Airguns of Arizona Blog

Those familiar with airguns probably already know something about the Swiss-German-American conglomerate SIG SAUER coming to the table in a big way just three short years ago with their Advanced Sport Pellet (ASP) line.  SIG made a full commitment to produce high quality, fully functioning replicas of their world-famous firearms. That commitment hasn’t waned and they have gone whole hog by introducing their SIGAIR division and are now bringing all airgun production in-house to their New Hampshire plant.

If you are familiar with SIGAIR products, you may know about the ASP20 break-barrel rifle, SIG’s first foray into the break-barrel realm. As usual with a new product introduction, there is a lot of build-up and hype and this air rifle really lives up to the hype. Purpose built from the ground up, being designed and built entirely in the U.S., engineers from SIG’s firearms division helped on it and the final product utilizes a trigger that came out of SIG firearm technology.  It is a magnum class air rifle generating 23 foot-pounds of energy and one parameter the engineers were tasked with was making the cocking force more like a non-magnum break-barrel. The goal was accomplished with their proprietary GuideLight mechanism. The cocking force averages about 33 pounds as opposed to 40 or more in other magnums. Another unique feature came out of the mandate to make the lockup more solid and prevent barrel droop – an inherent break-barrel problem. The result was a keystone shaped design to the breech with tapered wings on each side of the receiver. They come together to form a solid lock-up like no other. To further aid accuracy, both parts are drilled for the pivot pin as one unit. SIG still wasn’t done. The MatchLite trigger used in the ASP20 is optimized at the factory to a three to four-pound pull. My sample averaged slightly under that at two pounds, 11.9 ounces out of the box. It is still user-adjustable and the tools are provided with the rifle. The trigger is straight with a smooth face, reminiscent of the trend in modern long-range precision rifles.

On top of all this, the finish on the ASP20 is the same matte-back Nitron as used on SIG firearms. The wood stocked model tested would best be described as striking; finished in a grey color that compliments the matte-black. The fit and finish were some of the best you’ll find with laser stippling in all the right places. The ambidextrous stock also features a straight pistol grip. It is a bit heavy at nine pounds without optics, but balances so well it doesn’t feel that heavy in the hands.

SIG is striving to be a “complete solution provider”, that is, supply the marketplace with the entire package from ammunition to training (through the SIG SAUER Academy) and everything in between. If their name is on it, then they control the quality all the way through. To this end, SIG sells their own branded pellets and CO₂, targets, safety gear and the Whiskey3 ASP 4-12x44mm airgun scope. This gun is meant to be scoped as it only comes with a section of picatinny rail and no iron sights.

It performed as expected with excellent accuracy using everything from lightweight alloys to pellets weighing 34 grains, only requiring adjustment to holdunder or holdover. Of course, SIG pellets are recommended and the rifle liked their Wraith Pb pellets the best.

Being a magnum springer, the kick was strong and it is somewhat loud even with a suppressor permanently mounted on the muzzle. It was not obnoxious, nor does it require hearing protection if shooting outdoors.

              Warranted for five years, the ASP20 carries an MSRP of $429.99 in wood. Check it out over at the AofA website.

Because airguns fall into a subjective area of the law when it comes to detachable suppressors, we airgunners can currently take advantage of the availability of quality items in the marketplace without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.  Keep in mind this information is just that, informational only, and never to be construed as legal advice related to the ownership and use of suppressors designed solely for use with airguns.

Airguns are not firearms, obviously, and it is this distinction that creates the “gray area” being capitalized on by airgun manufacturers and accessory makers.  Some manufacturers are fine with permanently attached suppressors on their air rifles because their legal teams interpret the law as allowing it.  However, they will not even consider models with removeable suppressors for the American market.  Others interpret it to mean that airgun suppressors do not fall under the National Firearms Act whether or not they are permanently attached.  To attempt to stay within the current understanding of the law, airgun suppressors are clearly marked “For Airgun Use Only”, have different threads than what is standard on a firearm (1/2 inch by 20 TPI vs 1/2 inch by 28 TPI; there can be variations), and usually have internal components that are not able to withstand even one discharge of a firearm round.

