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 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 to its name. It is a completely new rifle which, while 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 therefore easily cycle the rifle in biathlon style with just one finger. This has eliminated the common weakness that plagues most bullpups, where shooters feel like a Tyrannosaurus rex because of the rear‑mounted 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 upgrade is the free‑floating barrel. Unlike the original Veteran, the barrel is no longer held in place by any barrel bands, but by the main structure of the rifle itself. This ensures the barrel will always keep its point of impact regardless of ambient temperature, mechanical wear of barrel 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. The maximum fill pressure is 300 bar. The pressure regulator has also been reworked to achieve the most optimal performance possible.
The top Picatinny rail with 20 MOA incline is perfectly aligned with the barrel, delivering unrivalled precision. Another mounting rail is located on the underside of the frame, which is the ideal place to attach a bipod.
The ergonomically shaped pistol grip follows 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 part that has been carried over 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 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 loading a second 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 appearance with a grooved surface. However, if you prefer the original handle, you will also find it included in the rifle’s package.
The last modifications concern the kevlar cylinder (Tactical versions only), which you can now remove while still under pressure without having to vent it. This will be especially appreciated by anyone who wants to carry spare cylinders.