The 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’s simply nothing superfluous on this rifle, which keeps the weight just above 2.8 kg. The skeletonized 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 holds it firmly in place. The butt pad 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 having to take the reticle off the target. The biathlon-style side lever has a short and incredibly smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of that. The cocking lever can be placed on either side as the shooter prefers. The icing on the cake is the protection against double loading 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 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 forend with KeyMod slots. As a result, the balance point of the rifle is shifted slightly forward. A 22 mm rail is ready for mounting optics.
The magazine in calibre 6.35 mm holds an impressive 14 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 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 double loading pellets