AofA stocks multiple suppressor brands and this article highlights two of the newest offerings; the 0dB (zero decibel) and the Ramus Technologies Trident.  The 0dB sports an aggressive name as no suppressor can really bring a gunshot down to zero decibels except maybe in the vacuum of space or a Hollywood movie.  Made in Great Britain by Daystate using Italian components, the 0dB is available in two lengths and five colors.  The Cerakote tan runs an additional cost and all have a matte finish to avoid glare. The short can is 110 millimeters long (4.3 inches) and the long can is 160 millimeters (6.3 inches).  They are sleek with a diamond groove pattern around the circumference and angled open channels allowing mesh to show through for an aesthetically pleasing look.  The internal design lowers turbulence and the exit orifice design helps eliminate “clipping” of the pellet skirt as it leaves the can.  Calibers available for this suppressor are denoted by asterisks on the muzzle end with one asterisk representing .177 and .22 caliber combined, two represents .25, and three represents .30. MSRPs on the 0dB in black run $119.99 for the 110C and $189.99 for the 160S model.  The Cerakote version runs $139.99 and $209.99 respectively.  The website does not list the availability of other colors at this time.

The Ramus Technologies Trident with Flip Compensator is an American made suppressor that is exclusively available from AofA.  It utilizes a 3D printed proprietary monocore internal component which is user replaceable in case of damage or a different caliber option is desired.   Extremely light thanks to the outer can being of aircraft grade alloy, the unit is pleasing to the eye with six flats and multiple small ports drilled around the circumference that add to its effectiveness.  The black finish is a bit shiny, but even and well done.  The compensator, as its name implies, is designed to improve accuracy and control by reducing muzzle flip.  Available in calibers from .177 up to .30, there is an option for 20mm metric threads as well.  The MSRP is $249.99.

Either model would be an excellent addition to rifles in your collection that are not quite backyard friendly.  Even models already having shrouded barrels will benefit as long as the muzzle is threaded and the additional length isn’t a problem for you.  These are quality items that are very effective without adding a bunch of weight to the end of your barrel and won’t change the point of impact when installed.  Our friends are currently running a sale on all of the suppressors they stock and could answer any questions you may have. 

Great things come in small packages is an old adage that rings true for this little rifle. Introduced about a year ago, it is the first dedicated PCP for youthful shooters.  BSA had their thinking caps on when looking at the market and realizing that if an adult is already shooting PCPs and has kids, then the infrastructure (tanks, hand pumps, compressor) is already in place so getting this PCP for junior is a natural step. 

This .177 version is available in two power ranges: 6 ft-lb. or 12 ft-lb.  It is purpose-built to introduce youth or small statured folks to PCP shooting and does an admirable job.  Based off of the BSA Ultra series of guns, and even utilizing some parts from the big brother, it has an overall length of 27 inches.  The barrel length is 11.8 inches of cold hammer forged steel made in-house at the Birmingham factory and comes with ½ UNF threaded muzzle with protective cap.  The scaled down sporter style Beech stock is made by Minelli and exudes class.  Nicely finished, it has laser cut checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end. As a bonus, as your young shooter grows, the Ultra JSR stock can be swapped into a full-sized Ultra model synthetic stock.  The metal is done in a matte finish.  The weight, without optics, comes in at 5.7 pounds.  Adding the MTC Mamba Lite 4-16x42mm scope and a Trident suppressor brought the package up to 7.1 pounds, a tad heavy for a child, but it balanced very well.  Of course, in .177 the Ultra JSR is pretty backyard friendly without a suppressor if the additional weight is a factor.  Assuming it will be used to introduce junior shooters to PCPs, most likely that will be done from a shooting bench so weight would not be as important as ease of loading and shooting, which the Ultra JSR excels at.  It is supplied with an easy to load spring loaded 10-round magazine. The bolt action is smooth and does not require a lot of force so kids will have no problems there. An adjustable 2-stage trigger is smooth and crisp and broke at 1 pound, 4.6 ounces after a long first stage takeup. There is no anti-double feed capability so don’t work the bolt more than once with a loaded magazine.  The safety is a lever on the left side of the receiver, with a large “S” and “F” so it is easy for the shooter to quickly tell which mode the airgun is in.  The rearmost position is safe and blocks the trigger. It was a bit stiff at first and can’t easily be manipulated without changing the shooting grip.

