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Daystate Huntsman Revere

I must have reviewed a considerable number of airguns over the years, and those products, inevitably, have spanned every shooting discipline. Whilst humble budget rifles are a vital part of the equation, playing a key part in attracting newcomers to our sport, I think I can be forgiven for getting slightly more worked up when highgrade merchandise passes through.

Emotional investment

Well on show here is a prime example of the latter, and as a lapsed disciple of the Daystate brotherhood, it also has added significance. For I was indeed one of the first customers, in 1988, to purchase one of the upgraded Huntsman FTR models, aimed specifically at the FT scene. That gun secured a good deal of silverware for me, including the 3-day ‘88 CLA Game Fair, and I never quite forgave myself for selling it years later.

Same but different

Product revision and refinement are vital for any company wishing to stay with the pack, and Daystate’s best selling model has seen plenty over the years. MkII, Regal, Royale - they’ve all kept the Huntsman at the top of the list, for a super-compact sporting PCP, and given Daystate’s reputation for electronic power management systems, it’s also worth pointing out the obvious, namely that the Huntsman is one of the few purely mechanical models in their line-up, designed primarily as a hunting machine.

Undoubtedly, this new Revere configuration elevates the marque. There’s a new gate loading, allmetal magazine system for a start, but the most dramatic ‘upgrade’has to be the side-lever.

Practical features list

Everything about the Revere is aimed at smoothing the path of the hunter in the field, and that starts with a highly portable 6lbs total heft. A full length shrouded Lothar Walther barrel gets ART (Airgun Research Team) spec credentials, where the factory liaises with the barrel manufacturer to fine-tune the design. The muzzle is threaded to take a moderator, there’s a 2-stage adjustable trigger, twin manometers, HUMA regulator and the option of single-shot or magazine feed, with both included. All the metalwork shows a matte black finish too.

The Huntsman woodwork shows an exquisite grade of Walnut, coupled with a superior finish. Add in the way the action is designed to sit low in the stock, and the result is an air rifle that genuinely exudes class.

Fill ‘er up

Charging the main cylinder is a simple process, and unusually, Daystate has opted for the push-style of probe system. Not quite sure why they have felt the need to switch, but hey. The front filler valve aperture gets a neat revolving dust cover and this has a suitable amount of resistance to keep it closed. Just insert the probe from the airline, then fill to the prescribed 250 bar (confirmed by the small disc that Daystate now apply to the side of each gun’s action), then bleed the line, pull out the probe and close the cover.

As mentioned, the Revere sports two manometers - one at the front of the cylinder (to show main residual pressure) and the other, is under the forend. The second one doesn’t move and is set to show the regulator pressure - 130bar on my test gun. The Dutch company, HUMA, make and supply the regulators and I have to say the one fitted here proved the most efficient from them, that I have ever tested.

I referred earlier to the new gatestyle of magazine and these hold more pellets, offering 13 shots in .177 calibre (as tested) and 11 shots in .22. The allmetal construction has a quality feel. To fill the unit, pull down the front, hinged plate, which then exposes the inner drum. Twist the drum clockwise against spring pressure, and then keeping hold, drop the first pellet headfirst into the central, bottom aperture. This locks the drum. Now fill all the apertures, close the front and the mag is ready.

Action fit & feel

So, single-shot or multi-shot magazine? You decide. Pulling back the new sidelever requires little effort and with the pellet probe effectively withdrawn, either the mag or tray can be inserted from the right side, into the breech area. The single-shot tray is a neat moulding and has the now classic, Daystate minimagnet on the underside, to snap it into position. Thereafter, roll a pellet across and close the lever. The final travel of the lever again sees a small magnet pull it closed, and it all works well.

Opt for the magazine and again a magnet pulls it into position. The first shot is cycled once the side-lever is closed. Subsequent working of the lever smoothly cycles shots in turn, and on test, other than super-fast firing over the chronograph, where I did manage to double load, all worked well. Normal measured cocking of the system, under usual conditions, just feels smooth and assured, and that new side-lever, with its obvious mechanical advantage, is a huge leap forward.

The Revere isn’t exactly quiet, although the shroud undoubtedly kills the harsh notes from the muzzle report. Daystate produces their own 0dB silencers for this model, but I used a carbon fibre Phantom silencer, screwed onto the muzzle. Fired indoors, an obvious reduction in blast could be instantly recognised. Not quite so obvious outdoors, but the point was already made.

Ergonomics

As mentioned earlier, Daystate has for a while now presented the Huntsman models with very classy stocks, and the woodwork offered here is just an exquisite example of the gunstock makers art. It’s Minelli handiwork, of course, and it really is mouth-watering. High-grade Walnut is a good start and the English-style, red rubber ventilated butt pad has a pleasing amount of give in it. A well-defined, right-hand dedicated cheek piece is perfect for scope use and the nicely thinned pistol grip, complete with pin-perfect, sharp diamond chequering and rosewood cap, looks and feels the part.

