Daystate Blackwolf Cylinder Model – First Impressions

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.

 

[Eckhearth]

Amazing looking gun! Love the details on this gun, and happy to see it with a cilinder!

 

[pan60]

anyone that cant find some love for the looks at a minimum is blind I fear.

 

[Shortcut]

I have to say even though I still have not had an opportunity to shoot mine at any kind of distance, the carbon grey stock is way better looking then I anticipated.

 

[Solo1]

What cal? 22?

 

[hameditor]

What cal? 22?

Yip!

 

[DJNA]

Beautiful rifle, looks like Daystate made another nice rifle.

 

[Scriv]

Thanks for the notes on the cylinder model. I placed an order for the TAC chassis w/cylinder in February , and as of last update it looks like July or August before it arrives. This all soothes the itch. As a right hander, I mount all scopes with screws, nuts, whatever on the left side whenever possible. My thinking is that the rifle looks cleaner in photos (typically taken from the right side) as well as a good view for onlookers if you are on the bench with a rifle. At any rate I appreciate the look, and look forward to the full review.

 

[Danman]

Ouuff get that scope/ring combo outta here, I much prefer your setup in the snowy picture...minus the snow
Too high for me, but I'd bet it handles better than my S510....shes a bit too light up front for steady off hand shooting. Excited for the full review!

 

[Dogowski]

View attachment 13600

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.

Looking forward to your full review. Looks awesome!

 

[CTAirgunner]

Very compact looking as well, for a full length rifle. What a sexy thing it is.

 

[Joey 69]

This is what sucks about getting old, I don't know if i can save up enough before the lights go out.!!!

 

[FL22]

This is what sucks about getting old, I don't know if i can save up enough before the lights go out.!!!

Something to live for!!! Don’t go quietly into that good night , with your Black Wolf in hand howl against the dying of the light .

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

The .30 version is a beast, I'm a fan of traditional style rifles and really enjoy the balance of this. My only real criticism is the skeletonized butt pad on the carbon grey version is kinda delicate. The trigger on the Black Wolf is simply fantastic and I like the ability to quickly fine tune speed with the power wheel. As an example I was using factory 1:26 barrel shooting 50gr AEA's at 880 and then swapped barrel to a SubMoa and was shooting 50gr Howlers and was able to tune the gun up to 955. The entire process took me about ten minutes.

 

[CTAirgunner]

The whole Sub-MOA barrel thing is interesting to me, AoA should just have a whole sub section for these barrels and offer them for all the rifles they sell, since they all seem to do quite well. To see that you were able to quickly change the pellet shooting black wolf which is a brand new offering over to a slug slinging demon so quickly is pretty badass.

 

[Joey 69]

I don't get it , how can Sub-MOA make a slug barrel for a brand new gun but you can't buy one for a ghost that's been around for awhile.

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

I don't get it , how can Sub-MOA make a slug barrel for a brand new gun but you can't buy one for a ghost that's been around for awhile.

This was a one off for another gun that was machined to fit and work with the BW as a concept. As far as I know Sub-MOA is OEM for several brands such as Western Airguns, Edgun and American Air Arms. The only BRK product that offers a Sub-MOA is the .30 Sonoran, not sure if or when they might offer them for other models such as the Ghost.

 

[cavedweller]

Thought i could add a picture with a Airtube BW in the middle for folks to see how the front end of these BW models compare. Pic #2 shows a Area 419 ARCA barricade stop that is attached via the M-Lok to ARCA adapter available at AOA. Far right is my BW in .25 with a 23" barrel that i use for EFT and it has a Saber Tactical ARCA barricade stop on it, Middle is a BW in .177 with a 23" barrel that a fellow shooter uses for HFT, Far left is a BW with a 17" Barrel in a laminate stock that another shooter uses for HFT... all group within a 1.5" circle at 55 yards... or tighter.