Gunpower Shadow

Tactical style rifles are a fashion that has lasted the course, and with most self respecting manufacturers now getting in on the act, the choice has never been greater. Synthetic stocks have paved the way for many, and black plastic/ composite clad models are now much in evidence across the airgun scene.

A clamouring for anything military in styling is of course behind much of the current crop, but the simple, no-nonsense practicality of such designs admittedly plays its part. With no walnut to scuff over a fence, and non-reflective materials utilised throughout, it’s little wonder that this section of the market has found favour with hunters, and field shooters, who just consider their gun a tool to do a job at the end of the day.

Okay, the selection of models laying claim to ‘Tactical’credentials varies enormously – from a plethora of spring powered guns, just fitted with black composite stocks, through to rather more specialist, dedicated options, aimed at the serious connoisseur.

Reputation & Spec

Gunpower fall firmly into the latter category, and have been masters of the dark arts for some years now. Their particular brand of styling and utilitarian specification has found a willing army of fans, both in the UK, and around the world, and these specialist tools are all built around a similar pre-charged pneumatic system.

The Shadow, on test here, is a UK power limit version; super high-power models are available for those in possession of the necessary FAC paperwork and required security. This model was originally introduced for the American market, since it incorporates a full-length, integral silencer within the main body, to satisfy US legislation. It has been supplied for test with a few add-ons, normally listed as optional extras; such as the secondary silencer, bipod, and charging adaptor.

Part of the Gunpower blueprint is that chunky, rear-mounted, in-line buddy bottle, which doubles up as the all-important butt- and cheekpiece. This slightly quirky, if not downright science fiction look has, and will always, invariably divide opinion before we even get started. Get past that striking profile though, and what we have here is a serious airgun, with a highly distinctive look and feel. None more so than the mandatory, raised scope rail, which has to be high enough to clear the air bottle for a workable head position.

A 490cc buddy bottle should mean a large shot count, whilst the three-part stock configuration and break down action, brings versatility. Single-shot (well one is enough in the right place) direct feed, bolt action design, 2-stage trigger, comprehensive accessory rails, and an integral silencer, give this model plenty of selling points, so let’s see how it shapes up?

Tactical Quality

‘Tactical’, as mentioned, has become a real buzzword in certain circles, and part of that remit is often the ability to break down the action into basic constituent parts; enabling it to be stored and carried in an unusually small case. Indeed, like it or not, there are still misguided souls among us who just don’t appreciate our sport, and whilst I would always defend our rights to go about our law-abiding business, we need to accept that sometimes, keeping a lowprofile is in everyone’s interests.

Unscrew the air cylinder from the Shadow, and (sans silencer) its length is reduced to a mere 22-inches, which means transportation could be in a very low profile, non gun-like carry case. Ideal for certain shooting expeditions, where avoiding attention in the first place, can pay dividends.

Where build quality is concerned, Gunpower’s products are fairly similar in the way they are constructed, and the Shadow is fairly typical of this well established British brand. The matt coating applied to the CNC machined components, gives a slick and attractive feel, whilst offering a super practical, non reflective skin to the end product. Separate stock pieces are utilised in the design here, and they all feel reassuringly well-made and finished.

Gunpower use a significant on-board air tank for most of their models, and the Shadow utilises a rather meaty 490cc ‘buddy bottle’ as the power source. Charging the bottle is best done via a diver’s air bottle and the procedure is fairly simple as follows: first cock the action and slide the breech forwards. Then unscrew the entire air bottle assembly from the rear and, remove from the action. Screw the filler adaptor block into the side of a large divers bottle, then screw the Shadow’s air bottle into the adaptor, and hand tighten in place. Charge to 200-bar, bleed the hose, remove the bottle, and screw back onto the gun’s action. I’m not normally a fan of dismantling rifles just to charge them up; however, the takedown nature of the Shadow means it’s largely par for the course.

Range time

Handling the Shadow reveals a most capable air rifle, and that drop down grip and slick forend feel particularly comfortable, thanks to the excellent rubbery material utilised. I do feel Gunpower have missed a trick however, by not allowing the forend piece to be adjustable along its rail. Instead, it just screws into one mounting point. Adjustment is still possible where the butt plate is concerned however, with the bottle bracket just needing to be slackened off and moved accordinglyeffectively shortening or increasing length of pull.

The Shadow is satisfying in the aim then. Action noise is minimal, due in no small part to this model incorporating internal baffles in the extended front section. I had the add-on external silencer (sold as an optional extra) to play with on test, and with this screwed into place, the muzzle report is reduced still further. Unusual is the loading process; as the breech slide is pushed forward using the vertical handle at the rear, this then exposes the breech for direct loading and cocks the hammer. Once the gun is loaded and cocked, the breech assembly is pulled back and the handle tuned slightly to the left to engage with the neck of the air exit valve. Used as we are in the main to multi-shot PCPs, if you don’t care about fire power then the Gunpower system is elegantly simple and near fool-proof!

Shot Count and ES

The Shadow comes with a 2-staged trigger; best described as competent! There’s a nicely shaped plastic shoe, adjustable for position, and a predictable final release. So the only real negative is that rather crude red tab automatic safety, just forward of the trigger. Yes, it works, but it can be irritating on the finger as it is nudged off, and is nothing if not Heath Robinson in appearance, and out of keeping with an otherwise high grade rifle.

Gunpower don’t make a splash about shot count with their models, and my test rifle wasn’t exactly amazing in this regard, bearing in mind that sizeable buddy bottle. For the record, from a 200-bar fill pressure, I recorded 120 shots, with an extreme spread (ES) of 89fps, using AA Diabolos. There were more shots to come, but with a steady decrease in velocity showing, (at around 130-bar residual pressure) I’ve stayed with the initial band of shots where the Shadow was most consistent. Taking the first 50 and ES was 40fps. Over 90 this increased to 60fps; but to be honest, I would have expected a few more, before velocity dropped away. Accuracy though, was good, with groups in the region of 13mm centreto- centre with a variety of ammo, over my 35-yard range.

Conclusion

With such extensive dovetail/ accessory rails on offer, running along both the top and bottom edges of the forend, the choice of lasers, night sights and the like, that could be utilised, is a big plus point for serious hunters, and that’s where the Gunpower plays its ace! I say this as the Gunpower formula though, continues to sell around the globe.

PRICE: £525
OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Silencer £49, Bipod £79, Filling adaptor £35, Fibre optic sights £75
CONTACT: Gunpower Ltd www.gunpower.net

VELOCITY:
High 775
Low 735
Ave 760fps
ES 40fps over 50-shots, 60 fps over 90, 89 fps over 120
Energy 10.8ft/lbs (ft/lbs on test)