We’ve begun a new decade and another SHOT Show is in the history books. The venue where manufacturers display their new creations coming to market, it attracts approximately 60,000 buyers and media folks. We truly live in great times technologically-speaking and that bodes well for airgunners because the manufacturers just keep turning out advancements, making our hobby more exciting. I’m extremely fortunate that I am able to attend this trade-only annual love-fest for everything outdoors. Here are a few things seen that you can look forward to this coming year.
New .50 calibers were on display and expanding on a theme this year came several arrow-firing airguns utilizing PCP or CO2. Also of interest were the number of pellet makers coming out with airgun slugs.
Starting with Umarex, they announced their Airsaber and Airjavelin. The Airsaber is a PCP arrow-firing rifle using full-length carbon-fiber arrows. It runs off a 240cc/3625psi cylinder and is reportedly capable of 25 shots on a fill. Suitable for big-game hunting it launches arrows up to 450fps and can produce 160+ fpe. A kit form includes an Axeon 4x32mm scope with special archery reticle. Umarex was not the first company with an arrow launcher, but they are the first at a price-point under $375.
The Airjavelin, is a smaller, lighter version suitable for small-game or plinking activities. Using an 88-gram CO2 tank it will send arrows downrange at 300fps with a muzzle energy of 34fpe. Its price is very attractive as well at under $175.
HatsanUSA unveiled the Harpoon, a dedicated PCP platform using crossbow bolts that can get them going an astounding 600+ fps and yields 325fpe! An onboard 500cc/3625psi reservoir gives 10 full-power shots. A bit pricier at $850, it will appeal to serious big-game archery hunters. Their other arrow-gun is actually a module that is interchangeable with pellet-firing barrels as part of their Hydra Versa Cal Technology system. A single thumb-screw at the back of the receiver is turned to release one module from the beautiful Turkish hardwood stock and replaced by another in seconds. The arrow module also uses crossbow bolts but the shorter barrel tube and 165cc air reservoir make this one more suitable for medium-sized game. Other calibers available for the Hydra are: .177, .22 or .25 and it is a slick system. MSRP to get started with a single module is $450.
Hatsan was also one of the companies introducing a .50 this year. Called the Piledriver, it can send a lead slug downrange at 850fps for a whopping 800fpe. Five full-power shots are possible from its 500cc/4350psi tank. A bullpup with easy side-lever action, its unsuppressed 33-inch barrel accommodates sabot ammo but certainly isn’t backyard friendly!
Airforce introduced the Texan 50-CF. This new .50 can also exceed a muzzle energy of 800fpe using their new TX2 valve system coupled with a 3625psi carbon-fiber tank. Sporting a Lothar-Walther barrel, it should be well received as the newest member of the Texan lineup.
Pellet manufacturers typically announce new designs/weights in their lines and it seemed that all of them now offer lead slugs for airguns. Designed for airgun barrels and twist rates, they provide maximum knockdown power for hunting applications and potential for longer range shooting.
While not yet listed on the AofA website, the guys can certainly fix you up with these new items as soon as they are available. Reach out to them to indicate your interest in these shiny new toys.
Of course, there were many other new items to see at this year’s show, including a revamped lineup of Brococks and an intriguing teaser about the new Daystate Delta Wolf, a tactical bullpup Daystate designed that won’t be released until March at the IWA show in Germany. Stay tuned.