch airguns range

Daystate

Daystate are a British based manufacturer, and combine Italian design and production with quality British craftsmanship, to assemble and fine tune the rifles here in the UK. Daystate are also one of the few airgun companies to offer an electronically controlled action, which increases shot count and consistency, and should definitely be considered by all you top end shooters out there.

The current line-up of electronically controlled air rifles in Daystates line up consists of the Daystate Pulsar, and the Daystate Airwolf. The Pulsar is the latest release from Daystate and incorporates the latest electronics for a super quick firing cycle, which leads to an incredibly low lock time. The Pulsar is a Bullpup-style rifle, which means the action is seated at the rear of the stock to improve the balance, and make it a lot more manoeuvrable.

The Airwolf is based on a standard airgun frame and has a large 400cc bottle, which can be upgraded to a 500cc to improve the shot count, but the 400cc offers 400 shots in .22, which is nothing to be sniffed at! Another advantage of the lightning lock time of the electronics is also the trigger. This is because it’s a switch which activates the action, so the pull weight is incredibly light, and is far less than is achievable with a mechanical action.

See the Daystate airguns range

Air Rifle Accessories

Some accessories that you’ll need for your top end air rifle, if you don’t have them already, are a scope, and depending on whether you go for a PCP rifle or not, a dive bottle or pump. Other accessories that I’d recommend are a gun bag / hard case, to keep your purchase safe in storage and transportation.

Air Rifle Scopes

Your choice of discipline will ultimately determine what type of scope you’ll need. A good ‘all-rounder’ option is scopes such as the Hawke Airmax 30, which come in a few different models with varying magnifications. The good thing about the Airmax 30 is that they were specifically designed for use with airguns, and as such the reticle, and all the features about them, work effortlessly on top of an airgun.

Another choice is the MTC Viper Connect which bucks the trend completely and has zero eye relief. This basically means that you have to put your eye right up against the ocular lens so that the image has a much wider field of view than a traditional scope. A word of warning on this scope though, as the eye piece is right up against your eye – it’s not suitable for recoiling rifles, and really only suited to PCPs.

Take a look at more Air Rifle Scopes

Air Bottles & Compressors

As well as a scope you might need an air bottle, or if your budget permits, a compressor, to recharge your PCP rifle when it’s low on air. Dive bottles are charged up to 300 BAR, and the number of fills that they provide depends on how large the air cylinder is on the rifle. Once they won’t charge the rifle above 200 BAR, then they need a refill which is normally around £5 at a local dive shop. Of course, if you purchase a compressor then you’re completely self-sufficient.

I hope this guide has steered you in the correct direction for purchasing a long term air rifle, which will hopefully become your shooting companion for many years to come, and help you win many competitions!

Check out our extensive range of spring air rifles and PCP air rifles, and air rifle accessories. You can also check out the awesome, collections pages for Weihrauch, Daystate, and Air Arms, which are jam-packed with fascinating content, to learn more about those brands…

How to Get Into Archery for your Office Day Out

‘Team building’ can be a term that evokes a chorus of groans and a feeling of dread around the office. Usually involving ‘trust falls’, pointless games and awkward icebreakers, what should be an office adventure usually ends up being rather dull. This year, why not do something completely different and learn archery together as a team?

On target for a great office day out

Aside from Scout camp, it’s unlikely that many of your team will have tried archery, especially as adults, and it really is a great sport to give a go for so many reasons.

Archery is such an all-inclusive sport. At a low level, it requires very little cardio and can be taken part in by those who may have limited mobility.
Although it can be enjoyed by disabled persons, it is also great for improving coordination, strength and muscle building for people of all abilities.
There are both indoor and outdoor versions which means that you are not relying on the Great British weather being on your side.
A bit of healthy competition is good for office morale and you may help a colleague discover their hidden talent in the world of archery! Set up games, competitions and tournaments and the day will be far more fun (and achieve a whole lot more team bonding) than a third party company organising the usual day of activities.

Types Of Bow

There are various types of bow in archery, but the type you’re most likely to use in an archery day is a recurve bow (where the limbs bend back towards you when the bow is unstrung), or a compound bow (made up of different materials). These come in different lengths depending upon your height, and there are left / right hand variations, too. These are typically provided for you on these big ‘experience’ days out. If you get caught with the archery bug, you can of course head to our archery supplies store and grab your own…

The various types of Archery for beginners

The concept of archery is pretty similar across the different types – use a bow and arrow and aim at a target – however if you look closer at the different areas of archery there are many differences.

Target Archery – This is the type of archery that most people imagine. The archery target has ten rings and you get more points the closer your arrow gets to the bullseye. Men stand 100 yards away from the target and women 80 yards, and fire a recurve bow or compound bow.

Clout Archery – Clout is very similar to Target in many ways, however men stand 180 yards away and women 140 yards and the target is actually a flag on the ground. Again, different landings will earn you different points.

Flight Archery – Flight is the long jump of the archery world where the aim is to get your arrow as far away as possible. This is not quite as common as it requires a whole lot of space.

Field Archery – Field archery uses a longbow and is often done in woodlands. The focus is more on ‘realism’ and is more like hunting than a competition, although the aim isn’t to hit animals of course!

Any form of archery would be great for a day out, although it is probably best to start with either Target or Clout to learn archery at a base level. Target is suitable for indoor use and is the most common form so it is easy to find!

Where can you do it?

You can check out Archery GB for more information but there are hundreds of archery clubs across the country. Whether you choose to go to a dedicated archery club such as St Helens Archers or one of the many corporate event companies who can offer you a package deal.

If Barbara from accounts or Steve from IT suddenly find themselves wanting to become regular archers, why not point them in the direction of our archery supplies sale?

