Czech manufacturer AirMaks enters the market with a hot new product for 2021, named after the Black Sea shark – Katran.
The HP (High Power) version offers a larger Power Plenum volume and its non-choked barrel (no barrel constriction) is specially optimized for shooting slugs. Of course, you can still shoot standard pellets.
AirMaks Katran stands out with its lightweight design and folding dural stock. There is simply nothing unnecessary on the rifle, so the weight is just above 2.8 kg. The lightweight stock is machined on CNC machines. By pressing a button, it can be folded to the left side. Locking the stock against accidental opening is cleverly solved by a magnet, which reliably holds it in place. The buttpad and cheekpiece are made of durable ABS plastic.
Loading is fantastic. Hats off, the manufacturer really thought this through. You can cycle the action quickly, with one finger and without taking the reticle off the target. The biathlon-style lever has a short and incredibly smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of that. The sidelever can be placed on either side according to the shooter’s preference. The cherry on top is the protection against double-loading pellets into the barrel.
The Czech-made barrel measures 520 mm and has twelve right-hand grooves. It is finished 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 dural air cylinder with a capacity of 285 cm3 and a maximum working pressure of 300 bar. The cylinder is surrounded by a tactical forend with nine KeyMod slots. Thanks to this, the rifle’s balance point is shifted slightly forward. A 22 mm rail is provided for mounting optics.
The magazine in 5.5 mm calibre holds an impressive 16 shots. A fully adjustable trigger is standard.
The pistol grip made of soft-touch plastic follows the AR15 standard and ensures a comfortable hold. The manual safety is located on the left side of the action and can also be operated with the stock folded.
The AirMaks Katran air rifle is supplied in a nice padded case.
Main advantages
- High-quality and lightweight construction
- Excellent loading system
- Folding stock
- Integrated sound moderator
- Protection against double-loading pellets