Pellpax Blog

Airgun Pellets, what’s the best for me?

So you have your rifle. What’s the first accessory you’re going to need? Well, something to shoot out of it might be an idea; so let’s look at your choice of pellets.

Now, the barrel of any air rifle will contain minute imperfections in both the material and rifling, which can have a large effect over shot placement. What this means is, every airgun will respond differently to pellets and different shooters. For example, I have a TX200 that prefers JSB Exact pellets to anything Air Arms have to offer; so much for brand loyalty.

So a good thing to buy would be a Pellet Sample Pack. This way you can try out a couple of different types of pellet before committing to one, to see not only what your rifle prefers, but what kind is best for what you need.

Everyone has a type

Flathead or Wadcutter :

These pellets are ideal for shooting paper targets, where their flat, circular nose will cut a clean hole through paper, allowing you to see exactly where you’ve hit. This makes them ideal for zeroing in scopes and lasers, as well as for competitions, where competitive scoring must be as accurate as possible.

These pellets do also have some hunting utility, particularly in smaller calibres, as they have a high rate of deformation and expansion upon impact, which leads to larger wound channels and less chance to wound.

Notable Examples : Gamekeeper Rat Dispatcher, Pro-Target Trophy, Apolo Champion.

Hollow Points :

These pellets have an indentation in their nose, which, upon impact, drives air into the centre of the pellet, causing rapid expansion. These pellets are designed for hunting and pest control, and are best used at short to medium range to be most effective. This is because the hollow point in the centre can affect accuracy and cause the pellet to tumble at longer distances.

I would recommend them for anyone thinking of using a pistol for pest control, as the higher level of energy transfer from the pellet can help counteract the pistol’s lower power.

One thing that’s good about hollow points is that, thanks to their high rate of expansion, they’re extremely unlikely to over-penetrate, and, although I would always pay concern to what is behind your target, this will minimise the risk.

Notable Examples :Crosman Piranha Hollowpoint, Bisley Pest Control, H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme.

Pointed : Designed to prioritise accuracy above all other aspects, pointed pellets are created to maximise aerodynamics around the fired pellet to ensure a laser-straight flight path. That’s the theory anyway. However, from my experience, pointed pellets tend to be amongst the most inconsistent.

After some testing, I’ve concluded that it’s down to the way the pellets are manufactured and stored. The pointed pellet works fantastically well only if the point is aligned correctly, and, due to pellets being stored in a tin without much protection, this is the exception and not the rule.

Having said that, my dismissal of pointed pellets has led me to experiment with them less, but I have a couple of friends who swear by Gamekeeper Infiltrators for rabbits, which I am yet to try. So let’s just say I’m waiting to be won over.

Notable Examples : Gamekeeper Infiltrator, Webley Powapell, Apolo Jumbo.

Domed : The classic pellet shape. Domed pellets are by far the most popular shape of pellet and are really a jack of all trades. Their shape leads them to be accurate, with deep penetration and reliable expansion, without excelling in any of those areas.

Honestly, these pellets can do anything pretty well, and if I didn’t have a specific task in mind, these would be the pellets I’d go for. Since they’re the most common type of pellet, there’s a very long list of pellet brands, all with variations in shape, so something is almost guaranteed to suit your shooting style.

One thing to bear in mind with domed pellets is that, more than any other, they offer differing skirt sizes. Now, the skirt is the size of the end of the pellet and effectively equates to how tight the seal is of the pellet inside the barrel. The tighter the seal, the more pressure has to build up behind the pellet for it to be fired, therefore increasing FPS. This skirt size will be represented by an additional .01 when listing the pellets size. For example, .177 pellets which are usually 4.5mm will be listed as 4.50, 4.51, 4.52 etc.

A wider skirt will leave more lead behind inside the barrel. This lead fouling will need to be regularly cleaned to keep your rifle in perfect working order, as large build up can affect both power and accuracy. Also, some magazines, most notably semi-automatic rifles like the Sig Sauer MCX and Beretta CX4, tend to prefer smaller skirted pellets, so I would stick with .50 or .51 if using these rifles.

Notable Examples : ProShot Precision Magnum, Weihrauch Field Target Special, Air Arms Field, JSB Exact Pellets.

What are you made of?

The next important consideration is the material that the pellet is made from. The various qualities of these materials, such as weight and hardness, will play an important role in how the pellet flies through the air and also how the pellet behaves when it impacts the target.

Lead : The first and by far the most popular choice is lead. Lead has been used for ammunition for literally centuries, thanks to its properties of being not only very heavy for its size, but also a relatively common material.

Its weight makes it a great projectile, as a small lead pellet will transfer more energy into the target than a larger pellet made from a lighter material. This means that the pellet is more effective in smaller calibres, and that it’s also less affected by environmental conditions in flight, such as wind.

Lead was also traditionally chosen because of its relative softness. This leads to deformation upon impact, dramatically widening the wound channel and leading to more effective hunting. Nobody likes wounding animals, so the fact that lead dramatically decreases this risk makes it a great choice for hunters.

Lead is not without its downsides, however, and because of its soft nature, the pellet often leaves a small amount of residue inside the barrel. This is an advantage, as it helps lubricate the barrel, but the build-up will start to affect accuracy and will need to be periodically removed – not a particularly hard job, but something to bear in mind.

Lead is also hazardous to the environment and is particularly toxic when it enters river systems. As a result, many places are becoming stricter on its use in ammunition, particularly the use of lead shot, and this is a trend I can see continuing with people’s growing concern over the environment.

Lead pellets are great for almost any task and are perfect for sub 12ft/lb air rifles, where their rapid expansion ensures humane hunting.

Notable Examples : ProShot Precision Heavy, RWS Super Field, H&N Field Target Trophy.

Copper : The military has been using copper jacketed ammunition for over a century, so copper coated pellets are nothing new in the airgun world. But how do they compare to their lead alternatives?

Well, first of all, they provide a handy barrier between the lead and your hands, which is always good, as lead’s not a particularly nice material to ingest. They are also significantly harder than 100% lead pellets, which has two distinct advantages. Firstly, they offer greater penetration, and pointed copper pellets offer some of the deepest penetration of any airgun ammunition.

The harder coating also provides protection against damage, and means that the pellets in the tin are far more uniform. This increases shot-to-shot consistency, and ensures the pellets are all in excellent condition when fired. It’s certain a strong reason to recommend the use of pointed copper pellets, as the problems that lead pellets have with making a reliable point is not present here.

Copper may be far less toxic to animals than lead, but it’s actually far more dangerous to plants. I always remember being taught the best way to kill a tree stump: hammer it full of copper nails. Now, thanks to their great penetration, copper pellets can perform a similar, if largely unwanted, role; so always ensure a safe backstop.

Copper Pellets, I think, are best used in conjunction with high-powered FAC air rifles, where their harder coating and more uniform shape will yield incredibly high accuracy.

Notable Examples : H&N Baracuda Power, Apolo Air Boss Barracuda Copper, Apolo Hollow Point Copper, ProShot Precision Pacifier

Alloy : PBA or Alloy pellets are a fairly new development when it comes to airgun ammunition and are available in quite a limited number of designs.

Alloy pellets have the advantage of being non-toxic and can be safely handled and fired, although I would always ensure a secure backstop. The pellets themselves are often lighter than lead or copper, and consequently can produce higher feet per second. FPS is not necessarily the most important metric when viewed on its own, but it can aid accuracy and give a boost to range.

Alloy pellets do tend to be expensive, however, and I would only recommend them for close range target shooting in 6ft/lb pistols and 12ft/lb rifles, where they will perform very well. Anything more powerful than that, and you’re going to be getting close to the sound barrier (~1125 FPS depending on temperature), something that most airgun pellets are not designed for, and something that will negatively affect your accuracy. The noise they make, however, will be awesome.

Notable Examples : H&N Baracuda Green, Gamo PBA Platinum, H&N Match Green

In Conclusion

Hopefully that clears up some of the jargon surrounding airgun pellets; it can be quite a confusing topic for the uninitiated. I would recommend buying a decent tin of domed lead pellets as they can do pretty much anything well, and then starting out with a sample pack to determine what is best for individual tasks.

