Airguns Archives - Page 5 of 6 -

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.

Secret Life of an Airgun & Shotgun Delivery Driver

One of our distinctive Pellpax vans on the way to a delivery.

One of the most important parts of Pellpax is our door to door airgun & shotgun delivery service. Unlike many of our competitors, who often send your order to your local Registered Firearms Dealer for collection, we have the facility to deliver air rifles, air pistols and shotgun cartridges nationwide, directly to your door.

These deliveries take place each weekend thanks to our team of drivers, many of whom are previously members of the armed forces and police. To shed more light on this very special air rifle delivery service, we sent out blogger and writer Hazel Randall to spend some time with one of our drivers…..

Friday lunchtime:

Parcels are being loaded into the van in reverse order of delivery. Every item has been double-checked, all guns have been fired, and each package has the customer’s name written clearly on it. The driver, Chris Avern, is handed a folder labelled NORTH, which contains 54 invoices and three hotel booking forms, all in correct order. Taped to the front of the folder is Pellpax’s Certificate of Registration as a Firearms Dealer.

Sophisticated software used in the Pellpax office has calculated the route and approximate time between drops. Taking into account time that will be spent with customers, an estimated time of arrival has been written on each invoice, and customers have been advised of this time. (No pressure then, Chris.)

Chris programmes the satnav with the postcode for the first drop, copied from the invoice. The satnav shows an estimated time of arrival – a few minutes earlier than the time shown on the invoice.

Chris locks the back door of the van and sets off. In the back of the van there’s a CCTV camera, and above the passenger seat is a tiny monitor. Security is paramount.

The sky is overcast and there’s a chill in the air, but the weather forecast for the north of England is good. With Radio 2 playing in the background and mobile phone (with Bluetooth connection) fixed to the dashboard, Chris begins his solitary three-day sojourn.

This is the first weekend in June. White hawthorn is frothing madly in the hedgerows, its sweet scent drifting into the van. Now and then, a splash of pink or red may blossom grabs the eye, and then it’s gone, leaving its glorious image hovering in the memory. Meadows are studded with daisies, and in the gardens, laburnum trees are weighed down by copious yellow blossom.

Chris arrives at the first address five minutes ahead of time. He takes the customer’s package from the van and knocks on the front door. The door is opened by a smiling, middle-aged man, who congratulates Chris on his excellent time-keeping. The two men have a friendly chat, and the customer tells Chris about his pigeon problem. The client’s ID documents are on the hall table, ready for this delivery.

When Chris delivers a gun or any item related to guns – pellets, scope, silencer, etc. – he must see photographic ID and a household bill that connects the client’s name and billing address. Chris records passport or driving licence serial numbers, and signs to say that he has seen the documents. If the photographic ID is something other than passport or driving licence, and there is no serial number to record, Chris takes a photograph of the document for reference. Then the client signs the form. When the paperwork is complete, Chris hands over the goods and the invoice and invites the client to check his purchase.

Chris makes a successful delivery to another happy customer.

Back in the van, Chris takes the second invoice from the folder and enters the postcode in the satnav. The ETA displayed on the satnav is 10 minutes ahead of the ETA on the invoice. Chris is making good time.

Already, the sky is clearer and the sun is warming the air. Chris takes off his sweater and throws it onto the passenger seat. He winds the window down halfway and sings along to Dire Straits and Walk of Life.

In the beautiful city of Lincoln, the Pellpax van scoots up and down the steep roads, carving a route between flower-filled gardens and elegant architecture.

When the Romans invaded the Iron Age settlement of Lindo (Celtic for pool) in 48 AD, they renamed the town Lindum Colonia, but by 1066 the name had evolved into old English Lincylene. During WW1, the first ever tanks were designed and built in Lincoln, and the city’s manufacturers continued to produce a wide range of military vehicles during WW2.

After one drop in the middle of Lincoln, Chris heads for The Humber Bridge – a 2,220-metre suspension bridge over the Humber Estuary, connecting Lincolnshire to the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Humber Bridge is the seventh longest of its kind in the world; however, when it was opened to traffic in 1981, it was the longest. It’s foggy and drizzling with rain when Chris makes the crossing. With the window wound up, he croons an accompaniment to Dolly Parton as she sings I Will Always Love You.

Humber Bridge 1 — Crossing the Humber Bridge

In the evening, after a delicious spicy pizza and a bottle of Coke, Chris arrives at a pre-booked hotel in Bradford. He has delivered to ten addresses today. Backing the van against the car park wall, he takes his overnight bag into the hotel, signs in, and snuggles into bed.

***************

Saturday morning

Chris is jerked awake, by his phone alarm. The first drop, half an hour’s drive from the hotel, is due soon. Chris showers, dresses, and finishes up last night’s pizza. Shortly after, he’s driving away from the hotel, squinting into the low sun.

Chris arrives in good time at the first address. The customer is wearing a dressing gown but answers the door promptly, ID in hand. He and Chris greet one another like old friends. This is a repeat customer – a man appreciative of the Pellpax air rifle delivery service.

The next customer is not in. Chris knocks several times and phones the contact number given on the invoice. Five minutes after the due delivery time, Chris writes a note to say that he has called and slips it through the letterbox. He’ll have to take this item home again.

Nobody's home, so Chris leaves a note for a customer. — Nobody’s home, so Chris leaves a note for a customer.

Twenty minutes later, Chris is driving into the pleasant grounds of a residential home. The sniper rifle to be delivered is for a member of staff. The door is opened by the client’s colleague, who has her own ID ready. Chris asks to see the client’s ID as well, but it seems that he hasn’t left it for her. Chris has no other phone number for the client, other than the number for this address. The lady tries to contact the client, but with no success. Chris apologises and says that he will not leave the rifle without seeing the required ID. There is no other option – he must take the gun back to Pellpax.

