Blast from the past - The Jackal

I’m a total airgun nut, springers in particular, but I do have my limits. I love the old classic, blued steel, walnut stocked rifles such as Weihrauch, Feinwerkbau or Original but one air rifle that did not conform to that genre still caught my attention.

The Jackal air rifle was a pivotal design in terms of airguns, as it changed the view on airguns in Britain and which led to the rise and acceptance of synthetic stocked in use today. Sussex Armoury were the nexus for this shift in the public’s perception. They were based at Hailsham Sussex, close to one of my uncle’s farms and the Jackal range was a refreshing change in the 1970s to the usual fare. They had a close association with Sig Hammerli in Switzerland and you can see the similarities between it and their 403 models. Indeed, Sig actually produced a Mod 420 military spec model themselves that is now super rare. This collaboration lead to one of the most controversial air rifles of its day and today it still divides people’s opinions, it certainly is a ‘Marmite’ airgun range.

The main construction or style of these Jackals was a side lever cocking mechanism and a tap loading pellet system, all in traditional blued steel. Pretty conventional and much like a Webley and Scott Osprey of the day. But that’s where the similarity ends, as the pseudo military look, with its all-black plastic stock modelled after an M16 assault rifle totally transformed this airgun. To an impressionable teenager it really caught your eye, which was the point, but parents hated them! It was an inspired move that today is actually the norm, however by the mid-80s the original Sussex Armoury went into liquidation and we lost one of the best and innovative airgun makers in this country, hence their early models are much sought after.

Spec and range

At one time, the Jackal range spanned short barrelled military look rifles like the AR7, Hi Power and wood versions such as the Woodsman. Standard length barrels are attributed to the Parabellum, Target and Woodstock models. All shared the same action design, trigger and loading tap, it was just the barrel length and stock or sights that differed. The side lever action is l arge at 13.5-inches overall length and a 1.25-inches diameter. At one end is a horizontal drilled hole to accommodate the cross operating loading tap and at the top of the action there’s a larger, concave hole to insert the pellet. The tap is operated with a large plastic moulded lever that when lifted exposes the pellet well in the steel tap itself.

At the other end, is a separate end plug that houses the pivot section of the side lever design. The lever is 14-inches long and is retained at the tap end with a small latch that when a small rounded button is pushed, the lever unlocks and allows the side lever to cock the action. It’s a ratchet system, so noisy but stops trapped fingers. It’s a pretty simple spring piston system with O-ring seal and spring propulsion. Those wanting a bit more zing can opt for a Titan No. 1 spring replacement, which will last longer and shoot a whole lot better. I really like the side lever system, as it means the stock design has no cut outs underneath to accommodate a break barrel or under lever design.

The trigger is basic, as many were back in the day. The trigger blade is smooth plastic job with no adjustment. It’s a single stage unit and pretty heavy at 5.5lbs, with plenty of creep. There’s no safety either – less to go wrong.

Now the differences

This was the one that started it all off and what an air gun! It certainly catches the eye. That M16 style stock looks really good but is moulded in two halves and glued together, making for a hollow sound box, which was always the problem, as it made the firing cycle harsh and loud.

You have one full-length piece in a moulded black colour with a plastic butt pad attached, full pistol grip and faux magazine. This has a sliding catch to store pellet. The forend is grooved for grip and a front and top section is attached by a metal barrel band that holds the sling swivel loop. Length of pull is long at 14.5-inches and with the overall length of 44.5-inches it’s a big gun. The barrel on the Parabellum is 17.5-inches long.

This model also had sights, the foresight is a moulded plastic unit with long ear protectors and blade element and a false muzzle brake. The tall rear sight is also plastic and sits in front of the loading tap and has two adjustable wheels for height and windage.

The Hi Power

This differs in the stock design and sights. The stock is the same up to the barrel band, made from that tough ABS plastic that’s moulded in two halves and cemented together. Here, it is chopped off vertically, as the barrel is shortened to 14.5-inches. There is also no magazine protrusion. The foresight is now steel with large side ears and a tapered element. The rear sight is now sited right at the rear of the action and is a more conventional elevation and windage adjustable type with an aperture, sight radius is 27.5-inches!

The AR7

This was the most radical design of all, with a very futuristic looking flared muzzle brake of ribbed steel that conceals an 8-inch barrel. It was seriously short for the times and also very loud too! The stock has the rear portion of Parabellum with magazine but the front end of the Hi Power.

Original AR7s had no sights and were fitted with the equally new Single Point red dot sight as here. Later Combat versions had open sights and this rifle has the cutaway in the forend for such a sight, so is a later model.

The Woodstock and the Target

These are similar but first the Woodsman, which is not here but is an AR7 with a beech stock. The Woodstock has a nice wooden beech stock and this Target has a walnut version. The wood makes the handling better to be honest and quietens the firing cycle down. The stock has a rolled over cheekpiece and the forend of the Target model is fuller. Various sighting arrangements were available, with aperture on the Target and Hi Power type.

Conclusion

It is what it is, but you have to remember back in the day that there were only highly blued and walnut or beech stocked airguns and this Jackal was a revelation. It actually started the trend into synthetic stock designs and look at us now! Whether you like it or not, it’s a piece of classic history. Scopes can be mounted on the twin dovetail rails cut into the action. Not for everyone, agreed, but it’s a slice of British history and as such very collectable now, as a classic of its time.

Prices vary, and a lot depends on condition. For me, it takes me back to mates called Andy and Damon and shooting his AR7 in his yard with Jackal pointed pellets from long plastic tubes, trying to avoid his Mum!