JTS Aircuda

So here’s an interesting question - what constitutes a budget gun these days, and at what price sealing? OK, for a start, we all have our own idea as to what we want in an airgun, and how much we are prepared to pay for it, so I’d better narrow the field. Let’s assume the decision has been made to go for a PCP over a springer, and that we want a competent level of performance in order to take on live quarry with confidence, or at least be rewarded for our efforts on the range. Let’s also consider some of the premium airguns now available, costing a few thousand pounds a piece, and it’s clear the market has moved on somewhat.

Team effort

Well, on test here is the JTS Airacuda Max, which is technically a joint venture by JTS Airguns in the USA and Lee Enfield (Guns) Ltd in the UK. Marketed by the Shooting Party, this model is currently on sale for £549 (gun only), or as a package deal. The latter comes in at £729 and includes the gun, a PAO 3-9x42 SSS scope, an ADRAS Bipod, and a Get Shorty Silencer. Take either route and, to recap my opening sentiments, this has to be seen as a bargain option.

That said, let me first point out that the distributors didn’t send me the silencer, and the PAO 3-9x42 scope is a pretty basic item, as it proved rather tricky to focus sharply at 30 yards on any magnification past 6x. So, I’ll be blunt here. Having now spent time evaluating the Airacuda itself, I can tell you it deserves better glassware. So, I’m not in a position to recommend the package items, but the PCP sporter that is the JTS Airacuda Max is a very different matter. Join me now and I’ll reveal all.

Sincerest form of…..

Opening the protective padded carton, I was instantly hit by the visuals here, for the Airacuda is a very pretty gun. Granted, there is more than a sneaky similarity to Weihrauch’s HW100 series, with regards to that thumbhole stock, but the overall configuration, coupled with the sleek shrouded barrel and cylinder up front, just makes for an aesthetically pleasing profile.

Although JTS is an American company, they don’t try and hide the fact that this model is manufactured in China, and the information is printed in large text on the receiver. Of course, this route to production helps slash costs for the end consumer. That said, the matte-black finish to all the metalwork is both practical and competent. As for the European hardwood stock, the ultra-matte finish is slightly patchy, but hey, I’m not whinging, merely pointing out an area where savings have obviously been made.

Stock features

The distinctive striped panels of laser-cut chequering set off the extended forend and provide plenty of grip. Similar panels adorn the subtly contoured pistol grip. The raked angle feels good in the hand, and when coupled with the adjustable cheekpiece, the result is a decent amount of ‘gun fit’.

To make an adjustment, simply insert the Allen key in the lower socket, then gently ease the tension so that the cheekpiece can be raised or lowered to suit. It should be adjusted so that there is just the right amount of pressure and support on the cheek. Finally, nip up the bolt tight, and it’s job done.

Up front there’s a small Picatinny accessory rail, and whilst this will be handy for some, bolting on a bipod and such like, for others, its very positioning will interfere with a comfortable hold. Anyhow, it’s great to have the choice, and it’s a small matter of two screws if it needs to go.

Whilst focussing on the stock, the forend area is a little rattly, but given that there is the correct amount of clearance between stock and cylinder, (allowing for natural expansion of the cylinder), I for one wouldn’t grumble.

Action elements

So, we like the flowing lines and ergonomics. Now, it’s time to highlight the other key features. JTS designed the Airacuda to be a multi-shot PCP, and to that end, it comes supplied with 2x all-metal magazines. There’s also side-lever cocking, a 2-stage adjustable trigger with manual safety, a fully shrouded barrel, a 1/2” UNF thread at the muzzle, a Foster charging valve, Picatinny mounting rails, and a single-shot loading tray. Reassuringly, all the components look very well made, with a high standard of engineering and practical design. Plus, that matte-black non-reflective coating just sets it all off nicely. It’s highly practical too, especially if hunting forays are on the cards.

However, get this - the action is also fully regulated, and whilst I suspected as much, after clocking those twin manometers underneath the forend, that’s still a major surprise given the RRP. If you hadn’t guessed, the front gauge shows residual main cylinder pressure, whilst the rear one continuously shows regulator pressure. For the record, this was set to around 90bar on my test gun.

Charging and magazine

The maximum fill pressure is specified as 220bar, and charging is refreshingly straightforward. Simply unscrew that attractive dust cover up front, snap on the airline via the Foster valve, and slowly charge the system. Then, bleed and release the line. The Foster design of connector is about as near to standardization that our industry can offer, so this is a welcome feature, believe me, especially given that many pumps and connector kits come with this supplied. Anyhow, well-done JTS!

As mentioned, the 2x mags supplied feel like precision items. The filling process is simple too, as no pre-winding is required. First, drop a pellet nose-first into the exposed aperture, whilst ensuring it doesn’t fall through at the rear. Then, twist the drum to expose the next aperture, and repeat. When it’s full, you’ll have 12 shots in .177 as per my gun here, and 10 if it’s in .22 calibre.

Final prep work

I’m no fan of Picatinny, especially on a PCP airgun with near-zero recoil, but I appreciate that this form of mounting is now incredibly trendy across the industry. So, unsurprisingly, we have it here. Grab the right mounts, bolt on your glassware of choice, and we can move on.

Trigger-wise, we have a very acceptable 2-stage unit that’s adjustable for the length of the first stage, sear engagement, and the final point of release. It all works rather well, and on test, I left it well alone, given that the let-off was fairly light, and wholly predictable straight from the box. Look at the pics and you will see an in-guard manual safety tab. This just needs to be nudged rearwards or forwards when deemed necessary. And very neat it is too.

All about looks?

So, here we are at the business end of the test, and the big question - is the JTS Airacuda all about looks? I was itching to get started. From the moment I got this gun out of the box, I felt an attraction, but pulling back that perfectly positioned side-lever reveals a slick and refined action that’s clearly been well thought out. Cocking the action takes little effort, and at that point with the lever back, the full magazine can be inserted from the left side. It actually snaps into position, and on test, cycling the action proved smooth and faultless throughout. I do have one negative to report though, and that came to light when I switched to the single-shot tray, which I couldn’t resist, just to compare group sizes. The tray is a small, plastic insert that enters the breech from the right side. During use, it was too loose and was prone to falling out of position once the lever was opened, if care wasn’t taken. Flipping irritating or what?

Ironically, accuracy was marginally better in single-shot mode, but with tight clusters over 25 yards, and 1/2” groups over my 38 yard range, shot from the magazine, all was well. This is basically a damn good air rifle.

So, what about that regulated action for consistency? Over the chronograph, from my settled fill pressure of 210bar, I posted 128 shots, all with a total velocity spread of 21fps, which certainly ties in with the manufacturer’s claims.

Verdict

All pretty encouraging stuff then, and you’ll appreciate my enthusiasm for this model from the outset. For the JTS Airacuda is a seriously competent airgun. I also love the looks and handling, so it has to get a massive thumbs up for that ‘gun only’ price of £549. Incredible value. A little noisier than some, but it would still make a cracking budget hunter or even HFT rifle.