Today’s route takes Chris over the Yorkshire Dales. But first he must fill up with diesel – and coffee. The large red Costa sign that stands at the garage entrance is reminiscent of one of those seductive ladies who stand by an oasis in the Road films, beckoning to Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Fortunately, the Costa sign is not a mirage.

Chris has long distances to drive between drops today. There are only 16 addresses to visit, but they span a distance of several hundred miles.

The view from Sharp Haw – a hill with an elevation of 357 metres on the southern edge of the Dales – is stunning. The word ‘haw’ comes from Old English ‘hawian’ (view). Chris stops the car and gets out for a few moments. His feet brush past bright yellow buttercups on impossibly slender stems, vying for attention with gorgeous campion and achingly pretty bindweed.

There are traffic jams in Hull. Temporary lights at roadworks seem to be permanently red. Chris makes a phone call to his next customer, explaining that he’s stuck in traffic queues. Apologising for the delay, he gives an estimated time of arrival, adding that he might be even later. The customer says not to worry – she’s well aware of the roadworks and the delays they’re causing.

After dropping off the parcel, Chris phones the next customer. He’s twenty minutes behind time, but the roads are fairly clear now. He tells the customer that he’ll be there within half an hour.

It’s evening, and Chris makes his final drop of the day 15 minutes after the due delivery time. Perked up a little by a nourishing KFC, Chris makes his way to the pre-booked Travel Lodge in Hull. Before signing in, he enters the postcode of tomorrow’s first drop in the satnav. He signs in, has a shower, and falls into bed.

***************

Sunday morning:

Chris wakes, showers and leaves the hotel. His mood is not going to match the lovely weather until he’s had a coffee. After ten minutes of driving, an oasis appears. With a large Costa coffee inside him, the monster that got out of bed minutes earlier turns into a Beach Boys backing singer.

This morning, Chris delivers the only shotgun of the weekend – a Webley and Scott 900 Extreme Sporter 30” Barrel, 12 gauge. In addition to ID checks, Chris must see the client’s firearms licence and sign to say that he has seen it. With this invoice are two copies of a Firearm Transfer Notification letter. On this occasion, there are no shotgun cartridges delivered, but we do have the very rare facility to do this, also.

The client must enter information about the firearm purchased from Pellpax, including the serial number, along with his own name, address, and licence number. It’s the client’s responsibility to send his copy by recorded post to his local firearms department. Chris takes the second copy back to Pellpax for their records.

A drop on the western outskirts of Kendal takes Chris through the picturesque town, famous for Kendal mint cake, the high-energy confectionary that sustained numerous explorers on expeditions to Mount Everest, K2, and the north and south poles.

During the first half of the second millennium, the main industry in Kendal was the manufacture of woollen goods – notably the hard-wearing fabric known as Kendal Green, worn by archers in battles of the Hundred Years War. The cloth was steeped in a yellow dye produced from Genista tinctoria (dyer’s broom), and then overdyed with blue Isatis tinctoria (dyer’s woad). The motto on the Kendal coat of arms is Pannus mihi panis (cloth is my bread).

Driving over Lambrigg Fell in Cumbria, Chris passes the Lambrigg Wind Farm (pictured), owned by RWE npower renewables (previously National Wind Power). The wind farm, opened in September 2000, comprises five turbines that produce enough pollution-free electricity to meet the average needs of around 2,500 UK homes.

Today takes Chris both under and over the River Mersey, and across the rivers Kent and Aire. He crosses the Manchester Ship Canal and the Aire & Calder Navigation, which leads into the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Grazing the outskirts of Liverpool, Chris’ route wends eastward. The day ends at a Premier Inn in Derby – an unusual arrangement of chalet-style rooms around a courtyard, with external stairs to the upper storey. Chris drops his bag onto the floor and falls face-down onto the bed.

***************

Monday morning:

Just eight more drops to do. For some reason, Chris craves something fishy to eat. He settles for a prawn-mayonnaise sandwich from a garage shop, accompanied, of course, by a Costa coffee. This leads to a hearty rendition of the James Bond theme song, Nobody Does it Better.

After the final drop, Chris fills up with diesel; there’s a two-hour drive back to the Pellpax base in Aylsham, Norfolk. When he arrives, Chris hands the undelivered items to sales manager, Jason Whittle, explaining the circumstances of each one, and takes the paperwork to the office.

This weekend, Chris has driven over a thousand miles, through 14 counties, and has visited 54 addresses. Next weekend will be similar, but the route will be different. But now it’s time to go home. Chris exchanges the Pellpax van for his own ‘Fred’, and drives away, just in time to collect his son from school.

To learn more about our shotguns, and air rifle delivery service, click here. You can also have shotgun cartridges delivered.

Face Off : Beretta CX-4 Storm XT vs Winchester

This month’s face off sees two excellent big hitter air rifles go head to head to see which one is the best. The CX-4 Beretta Storm, and the Winchester Lever Action by Walther are two leading Co2 powered air rifles…..

CO2 powered air rifles have many distinct advantages over other types of air rifle. They are usually powered by either 12g or 88g CO2 capsules which are easy to fit and install. The capsules provide similar effectiveness and efficiency to a PCP rifle, without the hassle of refilling your air cylinder. Just fit a new capsule when the old one runs out and you’re ready to shoot again.

CO2 rifles, thanks to their relative ease of use, are great fun to shoot and suitable for a variety of roles, including pest control, target shooting or even just hitting tin cans in your garden. They are ideal for those new to air gunning and those looking for a fun alternative to spring or PCP rifles.

The Winchester lever action is priced at £340 whilst the CX-4 comes in at just under £400 but does come with a scope and bipod for this added price. Both of the rifles I tested are only available in .177 calibre.

Which Rifle has the best Looks?

The styles of these two rifles are very different with the lever action featuring a more classic style that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of A Fistful Of Dollars and features a beautifully slim beech wood stock that has been stained for added texture and colour in the finish. The Winchester model I tested was called the “Original” and featured a blued receiver and barrel and whilst these were adequately done, there are couple of models that I think look slightly better, most notably the Stainless Steel and Wells Fargo deluxe models.

