Daystate Mk3 Update - March 2003
As a two-part trip to the UK and then
to Germany for IWA 2003, I stopped off at Daystate for a quick
look at the progress on the Mk3 and the other happenings in the
factory. The owner, Gary Sanders, was once again more than hospitable,
and put me up in his home. We spent some time down at the factory
to look over production and learn the ins and outs of the Mk3.
My first impression of the factory on this trip was that, for
once, parts were piled up ready for assembly. In the past, Daystate
seemed to always have incomplete guns waiting for parts, and never
seemed to get ahead. This time, all the parts were ready and Daystate
was awaiting the new electronic circuit boards, which were due
in at any moment. Each of the workers in the workshop were preparing
parts and pieces and working flat-out to ready for assembly. Once
the boards arrive, they will have everything needed and the guns
will go together at a rapid speed. The following photos show some
of the parts stacking up:
An order of Harrier's is building up along side the
Mk3's.
These are a new configuration. Same barrel as before,
but mated to the longer Huntsman length air tubes. These will
be capable of higher power levels with more shots per fill.
And still more tubes building up!
The front valve on the Mk3 sports a polished aluminum
finish, giving the guns a classy look.
The air tubes for the Mk3 are done in a high polished
finish.
Here, two Mk3's are complete in 12ft/lbs for the UK
market. The one on the left has a CR-X bolt added, and the one
on the right was done with a black bolt. We are actually getting
all of our order done in a chrome silver finish to match the accents
of the gun.
Four more Mk3's are ready for testing, also in 12ft/lb
version
One of several piles of Mk3 magazines are complete
and awaiting homes on the receivers!
Also finished are the single shot loading plates
Something that we failed to show in
past reports is the testing facility used to monitor regulators
for the CR-X and now the new Korrick designed Mk3. Note the large
gauge used as a reg check to closely monitor the operating pressure.
The bleed valve is used to simulate firing cycles to test the
functionality of the regulator. Daystate employs a man named Alan
who has become a true expert at this time consuming art.
To cap it all off, Daystate has produced
a beautiful new hang tag to show the details of the gun.
To sum it all up, I walked away from
the factory with a good feeling. The guns were on track for shipment,
and the entire crew seemed highly motivated to get the guns out
the door. A special thanks is due to the shop forman and Chief
Designer, Rob Thompson, who's name is marked on each of the new
Daystate Mk3 RT rifles.
Sincerely,
Greg Glover
Airguns of Arizona