The Disabled Shooting Project

Target shooting is the most accessible, inclusive, and integrated of all mainstream sports. With a little innovation and lateral thinking, the sport can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of disabilities and special requirements.

One of the leading lights in the campaign for disabled-friendly shooting clubs is the Disabled Shooting Project (DSP), and at its head is co-ordinator, Elizabeth (Liz) Woodall.

Beginnings

I asked Liz about the conception of the DSP – how and why it came into being. Her story begins in 2005. When Liz was unexpectedly made redundant, she took on a temporary administrative role with the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA), helping to sort out gift-aid on membership.

“Working through the records, I realised that there were a lot of sad letters from people about not being able to continue their membership because of old age or disability. It seemed such a shame that they were giving up the sport they loved and the social life that goes with it. Some of the letters went into quite a lot of detail, and their stories affected me. I thought, ‘I’m certain there are ways to help some of these people to continue shooting.’

“I approached two people from the NSRA: Charlie Blow, who was on the Board of Management, and Dave Froggett, the Coaching and Development Manager. They clicked with the whole concept. The three of us put the thing together, and Charlie was prepared to push the Board to take this seriously.”

Liz, Charlie, and Dave organised a consultation meeting in Wolverhampton.

Launching The Project

“We invited all the people we knew, who had anything to do with disabled shooting. The purpose was to see if there was enough genuine interest in our concept – to find out how far people would actually support it with their own resources – i.e. their time, effort, and money. There was an overwhelming vote to go for it, and so the next step was to put together an outline plan for getting it all off the ground.”

The project was launched. Liz and her husband, Brian, came up with an idea for a logo, and they spent an evening together doing all the artwork; there was, of course, no money available for professional services. (I think it’s a super logo!) Brian was running the NSRA website and editing the NSRA magazine, The Rifleman, so there was no difficulty in spreading the word via those media. The initial introductory leaflet was also a home brew, and Charlie Blow’s company generously paid for it to be printed.

“Right from the start, the DSP had a voluntary Steering Group that met every four to eight weeks to collaborate on, and oversee, the various areas of work that we were involved in. It consisted of representatives of the main target shooting disciplines, National Governing Bodies, and coaches. These people were fantastically important in making the DSP a success, by promoting and encouraging its work within their own fields. In addition, the Steering Group was truly remarkable for being the first and only fully pan-discipline co-operative body operating in the sport.”

Alongside her admin job, Liz worked at helping people with disabilities to continue with, or to take up, shooting. Eventually, the paid work came to an end, but Liz continued to work with the DSP. When Sport England heard about the project, they expressed an interest in funding it, provided that it was taken over by British Shooting. Liz and Charlie agreed, and Liz applied (successfully) for the job of co-ordinator.

How the DSP Works

I asked Liz, “How does the DSP work?”

“Well, a shooting club will contact us for advice. This might be general advice, like how to adapt the clubhouse for wheelchair users, or advice about helping a particular individual to take part, which might involve special equipment. We pass on information via email and telephone, and sometimes we’ll pay a visit, to see what’s already in place and to talk to members about their requirements. A lot of it is about motivation.

“We’re also contacted by a lot of individuals: disabled people, their relatives, friends, or carers – and even specialist medical professionals working with them. They want to know if target shooting could be an option for them; the answer is invariably “yes”. Then they ask how and where they can get involved. The three key requirements are: a welcoming club, suitable equipment, and a sympathetic coach – so, from the start, we set about making sure that those would all be available to as many people as possible.”

The Buddy System

“A club established in the DSP system will partner a club that’s new to it, giving advice and support. For example: a new clubhouse is being built, with disabled access in mind. A club that’s already gone through this process can offer advice based on their own experience. It’s not difficult; it just needs a bit of knowledge. The same system applies to coaches who are learning how to work with disabled shooters and need a more experienced mentor; and also to individual shooters, who can buddy-up with someone who has a similar disability, so they can help each other along. This scheme is particularly valuable where a club or shooter is geographically isolated – they can be helped via phone, email, skype, etc.”

Liz gave a lovely example of the buddy system.

“The longest-distance help we provided was to the Falkland Islands, where a disabled chap wanted to join the Port Stanley club. After contacting us, not only was the club coach buddied-up with coaches in Britain, but several clubs over here invited the Port Stanley people to take part in postal competitions, which was a huge boost to that club’s activities.”

Challenges of Funding

In July 2014, Sport England’s funding came to an end, and although the NSRA would have liked to take it on, this was not financially feasible. It was agreed that Liz could hang onto the logo and the website, and the DSP went back to being operated on a voluntary basis.

One of the most important services provided by the DSP is the development of equipment for individual shooters. Those working with the project devote a lot of time to sourcing off-the-shelf equipment that would be particularly suitable for those with some disabilities, and also finding ways of adapting it to suit even more people.

Even so, some shooters, particularly those with more severe disabilities, really need one-off pieces of equipment, tailor-made for them. In some cases, these aids have enabled shooters with disabilities to reach very high standards, and to compete in national and international competitions. One of the leading experts in this field is John Kelman (featured in our previous blog), who joined the DSP at the initial consultation meeting in Wolverhampton.

Liz also mentioned the charity, Remap (http://www.remap.org.uk/). Remap recruits retired scientists and engineers, who will construct one-off pieces of kit that can improve the quality of life for disabled people. This work is all done on a voluntary basis.

The Future of the DSP

So what does the future look like for the Disabled Shooting Project?

“My hope is that many of my colleagues on the Steering Group will be prepared to re-form it as soon as it’s possible to do so. This may be dependent on some grant or sponsorship, as they are geographically widely spread, and their travelling expenses really ought to be covered, as they were in the past. As you can see, there is going to be a lot for me to do to get the whole thing running properly again on a voluntary basis.”

If you would like to know more about the work of the DSP, visit the website: http://disabledshooting.org.uk. Plans are in hand to up-grade and up-date this site over the coming months. To contact the DSP, email [email protected] or phone 07527 579 686.

You can learn more about the world of disabled shooting with our recent post, ‘A Guide To Disabled Shooting’.

Out and About in Norfolk with the Pellpax Bullet

It’s been a busy summer for the Pellpax Bullet. Designed and built by skilled craftsmen at GSG Shepherds’ Huts, in Norwich, our bespoke trailer has certainly turned a few heads at shows and carnivals this year.

About two years ago, we decided that it would be good to get out and about a bit – to be a part of some of Norfolk’s marvellous events – and therefore we needed a trailer. Our trailer had to be big enough to display equipment, with storage space for additional stock, and standing room for staff. It had to be fully mobile, stable, spectacular, and safe … and it had to be shaped like a bullet.

Bullet’s Construction

The Bullet’s frame is constructed from semi-circular plywood ribs, which are joined together to form hoops, and the exterior cladding comprises narrow strips of Accoya, giving the illusion of a curve. Accoya is the world’s leading brand of acetylated softwood – a material that is dimensionally stable, extremely durable, and resistant to decay. The interior cladding is painted softwood, and the floor is made of engineered oak. The Bullet’s coned nose is a complex structure of studwork and cladding.

Out on show

Our travelling airgun store, the Bullet, goes on tour — A customer checks out the Bullet’s offerings.

On the weekend of June 24^th and 25^th, we took the Bullet to the Suffolk Armed Forces Week celebrations in Felixstowe. Our next-door neighbours were the Royal Marine Association (RMA), with their zero-danger firing range, and it was a pleasure to talk to these guys about the work that the RMA does for the Royal Marine family. This was a particularly busy and exciting weekend, as the Royal Marines’ Darell’s Day celebrations were being held in Felixstowe at the same time.

