AirMaks Krait Lite - Mini Marvel
- Last updated: 12/12/2024
I must admit, there is something about a super-compact airgun that I find hugely appealing. Under the spotlight this month is one of the latest creations from the Czech-based company, AirMaks, and it’s fair to say it’s something of a mini marvel.
Get set
Many may be unfamiliar with AirMaks as a significant airgun brand, but that all looks set to change with the recent appointment of Hawke Optics as their UK distributor. A raised profile and a ready network of dealerships mean things are looking up for AirMaks, and if the quality of my sample rifle is anything to go by, the products should speak for themselves.
I’ve got the AirMaks Krait Lite on test here, and as can be seen from the images, this is a bullpup design that sports a carbon-fibre buddy bottle up front and a neat ambidextrous thumbhole stock. It’s a hunting rifle crammed with technical features, and there’s even a dedicated padded hard case supplied, with room for optics I hasten to add.
Versatility
AirMaks produces a standard-length Krait with a larger bottle, but my Lite derivative sports a smaller 300cc bottle. In practical terms, it concedes little for those obsessed with the shot count, given that the fill pressure can go up to a whopping 300bar. Realistically, we can expect roughly 300 shots in .22 calibre, so no fretting between charging here.
One glance at the AirMaks product line-up reveals the company’s preference for utilitarian/militaristic-looking hardware, and the bullpup configuration accentuates this approach. Everything is ambidextrous, and even the biathlon-style side-lever is no bar to the user. Side-lever cocking is very much in vogue, and whilst my test rifle came with the lever left-side mounted, the design allows for the lever to be switched to either side.
Adjustment
Pleasantly grained walnut is sourced for the thumbhole stock, and I love the finger contours and drop-down grip configuration. Look closely though, and both the cheek and butt pad assemblies can be adjusted to suit the individual. It all comes down to the ease with which a perfect sight picture can be achieved, and the Krait Lite definitely rewards patience. The length of pull can be set by slackening the Allen bolts in the right side of the stock, then sliding the butt support rod in or out to suit. In addition, slacken the rear bolt and the rubber pad itself can be raised or lowered. Combine this with the cheek section, where the two obvious screws on the right side control its height, and we have ourselves a gun that can be set up to fit the shooter.
Filling station
It’s a minor detail, but the fact that the inlet valve comes with no protective cap is a source of irritation. This, however, is easily remedied, I don’t deny. There was no filling adaptor in the box either, which was surprising, but the good news is that the Krait Lite utilises a Foster connection, so my airline just snapped straight on. 300bar later, I was almost ready for action. Fitting a scope is easy given the raised Picatinny rail, and this has an inbuilt 20 MOA gradient for longer-range shooting. Attention to detail indeed.
OK, the time has come to fill the magazine. Curiously, the instructions supplied didn’t cover this operation, but after a quick inspection, it does become fairly obvious. The mag has no cover, but the machined metal casing feels well-made and precise. No pre-wind is necessary. Just insert a pellet nose-first into the one exposed chamber, ensure it sits flush, and twist to the next chamber. Fill and repeat until each chamber is full. My test gun came in .22, meaning a whopping 16 shots to play with. If you go for .177, you’ll get 18 shots!
“I would say it deserves a place on any shortlist for a technical, capable hunting rifle. Shooting from a hide or any confined space will see this model shine…”
Getting started
Now, pull back the side-lever and insert the magazine from the right side of the action. It snaps into position in a positive manner, which is always satisfying. A minor negative is the fact that it is still possible to double-load this model. Pull back the side-lever a bit too gently and the next pellet will cycle, but the trigger and hammer may not have set. A second pellet is now chambered when the lever closes. On test, this only happened when I was speed loading for the chrono, but it’s something to be aware of, nonetheless. One benefit of this style of magazine is that it’s easy to stop at any point, remove the magazine, and just top it up. In addition, just a few pellets can be inserted for safety, and it’s obvious how many shots are still available.
Configure it out
On the subject of safety, let’s focus for a moment on the full-length barrel shroud configuration. Firstly, let me just say that I love it! The whole thing is modular, and the principle of using all or just part of the assembly is great. The front piece carries the 1/2” UNF thread, and this gets a knurled cap to blank it off until needed. Thereafter, each section is threaded and effectively forms a mini-expansion chamber and baffle in sequence. Three shorter sections, one slightly larger, and the main shroud tube, are all utilised, and the possible combinations offer the potential for experimentation. Enjoyable in itself, and in theory it fractionally alters the harmonics upfront as each change is made.
Close inspection revealed no wadding has been used inside the shroud components, which is a good thing in my book, given material can rot and degrade over time. Stating the obvious, but the more sections screwed into position, the greater the sound suppression. The big caveat here though, is that by reducing the shroud length, safety can become an issue, as the lead hand, when gripping the buddy bottle, can sit dangerously close to the muzzle.
Free radical
The bullpup configuration brings the weight rearwards when compared to a conventional rifle, and the centre of balance with this Krait Lite is bang on the pistol grip. A scope will alter weight distribution slightly, but the ‘planted’ feel remains in the shoulder. Many favour this military-inspired configuration. I always seem to need more weight at the front, but there’s no doubt this pint-sized sporter has a fast-handling feel about it.
Range time
OK, time to consider performance figures. Look to the left side of the action, just to the right of the manometer, and it specifies HUMA regulated. This Dutch company has gained respect in the industry, and with companies such as Daystate and AirMaks now factory-fitting their regs, it speaks volumes. In the case of the Krait Lite, the paperwork specified that the HUMA reg had been set to 60bar, which is low compared to some. This is purely an observation, not a criticism. As previously mentioned, fill to the max of 300bar and the shot count will be considerable.
I had in mind to just clock the first 100 shots over the chrono, to check consistency, so after the first seven magazines worth, using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets, I had 112 shots recorded, all within a total spread of just 24fps. Useable consistency indeed.
Just before I began my range testing, I screwed a Huggett silencer into place to add a bit of front weight, but groups with this in place weren’t that great. So, suspecting I had messed with the harmonics, I removed the silencer and repeated my trials. Much better, and relief. An enlarged ragged hole at 30 yards was an encouraging start, so I knew testing at a longer distance was necessary, to properly ascertain the Krait’s potential. This is a £1500 gun don’t forget, so we are entitled to expect a decent return. Over 40 yards, all I can say is I printed 0.5” clusters with ease. As usual, a rifle’s individual barrel may well prefer certain ammunition, so taking the time to conduct more exhaustive pellet trials must be worth the effort.
Verdict
This is actually the first AirMaks I’ve had the pleasure of testing, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Properly put together, well designed, and slickly executed best describes the Krait Lite, and with a host of configurable features to keep the most discerning of enthusiasts happy, I would say it deserves a place on any shortlist for a technical, capable hunting rifle. Shooting from a hide or any confined space will see this model shine, and the slick yet pleasantly muted report means a silencer isn’t strictly necessary either. This is good news for those who don’t wish to compromise the ultra-compact look and feel.