Check out our archery equipment store to get your crossbows, compound bows and accessories today.

Going Trap / Skeet Shooting On Your First Date

Let’s face it, taking a date to a restaurant or the cinema is nice but dull. To really make a first date go with a ‘bang’, why not try something new and exciting, and go Clay Pigeon Shooting instead?

trap and skeet shooting gun — Steph from the the Pellpax team tests out a Webley and Scott shotgun

What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?

One thing you may have to clarify to your date is that no actual animals are hurt in the act of Clay Pigeon Shooting – you’ll be surprised at how many people think that it actually involves shooting pigeons. Certainly not ideal if your date is a vegetarian so best to get that cleared up quickly!

Why is it good for a date?

Is there anything more powerful and masculine than a firearm?! Not to mention the Lara Croft vibe than women with guns can give off – amazing.
It’s an activity, which means you avoid awkward silences and boredom, but it is still able to have a nice conversation and get to know your date.
Shooting is a lot of fun and accessible for everyone as it is not cardio-focussed. In fact, there is an official Disabled Shooters Group who are recognised by the British International Target Shooting Federation and often compete.
Then, of course, there is the low-maintenance fashion choices. No stilettos and miniskirts here, just good, classic earthy tones, tweed and sturdy boots – natural beauty and so cute! Not to mention your own opportunity to wear a themed tie!

Which type of shooting should you try?

There are a surprising amount of variations of Clay Pigeon Shooting under the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, however they all fall under the three main areas:

Trap Shooting
With activities that fall under trap shooting, the clay targets vary in speed and direction and shooters tend to be around 15m away from the traps where the targets are thrown from. Trap shooting is great for beginners and gives you the opportunity to watch your date at work and evoke some healthy competition!
Skeet Shooting
Skeet shooting involves two trap houses, around 40m apart where targets are thrown from. Shooters stand in one of seven shooting positions in a semi circle. Skeet shooting is ideal for a group date but not so much one-to-one.
English Sporting Clays
This is of course, competitive shooting and is more advanced, with targets varying greatly in every way. If yourself and your date are seasoned professionals in the Clay Pigeon Shooting game, this is a great form, however, otherwise it’s probably best to work up to this.

What will you need?

Clay Pigeon Shooting ranges will have all the equipment to rent and of course we have a huge range of guns and cartridges to purchase if you find that you love the sport. Other than the obvious, you will need ear defenders, waterproofs and snacks – why not pack a picnic over which you can discuss who was best and plan the next date!

Where can you go?

There are a whole host of Clay Pigeon ranges where you can try out trap shooting and skeet shooting across the country who offer great deals for beginners. For example, Manchester Clay Shooting Club offers packages from just £40 per person for those wanting to give it a go and provide all equipment and a professional instructor.

Ribble Bank Field Sports charge 30p per clay for non-members of their club and have facilities to cater for all abilities, as long as they are able to hold the gun correctly.

If you are based further South, West Kent Shooting offer taster sessions and lessons for shooters of all levels.

Wherever you are based, chances are you won’t have to journey far to find your local Clay Pigeon Shooting arena – all that’s left to do now is find a date!

Buyer’s Guide to Airguns for Newbies

Airguns are a low cost form of shooting, and great fun for all, thanks to the instant feedback from hitting a target. However, they do come in all shapes and sizes, and can be something of a minefield for the new shooter, so we’ve put together this blog post to guide you through the pitfalls!

Essential Equipment : An Airgun

We here at Pellpax strive to be one of the best air rifle shops in the UK, and provide all the essential equipment that you require to start shooting. Furthermore, with our UK airgun delivery service we can deliver airguns and accessories to your door!

The first thing that you’ll need is an airgun. This is the catch-all term for air rifles, or air pistols, and these come in different power types and calibres. For newbies, I’d recommend an air rifle, as they are more accurate than pistols, and easier to shoot accurately, as they have a longer barrel, and benefit from a stock to hold them steady. Once you’ve mastered the basics of shooting then you can add a pistol to the collection, but when starting out it’s very easy to be disheartened with a pistol.

For a Newbie, a spring rifle is definitely the way to go. Spring rifles require minimal maintenance and no power source such as CO2 capsules, or an air bottle. The only power source is yourself, breaking and cocking the barrel on each shot. Spring rifles have recoil when fired, but this teaches you how to shoot and hold the rifle correctly to deal with this recoil, ultimately making you a better shot!

Entry Level Scopes

When it comes to firing the rifle, you can either shoot with a scope, or open sights. Open sights are more of a challenge than a scope is, but if you’re ultimately looking at a sporting event such as 10 metre or bell target shooting, then only open sights are permitted. For anything else such as hunting, Field Target or Hunter Field Target shooting, a scope is a much better choice.

For a starter scope, then either the Hawke Vantage 4×32 Mil dot Scope or the Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 Mil dot Scope are great choices. All of Hawkes scopes range comes with a lifetime warranty and of superb quality, making them a great starting point for newbies.

As well as a rifle and scope, then other accessories are pellets and possibly a bag to keep everything safe in. Luckily we have put together several cheap air rifle kits which include a rifle, scope, bag, and pellets to get you started and shooting, as soon it is delivered by our fleet of vans.

Price Range

Rifle kits start from around the £100 mark and increase upwards from there. For £108.99 the Stinger UL Starter Kit .177 includes the rifle which fires at around 7 ft/lbs, which is more than enough for target shooting, and includes the rifle, 4×32 scope with mounts, gun bag and a tin of pellets. A great choice for those looking for something which won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for something a bit higher quality, and harder wearing, then we can offer the Rabbit Sniper Kit, which comes with a full power .22 rifle, a hard and durable wood stock, a 4×32 Scope with Mounts, a tin of pellets, and a gun bag. Again this is everything you need to get started, and also it benefits from a little bit more muzzle energy, meaning it can be used for pest control and hunting up to ranges of around 40 metres.

