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Webley Raider

Webley Raider

It seems to be a busy time at Webley, as they’ve just launched some new airguns and will imminently release a few more very interesting PCPs. However, a stalwart of their roster has long been and still is the Raider 10XS. Even though it was complimented last year by the Raider 12, in my opinion it’s still a very practical hunter, which seems to be coming overlooked for the latest, so called, ‘must have’ PCPs. So, in view of its status, I thought it would be a fitting time to revaluate its performance since I first tested it many moons ago. And, I’m glad to say it still proved itself to be a rifle to seriously consider if looking for a traditionally styled multi-shot PCP. Here we go…

Ambi

The ambidextrous walnut furniture has a relatively high, well-defined cheekpiece with a ventilated brown rubber butt pad with spacer. The lengthy forend has a slightly rounded underside and slim fore section that swells out as it takes on a much more curved side profile. Along the top the fluting (recess) affords a good leading hand hold anywhere that suits the individual. The relatively slim neck above the drop-down pistol grip has a neat and a well-sized shelf allows for a thumb over or up hold.

Measuring 42.6-inches from butt to muzzle including the QGS II silencer and weighing 8.8lbs un-scoped, it’s very much what is termed an adult-sized sporter. However, when you tuck the buttpad into your shoulder the rifle feels much shorter than it is, so don’t get the misconception it’s unwieldy in the hold. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite, mainly due to the substantial raised action block being set well back on the air reservoir below. So, once scoped up, the overall weight of the combo is felt closer to the shoulder, making it feel well balanced and easy to handle.

Push-fit

Charging is via a push-fit probe connector that inserts into the fill point at the front underside of the air reservoir, which when not in use is protected by an easy to grip ‘insert’ plug. The recommended 190-bar fill gives approximately 60 full power shots in .177 calibre and 80 in .22. As we’ve now come to expect of our PCPs, there’s a neat air gauge deeply recessed into the underside of the stock, so you can easily check the status of your air reserves on the hoof.

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To cock and load the rifle, you first pull the chunky, sidemounted bolt fully rearward and drop it down into the rear keeper slot in the stock. Then, push the ridged and sprung magazine retaining pin (positioned slightly in front of the mag well), forward. When it reaches the end of its travel, turn it up, where it will be held in a retainer slot machined in the action. The alloy magazine can now be lifted out from the same side of the housing it sits in. After all, 10 chambers are filled, place it back into its well and re-engage the retaining pin to lock it in position. When you’re ready to load the first shot, close the bolt and the pellet will be probed into position in the barrel.

Scope up

I scoped up with a Nikko Stirling 4-16 x 44AO IR LRX Gameking in high mounts and set a 30- yard zero, a range at which the .177 calibre test rifle soon began making ragged ¼-inch groups. As I reacquainted myself with the rifle, I was again impressed at the smoothness of the short throw bolt action and the practical mechanics that ensure the magazine indexes precisely every time it’s operated. The rifle’s uncluttered build makes the 10X Raider a breeze to operate and for field use enables the magazine to be effortlessly removed and replaced again when re-filled.

The Raider’s 2-stage adjustable trigger unit features a nicely sized, manual safety lever positioned at the rear of the air cylinder. I’ve always liked the ON/OFF switch in this position, as it allows the shooter to easily operate it with the firing hand thumb sweeping it across to suit. When turned to the left, you can see a red marker dot indicating it’s OFF (fire mode), reversing it puts it back to SAFE; simples!

Fully adjustable

The gold anodised trigger blade is fully adjustable for length of travel and pull weight – both easily altered by removing the trigger guard. The broad and ergonomic inner curve of the blade allows for an assured and comfortable feel. This, combined with the design of the pistol grip and neck, affords the shooter a high level of trigger control.

The Raider’s bull barrel isn’t just cosmetic, as there’s an integral silencer inside the shroud that holds the 16.5-inch long tube. It’s also threaded, so that you can fit a secondary can if you wish, but for certain hunting situations I’d have no qualms using it without an addon moddy, as it’s pretty quiet on its own! However, to add even more ‘hush’, the rifle comes supplied with the acclaimed QGS II Silencer. Spin this onto the ½-inch UNF screw cut barrel and the rifle is still one of the quietest PCPs on the market.

Conclusion

So, after a long time away from this rifle and many new models tested in-between, I’m still of the opinion that the Webley Raider 10XS Multi-Shot PCP is a stylish, user-friendly PCP hunter and certainly one to consider if you like your air rifles to be of a traditional, full-length sporter design.

  • Webley Raider - image {image:count}

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  • Webley Raider - image {image:count}

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  • Webley Raider - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Webley Raider - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Name: Webley Raider 10XS
  • Type: Bolt action, PCP
  • Capacity: 10 (DM)
  • Stock: Walnut sporter
  • Open Sights: No
  • Scope grooves: Yes
  • Length: 42.6-inches
  • Barrel: 16.5-inches
  • Weight: 8.8lbs
  • Trigger: 2-Stage adjustable
  • Safety: Manual rear positioned lever
  • Calibre: .177 on test .22 available
  • Price: £646.99 including QGS II Silencer and spare magazine
  • Contact: Highland Outdoors. highlandoutdoors.co.uk
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