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 relentlessly moving forward 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 completely different level.
Probably the most striking new feature is the completely redesigned loading mechanism, which is now located directly above the trigger. You can easily reload the rifle biathlon-style with one finger. This successfully neutralises a common issue that troubles most bullpups, where shooters feel like a Tyrannosaurus rex because of the charging handle placed far back. Also worth mentioning is the very smooth operation of the whole mechanism and the option to swap the handle 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 construction. Thanks to this, the barrel will always keep its point of impact, 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, which has been significantly lengthened compared to the standard version.
Kevlar air cylinder has a capacity of 480cc. The maximum filling pressure is 300 bar. The pressure regulator has also been upgraded to achieve the most optimal performance possible.
The top Picatinny rail with a 20 MOA incline is perfectly aligned with the barrel, offering unbeatable precision. Another mounting rail can be found on the underside of the frame, which is the ideal place for attaching a bipod.
The ergonomically shaped pistol grip corresponds to the AR-15 standard and can be replaced, if needed, with any commercially available grip for this rifle platform. Overall comfort is further enhanced by the rubber buttpad.
The trigger mechanism is probably the only thing that has remained unchanged from the original version. They say you cannot improve perfection, and after testing 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 switch the charging handle from the right to the left side of the air rifle.
The 2024 version does not include the ADF system (Anti‑Double Feed – protection against loading two pellets at once), the option to remove the air cylinder under pressure, or the new charging handle design.