ON TEST: THE HUNTSMAN CLASSIC

739.

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NONE FINER!
George Stevens declares the Daystate Huntsman Classic to be his all-time favourite PCP sporter

m often asked which airgun is my favourite and for years Ive chopped and changed, according to what Ive been using at the time and how its performed for me. Now, after quite a few years testing airguns for this magazine, the editor asked me that very question and Im going for one rifle. Not only that, I think Ill be sticking with it this time. Well, I say one rifle, but what I really mean is two; one pre-charged pneumatic and one spring-piston. Ill cover my favourite springer next month, but for now, Ill announce the Daystate Huntsman Classic as my all-time favourite PCP rifle.

Why the Huntsman?

There were so many reasons why the Huntsman Classic has made the top of my favourite rifle shortlist, that by the time Id listed them all, the editor told me to sort out a full test and

explain them that way. Having tested a Huntsman Classic a couple of years back, and having spoken to Daystates main man, Tony Belas, on the changes introduced to the rifle since then, I can reveal that everything, every nut, bolt, washer, tube, spring, finishing process and function has changed since the Huntsmans introduction in 2007. Just about the only major component that remains as-is from the first Huntsman is the air-inlet valve, and even that is made for Daystate by a different company and to a higher tolerance spec. Quite a few feature changes to report on, then, so Id better get on

with it. Before I start, though, Id like to sum up why I rate the Huntsman so highly; basically, its because it has my favourite combination of performance, handling and looks. Now lets break all that down into chunks I can explain and you can digest.

All change
Now, as much as the more technically-appreciative among you might relish a part-by-part runthrough of every oily bit Daystate has altered over the four or so years of

Huntsman Classic production, theres no way on this earth Im going to do that. What I

will do, is cover the more important and interesting changes, beginning with the barrel. The barrel assembly of the Huntsman Classic is shorter, compared to the original model, but the barrel itself remains the same, 17-inch, Lothar Walther match grade model it always was, apart from the finish on it; in that theres no finish these days, save for a protective barrier oil treatment. Daystate discovered that the Huntsmans barrel did a better job if it wasnt blacked, and seeing that its housed inside a shroud where it cant be seen, the exterior finish was pointless anyway. Youll notice that the breech face of the barrel is still in the white as its known, as soon as you remove the 10-shot magazine, and you can keep everything pristine inside the bore by taking Daystates recommendation and using lubricated pellets.

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ON TEST: THE HUNTSMAN CLASSIC

Daystates own brand Rangemaster Li pellets come ready-lubed, and ready-accurate, too, which is hardly a surprise, because theyve been developed to perform in the companys barrels. Experiment with other brands of pellet by all means, but keep a bit of lube on them to maintain the bore. Ive done this with all my pre-charged pneumatics and so does the editor and most of the people I go hunting with. In fact, I cant think of anyone I know who doesnt use lubricated pellets in their PCPs. Its a subject worthy of a revisit from Jim Tyler and Professor Mike, I reckon. Meanwhile, back at the barrel assembly, theres a diffuser just ahead of the muzzle and, on firing, this directs a proportion of the air blast back into the void between the barrel and its shroud. The result is quite impressive as far as silencing the shot goes, and I would (and will), happily use the Huntsman Classic without its optional Reflex silencer.

As I said, none finer.

who invented the Huntsmans Slingshot Hammer system. The Slingshot comprises an inner striker and an outer casing, with the valve striker

Hammer time
The Huntsman Classics firing system is mechanical, rather than computer controlled, but that doesnt mean it lacks the advancements invested in Daystates groundbreaking electronic rifles. In fact, the very same genius, Steve Harper, who is behind the development of those do-everything superguns, is the man

Select Service
For an extra 55, you can come to the Daystate factory and choose your own stock. Or, for the same price, you can let Daystate pick out a stock to your guidelines. Incidentally, the stock on the test rifle isnt one of the selected ones; Im assured that theyre better than this one. Thats impressive.

reversesprung to pull the striker back after its initial impact with the valve, allowing the valve to close quickly and cleanly, with no hammer bounce at all. The valve itself is another innovative Harper development, the Micro-valve, and the combination yields an upgrade that takes the performance way beyond the Huntsman Classic of 2007.

Each rifle is assembled and calibrated individually, and by that I mean its tested to define the perfect fill pressure for that particular example. This pressure is displayed in the form of a decal on the frontright of the breech block, and in the test rifles case was 220-bar. From this fill pressure, the Huntsmans 114cc reservoir produces over 70, full-power shots in .177, and over 80 in .22. Think about that for a moment; thats about a large mugful of available air-space were dealing with, there, and getting the means to fill four huge rucksacks with rabbits from it. As already stated, the Harper hammer and valving system is incredibly efficient. All that efficiency needs guidance, of course, and that comes courtesy of the Huntsmans superb, oiled walnut stock. Even here, though, the understated sporter styling conceals some serious technology. First, the Huntsman was designed to have its action and reservoir sitting as low as possible in the stock, and that meant having the reservoir recess specially created by Italian stockmaking maestros, Minelli. To get the stock blank in the right condition to accept the required

shaping and inletting, it has to go through a unique drying process, but Daystate believe its worth it, and for what its worth, I agree with them. The result is a pure sporter stock that has all the control a hunter needs, from the fore end tip to the specially commissioned ventilated rubber butt pad. Tony Belas was on holiday when he discovered the company Daystate use to manufacture these butt pads, and it goes to show that these top airgun people are never off duty. I bet Tonys missus loved him prospecting potential suppliers during the family holiday, about as much as mine will appreciate me buying a Daystate Huntsman, but its been quite a while since I added anything substantial to my armoury, so I may get away with it. Too late now, anyway; by the time this magazine comes out, my new Huntsman will be a fixture. Back to the stock, and a word of praise for its scope height cheek piece. This feature is just about the right height for me, and thats unusual these days. Most cheek pieces are a fraction too low for me, but provided the chosen scope isnt too mad in the objective lens department, that cheek piece will guide your sighting eye, and your aim, without you having to think about it. A neat rosewood grip cap and just about the best chequering offered on airguns, plus an overall standard of finish that elevates the whole rifle, makes the Huntsman Classics stock truly special. In fact, its beautiful, and that Classic title is well placed. Having previously tested the Huntsman, I know how well it used to shoot, and its going to be more than interesting to discover what its total evolution amounts to in terms of shooting performance. Well, theres only one way to find out.

