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The New Brocock Atomic – It’s A Pistol!

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Back in 2014, the Brocock Compatto was a new beginning for the company, which became part of the Daystate group in that year. The Compatto drew on not only the legacy of Brocock but also its new parent company Daystates’ years of experience in building PCP air rifles.

For example, the Brocock Compatto featured the Harper parent slingshot hammer system that is featured in many of Daystate’s high-end PCP air rifles.

Since then, the Brocock range has expanded as the company has continually invested in new and improved capabilities.

However, the original Compatto “semi bullpup” concept was so inherently correct that all Brocock airguns are still recognizably based on the Compatto. They’ve grown and have incorporated additional features, such as Huma regulators and – in some cases – larger HPA tanks.

After the Compatto, the second model was the Bantam, which offered a HPA bottle configuration.

In 2018, the Brocock Commander appeared, followed in by the Sniper and the Concept Lite in 2019 – positioned as a new ‘modular gun platform”. Magnum versions were introduced along the way to provide the increased power required by US buyers.

As we all remember, Claudio Flores from Chile was the winner of the 2018 Extreme Benchrest Pro class. He was shooting a Brocok Sniper HR in .22 caliber, reversing the trend over several years of larger calibers winning the competition.

Then 2021 saw the introduction of the XR sidelever-cocking across the range.

While some of these models have – like most of us – added size and weight over the years, Brocock air rifles have remained relatively light and compact. The Concept particularly so. And it really looks sharp in the limited-availability Tequila Sunrise edition!

But now Brocock has moved into completely new territory with a new, US-only model. You see, the new Brocock Atomic XR is a pistol. Or – to be precise – a pistol and/or very compact carbine!

The Atomic is the latest version of the Brocock PCP platform and can trace its line right back to the original Compatto.

As we said, the Brocock Atomic XR Pistol is a new model that’s dedicated for the US market. UK regulations mean that it will not be available in its country of origin and – indeed – that it leaves the British factory as a carbine.

In carbine mode, the Atomic XR is fitted with an AR-fitting buttstock with adjustable pull lengths.

Once “across the Pond”, US importers Airguns of Arizona make the modifications that make the Atomic XR usable as a pistol. As you can see from the photos, the Atomic can then be used in either configuration by US shooters.

The Brocock Atomic XR is available in .177 and .22 calibers.
In pistol mode, the Atomic XR features an Air Superiority Products power adjuster that’s installed by AoA. This works in conjunction with the regular, side-mounted Brocock power adjuster.

That’s the Air Superiority power adjuster – below – fitted to the rear of the Atomic in pistol configuration.

The result is that Atomic XR has a huge range of power settings. For example, in .22 caliber the range is all the way from 30 shots at 20 Ft/Lbs on High Power, right down to 120 shots at 4 Ft/Lbs on Low Power.

This range of Muzzle Energies allows the Atomic XR to be used for hunting in the field at full power, or as a plinking/target pistol for basement or garage range use at home. In .177 caliber, the Brocock Atomic XR is a certain contender for Field Target pistol competition.

In common with other Brocock PCPs, the Atomic XR is equipped with a Lothar Walther barrel, HUMA regulator and the new XR sidelever action. The one-piece Aluminum chassis incorporates a prominent Picatinny rail for attaching a bipod.

With a length of 14.5 Inches when configured as a pistol, the new Atomic weighs just 4 Lbs. It’s 4.6 Lbs as a carbine.

This new Brocock pistol is in stock and selling for $1,499.00. You just know it’s available from your friends at Airguns of Arizona and there’s more eye candy available in this new AoA video…

Enjoy 🙂

Tags: Brocock, pcp
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It’s The American Air Arms EVOL Mini

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

The gentleman in our photograph above is Tom Costan. He is a great guy and the owner and brains behind American Air Arms, based in Southern California. Tom designs and build air rifles – really, really good ones – and they’re available at AoA!

American Air Arms EVOL air rifles are available in .22 and .30 calibers. I’ve seen American Air Arms guns before – and fired them too – at Extreme Benchrest a couple of years ago.

Now we’re looking at the baby of the EVOL range. It’s the EVOL Mini. This compact PCP air rifle that packs a big punch in a very small footprint. Tom’s specifications are for up to 30 shots at up to 30 Ft/Lbs Muzzle Energy from one 4,000 PSI fill of High Pressure Air.

The first thing I noticed about the EVOL Mini is how small it is. Well, yes, it is called “Mini”, and I’d read that it’s only 31 Inches long with the Magpul stock extended. I also knew that the weight was just 5 Lbs 9 Oz – or thereabouts – without a scope.

But I was still amazed it actually feels in the hand! This is something that really has to be experienced to fully appreciate.

First off, I mounted a suitable scope. The chosen optic was a favorite Sightron 3-16 x 42. This combines a clear, sharp view with a suitably “stealth” external appearance and a pleasantly-fine reticle. It’s also a good size to balance with the EVOL.

As usual, I used Leapers UTG Pro high rings to mount the scope. The combination went together well. It looks good and balances well in the hand.

Total weight of the scoped gun was still just 7 Lbs 3 Oz. Still very light.

That Picatinny rail underneath the barrel is about the longest I’ve ever seen in that location on an air rifle. It called-out for a bipod. So I attached an ultra-light Spartan Javelin bipod.

I find that it is an ideal piece of equipment when light weight – make that very light weight – portability and simplicity are required. The total weight was still just 7 Lbs 9 Oz. Wow!

