VALUE FOR MONEY
This review of the KalibrGun Snipe 2 (actually rendered a a Roman II on the gun) focuses specifically on the Snipe 2 70 FS model. The 70 designation indicates a 700 mm (27.6 Inch) barrel. FS stands for Folding Stock, part of the chassis configuration featured on this model.
With a 700 cc High Pressure Air Tank, this is a big, high-powered air rifle with a high shot count, too. It’s clearly intended for long range, benchrest shooting.
With a selling price of $2,095.00 at Airguns of Arizona, this is far from being a low-priced air rifle. However, the overall quality, performance and specifications are all top-notch. So – if funding is no problem – the Snipe 2 represents excellent value for money for the discerning purchaser.
Also, we should comment that the model tested here is the most expensive Snipe 2 configuration. Compared to other long range, “chassis” air rifles, the price is actually very fair.
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SPEED AND ACCURACY
The KalibrGun Snipe 2 is a powerhouse. Particularly with the 700 mm barrel of the test gun.
| Pellet | Average Muzzle Velocity | Average Muzzle Energy | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| H&N Field Target Trophy Green 10.03 Grain | 1278.36 FPS | 36.40 Ft/Lbs | Good. |
| Predator GTO 11.75 Grain | 1223.48 FPS | 39.60 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| RWS Hobby 11.9 Grain | 1208.06 FPS | 38.57 Ft/Lbs | Good. |
| Crosman Premier HP 14.3 Grain | 1151.93 FPS | 42.14 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| JSB Jumbo Exact 14.35 Grain | 1153.75 FPS | 42.42 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Grain | 1152.19 FPS | 43.22 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| Datstate Howler Slugs 20.3 Grain | 1023.69 FPS | 46.62 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| H&N Baracuda Match 21.14 Grain | 1028.72 FPS | 49.68 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| JSB Jumbo Monster 25.39 Grain | 966.61 FPS | 52.68 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. Best tested. |
Even when shooting 25.39 Grain JSB Jumbo Monster pellets – the heaviest in the standard HAM test suite – Muzzle Velocity was a high 966.61 FPS. That produces an authoritative 52.68 Ft/Lbs of Muzzle Energy and confirms the design as intended for long range benchrest shooting.
With an un-choked barrel manufactured by CZ, it was not too surprising that the Daystate Howler slugs also shot well. The chokeless barrel very likely means that the Snipe will perform well with a variety of slugs.
At 25 Yards, JSB Jumbo Monsters gave a 10-shot group with a CTC of just 0.30 Inches. That’s close to “one hole” performance!
The 10-shot group for H&N Baracuda Match pellets was very close behind that, too.
Overall, this confirmed the potential of the Snipe 2 for excellent accuracy. It would certainly repay some experimentation with heavier pellets and slugs than the standard HAM test ammo to find its ideal diet for super-accurate long range shooting!
The HAM Team’s advice would be to start by looking at slugs heavier than 30 Grains. They should fit into the magazine without issue as the maximum projectile length it can holds appears to be 12.25 mm (0.48 Inches).
TRIGGER AND COCKING EFFORT
With an average tested trigger pull weight of just 0.9 Ounces – yes ZERO Pounds, 0.9 Oz the KalibrGun Snipe 2 tested by HAM was clearly intended for target shooting, rather than hunting, by the factory.
The two-stage trigger itself “broke” nicely and is clearly adjustable using the three setscrews visible in the photograph below. However, we were not able to find details for how to make adjustments, either in the owner’s manual or the KalibrGun website.
The safety is a non-automatic, ambidextrous system that has a lever on either side of the receiver. It worked easily and – unlike some “push through” safeties, it’s possible to see an indication of whether the gun is safe from a small distance away.
The cocking handle was comfortable and easy-to use. It operated with a satisfying, solid feeling that made it a pleasure to use.
In addition, it’s clear that the cocking lever can be moved to operate on the opposite side of the gun. Unfortunately, again the instruction manual gives no indication of how this operation is to be undertaken.
However one other benefit for left-handers – and requiring no instructions – is that the magazine can be loaded from either side of the action. The KalibrGun Snipe 2 was definitely designed for fully-ambidextrous operation!
COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS
The manufacturer gives a consistent shot count of 70 for the Snipe 2 in the configuration tested by HAM. Our results: 70 consistent shots with an Extreme Spread of 20 FPS. An exact match!
Maximum Muzzle Energy for the Snipe – again in the configuration tested by Hard Air Magazine is claimed to be up to 55 Ft/Lbs.
The actual maximum achieved in HAM’s structured, standardized testing was 52.68 Ft/Lbs using 25.39 Grain JSB Jumbo Monsters. However it’s very clear that – shooting these Monsters at no less than 966 FPS – the Snipe is capable of higher power levels using heavier slugs.
This means we have no reason to doubt the specs provided by the manufacturer!
CONSISTENCY
The KalibrGun Snipe 2 tested by HAM demonstrated excellent consistency on test.
In particular the trigger pull weight was “right on the money” with variations of just fractions of an Ounce around the 0 Lbs 9.1 Oz average we recorded. That’s effectively perfect consistency!
For Muzzle Velocity, the Standard Deviation across the standard range of HAM test pellets was just 3.66 FPS. This is a commendably low figure that would have been even lower had the FTT Greens given a more representative variation.
In HAM’s standard shootdown test we see an extremely, very flat “shot curve” out to shot 66. At that point, the Muzzle Velocity started to decline slowly and predictably, as shown by the graph below.
That’s 70 consistent shots within a 20 FPS spread.
