Sunday, 22 March 2015

Bullpup air rifles

Bullpup air rifles seem to be in fashion at the moment with a number of manufacturers bringing out new ones.

For those that aren't sure Bullpup describes a modern firearm configuration in which the action and magazine are located behind the trigger group and alongside the shooter's face, so there is no wasted space for the buttstock as in conventional designs. This permits a shorter firearm length for the same barrel length for improved maneuverability, and reduces weight. (See wikipedia from the links for more info).

In the UK a shorter length barrel does not mean a reduction in accuracy. At the ranges sub 12ftlbs air rifles (non licensed) go out to, it shouldn't make any difference at all. We have already had a report of a target club member being mocked for using a Rainstorm until he out shot everyone there!

The bullpup design allows for a shorter front end, which is great for standing or kneeling shots and quick target aquisition. They are also handy if shooting out of a vehicle or from a hide.
Some people may find them less appealing. The scope positioning on most does take a bit of getting used to (or just use a riser). They generally have a solid and chunky feel to them and are fairly easy to handle. If you look around the forums online you will find quite a few people that have made their own bullpup using standard pcp airgun parts, it's well worth a look. (just bear in mind that UK law only allows a certain minimum length to be over 6ftlbs or it is considered a pistol... be careful!)

What have we got in the shop then?

Just having come in is the JKhan Noblesse.
http://www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk/new-air-rifles/jkhan-noble-detail

This is an exceptionally well built gun with a side lever action and nice chunky 10 shot magazine. This also has a double load prevention system which is a great addition. Priced at £899
It has a black counterpart, which although looks synthetic is actually black sepatia wood.
This one is slightly cheaper at £799
http://www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk/new-air-rifles/jkhan-noblesse-black-detail
This pre-charged rifle gets around 150 shots in .177 and 180 in .22 out of it's 280cc air cylinder. It has a fully shrouded barrel but can take an extra silencer if required.



This one is my personal favourite. The Evanix Rainstorm. Made in Korea it has a side lever action and a distinct futuristic look to it. The all aluminum frame is a lot more sturdy than it first looks and at £699 is a great price. We do have a gunsmith that is able to do rather nice trigger jobs on these as well if you require something a bit more high end. This gun can also take an additional silencer if needed but the barrel is already shrouded and unlike some airguns, this actually works really well.
http://www.adifferentcalibre.co.uk/new-air-rifles/rain-storm-detail
Evanix Rainstorm Bullpup in .177 or .22















Evanix also do the Max-ML at £750 which hasn't been as popular for some reason. I quite like the overall look to it, but it is essentially the same as the rainstorm but with a different frame around it. You can also get this with a wooden stock, which some people prefer. Personally I think the synthetic looks better for the overall 'starship troopers' look of the gun.




Next on my list is the new Daystate Pulsar. This is coming in 2 guises. The first to be released with be the limited edition walnut stock edition (with gold inlay etc).
Limited Edtion Pulsar £1995

The standard is available in either tactical black or in laminate wood.

Daystate Pulsar £1785

A very nicely finished gun. it comes with a built in laser sight and the whole trigger system is electronic and it is also regulated. Again like most bullpups it has the side lever cocking lever. This looks to be one of the premiers in the bullpup world at the moment.

The FX Bobcat MK2 is also on our list as a nice gun with some different features such as a magazine holder in the stock.
FX Bobcat MK2


The Kalibr Cricket is one to consider and has had excellent reviews, however we don't plan on getting these at the moment as we already have such a huge range of airguns we are now running out space!

If none of these appeal then there are always the carbines to consider. Much like their 'Rifle' counterparts but just shorter (again no real difference in sub 12ftlbs) BSA for example do the ultra carbine and even their flagship R-10 is now available in carbine form. (£780)

BSA R-10 Super Carbine
It really does seem that shorter guns are the in thing at the moment. It will be interesting to see if other manufacturers like BSA follow this trend.

All of these are available from our shop. www.diffcal.co.uk





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