Review of Huntsman Classic XL .22 FAC 30ft lbs

[Steve Harris]

Hi,
Folks,
I've recently purchased a new Daystate Huntsman Classic XL .22 FAC in 30ft lbs with Daystate moderator. After a couple of weeks ownership/pellet testing and hunting. I can confirm thats its one good looking and accurate rifle. Over 40shots it's averaging 870ft per second. After fitting a Mamba Lite Scope 4-16 by 44mm; I zeroed the rifle at 40yards (single hole groups) with JSB Exact Diablo 15.89grain pellets and finger nail size groups out to 50yards (haven't managed further due to windy conditions). I've been on a few short hunting trips producing 11rabbits and 7pigeons. The rabbits are head shots only and have all gone straight down no twitches nothing out to 45yards; some over penetrating. The pigeons were shot out at a distance of 40yards and were taken with heart & lung/body shots all were clean kills; and to my surprise a number of them went clean through body ( and yes I had a safe back stop). This is one light weight set up, and very accurate outfit; I can highly recomend this rifle to anyone looking to try FAC air rifles either for the first time or even those who are experienced in FAC and are just in the market for a new rifle. I would say that if the standard Huntsman Classic XL is this accurate; how much of an improvement have Daystate made to The Reagal? If you'd like to see pictures of my latest Huntsman Classic XL in FAC please click on the link below; you will find the rifle in it's walnut glory (pictures don't do it justice) and also in Jack Pykes English Oak camo it. Please feel free to post any comments or ask any questions about the rifle; if you want to PM me no problem I will answer all questions.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...0/P7040280.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...0/P7040283.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...0/P7200293.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...0/P7200292.jpg


Regards,
Steve Harris.

[oneseven]

A gorgeous rifle. I think its a great idea having the same (or at least very similar) rifles in FAC and sub-12. If I were to get an FAC air rifle, that's what I would do.

[Steve Harris]

A gorgeous rifle. I think its a great idea having the same (or at least very similar) rifles in FAC and sub-12. If I were to get an FAC air rifle, that's what I would do.

Hi oneseven,
Thanks for the compliments about the air rifle; the photos don't actually do justice to the walnut stock. My previous sub 12lb Huntsman Classic in .22 was purchased in March 2010; since then Daystate have really upped their finish on their stocks the oiling was superb you could have stood a coin up in it, the oiling really had that much depth to it. The reason for choosing the same rifle in FAC was I've had 5back operations; and I new that my body could support The Huntsman Classic; so logic dictated that it would manage the XL version after all it's only a longer reservoir. 35 shots is more than enough for any hunting trip I've been on and shot to shot consistency is spot on. I contacted Daystate told them about my back problems and asked them if they could set a Huntsman Classic XL up to the following spec. I required the FAC air rifle to be capable of 875ft per second with a 16grain pellett; and capable of holding sub inch groups out to 60yards & a minimum of 30shots; their engineers stated FAC rifles aren't kept in stock their built to order so they can set The Huntsman XL (or any other model upto each individuals needs); in fact they bent over backwards to help; and answered all my questions. By choosing the Huntsman Classic and XL versions; both rifles feel the same in the shoulder/ balance as theirs only 2oz weight difference. This seems the logical solution rather than having to get used to two completely different rifles/outfits that will shoulder and balance differently; providing both rifles can be set to your requirements I'd advise other shooters to take this route.
Regards,
Stephen Harris.

[the growler]

nice gun, shame to cover the stock in tape.

[Steve Harris]

nice gun, shame to cover the stock in tape.

Hi Growler,
The stock is a nice piece of walnut. But as I do hunting I prefer to camo the whole rifle; as the corvids on my shoot are very cautious. At the same time it's protecting the stock from scratches and rain; the camo it kit can always be removed if I get fed up with it or I ever want to sell the rifle on (Yes like thats going to happen)! It's just down to each individuals taste; what suits one person doesn't suit everyone, but it is one hell of an accurate gun.

[Rightguard147]

gorgeous looking rifles those

what are your opinions of the mamba lite?