It was great to get back to SHOT this year. Seeing old friends and wandering miles of aisles while experiencing sensory overload on all things gun related is always a fantastic time. A number of companies, both big and small, decided not to attend, which made the show floor seem somewhat deserted. In actuality, the show attendance was only down about 25% according to what I’ve heard. Even so, there were plenty of new airgun-related things to see despite dreaded COVID’s impact on these companies for two years. Just a few highlights are listed here to whet your appetite.
Starting with my favorite purveyor at the show, AofA, (no money exchanged hands – honest!) they didn’t have a booth at the show, but KalibrGun did and a new semi-auto bullpup prototype was on display. In a tactical-looking thumbhole style laminated wood stock, it carries a 580cc carbon fiber tank. In .22, .25 or .30 caliber, t will have a fully adjustable trigger and allow adjustment of the hammer spring. The plenum volume is also adjustable from 38 to 53cc’s. The cocking handle can be swapped for left-handers. An option with a carbon fiber stock is planned as well. So new it had not been named, no pricing was available and I did not get info on the rate of fire.
Under the Western Big Bore brand, AofA also announced a carbine version of their .45 caliber game-getter. Another laminated wood stocked air rifle, this eight-inch shorter version will still be a powerful hunting arm, just much easier to field. A unique feature of this new version is that it will also shoot a proprietary arrow! Stay abreast of developments here.
Speaking of arrow-firing capability, both AirForce Airguns and Umarex introduced new models this year. AirForce’s model comes in two flavors, a long version that shoots arrows and short version shooting bolts. Both utilize 4500psi tanks as shoulder stocks and are regulated to take the pressure down to 1500psi to launch the projectiles.
Umarex also showcased a twin barrel arrow launcher called the Air Saber Elite X2. It only launches one arrow at a time using 1500psi from its 4000psi tank. One fill provides 25 effective shots, sending the arrows at 450fps. A second generation of their Air Javelin, the Air Javelin Pro. It now uses HPA as opposed to CO2.
In airguns, Umarex launched quite a few new ones, however, the big news was a 20-gauge HPA shotgun named the Primal 20. Utilizing a 4500psi tank it is capable of sending a 395-grain fin stabilized slug at 700fps, generating 430fpe. It comes with a removeable choke so other aftermarket chokes can be installed plus the side-cocking handle can easily be swapped for lefties.
Beeman introduced a new version of the Chief II model – the Chief II Plus. The air tank was changed to 3000psi which should yield 100 shots-per-fill. Available in .177 or .22 in synthetic or wood stocks. A regulated Commander model is also new this year and sports a more robust rotary magazine with a shot-count window.
Benjamin introduced a new Bulldog model in .457 caliber. Having all the features of the .357 caliber version, it can fire 350-grain slugs at 760fps for 450fpe. As is the trend in airguns these days, its cocking handle can be swapped to accommodate left-handers. The Armada now comes in a semi-automatic version. It is housed in a chassis-style stock in .22 caliber only. Claimed velocities are 950fps.
Of course, other interesting airgun related items and accessories were also introduced at the show. Be sure to contact AofA if you come across something in particular as they probably are already aware of it and can hook you up with so many of the great things associated with this hobby/lifestyle.
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