Milbro Tactical Speedmaster

Milbro was a famous name in airguns from when I was a kid, and they live on as part of the Sportsmarketing (SMK) stable. On test here is a brand new offering in the shape of the Milbro Tactical Division Speedmaster, and with an all-in RRP of around £240, it’s keenly priced in anyone’s book. Hold on though, because if you think that sounds like a bargain, get this, as it also comes supplied with a 3-9x40 scope, mounts, an 88- gram CO2 capsule, a box of 25x 12-gram CO2 capsules, a 14cm x 14cm box-style target holder/ pellet catcher, 100 targets, a tin of SMK pellets, an SMK canvas rifle slip and even a cleaning kit!

Yes, you read that right, and a quick glance at that pile of goodies (a crude tot up but I reckon that’s around £70 quid’s worth of add-ons thrown in), and I think we can say categorically that SMK will be shifting a stack of these guns for sure.

The clue’s in the name

OK, that name is a bit long-winded, but it perfectly sums up what’s on offer here. Two well-made cassette-style magazines are supplied (the Speedmaster bit), and with those all-black militaristic visuals and full synthetic stock configuration, there’s no doubting the Tactical credentials.

So, first impressions? Well, despite there being a significant amount of plastic on show with that large silencer, synthetic receiver and of course the moulded thumbhole stock, the finish and standard of build is such that it all feels solid and fairly well put together. The matte black finish to the full-length barrel shroud looks the part too. So far so good.

CO2 source?

Now as mentioned, this Milbro feeds off CO2. It can be powered using either the large 88-grams CO2 cylinder or 2 x 12-gram capsules. First, we need to access the charging area. Look under the forend and there’s a metal slide catch. Click this over to the left side and the satisfyingly weighty forend panel can then be slid forward and removed. Milbro includes a threaded adaptor tube to accept two 12-gram capsules and this is already in position. If you want to use the 88-gram cylinder, then first unscrew and remove the adaptor tube and put it somewhere safe. Now, screw the 88-gram cylinder straight into position and nip it up to create a good seal. From this, you can expect 200-250 shots, which is pretty impressive. The downside is of course (as with any CO2- powered gun) the ongoing cost of a few quid for the cylinders.

For my test, I opted to use 2x 12-gram capsules. If you take this route, first leave the adaptor tube in position, then make sure that the front release twist cap is tight. It’s also vital that the adaptor tube is fitted tightly in position, and you’ll know when it is, as it becomes fully rigid. Remove the front cap assembly and then insert the first capsule ‘neck first’, then the second capsule ‘bottom first’. Replace the threaded cap, then do it up quickly and tightly in order to minimise any leak. You’ll hear a hiss as the capsules are pierced, and the system is then ready. I had a small leak the first time around, simply because I hadn’t pre-tightened the front tensioner. Snap the forend back on and lock with the catch.

Not that clear

Right, let’s fill the mags! As mentioned, 2x cassette-style magazines come supplied, and they feel very well made. I had a good idea of how to fill them but thought I would double-check. A minor criticism here, as the wording in the relevant section of the instructions, was woeful and confusing, even showing a differently shaped mag to what was supplied! Anyhow, for the record, the front cover doesn’t move and the mag doesn’t require pre-tensioning. Simply drop a pellet in ‘head first’ into the one exposed chamber, then rotate the drum anti-clockwise. Fill each chamber in turn until full. One tip though - gently seat each pellet, as I did find they wanted to move backwards too easily. A small nudge with the head of the next pellet and the problem was solved.

OK, before we start, it’s time to scope up. The kit scope is an SMK 3-9X40 model, complete with mounts, and whilst it does provide an ‘all in the box’ starter pack, the image quality is very basic. I’ve said it before, but there are so many incredible bargain optics available at the moment that I would recommend ditching this specimen and investing in something slightly better, for a dramatically improved shooting experience.

Whatever scope you choose to bolt in place, the Speedmaster makes it an easy task, given that Milbro has fitted this gun with the ever popular, dual rail. The inner rail is a conventional dovetail, whilst the outer rail, with the usual cut-out profile, allows for Picatinny/Weaver mounting.

Handling & feel

Pick up the Speedmaster and it instantly feels at home in the shoulder, and at 6 lbs without a scope, this is a lightweight piece of kit that can be easily handled over an extended period. The synthetic stock feels quite dense, so no hollow feel here, and the balance overall is right on the money, with the centre of gravity some 3” forward of the trigger guard, so virtually plumb centre.

Thought has clearly gone into the stock configuration, with the comfortable flared forend featuring a narrowed finger rail, plus the dropdown thumbhole grip is nicely thinned out. I was expecting that neat, moulded Picatinny rail that’s bang in the centre of the underside of the forend to be an irritation to the lead hand in the aim, but given the super long forend, and despite being built like an ape, my grip didn’t get near it.

There’s an in-guard manual safety catch, and whilst that means it doesn’t spoil the fast-fire potential of the multi-shot system, it can be easily brought into play by pushing the button rearwards.

Right, we have power on board and we’ve filled the magazine. Pull back that rather attractive bolt handle, which takes modest effort, and then the magazine can be snapped into position in the receiver from the right-hand side. Close the bolt forward and down, and 10-shots are now at the ready. My gun came in .177, but there’s a .22 version too. Cycling the bolt indexes the next shot, and on test, all proved easy, fairly smooth and reliable.

Performance

The trigger fitted to this model is specified as singlestage and non-adjustable, but checking those questionable instructions again, they suggest a pull weight of 3-6lbs! Well, all I can say is don’t let that put you off. For in operation, whilst the release is a little vague and creepy, it can be measured in ounces and is more than acceptable.

In fact, the shot overall is quite civilized, with that slightly attention-seeking silencer up front actually containing some baffles inside the last few inches.

As for performance figures from those 2x 12- gram CO2 capsules on board, expect around 70 shots all told. For those unfamiliar with CO2 as a medium, it can be affected by the elements, with extreme cold weather resulting in fewer shots overall. On test, my first 30 shots had a total spread of just 50 fps. 40 shots showed an 80 fps spread and when I got to 70 shots there was a big drop-off near the end.

The maximum power on offer was 8 ft/lbs on test, which is plenty for informal practice and plinking. Accuracy will depend upon pellets used and residual power levels, but for the record, my best results on test showed as 5/8” groups c-t-c over 25 yards (coverable by a penny piece). Pretty respectable, making this Milbro Tactical Division Speedmaster a useful and versatile tool. It’s perfect as a starter gun and budget choice, plus if you take into account the current bundle of goodies thrown in, even discounting the poor optics, it’s a whole box of fun for the money!

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle.