THE IWA OUTDOOR CLASSICS SHOW in Nuremberg is a major European showcase for the world’s gun trade. Around 50,000 people visited this year’s trade-only event at the huge Messe exhibition centre, which was host to more than 1,500 exhibitors.
As ever, the gigantic halls were crammed with the very latest hardware, clothing, ammo and accessories – lines that should be making their way into gun shops over the coming year. The line-up included several exciting developments on the airgun front – here are just a few of them…
Rapid Boost
The big news on the Gunpower stand was that the Theoben brand is set to receive a big boost across the UK and Europe. Geoff Darvill of Gunpower (right) explained that he has been working closely with Airforce Airguns, which now owns the Theoben brand. He confirmed that gunsmith Martin Rutherford of Rapid Air Weapons would be still be very much involved in the operation.
“It’s a very strong and trusted brand with a reputation for quality. We are committed to maintaining that while ensuring much wider future availability,” Mr Darvill said.
Cometa unveiled the new regulated versions of the entire Orion range. Designed by Lane Regulators, the new component will improve shot to shot consistency and significantly increase the total number of shots per fill. A retro-fit kit will also be available.
Iker Osa of Cometa (left) said: “More and more customers are demanding regulators. The new regulated versions answer that demand and still offer all the usual Orion features
H&N were showing off several new pellet lines, including some hard-hitting heavyweights for high-powered airguns. If the 46.3gr Baracuda .30 isn’t hefty enough, there’s even a .35 (9mm) version which tips the scales at a mighty 81.02gr.
The new ammo incorporates a special alloy to minimise lead fouling and promises “pinpoint accuracy at distances beyond 50m” – as long as you’re using an airgun with the grunt to hurl them that far…
Smashing BBS
The tendency for hard BB ammo to bounce off a target or backstop is no joke but H&N’s new Dust Devils bring a fast and effective solution to the problem. The frangible BBs are deigned to shatter on impact to eliminate the risk of ricochet. Made from a magnetic compound, the lightweight 4.35gr .177 (4.5mm) BBs are also very fast through the air.
The fist-sized CO2 plinking pistol fires .177 pellets or BBs and is supplied with three eight- shot rotary magazines and a case. Features include blowback action, rifled barrel and metal slide.
The new Commander is a very different addition to the Brocock range. The tactical air rifle is kitted out with a Huma regulator, numerous Picatinny accessory rails and interchangeable dropdown pistol grip.
Built around a sidelever action with the proven Slingshot hammer and valve system, and available in Hi-Lite and steel buddy bottle versions and with synthetic or Cerakote options, the Commander has a shrouded barrel with muzzle brake as standard. Shot capacity ranges from 45 per fill from the 40ft/lb .25 to a whopping 520 at sub-12ft/lb.
Daystate have added an HR version to the popular Renegade range. Adorned with a Cerakote finish and Picatinny rails, the regulated PCP boasts all the usual Renegade features including hybrid mechanical/electric HTU trigger release, sidelever action and multi-shot magazine. It should be in the shops by the end of the summer.
The Vulcan II bullpup from Airgun Technology has had a major revamp. The Vulcan II has a longer barrel and greater cylinder capacity to deliver even more shots per fill. And, for power- hungry FAC shooters, there’s a .30 version churning out 120ft/lb. The sidelever action bullpup has a new trigger and safety catch and uprated aluminium magazine. Options include synthetic, laminate and walnut stock and a tactical version with adjustable cheekpiece.
Making the most of IWA, Highland Outdoors unveiled several new telescopic sights from Nikko Stirling. Among them was the Diamond FFP, a first focal plane optic with a choice of either 30mm or 34mm tube making for improved light transmission.
Well suited to airgun use, the FFP has side parallax adjustment down to 10m, multi-coated lenses and lockable target turrets. Options include 4-16 and 6-24x magnification, and a choice of glass-etched reticle designs, plus illuminated variants.
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