GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => Air Gun Review Gate => Topic started by: ezman604 on April 06, 2012, 12:22:34 AM
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Okay folks, here's a preview of a review coming soon to a thread near you.
:P
Thanks to Scott at http://airgundepot.com (http://airgundepot.com), I have the prevlidge to test and evaluate the Hatsan AT44S-10 synthetic stock PCP in .177 caliber.
(http://www.hatsan.com.tr/images/pcp_air_rifles/AT44S-10_02.jpg)
I just got it in today and unboxed it. So far I'm impressed. Hatsan is gaining respect in this country and are just now becoming available to many of us. I will give this one a thorough test run in the next few days and post a full report. I hope to get time this weekend if all goes well and weather permits.
Thanks Scott for allowing me the opportunity to put it through it's paces.
Stay tuned and....
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
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Can't wait to read more Dez
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Hatsan AT44S-10
.177 Caliber PCP
Black Synthetic Stock
By Dave Ez
I’ve owned and still shoot several Hatsan manufactured Daisy/Powerline/Winchester airguns. Although rough around the edges, I have grown to respect these springers as the powerhouse hunter/plinkers they are. With a little spit and polish, they can be excellent additions to anyone’s arsenal of airguns. It was with that picture of Hatsan in mind that I eagerly opened the box to the newly arrived AT44S-10 from Airgun Depot.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1098.jpg)
The package does not include a scope, this is the gun AFTER I mounted my 6-18X50 Bushnell Banner scope.
First impression, this is a nicely designed piece. At only 39.4” and 7.3lbs without glass, it’s a nice size and weight for all day handling. When I shouldered it for the first time, it felt natural and just went right into place. I like that in a stock. The balance felt quite nice. As with most synthetic stocks, it had a hollow “thump” sound when I tapped the fore grip. Maybe bedding would help reduce that sound but it’s not a deal breaker by any means, just a personal observation. Noted and moving on to closer examination and testing.
Some of the features of this gun include a 180cc-200 bar reservoir, Quatro two stage adjustable trigger, metal 10 shot auto-indexing clip, side cocking lever, ambidextrous Monte Carlo stock, adjustable butt pad, auto safety, dual size capable 11mm/22mm scope rail, and TruGlo adjustable front and rear sights. No, that’s not a misprint. Front sight is also adjustable to help compensate for any barrel droop.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1075.jpg)
So it’s no stripped down econo gun, it has some nice bells and whistles included.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1072.jpg)
Here is the adjustable butt pad.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1071.jpg)
The gun is packaged with 2 metal auto-detent magazines. Rounds are held in place by the rubber O-ring around the entire clip. And one thing I really liked about these magazines, the Predator Polymag pellets actually fit and cycle quite well in these. Some other brands cannot handle these rounds without some modification.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1092.jpg)
Here is a shot of the side cocking lever.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1104.jpg)
I found the lever operation to be VERY smooth and made for a positive cocking cycle. At the rear of the pull and the actual cocking also rotates the clip to the next round.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1102.jpg)
You can do some rapid reloading and firing with this mechanism and I never witnessed a bad cycle or misloaded round. That’s great when hunting calls for a follow-up shot. But as accurate as this gun is, you probably won’t need a follow-up. But it’s nice to know it’s there should you need it.
In the package you will also find a quick fill adapter.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1082.jpg)
This attached to my Discovery gauge and fill adapter hose. There is an O-ring sealed plug in the fill port that you simply push out as you are inserting the fill probe.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1087.jpg)
The only hitch I found during the fill process is with my tank. I use small 44 cu ft SCBA tanks at 2500psi and they work fine to fill my Discos. But they just did not have the volume to fill this airgun to the max to 200 bar. I recommend a larger tank, maybe a 4500psi 97 cu ft model to get the max fill. One other comment about filling. Personally I’m not too fond of having to look at the business end of an airgun to read the gauge. But hey, that’s just me. I like the gauge on the bottom or side of the tube better.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1089.jpg)
According to Hatsan, you can expect a shot count of between 90-100 with a full 2000psi fill. I was not able to top the reservoir off so I started my testing at around 170 bar. I set up my Chrony and fired a 20 shot string which finished with 100 bar remaining. Without a more potent tank, I can’t verify the claimed shot count.
For my testing I used Crosman Premiere Ultra Mag (CPUM) 10.5gr ammo. First shot registered 966.62fps and shot #20 registered 835.69fps.
