AIR RIFLE REVIEW: A MODERN CLASSIC

Created on 27th May 2009

MARK CAMOCCIO tries out the S410 and finds pretty can also be practical

IT MAY sound bizarre, but I slightly resented the introduction of the modern pre-charged pneumatic. I've embraced the concept now, of course, and acknowledge that a PCP is a pre-requisite for competing at the highest level in FT; it just seems a shame that the independence of the traditional spring-piston design (a major attraction for me in the first place) had to be traded for a system reliant on an external power source, like a bottle or a pump.

But PCPs have raised the bar, bringing greater levels of achievable accuracy to the majority; it's little wonder that they're so popular, given their ease of use.

Let's get down to business and take a look at one of the very best examples of these: my prize acquisition for this month's review - the Air Arms S410.

Arguably the best PCP in its class, Air Arms' ubiquitous model has become something of a benchmark in the industry. Let's face it, no manufacturer worth its salt can overlook the S400 range when it designs and introduces new general-purpose pneumatic models.

This thoroughbred was originally introduced as a hunting tool and, as such, it achieves its goal; but the sheer quality of the design opens doors to pretty well any outdoor airgun discipline.

It's easy to see why the pneumatic principle took off and now dominates top-level competition. Near recoil-free performance and greatly improved trigger systems have brought attainable accuracy to an eager, wider audience.

Air Arms' S400 is a fine example of the art, and this S410 model takes the format still further, with a 10-shot magazine that is automatically cycled by cocking the bolt; more of which later.

The S410 follows the popular design whereby the barrel sits atop a main compressed air cylinder. The barrel itself is rather thin, but is held snugly within a soft O-ring inside the front figure-of-eight clamp. I'd prefer a thicker, self-supporting tube, but Air Arms presumably has its reasons.

The model on test is the S410 Classic, as it has the larger cylinder. A carbine version is also available, which reduces the cylinder length by a few inches; this in turn reduces the shot capacity. It's a matter of balance and personal taste, but I'd always opt for the Classic over its shorter stable mate, as it has a greater front weight and the higher shot count is obviously a consideration.

As standard, this model range is supplied with a barrel ‘finisher' - a 3" metal tube that slides over the muzzle, secured with an Allen screw. Since it weighs next to nothing, a silencer would be a wise investment. The benefit of a silencer is twofold: firstly, the crack from a PCP as the spent air expands can be considerable (especially on a shorter barrelled carbine), and this can be easily tamed with an expansion tube. Secondly, the added front weight will benefit stability in the aim. Air Arms' later silencers with a quick-release wheel (originally supplied for the TDR ‘take-down' version) are a nice addition and make removal and maintenance simple.

Triggers on the Air Arms range have improved over the years, and with the 400 range now including the three sear unit and offering a genuine two-stage design, most shooters should be well catered for. As previously stated, these rifles have field use first and foremost on their duty list, so stopping short of full match performance is excusable. Despite this, the trigger is extremely good, and with some judicious adjustment, a pleasing end result can be achieved. A final detail is the push-button safety catch, neatly set into the blade itself (although I have seen some of these become loose in use).

Classy woodwork

The model on show here sports one of the latest AA special walnut specs, and with the complex laser-cut chequering designs, coupled with further detailing, this is one tasty piece of furniture! Just take a look at the exquisite rosewood pistol-grip ‘colt's foot' cap, and Schnabel tip forend. Perfect finishing and mating of materials means these snazzy additions add a real touch of class.

Many shooters opt for custom woodwork on quality air rifles these days but I'm a big fan of this factory sporter design, which offers a fine balance of comfortable features and functionality, maximising the rifle's accuracy potential. Don't forget that the same shape is supplied in both walnut and standard beech, so performance is consistent.

I say ‘factory design', yet Air Arms (like many other manufacturers) farms out the work to Italy, to be produced to its own design: sad in some respects, but I suppose we should be thankful that China didn't ‘hoover up' the contract.

Charging the cylinder requires the neat dust cover to be unscrewed at the muzzle end, and then the air supply can be connected. 190bar is the official recommendation, but I opted for 180bar in a bid to flatten any power curve. Experimentation is always recommended here in any case, to maximise consistency.

The latest valve attachment has a reassuring safety-tab that locks the air cable in place - all good news and peace of mind for the discerning enthusiast.

All that remained before range testing was to load the magazine. This is easily achieved by pulling back the silky bolt-handle, removing the mag, and then dropping a pellet into each chamber in turn, as the mag wheel is rotated. The Air Arms mag is nicely machined, straightforward, and performed faultlessly during testing.

I've often heard that the satin bolt, fitted to the 400 series, is vague and not positive enough. In my experience the subtle location is a plus point and an effortless nudge is all that's required to push it into place.

Superbly accurate

Accuracy with Daystate Select pellets was, as expected, superb. At 35yd, ¼" groups were on the cards, hardly surprising since this rifle is used in top-level HFT and FT competitions.

When you consider Air Arms was in on the pneumatic revolution back in the late 1980s with their Shamal rifles, the S410 nicely demonstrates the company's ambitions to keep evolving, and remain at the forefront of the market.

Beautifully engineered, and slickly presented, the S410 is a winner, whichever way you look at it. If you're after a reliable, super-accurate PCP for hunting, HFT, or even FT, then this model is sure to make any prospective shortlist.

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