Meanwhile, the CX-4 has gone for a more military/police style and is consequently almost entirely black. I think this does detract from the looks of the rifle, especially at a distance where the details and contours of the rifles stock are harder to make out. That’s not to say that this rifle looks generic however, its unique silhouette ensures that it apart from the majority of other rifles in this category and is with its large thumbhole being both stylish and functional.

This is a bit apples and oranges but after asking round the office the Winchester came out on top with 66% of the vote and I have to say I agree with them. The CX-4 storm is a good looking rifle for those of you that prefer a more modern looking gun but my fondness of a wooden stock, coupled with my secret desire to be Clint Eastwood leads me to pick the Winchester as the winner.

Winner : Winchester Lever Action

Shooting The Breeze: Best Operation?

down-storm-barrel — **Looking down the barrel of the Storm**

Both of these rifles utilise 88g CO2 capsules which fit into the butt of the stock with relative ease, and provide both rifles with around 220 shots. The rotary 8 shot magazine of the Winchester is incredibly impressive. Simply load the pellets into the mag, slide it into the side of the rifle, cycle the under lever and you’re ready to shoot. The CX-4 Storm’s magazine is somewhat more unusual and consists of a rubber belt that can hold up to 30 pellets. This number of shots is certainly impressive for a CO2 air rifle and although it takes longer to reload, the time between reloads is increased as well. It is worth pointing out that the CX-4 has a reputation of jamming pellets by not firing from the magazine properly but in my time with the gun I encountered no problems. I assume this is from people loading the pellets in by hand instead of using the tool provided which ensures a uniform fit.

From looking at the Winchester I was worried that it would feel more like a glorified toy but thanks to its extensive use of wood and metal, with only the sights, barrel band and muzzle cap being plastic, it has a far more realistic weight than I anticipated. The CX-4 however makes extensive use of plastic in its stock which does improve handling but gives this rifle more of a toy-like feel.

When it comes to the “fun factor”, perhaps the most important consideration between choosing these rifles, I found that both of these rifles put a smile on my face but for very different reasons. With the Winchester it is all about the lever action, it makes reloading this rifle almost as fun as shooting it and gives a real air of authenticity to the gun. The under lever is a bit tough on the knuckles so I would recommend shooting gloves but the mechanism never bit my hand once and is fast enough to empty the entire magazine in seconds. The butt of the rifle does slip somewhat with repeated shots, so a rubber cover might be a useful accessory for some.

The CX-4 is semi-automatic and will fire as fast as you can pull the trigger for exceptional fun shooting tin cans. Coupled with the 30 round magazine, the CX-4 is one of the most enjoyable rifles you can buy and features multiple rails for a variety of attachments. It also comes equipped with a 4×32 scope and a bi-pod. The Winchester comes without any attachments and does not feature any rails although scope mounts could be mounted onto the top. I feel as though on almost any other rifle this would have been somewhat of an oversight but is actually in keeping with rifles old style. You couldn’t imagine Billy the Kid running around with a laser sight and night vision reflex sight could you?

Both of these rifles are extremely fun to shoot and easy to operate so picking a winner is difficult but I’m going to give it to the CX-4 thanks to its larger magazine, accessory rails and semi auto firing.

Winner : CX-4 Storm XT

Gun With Best Performance?

When it comes to shooting I tested both rifles with 8.4 grain, Air Arms Field 4.51 pellets which feature a slightly smaller dome and are more compatible with multi shot magazines. In the Winchester, these pellets averaged around 480 FPS from the 19.25” barrel with CX-4 averaging around 390 FPS from its slightly shorter 17.5” barrel. This difference in power is not that noticeable when shooting targets indoors, as I was doing, but may be something to think about if you’re outside, where wind and other weather conditions have a greater effect on pellet flight.

The trigger of the CX-4 is somewhat heavy at around 11lbs but features a crisp and predictable let off. The trigger of the Winchester is comfortably wide and fits against the finger nicely but has a much lighter trigger pull of around 5 lbs. This is again down to personal preference but lighter, more responsive triggers have always been my cup of tea so the Winchester wins out. To be fair, with the CX-4 you are cocking and releasing the hammer with one trigger pull whilst the Winchester cocks with the under lever, which may explain the reason for such a difference in trigger weights.

When it comes to accuracy, both of these rifles were tested on an indoor range of around 20 yards. The Winchester was capable of around 1 inch groups at around 20 yards which isn’t bad but does require a lot more realignment after each shot thanks to its underlever action. The CX-4 doesn’t suffer from this problem, as it is semi-automatic with very little recoil. The rifle also grouped slightly tighter than the Winchester because of this but would occasionally throw a pellet wide of the mark. This is maybe down to its un-rifled barrel or perhaps due to pellets not sitting uniformly in the magazine. Whatever the cause, it leads me to conclude that The CX-4 has somewhat of an identity crisis. The rifle is fitted with multiple rails for lamps, lasers and high quality scopes, but is simply not accurate enough to be used for pest control or serious target shooting, so why the need for expensive other attachments?

Winner : Winchester Lever Action

Conclusions: Just For Plinking

Both rifles end up being great as plinkers for targets or tin cans and are terrific fun to shoot, but are not accurate enough for serious shooters. This seems to me like what the Winchester was designed for, but the CX-4 could have been so much more with it’s semi-automatic shooting and multiple accessory rails. If accessories are your thing then the CX-4 is obviously going to be the ideal choice but why add anything to the rifle if you are just going to be shooting tin cans with it? That is not to say the rifle isn’t great fun and would make a an extremely enjoyable rifle to have, it is one of the best plinkers on the market, but with better accuracy from a couple of additions, a rifled barrel and a better magazine, it could have been something truly great.

Winner : Winchester Lever Action

To grab your Walther air rifle head to their brand page where there’s a full list. And you can grab an Umarex Beretta CX-4 Storm here.

