If you have ever shot a Taipan, you already know what a high-quality and accurate rifle it is. However, technology and trends in the world of air rifles are moving forward relentlessly, and despite the overwhelming wave of positive feedback, the manufacturer did not want to rest on their laurels. This brings us to the brand-new model Taipan Veteran II.
This is not just a slightly improved second generation of the popular PCP rifle with a Roman numeral casually added. It is a completely new rifle which, although based on the construction of its predecessor, takes almost all of its aspects to a whole different level.
Probably the most significant new feature is the completely redesigned loading mechanism, which is now located directly above the trigger. You can therefore easily cycle the rifle in biathlon style with a single finger. This successfully neutralises a common problem affecting most bullpups, where shooters feel like a Tyrannosaurus rex because of the rear position of the cocking lever. Also worth mentioning is the very smooth operation of the whole mechanism and the option to swap the lever to the other side.
Another major improvement is the free-floating barrel. Unlike the original Veteran, the barrel is no longer held in place by any barrel bands, but by the rifle’s own structure. Thanks to this, the barrel will always hold its zero regardless of ambient temperature, mechanical wear of the bands, or expansion of the air cylinder.
The barrel is also fully shrouded and its rifling has been specially designed for use with slugs. At the muzzle you will find an external sound moderator.
The pressure regulator has also been revised to achieve the most optimal performance possible. The air cylinder has a diameter of 40 mm and can hold up to 311cc of air. The maximum filling pressure is 300 bar. The top Picatinny rail with a 20 MOA cant is perfectly aligned with the barrel, offering unrivalled accuracy.
The trigger mechanism is probably the only thing that has remained from the original version. They say you cannot improve perfection, and after trying the trigger pull, we can only agree. The manual safety is still located in the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger.
On request, we can swap the cocking lever from the right to the left side of the air rifle.
MODERNISATION
This updated version of the Taipan Veteran II air rifle is now equipped with the popular ADF system (Anti Double Feed) – protection against double-loading a pellet into the barrel when there is already one inside.
Further changes have been made to the cocking lever handle, which now offers a tactically styled look with a grooved surface. However, if you prefer the original handle, you will find it included in the rifle’s package as well.