Spring-powered airguns roughly account for 75% of total sales, a figure confirmed in a recent survey, and a massive part of the attraction is the self-contained aspect. No bottle, no pump – just grab a tin of pellets, and the action can start. Break down the spring-gun sector further, and the classic break-barrel configuration is in itself a lure, and it’s no surprise that this style of rifle remains as popular as ever.
Simple but Classy
On test here is a gun that ticks all of the above, and once you factor in a rather attractive walnut stock, the Kral Devil in this guise has seemingly much to get excited about. For a start, the weight of just 6.2lbs means this model won’t easily tire the user, and a host of features, fair build quality, and business-like approach, give it a great start.
First impressions are dominated by the pleasantly figured Turkish walnut stock, and whilst configuration is very conservative, and technically right-handed, it’s that very subtle nature of the defined cheek piece and grip, that render the Devil ambidextrous in use.
Visuals are reminiscent of the popular BSA Mercury- ‘S’ from the early ‘80s, and whilst the initial illusion is ruined by that plastic cylinder end cap, the solid feel and handling overall are enough for to impress. I’ve never been keen on glossy woodwork, and the matte finish and laser-cut chequering here, really look the part.
Tidy Package
So what have we got, features wise? Well, there’s an articulated cocking linkage, adjustable fibre-optic open sights, two-stage trigger, in-guard safety catch, and dovetail scope rails, for a start. The significance of the articulated linkage is that it means the manufacturer can cut out a smaller slot in the stock’s fore end because the link slides flat against the action in operation. A smaller cut-out means greater strength in the stock.
One small negative for my review, concerns the front screw in the trigger guard – or lack of it! – and it doesn’t appear to have a hole drilled in readiness, either! This sloppy oversight in the manufacturing process apart, construction overall, feels robust. As mentioned, the cylinder cap is synthetic, but that barrel/fore sight assembly is the only other ‘plastic’ item to be found. Okay, the metalwork is a little lacklustre – it’s partly where they save costs – but machining and build are pretty good, especially for the money.
Hands On
Right, enough preamble – how does it feel to shoot? Well, jolting the breech open is easy, and the subsequent cocking stroke is fairly undemanding too, helped inevitably by the long barrel and muzzle assembly. The mechanism felt smooth on test, but do watch out for the slightly vulnerable fibre-optic fore sight bead up front, when grabbing the barrel. As with any break-barrel model, push the pellet home, and ensure that it sits flush with the breech, to avoid deformation as the breech closes. The lock-up on the Devil is particularly sweet, and it completes with a satisfying click. As for safety, it seems that the manufacturers have arrived at a great compromise – an anti-bear trap mechanism preventing discharge whilst the breech is open, but an in-guard safety that stays manual.
Finger wheel adjusters on the rear sight allow the fibre-optics to be easily set, and these sights are worth a play, for sure, before bolting a scope into position.
The Devil’s trigger is best described as a pseudo two-stage affair, and isn’t adjustable. Re-check the asking price, and that detail shouldn’t come as a surprise. In use, though, pull through the initial creep, and the final release is fairly modest. That lack of heft, around the 6lbs mark, means the Devil is a gun that can be utilised for a day’s action, without fatigue taking its toll too early.
Performance Figures
On test, the firing cycle was no great shakes, and it’s fair to say that my review gun showed all the signs of being in need of a proper lubrication regimen. Modest recoil, but significant ‘twang’, best sums up the shot, but hey, that’s something that can be addressed for modest outlay.
Over my Shooting Chrony chronograph, I was amazed at some of the consistency figures recorded as the walnut-wrapped Devil did its stuff with a variety of ammo. Webley Mosquitos posted a total spread of 8fps over a 10-shot string, whilst Air Arms Diabolo Field cut that further, to just 6fps – superb consistency, whichever way you look at it.
So to grouping, and over 25yards, the Mosquitos just edged it, with average clusters of one inch centre-to-centre, which again, is highly acceptable, given this model’s modest RRP.
Verdict
Highly portable, solid and dependable, this model can be purchased with a variety of stock options, but for me, the super attractive Turkish Walnut wins over plastic all day long. Kral’s Devil continues to be a slick little sporter, which delivers big time on appeal, and with the current asking price still something of a bargain, this budget sporter/starter gun remains a great choice.
Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs, for the kind loan of the test rifle. Range & Country can be found at www.rangeandcountry.co.uk
Tech specs
Model: Kral Devil
Manufacturer: Kral Arms, Turkey
Type: Break-barrel, spring-piston powered
Calibre: .22 test; .177 available
Weight: 6.2lbs
Length: 44.5”
Barrel: 18”
Stock: Turkish Walnut sporter
Trigger: 2-stage non-adjustable
Velocity/Energy: Over 10 shots using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets:
High: 581fps
Low: 575fps Ave: 578fps Spread: 6fps
Energy: 11.9 ft.lbs.
Contact: Range Right
RRP: £139 GUIDE