Other Markets

Other areas to consider are second hand stores such as online websites, and your local gun shop which might have a selection of second hand goods. You can quite often pick up an older rifle such as a Weihrauch or BSA which has had a fair bit of use, but these are still plenty good enough for target shooting.

Of course, you can have it refurbished and returned back to its former glory with a service. Most gunsmiths should be able to offer this but it depends on how much work is involved, and their standard charges.

The Law

Before purchasing anything, though, I would recommend making sure that you know what the law is regarding air rifles and air pistols, so check out our Airguns Laws to ensure that you’re brushed up on the latest rules.

Airgun Shooting For Beginners

If you’ve ever fancied getting started in the world of shooting, it’s probably easier than you first thought. Let us help you with this handy guide to starting out…

First off, you have to be over the age of 18 to purchase an air rifle or air pistol, and have valid photo ID (passport / driving licence) to prove this when you purchase from a shop. If you want to buy online, We’re one of the very few internet retailers that deliver to item to your door. Secondly, the rifle or pistol has to be below 12 ft/lbs, which is the legal limit for air weapons which don’t require a license. If you take a look in our Airguns category, then everything within there is below this limit, so they only governing factor now is your budget!

The Sport of Shooting

The sport of shooting has more benefits for it that you may think, and is by no means reserved for the upper class, as many believe it is today. Air rifles and air pistols are a low cost form of shooting, and there are many local clubs which have large memberships in the disciplines of Field Target and Hunter Field Target shooting. If you fancy joining one of these clubs, a couple of great websites to check out are www.shootingclubdirectory.com and basc.org.uk/airgunning, which have details of numerous air gun clubs across the UK that would be more than happy to accommodate new members.

Of course you don’t have to be a member of a club to shoot; you can quite as easily purchase several targets and shoot on your own land. A wide range of targets are available such as knockdowns, knock and resets, and standard paper targets. You can take a look at our full selection of shooting targets here and start building your own home range today!

A lot of air rifle users also use these weapons for pest and vermin control, such as rabbits and squirrels. They present the hardest of targets as they are prone to rapid movement, and shot placement must be spot on to ensure a humane kill.

All these targets and practicing target acquisition massively improves your hand eye coordination, steadiness and sense of distance which can benefit you greatly in day to day tasks.

The Law

The law is very clear on Airguns; they are classed as a firearm and hence carry heavy penalties for misuse. For this reason you must ensure that you comply at all times, which means you must first know the law.

The Law is split down into different age groups as follows…

If you’re over the age of 18 then there are no restrictions on you purchasing an air rifle and ammunition, but you must only use it on land which you own, or have permission to shoot on. If you do get some land to shoot on with permission, I would suggest getting it in writing, as well as a map of where you are allowed to shoot. You must also remember that whilst shooting, no projectiles must leave the boundary of the land, so know your boundaries!

If you’re between the ages of 14 and 17 years old, then you can borrow an air rifle and ammunition, and use it without supervision on private premises where you have permission to do so. At this age you can’t hire or buy an air rifle, buy ammunition, or receive one as a gift. Everything must be looked after by someone over the age of 18 such as a parent, guardian or other responsible adult. You also cannot have an air rifle in a public place unless you’re with someone over the age of 21 and have a reasonable grounds to do so, such as traveling to a shooting club.

The final age group is 14 years and younger. In this age group you can use an air rifle on private land with permission, but you must always be supervised by a person over the age of 21. You can’t buy or hire an air gun or ammunition, nor receive one as a gift, and those who do buy an airgun for use for someone below the age of 14 must be sure to exercise control over it at all times.

Air Gun Power Plants

When it comes to choosing either an air rifle or air pistol, there are a few different power sources to choose from, and each has advantages and disadvantages. This is just a quick rundown on them, but for a deeper insight, check out our blog post from our Gun Smith Jason here.

Spring power is the cheapest and easiest to use as it consists of a large spring moving a piston within a chamber to compress air in front of it to move the pellet along the barrel. These guns require very little maintenance and only need the movement of you cocking the barrel to make them ready for firing. They also don’t require any other accessories. Spring guns do have recoil though, but this can be seen as an advantage, as it teaches you how to correctly hold the gun to deal with this, henceforth improving your skills right away.

Co2 power utilises Co2 canisters which come in a couple of sizes. These are loaded into the gun, which is then released through a valve, into the barrel upon each shot. This method reduces the recoil to practically nothing, as well as cutting down on the noise from the action. This means in most cases that a silencer can be fitted to reduce the overall noise of shooting. However, Co2 does suffer from power fluctuations with the temperature, and requires you to carry spare capsules for reloading when they run out.

PCP stands for Pre Charged Pneumatic and these guns are based around an air reservoir, which is refilled with a dive bottle or stirrup pump up to pressures of 200 BAR. This high pressure air is then allowed through to the barrel through a valve. The use of high pressure air provides excellent accuracy and consistency and similar to the Co2 guns, and a silencer can be used to reduce the barrel noise. The drawback of PCP is that they are expensive to buy, particularly with the accessories, but once set up they are phenomenally accurate and simple to use which makes them the number one choice for top end competition and match purposes.

What do I need to get started?

To get started you need as little as an air gun, either a rifle or pistol, the necessary pellets, and other essential accessories such as co2 capsules, where required, of course.