Which airgun do you prefer? Got a better alternative airgun that you would like to suggest? 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 Anschütz 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

weihrauch-hw35-pic1 — **The simple, perfectly crafted lines of the Weihrauch HW35**

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 W77 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 New for 2016 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 their collections page, or to our Weihrauch brand 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.

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Air Rifle

So you’ve bought an air rifle, now how do you take care of it? Have you got a gun cleaning kit and know how to use it? Care and maintenance is a vital part of the process of owning and using an airgun, and here Ross Mitchell of the Pellpax team explains what you need to know to keep your pride and joy in the best condition.

Air rifles contain many internal mechanisms which correspond together and allow us to shoot. Therefore it’s very important to know how to clean and maintain your rifle in order to keep it working at a high quality. There are many parts which make up an air rifle and most of them need some form of cleaning and maintaining. Here, I’m going to go through each part in detail discussing how to clean and maintain these various component parts, without damaging them.

The Barrel (Internal)

Airgun barrels do get dirty but don’t need cleaning 24/7. The main problem that occurs with barrels is a buildup of oil or deposits of metal from firing pellets. Oil is common in a spring rifle and often gets in the barrel from firing pellets. The one rule of thumb to bear in mind is that y0u should never oil your barrel. If you oil your barrel it can get inside and damage the mechanisms. Another problem that could occur if you oil your barrel is dieseling. This is where the oil combusts as you fire a pellet through the gun, and over time, this process can damage your seals and result in loss of air in your rifle.

Summary:

Never oil the barrel and don’t clean it too much or you risk damaging it. Ideally clean after you finish a tin of pellets, by either firing a cleaning pellet though it or using a cleaning rod. One cleaning pellet after every tin of pellets will be enough to help maintain the barrel.

Barrel (External)

Just like the inner barrel, the outer barrel needs to be maintained. The metal is prone to rust and wear, so it is important that you look after this, to help keep your gun looking and performing to a high standard. Whenever your barrel is exposed to water it is important to get a cloth and dry it. Water can damage and rot wood and metal work so it is important to do this. You can also purchase rust protection spray or silicon gun oil. Either apply a light coat of spray over the metal work, or get a cloth and apply a thin layer of silicon gun oil after every use. By doing these regularly, your barrel will be protected against rust and wear and remain looking brand new.

Summary:

Wipe water or oil off the gun, whenever it comes in contact with it. Apply a light coat with the spray or a thin layer of oil on a cloth and wipe down after every use.

Scope

It is just as important to maintain the scope as it is to maintain as the rifle itself. A neglected scope can cause problems when trying to line up your shot. Scopes are very easy to maintain and care should be taken if your hands, the rain, oil,. etc. come into contact with it. Dust can be removed with a soft cloth or compressed air and this can be done whenever it is needed. The two things to check for is that the cloth is smooth, and will not scratch the lens and, secondly, to check it has no oil or grease on it first. Water, finger or oil marks on the scope can be eliminated by simply wiping with a microfibre cloth.

Summary:

Scopes can be cleaned as often as needed. For dust use soft cloth, soft brush or compressed air. For marks use a soft microfibre cloth and rub in a circular motion.

Woodwork

Wooden stocks are striking and pleasing to look at, but require maintenance

One thing that attracts people to air rifles is the beautiful woodwork that usually distinguishes their exterior appearance. Rifle stocks come in many varieties of wood including beech, walnut, hardwood and many more. Although varnished, over time the wood can show the effects of ageing, such as wear, tear, dullness, etc. You will wish to guard against this, particularly if you have an expensive rifle, such as a Daystate Airwolf or an Air Arms FTP900. The good news is that woodwork is very easy to maintain, if you’re willing to put the time in. It’s as simple as wiping your gun down when it’s been exposed to rain because water can cause damage and rot, if parts of the woodwork aren’t varnished. Also you can varnish your woodwork with a stick finish. This will give it a high quality sheen finish whilst also protecting it from mild impacts.

Summary:

Wipe wood dry after it’s been in contact with water to prevent rot/damage. Use stock finish to varnish and protect against knocks.

Action

The stock offers a comfortable yet firm support when firing your rifle. It allows you to get a steady aim but also acts as casing for the internal mechanisms. Although wiping the stock will protect it, people don’t realise water can get inside the stock and cause all the mechanisms to rust and seize. To prevent this problem simply remove the stock casing using the appropriate tool and put a tiny amount of oil inside the action. Use a gun oil and not motor oil! Motor oil is too thick and can slow/seize the internal mechanism, as well as soak and soften the wood.

Summary:

Apply a small amount of gun oil to the action. Never use car oil as it is too thick.

IMG_20160413_153255 — Use degreaser spray on the trigger mechanism. For the best results, consult a gunsmith.

Trigger

The trigger mechanism is very important to a rifle. Most people prefer to take their rifle to a gunsmith to do maintenance work on this part, since if done wrong, it could prevent the gun cocking. If you want to do anything, you can take the casing off to reveal the internal mechanisms. After this you can use a degreaser spray on the trigger mechanism and then re-oil the appropriate areas. If you don’t feel confident doing this or you want additional work to be done on the trigger, it’s best to take it to an experienced gunsmith.

Summary:

Take the side of the gun using appropriate tools. Either oil the mechanism or use degreaser spray and re-oil the mechanism.

General Advice

There are a few general things you can do alongside these tips to prolong your air rifle’s life and appearance. When storing your rifle it should be in a dry place that has no risk of water or other chemicals coming into contact with it. A wipe down after every use to remove grease, finger marks etc., will help to keep your weapon in good condition. Transporting and securing your rifle in a gun bag will protect it from knocks and general wear. If you stand your rifle upright it should be stood on the stock and not the barrel.

My final bit of advice would be to regularly get your gun serviced. Taking this step will ensure it continues performing at a high rate and prolong the overall life of your rifle. The frequency with which you should get your air rifle serviced depends upon how often you use it. If you’re like me and go shooting once or less a week, then a service every two years will be enough.

