Quantum Leap, The VMX Quantum is a good old traditional break-barrel model, with a few modern upgrades. The synthetic stock is the obvious eye catcher, but it also comes fitted with that snazzy full length barrel shroud, that incorporates sound suppressing features within the body tube. It’s certainly reasonably priced, so let’s see how this latest incarnation shapes up on test.
Quantum Physics, The Quantum Universal Silencer (QUS) brings the technology from Webley’s ‘Quantum’ silencer range to the shooter whose rifle doesn’t have a threaded muzzle – and that’s good news for many springer shooters who hitherto haven’t been able to enjoy the benefits of the screw-on QGS II, Webley’s flagship silencer, unless they fit a cumbersome adaptor onto their muzzle.
Better in Black?, The Empire is doubtless made by Howa but that is no bad thing! Like their 1500, the rifle is a blend of Remy Mod 700 and Winchester Mod 70 and the first example I tested came in classic, walnut, sporter-style furniture that showed reasonable timber and a good general build. It offers a decent length of pull (LOP) along with a deep rubber recoil pad. The butt shows a straight comb, vestigial cheek piece with a well angled and handfilling pistol grip. Chequering is machine-cut and quite shallow but offers a decent grip, QD sling studs are fitted and the forend tip and grip cap are attractive in contrasting rosewood.
Battle Finish Beauty, The Tempest is a compact, reasonably accurate, and powerful air pistol designed for some good old fashioned plinking. As such its design has lasted for decades now and it’s nice to see its legacy continuing. There is also a very good instruction book explaining trigger adjustment and disassembly if necessary. The finish is very good and handling excellent with comfortable grips and thumb rest, and well worth the £145 price tag in my view.