In August, we joined thousands of others at the ever-popular annual Cromer Carnival, famous, among other things, for an aerobatic display by the Red Arrows. Since the 1950s, the focus of Cromer Carnival has been a parade of floats on the Wednesday of carnival week; but during the first half of the 20^th century, all the fun happened on the new pier, built in 1901. Amazingly, Cromer has been enjoying an annual week-long fair since the 1280s!

One of the most popular events in Norfolk is the Aylsham Agricultural Show, held each August Bank Holiday Monday at the Blickling Estate. The only problem with this one-day show is that you’re hard pressed to fit everything in! This year there were classic cars, military vehicles, marching bands, dog training displays, rural crafts, art exhibitions, cookery theatre, hot-air balloon rides, sheepdog trials …

And alongside all of this, we were delighted to welcome people to the Pellpax Bullet, and we received some lovely comments. Our favourite was from a little boy, who asked us if the Bullet was a submarine!

Stay tuned to the blog for details of further adventures on the Pellpax Bullet. To learn more about the construction of the Bullet, go to GSG Shepherd’s Huts.

A Guide To Disabled Shooting

This month our correspondent Hazel Randall takes a close look at the world of disabled shooting….

Target shooting is one of the most inclusive and adaptable sports. In the last 20 years, there’s been a tremendous change in attitude towards disabled sport in general, heavily influenced by dedicated individuals who join together to form strong support systems. To understand where it all began, let’s go back to the 1940s, to the father of the Paralympic Games…

The Paralympic Games

Sir Ludwig Guttmann (1899-1980) was a brilliant German neurologist and passionate advocate of physical exercise as a means of therapy for injured military personnel. Dr Guttmann, a Jewish refugee, set up the National Spine Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Buckinghamshire. This specialist unit, opened in February 1944, became the birthplace of revolutionary new therapeutic systems, which focussed on the building of physical strength and self-respect.

On July 29^th 1948, as the Olympic Games were officially kicked off in London, the very first Stoke Mandeville Games were being held at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Organised by Dr Guttman, this competition was a sporting arena for wheelchair athletes from all over the UK – a harbinger of great things to come. When Dutch ex-servicemen joined the competition in 1952, the event became known as the International Stoke Mandeville Games.

In 1960, Dr Guttman held the 9^th Annual International Stoke Mandeville Games in Rome, alongside the Olympic Games, and from then on, the newly named Paralympic Games have taken place every four years. Since the 1988 Games in Seoul, Korea, the Paralympics have been held in the same host city as the Olympic Games, and the two competitions have been united.

The word Paralympic is a blend of Olympic with the prefix para- (Greek: ‘beside’), denoting alteration or modification.

The Disabled Shooters Group

DSG President Adrian Last in action

Richard Scott was a keen skeet shooter. According to Mr Scott’s wishes, donations collected at his funeral in 1995 were used to fund a have-a-go disabled shooting event at Sandringham Shooting Ground, in Norfolk. At the time, Sandringham Shooting Ground was managed by Graham Brown, whose wife, Yvonne, arranged for participants to be accommodated overnight at a nearby nursing home, where she worked.

The success of this event led to others of its kind, and it was not long afterwards that the Disabled Shooters Group (DSG) was founded by Adrian Last and Brian Wilkie, two friends who first met at the event sponsored by the late Richard Scott. Brian Wilkie suffered from a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and died in 2005.

In 1984, at just 24 years old, Adrian Last had a serious motorcycle accident, which resulted in a paralysed right arm and the amputation of his right foot. The following year, having regained the use of his arm, Adrian got back on a bike and resumed the sport he loved: endurance racing.

“With my prosthetic foot, I had no toe movement, and couldn’t operate a foot brake, so my bike was adapted for me. The rear brake was controlled by a lever on the left handlebar, and I continued to compete in national competitions, alongside able-bodied motorcyclists.”

But in 1990, another terrible motorcycle accident left Adrian even more damaged. After lying unconsciousness for eight days, he awoke to discover that two of the vertebrae in his neck had been broken, and that he had lost the use his legs; he would never again be able to ride a motorcycle. But two years later, at the motorcycle club’s annual clay shoot, 32-year-old Adrian was launched into his next passion: clay shooting.

“I’d shot before. Being a farmer’s son, I was handling guns from 11 or 12 years old, shooting pigeons and rabbits on the farm. But it had been a while!”

Last year, Adrian won the World English Sporting and the World Sport Trap titles, bringing his total world golds to five. He has also won one European and many British gold medals, and was the first winner of the CPSA award for Disabled Shooter of the Year. Fifty-seven-year-old Adrian is the DSG’s life president and a determined campaigner for disabled shooting. Over the last 20 years, he has helped to bring the CPSA’s attention to this area of the sport, and his efforts have contributed to increased accessibility of shooting sports in the UK.

He said, “I don’t mind what you ask about my disabilities. If talking about this inspires somebody to get into shooting sports, then I’m happy.”

DSG Secretary Sam Nunn takes aim with some clay shooting

Sam Nunn is the DSG’s current secretary, responsible for organising shooting events. Three of Sam’s limbs are affected by a very rare syndrome called femur-fibular-ulna complex, and he has been using a prosthetic leg since he was just 15 months old. Sam, who won the CPSA’s Shooter of the Year award in 2014, has been shooting from the age of 12.

“I used to go out shooting rabbits and pigeons with my uncle. But when I was 17, I fancied having a go at clay target shooting, so I started looking around for a club. There were very few clubs that were accessible to disabled shooters, and certainly none near me.”

I asked Sam if things have changed in that respect.

“Yes. I’ve noticed, over the last few years, that attitudes towards disabled shooters have improved a lot. Of course, some disciplines are more accessible than others. For example, an Olympic Trap is shot from a concrete pad, which is easier for wheelchair users than grass.”

Sam told me that he has to choose his gun carefully.

“Because my arms are short, I opt for a gun with a shortened stock, which is typically designed for ladies; I’ve always been able to find something to suit me. For some, though, no gun off the shelf will be suitable, but it’s possible to obtain models with specially made stocks or electric triggers.”

The Disabled Shooters Group is the national body for disabled clay target shooting and is in partnership with the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA). If you would like to get in touch with the DSG, please contact Sam Nunn at [email protected].

Target Shooting is Accessible, Inclusive, and Integrated

Mick Kirby, of the Sussex CPSA committee, who had his lower left arm amputated, following a stroke, has been instrumental in arranging have-a-go days for people with disabilities.

“We ran one of these events last September, which was really well attended. There was a boy with autism, who particularly enjoyed the experience, thanks mainly to one of our members, who forged a good connection with the boy. This lad’s father was really chuffed.”

Mick told me, “Sometimes I’ll bump into someone at a competition, who’s still shooting after being introduced to the sport at one of our events. I don’t know if this particular boy has continued to shoot. I hope so.”

Mick is a determined character and has worked out a way of loading his gun one-handed, with the aid of a hip holder. At national competitions, he has won gold and silver medals in British skeet and American skeet, and he is also a referee. Mick is committed to promoting shooting for people with disabilities, but actually has a very positive view of the sport’s inclusive nature.

“The majority of clubs include everyone, without discrimination. Over the last few years, I’ve seen a positive change in attitude.”

I asked Mick how he will continue to promote disabled shooting. His reply was simple.

“I promote the sport best by shooting as an able-bodied shooter.”

Matt Skelhon

Matt Skelhon is a 32-year-old Paralympic gold medallist, whose first experience of target shooting was at the annual Inter Spinal Unit Games at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

Matt spent four months at the Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre, Sheffield, after breaking his back in a road traffic accident when he was just 21 years old. The injury caused paraplegia, which is paralysis of the lower body. With lots of support from family and friends, Matt’s outlook was optimistic, and he made every effort to hurry up his recovery so that he could get on with life.

“I was always positive; I never despaired. I was pretty lucky.”

As part of his rehabilitation, Matt had a go at wheelchair basketball and archery, but it was during the WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, in April 2006, that he discovered a passion for target shooting. And he was very good at it!

He told me, “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I like a challenge.”

Two years later, the British National Anthem was playing at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, as Matt received a gold medal for the 10m air rifle event in the SH1 classification. SH1 is for competitors who do not require a shooting stand.

