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 an overwhelming wave of positive feedback, the manufacturer did not want to rest on its 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 added. It is a completely new rifle which, although based on the design 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 cock the rifle biathlon‑style with a single finger. This eliminates a frequent drawback of 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 very design of the entire rifle. Thanks to this, the barrel will always hold 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, which has been significantly extended compared to the standard version.
Kevlar cylinder has a capacity of 480cc and is complemented by a 75cc Power Plenum. The maximum fill 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 accuracy. Another mounting rail can be found on the underside of the frame, which is an ideal place for attaching a bipod.
The ergonomically shaped pistol grip follows the AR-15 standard and, if needed, you can replace it 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 from the original version. They say you can’t 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 upgraded 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 tactical‑style look with a grooved surface. However, if you prefer the original handle, you will also find it included in the package.
The final modifications concern the kevlar cylinder (Tactical versions only), which you can now remove while pressurised without the need to vent it first. This will be appreciated especially by anyone who wants to carry spare cylinders.