However, if you use it more regularly then you will need to get it serviced once a year. If at any point you feel your gun is not performing like it should, or you think something might be wrong, then you should consult a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry, because if there is a problem, and it isn’t addressed, it could get a lot worse.

To check out our range of air rifle cleaning products and kits, head over to the store.

Have you got any airgun maintenance tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

Brand Focus: Air Arms

In our continuing series, we take a look at the work of leading airgun manufacturer, Air Arms, and their range of products.

Air Arms are a producer of high quality air rifles, in both Pre Charged Pneumatic, and Spring powered action types. They export their rifles all over the world, and their airguns are used by hunters and target shooters with huge success, for example at last year’s 2015 World Hunter Field Target Championships.

Origins: Sussex Armoury & NSP Engineering

The company that we know today as Air Arms has an interesting history and company set up. Back in the 1980s there was a company called Sussex Armoury who produced a number of different airguns such as the Jackal Woodsman, and a number of components for that rifle and many others were produced by a local engineering company called NSP Engineering. The Sussex Armoury company then folded in the early 80s, and one of the original three owners of the NSP Engineering, Bob Nicholls, took over NSP.

Air Arms as we know it was born when he then decided to carry on and begin producing his own range of air rifles gained from the knowledge of the sub contract work gained by Sussex Armoury. These were sold under this new brand name, and all of the components were built and assembled at their facility in Sussex.

NSP Engineering still continued to produce Air Arms rifles as well as carrying out sub contract work up until the 90s, until they decided to concentrate on the production of Air Arms and move away from sub contract work. From this point onwards NSP Engineering and the brand of Air Arms has increased dramatically with their rifles now used all over the world, and today Air Arms continue to pioneer the airgun business using the latest in production techniques to produce high quality and technically advanced products.

Cutting Edge Technology

Minelli Stocks — **Rifle stocks from Minelli waiting to be mated with the appropriate action**

Air Arms use CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines which cut out the metal of solid blocks of material in specific places to produce the components for their rifles. This process is very precise, and as they are produced from one piece of metal the strength is immense. Air Arms also polish all their components on site with polishing machines to achieve a mirror like shine, which is then chemically blued off site to achieve the deep blued finish that Air Arms rifles are renowned for. The stocks are made by Minelli in Italy, of which most gun manufacturers use today to ensure a very high quality finish as well as conformity across the range.

PCP & Hunting Rifles

Air Arms’ range of rifles range from hunting rifles such as the TX200 and S410, right up to the out and out target shooting rifles such as the FTP-900 and MPR Precision. Air Arms have a rifle for almost everyone’s requirements and use, and being based in the UK their production time scale and customer service is absolutely superb.

One of their top selling ranges of rifles has to be the S400 and Air Arms S410 PCP air rifles which are tried, tested, and trusted and have been for many years. The S400 is a single shot action, and the S410 has a 10 shot multi shot magazine, hence the ‘10’ in the name. This naming format follows throughout their range. The beauty of the S400 range is they are elegant, very good looking, reliable, and incredibly accurate. The S400 was first introduced in 2000 and has been a massive hit since then. There haven’t been too many changes over the years, apart from in 2010 when a range of superlite stocks were introduced, and some slight aesthetic changes were made to a few parts. A lot of shooters use this rifle for hunting as well as target shooting as it is fitted with a Lothar Walther barrel, as many of the Air Arms rifles are, so accuracy is immense and with a choice of Standard or Carbine lengths there is a model to suit anyone. If you’re looking for a quality PCP that will last you for many years to come, I highly recommend either the S400, or S410. Check out the range of them on our site here…

A slightly improved model based on the S410 series was brought out in 2008 which used a lot of the same components such as the air cylinder, but utilized a side lever action instead of a standard bolt action. This rifle is the S510 and the sidelever action is a lot smoother and positive compared to a bolt and really makes a difference when out hunting as sometimes a quick follow up shot is essential.

Air Arms CNC Machine — One of the CNC machines that is used to create Air Arms rifles.

Spring Powered Rifles

As well as these hunting orientated PCP rifles, Air Arms produce some great springers which are the TX200 which is available as the standard rifle model and a HC (Hunter Carbine) length, and the Air Arms Pro Sport. The TX200 is a standard underlever action which is available in either a Beech or Walnut stock, and the Pro-Sport is also an Underlever, but not in the traditional sense. Air Arms have been very clever and incorporated the underlever into the stock, which keeps the balance right where it should be unlike many other underlevers where the additional weight at the front unbalances it.

The internals of these rifles run on synthetic bearing material which is normally only found on a tuned spring rifle which makes these rifles shoot like a tuned rifle straight from the box. Here at Pellpax we had a Pro-Sport than had come back from a service from Air Arms which was about 2 months old, and it had been chronographed before it was returned, and over a 10 shot string the FPS spread was just 2 FPS! This just goes to show how well made they are and what sort of results they can deliver.

Target Rifles

Of course there is Air Arms’ range of superb target rifles which start with the MPR which all come with Dioptre sights as standard making them aimed towards 10 meter target shooting. These rifles are used by numerous target organizations such as Bisley and the Army all over the UK and Europe to train and compete in competitions thanks to their uncluttered format and reliability. The range then goes up to the HFT-500 which has a multi adjustable laminate stock, which can also be fitted with a hamster/palm rest which is sold separately. The HFT500 has a single shot action with the same side lever which is found on the S510 series. The barrel is a match grade Lothar Walther barrel with a larger air cylinder to increase the shot count.

The pinnacle of the range though is the FTP-900 which features a full adjustable laminate stock which is finished in a luxurious clear lacquer to really accentuate the full colours of the stock. You can tell the FTP900 is designed for competition as it has a windicator arm, a spirit level, air stripper, and palm rest and butt hook all incorporated as standard. Since its release a few years ago it has been a massive hit in multiple competitions around the globe and isn’t being beaten by much at the moment!