Here at Pellpax we have a few kits that we have put together at a great price to get you started. One such kit is the Wildcat Kit which comes with the rifle, scope, a gun bag, a tin of pellets and a pack of our targets. Everything you need to start punching holes in paper as soon as it is delivered.

Once you have your selected item, then it’s time to start shooting! As both of these are break barrel items, you first have to tap the barrel to break it away from the breech, then grasp the barrel firmly and pull it towards you to cock it until it clicks. Then load the pellet into the barrel and return it to its starting position.

Basic Technique

Firstly, take aim at your target. with the air rifle the best technique is to not hold the stock too firmly, as you need to allow the rifle some room to recoil slightly. With a loose hold on the rifle, disengage the safety, and slowly squeeze the trigger until the shot fires.

With the pistol it is much the same, except you will need to hold it slightly tighter to support its weight, and feel free to use both hands, one round the grip and one supporting the front of the pistol to get the best accuracy. Enjoy!

From here it is really down to you developing your technique over time and fine tuning the scope / sights and practicing hitting the centre of the target and learning your gun. Of course you might consider upgrading over time to a high quality rifle, but these basic tips and kit are a great place to start.

You can grab a Pellpax Wildcat kit here.

Our Spring powered air rifles can be found here. Our Co2 air rifles are here, and our PCP air rifles can be found here.

Brand Focus: Daystate

In a recurring feature, this month Joe Meakin focuses in on the work of Staffordshire prestige gunmakers, Daystate…

Daystate are a great British success story. Alongside great manufacturers like Air Arms and BSA, they continue to produce airguns which are the envy of the world. The main focus of the company is high quality PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) airguns along with a range of accessories to suit. This is premium quality product, and it’s reflected in the pricing. The price range of Daystate air rifles starts from around £800 and goes up to around £2000, but you can be assured the rifles are worth every penny that you pay for them as the accuracy and attention to detail are superb.

Daystate Origins

The origins of Daystate date back to 1978 when the company was formed to produce air powered tranquilliser guns for pest control purposes which sold fairly well. The company’s big break came about in 1980 when they were approached by the well-known pest control company Rentokil, who asked them to produce a small-bore air rifle that they could use for pest control purposes in their business. This rifle was called the Huntsman, and the name is still being used on a rifle today, the Huntsman Regal. This model back in the 1980s produced 40 ft/lbs in .22 calibre which was perfect for Rentokil’s uses.

Daystate also sold a detuned, 12 ft/lbs version of the same rifle to the general public and it enjoyed a long production run thanks to its solid production and accuracy. Many airgun experts credit this rifle as the Father of all modern PCP rifles that we know today as prior to this most air rifles were powered by spring.

Shooters of course quickly realized that the PCP action had little to no recoil meaning that they were able to produce much better accuracy with these rifles. Around this time Field Target shooting was gaining in popularity and shooters quickly adopted the PCP power plant as their favoured action. The Huntsman was used by many shooters in these competitions for years, but it was one of the heaviest rifles around, but Daystate introduced a new range which included the CR94. These were dedicated to Field Target shooters, and these rifles quickly started taking the trophies at competitions which assured Daystates position in the airgun market solidly.

Modern Day Production

Panther4000LHAFL — The MK4 (formerly known as the Panther)

Since then the company has produced numerous air rifles, both mechanical and electronic controlled air rifles such as the MK3, MK4 and, more recently, the Pulsar which are fantastically advanced air guns which maximise efficiency and consistency from each fill. Daystate have pioneered electronic controlled air rifle actions with their CDT (Capacitor Discharge Technology) and MCT (Map Compensated Technology) which are, essentially, very effective electronic actions.

The use of an electronic action means that the lock time from when you pull the trigger to the time the pellet leaves the barrel is shortened considerably. This reduces the chance of you pulling the shot off target once you have pulled the trigger, and the trigger weight is far less than is achievable on a mechanical rifle.

Daystate Pulsar

Pulsar-Tactical-LH-4000 — Daystate Pulsar Tactical

The rifle which features all this high tech technology today is the Daystate Pulsar which is available in a choice of stocks such as Forest Laminate and Synthetic. The electronic system has been improved from its predecessor, the MK4, in that all the electronics are encased in a waterproof case, making it truly waterproof. The electronics also operate off standard batteries, and not a special rechargeable one which previous rifles were.

The Pulsar is a Bullpup rifle which reduces the overall length whilst still retaining a full length barrel and cylinder for great performance and shot count figures in a manoeuvrable and compact package that is perfect for target shooters and hunters. A nice feature of the Pulsar, and probably my favourite, is probably, is the laser which is built-in. It activates only when the rifle is cocked and the safety is disabled, and really helps with both target acquisition, and range-finding when used with a scope.

Daystate Renegade

A new rifle that is now being released is the Daystate Renegade which is based on the same frame as the Pulsar, but it has a mechanical action, and comes in at a lower price point. This model doesn’t have a laser as the Pulsar does, and has an electronic trigger which releases the mechanical sear at the rear of the rifle, to save linkages between the trigger and the back of the rifle, which is often a failing point for most bullpups.

Huntsman Regal

The Huntsman Regal is their entry level rifle in their range, but is one of the finest handling, and performing rifles that I have ever used. The whole rifle is very sleek and sophisticated in the appearance, and this continues right through the whole rifle.

The unique feature of the Huntsman Regal is that the action is embedded deeper into the stock compared to other PCP rifles, which makes it feel more like a traditional hunting rifle, and balances out beautifully when brought up to the shoulder. As with all Daystate air rifles, the Huntsman Regal uses the 10 shot magazine which has been tried and tested over the years and is very simple and easy to use, and minimises any jams when loading the rifle. This is essential in a rifle, particularly when out hunting, as a jam could mean a missed shot.

