Webley Stingray Hunter OS Quantum

ebley have been a big name on the airgun scene for as long as I can remember, and their range of guns has cleverly evolved to keep up with modern trends. My first was the Webley Vulcan, and that bore a striking resemblance to the company’s Stingray model in walnut livery, that they released around 2007. I was extremely impressed with that rifle, as it had all the solid, dependable feel of the Vulcan, in an updated package.

On test here, is one of the latest variations of that model- the Stingray Hunter OS Quantum; and it’s much the same break-barrel action as that original Stingray, dropped into a sleek, imaginatively styled synthetic compound stock. Quite a head turner then, so let’s see if it delivers overall?

What’s in a name?

First, let’s deal with that intriguing ‘OS Quantum’ suffix in the model name. ‘OS’stands for ‘Over- Sleeved’ barrel, and the ‘Quantum’ bit refers to Webley’s Quantum silencer/ shroud system, as fitted to this model, and several throughout their current product line-up. First impressions are of course dominated by that thumb hole stock, and whilst synthetics lack the cachet of oiled walnut, there’s no doubting the no-nonsense, all -weather practicality on offer!

While we’re starting with the stock, it has to be noted that the compound material used, has the type of surface that quite easily picks up small marks. That said, it’s designed as a robust knock about tool, so I shouldn’t be too picky. What really matters, is that it has a pleasing, slightly roughed up feel, being both comfortable to the touch and aiding grip. The right-hand, dedicated, thumb-up hand position on the drop-down grip, is for me a massive plus point, elevating this rifle above much of the competition in this price bracket. And with extensive chequering where required, it’s difficult not to be impressed at this stage.

Finish and detail

With that full-length matt black Quantum shroud/ silencer in place, and an action bristling with features, this Stingray Hunter has a very purposeful look indeed. Admittedly, the standard of metal finish prior to the chemical blueing process, isn’t quite on a par with some competitors, but that is to take nothing away from the good standard of engineering on show, and commendable level of detail built in.

Take a close look around the breech area, and it soon becomes clear that there is an adjustable cross bolt, along with, all-importantly, a keeper screw- meaning that any wear picked up in the pivoting breech over time, can be nipped up and dealt with at a stroke.

Obviously, with no open sights to speak of, we need to fit glassware, and here, Webley offer their belt and braces approach. The scope rails are slightly irritating in the way that they don’t run all the way to the rear of the cylinder, but having used several models from this brand with little difficulty, it seems picky to mention it. The huge plus point is the arrestor block that sits bolted to the scope rail. Set the rear mount right against it and lock in place, and scope creep (a common occurrence on spring-powered airguns with the two-way snap of the recoil) is literally stopped in its tracks.

In operation

This Stingray is effectively a super carbine, short barrelled in other words, yet grab that silencer and pull it down to break the breech open and compress the mainspring, and it soon becomes apparent just how smooth and surprisingly easy this gun is to cock. On that point, the automatic safety is positioned at the rear of the cylinder and is well suited for easy operation!

It’s not just a matter of good leverage afforded by that chunky shroud/moderator either. Close inspection of the metalwork reveals the words ‘Powr-Lok inside’ etched on the side of the cylinder, and this refers to the mainspring, which is itself a throw over from Venomacs’ influence on Webley, back in the late 1990’s. A custom mainspring helps power delivery and retention, and along with a nicely balanced piston mechanism, and the fully adjustable Quattro trigger unit, (also etched in gold paint on the cylinder), it’s clear that there’s more to this model than initially meets the eye. At this point, it’s worth noting that once the action is cocked and the trigger sears engaged, it is not possible to de-cock the Stingray without firing it off; due to the anti-bear trap safety mechanism.

Ready for action!

With a pellet pushed home and flush, snap the barrel closed, and then you’re ready for action. Handling wise, with my favourite ‘thumb-up’ hand position possible, this Stingray Hunter just feels spot-on. OK; the forend is a little angular and rough around the inside edges at the tip, but overall, feel and control are at a premium, and surely way and above much of the opposition in this price bracket, courtesy of those hand filling synthetics. As for the much vaunted Quantum sound suppressor/ silencer system, there are expansion chambers and vents incorporated into the design for sure; but an honest assessment has to conclude that the din from the spring piston action on firing, is difficult to overcome, and certainly trumps any muzzle output reduction achieved by the OS Quantum feature. I’m not saying noise is excessiveit’s just that this Stingray certainly couldn’t be termed quiet!

Good triggers help performance, and whilst the Quattro is hardly the most sophisticated match unit, what it does do is afford plenty of tweaking and adjustment. The set back blade is nicely shaped, and with a crisp final release on the cards, it again elevates this model in terms of direct competition in this price sector.

Down range

My test model came in .22 calibre, and over the chronograph, the Stingray Hunter produced 10.5 ft/lbs with its favoured diet of Webley Mosquitoes. Consistency was tight with a variety of pellets, and over 10-shots, a total spread of 14 fps has to be seen as impressive. Over my 30-yard range, this Webley managed ½” clusters using the Mosquitos, and only slightly larger groups with several other brands. With some careful tweaking of the trigger to reduce the pull still further, from someone more gifted in this area than myself, I would expect to trim those groups still further; so yes, we are talking a genuinely accurate airgun here.

With many manufacturers offering their guns with ambidextrous stocks these days, it makes a refreshing change to get a full bloodied, right-handed configuration, and there’s no doubting the value of that thumb-hole grip. But there’s more to this model of course. So take into account the competent trigger, decent accuracy, and easy cocking system, this Webley Stingray Hunter OS Quantum stacks up nicely- especially in the £250 price bracket.