Air Arms produce some lovely rifles for all different angles of the Airgun market, and have just released their latest rifle, the Air Arms Galahad, a Bullpup which you can read about on our blog here.

If you are looking for a higher end springer or PCP, or a rifle for target shooting then I highly recommend that you consider Air Arms, as I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Check out the full Air Arms range here, and find out much more about Air Arms on our collections page here.

Spring Powered vs CO2 vs PCP : Pros and Cons

One of the hottest topics of debates between air gunners is the power source behind the pellet. The three main sources are spring power, Compressed CO2 gas, and Compressed air (PCP). One of our resident airgun experts, Jason Whittle, ways up the advantages and disadvantages….

The three main power sources available in airgunning are at the heart of all air rifles and air pistols of all different shapes and sizes, but ultimately they all do the same thing, which is to fire lead pellets or BBs. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them, as there are with petrol, diesel, and electric cars, for example. Ultimately it comes down to what is best for you, and what you’re going to be using it for, but hopefully the information in this post will help you with that decision.

Spring Power

The diagram here shows how a spring rifle works and what components it consists of inside. Spring rifles are the simplest of the three power methods available to airgunners, thanks to the low number of moving parts and absence of high pressure seals and valves etc. This makes spring rifles the most reliable out of the three types of power plant.

Some advantages to the spring powered system are that it doesn’t require any gas or refills when shooting, just a person to cock and load it, and it’s ready to go. This is ideal in a hunting situation, when carrying spare gas or a diving bottle isn’t really an option. Spring rifles aren’t affected by changes in temperature like gas powered rifles, are which means you know that it’ll be just as powerful on a cold day as it is a warm day.

There are of course disadvantages. Spring rifles do have recoil when shot, some more than others, and while this can be reduced with tuning kits and polishing, it can’t be completely eliminated. Springers can also be quite noisy when shot, as the noise of the piston moving at a great speed then abruptly stopping is loud. This can’t be helped. The muzzle crack can be suppressed with the fitting of a moderator, but most of the time the difference isn’t very noticeable.

Over time, springers do suffer from spring fatigue, as the metal spring loses its springiness over time, and becomes tired, causing a drop in power. However, this can be easily remedied with a service and a replacement spring, which is often relatively inexpensive.

If you’re looking for a hassle free rifle which will work when you want to, with plenty of power, then a spring rifle is for you. They are often referred to as ‘workhorses’, as they just keep going, and in my opinion, it’s best to start with a spring rifle to learn how to shoot with the recoil, as that is an art in itself.

In terms of picking the best spring air rifle, there are a host to choose from, and the Weihrauch HW95k, and Air Arms TX200 are often mentioned.

CO2 Power

Co2 air rifles and air pistols can be powered by either of the standard capsule sizes which are the 12g Capsule, as first introduced by Crosman, or the 88g Capsule that is commonly used on paintball guns. As you can see in the diagram opposite, the insides consist of a gas chamber where the co2 sits, or attaches, which then goes through a valve, which is knocked by a hammer to release the gas through to the barrel on each shot.

Advantages to the Co2 system include the absence of recoil. As there’s no large inertia of the kind to be found in the spring rifle, when the trigger is pulled, the hammer travels about an inch forward to strike the valve and that is it. This absence of recoil helps you keep your aim and hit your target as your hand is not being moved by this force, whilst the pellet is travelling down the barrel. Another advantage is the quietness of the actions. Most of the noise that comes from a Co2 gun is caused by the co2 gas and pellet escaping the barrel at great speed, so fitting a silencer can often make these guns near silent. CO2 systems are often bolt action, or in pistols they can be semi auto, so this permits a multi-shot system that means you can fit in a follow up shot a lot quicker than you could do with a spring rifle. Co2 pistols are also great fun in semi auto format as the projectiles come out the barrel as quick as you can pull the trigger so target shooting or plinking is always a blast.

Disadvantages of this system is that temperature can massively affect the performance of these guns, which in England, with our cold winters and hot summers, can be a real problem! This difference can sometimes be a foot pound of energy or so, but it does depend on what gun it is. The number of shots also decreases on a cold day which can be a real problem when you’re on a hunting trip or shooting at a competition, and you forget to account for the change in temperature. As the co2 capsule in the gun is used the pressure decreases until it runs out which can be a problem as the pellet velocity drops, as does the point of impact, so if you don’t realise that the co2 is running out, you can totally miss what you’re aiming for very easily.

PCP Power

PCP airguns are very similar to Co2 guns in that the air is held in a reservoir, and then released through a hammer and valve system. Examples include the Walther Rotex RM8 and the BSA Scorpion SE. The difference between CO2 and air is the compressed air is held at a much higher pressure than the Co2 is. Co2 on average is around 800 PSI, whereas PCP Rifles work on around 2900 PSI, so more than 3 times the pressure! This massive increase in pressure means that the compressed air gives the pellet a very quick push, opposed to Co2 providing a very slow push which in turn leads to better shot to shot consistency and accuracy.

daystate-pulsar-synthetic-7914 — A Daystate Pulsar Synthetic. A great example of a high-end PCP Air Rifle.

Other advantages of PCP are that the pressurised air isn’t affected by changes in temperature like Co2 capsules are. This is mandatory when in a serious shooting situation, whether it is hunting or target shooting as each shot counts. A PCP rifle’s power output is normally higher and much more stable than a CO2 weapon, as the rifles themselves are of better construction, and sometimes incorporate regulators, which increase the consistency even further. Accuracy is also phenomenal on the PCP rifles as high quality barrels and materials are used, and it is quite easy to put pellet on pellet.

As with Co2 power, suppressors can be fitted, which make most of the PCP rifles whisper quiet, and most of them feature multi-shot magazines, which are indexed through a bolt action or side lever action system making them a joy to shoot.

