S H O O T I N G S P O R T S M A G A Z I N E5 8

AIRGUN | GUN TEST

QuantumLeap!Mark Camoccio checks out the

latest version of a Webley springer

and finds some modern upgrades

When I tested a Webley Valuemax a few years back, I was very impressed with the genuine, no-nonsense specification,

and the inherent accuracy of the rifle. Well, on test here is effectively the latest version, renamed the VMX. The test model is the Webley VMX OS Quantum, and it’s 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.

PLASTIC FANTASTICSynthetic stocks are comparatively cheap to make, so help keep production costs down, but their ultra robust knock-about qualities also make them highly practical for many shooters, who just see the gun as a tool to do a job. The VMX OS Quantum is a full sized adult airgun, yet given its inherent light weight, it can be equally suited to younger shooters and novices alike. The moulded pistol grip is quite thick, but a well proportioned forend and well defined cheek piece lends this model a purposeful profile. The rear section is hollow in places, which can slightly increase resonance, but the rough textured feel, works well. My only criticism concerns the breech jaws, which are just a little sharp to the touch on the inside edges.

Cocking the Webley VMX OS Quantum takes

only modest effort ably aided by the

silencer tube

A well shaped trigger blade helps the cause

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GUN TEST | AIRGUN

Leap!This Webley is made by Hatsan in Turkey,

so the inclusion of their standard arrestor block plate should come as no surprise; and it works well. A picky assessment would conclude that it could be fitted further to the rear of the cylinder, so as not to waste valuable space on the scope rails, but as it stands, it does the job. Indeed, fix the rear scope mount right up against it, and the age old problem of scope creep is all but eliminated. I had an AGS VMX 3-9x40 scope to play with for the test (available as an extra), and this shaped up well as basic and good value glassware at £46.99.

Given this mode’ls highly competitive RRP, it’s clearly produced to a price, and build quality reflects this. The chemical bluing on the barrel and main cylinder is slightly rough and a little dull compared to some rivals. That said, the full length, hard-anodized silencer (or ‘over-sleeve’ as the manufacturers call it) has a really class feel to it, and with an adjustable breech bolt and keeper/locking screw all part of the breech lock-up, there’s plenty of attention to detail where it really matters.

FIELD TESTThere’s a real basic appeal to this gun that I warmed to on test. Pick it up, and that

straight line grip just gives it a point and shoot simplicity. Fully

ambidextrous, it does mean that the configuration is suitable for

most shooters, although that pistol grip could do with being just a tad thinner, for a more relaxed hold. Those rough edges inside the forend are slightly irritating, but overall, it’s difficult not to be impressed once you see what this gun can do.

A small jolt is required to open the Webley’s firmly sprung breech detent, but once achieved, the Venom-inspired internals make their presence felt; with a super smooth cocking stroke, free of spring ‘graunch’. The breech locks up in a reassuring way too, and the whole operation is made that bit easier courtesy of that sizeable silencer. Consider that super short 10” barrel, and you’ll be thankful for the extra leverage.

As mentioned, Webley term their new Quantum shroud/ moderator an

‘over-sleeve’, and it’s an intriguing design. An initial chamber at the

muzzle, vents back high pressure air into the cavity between barrel and sleeve. This slows down the air, and contributes to noise reduction. The pellet then passes through further expansion chambers, including mini cages and acoustic absorption material, that all help to strip away and dissipate spent air, to reduce that final muzzle report.

QUIET!So does it work? Well anyone who’s shot a carbine-sized airgun with a super short 10” barrel will know that it’s

capable of generating a significant crack at the muzzle; and in that respect there’s no doubt that the Quantum moderator does its job. Where spring power is concerned though, the noise from the mechanical action is the main problem, and that’s more difficult to eliminate. In other words, silencers, however effective, are only half the answer.

In the case of the VMX, the Powr Lok mainspring and guide (again Venom-inspired features), certainly ensure very smooth power delivery. The trigger is fairly basic, but the blade is wide and nicely curved, and in the case of my test gun, was set to release without much effort; albeit with a small amount of creep. There is an automatic safety catch at the rear, neatly made in the style of Webley’s famous old Omega model, but for the record, it isn’t possible to de-cock the action without firing.

On test, the Webley VMX proved superbly consistent with a variety of ammunition, recording a 10-shot string with a total spread of 13 fps with SMK Black Domes, and an amazing 4 fps with RWS Superfields. Energy

levels, for the record, came in at an average 11.2 ft/lbs with both brands, which is textbook performance.

As for down range accuracy, the VMX produced super tight clusters with several pellet brands, over 25 yds on test; the best of which was RWS Superfields, posting 3/8inch (10mm) groups c-t-c.

Best summed up as simple and highly effective, whether sourced as a beginner’s gun, or general purpose

workhorse, this Webley VMX OS Quantum proved to be a very enjoyable gun to shoot. Lightweight, pointable, relatively easy to cock, super consistent, and all importantly highly accurate- what’s not to like?

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSn Name Webley VMX OS Quantumn Type Break-barrel sportern Calibre .22 on test, .177 and .20 availablen Weight 6.25 lbsn Length 43”n Barrel 10”n Stock Ambidextrous synthetic sportern Power source Spring-pistonn Trigger 2-stage adjustablen Velocity (RWS Superfield) (SMK Black Domes) High 562fps High 583 Low 557 Low 570 Ave 561 Ave 580 Vari 4 fps Vari 13 fps n Energy 11.2 ft/lbs 11.2 ft/lbsn Prices £174.99 AGS VMX 3-9X40 scope supplied £46.99 n Contact www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

Overall a clean and well presented rifle, no frills but a serious shooter

Detail of the breech area, the inside of that forend is a bit sharp, but it’s nicely proportioned; watch your fingers!