Czech manufacturer AirMaks is entering 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 is specially optimized for shooting slugs. Of course, you can still shoot standard pellets as well.
AirMaks Katran, despite its overall length of 1210 mm, stands out for its low weight. The weight is just above 3 kg. The lightweight stock is machined on CNC machines. With the press of a button it can be folded to the left side. Locking the stock against accidental opening is cleverly solved by a magnet, which holds it securely in place. The butt pad and cheekpiece are made of durable ABS plastic. The stock also includes space for mounting two magazines.
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 lever has a short and almost unbelievably smooth travel. Many bullpups can only dream of that. The cocking lever can be placed on either side according to the shooter’s preference. The icing on the cake is the protection against double loading pellets into the barrel.
The barrel of Czech manufacture measures 700 mm (1/17.7) and is ideal for shooting slugs. It is finished with an efficient cup-shaped 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 supply is provided by a Kevlar air cylinder with a capacity of 480 cm3 and a maximum operating pressure of 300 bar. The cylinder is enclosed by a tactical forearm with KeyMod slots. Thanks to this, the balance point of the rifle is shifted slightly forward. For mounting optics there is a Picatinny rail.
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 follows the AR-15 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.
Key features
– Kevlar air cylinder with 480 cm3 capacity
– Excellent loading system
– Folding stock
– Integrated sound moderator
– Protection against double loading pellets