“I felt absolute elation. Leading up to the competition, I’d been focussing on training, just thinking about the job in hand. It had been all about the shooting. And then, suddenly, here I was, with a gold medal round my neck. It was surreal!”

At the 2012 Paralympics in London, Matt won silver and bronze in the 10m and 50m air rifle events respectively, and he also competed in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was named Sportsman of the Year by the Peterborough Telegraph. The Pellpax team wishes him well for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

John Kelman

John Kelman is an amazing man. He takes the concept of thinking outside the box to a place where you can’t even remember what the box looks like.

When he began his coaching career, John was confronted with a hurdle that he has had to overcome many times during his life: dyslexia. Intelligent, compassionate, and innovative, John struggled with the reading and writing aspect of studying for coaching qualifications, but this difficulty was certainly not going to get the better of him. He persevered, and now holds the position of Regional Coach – the highest coaching level recognised by the National Small-bore Rifle Association.

John was determined to provide coaching to people with disabilities. “In the year 2000,” he said, “most shooting clubs didn’t want to know about anyone with a disability – so I started my own club.”

John has designed and constructed shooting aids for many very different needs, and each of his innovations must be ratified by the NSRA to ensure that users are not given an unfair advantage in competitions.

DSG Shooter Eirian uses his feet to aim and shoot.

Eirian, who had cerebral palsy, had very little control over most of his body, including his head. This meant that he couldn’t focus his sight on the target, aim the gun, and pull the trigger, all at the same time. John told me, “He was trapped in his own body.”

However, Eirian had good control of his ankles and feet – in fact, he propelled his wheelchair with his toes. So John devised a way for Eirian to manoeuvre the barrel of the gun by means of a treadle, which he also used to operate the trigger. John fixed a laser onto the barrel, so that Eirian only had to watch the target; when the laser hit the centre, he’d shoot.

Another student, also with cerebral palsy, was 21-year-old Paul, whose hands were turned outward at an extreme angle. “Paul can’t turn his hands,” the carer told John. “He’s never seen his palms.” John borrowed a lace from the carer’s shoe and looped it around Paul’s wrist; with assistance, Paul then had control over pulling the trigger.

John went on to construct a tidier and safer mechanism for Paul to use – “I called this the Equaliser, as it made disabled shooters equal with able-bodied shooters.” But it was probably that first taste of achievement that brought Paul back again for another go.

And then there was Vic.

A close up of shooter Vic Morris, in action

“I was approached one day by an elderly gentleman who said he’d read an article about me in the local paper. ‘Can you get my son shooting?’ he said. I said, ‘I’ll give it a go.’ I was expecting a little lad, but then in comes a grown man, operating his wheelchair with his chin. I went to shake his hand, and he said, ‘Nothing works, mate.’ Within a week I had this man shooting; within 12 months he was entering national competitions.”

Vic Morris was 28, married, and a father of two little girls when his neck was broken in a rugby scrum, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.

John built a complex machine, whereby the gun was fixed into a support, and the end of the barrel was weighted. A butt plate supported a bracket that in turn supported the stock, and because Vic had excellent control of his head muscles, he could press the stock down with his chin, levering the other end up. Vic’s wife loaded the gun for him, and the trigger was connected to a switch, which Vic operated with his tongue.

Vic Morris became a very good shooter, and he and John were close friends. Vic died in July this year.

As I thanked John for taking the time to talk to me, he said, “I have a challenge for anybody with a disability. Come and see me, and I’ll do my very best to get you shooting – whatever your disability. Just contact me at [email protected].”

British Blind Sport

Trial shooter, Paul, takes aim with the specialist equipment

A quarter of a century ago, nobody in the UK with visual impairment was shooting, but in 1994, Ken Nash, a life member of both the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NRSA) and British Blind Sport (BBS), introduced shooting for the blind into the UK. There are now more than 30 centres across the country that welcome visually impaired shooters. Working alongside these clubs, BBS organises competitions, supports the education of school teachers, and provides classifications to blind and partially sighted athletes.

In the Summer 2017 issue of the NSRA’s in-house magazine, On Target, Ken introduces Ecoaims Vis500, a new audio aiming device that has been chosen by the NSRA for visually impaired shooting in the UK. An infrared LED is placed near the target, and the Vis500 converts the infrared signals to audio waves. Via his sense of hearing, the shooter’s skills of calculation, concentration, and steadiness can be tested to the same extent as those of a sighted shooter.

Michael Whapples

One of the experts involved in the selection of the Vis500 was Michael Whapples. Michael has been almost totally blind since birth. He attended a special school for visually impaired children, where he first experienced the joys of target shooting. He showed enormous aptitude for the sport, and it became his passion.

Studying physics at Nottingham University posed problems – and not only for Michael. One of his tutors, Janette Dunn, published a paper entitled Teaching a Physics Laboratory Module to Blind Students, in which she analysed the problems posed by lack of vision. Michael was one of two subjects in her case study, and, in reading this interesting article, it becomes apparent that a huge adversity like blindness does not always outweigh copious amounts of talent, common sense, and intelligence.

Michael’s ‘day job’ is developing software for producing brail documents. Other software projects include a Smart phone app that provides an audio compass for visually impaired sailing, and an app to allow configuration of the VIASS aiming system. But Michael, like so many of the experts I’ve spoken to, embraces the flexibility of this sport.

“In target shooting, visual impairment doesn’t necessarily have to go down the audio route. Shooting can be adapted in so many ways – for example, those with some useful vision can do disciplines such as benchrest shooting, where a scope is permitted. Also, when thinking about this, whilst I know of no shooter using it, blind archers use the ‘back of the hand’ tactile sighting system, which provides a reference point for elevation. Maybe this method can be adapted for shooters.”

Steven Richardson

Last year, I had the pleasure of talking to Steven Richardson, who lost both legs and five fingers in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Steven was part of an eight-man team who cycled 3051 miles across the USA, raising £100,000 for Help for Heroes. He participates in several sports, including shooting. You can read The Big Interview: Steven Richardson here.

In Memoriam, Vic Morris

Many thanks to Dave Froggett, the NSRA (National Small-bore Rifle Association) Coaching and Development Manager, for putting me in touch with many of the people who contributed to this article.

In memory of Vic Morris

Crossbow Face Off : Barnett Raptor FX3 vs EK Archery Torpedo 185lbs

This month’s Face Off is a crossbow special. We take a look at these beasts from Barnett and EK Archery, to see which is best…

Barnett and EK Archery have been vying for position in the compound crossbow market for many years so today we are going to take two of their crossbows and compare and contrast to find out who is the ultimate winner.

First Impressions :

The first thing you notice when picking up the Barnett is it is incredibly light. The specs say it weight around 6.4 lbs but in all honestly it feels a lot lighter than this because of its excellent balance and angled foregrip that enables a precise grip with the front hand leading to easier movement and aiming. Good balance like this is an aspect that is often overlooked with lower priced crossbows that often tend to favour raw power over actually accuracy. Largely in part due to the uninitiated thinking that the higher numbers on the box, the better their crossbow will be.

One thing that detracts from the Barnett however is the colouring. The shape of the crossbow looks great but I’m not to keen on the camouflage look even when its done well and here it seems so unnecessary. Paper targets don’t often notice predators so I don’t known who you are meant to be hiding from. And OK, I can concede that maybe the camo is to help our more trigger happy friends across the Atlantic ocean, but then why then is there giant orange lettering down the limbs? Ah well.

The EK Torpedo looks much more to my taste, black, straight lines and a more tactical appearance. I can even forgive the limbs which feature a carbon fibre effect despite being fibreglass (why?) because the overall appearance of the crossbow is good. However, the Torpedo feels heavier than the Barnett particularly at the front end and the grip at the front is not as nice leading to an unbalanced front end. This could potentially negatively affect accuracy as well as tiring your leading arm faster than average.