The under-barrel reservoir fills to a maximum of 232 bar, or 3365psi, and should give up to 40 shots per fill in the 12 ft-lb. version. More than twice that could be expected from the 6 ft-lb. model, thanks to the proprietary “StrikeFast” valve.

Although a bit unwieldy for me to shoot as a 6-foot adult, I managed to put 5 Crosman 7.5 grain pointed pellets into a ragged 2-hole grouping at 20 yards.  The pellets were travelling at an average of 537fps.  Imagine what a kid with good coaching and this air rifle could do!

All-in-all a sweet little package that really delivers on everything you would expect for an air rifle designed to start youths in the world of PCP shooting.  You can thank Robert Buchanan, owner of Airguns of Arizona for bringing these quality air rifles to our shores through his company Precision Airgun Distribution; as BSA imports and support were lacking here in the colonies.  Although quality doesn’t come cheap at an MSRP of $599.99 for the 6 ft-lb. model and $699.99 for the 12 ft-lb., you are getting the 150+ year BSA know-how along with all the modern steels, alloys and technology benefits backed by a 2-year, nontransferable warranty.  If adding a suppressor is of interest, AofA can help there as well with the Trident and 0dB lines they carry.

If you are a PCP shooter and don’t have a SCUBA shop or other HPA air supplier readily at hand, refilling can be a bit of a challenge. Sure, there are quality hand pumps available for very reasonable prices, and they work great to top off the air reservoirs on airguns. Wouldn’t you rather be shooting than spending time pumping or driving back and forth to the SCUBA shop?

There are multiple portable compressors now available on the market for the PCP enthusiast and and prices are coming down commensurate with the smaller sizes. Measuring 13.75 by 12.25 by 6.75 inches and weighing approximately 28 pounds, it is air and water cooled. This design provides a longer working life by efficiently dissipating the heat generated by the work the compressors is doing. A four-stage pump design, it runs on 12 volts DC. A voltage inverter is supplied so the unit can also be used with either 110/220 AC house voltage. A six-foot long cable is built in for connecting the unit to a car battery while in the field. A user-adjustable pin system inside the pressure gauge is used to automatically stop the unit once the desired pressure is reached.

Operation is easy and straight-forward: the provided high pressure microbore hose is unwound from the reel and the test plug removed from the female Foster quick-connector and stored for later retrieval. Supply power to the unit, close the bleed valve on the Trail Charger and flip the main power switch. The water pump and fan will start. Next make sure the gauge arm is set to the proper pressure to automatically shut off the unit. Some PCP airguns may require the user to cock the gun in order to fill and if filling a tank, be sure to open the tank valve slowly and completely. To start compression, simply press the illuminated green button.

The Trail Charger is remarkably quiet in operation. For larger fills it would be wise to stay near the machine checking that the water pump is working and monitoring the recommended duty cycle of 30 minutes on, 20 minutes off. There is an illuminated red stop button if you need to stop the compressor. The gauge on the Trail Charger goes up to 6000psi, however the instructions indicate the designed maximum pressure is 350 bar.

These units are typically designed to provide HPA for airgun reservoirs or air tanks only. The Trail Charger literature alludes its design provides for high purity air with extremely low oil and water content with no carbon dioxide or other harmful gases; making this air usable for human consumption. Additional testing might be wise prior to using it for that purpose.

Even though there is an onboard moisture filter, when air is being compressed to these high levels, any water molecules are being compressed at the same time. You don’t want this moisture to enter your airgun or air storage tanks as it will have a corrosive effect over time.  If investing in a portable air compressor, consider additional moisture filtration.

Available from my friends at airgunsofarizona.com, the Trail Charger retails at $800. Along with several wrenches for assembly/disassembly, it comes with extra grease in a syringe, extra O-rings, burst discs and parts to perform a reseal. A one-year limited warranty covers the buyer. Additionally, AofA can help with after-market moisture filtration questions or needs.

In part I of my blog on the Huntsman Regal XL you heard me gush about the visual appeal and describe its many features. I gotta admit I’m unashamed to say I’m a fanboy of the Daystate line.

