Taipan Mutant Shorty/Compact

[sactargetshooter]

The Mutant standard is already reviewed, so I'll just add to that review based on the differences.

I had the chance to compare the shorty to the standard when Motorhead brought his along in a FT match. As it turns out, the shorty is shorter in every way. The barrel is shorter, the shroud is shorter, the air tube is shorter, and the length of pull is shorter! This really shows the commitment of the manufacturer to make a compact version compact proportionally and not just a "chopped off" version.

The center of gravity of the shorty is closer to the shoulder than the standard. With the standard, the center of gravity is right on the grip, it is very balanced. The shorty has a slight lean to the back.

The shorty is also lighter, especially if a lighter scope like the Clearidge RM (12 oz!) is mounted. When shooter at full power, the shorty definitely shows more recoil just due to the projectile exiting the barrel.

We did not have enough time to test the shot string of the shorty. Due to the smaller airtube and barrel, one can only conclude that the shot count of the shorty is reduced compared to the standard, and the energy level is lower as well. I have tested mine to shoot at 936 fps using JSB .22 Express (14.3 gr) for a muzzle energy of 28 FPE.

Personally, I like the handling of the shorty because I am short as well. I have been searching for a gun that lets me shoot open division comfortably. None of the long guns feel comfortable at all. The Mutant Shorty, on the other hand, feels very natural and easy to point. I know it is not intended as a FT match gun, but I will probably experiment with that both for the rest of this year and next year.

One may think the shorter shroud of the shorty is ineffective. Well, that is somewhat subjective. I think it is quieter than most guns already. Taipan also has a shroud extension that is designed to mate with the thread of the factory shroud. Of course, that extends the overall length of the gun so it is not so short and ocmpact anymore. However, if the shroud extension is added in the field, it means the gun can still be carried in a very short bag/case.

I think the standard is a better deal as it has more power, more shots and is quieter without any extension. However, for short people like myself, or people who want better handling in tight space or improved concealment, the shorty is unique and offers those specific values.

[Motorhead]

Excellent evaluation ... agree 

[sactargetshooter]

Thanks, Scott! Thanks for letting all of us play with your Mutant standard. Even with a lowered shot count and 28 FPE at muzzle, the shorty is actually quite capable already.

[TF89]

Very nice, sounding like the mutant is a rising star.

[Dairyboy]

What is the shot count of the Shorty's?

[Joekrooz]

Very nice, sounding like the mutant is a rising star.

Definitely, the reviews are excellent and the price isn't too ridiculous.  This one has moved to the top of my wish list!

[sactargetshooter]

What is the shot count of the Shorty's?

When I was testing pellets, it went from 250 bar to about 150 bar in 30 full power (25-28 FPE) shots. I think there was a post that mentioned the reg is set to 120 bar, so one can probably squeeze another 10 shots out of the tiny air tube.

If shot count is important, the Mutant Standard has more shot count because it has a longer barrel (improved efficiency) and a longer air tube (more air). The Shorty, on the other hand, is very short even compared to a regular bullpup!

[Dairyboy]

What is the shot count of the Shorty's?

When I was testing pellets, it went from 250 bar to about 150 bar in 30 full power (25-28 FPE) shots. I think there was a post that mentioned the reg is set to 120 bar, so one can probably squeeze another 10 shots out of the tiny air tube.

If shot count is important, the Mutant Standard has more shot count because it has a longer barrel (improved efficiency) and a longer air tube (more air). The Shorty, on the other hand, is very short even compared to a regular bullpup!

Thanks for letting me know! Hearing all these great things I just know I'm gonna be tempted to get one later so just figuring out which one I would want.

[sactargetshooter]

I went to another FT match shooting the Mutant Shorty, and by accident discovered a few interesting facts.

I adjusted the HST wrong and missed one turn. The gun shot hotter than what I wanted (790 fps). The POI was way off beyond 30 yards. Okay, my mistake costs quite a few points, probably should get me disqualified.

However,...

I later found out that the Shorty was shooting JSB Jumbo Express (14.35 gr) at 955 fps with the HST adjuster a little more than two turns out. This is interesting because with the HST bolt flush with the receiver, the gun was only shooting at 910 fps or so. A little more than two turns out, it shoots harder at 955 fps. This, to me, is counter intuitive.

I was able to shoot 7 lanes (28 shots) to drop from about 230 bars down to 150 bars. I think there are a few shots left. Even if the reg is set to 150 bars, it is still good for 28 28.75 FPE shots. Not bad for a small cylinder and a very short gun.