I’m inclined to give the win to the Barnett here as how your gun, or in this case bow, looks in comparison to how it shoots so it is the light weight of the Barnett that tips the balance in its favour. Just make it black next time please.

Winner : Barnett Raptor FX3

Features

The Barnett is well equipped with cocking rope, quiver, bolts and a 4×32 scope with mounts. While this is all nice to have and allows you to get shooting straight out of the box, if serious target shooting is what is required an upgrade to the scope, to a Hawke or Meopta maybe, and definitely an upgrade to the bolts, which are not very good quality at all, would be required.

The Barnett also features an adjustable buttpad which is a nice touch allowing to to fit snugly into the shoulder and is also equipped with an easy to use safety and an anti dry fire mechanism which prevents the crossbow from firing unless a bolt is loaded. A key mechanism as dry firing is the leading cause of crossbow malfunction. There are some reports on the internet of the original Raptor snapping strings due to the recoil from the limbs being too large. This particular problem seems to be have been fixed with the FX3 as the string used is much tougher and I have had no problems with strings during testing.

The EK comes equipped with the same items as the Barnett although the scope is somewhat nicer being a 4×32 IR or illuminated reticle that can be lit up to allow for easier targeting and better performances in bright sunlight or night. The stock of the EK is also extendable in a similar fashion to a M4 or AR15 which grants snug shouldering for shooters of all sizes. Also the quiver of the Torpedo will hold 6 bolts as opposed to just 3 held by the Raptor. The Torpedo is also fitted with an anti dryfire system which is always appreciated. Also my Torpedo came with a little tube of string wax which was a nice touch as preventing your string from drying is one of the key components of maintaining an effective tool.

Both crossbows are pretty well equipped in their own way so I’m going to call this a draw.

Winner : Draw

Shooting

The Barnett has a draw weight of 150lbs meaning it is able to be drawn by hand. I would almost always recommend drawing the crossbow with a cocking aid however as it provides a more reliable and even draw. The Barnett will shoot 20 inch carbon bolts at around 330 FPS which makes the Barnett accurate to around 50 yards and will require some pretty thick padding to stop the bolts. Trust me, a foam target will not be enough. I have heard horror stories of bolts going though garden fences and also the car behind it so always ensure you know what is behind your target.

The Torpedo however is even more powerful with a draw weight of 185lbs and, using the same 20inc carbon bolts produced and average fps of 356. This gives the Torpedo an effective range 60+ yards with better accuracy than the Barnett. Seriously, this thing shoots exceptionally well. I was bowled over with the performance, 1 inch groups at 50 yards is something a thousand pounds worth of airgun can’t achieve so to see it in a crossbow that is under £400 is frankly amazing. And yes I know that FAC airguns will shoot this far but you have to go out and acquire a license for one of those. A crossbow is available over the counter, providing you are over the age of 18, just like a sub 12ft/lb gun so must be compared against those.

The trigger on the Torpedo is also fantastic. It is crisp and clean with a predictable let off and enhances the precision of the crossbow. Also the Torpedo is £50 cheaper than the Raptor so this is an easy win for the EK to be honest.

Winner : EK Archery Torpedo

Conclusions

Having not been much of a crossbow shooter before having to test them for Pellpax I am consistently impressed by their power and accuracy, and also amazed they remain unlicensed. The UK government is notorious for clamping down on anything they consider “dangerous” so I would imagine it is only a matter of time before these were clamped down on but, as things stand, proof that you are 18+ is all that is required.

The shot for shot performance you get from one of these is simply not available elsewhere without an FAC and the ease of which these crossbows are operated makes them a real viable choice for people looking to get into target shooting. In all honestly the only advantages a 12ft/lb airgun has over one these is the price of ammunition and the ability to be able to shoot vermin.

You can get the Barnett Raptor FX3 here for £649.99. You can get the EK Archery Torpedo here for £398.99.

Armed Forces Week Celebrations with the RMA & Pellpax

A marching band performing at Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Credit: Felixstowe Forward.

On the weekend of June 24^th and 25^th, the Pellpax Bullet took part in the Suffolk Armed Forces Week celebrations in Felixstowe, where the Royal Marines were celebrating one of their earliest victories.

As proud sponsors of the Royal Marines Association (RMA), an organisation that offers support and friendship to the entire Royal Marines Family, we were keen to find out more about the marines, their history, and the special network of support that is spread worldwide.

The Admiral’s Regiment

On October 28^th 1664, The Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot was formed, under the leadership of the Duke of York and Albany (the future James II of England), who had been appointed Lord High Admiral at the age of three – a nominal, rather than operational, position. Almost from the beginning, the abbreviation, “The Admiral’s Regiment” was frequently used.

Towards the end of the second Anglo-Dutch Wars (March 1665 to July 1667), Landguard Fort, near Felixstowe, was successfully defended by the marines, under the leadership of Captain Nathaniel Darell, in a battle against Holland’s Regiment de Marine, a new corps formed in December 1665. This first land battle honour for The Admiral’s Regiment – which, in 1775, became His Majesty’s Marine Forces, and later, the Royal Marines – is recorded as one of the last opposed attacks on England.

As a defeat would have left the country poorly placed in the peace negotiations that followed, Captain Darell is considered a hero, and is honoured annually on ‘Darell’s Day’ at Felixstowe.

The Battle of Landguard Anniversary

This year marks the 350^th anniversary of the Battle of Landguard and the first major land victory of the marines. So, this year, the Suffolk regional Armed Forces Week celebrations were centred around that historic event, resulting in a spectacular weekend.

More scenes from the main stage at Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Photo: Felixstowe Forward.

Taking part in the celebrations were members of the Royal Marines Association, founded immediately after WWII to help marines who had been injured, or who were suffering from what is today recognised as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Rundle, who served in the Royal Marines for 33 years, is President of the East Anglia Region of the RMA. He explained what this voluntary organisation is all about.

“The RMA is run by members, for members, offering practical and emotional support to cadets, servicemen, reservists and veterans – and also to their families. Because of recruiting nationally, and from Commonwealth countries, former marines are scattered all over the UK and, indeed, the world. The RMA helps to keep us all within the fold of the Royal Marines family.”

The Work of the RMA

Mark has been active in the RMA for many years. He talked to me about some of the ways in which members of the Royal Marines family are given assistance.

“Some veterans are men who have lived productive civilian lives since retiring from military service. But then, when they grow old, and their wives are ageing too, they might need a bit of help with shopping and housework; maybe they’re widowed, and are just in need of company; and there are those, of course, who need full-time care. Having been self-reliant all their lives, these are, of course, also the very last people ever to dream of asking for any help.

Historical re-enactment during Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Photo courtesy of Felixstowe Forward.

“Not all veterans are old. Some are young men who have been physically damaged in recent conflicts. The NHS is brilliant at saving lives and putting our wounded servicemen on the road to rehabilitation. But the prosthetic legs provided by our stretched health service are basic; they’re just made for walking. Our young amputees want to run; they want to row boats and ride bikes, climb up mountains, and ski down them.”

Mark explained that to provide the men with this quality of prosthesis, we must raise funds and look to the USA, where top-of-the-range legs can easily cost $50,000 a pair (and for complex needs can cost much more). This is an area where funding is so vital, where quality of life hangs in the balance. Mark told me about Captain Jon White, who lost three limbs – two legs above the knee, and his right arm – in an explosion in Afghanistan.

“Royal Marines charities made a grant of £97,500 to enable him to travel to the USA for the fitting of, and training with, the specialised limbs required. He is just one of many who need our support.”

The RMA also cares for the families of marines. Mark told me about a Norfolk couple whose son was killed in Afghanistan just a few years ago.

“They focused on their grief, not realising that they were surrounded by the Royal Marines family. With the couple’s permission, an acquaintance arranged for RMA volunteers to attend the funeral, and the Association was able to provide some support during following years.”

The stalls at the event, including the Pellpax Bullet, in the distance. Photo courtesy of Felixstowe Forward.

