Icon Logo Gun Mart

Daystate Griffin

As trail blazers of not only the modern pneumatic, but also the mainstream use of an electronically controlled airgun, Daystate have much to be proud of! Their MCT (Mapped Compensated Technology) system for example, uses a digital microprocessor to control a solenoid powered air valve. The ingenious design sees the rifle’s on-board computer and pressure sensors monitor every microsecond of the firing cycle. It calculates the precise amount of time that the valve needs to open, to overcome the pressure inside, and is effectively computer-controlled. No one is doubting that it’s an utterly ingenious system, and it has helped carve out a niche market, making them, surely one of the most pioneering airgun companies on the planet.

However, whilst their electronic marvels such as the Airwolf MCT, are an astonishing achievement, they simply aren’t for everyone! And with a host of shooters favouring conventional mechanically-driven airguns, Daystate are aware that they have to balance their product output, in a bid to win fans across the board. Add to this their modern business plan of a regular run of special edition rifles, and the time was right for a top end, mechanical, competition gun.

SPECIFICATION

Totally mechanical, the Griffin represents an interesting development, as it’s aimed at FT or Hunter Field Target, where the demands placed upon the shooter are many and varied. Standard guns do occasionally feature in the silverware, but there’s no doubting the worth of a dedicated model, to smooth the path to success. An increasing number of shooters appreciate the value of such offerings and the Griffin is aimed at just such a target audience.

Technically, it’s not regulated, but the Griffin, takes the patented Slingshot hammer valve system, designed by Steve Harper, utilized in the Huntsman Regal model, and upgrades the specification, creating a formidable competition special, aimed at the connoisseur. It even comes supplied with its own padded hard case, complete with ‘Griffin’ motif, and a certificate of authenticity.

ONE OF 150

Available in .177 and .22, this special model is one of 150 made in total, with 50 of those to go overseas. A fully ambidextrous, laminate stock comes as standard, and it can even be specified with a left or right handed bolt, to be set at the factory on request. The chunky breech block, boldly styled in keeping with Daystate’s usual spec, is fashioned here from a stronger grade of aluminium than normal, silver anodized, and again sports the smart Griffin motif.

The pressure gauge has been moved to the side of the action, so as not to foul the hamster, and this location is just about perfect in my book. No need to very nearly looking down the barrel here to see how much ‘puff’ you have left! A 20” barrel sounds very long in today’s market, but this tube has been designed by Lothar Walther, specifically for this model. The internal specification is different too, according to Tony Belas at Daystate, and with Lothar’s reputation in this field world renowned, down range performance with this rifle should go without saying.

Daystate fit a longer cylinder than the Regal, to get more shots from a 200bar charge, and you can expect around 110 in .177, and 130 in .22 calibre. FAC models are also available, producing around 40-shots at 30ft/lbs, so there are plenty of options available. The cylinder incidentally, is also well protected with a coating of a compound known as Teflon X10 inside and out.

LUSCIOUS IN LAMINATE

Gary Cane inspired woodwork means the Griffin is nothing if not stylish and the ‘Grey Smoke’ colour scheme is particularly smart. Warp-free, and ultimately stable, these stocks offer a host of advantages over conventional timber. Equally, the multitude of adjustment, from just about every area, is the major asset.

The front stock raiser block, or hamster if you must, is designed to be adjustable at the tweak of an Allen key, with the height variable, and all-importantly within the HFT ruling of a maximum 150mm, measured from the bottom edge of the forend to the centre of the bore. Personally, I reckon it’s a little short for HFT use, but this is a matter for the individual when down in the aim. I do have a large build, and many will find this an ideal set-up I’m sure.

Loosen with an Allen key, and pull the hamster block clear of its housing, and the Griffin takes on a sleeker look. In fact, the forend is quite deep already, but the block just brings greater versatility for a variety of scenarios. In short, this model is a classic example of a rifle that can be used for different disciplines and also equally at home in a hunting situation, where maximum performance and accuracy is still a prerequisite, or on the competition range.

The cheek piece is fully adjustable, at the twist of an Allen key, as is the butt padadjustable not only for length, but also for cant around its axis. Personal taste is therefore catered for, and with the multitude of adjustments throughout the woodwork, it means the Griffin can be set up to properly fit the shooter.

AIR STRIPPER

Single shot tray, or ten shot magazine- the choice is yours with this model, in the usual Daystate way, and I left the tray in place, for a more refined, deliberate firing cycle.