The EVOL has a number of very interesting design features. One of them is that the HPA tube pressure gauge is mounted at the end of the tube, yet to one side.

This overcomes the problem with so many PCP air rifles having the pressure gauge at the end of the tube, making it necessary to almost look down the barrel to check the pressure. Even when the fill adapter is also at the end…

Well done Tom!!!

In addition there’s the world’s longest Picatinny rail on the underside of the stock. This gives a huge range of positions for attaching bipods and other accessories. It’s also extremely stable.

The EVOL Mini is regulated, of course. The gauge for regulator pressure is carefully protected in its location in the underside of the receiver.

There’s also a silky-smooth sidelever action and one of the best ambidextrous safeties I’ve used in a long time

It’s clear that a TON of thought has been put into the EVOL by someone who actually knows how to shoot. Tom’s aim has obviously been to create a sophisticated – custom level – air rifle that’s adjustable yet is simple and easy to shoot.

There’s a lot more to know about the EVOL Mini and I’ll be spending some quality time with it in the near future. Look out for updates coming soon.

And if you can’t wait, your friends at Airguns of Arizona will be able to help you if you phone 480-461-1113…

Tags: pcp
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The Cricket 2 Is A Great Choice At AoA!

Saturday, February 27, 2021

As many airgun enthusiasts will remember, the original KalibrGun Cricket was first launched back in 2006. At that time, it revolutionized the airgun world as the first truly-successful magazine-fed bullpup PCP air rifle.

The Cricket was an immediate best-seller around the world. It built-up a legendary reputation as an accurate, reliable and rugged air rifle.

For example, Mike Bricker won the Sportsman’s Class of the Speed Silhouette competition at Extreme Benchrest in 2019 using a Cricket Mini Carbine WST (photo below). There’s never been any doubt that Crickets can shoot!

The essential correctness of the design is confirmed by the fact that – nearly a generation later – the Cricket is still a vital part of the current KalibrGun catalog. In multiple different versions, it continues to be a popular choice for many airgunners.

Airguns of Arizona has a long history selling and supporting the Cricket. And now they also have the latest version, the Cricket 2.

At a high level, the main differentiators between the Cricket 2 and the traditional models are action, caliber and available stock configurations.

KalibrGun explained to me the company’s design philosophy for the Cricket 2. They feel that this new model builds upon the heart and soul of the original Cricket. Their main aim has been to enhance handling. And they want to make the Cricket 2 the most desirable bullpup in the airgun industry!

So what have they done?

Firstly – and probably most importantly – the lever-action cocking mechanism has been moved forward to a mid-mounted position, conveniently close to the trigger. This improves handling and speed of operation compared to the rear-mounted side lever traditional on the Cricket.

In addition, this new mid-mounted side lever action can be changed by the user from the right to left of the gun with no need for special tools. Here’s a great benefit for left-handed shooters!

I found the Cricket 2’s sidelever action well-placed and easy to use. To me – at least – this mid-mounted sidelever is a great improvement on the rear-mounted cocking lever found on many “first generation” bullpups like the original Cricket.

There’s also a newly-designed ergonomic “WSA” wood stock and cheek piece for the Cricket 2. You can also choose a more traditional WB-stock model with built-in storage for four spare magazines for the traditional Cricket look.

I’ve been shooting a new KalibrGun Cricket 2 WSA air rifle – in spite of the cold weather here in up-state New York.

Even a brief outing with the Cricket 2 highlights the benefit of that wooden cheekpiece covering the breech of the gun! Trust me, it has a HUGE benefit when shooting in cold weather as the wood is warm against your cheek when shooting.

That stops you from being distracted by the freezing cheek you can get from many other bullpups where you push your face against a metal breech. Even some synthetic cheekpieces can be cold too when shooting bullpups in lower temperatures.

Of course, this may not matter to “real men” (or gals). And it’s not so critical if you happen to live somewhere sunny and warm like Arizona. But for many of us living in the frozen North, this is a big benefit compared to many other bullpups…

Continued from the original Cricket is the 280cc (in .22 cal.) and 350cc (in .25/.30 calibers) capacity of the air tube and the 4351 PSI (300 Bar) fill pressure. The magazines are also the same.

The Cricket 2 is available from AoA in three calibers. The .22 caliber guns use a custom CZ-manufactured barrel, while Lothar Walther polygonal barrels are fitted to the .25 and .30 caliber versions. The .30 cal. model is a new departure for KalibrGun. This is their first Cricket in this caliber.

All KalibrGun air rifles are shipped-out by the factory in 7.5 Joule configuration. This is due to Czech law.

So, AoA carefully tunes each gun to give the power levels required by shooters over here. This is up to 44 Ft/Lbs for the .22 caliber model. In .25 cal, it’s 60 Ft/Lbs and a very solid 91 Ft/Lbs is on tap for the .30 caliber guns.

Of course, the Cricket 2 has a regulated action. The regulator is optimized at the factory. Regulator pressure can be adjusted by the user, although it’s necessary to remove it from the gun to do so. The manufacturer recommends that it’s left in factory configuration. So does AoA!

However there is a hammer spring tension system that can be adjusted by the owner using that knob on the rear of the action housing for fine tuning.

The Cricket 2 has a two-stage adjustable trigger that’s similar to the original Cricket. It’s possible to adjust the trigger position, also to tune both first and second stages for pull length and pull weight.

One difference between the Cricket 2 and many other bullpups is found when you mount a scope.

With most bullpups, I find it necessary to use high rings to mount the scope. On many occasions, I’ll add a riser, too, to obtain the right eyeline.