So, how did it perform when I kicked the tires? As to be expected with a high-end airgun, especially a Daystate, exceedingly well. First, it was paired with an MTC Optics Mamba Lite 4-16x42mm scope and SportsMatch High Range mounts with a side parallax wheel available from AofA. A handsome combination that performed very well together.

Let’s talk about the trigger. It is an adjustable two-stage affair that broke at one pound, 4 ounces right out of the box. The movement was smooth as glass and it broke crisply. The user also has the ability to adjust the cant of the trigger face if desired.

The cocking bolt requires a strong pull to cock the hammer spring and that takes a bit of getting used compared to the toggle style side cocking levers on some high-end airguns. The magazine is a rotary spring-loaded unit that is easy to load, even with fat fingers like mine.

Most PCPs on the market these days come equipped with some sort of sound moderator. Daystate now makes their own suppressors in-house and the one fitted to this Regal XL is a carbon fiber model that really does its job. PCP’s in .177 aren’t terribly noisy to begin with, and this one is an absolute pleasure to shoot because of the low report, adding to the shooting enjoyment of this rifle.

The Regal XL seemed to like most of the pellets I fed it with the exception of H&N Rabbit Magnum II 15.74 grain pellets. Possibly because they are so heavy, I can’t be sure. However, I could not get them to group well.  I’m not a great shot by any stretch of the imagination; still, at 75 feet I got some good groups. Close enough that your confidence should be high in using this rifle for pest control with just about any premium pellet. Predator Polymags 8 grain pellets were leaving the barrel at an average of 947fps equating to an energy level of 15.93fpe. They also exhibited the lowest extreme spread between shots out of the group of pellets used. Rifle Brand Premium Pointed pellets of 9.72 grains went downrange at an average of 896fps generating an energy of 17.33fpe. They also grouped well with some shots touching. H&N Baracuda Hunter Extremes at 9.57 grains traveling at 926fps produced 18.23fpe although they spread out a bit more. On a windless day with a better shooter behind the stock, all of the shots would most likely be touching.

Just for comparison, light (5.5 grain) Predator GTO lead-free wadcutters went zipping along at an average of 1068fps. These light pellets also grouped extremely well making this combination of gun and pellet a contender for indoor competitions where lead pellets are banned.

These are definitely airguns you will be proud to pass down to children or grandchildren for their shooting enjoyment (assuming our grandchildren still have the right to own a gun of any type. Support gun rights organizations and vote when the time comes! If firearms are outlawed, airguns will be targeted next. I’ll get off my soapbox now…). The great folks at AofA can certainly assist you in obtaining one of these, or any of the Daystate line, to become one of your family heirlooms.

Fine European firearms and airguns have a long tradition going back hundreds of years.  Created at the hands of guild craftsmen who spent years perfecting their skills, their finest guns were masterpieces fit for royalty.  Today, the guild system is gone but fine craftsmanship still exists and it can be seen in the products turned out by the 40-year old Daystate Company of Staffordshire, England.

What makes me wax nostalgic like this is the loan from Airguns of Arizona of a Huma Regulated Huntsman Regal XL in .177 to review.  The latest iteration of the classic Daystate Huntsman, the Regal doesn’t disappoint.  Collaborating with Dutch pneumatic specialist company, Huma, Daystate incorporates their well-known regulator into the Huntsman.  It metes out an exact measure of air for each shot, giving shot-to-shot consistency and efficiently utilizing the available high-pressure air.  Daystate indicates it helps increase shots per fill by as much as 70 percent.  An additional gauge embedded in the stock shows the regulator pressure. 

The XL designation refers to the high-power version above 12fpe only sold outside the UK (or to UK owners having a firearms license for it).  We Americans tend to subscribe to the “more power” theory and the XL meets our criteria by cranking out 18fpe in .177 caliber.  With Huma regulation, a shooter can expect 60 full-power shots from a 230 Bar (3300 psi) charge in its 162cc air reservoir.