The Griffin comes with a fully adjustable air-stripper fitted as standard, and with these devices so popular on the FT/ HFT competition circuits, it’s a clever move by Daystate. For the uninitiated, the idea sees an inner adjustable cone that can be finely adjusted, again with an Allen key. As the pellet exits the rifling, the excess air escapes behind it, then the pellet passes back into the cone, the aperture of which is only slightly wider than the calibre itself. This has the effect of stripping away any turbulent air remaining; leaving the pellet to continue on its way, in as unruffled a state as possible.

Great theory, but there can be a fair bit of muzzle crack. Daystate have thought of that, and for those who prefer a quieter gun, or plan on taking the Griffin hunting, just unscrew the knurled cap, and a silencer can be fitted onto the ½ x 20” UNF thread. Fit the company’s own reflex style moddy and the air-stripper will be effectively blanked off for the duration. Clever stuff!

PERFORMANCE

Setting this model up, you soon become aware of the subtleties of the trigger unit. It’s mechanical, yet offers match specification, in that the blade is adjustable left and right, and up and down, around its axis. The blade rod can also be moved forwards and back, so the reach and feel can be tailored to the individual.

From an FT over-arm position, I felt rock steady and tight groups using 4.53 JSB Exacts over 30 and 35yds, proved what the Griffin was capable of. In fact, given the performance, it brings a tear to the eye to think of many examples just collecting dust in a ‘collectors’ cabinet. Almost a crime in my opinion; as guns are for shooting, but Daystate’s are eminently collectable by a portion of our community.

TRADITION

Daystate’s mouth-watering special editions are produced in limited numbers and are often snapped up by the company’s army of devoted fans and sometimes pre-sold long before production has even commenced. The Griffin continues that tradition, and for those in the market for a fully tricked out competition special with top draw performance that can handle just about any task asked of it, this rifle is a tempting prospect indeed.

PRICE:  £1499, Inc magazine, filling adaptor, and hard case
CONTACT: Daystate, 01785 859122 www.daystate.com

More Video ReviewsView All >

ad

Daystate Griffin

Daystate Griffin

As trail blazers of not only the modern pneumatic, but also the mainstream use of an electronically controlled airgun, Daystate have much to be proud of! Their MCT (Mapped Compensated Technology) system for example, uses a digital microprocessor to control a solenoid powered air valve. The ingenious design sees the rifle’s on-board computer and pressure sensors monitor every microsecond of the firing cycle. It calculates the precise amount of time that the valve needs to open, to overcome the pressure inside, and is effectively computer-controlled. No one is doubting that it’s an utterly ingenious system, and it has helped carve out a niche market, making them, surely one of the most pioneering airgun companies on the planet.

However, whilst their electronic marvels such as the Airwolf MCT, are an astonishing achievement, they simply aren’t for everyone! And with a host of shooters favouring conventional mechanically-driven airguns, Daystate are aware that they have to balance their product output, in a bid to win fans across the board. Add to this their modern business plan of a regular run of special edition rifles, and the time was right for a top end, mechanical, competition gun.

SPECIFICATION

Totally mechanical, the Griffin represents an interesting development, as it’s aimed at FT or Hunter Field Target, where the demands placed upon the shooter are many and varied. Standard guns do occasionally feature in the silverware, but there’s no doubting the worth of a dedicated model, to smooth the path to success. An increasing number of shooters appreciate the value of such offerings and the Griffin is aimed at just such a target audience.

Technically, it’s not regulated, but the Griffin, takes the patented Slingshot hammer valve system, designed by Steve Harper, utilized in the Huntsman Regal model, and upgrades the specification, creating a formidable competition special, aimed at the connoisseur. It even comes supplied with its own padded hard case, complete with ‘Griffin’ motif, and a certificate of authenticity.

ONE OF 150

Available in .177 and .22, this special model is one of 150 made in total, with 50 of those to go overseas. A fully ambidextrous, laminate stock comes as standard, and it can even be specified with a left or right handed bolt, to be set at the factory on request. The chunky breech block, boldly styled in keeping with Daystate’s usual spec, is fashioned here from a stronger grade of aluminium than normal, silver anodized, and again sports the smart Griffin motif.

The pressure gauge has been moved to the side of the action, so as not to foul the hamster, and this location is just about perfect in my book. No need to very nearly looking down the barrel here to see how much ‘puff’ you have left! A 20” barrel sounds very long in today’s market, but this tube has been designed by Lothar Walther, specifically for this model. The internal specification is different too, according to Tony Belas at Daystate, and with Lothar’s reputation in this field world renowned, down range performance with this rifle should go without saying.