However, the buttpad of the Cricket 2 sits low down below the line of the barrel and action. So – surprisingly – I was able to use low profile UTG PRO rings to mount the scope.

This gave me an ideal shooting position and eyeline – in spite of being a long-necked type of guy. And without the need to lower the adjustable rubber buttpad. That’s useful to know when buying your new Cricket 2.

If you are wondering what that scope is, it’s a new, “secret” scope from Sightron. This – not yet announced – new riflescope is a member of the new Sightron SIII PLR Series. It’s a 10 – 50 x 60 model with Second Focal Plane MOA reticle. It should be available in March and remember AoA is an official Sightron dealer…

What’s the optical quality, you ask? It’s so sharp that I almost cut myself!

Even with that long Sightron scope, the Cricket 2 balanced well for freehand shooting. The center of gravity ran directly down through my forehand, making for a very stable offhand shooting stance.

Again, that’s a practical benefit that aids successful shooting in the field, even if it does not get mentioned in the gun’s specifications.

The Cricket 2 is supplied with two rotary magazines and a fill probe. Note that this fill probe has a screw thread at the other end. AoA stocks the adapter required to connect to the 1/8-Inch NPT standard quick disconnect that’s almost certain to be on your tank or compressor hose.

Your friends at AoA can help you decide on the best caliber, stock configuration and scope choice for that new Cricket 2 you are already promising yourself. Have fun choosing…

Tags: pcp
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The Umarex Origin – It Really Is A Great First PCP!

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Not everyone starts airgunning by investing in a new Daystate. As more and more people become interested in airguns, many are looking for that ideal first PCP air rifle. They also want their start to be at an affordable price.

But – and for many this is a BIG BUT – there’s the issue of filling with High Pressure Air (HPA). This presents numerous choices. “Do I need to buy an HPA compressor? Should I buy an HPA tank? Is a HPA hand pump best – and if so which one?” Plus, of course: “How much more will all this cost?”

Umarex USA has taken a bold approach to providing an ideal first PCP air rifle with the new Umarex Origin. It’s a PCP bundled with a HPA hand pump. Everything is in one box. All the new owner needs to do is mount a scope and rings to make that PCP immediately ready to start shooting.

True, the Origin does not have a regulator. However, it’s a much more sophisticated design than you might imagine. Instead, the Origin’s designers have put new technology into this gun to make it easier to fill with a hand pump.

The pump requires some assembly. But it’s really not difficult.

This new technology is called EPT – the “Ever Pressure Tank System”. It’s intended to make the Origin an ideal first PCP air rifle for existing break barrel air rifle owners, for plinkers, preppers and survival use.

There’s a side lever cocking system – an unusual luxury in an air rifle of such a low price – together with the manual safety lever between it and the trigger. The 10-shot magazine is compatible with the mags fitted to the Umarex Gauntlet and Benjamin Marauder air rifle.

I compared the Origin to what was – until recently – probably the best first PCP air rifle. That is, an easy, low cost, widely-available and practical way to start shooting PCPs: the Benjamin Maximus. That’s it, below.

Based on my testing, the Umarex Origin is waaaaay ahead! I predict that it will completely transform the “first PCP air rifle” market in a similar manner to the way the Umarex Gauntlet revolutionized the regulated PCP market in the USA.

The attraction of a low pressure (2,000 PSI) PCP like the Maximus is that it takes relatively few pumps to fill. Also these pumps are relatively easy and do not require a huge amount of effort.

The Origin has a much higher fill pressure – 3,650 PSI. So it should be tougher to pump-up, right? Well, actually, no! It incorporates patent-pending new technology that Umarex calls the Ever Pressure tank system.

To test out this new technology, I pumped-up and shot both an Origin and a Maximus. To make this comparison as equal as possible, I used the Origin hand pump and 14.3 Grain Crosman Premier Hollow Point pellets with both guns.

Also, the same high-quality, known-accurate pressure gauge was placed in-line between the hand pump and rifle for each test. The pressures were all read from that.

First, I pumped-up both air rifles using the Origin hand pump. Then recorded the number of pumps and the pressure. Here’s what I found…

The Maximus took 115 pumps to fill its 135 cc HPA tube to a full 2,000 PSI. That’s shown by the blue line on the chart above.

Now look at the red line! As you can see, the Origin fills extremely rapidly with the first 13 pumps. With only 13 pumps, we were at 1,450 PSI. That’s the Ever Pressure Tank technology at work.

Continuing on, the Origin filled to 3,650 PSI with 140 strokes of the pump. It has a 140 cc HPA tube. Surprisingly (to me at least), it was relatively easy to fill the Origin to full pressure. Pumping only became tough above about 3,300 PSI

Sure, individual strokes of the pump required less effort to fill the Maximus – but then we maxed-out at only 2,000 PSI after 115 pumps. The Origin had reached 2,000 PSI after only 50 pumps.

Having filled-up the guns to maximum pressure, I shot them over a Chronograph using 14.3 Grain Premier Hollow Points. Again, there was a significant difference between the two guns.

As we can see, the Origin peaked at around 980 FPS. It averaged 944 FPS for 60 shots. VERY impressive!

Compared to the Maximus’ slow FPS decline, typical of unregulated PCPs, the Origin’s Muzzle Velocity holds-up extremely well until there’s just about no air remaining in the tube.