Maximum fill pressure for the HPA bottle is 300 bar (4,350 PSI).
NOISE LEVEL
Make no mistake, the KalibrGun Snipe 2 is loud! Even with the manufacturer’s included, dedicated “can type” silencer fitted, the HAM testers still found it advisable to wear hearing protection.
“Back yard friendly”, this is not. But, of course, this is part of the price to be paid for the high power of which this air rifle delivers.
SIGHTS AND SCOPE
At an overall length of 45.5 Inches, combined with its obvious long range shooting intentions, the KalibrGun Snipe 2 deserves a scope of appropriate power.
So we installed a favorite Sightron SIIISS 10-50 x 60 scope using Leapers UTG PRO rings. This is a large scope, however it balanced well on the Snipe.
The Picatinny rail itself is mounted on a dovetail rail machined into the breech. This allowed the scope easily to be set with the eye relief required, as can be seen in the photograph below.
Of course, the Sightron scope provides superb image quality. With such high magnification capabilities, it proved to be a great partner for the Snipe 2 in practice.
Additionally, the Picatinny rail is machined with a built-in 20 MOA “droop” built-in. This provides a built-in drop of 20 Inches at 100 Yards range, allowing the scope to be used at long range without potentially running out of elevation capabilities on the reticle.
SHOOTABILITY
Given the length and weight of this long-barelled KalibrGun Snipe 2, it responds best to being shot from a bench, or rested in some way. It IS easy to cock and shoot, so long as you’re not trying to shoot unsupported.
In particular, the folding stock has great built-in flexibility. The cheekpiece, buttplate (pull length) and bag rider are all micro-adjustable without tools, using the built-in screw adjustments.
This makes the stock very adaptable for just about any physique. However Doug Rogers would prefer a rather “fatter”, wider stock. I liked it just as is. Well, with one exception…
Both Doug and I agreed that the shiny, laminated wood buttplate may look good. However, it’s not the best for consistent shooting as the surface is too slippery. That really needs to be changed to a grippy rubber buttpad for consistent shooting.
As shown in the photograph above, the buttstock also includes an adjustable monopod. Paradoxically, this monopod has a rubber tip to avoid unintentional movement.
The stock itself folds flat onto the left side of the gun. It’s easy to release and swing back into engagement, too.
The buttstock uses knurled nuts to control the settings of cheekpiece, buttpad and bag rider. This “no tools required” system worked well, being easy to adjust yet holding in the selected position without issue.
Ahead of the trigger, the forend rail was particularly robust. This included a short (6-slot) Picatinny rail for bipod mounting. No flexing of this forend was experienced during testing. It also provided plenty of protection for the HPA bottle. Excellent!
APPEARANCE AND FINISH
HAM Tester Doug Rogers commented, “I liked the looks of this gun from the first time I saw it’. Yes, there’s definitely something about the KalibrGun Snipe 2 design, it appeals to everyone who has looked at – or shot – it.
More comments from Doug Rogers, himself a skilled machinist by trade who has reviewed about a Zillion high-end air rifles: “The machining and metal finish is some of the best I have ever seen”.
Certainly the engraving and all aspects of the finish are outstandingly good. That includes the very-finely calibrated faceplate of the gauge. Although – it has to be admitted – that fine calibration made precise reading difficult for the HAM Testers’ elderly eyes in low ambient lighting conditions.
Very nice!
The outstanding finish continues on both the wood and metalwork of the folding stock.
BUYING AND OWNING
In addition to its full ambidextrous potential, the KalibrGun Snipe 2 has another unusual feature.
In this gun, it’s possible to raise AND LOWER the regulator set pressure without de-gassing the gun. This is – so far as the HAM Team knows – unique.
It certainly removes the potential for unintentional damage that can be caused by not de-gassing other PCPs before reducing the reg pressure. Plus, it just makes the job simpler. The manufacturer confirms that just a couple of shots are required for the regulator to “take” the new pressure.
Regulator pressure changes are made using the curiously-shaped key between the two gauges. This can easily be done using an Allen (hex) key.
The reg pressure is set to 150 bar (2,175 PSI) during manufacturing (as is shown in the photograph above). KalibrGun recommends users set their pressure somewhere between 120 and 200 bar (1,740 and 2,900 PSI), depending on the ammunition they are shooting.
It’s also interesting to note that the design of the KalibrGun Snipe 2 does not include the capability for hammer spring adjustment. Again, KalibrGun explains that this is due to the unique valve design used in the gun.
This means that adjusting the reg pressure is the sole means of making power changes in the Snipe 2.
Magazines for the KalibrGun Snipe 2 are manufactured from metal and seem quite robust. The capacity is 13 rounds in .22 cal. Loading the magazines into the gun is simple and MUCH easier than for old-style, original Cricket magazines.
The User’s manual for the Snipe 2 is nicely printed in color. It’s well illustrated and is delightfully personalized indicating the exact gun it accompanies.
However, the HAM Team would like to see a manual containing more details on trigger adjustment and swapping the cocking lever position, as indicated above.
A “Foster type” quick disconnect fill nozzle is fitted to the Snipe. It’s easy to access, however it’s protected by the forend, plus a good quality, snap-on, plastic cap.
US warranty is two years. It’s provided by Precision Airgun Distribution, the gun being sold by Airguns of Arizona and other Precision Airgun dealers.
Finally, the KalibrGun Snipe 2 is available in a wide variety of barrel length, bottle size and stock configurations. These will be shown soon on the Airguns of Arizona website. In the meantime,
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TEST TARGETS
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