Daystate fit a longer cylinder than the Regal, to get more shots from a 200bar charge, and you can expect around 110 in .177, and 130 in .22 calibre. FAC models are also available, producing around 40-shots at 30ft/lbs, so there are plenty of options available. The cylinder incidentally, is also well protected with a coating of a compound known as Teflon X10 inside and out.

LUSCIOUS IN LAMINATE

Gary Cane inspired woodwork means the Griffin is nothing if not stylish and the ‘Grey Smoke’ colour scheme is particularly smart. Warp-free, and ultimately stable, these stocks offer a host of advantages over conventional timber. Equally, the multitude of adjustment, from just about every area, is the major asset.

story continues below...

The front stock raiser block, or hamster if you must, is designed to be adjustable at the tweak of an Allen key, with the height variable, and all-importantly within the HFT ruling of a maximum 150mm, measured from the bottom edge of the forend to the centre of the bore. Personally, I reckon it’s a little short for HFT use, but this is a matter for the individual when down in the aim. I do have a large build, and many will find this an ideal set-up I’m sure.

Loosen with an Allen key, and pull the hamster block clear of its housing, and the Griffin takes on a sleeker look. In fact, the forend is quite deep already, but the block just brings greater versatility for a variety of scenarios. In short, this model is a classic example of a rifle that can be used for different disciplines and also equally at home in a hunting situation, where maximum performance and accuracy is still a prerequisite, or on the competition range.

The cheek piece is fully adjustable, at the twist of an Allen key, as is the butt padadjustable not only for length, but also for cant around its axis. Personal taste is therefore catered for, and with the multitude of adjustments throughout the woodwork, it means the Griffin can be set up to properly fit the shooter.

AIR STRIPPER

Single shot tray, or ten shot magazine- the choice is yours with this model, in the usual Daystate way, and I left the tray in place, for a more refined, deliberate firing cycle.

The Griffin comes with a fully adjustable air-stripper fitted as standard, and with these devices so popular on the FT/ HFT competition circuits, it’s a clever move by Daystate. For the uninitiated, the idea sees an inner adjustable cone that can be finely adjusted, again with an Allen key. As the pellet exits the rifling, the excess air escapes behind it, then the pellet passes back into the cone, the aperture of which is only slightly wider than the calibre itself. This has the effect of stripping away any turbulent air remaining; leaving the pellet to continue on its way, in as unruffled a state as possible.

Great theory, but there can be a fair bit of muzzle crack. Daystate have thought of that, and for those who prefer a quieter gun, or plan on taking the Griffin hunting, just unscrew the knurled cap, and a silencer can be fitted onto the ½ x 20” UNF thread. Fit the company’s own reflex style moddy and the air-stripper will be effectively blanked off for the duration. Clever stuff!

PERFORMANCE

Setting this model up, you soon become aware of the subtleties of the trigger unit. It’s mechanical, yet offers match specification, in that the blade is adjustable left and right, and up and down, around its axis. The blade rod can also be moved forwards and back, so the reach and feel can be tailored to the individual.

From an FT over-arm position, I felt rock steady and tight groups using 4.53 JSB Exacts over 30 and 35yds, proved what the Griffin was capable of. In fact, given the performance, it brings a tear to the eye to think of many examples just collecting dust in a ‘collectors’ cabinet. Almost a crime in my opinion; as guns are for shooting, but Daystate’s are eminently collectable by a portion of our community.

TRADITION

Daystate’s mouth-watering special editions are produced in limited numbers and are often snapped up by the company’s army of devoted fans and sometimes pre-sold long before production has even commenced. The Griffin continues that tradition, and for those in the market for a fully tricked out competition special with top draw performance that can handle just about any task asked of it, this rifle is a tempting prospect indeed.

PRICE:  £1499, Inc magazine, filling adaptor, and hard case
CONTACT: Daystate, 01785 859122 www.daystate.com

  • Daystate Griffin - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Griffin - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Griffin - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Griffin - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model: Daystate Griffin
  • Type: Multi-shot or single shot PCP
  • Calibre: .177 on test, .22 available
  • Weight: 9.47lbs approx
  • Length: 4.5”
  • Barrel: 20”
  • Stock: Adjustable laminate target thumbhole
  • Trigger: 2-stage match adjustable
  • Fill Pressure : 200bar on test (may vary)
  • Shot Count : 110-shots in .177, and 130 in .22 calibre
  • Energy : 11.5ft/lbs average
Arrow