If you have ever shot the Taipan, you already know what a high‑quality and accurate rifle it is. However, technology and trends in the world of airguns are moving forward relentlessly, and despite the huge 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 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 cocking mechanism, which is now located directly above the trigger. You can easily cycle the rifle biathlon‑style with a single finger. This eliminates the common issue that plagues most bullpups, where shooters feel like a Tyrannosaurus Rex due to the rear position of the cocking lever. Also worth mentioning is the very smooth operation of the entire mechanism and the possibility 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 construction. This ensures the barrel will always maintain 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 and is complemented by a 75cc Power Plenum. The maximum filling pressure is 300 bar. The pressure regulator has also been redesigned to achieve the most optimal performance possible.
The top Picatinny rail with a 20 MOA incline is perfectly aligned with the barrel, offering unrivalled accuracy. Another mounting rail can be found on the underside of the frame, which is the ideal place to attach a bipod.
The ergonomically shaped pistol grip corresponds to the AR-15 standard and can be replaced, if necessary, 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 been retained 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 inside the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger.
On request, we can switch the cocking lever from the right to the left side of the air rifle.
The 2024 version does not include the ADF (Anti-Double Feed) system, the option to remove the air cylinder under pressure, or the new cocking lever handle.