True, this is not regulated PCP consistency. But it’s MUCH more consistent than is common in an unregulated PCP in this price range. The Maximus peaks at 802 FPS, giving an average of 763 FPS for 40 shots. Then look at the shot curve as the FPS dies away…

Having seen the FPS numbers, the power generated by both airguns will not be surprising.

The Origin produced a peak Muzzle Energy of 30.47 Ft/Lbs using 14.3 Grain Premiers. The average over 60 shots was 28.31 Ft/Lbs. In comparison, the Maximus gave a maximum of 20.44 Ft/Lbs and an average of 19.37 Ft/Lbs over 30 shots.

So obviously the Umarex Origin is a step change in performance for a best first PCP air rifle. That’s an incredible achievement at a remarkably low price. It even has an adjustable trigger that’s really not bad at this price point.

It shows how fresh thinking can be applied to a market area – the first-timers PCP air rifle – that seemed to have plateaued at a certain price/performance level.

And it’s available from your friends at Airguns of Arizona!

Tags: pcp
Posted in Airguns, Airguns 101 | No Comments »

The RTI Prophet – A Very Interesting Air Rifle!

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The RTI Prophet is a successor model to the same company’s Priest PCP air rifle. It features a sidelever-cocking action, together with a number of other improvements.

The first U.S. sighting of the Prophet was in the 2019 Extreme Benchrest competition. Although based in Slovenia, RTI Arms sent a large team over to participate and observe at EBR.

I spoke to the team members. They found it an invaluable learning experience, both through participating in competition and talking to other shooters about their needs and wishes.

This was a very significant investment for a relatively small company. They were rewarded by an outstanding performance that included winning the 50 Yard Benchrest competition. Very impressive!

Now that the Prophet PCP air rifle is in full production, it’s available from your friends at Airguns of Arizona. Let’s look at what it has to offer…

The Prophet is available in .177 caliber, .25 cal, and .30 caliber. It’s also available in “.22 Caliber LR”. No, that’s not Long Rifle, the LR stands for “Long Range! This is the model Team RTI chose to shoot at EBR.

In .22 caliber, the LR Prophet has a custom Lothar Walther barrel that is designed to be shot with 25.39 Grain, redesigned JSB Exact Jumbo Monsters out at 100 Yards.

In a further indication of the Prophet’s long-range performance intent, the built-in Picatinny rail is machined at a 20 MOA angle. This makes it less likely that the scope will run out of elevation adjustment at long ranges.

Even though the Prophet PCP air rifle is a small gun – just 30.5 Inches overall length – I decided to mount a riflescope with comparable long-range credentials. The Sightron SIII FT 10-50 x 60 is just such a scope. It fitted and worked very well.

Using Leapers UTG PRO medium rings produced a well-balanced, manageable combination.

Ahead of the trigger guard is a second, short, Picatinny rail. This, of course, is for attaching a bipod – very necessary for any air rifle intended for long range shooting.

The Prophet has a shrouded barrel. However this is a powerful air rifle, expelling a lot of air with each shot. So we took advantage of the removable 1/2-Inch UNF thread protector to screw-in a 0dB “airgun only” silencer. This calmed the report significantly, at the expense of a little additional length.

The Prophet is supplied in a hard plastic case. What makes this case relatively unusual for a manufacturer-supplied case is that there is space inside to fit both the gun AND a mounted scope. Even a large riflescope like our Sightron 10-50 x 60, as we can see below. Some other manufacturers should take note!

Typical power levels for “unrestricted” (US-spec) Prophet Performance models range from 17.7 Ft/Lbs up to a maximum of around 100 Joules (74 Ft/Lbs) in .30 caliber. The power level spec in both .22 cal is 53 Ft/Lbs. In .25 calibers it’s approximately 63 Ft/Lbs.

RTI Arms tells us that owners will see about 70 shots per fill: more in .177 caliber.

There’s an externally-adjustable regulator. This allows the Prophet owner to fine tune the gun to a specific power level or pellet type.

To assist with this, the Prophet is equipped with dual pressure gauges. One gives the fill pressure for the HPA tank, the other indicates the regulator pressure. The 500 cc carbon fiber tank has a maximum fill pressure of 300 Bar (4351 PSI).

Regulator pressure can be set by the owner to anywhere between 80 and 200 Bar (1,160 to 2,900 PSI). However the default factory setting is 125 Bar (1,813 PSI). This is the pressure that is held in the Prophet’s large 57 cc plenum. That’s the short tube between the regulator and valve, underneath and ahead of the magazine well.

Reg pressure is adjusted using the black socket head setscrew located inside the bright finish tube next to the paintball tank male fill nipple. Pressure is changed by rotating the screw with a 5mm Allen key.

As you would expect, adjustment of the hammer spring tension is valuable when adjusting the reg pressure. This is achieved by turning a 6 mm setscrew in the rear of the buttplate. (The 4 mm setscrew below that is used to bleed pressure from the gun).

The RTI Prophet air rifle has a two-stage trigger that can be adjusted down to a pull weight of just over 10 Ounces. The sample I shot had a pull weight of around 1 Lb 14 Oz. It gave a very pleasant, predictable release.

Adjustments are made – somewhat unusually – using a 1.5 mm Allen key inserted into the side of the action through the holes below the magazine well. One screw controls second stage engagement, while the other is used to adjust pull weight.

Another unusual feature is that the magazine can be simply adjusted to sit to either the left or right side of the action, depending on the shooter’s requirements. Here it is in the vertical position, which you can also choose if you prefer.

As we can see, flexibility is a strong suit for the Prophet!