Wolverine Range

The Daystate Wolverine range is in the middle of their line up, and these rifles are designed for tough hunting situations where the best is required. Daystate have made these rifles incredibly strong and hard wearing by starting off with a one piece, CNC machined breech block to which different parts such as the bolt, barrel, and cylinder and secured. This makes every aspect of the rifle which is attached to this block very sturdy which minimises any shift in zero, as well as tack driving accuracy shot after shot.

The Wolverine is available in with either a Steel 400c cylinder, or a Carbon Fibre 480cc cylinder. Both models have the same high grade Walnut stock and a shrouded barrel which makes it a delight to hold and shoot, and whisper quiet when out shooting.

All of these rifles are available in both sub 12 ft/lbs configuration, as well as FAC power levels for those who have an FAC and the allowance for one. Even in 12 ft/lbs these are great pest control and hunting rifles and are built to last from the finest of materials that are available today which you can instantly tell when you pick one up.

To grab your own Daystate air rifles, parts and accessories, head to our brands page where we list them. Or to learn more, go to the Daystate Collections page. Their official site is here.

Face Off: Weihrauch HW40 PCA vs Zoraki HP-01 (Formerly Webley Alecto)

Our intrepid airgun enthusiast Steph Brooks continues his excellent comparison series, Face Off. This month it’s the turn of HW40 by Weihrauch and the HP-01 by Zoraki / Webley Alecto…..

The HP-01 used to be known as the Webley Alecto but remains exactly the same pistol underneath. Both of these pistols use a pneumatic pump system where the shooter compresses air inside the cylinder which then fires the pellet when the trigger is pulled. The idea behind this design is to provide the accuracy and power of a pre-charged pistol but without the need for a compressor or air bottle, providing power and precision in the palm of your hand.

First Impressions

Both of these pistols actually look remarkably similar and have something about the Desert Eagle style look about them. Both are finished in matte black, with the Zoraki having marginally better detailing around the pistol grip especially. The grip of the Zoraki is also far more ergonomically shaped, for a tighter grip whilst aiming.

The HW40 is around 50mm shorter than the HP-01 which is not that noticeable, but it does weigh almost half a kilogram lighter. This was far more apparent after shooting these pistols for a good hour. I can imagine the Zoraki would start to feel heavy after a long day down the range.

Both of these pistols feel incredibly solid and utilise a high grade polymer that is moulded around a metal frame for added strength. In my opinion neither of these pistols is going to set the world alight with their looks and both of them seem to be quite generic, as they look like many other pistols in this category.

In conclusion I think the winner is the HW40 but only just, thanks its lower weight and despite its marginally inferior finish. To me, looks are not as important as something that can actually affect shooting, and the heaviness of the Zoraki started to affect the accuracy of my aim after a while.

Winner: Weihrauch HW40

Pumped Up Kicks

hw40 air pistol — **The HW40: Be careful not to trap your fingers**.

The main difference between these two pistols is that the HW40 is a single stroke pneumatic whilst the HP-01 is a multi-stroke pistol. What this essentially means is one pump for the HW40 puts it ready to fire at full power whilst the HP-01 can be pumped between one and three times to reach any of its three power settings. Pump once for low power, twice for medium and three times for full power. This gives shooters extra flexibility in how much power they want but aside from testing I found myself using the second and third power settings exclusively.

The only reason I can think why you would use the lowest setting is that the pistol makes less noise… but who doesn’t like loud noises?! Ok, your neighbours might not, and I understand that noise is a valid concern in built up areas, but when down the range I can’t see a good reason to shoot at the lowest power setting.

Now, I’m not Jeremy Clarkson! Power isn’t everything but it does mean flatter trajectories and better range, things that are far more desirable to me than quietness. I have heard reports from people of increased muzzle rise when fired at full power, but it was not something I noticed, particularly when shooting two handed.

However, I was using an under side mounted laser on the HP-01, which may have acted as a barrel weight, reducing the muzzle rise but again, unless you are in serious target shooting competitions, I’m sure this issue is not something that will bother you.

To pump the Zoraki to full power takes quite a bit of strength, while the HW40 is slightly easier. One thing to note it is quite easy to catch clothing and fingers whilst closing both pistols so make sure you have both out of the way when shutting the breech. I’m going to give the win to the HW40 again here as it is slightly easier to pump and only requires one pump to shoot at its most powerful as opposed the HP-01.

Winner: Weihrauch HW40

Shots Fired

Despite early wins for the HW40, here is where the ZP-01 really comes into its own. When both shooting at full power the HW40 produces around 2 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, while the HP-01 produces around 5.5ft/lbs. This is a big difference and means that whilst the HW40 will struggle to go through an empty Coke can, the HP-01 is capable of taking out pets such as rats quickly and humanely and is one of the few non PCP or spring powered pistols that is capable of close range pest control.

This really puts the Zoraki in a different class of pistol from the Weihrauch and makes it ideal for almost any shooting discipline, whether it’s target shooting, plinking or pest control. On the other hand, the Weihrauch is only really good as a short range plinker or target shooter.

It is worth noting at this point that the Zoraki is nearly £100 pounds more expensive and so a difference in quality is to be expected but if you are looking at serious competition shooting or to take out some pesky pests, there is really only one option.

The triggers of both are two stage and fully adjustable with a hex key, with the ZP-01’s match trigger being crisp and sharp and the HW40’s having a tiny bit of creep, but not enough to affect accuracy. Both group well at their effective ranges using Air Arms Field (4.51) pellets and neither pistol experienced any jams or problems while testing.

