Recently, a brand new Daystate Blackwolf Cylinder model arrived here at the Hard Air Magazine offices. These are our first impressions of this new PCP air rifle.
Well – I hear you saying – didn’t you try one before? Well, yes we did have a Blackwolf HiLite (that’s the bottle version in Daystate-speak) here back in February. But it was only for about 72 hours and the weather did NOT co-operate for any sensible use, as you may recall…
Now we have a first real chance to learn about the Blackwolf and understand its benefits…
At present, I’m in the “unstructured testing” phase of reviewing the gun. (My wife calls it playing!). We always do this before starting the formal HAM review process – it gives us a chance to learn some of the basics and identify how to approach the product in detail.
So what’s the first impression of the Daystate Blackwolf Cylinder model?
First was that it felt heavier than the HiLite version. A glance at the AoA website confirms that this is indeed the case. The HiLite lists at 6.4 Lbs gun only weight with 17-Inch barrel. The Cylinder model here weighs 6.9 Lbs.
Plus, the long steel HPA tube shifts the center of gravity further forward, compared to that of the HiLite with it’s carbon fiber bottle. Overall, that makes the gun feel distinctly solid in the hand.
Generally I prefer bottle-fed PCPs. However I’ll give a handling and pointing benefit to the Blackwolf Cylinder version. With a scope mounted, the gun rests absolutely perfectly and solidly on my open palm for offhand shooting. Outstanding!
Then there’s the beautiful design and finish of the stock. Yes, this is the “low end” – that’s a relative term for anything Daystate, of course – Carbon Gray model.
But I have to say that this Carbon stock is a delight both to look at and to hold. The areas of checkering are exquisitely implemented and located in all the right places.
The Blackwolf logo at the rear of the buttstock is an inspired design element. I love it!
The adjustable cheekpiece is perfectly located, sized and shaped. For me, at least. And the synthetic material feels comfortable and pleasant when in contact with the shooter’s cheek.
But here’s an issue I discovered when I mounted the scope…
Because we have so many air rifles passing through here, we keep a range of riflescopes with rings already mounted. I planned to use a Hawke Sidewinder 30SF 4-16 x 50 scope with Hawke Medium Tactical Rings for the Blackwolf.
So I popped that onto the gun, only to find that the rear ring locking nut was waaay too close to the cocking lever handle for comfort. Oops!
Now this is my fault. I always mount rings with the locking nuts to the right – probably because I’m right-handed. But here it was an issue for the first time.
Also the medium height rings would just have provided clearance between the scope tube and magazine. However my eye relief required the turret housing to be located above the magazine, JUST bringing them into contact. Oops again…
So I re-installed the Sidewinder using a set of Leapers UTG PRO high mount rings. With the clamping screw set to the left side. Problem solved!
That was my first main learning with the Daystate Blackwolf Cylinder model. Mount the scope with a magazine in place and set any ring clamping nuts on the left side. Its hardly a big issue, just something to be aware of…
BUY FROM AIRGUNS OF ARIZONA
Daystate Blackwolf PCP Air Rifle
The post Daystate Blackwolf Cylinder Model – First Impressions appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.