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Webley Spector-S D-Ram

Webley Spector-S D-Ram

Trends come and go in most walks of life, and where airguns are concerned, the black ‘Tactical’ look is currently all the rage. In fact, there’s no doubt that we’re undergoing a resurgence in military-style airguns that shows little sign of abating. On test here is a relatively new rifle from Webley – the Spector, and it certainly forms something of a conversation piece, with its overtly militaristic profile.

Whilst this model is also available in traditional spring/ piston configuration, on test here is the gas-ram powered specification and I have to say it makes for quite a snappy little performer. Choices don’t stop there though with the current Webley range, and the Spector is available in either .177 or .22, with a moulded silencer (S in the name) or with a barrel cocking aid/foresight, or it can even be supplied with a full-length, reflex ‘silencer’. My gas-ram model sports the moulded option that comes bonded over the barrel.

Looks-wise, there is more than a passing resemblance to the Jackal Firepower model from the early 80s, but for that, read distinctive styling and practical handling. Okay, admittedly the dummy magazine in the moulding is all for show, but accepting that there is a growing fan base for this style of rifle, Webley have done a fair job in striking a balance between theatricals and practicality. The drop down grip looks the part, and the super soft rubber butt-pad really bucks the trend; but in a good way! The use of synthetics helps to keep weight down of course, and here, that ultra-skeletonised rear section and the hollow grip area, combine well, to keep overall heft to a highly manageable 7lbs.

Detail

Webley incorporate fibre optic open sights with the Spector, and the neat little rear sight is not only ultra-compact, but also fully adjustable. With many Spectors seeing service as starter rifles, good open sights are always welcome as a training aid to good shooting. Decide to fit a scope though, and this route is also well covered, with the standard inclusion of an arrestor plate at the rear of the dovetail rails. This neat little device will prevent any movement of the scope under recoil, and just knowing it’s there brings piece of mind. Chemical blueing covers the main cylinder, and whilst this is a little lack-lustre, when compared to some rivals, finish overall is very acceptable.

For those who have never shot a gas-ram powered airgun before, the principle was first devised by the two gents who formed the original Theoben Engineering. Their quite brilliant idea relies on replacing a traditional mainspring with a sealed unit or gas strut, filled with air or, in some cases, Nitrogen. The gun looks to all intents and purposes, like a conventional break-barrel sporter, but when the barrel is cocked, the gas/air inside the sealed chamber, is compressed. Pulling the trigger allows this sealed quantity of gas/air to rapidly expand to power the piston, and so compressing air behind the pellet in the normal way. In theory at least, with no large mainspring crashing about, the action should be smooth and largely vibration free; the gas-ram’s raison d’être after all.

Slick operator

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So, just how does the Spector shape up? Well, cocking the action was extremely easy, probably helped by that oversized synthetic integral silencer acting as a leverage multiplier. But there’s obviously more to it than that, and the gas-ram internals utilised inside this model are impressively slick. Trigger-wise, there’s a pleasantly curved blade, minimal creep, and a light release that give the Spector a good start in life. The automatic safety catch can be reset, although for the record, it isn’t possible to de-cock this model, due to an anti-bear trap mechanism being incorporated into the design.

Get past the distinctive looks, and shoulder the Spector, and it’s difficult not to warm to it and for that reason, it should win many fans. The drop down pistol grip gives full control, couple that with the smooth trigger mechanism, and super easy cocking stroke, and we have all the makings of a slick little sporter!

If I have to nit-pick, I can’t let the fact that the dummy magazine slightly interferes with the handling pass without highlight. It serves little purpose other than visuals; being too thin as a support, and a source of irritation when trying to shoot from the ‘over-arm’ position.

As for the mechanism itself, ‘civilised’ best sums up the experience- certainly when compared to traditional spring guns. It’s a super fast snap, free from spring resonance, and as such, it feels quite sophisticated. There is however, a significant metallic ring as the Spector fires. That said, this is still one of the best gas-ram designs I have shot in a while.

Over 25-yards, my results with the Spector proved very consistent, with average groups around 1.2-inch centre-to centre, with RWS Superfield pellets in .22 calibre proving a steady diet, and whilst this won’t win any awards, it’s perfectly up to scratch for this price bracket. As for velocity, the gas-ram power plant proved super consistent, recording a spread of 9fps over a 10-shot string, which is excellent. Throw in a quality barrel lock-up with tension adjuster, and a super soft rubber butt pad, and it’s difficult not to warm to this model.

Conclusion

In short then, the Spector-S D-Ram proved an eye-opener, and a worthy addition to their world famous stable. Okay, the looks won’t find unanimous favour, but if you appreciate the military-style, then this model is ideal, both as a starter rifle, budget close-range hunter, or general purpose workhorse.

 

  • Webley Spector-S D-Ram - image {image:count}

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  • Webley Spector-S D-Ram - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Webley Spector-S D-Ram - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Webley Spector-S D-Ram - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Model: Webley Spector-S D-Ram
  • Type: Break-barrel sporter
  • Calibre: .22 on test (.177 avail)
  • Weight: 7lbs
  • Length: 43.25-inches
  • Barrel: 13.5-inches
  • Stock: Synthetic sporter
  • Power source: Gas-ram
  • Trigger: Two-stage
  • Sights: Fibre optic adjustable open sights
  • Velocity (using RWS Superfield): High: 545fps Low: 536 Ave: 540 Vari: 9fps Energy: 10.4ft/lbs
  • Options: Spring-piston version
  • Price: £209.99
  • Contact: Highland Outdoors www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
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