There is only one winner here; the Zoraki is so much more versatile in its use with higher power and a much longer effective range. This is where the price difference of the two pistols really becomes apparent, as the HW40 is certainly not a bad pistol, and performs better than most other pneumatics in its price range, such as the Beeman 2004E. However its lack of power is to be expected, as it almost half the price of the Zoraki.

Winner: Zoraki HP-01/ Webley Alecto

Sights & Extras

The sights of the Zoraki are also of exceptional quality, with the foresight flipping over to offer a choice of blade width, as well as different positioning. This allows for great accuracy right out of the box. The HW40 features front and rear fibre optic sights that are fully adjustable, although not as much as the HP-01’s, and are again, perfectly aligned. The fibre optics work in all but the darkest of conditions. It is worth noting that the Zoraki’s iron sights are not fibre optic so external optics is required for shooting in low light conditions.

Both pistols feature rails on top for the easy attachment of red dot sights or scopes, but only the Zoraki has an under mounted weaver rail for laser sights, torches or other suitable attachments. I used a laser in my testing, set up to 45 yards, and although a red dot sight is more effective for target acquisition, it is nice to have the option for under mounted attachments.

In terms of accessories the HW40 is a bit of a bare bones affair with the pistol and manual included in the box, whereas the HP-01 comes with a bottle of gun oil, adjustment tools and a cleaning brush as well as the manual and gun. Another nice feature included with the Zoraki is a test sheet from the factory showing the grouping achieved with each particular pistol. It was, according to the sheet, tested using Crosman pointed pellets which are not exactly famed for their accuracy. This strikes me a bit like Audi including official 0-60 figures with their latest car in snow tires, but whatever, it’s nice to have and gives each pistol a more individual touch.

The added accessories as well as the under mounted rail means I have to give this one to the Zoraki HP-01.

Winner: Zoraki HP-01 /Webley Alecto

And The Winner Is…

Well its 2 – 2 so far in the categories but I have to pick a winner. There is no penalty shootout this time, no referendum, the answer is obvious. With its adjustable power, crisper trigger and extended range the winner has to be the Zoraki HP-01.

The HW40 is a very good pistol for its price point and provides the best accuracy of any pistol that is sub £150. If you are looking for a pistol just for plinking there is no reason not to buy the HW40 but it is just outclassed by a far more expensive and more versatile pistol. The Zoraki is an excellent target shooter, plinker, pest controller or vermin hunter with rails for a variety attachments making it one of the most powerful and versatile pneumatic pistols on the market today.

Winner: Zoraki HP-01

You can grab yourself a Weihrauch HW40 air pistol here, and a Zoraki HP-01 / Webley Alecto here. To learn more about Weihrauch, head to our collections page.

Which air pistol do you think makes the grade? Do you own either? Or have you got a different recommendation altogether? Let us know in the comments below.

Brand Focus: Weihrauch

In a recurring feature, this month we zoom in and take a special, closer look at German airgun manufacturers, Weihrauch.

Weihrauch is one of the oldest gun manufacturers still in business today – the start of the company dates back as far as 1899. One fun fact to note is that the business was started in a town called Zella-Mehlis, where gun makers Walther and Anschutz also began! The original founder of the business was Hermann Weihrauch Sr. who was a superb hunting rifle manufacturer, and along with his three sons they created the business, making a selection of small bore rifles, along with a range of shotguns. These models had an excellent reputation for outstanding quality, as the Weihrauch range still does to this day. Of course, Weihrauch were affected by both World Wars and were evicted from Germany post WWII as their factory fell inside the Soviet zone. From here Hermann Weihrauch Jr. (one of Hermann Weihrauch Sr.’s sons) started off the Weihrauch firearms business in the 1950’s but with the aim to produce the finest sporting airguns in the world.

Beginnings : 1950s

Several models were produced from around 1950 onwards including the HW50V, the HW25 and HW55. The HW55 quickly became one of Europe’s leading break barrel target rifles, which was a massive help to kick start the company’s reputation in the airgun market. The Weihrauch HW35 was released in 1955 and has been one of the most successful air rifles in the world, and is still in production today, which makes it the longest running model in airgun history.

HW35 Air Rifle

The HW35 is a full size sporter air rifle which has a spring powered action and has been a firm favourite with hunters and target shooters for many years. The rifle was the first model to feature the Rekord trigger, which has become synonymous with the Weihrauch brand thanks to its fantastic operation and full adjustability. The HW35 didn’t have a massive power output compared to some of today’s rifles but was one of the more powerful models for its time. Weihrauch have never forgotten this rifle over the years and have produced several special edition models, a favourite of mine being a gold plated model with a walnut stock of which only one was produced to mark the 1 millionth serial number.

Weihrauch produced their first air pistol in 1970 which is called the HW70. This air pistol is a standard break barrel air pistol and takes on a striking black appearance which this day is nicknamed the ‘Black Arrow’. This pistol is also still in production and is a great little pistol, ideally suited towards target shooting.

1970s

From the 1970s onwards, a close connection between Weihrauch and the USA importers, Beeman Precision Airguns, led to the production of a new rifle tailored to the high power requirements of US users. The design was loosely based upon the HW35 but was a lot larger which led to increased power, and combined American styling and features with German engineering. This rifle if you haven’t guessed already is the legendary Weihrauch HW80 (sold in the US as the Beeman R1). This rifle is credited as introducing the American market to full size airguns as it can push out pellets at around 18 ft/lbs of energy making it ideal for hunting. The HW80 is also a massive hit here in the UK where it is available in FAC or sub 12 ft/lbs and is regarded as the ‘workhorse’ as it is just an awesome piece of airgun engineering and is really built to last.