Add in that subtle offset thumb groove and it’s little wonder that handling hits the spot. The thumb falls perfectly for the manual safety catch, if you feel the need, and the firm rocker design works a treat. Look to the forend, and further wrap around chequering means proper grip is afforded. It all looks and feels superb, enhancing both handling and aesthetics. Left-hand versions of the stock are available too, and in these days of ambi everything, that in itself is quite refreshing.

Business end

It’s pointless having a pretty rifle that can’t hit a barn door, but when I tell you I came seriously close to keeping this rifle, you’ll get some idea as to just how impressive it was on target. Firstly, consistency figures were about as textbook as it gets, and from a diet of unprepared Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets, the chronograph recorded a total velocity spread of just 14 FPS over 117 shots. Superb stuff from the HUMA regulated action, not to mention Daystate’s tweaked, patented hammer and valve system. But that wasn’t all.

Accuracy at 40 yards (shot when the light was really fading fast in the evening) returned a single enlarged hole. Follow up groups proved it wasn’t an early fluke and that the ART barrel was clearly doing its stuff! Representative targets then - 1/8” c-t-c over 40yards. In short, excellent results.

What’s the story?

So, why Revere? Well, for those unfamiliar, it was apparently a chap named Paul Revere who, during the American War for Independence, came galloping in to inform the troops that ‘the British’ were coming, and given Daystate’s presence in the American market, it’s a great name for sure.

And whilst on famous slices of history, who from the early Field Target days can quite forget the young chap who turned up at a big national FT tournament, bought a Huntsman from a trade stand, only to disappear onto the practice range, zero the gun, then go straight onto the target course and win the damn thing? I was there, and it was brilliant to watch, in the face of the country’s amassed finest shots! I suspect it’s a fete that’s not been performed, before or since. A measure of his rare talent, of course, but also a measure of the sheer ‘shootability’ of the Huntsman format.

Having now spent some good range time with this new beautiful incarnation, I can confirm that the modern Huntsman Revere is not only a sleek, lightweight hunting machine with real pedigree but a worthy successor to a long line of Huntsmans.

So, it just remains to thank Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle for the review.

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Daystate Huntsman Revere

Daystate Huntsman Revere

I must have reviewed a considerable number of airguns over the years, and those products, inevitably, have spanned every shooting discipline. Whilst humble budget rifles are a vital part of the equation, playing a key part in attracting newcomers to our sport, I think I can be forgiven for getting slightly more worked up when highgrade merchandise passes through.

Emotional investment

Well on show here is a prime example of the latter, and as a lapsed disciple of the Daystate brotherhood, it also has added significance. For I was indeed one of the first customers, in 1988, to purchase one of the upgraded Huntsman FTR models, aimed specifically at the FT scene. That gun secured a good deal of silverware for me, including the 3-day ‘88 CLA Game Fair, and I never quite forgave myself for selling it years later.

Same but different

Product revision and refinement are vital for any company wishing to stay with the pack, and Daystate’s best selling model has seen plenty over the years. MkII, Regal, Royale - they’ve all kept the Huntsman at the top of the list, for a super-compact sporting PCP, and given Daystate’s reputation for electronic power management systems, it’s also worth pointing out the obvious, namely that the Huntsman is one of the few purely mechanical models in their line-up, designed primarily as a hunting machine.

Undoubtedly, this new Revere configuration elevates the marque. There’s a new gate loading, allmetal magazine system for a start, but the most dramatic ‘upgrade’has to be the side-lever.

Practical features list

Everything about the Revere is aimed at smoothing the path of the hunter in the field, and that starts with a highly portable 6lbs total heft. A full length shrouded Lothar Walther barrel gets ART (Airgun Research Team) spec credentials, where the factory liaises with the barrel manufacturer to fine-tune the design. The muzzle is threaded to take a moderator, there’s a 2-stage adjustable trigger, twin manometers, HUMA regulator and the option of single-shot or magazine feed, with both included. All the metalwork shows a matte black finish too.

The Huntsman woodwork shows an exquisite grade of Walnut, coupled with a superior finish. Add in the way the action is designed to sit low in the stock, and the result is an air rifle that genuinely exudes class.

Fill ‘er up

Charging the main cylinder is a simple process, and unusually, Daystate has opted for the push-style of probe system. Not quite sure why they have felt the need to switch, but hey. The front filler valve aperture gets a neat revolving dust cover and this has a suitable amount of resistance to keep it closed. Just insert the probe from the airline, then fill to the prescribed 250 bar (confirmed by the small disc that Daystate now apply to the side of each gun’s action), then bleed the line, pull out the probe and close the cover.

As mentioned, the Revere sports two manometers - one at the front of the cylinder (to show main residual pressure) and the other, is under the forend. The second one doesn’t move and is set to show the regulator pressure - 130bar on my test gun. The Dutch company, HUMA, make and supply the regulators and I have to say the one fitted here proved the most efficient from them, that I have ever tested.

