Hatsan galatian III carbine

Whilst it’s fair to say that many companies just play it safe where design and style are concerned, Turkish manufacturer Hatsan has built something of a reputation for highly distinctive products with a particular look about them. Yes, Hatsan do things their way, and it all contributes to the vibrant airgun scene that we have today.

As a general arms manufacturer, they don’t just do airguns either, and their range of value for money shotguns have really had an impact on the market in recent years.

Perhaps it’s the success of this side of the business that has inspired the dramatically styled Galatian range of pneumatic air rifles, for they do warrant a double take or two!

At this point I should just clarify the model specifications, as it can get confusing. There are three main models area available: Galatian I with an adjustable Turkish walnut, thumbhole stock; Galatian II with an adjustable Turkish walnut sporter stock; Galatian III with an adjustable synthetic thumbhole stock; and Galatian IV with an adjustable synthetic sporter stock.

All three versions can be supplied in either Rifle-format, fitted with open sights, or in Carbine-format, incorporating a shorter barrel mounted inside a full-length shroud/ silencer. Carbine models are longer overall than their Rifle counterparts, which goes against conventional wisdom. However, just remember that Hatsan’s spec focuses on the barrel length which, as mentioned, is shorter on the Carbines.

Full Carb Diet

On test here is the Galatian III Carbine, and it really is a striking airgun. It has the look of a pump action shotgun, and whilst that may not appeal to everyone, I would say the looks do grow on you over time. Pick it up, and the sheer density and solidity creates an overall impression of robustness. Clearly not for the shy and retiring type, this model demands attention, and with an impressive on-board features list, there’s plenty to get through.

The Galatian III Carbine is a multi-shot pneumatic, with adjustable synthetic thumb hole stock; supplied with its own plastic hard case, spare seal kit, spare magazine, sling and charging adaptor. That extended bull barrel look is the result of the shroud, and with the distinctive swelled section towards the muzzle its looks are all its own. Sling swivels are included, along with three-way Picatinny style accessory rails – so there’s plenty to play with! Side-lever cocking is a welcome part of the design, as is the fully adjustable stock. The main cylinder is blued, whilst the barrel shroud and action block are treated to a glossy anodised effect; and it’s all done to a pleasing standard. A seam is visible on the underside of the synthetic stock and the trigger guard is made of plastic, but otherwise, finish overall is impressive.

 

Preparation

Time to get ready for action. Edgar Brothers (the UK distributor of Hatsan guns) supplied me with one of their own brand Optimate 3-12x50 scopes for the test period, which comes complete with its own mounts. It features a standard duplex reticle and clarity was pretty good on test. Locking this into place on the Galatian’s chunky scope rail was a cinch, where, for the record, a series of Picatinny style notches are present. These are ideal when using an arrestor block, for example (hardly necessary on a pneumatic), but also useful as reference points to confirm exact mounting position if a scope is taken off and on for example.

Fitting a scope is easy with this model since, unlike some rifles, the height of the Galatian’s magazine isn’t significant enough to interfere with the scopes position – a small but important point.

Charging the system is via the push-in probe method. Twist the rotating valve cover to expose the inlet and charge the main cylinder to the prescribed 200 bar. This system always benefits from a safe regime, which in practise means checking that the probe is still fully inserted after a short initial charge. Stick to this, and you have the fastest system around.

One negative point has to be raised here which concerns the position of that inlet hole as it appears in the cylinder. Mine was set at an awkward angle off to the side, which meant supporting the rifle at a strange angle whilst charging. The problem is remedied if the inlet is set centrally at the bottom of the cylinder at the manufacturing stage, which would then allow the gun to be laid on its side normally for the charge. It seems pot luck to me where this ends up, but it shouldn’t be!

Having both an adjustable cheekpiece and buttpad, means this synthetic thumbhole stock can be set-up to suit the individual. I found a coin was best to adjust the large circular bolts on the cheekpiece, and everything was fairly easy to move and set. Length of pull, height of the cheekpiece, angle and height of the buttpad can all be adjusted, and it really does pay to take the time to set these features just so, for correct scope/eye alignment.

Almost ready now, with just the magazine to go. Hatsan use a cast rotary design, and being super robust it works really well. The magazine holds 14 pellets in .22 calibre on test, and with the chambers filled the mag is simply pushed into its slot within the action housing. Click home the small retaining button pulled to the rear and it’s all locked in place.

Closing the side-lever chambers the first pellet. Subsequent cocking of the side-lever indexes and chambers the following pellets in turn.

 

Range Report

Hatsan fit a version of their Quattro trigger unit to these guns, and it is perfectly acceptable. I would prefer a wider blade which would help spread the pressure and feel across the finger pad, but overall the unit works well.

That synthetic stock configuration feels good in the aim too, with the soft rubbery nature of the synthetic surface particularly pleasant to the touch. If I had to criticise, the thumbhole is the weakest area in this ambidextrous design, where some form of thumb shelf would be beneficial. That said, this Galatian feels good in a variety of situations.

I chose to test for accuracy before conducting any chrono checks and this model notably needed clearing shots. It should be standard procedure with any gun of course, where excess lubricant and residue can have collected in one place, dirt collected in the barrel, or seals haven’t fully bedded in. Either way, groups dramatically tightened, before my eyes, with sub-½ inch clusters easily achieved over 35 yards with Air Arms Diabolo Field (JSB) pellets.

Muzzle report is fairly tame with this model, given that oversized shroud complete with integral silencer. Over the chronograph I recorded 75 shots with a total spread of 25fps, which is fair. What really stood out though, was the super slickness of that delightful sidelever, which performed without a single hitch or jam throughout the whole assessment; testament indeed to Hatsan’s design. Being able to safely stow a spare magazine up inside the rear of the stock is another neat feature.

 

Conclusion

Well, there we have it: The Galatian III Carbine; and it’s quite an exciting package for the money. Quirky with an original feel, distinctive looks, and a level of performance that can’t fail to impress.

A fast-fire hunting rifle with a difference, from a company that’s rapidly carving a niche of their own.

PRICE: £600 inc. charging adaptor, two magazines, spare seals, sling, trigger lock, and plastic hard case
CONTACT: Edgar Brothers 01625 613 177 www.hatsan.com.tr