When Mark first joined the Norfolk Branch of the RMA, he was amazed to learn that the members had coordinated their efforts to engage with the public at fund-raising events by using their very own “Zero-Danger-Area” Mobile Air Rifle Range. Having specialised in weapon training as a junior officer, and with years of experience of all manner of firearms, he was sceptical: “I couldn’t see how a portable air-rifle firing range could be made completely safe.”

Zero Danger Area Range

It seems, though, that the RMA Norfolk Branch really is in possession of a bone fide zero-danger-area range. Having to be seen to be believed, the Norfolk Branch RMA’s unique firing range is an inspired contraption, and the brainchild of one of its members, Jaime Graham. An air rifle is fired, completely safely, down a large-diameter pipe; after puncturing the target at the end of the pipe, the pellet passes into a sealed bullet-catcher through a thick carpet fabric, which absorbs much of the pellet’s energy; the pellet strikes a steel plate, set at a 45° down-angle, and is deflected downward into felt.

The whole arrangement completely prevents any possible chance of a backward ricochet. To complete the safety of this unit, which allows for three shooters at any one time, each air rifle muzzle is fixed into the firing end of its pipe, ensuring that pellets can only travel safely down the pipe and into the bullet-catcher.

Members of the public can therefore test their skills with real weapons, in complete safety, and they can do so on two levels: the relatively easy Rifleman competition, where scoring on a large bull is ‘inward’ (meaning that if a pellet touches a dividing line on the target, the competitor is awarded the higher score); and at the advanced, and much harder, outward-scoring Marksman level, on each of five, much smaller, bulls. Coaching by former Royal Marines helps to break the ice, as everybody naturally wishes to shoot just that little bit more accurately. Competition is often fierce, with many people returning time and again to better their scores and thus try to secure “bragging rights” among their friends!

The Pellpax Bullet makes it debut at the big event. Photo copyright Pellpax 2017.

However, despite its appearance at fund-raising events, the portable range was never intended to be purely a money-making tool. People are sometimes reticent about talking to military personnel; they are shy, maybe, of the uniforms and the medals, and wary of an organisation rooted in British history, yet unfamiliar to so many of us.

Mark told me: “The purpose of the range is to help us engage with the public. The target-shooting activity puts people at their ease, and interaction follows naturally, resulting in the general public’s greater understanding of how the organisation can support its members – but more importantly, an understanding of why this support is needed in the first place.”

Norwich 100 Bike Ride

In his four years as a member of the RMA, Martyn Holmes, former Chairman of the Norfolk branch and present Hon. Treasurer, has twice completed the 100-mile route of the popular Norwich 100 Bike Ride, raising over £2,000 for the cause.

“Since I left the Royal Marines in ’92, the war in the Middle East raised its ugly head, and our troops were so deployed. Since then, we’ve seen hundreds of deaths and horrendous injuries from all arms of our forces, as well as families who have been torn apart. If raising a few quid to add to the coffers helps in some small way, then that makes sense to me.”

Cycling 100 miles is a feat beyond the capabilities of most of us, but Martyn made the achievement despite being hampered by damaged hips.

Soldiers check out the guns, blades and archery equipment. Photo copyright Pellpax 2017.

“I developed osteoarthritis in both hips, almost certainly from yomping with 100-plus pounds on my back over the mountains of Arctic Norway, followed by 20 years on firearms ops within Norfolk Police. My active careers took a toll on my hips, and, as a result, I had bi-lateral hip resurfacing. That basically means I have metal hip joints. I did the ride with a good friend, who was there in case my hips seized up – and they nearly did!”

If you’re wondering what yomping is, it’s long distance marching, carrying full kit. This load comprises: a Bergan rucksack, usually weighing well over 100lbs; fighting order, containing basic survival kit, water, and ammunition; a helmet and body armour; a radio; and at least one weapon.

Yomp is the Royal Marines’ very own acronym of ‘your own marching pace’, but as any marine will tell you, it’s actually carried out at the much faster pace that your commander thinks you should be yomping at – which isn’t quite the same thing, really …

Pellpax Sponsorship

Thanks to the dedication of its members, the East Anglia Region RMA has, for the last seven consecutive years, raised more money than any other RMA region in the whole of the UK. And now Pellpax is lending a hand too, in the form of sponsorship. Pellpax has donated four air rifles for the mobile range, as well as regular donations of pellets, competition prizes, and rifle maintenance.

Talking about the Armed Forces Weekend event, Mark said, “The new Pellpax Bullet trailer was stationed next to our firing range. The Pellpax team told people, ‘You can look at these rifles here, but you can have a go with them over there,’ and the RMA volunteers pointed out Pellpax as ‘our very kind new sponsors’. The synergy was wonderful.”

Mark summed up the essence of the RMA. “Our members make the Association what it is, and it’s their activity that is reflected in the way we are organised and run. It’s their efforts which raise the funds to enable these life-changing interventions.” The RMA’s message to its members is, “We’re the constant thread that runs right through your life, providing camaraderie, support, stability, and practical help. Once a marine, always a marine”.

You can learn more about the Royal Marine’s Association at their official website here https://royalmarinesassociation.org.uk You can learn more about the Landguard Fort at the official site here. http://www.landguard.com

A Guide to Airsoft Guns

This month, Steph Brooks takes a closer look at the world of airsoft equipment – specifically the airsoft rifles and pistols that form the core of this exciting sport.

The sport of airsoft is extremely competitive, with many enthusiasts spending thousands of pounds on the right equipment and gear. Some go further than others. I’ve seen videos on YouTube of attack helicopters fitted with miniguns that fire airsoft BBs, and if you think you’re going to be able to combat that with a £30 spring rifle, I have some news for you: you won’t. No, to go from so-so to soldier, you’re going to need the best rifle you can get your hands on.on.

AEG Guns (Automatic Electric Gun)

The first and most common form of gun that you will find on the battlefield is basically powered by an electric motor or AEG. This stands for Automatic Electric Gun, and pretty well describes what these airsoft guns are all about. Inside the gun, there’s a battery that has to be charged, which powers a motor that can continually engage the firing mechanism. Often either single shot, burst fire, or fully automatic, AEG guns give you great flexibility on the battlefield, allowing you to pick out individual targets at long range, or flip the switch to full auto and soak an area with continuous fire.

AEG guns also have the ability to be easily upgraded with bigger batteries, better gearboxes, and more durable internals, all readily available. Just be aware that airsoft sites will have a specific power limit, usually around 1.3J and under for full auto guns, and 2.5J for single shot only guns, and going over these limits will prevent you from playing. AEG airsoft rifles also tend to be cheaper than other types, so if you’re new to the world or airsoft, or you’re planning to go to war, or are looking for something that’s able to be customised completely, inside and out, then an AEG rifle might be for you.

One thing of note when buying an AEG airsoft gun: get one with a metal gearbox. Plastic gearboxes are OK for a while, and if you are just going to be shooting tin cans in your back garden, they will probably hold up, but they are just not resilient enough to stand up to the test of the battlefield on a regular basis. Metal is the way to go.

GBB (Gas Blowback) Guns

The second type of airsoft gun is what’s called a gas blowback or GBB. These guns are powered by gas canisters, which fill a reservoir and propel the pellet out at great speed. Of course, this ties you to buying canisters of gas every time you need a refill, but all but the very cheapest of guns are quite efficient with their gas, so refills shouldn’t need to be too frequent.

The main reason people plump for gas rifles is the added realism that comes with the blowback mechanism. This is where a portion of gas moves part of the gun, such as the slide or the cocking handle, to give the gun a better sense of recoil and more closely imitate what it would be like to fire a real gun. This will obviously affect the gun’s accuracy, as there’s a large kick, so that’s something to bear in mind if you’re intent on shooting competitively.

Another advantage the gas-powered guns have over AEG rifles is that they are able to be refilled almost instantly. If you’re at a skirmish site and your battery runs flat, you either need to change the battery or wait a couple of hours for yours to charge, but with a GBB gun, just top it up with some gas and you’re good to go again, often in less than a minute.