And here’s another unusual feature of the RTI Prophet air rifle. There’s a second fill port located in the underside of the receiver, just ahead of the buttpad. This allows the gun to be shot with a separate HPA tank attached by a flexible tube, as shown below.

To use the Prophet in this configuration, the conventionally-located front HPA tank is removed. This can give better balance for some users. However the regulator is bypassed in this mode of operation. A maximum pressure of 200 Bar (2,900 PSI) can be used when the remote tank is connected in this way.

Although our sample is in all-over tactical black, the Prophet is also available with bronze Cerakote highlights. Now that looks really cool!

Tags: air rifle, pcp
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Meopta ZD 4-16×44 Mildot Special Now At AoA. It’s A Cracker!

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Meopta ZD 4-16x44 Mildot Special Now At AoA. It’s A Cracker!

As you read on this blog back in July, Airguns of Arizona has started carrying a range of Meopta riflescopes. One of these is the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 Mildot Special. It’s a great scope for precision, long range shooting!

The manufacturer says that the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD scope was designed for use by special forces ops, Law Enforcement snipers and world-class professional target shooters for distances up to 800 Meters. For that reason, the mechanical structure is designed to meet the requirements of MIL-STD 810, STANAG 2194 and STANAG 2985.

This makes it a tough riflescope that’s dust proof and waterproof. If you’re hunting in adverse climatic conditions, this could be the scope for you.

However, it note that it works well in use on PCP air rifles. Not springers, as it’s not braced against reverse recoil.

Make no mistake, the image quality is outstanding, both in terms of contrast and resolution. You’ll definitely have a VERY good view of your target with this ZD 4-16×44 scope.

As they used to say – and maybe still do – about Rolls Royce cars in England: if you have to ask how much it is, you obviously can’t afford it!

Let’s say quietly that the price of the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD scope is $1,300 – well, less one cent! So this is a scope for the PCP air rifle shooter who is really, really serious about shooting.

Coming straight from the box, I thought the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD Mil Dot Special scope looked rather long. In fact, at 15 1/4 Inches, it’s not so long as it looks, being comparable to other quality scopes of similar power. The balance even on bullpup PCPs is good and – at around 28 Ounces – not too heavy either.

Zero-settable elevation and windage turrets are protected by substantial caps. When these caps are removed, a pair of exquisitely-operating turrets are revealed (see photo above). It’s a tactile delight just to turn the turret knobs and enjoy the clicks!

With a maximum magnification of 16x, the scope’s Mil Dot reticle is designed for use at 14 x magnification. This is a second focal plane scope.

The reticle itself is VERY fine, as we can see below. The Mil Dots are positioned at 1 Mrad from each other when see at 14 x. The diameter of each dot is 0.2 Mrad, according to Meopta.

So the Mil dot reticle is designed for holdover/holdunder use at 14X magnification. However, it can also be used at 7X if desired, by doubling the number of dots used (to compensate for the 50% less magnification).

The central cross hairs of the reticle can be illuminated red – if required – using the 7-level turret set on the left side of the scope. This would come in useful in hunting situations where the extremely thin reticle could otherwise be lost against the background. Conveniently, there’s an intermediate “off” position between every brightness setting.

In addition to the Mil Dot reticle, the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD Mil Dot Special scope qualifies for air rifle use due to its ability to focus as close as 10 meters.

Surprisingly, perhaps, this is a front objective (AO) focusing system, rather than the side parallax adjustment that is so popular today with airgunners. However, it operated well and easily in practical shooting.

Being at the front of the scope, the Adjustable Objective/focus ring is likely to be a long reach forward for many shooters. It has to be said that most air rifle shooters will find a scope with side AO easier to use. However, this ring is easy to find and use due to its molded rubber surface.

Rotation requires a definite effort. However this makes for an AO ring which is tight enough to remain where it’s set and not be changed accidentally.

The same applies to the zoom ring. This is smaller but has a short lever built-in, making rotation quite convenient when a change of magnification is required.

This scope features MeoBright, Meopta’s proprietary ion-assisted lens multi-coating applied to all air-to-glass optical surfaces. Developed by Meopta, MeoBright ion- assisted multi-coatings are said to eliminate glare and reflections. The company claims it delivers an industry leading 99.8% light transmission per lens surface.

Long-tern optical quality is provided by MeoShield ion-assisted coating. Meopta says that this protects external lens surfaces and delivers enhanced resistance to scratching or abrasion in extreme conditions. MeoShield meets military specifications for durability and surface hardness: that has to be a great recommendation.

Another way to protect the front lens element is to use a filter. The Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD scope has an M52 x 0.75 thread, allowing the use of suitable photographic filers for lens protection if required. Alternatively, Neutral Density filters could be used to reduce glare in extremely bright conditions.

Finish is flawless with an uniform overall matt black powder-coat on metal parts. Black rubber gripping surfaces are added to the front and rear objective bells for easy rotation.

The Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD scope is supplied with a bikini cover for objective and eyepiece lenses.

And there’s a lifetime transferable warranty backed by the manufacturer.

The knowledgeable guys at Airguns of Arizona will be happy to tell you more about the Meopta ZD 4-16×44 RD riflescope, together with the other scopes in the Meopta range. Tell them that the AoA blog sent you 🙂

Tags: pcp, scope
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It’s New! The Weihrauch HW110 TK PCP Air Rifle

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

The Weihrauch HW110 TK is the latest model from the famous German manufacturer. It’s fitted with an elegant gray laminated stock making for a very attractive overall appearance.

