Daystate Wolverine R Hilite

Keeping up with Daystate’s energised approach to modern PCP airgun production, is no easy task these days, and with a bewildering array of options and specifications, not to mention a fast-moving product development programme, you can certainly forgive yourself for any confusion.

They are of course the pioneers of the modern pneumatic airgun, but their radical R&D department also gave us mainstream electronic power delivery and triggers, when other manufacturers preferred to play it safe. All undeniably clever stuff, but many of us, myself included, still want conventional mechanical mechanisms; and Daystate of course recognise this. Their Wolverine model has proved extremely popular, and a recent revamp has resulted in the Wolverine 2, which looks super sleek, yet remains a bolt action model. Brand new to the range though, comes the R version, and it’s this model which is on test here.

‘R’ for regulated

First big obvious difference is that the R model has Daystate’s sleek new side-lever cocking system, and this is a great starting point. With the R nomenclature denoting a regulator is fitted, and the action is as usual with the 10-shot magazine or single shot loading tray. A fully-shrouded Lothar Walther barrel comes with a threaded muzzle, and there’s also a 2-stage fully adjustable match trigger. The new style sporter thumbhole stock features an adjustable butt pad, and power is derived from the sizeable on-board buddy bottle.

There are several options, which need to be born in mind. Firstly, the Wolverine R can be specified as a C- type, with a 300cc cylinder fitted, as a B-type, with a conventional 400cc or 500cc buddy bottle for maximum shot count, or in Hilite spec, with a 480cc light weight carbon fibre bottle. There is, as with most Daystate models, also an HP High Power version, offering a whopping 45, 50, or 60 ft/lbs of energy, dependent upon calibre! All specifications can be supplied with either a Turkish Walnut stock, or grey laminate. My tester came as a Wolverine R Hilite, in the grey laminate furniture.

First impressions

The first thing that grabs the eye is that dramatic new stock configuration, which cleverly manages to be ambidextrous, whilst offering enough features to negate any feeling of compromise. Technically a thumb hole, those twin thumb shelves offer a great alternative hand position and coupled with the full finger shaped grip and panels of stippling, handling is supremely comfortable. The cheek piece, whilst non-adjustable, is a good prominent height, and it felt supportive on test.

The adjustable Wegu-style butt pad is nicely concave so hugs the shoulder, the 3-way adjustment, up down and cast, offset angle, is a great feature, and allows the user to subtly tweak the eye/scope position in the shoulder. Take the time to set it up, and lock the bolts after, and you won’t regret it! Laminate as a stock medium remains popular, for its striking looks. But the technical advantage that it brings in the field, means it’s impervious to rain, and free from warp in extreme temperature change. But it does add weight when compared to the walnut option, so something to bear in mind.

Mechanical efficiency

Look to the action, and the matt black anodised finish is super robust, highly practical, and very attractive- contrasting well with the woodwork. As mentioned, the Innovation, style and ability Wolverine R remains a completely mechanical design, but a regulated action is an important feature for many. In that regard, Daystate continue their association with Huma, who make and supply the regulator fitted. This Dutch company make a variety of specialist regulators for a number of makes and are well known in airgun circles. Their regs are available as aftermarket products, designed to improve consistency and performance of a pneumatic system, and a tie up with Daystate is an interesting development, and a measure of their following among enthusiasts.

Charging is pretty straight forward, and the air inlet valve sits on the underside of the action, covered by a neat magnetic plug. Just pull this off, and then connect the air supply, using the snap-on Foster adapter supplied. Connecting and disconnecting a conventional adaptor can be awkward, given the fairly deep recess, so Daystate supply an unusually long version, to make the job easier. You’ll notice there are two pressure gauges mounted side by side on this model, and one shows the residual cylinder pressure, and the other is the regulator’s. Reg pressure appears to be in the region of 80bar, whilst the recommended fill is best taken from the small disc stuck into the action. My rifle was marked up with 230bar, but this can go to 250. It’s apparently decided at the assembly stage with each rifle at the factory, so take note and stick to it.

Shot count is huge with this rifle’s specification; so, I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in the statistics, suffice to say, expect around 560 in .22 calibre and around 460 in .177.

Ready steady

That slick new side-lever is a lovely feature, and it should be born in mind that it can be switched from the right side of the action to the left to cater for left handers. Factor in that ambidextrous laminate stock, and it means that there’s no bar to full enjoyment for all with this model. Moving to the trigger, the fully adjustable 2-stage design is well up to the mark, even incorporating an adjustable shoe. The unit is adjustable for second stage contact and weight, first stage weight and travel and blade position; so, pretty comprehensive! As it came supplied for test, the trigger on my Wolverine R was beautifully crisp and predictable, so I left it alone for the duration.

Opt for single shot mode, and the small plastic single shot tray needs to be dropped into the breech opening and nudged until the small magnets pull it down into position.

Otherwise, the 10-shot magazine can be filled and snapped into place.

Performance

Operating the side lever requires little physical effort, to cycle the action and set the hammer and with the single shot tray in place, a pellet just needs to be rolled across. Everything feels slick and well machined, but the dead feel of the action is also a bonus where maximum down-range performance is concerned.

As with any sensible manufacturer, Daystate do try and listen to their customers with a view to constantly improving their products; and on that note, there are two clever features concerning how the action operates. Firstly, cock the action and leave the side-lever open, and the action will not fire until the lever is closed, which is impressive. Secondly, this model also includes Daystate’s system whereby when the magazine is fitted, it is not possible to double cock and load two pellets at once, which is again a great and practical feature.

As mentioned, shot count from the carbon fibre buddy bottle is huge. I chose to concentrate on the first 100 from a 230bar fill, which is more real world, since most shooters will top up the air supply after one or two sessions regardless, for peace of mind, even with a huge reserve on board. A total spread of 24 fps using Daystate Sovereign pellets straight from the tin may not be amazing, but that is still a good level of consistency that you’ll be hard pressed to notice down range. Accuracy, as to be expected from such a pedigree piece of machinery, left little to be desired! With the .22 pellets tearing various ragged holes at both 25 and 35, only opening out to 0.5” c-t-c over 45yards. Of course, with such subtle features and their track record as a top brand, these results shouldn’t come as any surprise, but it’s still great to see those tiny groups forming.

Serious investment

OK; so, this model looks great, is beautifully constructed, and will do the business where it matters. But the big question is, is it worth the not inconsiderable asking price of £1499, which is serious money in anyone’s book? And that of course will be a matter of opinion. If you want performance on the cheap, then this model is unlikely to make your shortlist. But for a growing band of Daystate fans and airgun aficionados willing to pay for top end premium specials, the Wolverine R remains a stylish yet practical creation, with an impressive level of technical ability and engineering integrity that’s unlikely to disappoint.