I referred earlier to the new gatestyle of magazine and these hold more pellets, offering 13 shots in .177 calibre (as tested) and 11 shots in .22. The allmetal construction has a quality feel. To fill the unit, pull down the front, hinged plate, which then exposes the inner drum. Twist the drum clockwise against spring pressure, and then keeping hold, drop the first pellet headfirst into the central, bottom aperture. This locks the drum. Now fill all the apertures, close the front and the mag is ready.

Action fit & feel

story continues below...

So, single-shot or multi-shot magazine? You decide. Pulling back the new sidelever requires little effort and with the pellet probe effectively withdrawn, either the mag or tray can be inserted from the right side, into the breech area. The single-shot tray is a neat moulding and has the now classic, Daystate minimagnet on the underside, to snap it into position. Thereafter, roll a pellet across and close the lever. The final travel of the lever again sees a small magnet pull it closed, and it all works well.

Opt for the magazine and again a magnet pulls it into position. The first shot is cycled once the side-lever is closed. Subsequent working of the lever smoothly cycles shots in turn, and on test, other than super-fast firing over the chronograph, where I did manage to double load, all worked well. Normal measured cocking of the system, under usual conditions, just feels smooth and assured, and that new side-lever, with its obvious mechanical advantage, is a huge leap forward.

The Revere isn’t exactly quiet, although the shroud undoubtedly kills the harsh notes from the muzzle report. Daystate produces their own 0dB silencers for this model, but I used a carbon fibre Phantom silencer, screwed onto the muzzle. Fired indoors, an obvious reduction in blast could be instantly recognised. Not quite so obvious outdoors, but the point was already made.

Ergonomics

As mentioned earlier, Daystate has for a while now presented the Huntsman models with very classy stocks, and the woodwork offered here is just an exquisite example of the gunstock makers art. It’s Minelli handiwork, of course, and it really is mouth-watering. High-grade Walnut is a good start and the English-style, red rubber ventilated butt pad has a pleasing amount of give in it. A well-defined, right-hand dedicated cheek piece is perfect for scope use and the nicely thinned pistol grip, complete with pin-perfect, sharp diamond chequering and rosewood cap, looks and feels the part.

Add in that subtle offset thumb groove and it’s little wonder that handling hits the spot. The thumb falls perfectly for the manual safety catch, if you feel the need, and the firm rocker design works a treat. Look to the forend, and further wrap around chequering means proper grip is afforded. It all looks and feels superb, enhancing both handling and aesthetics. Left-hand versions of the stock are available too, and in these days of ambi everything, that in itself is quite refreshing.

Business end

It’s pointless having a pretty rifle that can’t hit a barn door, but when I tell you I came seriously close to keeping this rifle, you’ll get some idea as to just how impressive it was on target. Firstly, consistency figures were about as textbook as it gets, and from a diet of unprepared Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets, the chronograph recorded a total velocity spread of just 14 FPS over 117 shots. Superb stuff from the HUMA regulated action, not to mention Daystate’s tweaked, patented hammer and valve system. But that wasn’t all.

Accuracy at 40 yards (shot when the light was really fading fast in the evening) returned a single enlarged hole. Follow up groups proved it wasn’t an early fluke and that the ART barrel was clearly doing its stuff! Representative targets then - 1/8” c-t-c over 40yards. In short, excellent results.

What’s the story?

So, why Revere? Well, for those unfamiliar, it was apparently a chap named Paul Revere who, during the American War for Independence, came galloping in to inform the troops that ‘the British’ were coming, and given Daystate’s presence in the American market, it’s a great name for sure.

And whilst on famous slices of history, who from the early Field Target days can quite forget the young chap who turned up at a big national FT tournament, bought a Huntsman from a trade stand, only to disappear onto the practice range, zero the gun, then go straight onto the target course and win the damn thing? I was there, and it was brilliant to watch, in the face of the country’s amassed finest shots! I suspect it’s a fete that’s not been performed, before or since. A measure of his rare talent, of course, but also a measure of the sheer ‘shootability’ of the Huntsman format.

Having now spent some good range time with this new beautiful incarnation, I can confirm that the modern Huntsman Revere is not only a sleek, lightweight hunting machine with real pedigree but a worthy successor to a long line of Huntsmans.

So, it just remains to thank Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle for the review.

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Daystate Huntsman Revere - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Daystate Huntsman Revere
  • Type: Mechanical PCP, Single & Multi-Shot
  • Calibre: .177 & .22
  • Weight: 6lbs
  • Length: 36.5“
  • Barrel: 17”, Lothar Walther
  • Magazine: 13-shot .177, 11-shot .22, 10 in .25, 8 in .30
  • Stock: Walnut Sporter
  • Trigger: 2-stage, Adjustable
  • Fill Pressure: 250 bar
  • Shot Count: 117 on test
  • Energy: 11.4 ft/lbs (FAC version 40ft/lbs available)
  • Price: £1119
  • Contact: Daystate Ltd - www.daystate.com
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