Disadvantages to the PCP system include the expensive set up costs. The rifles themselves start from around £380, then either a stirrup pump or a dive bottle are needed to recharge the reservoir. The dive bottle then needs to be refilled when they get low which is normally around £5 at a dive shop, although this is a small price to pay for the accuracy achieved. Other disadvantages are that there are a large number of seals within a PCP rifle, and for the most of the time they are hassle free, but over time they do perish and cause leaks, requiring a service. However, these regular services alleviate any down time.

Roundup

Which one you choose is really your decision at the end of the day, but if you’re looking for a rifle which you will shoot occasionally for either pest control/hunting, and the odd bit of casual target shooting and plinking, then a Springer will be the best choice for you, as they are rugged and reliable.

A Co2 will be a step up from a springer for a similar job, although they are really more suited towards smaller pest/vermin control and casual target shooting and not up to hunting due to the fluctuations in power.

If you’re going to be using an air rifle a lot for hunting, and competitive target shooting, then a PCP is the way to go. A good PCP can last 10 years or more if looked after, and the refills are a small price to pay for the accuracy and quality that a PCP delivers.

You can check out our range of spring powered air rifles, Co2 Powered air rifles, and PCP powered air rifles in our airgun store. Unlike most online retailers, we can deliver these direct to your door!

Brand New: Air Arms Galahad

We preview a brand new air rifle from Air Arms, the Galahad….

Air Arms have a reputation for making sure that each of their products has been rigorously tested and designed so that it is absolutely perfect when it is released. Their premium models like the Air Arms FTP900 show how attention to detail can lead to air rifles that people love. Unfortunately, that can sometimes mean many months between new product launches. However, that makes it all the more exciting when a new item is announced, and today we heard of the latest announcement from them in the form of the Air Arms Galahad!

The Galahad Specs

The Galahad is multi-shot Bullpup rifle, which means that the action is seated right in the back of the stock, to minimise overall length and maximise manoeuvrability. The information that we received today hinted that it will be available in either Beech, Walnut and Black Soft Touch Rubber stocks, with a choice of lengths, either carbine or standard length, as most of the Air Arms rifles are. I’ve also read reports that it will be available with either a regulated or unregulated action, which I am surprised about as I have spoken with one of the engineers at Air Arms before, and he isn’t particularly keen on regulators, but I know many owners of Air Arms do aftermarket conversions on the current range of rifles.

Unique Handling

The cocking action is totally different to anything I have ever seen before, and it looks as though it’s a lever, which moves downwards, to cock the action back, and then returns to a horizontal position to load the pellet and arm the rifle. Air Arms claim that this ‘assists the shooter in staying on target as well as reducing overall movement’ which is essential when shooting targets, or attempting to be stealthy in the wilderness. This cocking lever can be moved to either side as well, to make the rifle fully ambidextrous.

Other features include a pressure gauge, options for either a 9-11mm dovetail rail, or a 22mm Weaver rail, and a fully adjustable rear butt pad.

An Air Arms Original

All in all I think this rifle does look totally different to anything on the market at the moment, which is a good thing as it can get to a stage where you struggle to tell rifles apart, and something like this really stands out from the rest. As with all Air Arms rifles you know the quality will be absolutely sublime and the accuracy spot on, so I’m quite looking forward to getting my hands on one!

If you have any questions about the Air Arms Galahad rifle, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us here. Additionally, if you would like to reserve an Air Arms Galahad, head to our airguns store. or give us a call on 01263 731585, and we can get that arranged.

Check out our whole Air Arms range here. And for more details, you can head to the official site.

And to learn more about the company, you can read our ‘Brand Focus’ about Air Arms and their range of airguns.

Brand Focus: Crosman

Crosman is a US manufacturer with a proud history.

In the first of a regular new feature, we zoom in to look at a particular manufacturer in the airguns, firearms, archery and outdoor space. This month we shine a light on Crosman, famous for their Rat Catcher airgun, and much more…

About Crosman Air Rifles

Crosman are an American airgun and outdoor equipment company, that design and manufacture a range of pistols, rifles, pellets, and scopes all in the USA. Their base is in East Bloomfield, Rochester which is near to the East coast in the State of New York. Crosman also have several other highly popular brands which they produce airguns under, including Benjamin, and Sheridan. The Benjamin range or airguns are of a higher quality, and more aimed towards the hunting / pest control side of the market.

Crosman first started production back in 1923, with the introduction of the ‘First Model’ rifle which was a pneumatic rifle. It used what was essentially a bike pump below the barrel, which pressurised the chamber, and this in turn fired the pellet along a rifled barrel. This weapon was of the first of its type, and Crosman has never forgotten this heritage, as a large percentage of their range today is pump up pneumatic rifles, although they no longer need to make use of a bike pump!

Crosman 2240 & 2250

Crosman are perhaps best known for their range of pest control rifles and pistols, such as the Crosman 2240 Rat Buster Co2 pistol, and their range of Ratcatcher rifles, namely the Crosman 2250b, and the newer Crosman 2250 XL. These are all powered off the 12g Co2 capsules that Crosman began experimenting with back in the 1930s. In 1954 they introduced the standard 12 gram capsule as we know it today, and are now a standard in almost all airgun manufacturers of today.

Crosman also produce some ‘Big Bore’ airguns in calibres up to .357, making them immensely powerful and aimed primarily at the American market, although they are available in the UK with an FAC. One of their attempts was the Benjamin Rogue, which fired a .357 lead pellet at up to 1000 FPS making it immensely powerful. It also had an electronic controller for the firing mechanism which increased the shot count and consistency.

The Crosman Ratcatcher Extreme XL is elegantly simple, and highly customisable.

In my opinion though, you can’t really beat the Crosman 2250 Ratcatcher. The latest model, the 2250 XL, is a much improved model with a metal breech kit, and a longer barrel with a ½ inch UNF thread for fitting a silencer. The beauty of the 2250 is that it is so elegantly simple, with disassembly taking a few minutes, and a wealth of customizable parts available, which can be found on the internet. If you head over to GMAC Custom Parts, you can see the scale on which this apparent. There are multi-shot kits, new bolt and probe assemblies, and you can replace literally everything on the rifle for a custom part! It really is the rifle if you like tinkering and improving, as the possibilities are almost endless.