Fitted to a beautiful, oiled walnut right-handed sporter stock with a monte-carlo style cheekpiece, it will provide the lover of classically styled airguns much to admire.  A contrasting black grip cap and traditional style rubber buttpad that harkens back to an earlier age provide additional style points.  Nicely done checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end area adds further elegance and excellent gripping surface.  The action sits lower in this stock to more closely mimic a traditional hunting firearm and the fit and finish are superb, as would be expected on an airgun in this price range.  Daystate offers an option for left-handed shooters as well.  Lest I sound like a totally infatuated fanboy, my only negative comment regards the polymer trigger guard.  My view is it diminishes a top-quality high-end air rifle. 

A bolt-action repeater, it is fed by a 10-round rotary magazine; a single-shot tray also comes with the rifle.  Both use neodymium magnets to hold them in place while in use.  The receiver houses the patented Harper Slingshot hammer system to operate the valve.  A self-adjusting system, it compensates for declining pressure in the reservoir to prevent wasting of air.  The receiver is mated with a 17-inch match-grade barrel that sports an Airstream carbon fiber moderator on its threaded muzzle giving an overall length to the gun of 36.5 inches.  Weight without optics is almost 6.5 pounds making for a light but powerful platform. 

The two-stage curved metal trigger has a smooth face and is adjustable for both weight and length of pull as well as angle of the trigger blade.  The safety is a manual type at the back of the receiver with a large red disk that is rotated away from the red dot to place it “on safe” and block the trigger from moving.  It is easily manipulated without the shooter having to shift hand position.

Daystate recently upgraded their warranty from 3-years to 5 years and it is transferable to a new owner. The full color instruction booklet is easy to follow plus includes an exploded view diagram of all parts.  Also included with the rifle is a completed Test Sheet showing velocity and power results plus a Quality Control checklist.  MSRP is listed at:  $1299 and AofA carries the full line of Daystate airguns.  Details on how well it performed in Part II.

If you read Part I you know that the M17 semi-auto CO₂ pellet pistol is one awesome replica of the SIG SAUER sidearm adopted by the U.S. Army in 2017. This is the follow up as to how it performed.

First, the pistol is substantial at 2 pounds. The fit and finish are excellent with stippling on the grip replicating the firearm. The controls and trigger are metal and there is a short M1913 accessory rail on the dust cover.  An ambidextrous safety disengages the hammer and while it was stiff to engage, it was easy to disengage. The front sight appears as if it is drift adjustable, but upon field-stripping the pistol and looking on the underside of the slide the front sight is actually pinned in place. The rear sight is also not adjustable.

As with many replica pistols, the CO₂ cartridge and ammunition are contained in the drop-free magazine. Differences between the M17 and other replicas are the Rapid Pellet Magazine (RPM) belt-feed system, the cam lever piercing system and the valve not being part of the magazine assembly. Replicas I’m familiar with have the valve assembly included in the drop-free magazine and no gas is lost each time you drop the magazine. However, the M17 has the valve assembly attached to the frame and the magazine incorporates a self-sealing valve where a tiny amount of gas escapes each time the magazine is released. The system works well and I experienced no leaks. The cam lever piercing system worked flawlessly. No guesswork on how tight to turn a thumbscrew or hex wrench is a welcome advancement in technology. (A caveat: the manual suggests wearing gloves when installing cartridges due to the frostbite hazard. I concur because of an experience when the cam lever slipped from my grip after piercing the tip but before the lever was completely closed. All the gas escaped at once and luckily no harm was done.) The RPM system worked well and other than wishing for younger, more nimble fingers to aid in loading .177 pellets into the belt, reloading goes pretty smoothly.  At a mile above sea level I was getting between 4 and 5 full magazines of twenty pellets from one cartridge. That equates to around 90 shots before velocity drops off significantly.

The trigger has a long double-action-only pull at a pleasant 6 pounds, 11 ounces. Also, the trigger does not have a short reset. If this model was incorporated to augment skills of the firearm user, that limitation would have to be taken into account. Keeping in mind this is a modestly priced CO₂ replica, some accommodations would necessarily be required.

