The Czech manufacturer AirMaks is entering the market with a hot new product for 2021, named after the Black Sea shark – Katran.
The HP version (High Power) offers a larger Power Plenum volume and its non-choked barrel is specially optimized for shooting slugs. Of course, you can still shoot standard pellets.
AirMaks Katran, despite its overall length of 1210 mm, stands out for its light weight. The weight is just over 3 kg. The lightweight stock is machined on CNC machines. With the press of a button it can be folded to the left side. Securing the stock against accidental opening is cleverly solved with a magnet, which reliably holds it in place. The butt pad and cheek piece are made of durable ABS plastic. The stock also includes space for mounting two magazines.
Loading is fantastic. Hats off, the manufacturer really put thought into this. You can reload quickly, with one finger, without having to take the reticle off the target. The biathlon side lever has a short and incredibly smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of that. The charging handle can be placed on either side, depending on the shooter’s needs. The icing on the cake is the protection against loading two pellets into the barrel.
The barrel made in the Czech Republic measures 700 mm (1/17.7) and is ideal for shooting slugs. It ends with an efficient cup-style sound moderator. If you want the rifle to be as quiet as a summer breeze, you can additionally add more baffles or any sound moderator with a 1/2 UNF thread.
The air supply is provided by a duralumin air cylinder with a capacity of 300 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 provided for mounting optics.
In calibre 6.35 mm, the magazine holds an impressive 14 shots. A fully adjustable trigger is standard.
The pistol grip made of soft-touch plastic complies with 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.
New: the air rifle now includes a short Picatinny rail on the bottom of the Handguard, allowing easy installation of a bipod.
Key features
– High-quality and lightweight construction
– Excellent loading system
– Folding stock
– Integrated sound moderator
– Protection against loading two pellets