The Beeman Model 1358 Underlever PCP is brand new in the market. HAM has exclusive access to one of the early production models, so let’s take a look at the most unusual feature of this new air rifle. That’s the cocking system…
A side view of the Beeman Model 1358 Underlever PCP looks unusually bare. No, it’s not a semi-automatic, however there’s no sign of any cocking lever or bolt. And no, it’s not on the other side of the gun either!
Yes, I know that the product name says that this is an underlever air rifle, but that’s such an uncommon configuration that I found myself reaching for a non-existent sidelever on several occasions when first shooting the gun. Yes, of course, there’s a cocking lever that’s found in the forend of the stock.
There it is…
After a few magazines of shooting, the first thing I did was to remove the 4 x 32 scope that’s supplied with the Model 1358 and replace it with something more appropriate. On went a Leapers Accu-Sync scope mount and an UTG 3-12 x 44 True Hunter Classic Scope. Now I could see the target much better!!!
I found the underlever cocking action remarkably smooth and pleasant to use. It clearly works well and operation can be very fast with just a little familiarity on the part of the shooter.
After some more shooting, I just had to see how the underlever cocking system worked. Turns out that it’s both simple and effective…
Here’s what we see after removing the stock…
The cocking lever pivots at the front. There’s then a sheet steel linkage that runs back – above the front part of the trigger – to operate the bolt. The trigger is – as expected from a bullpup – is in two sections, joined by a rod.
Here’s a close-up of the forward section…
And below we see a closer view of how the cocking lever linkage transmits motion to the bolt.
Given that we have not yest tested this new Model 1358, I didn’t remove any further parts yet. However I did take a look at the trigger in more detail.
The front section of the trigger contains the trigger blade and safety. There’s a screw adjustment to set the precise length of the rod that carries motion to the rear section.
Back at the rear, there’s an adjustment screw for the sear…
So, not a lot of potential adjustment for the trigger out of the box. But there is some.
Again, I’ve made no changes myself yet as HAM always tests air rifles exactly as they are “out of the box”.
Initial impressions of the trigger of this Beeman Model 1358 Underlever PCP are that the trigger pull is long. The pull weight is not the lightest we’ve seen either, although I’ve not measured it yet. But the sear did seem to break cleanly and the release was distinct and pretty consistent.
I think I could get used to it!
The underlever cocking system is not the only unusual feature of the Model 1358. But it is the most obvious and will be the most used. It already looks as if this will be an interesting air rifle…
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