In case you were wondering, the “T” stands for “Thumbhole”, while “K” represents “Kurz” – “short” in German i.e. carbine length. It’s one of several models in the HW110 range that are available at Airguns of Arizona.

As with other Weihrauch PCP air rifles, the HW110 TK is well-priced for such a high quality product. It represents strong value for those who value accuracy, a great trigger, handling and “feel” over shot count.

Overall appearance of the Weihrauch HW110 TK is that of a sophisticated, quality product. There’s nothing fancy, flashy or unnecessary, just the beauty that comes from great design engineering and huge attention to detail in manufacturing.

The HW110 is broadly similar to the long-running HW100. However it’s more compact and lighter, with different ergonomics, too. In fact, the action is closer to that of the HW44 PCP air pistol!

Similarities between all three models include sidelever cocking, unbroken scope mounting rail and a 10-shot rotary magazine.

There’s always something special about Weihrauch PCPs and that’s the way with the HW100 TK. It’s very difficult to describe, but these air rifles give a “just right” feel when you shoulder the gun. Weihrauch PCPs always seem to fit, hold and point very well for a wide range of people.

The rake of the stock’s pistol grip is ideal. This combines with a raised comb to the stock that gives a comfortable cheek weld.

The 39.25-Inch overall length is very manageable and comfortable to hold on target. Further, the overall weight of 9 Lb 10 Oz – with the scope mounted – is very well balanced, too.

The Weihrauch HW110 TK air rifle I tested gave outstandingly consistent muzzle velocity. However the small HPA tank capacity and high power level means that shooters will need to refill after 20 – 30 shots to achieve the extreme consistency of FPS that the HW110 can achieve.

In addition, this HW110 was accurate with all the pellets I tried. This is a benefit I have found before with other Weihrauch PCPs. They tend to not be very pellet-picky. Of course, there is – as with most airguns – a general tendency for mid-weight and heavier pellets to shoot more accurately than lighter pellets.

The HW110 TK I tested was in .177 caliber. JSB 10.34 Grain Exact Heavy Diabolo pellets turned-out to be the favorite fodder, producing excellent accuracy!

For sighting, I used UTG Pro rings to mount a Sightron S-TAC 3-16 x 42AO scope. The combination looks good and handles well, too. (Look for this scope to be available at AoA in the near future).

The Weihrauch HW110 is supplied with an optional, screw-on Picatinny rail. It’s ideal for attaching a bipod. For most of us, resting the gun improves our accuracy – so this is good to have. It’s optional: if you don’t want it, don’t fit it.

That proved ideal for mounting a Spartan Javelin bipod. I find that it is an ideal piece of equipment when light weight – make that very light weight – portability and simplicity are required.

The trigger pull weight of this Weihrauch HW110 TK averaged just 8.5 Ounces. That’s, 0 Lbs 8.5 Oz!

Even with such a light setting, there’s a clearly-defined first stage with a fair degree of travel. Pulling back, it’s easy to feel the “wall” – even with such a light pull weight. The smallest amount of additional pressure then releases the sear with a real “glass break” sharpness of definition.

The side cocking lever is comfortable and easy to operate. The lever itself has a very good shape for operation.

Opening the lever is requires almost no effort. There’s just a little more required for the final few degrees of swing as the magazine is rotated in preparation for the next shot.

Closing the lever requires a larger, satisfying amount of effort. You’re not likely to close the lever by accident on an HW110! However it doesn’t feel bad, rather I’d describe it as a “definite” action.

Another significant benefit of the HW110 – as with other Weihrauch PCPs – is that it has an effective double feed prevention system. Unlike many magazine-fed PCP air rifles it’s not possible to double-feed this gun.

If the cocking lever is opened and closed on the already-loaded action, a second pellet is NOT loaded.

For many of us, this can be an extremely beneficial feature. It eliminates the possibility of a double-shotted discharge where neither of the pellets will hit the target. It also removes the potential of jamming, by preventing double-feeds.

The HW110 is supplied with two rotary magazines. These are very simple to use and foolproof in operation. Also included is a fill probe. But note that you’ll need to buy an adapter to connect it to a regular female 1/8-Inch NPT connector, as is likely to be fitted to your HPA tank of compressor. AoA can advise if you need help on this.

Yes, the HW110 is yet another great air rifle from Weihrauch. It’s definitely worthy of consideration if you’re looking for a sophisticated, accurate PCP that fits you like a glove!

Tags: pcp, Weihrauch
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The New Daystate Delta Wolf Is On It’s Way!

Monday, November 2, 2020

The Daystate Delta Wolf will be available from AoA very soon. Yes, that’s the news from the manufacturer!

As we can see from these exclusive photographs, the Delta Wolf is is full quantity production at the British factory. There’s at least three dozen guns to be seen in various stages of assembly in this one photograph alone. Assembly began on October 1, 2020.

First out of the door are the U.K.-legal 12 Ft/Lbs limit guns. High power versions for the U.S. market are high on the company’s priorities, however.

The company is marketing the Delta Wolf as “the most advanced airgun of all time”.

A major part of that is associated with the built-in chronograph and electronic controls that set the power level and control other features of the gun. These are accessed through a remarkably simple LCD screen in the right side of the buttstock.

The Daystate Delta Wolf was mysteriously “trailed” at the 2020 SHOT Show. We also provided some early information before on this blog.

Daystate says that the new Delta Wolf heralds the birth of a new family of electronic PCP airguns for the forthcoming decade. Nothing like Delta Wolf has been attempted in either the airgun – or firearm – worlds before, the company tells us.

