Second Hand Focus: SKAN AR

SKAN of course, are best known for their comprehensive range of chronographs. The business branched out in 1991 to include airgun manufacture and so the SKAN A.R. was born.

Whilst a rather curious, dare I say Heath Robinson creation, these highly militaristic pneumatic airguns have become something of a collectors item. The A.R was the brainchild of Mike Childs, and was manufactured directly by SKAN from their Colchester base. Technically it’s a Bullpup design, as the action/magazine sits behind the pistol grip in the butt section. This design is certainly guaranteed to divide opinion; yet if this utilitarian style of gun appeals, then the example under the spotlight here, must be worth consideration.

UNIQUE

Constructed from extruded aluminium frames, the A.R has a unique look about it.

Added originality comes with a small air reservoir being stored and concealed in the butt section. Whilst components around the stock were predominantly formed from plastic or rubber, as in the early featured gun here, later deluxe versions incorporated the use of walnut sections from around 1995.This particular example is serial number 12302, and is in reasonable condition.

So just what is all the fuss about, and what holds such appeal? Well look closer and all those intricate components, springs and screws, hold the secret. A fifixed, yet revolving drum magazine incorporates 6 channels holding approximately 10-shots apiece. Once fifilled, and the air cylinder charged, fast-fifire action comes with the sliding forend, as it cocks the action and indexes the next shot. Empty the mag and refifilling is then carried out as stated, with the magazine unusually in situ- yet it all works…..and it’s great fun.

60-SHOT COUNT

This particular example is generating approximately 10.9 ft/lbs in .22 calibre. The slim line air cylinder needs to be charged to a fifill pressure of 180bar, and should be good for at least the full run of the magazine - which as stated is 60-shots approx. The asking price for this slice of airgun history- £650.

Full servicing and even modififications of these highly unusual models is now undertaken, with the manufacturers blessing I might add, by Dave Lewis at Skan World, to be found at www.skanworld.com

Many thanks go to Andrew, CJ,  and Craig at MGR Guns, in compiling this article, and for further details on this and other guns in stock, see their website at www.mgrguns.co.uk . The shop can be found at the main crossroads, where the B1191 crosses over the B1192, near the centre of Woodhall Spa; and parking is easy, with plenty of free space available in the high street.