That’s 21.79fpe down to 16.29fpe. I’m certain the numbers would be higher if I could have filled it to the max before starting. But this will give you an idea of the minimum power range you can expect.
Next I mounted a 6-18X50 Bushnell Banner scope. And a note here, the scope rail will accommodate 11mm or 22mm ring sets. That’s a handy option to have. I set my target backstop out at my normal 25 yards and attached several Shoot-N-C targets and a few paintballs on golf tees and some Dum-Dum pops. I like interactive target shooting. ;D
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1093.jpg)
It only took 4 shots to get the scope dead center on the 8” Shoot-N-C target.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1094.jpg)
After that, I placed 8 shots in the upper left section. They were grouped just over a dime size but I’ll toss in that I was shooting against a 10mph cross wind. And the gun can definitely shoot better than me. As you can see, it stacked them. Five of the rounds were in the same hole. I pulled a couple and the wind may have helped.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1096.jpg)
When I finished stacking a few rounds, I put the hurt on a couple of .68 cal paintballs and a couple of Dum-Dum pops at 25 yards. One shot each.
I didn’t adjust the two stage Quatro trigger. I’m guessing the pull to be around 4-5lb out of the box. I have other Quatro equipped Hatsan airguns and this is a very nice trigger. I will put the Lyman gauge to it later and tweak it down a bit. I like mine around 1.5lb of pull. As accurate as it was shooting, I just didn’t want to mess with it too much. :D
So, I am VERY impressed but not surprised at the accuracy of this airgun. All of my older Hatsan springers have proven to be extremely accurate.
I would rate the sound level at medium to medium high. NOT really a backyard friendly gun if you live in the burbs. I live in a rural area but have neighbors close. I had one neighbor actually come over to inspect the gun as I was testing. But Hatsan also offers this gun in the AT44X-10 model that has a permanently attached moderator.
(http://www.hatsan.com.tr/images/pcp_air_rifles/AT44-10_13.jpg)
Overall I would rate this gun as excellent. The pros are the weight and balance, the 10 shot metal clip that handles long rounds, positive and smooth side lever cocking, auto safety, fully adjustable front AND rear sights, easy fill and the SUPERB accuracy.
The cons are that I did not personally like were the location of the gauge, the “thump” sound of the hollow stock and the fact that my Disco SCBA tanks would not top this gun off. The gun also has the light “ping” when fired, so it could use a de-pinger modification that most PCP airguns benefit from. These to me are not deal breakers. The stock could be bedded to help reduce the hollow “thump” sound and if you have a higher capacity tank, filling to capacity is not an issue. As for the gauge, I don’t know if they plan on doing anything about the location but be VERY careful when checking your air level.
It’s great to see Hatsan become available to more of us and their new line of PCP airguns are worth taking a serious look at. Thanks again to Scott from http://airgundepot.com (http://airgundepot.com) for allowing me the opportunity to put this nice gun to the test.
Till next time….
Safe & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
You can also see the full write-up @ Airgun Depot.
http://www.airgundepot.com/hatsan-at44s-review.html (http://www.airgundepot.com/hatsan-at44s-review.html)
And I'll add I was not paid to do this review nor did I get to keep the gun. Unless I get the opportunity to buy it from Scott. I did the review because I was asked to and I wanted to present our members with an unbiased opinion and review.
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For those attending, Scott has agreed to let me bring this gun to the Fun Shoot 2012 before shipping it back to him. I did however purchase the wood model AT44W-10 for myself. It is shipping today so I will have both versions at the Fun Shoot for attendees to fondle and shoot.
Thanks again Scott!!!!
SEE, they got me doing it now!!! LOL
;D
(http://www.hatsan.com.tr/images/pcp_air_rifles/AT44W-10_02.jpg)
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LOL, somehow I've become know as Steve on this forum :) Secret identity.....
Scott
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You've been found out now Scott...LOL.
It's contagious. Somebody called you that and it stuck. I corrected my brain poop.
HeeHee
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Hey Steve/Scott (LOL!), when do you think you will get any of the AT44X-10 in? I think this is the model for the same gun but with the built on suppressor. Also, do you know what the price will be?
Dez, as always you do a great job bro. That review ranks right up there with the best in the industry. There's no telling how many Hatsans you just sold!
joe
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Great review. Makes me want a hatsan even more :D
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awsome. I want the .22 rifle and the .25 pistol. I really am liking my sniper
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Great review. Have been examining the lower end PCPs, especially this one. I'm impressed.