Weihrauch HW45

The Marque of distinction

From here multiple other rifles and pistols have been produced over the years such as the Weihrauch HW45 air pistol which was another German and American collaboration with the Americans designing its classic Colt 1911 styling, and Weihrauch producing the internals. The internals are quite unique to the HW45 as it features a dual power cocking system which has made it a favourite amongst target shooters and pest controllers.

The HW70 led a few years after this pistol which features very similar styling, but with a more target orientated single stroke pneumatic firing system which has minimal recoil to improve consistency.

HW77

The Weihrauch HW77 was the next milestone rifle to come out of the Weihrauch factory and was an under lever rifle which had become incredibly popular amongst target shooters in Europe and the UK. This rifle didn’t sell well in America, though, as it had a modest power output compared to the HW80. The HW77 is available in both standard and carbine lengths and the direct barrel loading system were rather innovative for its time, which massively improved accuracy compared to other models of its day. The sporter style stock was perfectly designed for shooting with a scope which target shooters absolutely loved, and still do to this day. After the great success of the HW77, Weihrauch produced another underlever air rifle but with a larger compression chamber, larger selection of stocks and finishes and without any open sights, called the HW97. This is more inclined towards serious hunters and target shooters as it is a large, heavy rifle but is superbly accurate and can be fitted with a sound moderator to reduce the heard muzzle blast.

HW90

The Weihrauch HW90 was the next rifle to come from Weihrauch, and this time it was a collaboration with the old English airgun company Theoben, and includes their most notable airgun innovation, the gas ram system. This system offers multiple advantages over the conventional spring such as lower recoil, no loss of power over time, and increased accuracy and consistency. The HW90 had a classic sporter stock and has been a firm favourite over the past years with hunters and pest controllers thanks to its high power output and fantastic build quality.

Weihrauch HW100

Weihrauch have also in more recent years been a pioneer in the world of Pre Charged Pneumatic airguns with their HW100 rifles, and the HW110. The Weihrauch HW100 is a multishot PCP rifle with a side lever action which Weihrauch were one of the first to develop. A 14 shot magazine loads the pellets and an anti-double load system makes the rifle more usable and safer than others on the market. One of my favourite features of the HW100 is the Weihrauch barrel fitted with one of Weihrauchs high efficiency silencers which makes the rifle so quiet, you sometimes don’t know if it has fired or not. The HW110 is the latest PCP rifle and has a 10 shot magazine and a synthetic stock and comes at a lower price than the HW100 and has already been a big hit with consumers and the airgun press.

A Marque of Quality

Weihrauch never forget their high quality standards and examples of their products just keep working and working. I personally have a HW35 which dates from the 1970s, and despite its physical appearance the accuracy is phenomenal and I wouldn’t change it for anything!

To learn more about Weihrauch, head to our collections page for a full list of products. And you can check out the official Weihrauch official site here.

Love Weihrauch? Own one of their airguns? Tell us what you think of the brand in the comments below.

Face Off: KWC Desert Eagle vs Tokyo Marui P226

This month, Steph Brooks from the Pellpax team takes time out to review two highly prized mid-range airsoft pistols. Read on for more….

I’m taking a break from firearms this month, and reviewing two great bb guns in the shape of the KWC Desert Eagle and the Tokyo Marui Sig P226. Airsofting has become a major sporting activity, with sites springing up all over the country thanks to the large number of people willing to give up their weekends and evenings to skirmish though a boggy field or an abandoned industrial estate. With its growing popularity and thanks to the competitive nature of the activity, the best equipment is essential, so let’s try and decide between these two mid-priced pistols to help you get the edge over the competition.

Looks

In terms of appearance both of these pistols look very similar to their live firing counterparts. The Tokyo Marui P226 is more of a police/military style pistol whilst the Deagle has more of the Dirty Harry “Do you feel lucky punk?” factor and is certainly larger and more exiting to aim, feeling like it is capable of doing some real damage.

Both of these pistols feature an ABS plastic body with metal internals, such as the gas blow back system and magazine. This struck me as somewhat of a downside on the P226 where its smaller frame could surely support more of a full metal body and make this pistol feel more like the real thing. There are also noticeable mould lines around the P226 and whilst these are easily filed away, they make the pistol look more like a toy than a real firearm. The Desert Eagle already weighs nearly 2 kilos, so maybe a full metal construction would not be the best idea but I would have liked to have seen the classic chrome finish on the barrel and slide, to make it look more like its iconic live firing counterpart.

As I have stated before, to me, looks are nowhere near as important as how a gun handles or shoots but if had to pick a winner based on the appearance of these two I would go for the Desert Eagle thanks to its larger shape and construction. Both of these pistols look like bb guns and although the plastic is strong, I can’t help but feel that more metal would benefit the aesthetics of both these pistols.

Winner: KWC Desert Eagle

Operation

Both of these pistols operate with a gas blow back system which means that when fired the slide of the gun is pushed back by the gas and chambers the next bb for realistic operation and recoil. This does mean that some of the energy from the gas released is diverted away from the power required to propel the BBs out of the chamber. On other hand, does make these guns feel far more realistic than their static alternatives, with realistic recoil and kick.

The safety of the KWC is ambidextrous and easily accessible. It does lack that distinctive click clack engage/disengage noise but hey, it does the job. The P226 has a slide lock but lacks any safety switch of any kind which had me sometimes disengaging a safety that wasn’t there and at first, seemed somewhat of an over sight to me. However, after some research I discovered that the live firing version also lacks a manual safety switch, and can only be fired when the trigger is pulled thanks to some clever internal pin locks. I have been carrying the P226 in a holster all day and have never had it go off when I wasn’t expecting but would still prefer a manual safety switch. Maybe it’s a psychological thing, but with the KWC I know when that switch is engaged there is 0% chance of it firing, and with the P226 there was always a niggling thought in the back of my mind.

