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On Air
RAYS OF AIRGUN SUNSHINE IN AN OFTEN GLOOMY YEAR It was a challenging year, but that didn’t stop leading airgun manufactures releasing some great new hardware in 2021 – Mat Manning looks back at some of the highlights
Clockwise from far left: Brocock Ranger XR, BSA Ultra CLX, Air Arms S510T Tactical, FX Impact M3
WHILE 2021 will be remembered by many in the gun trade as a time of seemingly endless disruption with covid causing mayhem to industry events and product manufacture, supply and retail, the year did see some impressive new releases on the airgun front. Following on from the previous year’s trend, tactically-styled airguns with high-power options and lots of tunability to cater for a wide array of ammo remained miles ahead in the popularity stakes. The FX Impact M3, launched in April, led the charge and certainly seemed to tick all the boxes on modern airgun shooter’s wish lists. Rather than coming up with a design concept and then trying to convince shooters that they need it—a mistake made by too many airgun manufacturers, in my opinion—Swedish gunmaker FX has a talent for actually listening to what customers want and then working with some of the best airgunners in the world to incorporate those features into their product range. That approach is clear to see in the Impact M3 which, though an excellent pellet-shooter, has clearly been designed with the current trend for slug ammunition in mind. Despite being very compact, the super-efficient M3 can churn out huge power levels. Its rapid barrel change system also means that lengths, calibres and twist rates can quickly be switched to suit different shooting scenarios and ammo choices. The M3’s real strength is its tunability, enabling shooters to quickly adjust the valve, regulator pressure and hammer spring tension—the three vital elements of airgun tuning. This airgun really sets the bar when it comes to versatility, and its innovative twin regulator system ensures smooth and very consistent power delivery. Add a high-capacity magazine, remarkable air efficiency, slick sidelever cocking, an
excellent trigger and FX’s excellent engineering, and it really does set a new standard for high-end airguns. Furthermore, it even manages to cost significantly less than several of its biggest rivals.
Tactical trend British airgun maker Air Arms also embraced the tactical trend with the launch of its handsome S510T Tactical. This excellent airgun takes the proven S510 action and brings it bang up to date with a very practical chassis and numerous other performanceenhancing tweaks. Air Arms’ tactical offering is available in .177, .22 and .25 calibres with high-powered models boasting
over the past few years and are now a firm favourite with airgun shooters tasked with serious pest control assignments. Dependable, robust, versatile, lightweight and accurate, the new breed of Brococks are extremely at home in the field. The Ranger XR packs a heck of a lot into a tiny package. It features a sliding and locking stock mechanism which enables length of pull to be shifted from 35 to 43cm, ensuring a great fit for shooters of all sizes. On its shortest setting, the gun’s overall length is just 60cm, yet the sub-12ft/lb variant still manages to return 40 shots at full output. Power is adjustable and FAC models boast muzzle energy of up to 20ft/lb despite their diminutive proportions.
“The FX Impact M3, launched in
April, led the charge and certainly seemed to tick all the boxes ” adjustable output up to 40ft/lb. Its functional styling incorporates M-LOK slots, Picatinny scope mounts and a very effective supplied moderator. Other features include sidelever cocking and consistently accurate performance courtesy of a shrouded match grade Lothar Walther barrel and Air Arms Series 7 regulator and valve system. Another British airgun maker that refused to hold back on the new releases in 2021 was Brocock. Not satisfied with adding just one new airgun to their range in the shape of the Ranger XR, the Staffordshire-based team came up with another by giving their tried and trusted Concept the XR Twist. Brocock airguns have undergone a huge transformation
Consistent power deliver comes courtesy of a Huma regulator, and other features include sidelever cocking, a new self-indexing magazine, several Picatinny rail options, an onboard pressure gauge and a very good adjustable two-stage trigger. The Ranger XR’s real party piece is its folding stock, which enables it to pack down to just 39cm. That compact stowage makes it perfect for stashing under the seat of a truck, which has made it very popular with shooters tasked with the control of grey squirrels to assist with red squirrel conservation projects—hence the name Ranger. But 2021 wasn’t just a year for airgun shooters with tactical tastes, as BSA proved with the unveil-
ing of its elegant new Ultra CLX. The Ultra is what I would describe as a classic PCP with a modern twist. It combines compact proportions with excellent performance, and the new variant is absolutely spot on. The latest incarnation of the Ultra builds on the Birmingham gunmaker’s proud 160-year history, which anyone with an eye for Roman numerals will have spotted in the CLX moniker. At just 82cm long, the new version remains very compact but, thanks to some clever tweaks, now returns about 50% more shots per fill. It also boasts an upgraded monobloc platform, a brilliant new magazine and a very nice Minelli stock. And, with the standard model retailing for around £600, it also delivers outstanding value for money, outperforming plenty of airguns costing more than twice the price.
Very special For real BSA aficionados—or shooters who just want to own a very special airgun—the company produced a small run of special commemorative Ultra CLX 160s towards the end of the year. This variant is limited to just 160 guns in both .177 and .22 calibres, which come with a signed certificate of authenticity. Special features include a beautiful black pepper laminate stock and sidelever cocking, and the package includes a scope, mounts and silencer, all nestled in a lined hard case. While many limited edition airguns end up looking gawdy and overdesigned, this tasteful offering from BSA really scores with its subtly elegant styling. So, 2021 wasn’t all bad – and there were plenty of other exciting airguns and accessories released despite the challenges faced by manufacturers. Here’s hoping for a less chaotic 2022 and even more new airgun gear. GTN