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Here's a little addendum to the review. I received my 4500psi cylinder today. It's a 310 bar SCBA tank. I had the boys fill it to 4000psi, they said they would top it off better tomorrow. But it was plenty to charge this gun to 200bar. So I tried a shot count experiment this evening. Hatsan claims 90-100 shots on a full to empty reservoir. Starting at 200bar with CPUM 10.5gr ammo, I got 920.11fps for 19.74fpe. The numbers started climbing as I fired each shot and peaked at shot #14 that cranked out 995.80fps for 23.13fpe. Then it started slowly dropping. At 80 shots I was down to 526.14fps for 6.46fpe. The sweet spot was between 180 and160 bar. I stopped at 80 shots and there was roughly 35 bar remaining in the reservoir. But I see the power was down too low to be really usable for me.
So Hatsan's claim of 90-100 shots on a full charge is fairly honest. The shot power, in my opinion, is not worthy after about 55-60 shots. But that is a descent shot count in my book.
Gene is reviewing the BT65 and we exchanged notes on these new Hatsan PCPs. Stand by for his review and photos but the BT65 is a beast of a PCP. I'm trying to get the name and email address of a Hatsan management person to drop some suggestions to about these and their other PCP guns. With a power adjuster and a proper regulator, these guns can be improved GREATLY. I'm supposed to receive my AT44W-10 in wood furniture and .22 caliber tomorrow. I'll also add to this review with my views on the wood stock and .22 caliber version.
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FedEx just departed and left a nice big package in my office. :)
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1109.jpg)
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1110.jpg)
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1115.jpg)
I brought my bottle in to have the guys top it off and brought ammo and some targets in anticipation of the new arrival.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1112.jpg)
I hoped to get a change to sling a little lead. I threw down my sammich and headed out to the back area here at work to better utilize my lunch hour. :P
I took my scope off of the synthetic one and slapped it onto my new woody. The guys had stacked a bunch of old skids into our burn pile go I set one of those up that had a 3/4" plywood bottom and pasted some Shoot-N-C targets to it. I backed off about 30 yards and loaded up some H&N Crow Magnum 18.21gr rounds into the two supplied clips. The gun came from the factory with a 200bar fill already. So I proceeded to get acquainted with my new friend.
It shoulders just as nice as the synthetic model. It DOES feel a little heavier but the specs say they are both in the 7lb range. It took me 4-5 shots to get on target, then I focused on a 3" target. Here it is with 8 rounds into it. Contrary to my standard practices, I did not clean the barrel of either gun before testing. I will most definitely do that before the next session. I guess I was just too eager to sling some lead.
(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/SAM_1122.jpg)
After 40 rounds I looked and had roughly 135-140 bar showing on the gauge. So the shot count with the .22 version SHOULD be very similar to the .177 model. There was the usual but light "ping" when firing. The loudest part though was the round hitting the backstop. I heard something in the background and went to investigate. The rounds even at 30 yards had gone through 3/4" plywood. I stacked another 3/4" pressed wood floored skid up behind that one for safety sake.
These guns are VERY nice. I'm very impressed and extremely happy with my purchase. The only flaw I found in this one is sadly, the Predator Polymag will not work well in the .22 version. They WILL cycle but will take some jiggling and shaking to get them to cycle. Not worth the hassle to me. But, you CAN shot them as a single shot, just cock and load the Predator without a mag installed.
Thanks again Scott and way to go Hatsan!!!!
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Thanks for the write up Dez. They look like great guns for the money.
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Excellent and thourogh review Dez. I feel you have been very honest about your findings and that is exceptional. No BS and just straight facts. Makes it easier for all of us to make a decision on the purchase of a specific shooter. I personally will eventually own one of these 44's, just based on your review here. I love the wood stock and she would look mighty purdy sitting in my gun rack... :) For right now I am withoug and highly jealouse... :)
Thanks
Gene
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Great Review Dez, I thought I posted on this, but guess not.
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One thing to point out, the Hatsan/Hammerli Pnuma AT44's share the same removable bottle. I didn't set out to do so, but I ended up with three of the Darth Vader stocked ones, .177 & .22 single shot Pnuma's and a Pump action .25 Hatsan. So the reason the much criticized pressure gauge is at the end rather than on the side is the bottle spins. Since the valve is in the bottle it also raises the posibility of varying the state of tune by using different bottles, max power or max shot...
Those that hunt or on an extended location plinking/target session can carry the extra bottles with ease.