The P226 features a rail on its underside near the trigger guard, which is ideal for a laser or torch, and makes installation easy. The P226 is probably second only to the 1911 in terms of aftermarket accessories with springs, barrels, piston heads and body panels all available to tailor the pistol to suit your specific needs or desires. The KWC is without rails of any kind and its iron sights are not as precise or well-made as the P226, as they are without white dots or fibre optics which makes aiming, particularly at white targets, a tad trickier. The Desert Eagle also has nowhere near the same amount of options in terms extra parts.

The magazines of both pistols are relatively easy to fill with both bbs and gas with and thanks to their all metal construction both feel exceptional sturdy and lock into place with a satisfying clunk. The magazine of the KWC has a bit of lateral movement, but not much and certainly not enough to make feel as if the magazine was in any danger of falling out of position.

The grips of both pistols are made from stippled abs plastic and provide a sure hold, even under recoil, both in the naked hand and with airsofting gloves on. I would be interested to see if they are so easy to grip after a couple rounds in the rain or when coated in mud, but this will probably be more affected by your choice of gloves than the pistols themselves. The P226 fits the hand better but that is just generally a size issue, rather than shape or design. Not that the Deagle is too big or in any way cumbersome, but unless you are Andre the giant it is unlikely that you will be able to wrap you fingers all the way round it. The Desert Eagle is from the family of guns that perceive bigger as better, it is meant to feel powerful in your hands, but this does have a few drawbacks, and it is worth researching your holster before you buy it, as the Deagle will not fit into them all.

I think I’m gonna have to give this to the P226. Its lack of safety will take some getting used to, but the fact that it can reliably fit into any sized holster, and its extra customisation options make it more universally suitable.

Winner: Tokyo Marui P226

Performance

I tested both guns from a distance of 10 metres inside an indoor range to eliminate wind, temperature or elevation changes from effecting results, and first of all I have to say that both these bb guns are extremely fun to shoot. The P226 has got to be one of the loudest gas pistols I have ever fired. Some may see this as a disadvantage for giving away your position but I must admit, at the range it left a big smile on my face thinking “this thing hits hard”. The KWC features a slide that features strong feedback whenever the trigger is pulled which undoubtedly affects accuracy but makes this pistol feel like an absolute cannon which is, of course, extremely enjoyable. In reality both pistols shoot at around 300fps, but the KWC definitely feels the more powerful with its heavier recoil.

In terms of accuracy the P226 edges it with a grouping of around 2”, as always, ignoring a couple of outliers that were shot at the start of the magazine and were just me getting my eye in. Three of the holes were actually double taps and all shots landed within 1.5” of the bullseye. The Desert Eagle, ignoring a couple of outliers, grouped at around 2” also but with no double taps and a greater spread between the pellets, particularly in the vertical plane. This leads me to conclude that although both guns are comparable in terms of accuracy on the day, the P226 might just be the more consistent when it comes to hitting the target.

The trigger of the P226 features a long length of pull, a long reset and quite a sudden break, which does take a bit of getting used, to produce accurate results. The trigger action is consistent and doesn’t feel flimsy or unresponsive, it is just somewhat longer than I was expecting and I suspect that has something to do with the safety mechanism I mentioned earlier but, nonetheless I’m sure it won’t be for everyone. The trigger of the KWC is harder to pull but has a much shorter length, which makes the pistol seem more responsive.

Another thing to consider is that the P226 cycles much quicker than the Desert Eagle and I was able to empty the magazine far quicker when shooting with it. Part of this is down to the heavier kick of the Deagle taking longer to realign my aim after shooting, but even just blind firing the difference in speed is noticeable and something to consider if trying to aim at a moving target when your window of opportunity is small.

Despite having great fun with both of these pistols I think the winner has to be the P226. In terms of accuracy is was marginally more precise and the quicker cycling speed allows you to get your shot off when you need it.

Winner: Tokyo Marui P226

Conclusions

In summary, both of these pistols do an adequate job of being back up to your airsoft rifle or as a primary weapon in CQB engagements. Both pistols fire reliably and in my testing I encountered no problems with either of them. Both airsoft pistols are extremely fun to shoot and provide great feedback thanks to their gas blow back system. In terms of airsofting both of these pistols are accurate and reliable and can be drawn and fired in an instant and could give you the edge over the competition.

Since I have to pick a winner, I give it to the P226 because, despite its lack of safety and somewhat Marmite trigger, I found it to be more accurate and it offers a bigger range of extras if customisation is your thing.

Winner: Tokyo Marui P226

Head to the store where you can grab an airsoft Desert Eagle, a Tokyo Marui P226, or any from our huge range of airsoft pistols and airsoft rifles.

Check out Steph’s review of the Beretta CX-4 Storm Versus the Winchester Lever Action air rifles.

And The Winner of the Huge Giveaway Is……

Our Director Darren Cl — **Pellpax Darren Kirk congratulates Huge Giveaway winner Peter on his prize.**

In March we announced our very first Huge Giveaway. A mammoth prize of nearly 60 different parts, including 3 airguns, lots of outdoor gear, archery equipment, and a break at an exclusive hotel! It’s a prize which is unprecedented in the industry, and one of the many reasons our customers love us. The competition ran for one month, and all you had to do to win, was to make a purchase of more than £25. For every additional £25 spent, a further entry was made.

The great news is that we effectively received thousands entries during a 2 week period, thanks to the purchases made. And now it’s time to announce the winner!

The lucky recipient of all that Pellpax goodness is Peter, a customer from Surrey. Our Director Darren Kirk went out in person to hand over the goods to the man himself (pictured).