A Serious Air Gun for the Serious Shooter

This is easily one of the most advanced and accurate air guns you don’t have….yet.

Spring has sprung – a time of rebirth, renewal and trying new things.  Now is the time to up your game with a purchase of the Airforce CondorSS Air Rifle. I recently received a CondorSS Air Rifle directly from Airforce air guns and this air rifle is no toy.  This rifle oozes quality and precision and as you will see this air gun is easily one of the most advanced and accurate air gun products on the market today

Three things stood out for me with this rifle.  First, this product was designed for the “ardent” rifleman and precision shooter; it blends rifle-like accuracy with a flexible platform designed to meet a variety of shooting needs. Second, the features and manufacturing quality of the CondorSS are simply outstanding.  The gun itself is extremely well made.  The futuristic look and first class finish make the rifle aesthetically pleasing to the eye while the German-made Lothar Walther precision barrel and recoilless design produces high levels of accuracy.  Third, the company stands behind its product with a limited Lifetime Warranty which tells me the company stands behind the products they produce.  I also like the fact that AirForce Airguns are truly made in the USA: the only piece imported is the German-made Lothar Walther barrel.  Now let’s take a closer look at the CondorSS airgun.

Round One:  Out of the Box

The CondorSS arrived in a well packaged box.  As I opened the container I was immediately impressed by the black aluminum chassis that is fully anodized to protect the metal against the elements.  The aircraft grade aluminum also adds unmatched weight savings and strength to the gun.  All the necessary tools were included with the spin loc tank system which made installing the air tank a breeze.  I took the detachable tank that doubles as a butt-stock down to the local scuba shop and filled the tank with 3000 pounds of compressed air for seven dollars.  The air tank features an on-board air gauge so you know when it is topped off.  Easy and cheap!

The tank can be filled either via a hand-pump or from an adapter designed to fit a standard SCUBA tank.  Why should you consider a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) system vice a pump type air gun?  Because the PCP offers consistent metering of air and reduced vibration (i.e. no spring movement) — all of which contributes to enhanced accuracy.  Next I attached the scope rings and scope but what immediately struck me was the versatility of gun.  I noted from the enclosed manual that each model is modular and allows users to change barrels, and even calibers.  I also could see how this gun could easily be fitted with a variety of accessories (such as bipods, lights, IR illuminators, etc.) via a Picantinny adaptor which is available through AirForce.  I made a mental note that the rifle had no sling or sling mounts but, as light as this weapon is, I did not see this as an issue.

Round Two:  Range Time

I setup my range for 50 yards and after zeroing the scope with several shots I was ready to put this gun through its paces.  The only issue I noted was that the cheek weld on the air tank took a bit of getting used to.  I attribute this to never having shot this type of weapon because by the time I finished shooting it was not a problem.  I evaluated this weapon in four areas; trigger pull, sound suppression, power, and accuracy.  The CondorSS trigger pull was consistent and good, like really, really good.  The manual said the 2 stage trigger comes set from the factory at just about 3 lbs but it feels even lighter.  I read that AirForce uses CAD designing and computer controlled milling machines to make their trigger components so I made zero adjustments.  The sound suppression on this weapon is unbelievable-easily the quietest weapon I have ever tested.

The weapon is so quiet game won’t even know what hit them.  I did not have a sound meter but you are not going to get any noise complaints about shooting this weapon.  The CondorSS has a unique power adjustment dial on the receiver with a range setting from “1” to “16.”  Since I was shooting at 50 yards I placed the power setting in the mid-range around 10 and easily shot 80 rounds.  Accuracy: take a look at the video and you be the judge; the weapon shot with near hole on hole accuracy.

Unbelievable!  Overall the operation of the CondorSS was pretty straightforward.  Thread the charged tank and butt-stock assembly into the rear of the weapon and the rifle is ready to be loaded.  Push the bolt forward to expose the chamber and cock the action, load, move the bolt rearward to close.  The safety is located in front of the trigger and just needs to be pushed forward to fire.  Recoil – nonexistent, noise – nonexistent, accuracy and precision…superb!  This is a great video from the Airforce air guns website;

Round Three:  Summary

This is the “Mercedes” of airguns, except that it is made in the USA, by American craftsmen.  The only piece imported is the German-made Lothar Walther barrel.  The adjustable power levels, multiple barrel lengths and calibers, different valve configurations, and adjustable butt plate system speak volumes about the design of this weapon.  You are not going to find this brand in many box stores.  Know that when you purchase this airgun, and you will, you are buying a precision weapon and flexible platform designed to meet a variety of shooting needs.  The average shooter can use this airgun to quietly hunt small game, enjoy target practice in the backyard and even shoot indoors.

• PRODUCT SCORES
  Functionality: 5/5
  Weight: 5/5
  Durability: 5/5
  Cost: 5/5
  Appearance: 5/5
• PROS & CONS

Pros

• Extremely functional (Mercedes of Airguns)
• Limited Lifetime warranty
• 177, .20, .22 or .25 Caliber Lothar Walther Barrel
• Lightweight
• Recoilless
• Pressure Relief Device
• Adjustable Power
• Extended Scope Rail
• Ring-Loc ™ Valve System
• Available in Blue, Red or Original Black Finishes

Cons

• Cannot shoot it enough
• Single shot (one shot-one kill)
• Reverse bolt operation (just need to get use to it)

Technical Specifications:

• Velocity: 600-1300 feet per second (Depending on caliber, pellet weight, and power setting)
• Power Adjustment: User-adjustable
• Maximum Fill Pressure: 3000 psi / 200 bar (Only use compressed air or dry nitrogen)
• Action: Single shot
• Weight: 6.1 lbs.
• Length: 38.125 inches
• Barrel: 18 inches
• Trigger: 2-stage adjustable for position
• Sights: Open optical sights may be installed
• Air Tank Volume: 490cc
• Safety: Automatic on cocking

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.