Czech manufacturer AirMaks is entering the market with a hot new product for 2021, named after the Black Sea shark – Katran.
AirMaks Katran stands out with its lightweight design and folding duralumin stock. There is simply nothing unnecessary on the rifle, which keeps the weight just above 2.6 kg. The skeletonised stock is machined on CNC machines. By pressing a button it can be folded to the left side. The locking of the stock against unintentional opening is cleverly solved by a magnet, which reliably holds it in place. The buttpad and cheek piece are made of durable ABS plastic.
Loading is fantastic. Hats off, the manufacturer really put some thought into this. You can cycle the action quickly, with one finger and without having to take the reticle off the target. The biathlon lever has a short and almost unbelievably smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of this. The cocking lever can be placed on either side according to the shooter’s needs. The icing on the cake is the protection against loading two pellets into the barrel.
The barrel of Czech manufacture measures 400 mm and has twelve right-hand grooves. It ends with an effective baffle-type sound moderator. Those who want the rifle to be as quiet as a summer breeze can additionally add more baffles, or any sound moderator with a 1/2 UNFx20 thread.
The air supply is provided by a kevlar air cylinder with a capacity of 480 cm3 and a maximum working pressure of 300 bar. The cylinder is surrounded by a tactical forearm with KeyMod slots. Thanks to this, the balance point of the rifle is shifted slightly forward. A 22 mm rail is provided for mounting optics.
The magazine in calibre 6.35 mm holds an impressive 14 shots. A fully adjustable trigger is a matter of course.
The pistol grip made of soft-touch plastic meets the AR15 standard and ensures a comfortable hold. The manual safety is located on the left side of the action and can be operated even with the stock folded.
The AirMaks Katran air rifle is supplied in a nice padded hard case.
Main advantages
- High-quality and lightweight construction
- Excellent loading system
- Folding stock
- Integrated sound moderator
- Protection against loading two pellets