Kral Devil Rifle

Whilst pre-charged pneumatic air rifles depend upon charging gear to keep them pressurized and operational - be that via a divers bottle or dedicated pump - many shooters find the whole paraphernalia associated with such models, tiresome, restrictive, and even a cause for alarm, where storage issues and child safety are concerned for example. High pressure air vessels should always be handled with the utmost of respect after all, and with some minor regulation and testing regime applicable at certain intervals, the whole PCP world can be just too much for some.

Of course it’s true to say that the very pinnacle of airgun development now stems from this pneumatic side of our sport, where ultra sophisticated ‘flagship’ designs rule the roost. Yet an undoubted trickle down of technology sees highly innovative features become incorporated into more simplified products, to the benefit of us all.

Where volume sales are concerned though-think spring power!

Old Favourite

Flagship rifles in the top flight are all very well, but to the newcomer to our sport, over sophistication can be off putting. Little can compete then, in the simplicity stakes, with the humble break barrel, spring powered sporter, and my test rifle here is just such a rife - the keenly priced Devil from Kral based in Turkey.

Many enthusiasts, myself included, began our shooting days with a break barrel design, and the no-nonsense fast fire shot delivery is reason enough to opt for this style of rifle, certainly where stress free fun gunning is on the cards.

One glance at the retail price will tell you that this rifle from Kral is aimed at the beginner who is after a solid performer which will give many years of service. My test model came dressed in the black composite stock, and since it is supplied ‘off the shelf’ complete with an arrestor block, and a set of fibre optic open sights, it represents good value for money. Wood or camo versions of the stock are available too so most shooters are catered for.

Fit, Finish and Feel

Metal finish is rather dull and a little lifeless, yet the blueing is even, and the use of plastic on the action is kept to a minimum.

Composite stocks may not be to everyone’s taste, yet this one is well executed, with some nice detail and an all importantly well shaped pistol grip, to aid handling. A firm rubber butt pad is supplied, along with some flared fore-end panels which improve the looks if nothing else, and the overall finish of the composite is slightly harder and more shiny than some. Of course practicality is at a premium with this style of stock too, as weather proofing comes as standard.

With fibre optic sights offering a bright fluorescent bead and notch with which to form the image, it makes sense to give these a go before jumping at any glassware. The tiny coloured filaments accentuate the sight picture by making use of available ambient light, and the end result is a sight system that appears to illuminate in minimal brightness, adding a new dimension to basic target shooting. If the inevitable lure of fitting a scope holds sway, then the neat arrestor block supplied will guarantee that things stay put on the dovetail rails, simply by fixing the block just behind and up against one of the mounts.

Breaking the barrel for cocking and loading reveals an exceptionally smooth cocking action. On my test model, opening the breech displayed some less than perfect metal finishing on the inside, yet as stated, the action itself, not to mention the lock up, was solid and crisp.

Performance

Triggers are an area where substantial savings can be made, especially on many basic spring piston models, and this Devil is a perfect example. Intriguingly, the instruction booklet referred to a trigger adjustment screw, but after a little poking about, it soon became apparent that this avenue of refinement had been dropped at the production stage.

In use the trigger release was fairly crude and inconsistent, yet with a fairly weighty pull, it has to be considered safe. That said, final operation is par for the course on rifles of this type and certainly in this price bracket.

Faith was restored however over the chronograph, as this Devil displayed stunning consistency, with a total spread of just 7fps over a ten shot string, using Air Arms Diabolo pellets. Yes, accuracy was a little below that of some rivals, with 1.5inch groups the best attainable over 30yds; with a variety of pellets. Yet, to be too demanding with regards to performance, would surely be unfair, given the Devil’s overall specification and satisfyingly smooth cocking action. In short, this gun handles very well, and with a comparatively civilized package of features, and darn good looks into the bargain, for the money, I’d say it has to be well worth consideration.

As a first rifle, the Devil represents a good buy. Add a 3 year warranty into the equation, and the deal stacks up nicely.