It’s claimed to be an ongoing extension of the company’s position as the maker of the world’s most advanced airguns.

Delta Wolf Key Features:

– New Advanced Velocity Technology (AVT) with touch screen display.
– Multi caliber capability with fast-change barrel system.
– Factory-set power profiles for each caliber.
– Shooter tuning customization.
– Exclusive OEM Huma-Air regulated.
– New large capacity magazine.
– A.R.T-approved barrel.
– Bluetooth connectivity.
– Built-in chronograph.
– Modular ‘tactical’ format.
– Future proofed – upgradable as features develop.

The Delta Wolf is the first Daystate to adopt the popular tactical, “black gun” form factor. It represents two years of development and investments, with a number of newly-filed patents. That – says Daystate – will make the Delta Wolf a very hard act to follow, let alone beat!

Full Feature List:

– New Advanced Velocity Technology (AVT) electronic management system.
– Available in all popular calibers, .177, .22, are available with a 16.9-inch barrel. Alternatively a 23.6-inch barrel is available for .177, .22, .25 and .30 calibers.
– Barrels and/or calibers can be switched by the shooter without special tools.
– Electronically pre-programmed for quick power and calibre changes.
– With its unique built-in chronograph, the Delta Wolf corrects velocity while also allowing the shooter to dial in their preferred Muzzle Velocity.
– Adjustable 22mm picatinny scope rail and cheek-piece for different scope type/eye relief.
– Picatinny under and side rails for a range of accessories.
– AR style switchable pistol grip, familiar AR style safety.
– A newly developed magazine system with a larger capacity from 8 – 13 shots (according to caliber).
– Magazines can be paired in the breech – to double shot count to 16-26 shots. (Watch the video below for details).
– User-tuneable for different velocity and power levels with different ammunition types.

– A.R.T-developed barrels are compatible with the latest generation of airgun ‘slug’ ammunition.
– A Bluetooth module allows the airgun to connect in the future to other accessories and apps.
– Superior ergonomics with fast-switching side lever action – conversion from left to right in around a minute.
– Adjustable but pad with optional exclusive PRS accessories to add an expanding range of custom accessories.
– Large, 30mm diameter, carbon fibre shroud the DeltaWolf is a rifle to be seen but not heard and optional 0db silencer for backyard-friendly report.
– Removable bottle – carry extra lightweight carbon fiber bottles with you while also being able to fill through a connector on the rifle.
– New fast flow valve system.
– Exclusive factory-fit Huma Air Regulator.
– Huge – biggest in class (34cc) – plenum chamber for more power.
– Onboard high capacity Li-Po battery with charging port on rifle (charges via USB-C connector).
– Weight (approx.) 6.84 Lbs for 23.6-inch barrel model.
– Overall length 34-inches for the long-barreled model.
– Electronic match trigger and multi adjustable blade positions.

Phew!!!!

Despite being the most technologically advanced airgun of all time, Daystate says that the Delta Wolf has been designed and built to be simpler to use, easier to tune and faster to service.

The Delta Wolf will be available in the US from Airguns of Arizona – of course!

To be one of the first to own a Delta Wolf, you can phone AoA on 480-461-1113 or order online right now! It’s a fair bet that demand is going to substantially exceed supply…

Tags: Daystate, pcp
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It’s Easy To Change The Daystate Revere Cocking Lever

Friday, September 18, 2020

Unlike most air rifles, the Daystate Huntsman Revere is available in dedicated left- and right-handed models. Instead of an ambidextrous stock, there’s specific left- and right-handed versions. Also the cocking lever can be set to operate on either side, to your choice.

This means that you can start with the Revere cocking lever on the left of the gun – as in our photograph above – and change it to be on the right side as in the photograph below. Or vice versa!

It’s easy to do by following these instructions…

SAFETY FIRST! Before starting, ensure that the Revere is unloaded and has no pellet in the barrel. Then shoot down the HPA pressure to zero. With the safety set to safe, the gun is completely safe for the operation. Always make sure to do this whenever you are working on any PCP airgun.

Now identify these screws on the top of the breech. Both require a 2.5 mm Allen key to remove. Either of these screws forms the pivot for the cocking lever, depending on which side of the gun it’s operating.

Screw 2 is the longer and functions as the sidelever pivot. Screw 1 is shorter and simply holds the side cover plate in place.

After removing screw 1, the cover plate can be removed from the “non lever” side of the breech.

Screw 3 is the one holding the cocking lever assembly “shoe” to the bolt. It, too, requires a 2.5 mm Allen key. It’s revealed by removing that side cover plate.

At this stage, I removed the stock. The next screw to come out was screw 2, the pivot of the lever action. Once that screw was removed, the lever action can be pulled straight out of the side of the breech.

You’ll find that the pivot point includes a brass bushing. I placed that on top of the breech for this photograph.

Now switch to the other side and remove screw 3 from the bolt. Daystate parts tolerances are tight! The shoe did not fall out of its own accord as expected, so I gently pushed through the screw hole with a thin punch. That did it…

Here are the parts of the cocking lever assembly. Note that we’re not removing the roll pins, but it is necessary to remove the cocking lever handle from it’s arm. That’s screw 5. Another use for the 2.5 mm Allen key!

The cocking lever handle will be reversed to the opposite side of the lever before re-assembly on the other side of the gun.

Having removed the cocking lever assembly, we simply re-install it in the opposite side of the action. Everything now becomes a mirror-image of what it was before…

First, I attached the shoe to the opposite side of the bolt using screw 3.

