In the world of guns and hunting, we have lots of vocabulary to describe a hard-hitting, hunt-ready hunting tool, but it's been a while since we've heard anything as evocative as "pile driver." HatsanUSA's .62-caliber airgun certainly deserves the moniker ... although it's far quieter than any construction equipment in existence, this newly available rifle produces muzzle energies of 700+ FPE, which is more than enough to take some species of big game.
As with all hunting tools, there are trade-offs. With the Hatsan PileDriver, that's range. Its effective, accurate range goes out to 120 yards, which is less than most centerfire rifles ... but it's more than archery equipment, and about on par with the effective range of a slug gun. If you're hunting the East Coast, it's somewhat unlikely that you'll be presented with many shots that go further than the PileDriver can reach.
The upside, however, is tremendous. Although the PileDriver isn't silent, it's considerably quieter than unsuppressed rifle fire by orders of magnitude. This reduces your chances of spooking game away from your hunting zone. It also means there's no telltale scent of gunpowder to alert educated game animals.
What about size? Coming in at under 4', with a 33" precision-rifled barrel, the PileDriver weighs in at a hefty 13 lbs. That makes it more suitable for hunting from a stand or blind than still-hunting, but remember that you won't need to carry heavy ammunition for it. The PileDriver can provide up to six high-powered shots.
With ammunition, an extra-large loading port can accommodate projectiles up to 35mm long, allowing for the use of a sabot. When out of charge, the PileDriver can be filled again to 300 BAR (4350 PSI) with a TactAir pump or compressor. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism.
A side lever cocking mechanism is perched at the top and protrudes to the right. PileDriver’s receiver is finished with a 14" combination Picatinny and 11mm dovetail optics rail, perfect for an Optima scope. The stock alone is all-weather and has a bullpup design featuring an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. Additional Picatinny rails are added around the air cylinder for adaptability to any large game hunting scenario. MSRP $1,099; HatsanAirGunsUSA.
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