Mark
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One thing to point out, the Hatsan/Hammerli Pnuma AT44's share the same removable bottle. I didn't set out to do so, but I ended up with three of the Darth Vader stocked ones, .177 & .22 single shot Pnuma's and a Pump action .25 Hatsan. So the reason the much criticized pressure gauge is at the end rather than on the side is the bottle spins. Since the valve is in the bottle it also raises the posibility of varying the state of tune by using different bottles, max power or max shot...
Those that hunt or on an extended location plinking/target session can carry the extra bottles with ease.
Mark
Good deal and thanks for that info Mark. I did read that feature was there but had no other info except the bottle was removable. That does explain the gauge location. Not sure about the cost of a tube to have as a backup but will check. I'm guessing those too are readily available?
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One thing to point out, the Hatsan/Hammerli Pnuma AT44's share the same removable bottle. I didn't set out to do so, but I ended up with three of the Darth Vader stocked ones, .177 & .22 single shot Pnuma's and a Pump action .25 Hatsan. So the reason the much criticized pressure gauge is at the end rather than on the side is the bottle spins. Since the valve is in the bottle it also raises the posibility of varying the state of tune by using different bottles, max power or max shot...
Those that hunt or on an extended location plinking/target session can carry the extra bottles with ease.
Mark
Good deal and thanks for that info Mark. I did read that feature was there but had no other info except the bottle was removable. That does explain the gauge location. Not sure about the cost of a tube to have as a backup but will check. I'm guessing those too are readily available?
That's actually what got me in trouble.....
I originally bought a Hammerli Pnuma .22 (Single shot discontinued) on the pre Christmas blowout sale at AofA for $250 shipped. Noticed they had the bottles for around $130, kinda pricy but then again it has a whole additional valve. Then awhile back Scott at AirGun Depot offered refurbed .177's for I think it was $180.00 or so. Well I liked the lever action and the quality and shouldering of the plastic stock, so it looked like to me a spare bottle with a $60 rifle thrown in. Then I saw the pump model, had been wanting a .25 cal something in pcp and I had two bottles already.....
Ok its ugly how you end up with three rifles but I know in this crowd the sickness is understood...
Long story short the cheapest spare appears to be Air Venturi's HaleStorm bottle, out of stock but looks like they intend to restock
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/air-tank-fits-halestorm-pneuma-at44pa-rifles?a=2765 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/air-tank-fits-halestorm-pneuma-at44pa-rifles?a=2765)
Curiously AofA, Airgundepot, Pyramyd and I suspect Joao at American all stock the Hammerli/Hatsan AT44 bottles as well at differing $$.
Hatsan tr lists 2 bottle ( and barrel ) lengths for the AT44 & and the BT65 config looks to be the same. So in a sense it looks like the sky is the limit for screw on modifications. The 12ftlb country's seem to just have a reduced flow valve and I don't know if the shipped bottles vary form one to the other or by how much. There are plenty of vid's showing the East Euro's modifying the valve on the AT44's.
All that said I look forward to Gene's eval on the BT65, its going to be a beast to carry for sure. The AT44 pump isn't a lightweight to shoulder so I'm sure the 65 is a beast.
FWIW this sling works great in an African carry for me with the AT44pump
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/gamo-gun-buddy-rifle-sling-fits-all-air-rifles?a=2227 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/gamo-gun-buddy-rifle-sling-fits-all-air-rifles?a=2227)
Mark
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Great Review EzMan!!! I have the Halestorm in .22 in wood. I wanted the synthetic stock in the 44 but I was floored when I seen the 44 in wood in your review. I will be getting this rifle in .177 in wood. An excellent review guys!!! This is what we need to inform us of what to buy. This makes me proud to be a member of the GTA!!!
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Ditto Tardip... And of course now I have an AT 44 W .10 on the way. Will get it on Wed. Dang Dez should be a used car salesman... :) He sure sold me on that gun... :)
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Congrats Gene, I look forward to reading your review too!
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Have both, bt is set to 50fpe, 44 is at 30fpe ish, was outshot today by a lil lady w the bt65 at 70 yds (she is cute)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv142/ralphtonka/IMG00421-20111001-1745.jpg)
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Great reviews guys! I think I may be sold on the AT44 in .25 caliber now over a M-Rod just because I like sythetic th stocks best! Those guns seems to be great quality for sure. Anyone review this gun in .25 that we know of?
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Tempting. One of these or a Marauder? Grrrrr...i know. Both! Lol...