Then the bushing was fitted back into the cocking lever arm and screw 2 used to locate it in place.

Now test the action for correct functioning. Really there’s not much you can do wrong here, but check to be sure…

Re-installing the side plate and attaching the stock completes the job!

As you can see, making a Daystate Revere cocking lever change is pretty easy.

But if you want your friends at Airguns of Arizona to change the cocking lever of your new Daystate Revere, talk to them at the time of ordering. They’ll help you out!

Tags: Daystate, pcp
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Let’s Upgrade Your LCS SK-19!

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

The LCS SK-19 air rifle is rapidly increasing in popularity due to its combination of power, accuracy and full/semi automatic fire capability. So now we’re starting to see a range of LCS SK-19 upgrades from third party companies. Of course, they’re available from AoA!

This is great news for both enthusiastic LCS owners and anyone planning to buy one of these selective fire air rifles

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can upgrade your LCS SK-19 and see the upgrade benefits that are on offer.

Increasing Onboard Air Capacity

To date, most LCS SK-19 upgrades are associated with increasing the onboard air capacity for this PCP air rifle. It’s so much fun to shoot that it just cries-out for more air!

The SK-19 is supplied by the manufacturer in standard configuration with a 480 cc carbon fiber bottle. This gives around 90 consistent shots in .22 caliber and 75 shots in .25 cal.

Airguns of Arizona also offers an optional upgrade to a 580 cc bottle when the gun is ordered. That boosts the shot count to 110 shots in .22 cal and 90 shots per fill in .25 caliber.

Both sizes of bottle are fitted with an onboard valve. This enables them to be unscrewed from the gun while still under air pressure.

So, a depleted HPA bottle can be removed and replaced with another full bottle. This is a quick and easy way to prolong a fun shooting session with your SK-19!

It’s for this reason that Omega Air Cylinders has introduced accessory carbon fiber bottles in both 480 cc and 580 cc sizes.

Want More Air? Fit Two Bottles!

But what if you could double the gun’s onboard air capacity? This is where another of these LCS SK-19 upgrades can be useful…

The Dual Bottle Adapter for the SK-19 from Saber Tactical allows two bottles of either size to be mounted onto the gun. Sure, this is heavy, but that’s what bipods are for, right?

Using the Dual Bottle Adapter with two bottles, the SK-19 now has twice the air capacity on board. Not surprisingly, it now offers double the shot count per fill of High Pressure Air. So now, with 580cc bottles, we now have 220 shots per fill in .22 cal and 180 shots in .25 caliber. Now we’re talking!!!

Note that the Dual Bottle Adapter does not allow air supply to be switched between the two bottles. This means that both bottles are “live” to the gun. Both therefore fall in pressure together as the gun is fired.

This is not a way to shoot down one bottle so that it can be replaced with another full one, while retaining the second full bottle on the gun at the same time. Once both bottles are depleted, just fill up both together using a separate larger tank or compressor.

AoA also offers the V-Twin Dual Bottle Adapter by Air Superiority Products.

This precision machined part is manufactured from aluminum and stainless steel for long life and safe operation. This is another way to replace your single bottle with dual bottles to double the number of shots between HPA fills.

Both the 480 cc and 580 cc Omega HPA bottles are supported.

The V-Twin’s name and design places the bottles closer the the barrel assembly than “flat” adapters. AoA says that this improves the balance and provides cleaner lines. It also allows better access to the gun’s lower rails.

The Air Superiority V-Twin Dual Bottle Adapter includes two Picatinny Rails with four mounting positions for flexible positioning of add-on accessories if required.

Adjustable Buttplate

The latest product to join the steadily-expanding range of accessories and upgrades for LCS selective fire air rifles is this SK-19 aftermarket butt plate upgrade.

The LCS SK-19 is supplied with a simple, yet functional butt plate. However, SK-19 owners will want to look at this butt plate upgrade. It’s designed and manufactured by Kraford & Lypt in Seattle.

This Kraford & Lypt adjustable butt plate enhances operation of the SK-19 by adding three points of adjustment.

Firstly, the butt plate is vertically-adjustable (up or down) by 20 mm. That’s rather more than 3/4 Inch of travel. This will be useful to many SK-19 owners as it allows a better cheek weld. And a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld aids accuracy, of course.

Secondly, this butt plate can be rotated to provide cant compensation. Many of us would find this an useful feature – even if you naturally hold with just a small amount of cant, it can make a difference to accuracy. This is especially true at at the long ranges which can be attained by the 60 Ft/Lbs of Muzzle Energy that’s possible even in .22 caliber .

Thirdly, the top and bottom arms have adjustable angle settings. The lower arm is designed to be smaller, so as to fit under the shooter’s armpit. The upper arm is wider, to better distribute shoulder pressure.

All three faces of this LCS SK-19 aftermarket buttplate incorporate tactile hard rubber grips to anchor the rear of the SK-19 in position. This is particularly useful when you have automatic fire selected

Backyard Friendliness

The SK-19 has a fully-shrouded barrel. However, it could still be quieter and another of these LCS SK-19 upgrades helps you to do just that…

The Donny FL SK-19 adapter allows a dedicated “airgun only” silencer to be added at the muzzle end of the gun. This provides a 1/2-Inch x 20 UNF thread at the end of the moderator. It works well with the 0dB series of airgun only silencers – says AoA – muting the report to backyard-friendly levels.

Have fun!

Tags: LCS Air Arms, pcp
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