Gas guns are for shooters that prefer their guns easy to use and refill, ready at a moment’s notice, and able to be shot at any time. From my experience, people tend to use gas guns for their sidearms, i.e. pistols or small SMGs, and AEG guns for their main weapon of choice; but there’s some debate in the airsoft community about what is best.

Below, I’m going to take you through some of my personal favourites, in detail, to give you an idea of what to expect.

Airsoft Guns : Four Of The Best

E&L MK18 Mod1 AEG : An AEG that is customisable to suit any situation

Made by E&L, this airsoft rifle is equipped with four extended weaver rails that allow you to fit a large variety of attachments to the gun. The gun is also capable of semi-automatic fire as well as full auto, meaning that whatever battlefield role you wish to perform, the MK18 is right there with you.

For example, the gun can be equipped with a foregrip, laser sight, and red dot reflex … and switch to fully automatic with the stock retracted, and you have the ultimate assault rifle that can clear trenches and buildings with ease, and is light and responsive with a great trigger.

Alternatively, switch to semi-automatic fire, extend the butt stock, trade in the laser sight for a rangefinder, and swap the reflex sight for a rifle scope or night vision, and you have a great sniper rifle that can easily pick off individual targets in the distance. There are two versions: Elite and Platinum.

WE Big Bird Full Auto GBB : A sidearm that can compete with the best of them

From WE Europe comes the Big Bird. It’s both gas blowback and fully automatic, making it great fun to shoot. Its shape means it fits into most hip, leg, or shoulder holsters, and the gun, when fully loaded, weighs less than half a kilogram, which makes it ideal for carrying as a sidearm.

The pistol is fully automatic and therefore capable of emptying its magazine very quickly, so it’s good news to hear that there’s a variety of spares available, including a 50-round version that can take the gun from sidearm to primary weapon, especially if you have a couple of them stocked with you.

The Big Bird is also capable of carrying a torch or laser, thanks to its weaver rail, which is located under the barrel, to add a little customisation. The gun is well made, durable, and will serve any skirmisher well.

LCT TX-5 AEG : A modern take on a classic

The LCT brand is perhaps one of the most well known in all of airsoft, thanks to their uncanny ability to provide high grade airsoft guns at competitive prices, and the TX-5 is no different.

Based on the ever-popular AK74 design, the gun has instant recognisability, although instead of using a folding stock or a static wood design, the TX-5 is fitted with a retractable M4-style stock that adds flexibility and sheds weight.

The LCT is also capable of both semi and fully automatic fire, as well as being fitted with multiple rails that allow for a variety of attachments. The adjustable hop-up unit allows for perfect accuracy, while the gun’s metal body makes it almost as indestructible as the real thing.

ICS CXP HOG Tubular SDSR AEG : The ultimate professional

Looking similar to the famous Honey Badger, the CXP HOG is an AEG rifle for those who prefer stealthy play. The inbuilt silencer provides excellent muzzle noise reduction, and, capable of both semi and fully automatic fire, this rifle is great at any range.

The gun itself has a multitude of great features, including a modular stock design that features an adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad to ensure a comfortable shooting position for skirmishers of any size. The gun itself is able to perform at any range, and its barrel is exceptionally well made, ensuring great accuracy.

Although fitted with flip-up iron sights, the CXP HOG has a top-mounted rail that can carry either scopes, lasers, or red dot sights to ensure you always have a clear shot on your target.

To check out our full range of airsoft guns, head to the Airsoft section of our store.

Face Off : FX Wildcat vs Daystate Renegade

This month, Steph Brooks takes a closer look at the FX Wildcat, to see how it matches up against the Daystate Renegade.

Today in the face-off, we’re testing the FX Wildcat and the Daystate Renegade, which total nearly £2,500 worth of airgun. It makes a nice change from testing cheap CO2 pistols, but I do feel some pressure to help you make the right choice. Not many people, especially in today’s climate, have the money to spend a thousand pounds on the wrong rifle, so with that in mind, let’s continue.

Origins

Both of the rifles have somewhat similar beginnings, with the Renegade being created from the Pulsar, while the Wildcat’s design has its origin in the FX Bobcat. The Renegade differs from the Pulsar in that it features a mechanical action instead of the computer-controlled solenoid of its older brother. This means the Renegade houses a hammer that is cocked and then latched onto a sear, similar to a traditional rifle, although it does retain the electronic “mouse click” trigger of the Pulsar.

However, it’s worth noting that where the pressure gauge is located on the Renegade, there’s a circular Daystate logo on the Pulsar. This makes me think that Daystate had always planned to release the Renegade, and perhaps it was even designed alongside the Pulsar. This suggests that there’s a demand out there from people who like their rifles more conventional than computerised.

The Wildcat, from FX, has a more defined origin, being spawned from the FX Bobcat when people were asking for a smaller, more consistent version of the rifle. The resulting Wildcat, as well as the Bobcat MK II, released around the same time, are almost completely different guns, with the Wildcat in particular having an all-new cocking system and completely redesigned stock, as well as many other components. This has led to the Wildcat sitting alongside the Impact as one of FX’s most popular models.

First Impressions

The Renegade looks like a Pulsar. In fact, the design is so close you would be forgiven for thinking they were one and the same. There are some subtle differences, such as the lack of the LCD screen and the added pressure gauge near the pistol grip, but essentially, if you like the unique styling of the Pulsar, you’ll like the Renegade. It does, however, lack the inbuilt laser of the Pulsar, which is a little disappointing.

The Renegade comes in a greenish synthetic stock, although that can be switched for any of the Pulsar’s stock options, as they’re made to order and are essentially the same shape. The rifle is nice and compact, if a little heavy, but I have always thought the pistol grip looks somewhat odd with these bullpups. It just kind of sticks out with no connection to the stock. But hey, looks are subjective, and I have colleagues who tell me they love the design.

Perhaps it would have been nice to have something to differentiate it from the Pulsar, but I suppose that defeats the object of what the Renegade is supposed to be.

No such problem with the FX, as it looks significantly different from its originator, with a minimal skeleton stock design that’s available in black soft touch, walnut, or grey laminate. We tested the black model here, and, despite my unhealthy love for a deeply stained piece of walnut, I have to say the feel here is absolutely exceptional. The soft touch stock is easily gripped, and almost velvety to the touch. The rifle is around half a kilo lighter than the Renegade, despite being considerably longer. This leads to great balance between the hands, and this is something to consider, especially for hunters who are likely to carry their rifle around and shoot without a rest.

The thumbhole is large, without looking oversized (I’m looking at you Brocock Bantam), and the whole rifle strikes a great balance between modern and classic designs. The Wildcat loses to the Renegade, though, with its lack of weaver rail, meaning any accessories, other than a scope, are going to be a struggle. Also, although neither rifle is fitted with swivel studs, I would be much more comfortable drilling into the Renegade, as its stock is rubber over wood, as opposed to synthetic, which has a habit of splitting. I have to say I didn’t try drilling either, so this is really just from personal experience.

Despite all of this, I think I’m giving the win to the Wildcat. It looks better, it feels better, and it’s much lighter than the Daystate. It’s also around £300 cheaper, which is not to be sniffed at. This seems insignificant, compared to the price of the gun, but that’s the cost of a good scope, about 50 tins of pellets, or the weekend away you have to buy your missus when she finds out you just spent a grand on a new rifle.

Winner : FX Wildcat

How it all works

So, as stated before, the Renegade is a more mechanical version of the Pulsar, but it has retained one electric feature. The trigger still fires a solenoid, but instead of hitting the valve, this just pulls down the sear, releasing a traditional hammer. This makes the trigger of the Renegade as light as a feather and is one of its key selling points.

The trigger on the Wildcat is fully mechanical, and, while it’s a good mechanical trigger with a particularly clear second stage, it doesn’t hold a candle to the crispness and lightness of the Daystate. Once in a while, an innovation comes along that completely changes the game, and if it wasn’t for the cost, I could see this trigger system installed on every mid-ranged and above rifle across the planet – it is that good.