Or, if you prefer something of a smaller size, the Crosman 2240 Rat Buster pistol is great, as it is almost exactly the same as the 2250, the only being difference being the inclusion of a smaller barrel. For instance, take a look at this Crosman 2240 (pictured) pistol where pretty much everything has been customised, apart from the Co2 tube!

Crosman 1077

The Crosman 1077 RepeatAir is a fun, fast and easy to use air rifle. Powered by Co2 capsules, it’s as easy and loading the magazine, loading it into the rifle, and firing to your heart’s content. With a velocity of 6ft/lb, it has enough power for youngsters to play with, and for the learner. A rail is included for optics and other additions.

760 Pumpmaster

Crosman 2240 air pistol. Credit: Carl, Lancs, England.

Other Crosman air rifles which are particularly popular are the 760 Pumpmaster which is available in either Black or Pink, and as the name suggests, it is a pump air rifle which fires either pellets or BBs. The small frame size is ideal for juniors and female shooters, but can quite easily be used by adults as well, and is an excellent choice for teaching marksmanship skills as well as safe firearm handling.

Crosman are also known for their ‘military’ style products, such as the Crosman MK-177, which has a tactical appearance, with its short frame length, weaver rails for accessories, and compact rear stock. This makes it a very quick handling rifle, and ideal for those who love action films. The MK-177 is just not a looker though, it can fire BBs and Pellets making it super flexible and ideal for plinking and target shooting. It works off the same pump up system as the 760 Pumpmaster does, making it ideal for juniors.

national ROTC Air Rifle Championship — Top Shooters Win JROTC Championship With Challenger. Image Credit: Crosman.

However, don’t think that Crosman just produce airguns aimed at the hunting and plinking side of the market, as they also have a long standing reputation for producing good quality target rifles and pistols. For example, their target rifles are regularly used in competitions, and the teams very regularly win. To learn more, check out the National Championships last year in America where the whole team were using Crosman Challenger Rifles.

A firm favourite of pistol target shooters over here in the UK is the Crosman 2300T, which is a CO2 powered pistol, based on the 2240, but with a longer competition barrel, and high quality sights, making it ideal for those wanting to start in target shooting, or teach it to beginners.

Just recently Crosman have released a new product under their Benjamin line called the Pioneer Airbow, and instead of a barrel that fires pellets, it fires arrows from a tube from an airgun based platform. The idea behind this is that you can use a scope, and finely adjust the trigger just like you can on a normal air rifle, to achieve the same high level of accuracy. Unfortunately it’s not available in the UK, but I think it’s pretty cool and shows the innovation that Crosman have.

To learn more about Crosman products, head over to their collections page now. Or check out their full range of Crosman air rifles and accessories on their brand page. You can learn more about them on our Crosman collections page. Or head to their official site to learn even more.

Three Of the Best: Famous Guns & Their Airgun Equivalents

With the release of the latest instalment in the James Bond franchise, Spectre, recently released into UK Cinemas, we thought it might be a good time to share with you a range of guns that have been made famous on the silver screen. Let us give you a rundown of three of the very best!

Gun #1: Desert Eagle

Movie: Snatch (2000)

The Desert Eagle provides the focal point for one of the many comic scenes in this classic cockney caper movie, when Vinnie Jones’ character ‘Bullet Tooth Tony’ confronts the hapless duo of Vinnie and Sol in a face off, guns pointed at each other, with some fairly memorable dialogue:

“You are shrinking, and your two little balls are shrinking with you. And the fact that you’ve got “Replica” written down the side of your guns…And the fact that I’ve got “Desert Eagle point five O”…Written down the side of mine…: Should precipitate your balls into shrinking, along with your presence. Now… Fxxx off!”

The scene boosted the popularity of this robust, iconic handgun, which has appeared in many movies before and since. Originally designed by Israeli Military Industries, and redesigned by legendary US gun manufacturer Magnum, the good news is that there is a Co2 air gun equivalent. KWC have retained all of the heft, and features of the original, with their premium Desert Eagle air pistol replica for airsoft.

Gun #2: Walther PPK

Movie: Casino Royale (2006)

The legendary Walther PPK is the gun most associated with James Bond, and appears in a host of the movies in the franchise, as well as of Ian Fleming’s books.

One notable example is the 2006 outing, the first for Daniel Craig in a Bourne-style reboot, which took the secret agent back to darker, more dangerous leanings more reminiscent of the original source material. The gun makes an appearance in the brutal opening scenes where Bond gets his double-o stripes with two kills.

Bond uses the Walther in the opening fight sequence, by hitting his adversary, Agent Fisher, on the side of the head, with the hefty German gun. A violent fight ensues after it falls to the floor, before Bond grabs it to complete the kill, setting off the legendary gunbarrel introduction sequence that graces all Bond movies. The incredible violence of the scene introduces a Bond that is worlds away from the campy, softer performances of Piers Brosnan and Roger Moore, and reminds us what a badass Bond really is. The appearance of this gorgeous, robust gun is a bonus.

You can check out the Walther PPK co2 replica, produced by Umarex, here.

Gun #3 Colt M1911

Movie: The Big Lebowski (1998)

Nothing could be more iconic than one of the most quoted cult movies of all time – and the most iconic guns to go with it. An internet meme favourite, John Goodman’s character famously loses it and brandishes a Colt M1911 air pistol when his friend Smokey tries to hand himself a bowling score he doesn’t deserve.

‘You’re entering a world of pain’ Goodman growls, in a raging fit of fury to enforce the rules. You’ll have seen the impressive gun he’s brandishing in 1001 other movies, but none quite as funny. You can check out our range of 1911s by Colt, Tokyo Marui, Remington and Swiss Arms, right here.