Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

How a Hatsan Barrage Air Rifle Can Help You Hone Your AR Skills

Gordon D. Smith by Gordon D. Smith
April 18, 2022
in Guns, Rifles
0
Hatsan Barrage air rifle

"The Hatsan Barrage is a fun air rifle that doubles as a serious training/hunting tool."

0
SHARES
67
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Hatsan Barrage air rifle
“The Hatsan Barrage is a fun air rifle that doubles as a serious training/hunting tool.”
Hatsan Barrage air rifle pellet
The Barrage can propel a 19-grain pellet at more than 900 fps out of its 19.7-inch precision-rifled barrel. That equals to about 30 foot-pounds of energy, or enough to take small game.
Hatsan Barrage air rifle tank
The 500cc air reservoir built into the forend can be refilled with a scuba-type tank, a hand pump or a compressor.

Hatsan Barrage air rifle right profile
The Barrage’s polymer thumbhole stock has pockets for holding two spare magazines, and it’s adjustable for length of pull, cheek height and buttpad height.
Hatsan Barrage air rifle pellet
Hatsan Barrage air rifle and ar

Hatsan Barrage air rifle stock
Hatsan Barrage air rifle bolt locked
Hatsan Barrage air rifle case

Hatsan Barrage air rifle trigger safety

It’s not enough to know the manual of arms for your AR. To be considered proficient, you must train. As with any other skill, the more you practice, the better you will become over time. However, ammo is expensive and range time may be limited to weekends for most of us. So what is a viable alternative? How about using the power of air, specifically a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle, as a part of your training regimen? One likely candidate is in the form of the Turkish-made Hatsan Barrage, a semi-auto repeater available in .177 or .22 caliber with 14 or 12 shots on tap, respectively. It shares enough commonality with an AR to consider making it a training tool for your kit. And with pellets costing pennies each versus 35 cents or more per round of .223 Remington ammo, it makes financial sense.

robert keller training gamut resolutions
RELATED STORY

7 Training Questions & Answers With Spec Ops Legend Robert Keller

Not A Play Thing

If you think of airguns as toys, it’s time to take a serious look at some serious hardware. Modern airguns utilizing high- pressure air (HPA) can come in calibers of .45, .50 and even larger, capable of taking large game. The .22-caliber Barrage that I received for this article has a 500cc air reservoir that can be pressurized to 3,000 psi and drive a 19-grain lead pellet at more than 900 fps out of its 19.7-inch precision-rifled barrel. That equates to approximately 30-plus foot-pounds of energy (fpe)—plenty for taking small game and eradicating pests during the times when it is not being used as part of your training. (Many jurisdictions around the U.S. allow hunting small game and varmints with an air rifle, but make sure you familiarize yourself with all of your local laws and game regulations.)

The Hatsan Barrage is a fun air rifle that doubles as a serious training/hunting tool. It doesn’t require the distances or backstops of an AR, either. If you have some space between you and your neighbors, you might be able to fit in more training if all you have to do is step out of the backdoor with a full air reservoir in the Barrage and a couple of loaded magazines as well as a pocket full of pellets. Having the large onboard air reservoir provides the shooter with plenty of full-power shots without having to carry a supply of air when you go out for a fun afternoon. And finally, being semi-automatic means quick follow-up shots on your quarry if needed.

Quiet Plinking

The fully shrouded barrel on the Hatsan Barrage utilizes Hatsan’s “Quiet Energy” technology. This moderates and reduces the sound signature from a sharp crack to more of a popping noise. However, keep in mind that the HPA coming out of that muzzle as the pellet exits is going to make some noise, so hearing protection is always advised, and eye protection is a must as with using any gun.

The Hatsan Barrage is not a copy of an AR. But it does incorporate modern styling in its ambidextrous, black polymer, thumbhole stock. The stock has dimensions close enough to an AR’s to help you keep your skills sharp without heading to the range. The ambidextrous stock has a few more adjustability features than a typical off-the-shelf AR. The buttpad can be adjusted for length of pull, height and angle for optimal shouldering of the air rifle. The comb is also adjustable to provide the best alignment with your chosen optic.

Removable front and rear sights that mount to the Picatinny top rail are included. Both incorporate TruGlo fiber-optic inserts. Of course, the Picatinny rail lends itself to other optics selections; I mounted a compact Sun Optics CQB Tactical Precision Prismatic sight with an illuminated reticle to keep with the AR theme. The rail is milled into the black anodized aluminum receiver and accepts both 11mm and 22mm bases. If you choose to mount a traditional air riflecope, be mindful of the clearance needed for the rotary magazine. It protrudes above the receiver about 0.75 inches.