On the bench
Well, if ever a rifle looks out of place on a bench its this one, but resting the Huntsman is the only way to discover its clinical accuracy potential, so I need to do it. The .22 test rifle came fitted with an MTC Mamba Lite 3-12 x 45 and its full magnification setting allowed me to see each pellet hole as it appeared on my target card. Typically, Daystate had already zeroed the combination with Rangemaster Li pellets, and I

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ON TEST: THE HUNTSMAN CLASSIC

The 10-shot magazine is a snug fit beneath the scope.

Fill it - forget it. This rifle wont let me down at any level.

Note the in the white barrel.

t of first 30 shots, after adjusted the I want ry aspec three clearing shots scopes turrets a njoy eve d the me e n to get everything click or two more ning it, a ow es warmed up and out of habit than lassic do ntsman C - and running as it should. I anything else. I Hu dont know if I actually tried a range of just that need to do this but I pellets more of a more always do, especially with shortlist to be fair and springers. I just feel easier when my while the JSB and H&N FT hunting rifles are run-in before the Trophy pushed Daystates own brand first proper shot of the hunting day. fairly close, I stuck with the Li. At 45 yards, with the scope still on 12x, I repeatedly punched out groups In the field of well inside an inch, and without If the benchrest is alien territory for really concentrating on the job. When the Huntsman Classic, the hunting I set my sights on the 35-yard card I field is its natural domain. This rifle knuckled down and did the job is a true, traditional sporter, but one properly, creating the cloverleaf with the advantages of modern

RI IES PRIOrifleTthat lets

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ITS BEAUTIFUL,AND THAT CLASSIC TITLE IS WELL PLACED

groups I knew would come from a rifle of this quality. Those groups averaged 14mm in diameter, so the pellets were actually landing within 10mm of each other, and thats all the confidence I need right there. I pushed the range right out to an unrealistic 50 yards, where, on a pleasingly frequent basis, I connected with the one-inch circles drawn on the target cards, and I did the same with the rack of spinners I have down there, but the real business of the day was conducted at 35. The chrono told me that the Huntsman Classic was consistent to the tune of 15 f.p.s. variation over 60 shots, and just 10 f.p.s. over the technology where they matter most. The magazine has been refined through several stages and is now noticeably smoother and more precise in action. This improvement is difficult to quantify, in measurable terms at least, but these latest generation magazines just have more authority about them. Yes, that sounds flaky, but the mags movement is smoother and the clicks are more precise. Most importantly, the function throughout the test was flawless but then that was the case with other versions, so Im forced to conclude that the latest mag does what it always did, only better. The

magazine is lower in profile, too, and just about fitted under the Mamba Lites body tube, which proved perfect for my head position. As for balance, I didnt notice it; which is just about the best type of balance a rifle can have. When you dont have to think about the balance of your rifle, making it part of your technique becomes natural, quick and easy. When everything fits, works and performs without any further thought about it, thats the icing on the handling cake. This rifle has it all, and more. The trigger works perfectly, and if it isnt to your liking you can adjust it until it is, and that chrome bolt can be swapped for a black one if youre freaked out about having anything shiny on a hunting rifle. I also like the latest-generation pressure gauge and that stock chequering really does do the job, for hand and eye. In fact, just about the only thing I dont like about the Huntsman Classic is its trigger guard, which to me looks a bit cheap. Otherwise, this is my perfect hunting rifle, and Im officially confirming that fact.

Each rifle has its own ideal filling pressure, and an SWP badge to record it.

Huntsman Classic really earns its keep, but looking fantastic while it does so is a great bonus. Style and function meet in my all-time favourite pre-charged sporter. The Classic is one of the great sporters of our time says me.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Model: Huntsman Classic Manufacturer: Daystate Country of origin: UK, stock made in Italy Type: Pre-charged, multi-shot sporter Calibre: .22, .177 Cocking: Bolt-action Loading: Via 10-shot, removable, rotary magazine Trigger: 2-stage adjustable, set-back blade Stock type: Oiled walnut sporter Weight: 2.8kg (6.3lbs) unscoped Length: 928mm (36.5ins) Barrel: 430mm (17ins) Fill pressure: Varies according to individual model set-up. 220 bar Shots per charge: 80-plus in .22, 70-plus in .177 Variation over 30 shots: 10 fps. 15 f.p.s. over 60 shots Average energy: 11.4 ft.lbs. Best group at 35 yards: 12mm diameter Average group at 35 yards: 14mm Favoured pellet of test rifle: Daystate Rangemaster Li Other notable pellets on test: Air Arms Diabolo Field, Daystate Heavies Options: Silencer (58), selected stock (55) sling studs fitted (35), brass bolt handle (11) Contact: Daystate on 01782 791 755

Verdict
The Daystate Huntsman Classic works for me on every level. I love the way it looks and I really love the way it shoots. The technology that produces its superb performance is hidden within its discrete action, and theres nothing flash about it. All I can do, is to recommend anyone whos in the market for a classic sporter to get next to one of these rifles and put it to your shoulder. Thats where the

Price: 739.00

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