The Renegade also wins out with its 10-round magazine, compared to the Wildcat’s 8. Eight seems unusual for a .177 PCP magazine, but the magazine is well made, with the pellets held securely in place by a pair of O rings. It’s worth stating that the Wildcat magazine is a big improvement over other FX models, like the Royale, where the first pellet has to be loaded backwards (just why?). Both indexed with no problems, with the Renegade being indexed pneumatically to prevent double loading – a nice touch that would be welcome on the FX, where double loading is a possibility.

Both use a sidelever cocking action, with the Wildcat’s in particular being very easy to operate. It seemed lighter and less clunky than the Daystate, which needed a firmer grip to move, as opposed to the fingertip lightness of the Wildcat.

The safety of the Wildcat is manual, which is my preferred choice anyway, and, as with all parts of this rifle, it’s easy to move with just your fingertips. The only quibble I have here is that maybe the safety is too easy to move; the groove in the stock that the switch sits in slopes towards the fire position, and I can see this potentially being moved by accident.

A little feature I really liked with the Renegade was its inbuilt spirit level. Now, the Renegade is quite a tall rifle, even for a bullpup, which means there’s a larger distance between the end of the scope and the end of the barrel. This can easily be adjusted for when shooting in a straight line, but it means that tilting the rifle, even slightly, can throw your accuracy off to a larger degree than shorter guns. Daystate thought of that with a spirit level located just under the scope. It’s in a great position too, allowing you a quick glance, when the rifle’s shouldered, without having to move your head.

The winner here is the Daystate. It has a lot of little touches that set it apart from the crowd. The FX is nice, with the sidelever action in particular being really light, but the exceptional mouse-click trigger on the Daystate is what finally tipped the balance for me.

Winner : Daystate Renegade

Down the Range

So once again I find myself down at our very own shooting range with nearly two and a half grand’s worth of air rifle to play with all day. I hope you all understand the troubles I go through to bring you such in-depth reviews. Both rifles are chambered in the .177 calibre and are set to sub 12 ft/lb levels, although there are other options available.

Filling the FX Wildcat is quick and easy and uses the quick fill push probe that pushes into a hole behind the pressure gauge, making filling with air quick and easy. The Renegade is filled by unscrewing a cap and screwing on a Forster fitting, a bit more time consuming, but nothing to write home about.

Tested using the .177 Daystate Kaiser pellet, the Renegade pulled in at 11.3 ft/lbs, whereas the FX was shooting slightly above that, with an average of 11.45. There was also very little deviation when it came to FPS, either with a 5 FPS deviation for the Daystate or 8 FPS for the Wildcat. Hmmmm … Maybe the best way to separate these rifles is hitting targets. I set up a 30-yard range and was comfortably hitting ½” groups with both.

Maybe the Renegade’s grouping was marginally tighter, but from my estimations, there is no real difference between them when it comes to accuracy. Maybe, if you were hunting, you’d take the Wildcat, as it packs a slightly larger punch. but not so much to be really that noticeable. I have also read reports on the Internet that the smooth twist barrel on the FX is useless and makes the gun inaccurate. Don’t believe them. The gun performs well at range and I would trust it for either rabbits or targets.

Both rifles also feature a well-shrouded barrel that reduces muzzle noise quite significantly. And there are specific silencers available for both, but it’s more for people who want less muzzle noise than need it, as both rifles are already pretty quiet.

Well, that was a pretty close round, I have to say. In terms of actual performance, the rifles are almost identical and really are at the top of the PCP market when it comes to performance, as you might expect, considering the price. Both are absolutely ideal for hunting and target shooting, and either will outperform 95% of any other air rifles you are likely to encounter.

If you were to ask me which of these I would choose to shoot again, I would have to go for the Daystate. If for nothing other than its little touches, such as the adjustable cheekpiece and others that I’ve already mentioned. If I was to live with one, I believe the Daystate would suit me better, but it’s close.

Winner : Daystate Renegade

In the end

So, in conclusion, I have come around – starting off wondering why the Renegade was created, but after shooting it, I can understand now. The Pulsar is more complicated and more expensive, and the Renegade strips it of these and focuses on what the Pulsar did best in the first place: shooting.

In fact, despite my initial scepticism, I would be seriously tempted by one of these over the Pulsar. The price difference is a lot for what is: basically extra bells and whistles.

The FX is also a very effective gun and possibly a better choice for hunters, as it was slightly more powerful and also considerably lighter. It was a close-run thing, to be sure, but there you have it: my winner (and next purchase) is the Daystate Renegade.

Winner : Daystate Renegade

For more reviews and airgun information, make sure you keep it locked here at Pellpax.

You can purchase the Daystate Renegade .177 here, and the FX Wildcat .177 here.

The Bullet Goes On Tour!

Here at Pellpax, we have been putting together a very special touring exhibition stand called ‘The Bullet’, for some time.

It’s finally ready to go, and so we took it out on its inaugural journey last weekend 24th-25th June to the Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend. We’re happy to report that we had a busy stand throughout the two days.

The reason we were invited is because we are proud sponsors of the Royal Marines Association (Norfolk Branch). Their president, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Rundle has agreed to speak to us for an interview for the blog, so watch out for that in coming weeks!

We will be endeavouring to attend more events during the rest of the summer, so keep an eye out for announcements. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the event.

UKARA Membership for Pellpax

We are pleased to announce that Pellpax is now a member of UKARA (UK Airsoft Retailers’ Association), the organisation that is dedicated to the promotion of airsoft and to public safety.

The Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2006 introduced tight restrictions on the use, ownership, and sale of realistic imitation firearms (RIFs). In response to these new laws, an association of UK airsoft retailers was formed, for the purpose of producing a system for monitoring the sale of RIFs, and thereby protecting the airsoft sport and trade.

UKARA operates an effective and politically acceptable system, which protects retailers of airsoft equipment, whilst maintaining the safety of the public. The UKARA database holds a record of all participating airsoft players and game sites, and is available to retailers for verification of sales and purchases. This system allows retailers to check that RIFs are being sold only to legitimate purchasers.

Permitted RIF purchaser groups include, amongst others, film and theatre producers and participants in organised historical re-enactments. But it’s airsoft players who form the largest RIF purchaser group in the UK, and skirmishers can find an increasing range of airsoft equipment at Pellpax. If you’re new to the game, and thinking about buying your first airsoft gun, expert advice is available from our staff members.

The UKARA chairman is Frank Bothamley, a former designer of DB2 databases, who co-founded Firesupport Ltd and Free Fire Zone, an airsoft skirmish site near to Peterborough. I asked Frank about the work that UKARA carries out on behalf of the airsoft industry.

The ICS CXP-08 is an excellent main airsoft gun — The ICS CXP-08 Crane Stock AEG

“We successfully lobbied for the airsoft limit to be set higher than 1 joule. We achieved a recognised definition in law for airsoft guns, and we got 6mm and 8mm pellets officially tested to prove that they were not lethal at the limits advertised by the Home Office. We meet regularly with the home office and have contact with FELWG [Firearms and Explosives Licensing Working Group]. We continue to speak to the CPS [Criminal Prosecution Service] and border controls about the impact of PCA [policing and crime act] 2017.”

At Pellpax, we stock many brands of airsoft guns and accessories. We have recently added ICS products to our range, including the ICS WW2 M3 Greaser AEG, which has an effective range of approximately 50 metres, and the small, compact ICS CXP-08. We’re also pleased to have available some two-tone airsoft rifles and pistols for customers who are not yet registered to an airsoft club in the UK. Note that it is against the law to alter the appearance of these items in order to render them more realistic.

When it comes to maintaining your airsoft equipment, we can recommend some superb products, such as ProShot Precision Gun Grease, or the water-repellent ProShot Precision ‘A’ Grade Silicone Gun Oil Aerosol. We also stock some convenient cleaning kits by ProShot. To talk to someone about our airsoft rifles, pistols, and accessories, or for advice on accessing local skirmish sites, just give us a ring, and we’ll be glad to help. And check out our range of airsoft guns and accessories here.