The Daystate Blackwolf PCP air rifle was launched today at the British Shooting Show. Hard Air Magazine readers saw an early prototype “under wraps” in our report from the 2024 Extreme Benchrest event a few months ago.
At the time, I speculated that the “mystery air rifle” could be a forthcoming replacement for the Daystate Wolverine. It looks as if that guess was not a Million Miles wide of the mark…
Today we’re sharing some basic information about the new Daystate Blackwolf. There will be additional details in a second HAM report tomorrow.
The Daystate Blackwolf is an all-new, all-mechanical design and has the shallowest profile of any Daystate rifle. It boasts no less than 16 new and unique features, the company says. It certainly felt svelte to me!
These include a 20-setting thumb adjustable power wheel which operates a progressive shaft to set precise gear spring-tension. There’s also a titanium firing valve system and a new 8-point adjustable trigger allowing pull weights from 8 Oz to 3.5 Lbs.
Indeed, Daystate says that the trigger is of the “cassette type” that can be swapped-out for multiple pre-set configurations.
The Daystate Blackwolf PCP air rifle range is available with either an air cylinder or carbon-wrapped buddy bottle in three different but equally beautiful wood stocks – Walnut, Carbon Grey and Blackwolf Laminate.
In addition, Daystate will release a tactical chassis – the Blackwolf TAC. Standard features across the range include an adjustable cheekpiece and shoulder pad.
The photographs accompanying this story show me with a pre-production Blackwolf Laminate model at 12 degrees F (minus 11 degrees C) in a snowstorm here in upstate New York a few days ago. Thanks to Cornelia for braving the elements to take these photographs!
As you can appreciate, this was not the weather to undertake any sort of formal testing. However, I can tell you that both the trigger and sidelever action were superb!
The trigger pull weight was around 0 Lbs 10 Oz – and very consistent. The all-up weight (including an MTC Copperhead 4-16 x 44 F2 scope and rings) was just 9 Lbs 3 Oz. The balance and handling were ideal for me, too.
The Blackwolf has a fast-change tensioned ART barrel system plus interchangeable hammer spring capability. Shootability is facilitated by an ambidextrous side lever and AR-style safety catch. The 20 MOA angled Picatinny scope rail allows for scope mounting.
Daystate says that all components, including stocks, air cylinders,buddy bottles, different length and caliber barrels, pellet probes and springs will be available. This will enable all Blackwolf models to be re-configured easily by the owner, without the need of a gunsmith.
“We know better than anyone else that to stay relevant, progress must be made and new ideas investigated and pursued,” says Daystate’s Tony Belas.
“That’s why, for 50 years, Daystate has been in a state of constant development, making major leaps forward in airgun technology. It’s no surprise that many of the innovations adopted by other companies were pioneered by Daystate.”
UK-specification 12 Ft/Lbs rifles measure just 980mm (38.5 Inches) and weigh as little as 2.9 Kgs (6.4 Lbs) with availability in .177 and .22 calibers.
In addition to all the new Blackwolf features, high-power – US-specification – rifles feature an externally adjustable regulator as well as the largest regulator chamber (plenum) fitted to any Daystate model.
Available in .177 and .22 as well, high power models introduce .25 and .30 calibers plus the ability to change barrels in minutes, make the promise of ‘four rifles in one’ a reality.
Thanks to the ability to change barrels and on-fly adjustment of the regulator, hammer spring and spring tension, high power Blackwolf rifles are capable of a Muzzle Energy of up to 135 Ft/Lbs in .30 caliber, according to Airguns of Arizona testing.
For those wishing to fully harness such potential, a 711 mm (28 Inch) slug barrel has been developed by Daystate’s international Daystate Accuracy Research Team (ART) and is available in all four calibers.
In the USA, you know that the new Daystate Blackwolf PCP air rifle will be available at Airguns of Arizona and Precision Airgun Distribution dealers.
Stay tuned, there’s more to come. A lot more…
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