Additional Details

Another nice touch is the pocket on either side of the stock for storing two of the three provided magazines. The trigger-guard is amply sized to accommodate a gloved hand, and the metal, smooth-faced trigger is comfortable. The trigger is not adjustable. But it broke smoothly at an average of 6.9 pounds out of the box with about a quarter-inch of travel before engagement. The safety lever sits in front of the trigger and is pushed straight forward, away from the trigger, when ready to fire. I found it to be too short, and its shape was not conducive to easy manipulations. Hatsan should consider revamping the manual safety in future iterations so it would be more comfortable to use.

The HPA that drives the pellet is also bled off from near the muzzle to cycle the action, similar to an AR. The non-removable 500cc air reservoir is housed under the barrel as part of the forearm. The forearm has a 3-inch Picatinny rail for mounting a bipod, a light or other accessory, and it also incorporates a front sling swivel. A small pressure gauge is built into the curved portion of the forearm and is deeply inset. This makes it well protected but a little difficult for these old eyes to see the numbers, which are in units of bar (200 bar equals approximately 2,900 psi).

However, the color-coded sections make it easy to determine if the pressure is in a safe (green) zone or too high or too low to safely operate the rifle. The reservoir is filled via a male probe inserted into the fill hole and attached to either a scuba-type tank, a hand pump or an air compressor.

Double Loading

Care must be taken to avoid accidentally double loading pellets. Each time you cycle the bolt manually with a loaded magazine in place, a pellet is pushed into the chamber. If you must cycle the bolt, remove the magazine after locking the bolt back, and if you suspect double loading, simply run a .22-caliber cleaning rod down the barrel and gently push the pellets out of the breech.

How It Stacks Up

What are some of the similarities between a typical AR and the Hatsan Barrage? First up is length. At 40.9 inches overall, the Barrage is near an AR. Most ARs also feature pistol grips, foregrips and polymer furniture. The Barrage checks those boxes, too, along with having built-in rails for additional accessories.

It’s also a semi-auto that uses gas bled from the barrel, just like an AR. The Barrage’s bolt handle reciprocates, and the bolt locks open after the last round has been fired. Finally, all safe gun handling rules apply here, including the need for eye and ear protection, especially if you’re shooting indoors.

Differences

Of course, there are some differences. The Hatsan Barrage weighs more than a stock AR. You also won’t get much in terms of recoil or noise/muzzle flash. PCP air rifles like the Barrage are essentially recoilless until you get into the bigger bores, and no powder is being burnt, so you won’t get any sort of muzzle signature. This lack of powder also translates to minimal cleaning and maintenance. You only have to occasionally swab the barrel and replace rubber O-rings with the Barrage. It doesn’t disassemble like an AR; in fact, taking it apart voids the warranty. And your ability to customize the air rifle is limited—there certainly aren’t as many aftermarket suppliers available like there are for ARs.

308 ar rifle upgrades
RELATED STORY

The 10 Best Accessories to Make Your .308 AR Great Again

The fire controls aren’t the same. You won’t be using the Barrage to practice rapid reloads or clearing jams. But it lends itself to proper gun-handling skills, breath and trigger control and rapid-fire drills. You just need to get a little creative to incorporate it into a training program.

One Last Thing

A couple of other differences worth noting involve heat. While you don’t have to worry about a barrel heating up with an air rifle, you will want to avoid exposing it to excessive heat because of the high pressure in the air reservoir. There is also a small learning curve to HPA—it’s not difficult, mostly just learning safe handling procedures. Initial costs will also be higher because you need a high-pressure air source such as a scuba-type tank or a manual HPA pump, which is available from any of the dealers that stock PCP airguns.

Hatsan USA warranties the Hatsan Barrage for one year. Its service department receives high marks from customers. You won’t find these guns at your local big-box retailer. Reach out to Hatsan USA directly at hatsanusa.com, or any retailers that deal in high-end airguns.

Hatsan Barrage Specs

Caliber: .22
Barrel: 19.7 inches
OA Length: 40.9 inches
Weight: 10.1 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic thumbhole
Sights: TruGlo fiber-optic
Action: Pre-charged pneumatic
Finish: Black
Capacity: 12
MSRP: $1,300

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

Some of the top guns and gear released at SHOT Show 2023.

30 of the Best Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

The cover of the new Heritage Journal 2023.

Athlon Outdoors & Heritage Firearms Release HERITAGE JOURNAL 2023

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

After learning of a potential safety issue with CZ 600 bolt-action rifles, CZ-USA has issued a safety recall notice. As...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol packs 22+1.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Packs 22+1 Rounds of Firepower!

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.