AIR RIFLE REVIEW: RETRO RIFLE

Created on 14th May 2009

MARK CAMOCCIO reviews Daystate's new Huntsman and finds it offers reliable quality and pedigree

THE ARRIVAL of any new model on the airgun scene is always to be welcomed, and Staffordshire based airgun specialist Daystate seems to satisfy this demand for something new, almost on a monthly basis. This may be a slight exaggeration, however it's been something of a breathless task lately for us airgun journalists to keep up with the company's cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology.

When the ever-genial Tony Belas gave me the nod on yet another new model, I was only too pleased to sample the wares as this latest revision on a theme harks back to an old favourite of mine.

The Huntsman name has been with Daystate virtually from the off, and while the early models were undoubtedly basic, certainly by today's standards, there was no doubting the performance. ‘Simple, but extremely effective' was the name of the game. I will never forget the FT shoot back in the late 80s where Daystate, in attendance with a trade stand, sold a young lad a huntsman only for him to go off, zero the rifle, and win the shoot that same day. Bear in mind that this was a national top level Grand Prix event! It spoke volumes for the rifle and was a marketing man's dream, yet today's offerings are aesthetically at least in a different league.

This new Huntsman is termed the Classic - not exactly an original defining label, yet it does sum up the retro feel that Daystate is trying to offer. The configuration sees a lightweight PCP action set into a traditionally-styled walnut sporter stock. Daystate's magazine system comes fitted as standard, and a streamlined bull barrel effect is created by a large diameter barrel shroud. The overall styling creates a unique feel to this rifle. The barrel arrangement and compact cylinder all enhance the undeniable appearance it gives of a cartridge rifle. The walnut furniture does grab the eye, although personal taste may play a big part in this rifle's future. While the lightweight remit demands that wood be shed where possible, I just find the forend a little too slimmed down, and slightly awkward to look at.

For hardened hunters I'm well aware that this may emerge as the key selling point, and I can't fault the handling of the Huntsman in the aim. The rear end pistol grip, roll-over cheek piece and quality butt pad are all perfectly proportioned, and with laser-cut chequering covering the grip and forend, ‘feel' is at a premium.

Sling swivel mounting points come fitted as standard, which is a nice and relevant touch given this rifle's intended market, while further controversy comes with the colouration of the main cylinder.

All Daystates have been well-served with regards to weather protection of late, with traditional chemical blueing giving way to a more robust and moisture-resistant parkerised finish (inside the cylinder and out). This brings peace of mind across the board. This Huntsman's cylinder has a thick brown coating, which again may not be to everyone's taste.

Daystate's sales guru Tony

Belas is well aware of mixed opinion, and confirmed that both brown and black cylinder models will be on the market, thus pre-empting any burning blockades in the street. Barrel wise, a 20" shroud holds a 15.75" barrel in a slack ‘o' ring which disconcertingly results in a tiny jarring when the shroud is knocked. This is no problem as such. I'd even say it was a good sign that the barrel is allowed to effectively float, as it can only help a PCP configuration. Internal valving has apparently been revamped with a Steve Harper patented design. This incorporates an anti-bounce hammer and free-floating valve, bringing 30% more efficiency. According to Daystate, the .22 calibre produces 75 shots.

This all sounds good, but how does it perform? Firstly, over the chronograph and using the prescribed Daystate Select pellets, I achieved 53 shots which were within an acceptable variation band (around 26fps). Daystate claims 60 shots from a 200bar fill pressure, so I wasn't far off. Accepting the compactness of the cylinder, the shot count is fairly good. Consider this is as a dedicated hunting machine, and there's more than enough firepower to go round.

A by-product of the new valving is a supposedly improved trigger set-up, and I can certainly vouch for the crisp and reasonably light let-off. In my opinion, this Daystate is not better than other models such as the X2, but it is on a par, meaning that without going to a full match unit, this still has to be seen as a damn fine trigger. Accuracy, via the tried and tested Daystate 10-shot magazine, was extremely good after familiarisation. Over 35yd and shot from a beanbag, the Huntsman achieved ¼" groups, proving the overall integrity of the set-up. The balance was also remarkably good for such a light rifle, even in the kneeling and standing positions, making this Huntsman quite a performer.

It is hard not to compare this new incarnation with my own Huntsman FTR, (circa 88) complete with that superbly sculptured walnut stock including a deep forend and thumb shelf. Selling it was a foolish act which still hurts, but if you suffer from no such mental baggage, and like what you see in this stock design, then this latest little rifle probably answers a lot of questions.

At £670 it seems a high asking price, but factory gate rises take into account the soaring costs of the necessary materials.

The softener in the equation has to be Daystate's undoubted quality and pedigree which sits them near the top of the tree - surely bringing peace of mind to any purchase.

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