The Czech manufacturer AirMaks enters the market with a hot new product for 2021, named after the Black Sea shark – Katran.
AirMaks Katran stands out with its lightweight design featuring a folding duralumin stock. There is simply nothing unnecessary on the rifle, which is why the weight is just above 2.8 kg. The skeleton stock is machined on CNC machines. By pressing a button it can be folded to the left side. The locking of the stock against unintended opening is cleverly solved by a magnet, which keeps it reliably in place. The buttpad and cheekpiece are made of durable ABS plastic.
Reloading 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 your reticle off the target. The biathlon-style lever has a short and incredibly smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of that. 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 520 mm. It is finished with an effective cup-type sound moderator. Those who want the rifle to be as quiet as a summer breeze can additionally add more cups, or any sound moderator with a 1/2 UNFx20 thread.
The air cylinder has a capacity of 285 cm3 and its maximum operating pressure is 300 bar. The cylinder is surrounded by a tactical forend with keymod slots. Thanks to this, the balance point of the rifle is shifted slightly forward. For mounting optics there is a prepared 22 mm rail.
The magazine holds a respectable 16 shots in 5.5 mm calibre. A fully adjustable trigger is a matter of course.
The pistol grip made of soft-touch plastic corresponds to 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 case.
Main advantages
– High-quality and lightweight construction
– Excellent reloading
– Folding stock
– Integrated sound moderator
– Protection against loading two pellets