Experimenting with lightweight alloy pellets the highest velocity achieved was 377fps using SIG Match Ballistic Alloy (5.25grs.) and Predator GTO’s (5.5grs.). Accuracy was lacking so moving to lead pellets helped somewhat. H&N Excites Plinking and Econ pellets weighing 7.3 and 7.45 grains respectively, gave velocities in the 300fps range. Crosman pointed pellets at 7.5grs. shot well as did Rifle Brand Premium Series flatheads at 8.18grs. but this sample gun tended to shoot low. Not that you’d go after prey with these replica pistols, but long pellets such as Predator Polymags will not fit the RPM magazines.

This pistol will sell internationally so the manual contains instructions in 5 languages. I also mistakenly referred to black & white photos in Part I when all the photos are actually color.

The M17 was fun, easy to shoot and quiet so for a one-to-one replica of a new U.S. military sidearm it doesn’t get much better for plinkers and collectors. Oh wait; maybe it does. I understand a SIG ROMEO1 reflex optic mounting plate is coming in the near future! I want to thank SIG Air for providing the M17 gratis. To get your hands on one reach out to my friends at www.airgunsofarizona.com.

The Crosman brand of Velocity Outdoors Corporation released this licensed copy of the iconic Remington 1875 a couple of years back. Officially titled: “Remington 1875/Sheridan Cowboy CO2 Powered, Single Action Revolver”, and listed under the SKU of: “RR 1875”.

The 1875 uses replica cartridges to hold BBs or pellets

I wanted one as soon as I laid eyes on it at the SHOT Show and although it took a little while, it is now in my possession. An all-metal replica in a bright nickel finish with faux ivory grip stocks it has all the classic lines and heft of the original. In deference to modern requirements and lawyers, there is a slide safety switch on the underside in front of the trigger guard and the hammer doesn’t sit flush when at rest. My understanding is that’s related to drop safety.
The hammer must be placed at half-cock to load and unload as on the original. At half-cock the cylinder can manually be rotated to align the replica cartridges with the loading gate on the right side of the gun. An ejector rod is also on the right side and although it functions like the original, the cartridges easily slide out of the chambers when the revolver is tipped up for unloading. A dual ammo gun, it comes with 12 brass colored cartridges; six hold regular BBs and six hold .177 pellets. Ammo is loaded into the back of the cartridge where soft rubber holds it. Make certain the ammo is flush with the back of the cartridge so cylinder movement isn’t hampered. Faster reloads are accomplished by simply placing the ammo into the cartridge without even removing it.
Made in Taiwan for Crosman, the fit and finish are top notch. The plastic grip stocks have a slight yellow caste to resemble aged ivory. They nicely fit the frame with tight joints that don’t belie the fact that the left grip panel pops off for inserting the 12-gram CO2 capsule. Conveniently clipped inside the grip panel is a small hex wrench used to turn the piercing screw.

The 1875 is a dual ammo CO2 revolver

Holding the gun upside down reveals the nail nick and allen screw. The metal was also nicely done all over in a bright nickel finish that makes this a great display piece when not being used to defend the homestead from tin can desperados.
Another touch of realism is the cylinder pin (called “base” pin in the instructions provided) can be released by pressing the black “base” pin screw on the right side, then withdrawing the pin as far as it will go. Caution: it locks when fully withdrawn and the screw is released, but is under spring pressure and will snap back if the screw is pressed. Doing so could possibly damage the pin. While it won’t need much in the way of maintenance requiring cylinder removal, the instructions do cover this in case of a jam. Cocking the action is also authoritative and makes the satisfying three distinct “clicks” like the old Remington revolver.
As it has been extremely cold for some time where I am located and I don’t have an indoor range, the 1875 has not been shot yet. Since I acquired it more for a wall hanger and collectable, I’m in no real hurry. It is not expected this gun will be highly accurate, just a fun plinker for lazy afternoons. Besides, it displays beautifully next to my nickel finish Peacemaker CO2 replica.
Specs: This hogleg weighs 2.3 pounds and is 13.25-inches long. The smooth bore steel inner barrel is 6½ inches long and the advertised velocity is up to 450fps. The gun comes with a one-year limited warranty and has an MSRP of $149.99. My friends at AofA don’t list this particular model on their website, but they do handle Crosman products and I’m sure could order ya one pardner, in case you have the same hankerin I did when I saw this shootin iron. www.airgunsofarizona.com