RIFLE REVIEW: AS CLEAR AS DAY

Created on 14th May 2009

MARK CAMOCCIO reviews Daystate's new MK4 ST, which looks good and performs even better

AIR RIFLE design is often a source of amazement, for the sheer ingenuity that sees an idea materialise from the blueprint through to its final execution. With the constraints of pure physics often proving the biggest hurdle, our top designers certainly need to think on their feet if they are to improve upon tried and tested methods. Staffordshire-based Daystate has emerged as the real trail-blazer in the pack, and over the last few years one eye-popping development after another has sprung from the company's production line.

In this technology-driven age of ours, electronics obviously plays a major part; and so it is with Daystate. While a full range of top flight mechanical models are still on offer for the traditionalists, cutting-edge electronic wizardry such as the new MK4 sits alongside them to satisfy the new army of fans who appreciate this type of rifle for its non-conformist approach, among other qualities.

The MK4 epitomises the hi-tech world inhabited by Daystate's top design team of Steve Harper and David Snook, and we'll come to the intriguing internal spec in a moment.

On a purely aesthetic level, this is a very pretty rifle indeed. Acclaimed stock-maker Gary Cane is the man behind that delicious woodwork, so it's no surprise. Extremely easy on the eye it may be, but this beautiful creation is as much about function as it is form. Thumbhole or thumb shelf? The choice is yours. The sheer feel of this curvaceous design gives the MK4 a head start with regards to handling and perfect trigger control. Generous side finger grooves look great, but also play a real part in aiding grip. A pronounced cheekpiece provides perfect scope alignment while flowing into the overall profile. The pistol grip area is treated to laser-cut chequering and a smart rosewood cap, all contributing to the undeniable stylish air. With that scalloped underside at the heel and shoulder-hugging rubber pad, it really is hard to criticise what is a masterful configuration. Maybe an adjustable butt pad should be expected for the price, but I personally found the whole configuration spot-on.

The Airsporter may have got away with it for all those years, but just looking good isn't enough these days. Daystate's reputation for securing silverware in the heat of competition should mean that this MK4 can perform on the big stage. Let's take a closer look at what's going on inside.

What lies at the heart of this new flagship model is a new air delivery system termed MCT - that's Mapped Compensated Technology according to the Daystate boffins. So how exactly does it work? For starters, the main pressure cylinder can produce around 160 consistent shots from a 230bar fill, which is nearly 80% more efficient than its predecessor, the MK3.

This is achieved through a pressure sensor within the main cylinder which senses when the residual pressure goes down and compensates accordingly. It does this by hitting the valve progressively harder, letting more air through, and in doing so, maintains consistency throughout the full cycle.

Given that most MK4s are destined for a life outdoors, you could be forgiven for considering all this electronic business something of a liability. Rain lashing down onto circuit boards and batteries is less than ideal, isn't it?

Daystate's genial sales chap Tony Belas sheds some interesting light on this area. According to him, more mechanical rifles have been returned in the normal run of events than electronic models, with the latter being a few much older examples. However, fully aware of customer perceptions, Mr Belas wasn't about to shun the issue - quite the reverse by all accounts.

With a view to nailing any preconceptions about weather-proofing, an outside consultancy (with aircraft industry experience) was brought in to fully assess company procedures and component proofing. Where electronic components were originally dipped once in a coating at the factory, they are now immersion dipped three times by an external agency in a bid to achieve an ultra-sealed protective finish. Finally, all contact plugs are injected with silicon grease at the factory, to assure peace of mind. Lubricating the inside of the barrel after a trial by water is probably the most important fundamental procedure to inhibit rust build-up in the rifling, just as you should with any gun.

Weather-proof?

Weather-proofing the MK4 doesn't stop at the electronic components. All the metalwork receives zinc-based matt coating, applied both inside and out. This is comforting, since it means that corrosion is further inhibited from the cylinder walls - a concern with any pre-charge pneumatic over time.

Action wise, the MK4 is most notably different by exhibiting a far more streamlined barrel arrangement. Where the previous model saw the barrel held within a silencer, in turn held within a figure-of-eight clamp, the new model sees the barrel contained within a large diameter barrel sleeve, subtly clamped at the cylinder end.

A knurled screw cap covers the muzzle. On the test rifle this was less than perfectly finished, and is a potential irritation on a rifle in this price bracket. A further concern is the jarring experienced if the barrel is accidentally knocked. Daystate confirmed that this is caused by using an ultra-slack O-ring. This is good, since the barrel is allowed to be as near to free-floating as makes no difference - so don't knock it!

Standard parts from the Daystate components bin include the chunky breech block, stainless steel bolt handle, illuminated safety tab, and single shot tray. For those unfamiliar with it, this tray sees service in many a Daystate rifle these days. It's a particularly neat affair, held in place by two small but effective magnets.

If multi-shot is more the order of the day, then the well-established Daystate 10-shot magazine supplied is another well-engineered accessory. Unlike many designs, the circular drum turns in both directions, so filling is straightforward.

One minor gripe here (although most multi-shot rifles are equally culpable) is that it's possible to cock the rifle a second time, and end up with two pellets in the barrel. This apart, the magazine is one of the better designs on the market, and if you adopt a positive approach to cocking, then all should be well.

Electronic trigger

Triggers always fascinate me, and the MK4 unit is an electronic affair. Surprisingly, any adjustment is manually done with conventional Allen keys, but the solenoid pressure trip allows for fairly light settings - all in keeping with this rifle's pedigree. The trigger blade itself still seems a little crude somehow, especially on such a top piece of hardware. At the end of the day though, it works.

One major point with any of the new breed of electronic specials from Daystate is that when cocking the rifle, the bolt is under no spring pressure. This means that in single shot mode it's effortless, while with the magazine in place, just the resistance of indexing the magazine is felt. All in all, a very civilised set-up.

Over the chronograph, and using Daystate's own branded Select pellets, the expected shot count was born out. With a variation of just 20fps overall over 160 shots, the MK4 is destined for some serious action. I tested the smaller calibre here, but the .22 version will apparently produce around 190 shots for the same charge. This is more than enough for most shooters, and quite an achievement for this go-ahead manufacturer.

With the MK4, Daystate has cleverly evolved its technology. The stock alone has real character, and must be one of the prettiest Gary Cane creations to date. Add to that the sheer all-round pedigree of the marque, then consider Daystate's achievements in the demanding discipline of Hunter Field Target, and it's clear that this rifle is a force to be reckoned with.

If the asking price of £970 seems a little steep (Daystate rifles don't do cheap these days), then there's always the MK4-S (Sports) model that costs £865. Either way, you're in for a treat.

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