Webley spector SR

In relation to the airgun scene, ‘Tactical’ really has become a much over-used term for all manner of products ranging from rifles, scopes to even gunbags and knives. In certain instances the term is undoubtedly used to sell a product to those who are attracted to this designation but there are times that the word is very relevant be it due to usage or cosmetic appearance. The latter definitely being the case with the Webley Spector SR - a break barrel action air rifle with unashamedly military ‘assault rifle’ styling.

However, despite the cosmetics, internally it’s based on the company’s popular budget priced VMX break-barrel sporters. But that’s not all as the Spector is available with either a spring and piston power plant or their own D-Ram ‘gas-ram’ alternative. The gun on test has the SR suffice to denote this is the springer version but they can also be differentiated as the SR has a plain barrel with an integral sound moderator, which shows an integral front sight. Interestingly, the DR (gas-ram) version has a full length barrel shroud with an integral silencer and for those who prefer this power source and format costs an additional £30 above the price tag of the SR.

STATING THE OBVIOUS

The ambidextrous, black polymer stock has a decided military look about it! But then again this sort of furniture obviously needs to follow a base template. However in the Spector’s favour the moulded detailing is impressive and at a glance you’d be forgiven in thinking certain features actually work.

Most noticeably is the butt section has what appears to be an adjustable cheekpiece – however, unfortunately it’s fixed. On the plus side, its relatively slim section has an adequately sized cheekpiece that ends in a very nicely positioned ventilated black rubber butt pad. As this section angles down from the steeply raked pistol grip it sits naturally and comfortably in the shoulder while on aim. The pistol grip has full size, moulded in chequering panels to aid hold.

The thickset and square section forend has a raised section seen as a long bar with sets of vertical raised ridges running up and down providing a grippy platform for the leading hand. As the cocking link is not articulated, the slot cut in the underside is very long, coming almost all the way back to the dummy magazine well. However, the material it’s made from is strong and durable enough to eliminate unwanted flex.

 

FROM THE BOX

The rifle is fitted with a pair of good quality open sights something that’s getting more common these days. Webley term them as ‘Tru-glo™ Focused Vision Sights’ - the front being a raised red fibre optic bar atop the integral moderator. The rear sight is adjustable by a large, thumbwheels thta handle both elevation and windage. The U-notch is flanked by green fibre optic posts resulting in the ‘opens’ being enjoyable to use and capable of affording a good level of accuracy out to 12 yds – ideal for informal ‘fun’ shooting straight from the box.

Trying to cock the gun for the first time I hit literally my first surprise during my check over. So tight is the barrel lock up when closed I couldn’t unlatch it without having to very firmly ‘hit’ the back of the silencer quite hard to break the lock. However, once open, the cocking stroke was quite smooth and thanks to the relatively long 17.5” tube acting as a good size lever with the integral and chunky 7 ½” mod acting as a very useful aid. On closer scrutiny the steel détente lock might be relatively small compared to most and quite unusual in shape but check out just how deep the breech block assembly is. This undoubtedly increases the solidity - that said, in my opinion I’d figure eventually with use it’ll ease up a tad.

Once cocked you notice the automatic trigger safety at the back of the cylinder pop out. Thumbing a pellet directly into the breech and swinging it back was met with a secure and solid hold. This is to be expected of any break-barrel but on the Webley range it’s a given due to the adjustable breech jaw screw facility and the breech block configuration previously detailed.

Incidentally, when the safety is pushed inwards it shows a red dot on both sides of the action visually indicating live fire mode but can be manually pulled back to re-set at any time. After initial testing with open sights I scoped up with an AGS VMX 3 – 9 X 40 Cobalt optic – basic, but it suited the rifle and I soon set a 25-yd zero for the .22 calibre test rifle. Incidentally the rifle comes with a scope mount arrestor plate/strap ready fitted. It’s screwed into the top of the cylinder and there is another pre-threaded fixing point should you want to reposition it. As recoil was so low I removed it , but nice to know this has been thought of.

The integral can proved surprisingly efficient as muzzle report isn’t an issue and after getting used to the rifle’s rather firm factory trigger release I began achieving ¾” groupings quite consistently at my set zero. Incidentally the trigger is only adjustable for its first length of travel!

 

CONCLUSIONS

I’m sure many will agree there are now by far enough companies offering budgetpriced, military-styled air rifles and in many ways they’re all much of a muchness. Features may differ slightly but you know what I mean? The choice is personal preference but the Webley Spector SR does seem to have a bit of an edge due to certain features not in the least it using the now familiar and respected POWR-LOK™ mainspring and its overall performance to price.

Granted, many will always feel military styled air rifle’s little more than novelties – however I say don’t be so blinkered because the Webley Spector SR is a capable close to medium range hunting toolan equally fun to shoot full power plinker.

PRICE: SRP£149.99
CONTACT: Highland Outdoors,  0845 099 0252 For nearest stockists, www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk