The Texan SS, built on the same sturdy framework as the original Texan, measures in at a hair over 45″ in length and tips the scales at 8.45 lbs. A Texan is a few inches longer and lighter, so this makes it almost half a pound heavier.
The rear end features a butt plate similar to that found on other AirForce weapons. It modifies the pull length, cast on/off, and cant. Furthermore, a sling stud mounting hole is included.
Like the Talon, Condor, and Texan, the air reservoir is a massive 490cc Spin-Lock tank that can be pressurized to 3000psi. Since this is less than the pressure at which many larger bores function, your 4500 psi SCBA tank will last longer.
The Foster quick disconnect fitting on the tank eliminates the need for a probe and allows you to quickly and easily connect to your air supply.
If you purchased a Texan SS in the summer of 2019 or later, it likely has the newer designed valve, which requires you to stretch the valve stem out before filling the bottle to prevent the air from escaping.
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Contents
Specifications for AirForce Texan SS Air Rifle
- PCP
- A single, decisive attempt
- Sidelever
- Two-stage detonation (adj. for position only)
- 2.06-pound draw weight on the trigger
- Automatic safety
- Carbon Fiber 475cc Gas Tank
- 250 bar (3600 psi) max fill pressure
- Modular power output
- The Optical Expansion Rail
- 6 lbs.
- Barrel made by Lothar Walther
- The USA Originated
AirForce Texan SS Big Bore – Gun Type
Buttstock
The buttstock on an Airforce Texan is an air bottle. There is a clamp that secures the shoulder piece to the bottle, and the buttpad height and pull distance are both easily modified.
The pistol grip is of the AR variety, and the rifle has rails integrated all the way from the receiver to the muzzle, both above and below the barrel.
The scope rail doubles as a grip, and there are adapters to use either 11 mm dovetails or a Weaver-style base for attaching optics. Add-ons like the forestock and sling swivel can be attached.
Like many other tactical rifles, this one is easy for me to handle and fire accurately.
Trigger
This air rifle has my preferred type of cocking mechanism: a side lever. Unlike most big barrel air guns, the side lever on the AirForce is well-designed and easy to use.
The trigger has two stages, may be moved to a comfortable location and has a stock trigger pull of about 2 pounds.
The safety is activated by pressing the rear of the trigger finger forward, and it is housed within the trigger guard.
Overall, the Texan’s control grouping is practical for a field gun because of its ergonomic design.
Design
A 490 cc steel tank, pressurized to 3,000 psi, is used in the default setup.
The air-valve bottles is integrated into the design, which allows for a smooth transition of air from the reservoir to the breech, behind the projectile, and down the barrel.
After years of using the Texan and other AirForce air rifles with a similar arrangement, I am confident that the unrestricted airflow pathway contributes to the increased power and shot count at 3000 psi compared to other designs.
The Texan’s performance can be fine-tuned using a variety of bullet weights.
The “classic” Texan design, in my opinion, is a steel tank model with a .457 caliber, a 48-inch overall length, and a 34-inch barrel that can produce up to 650 fpe. There are also .257, .308, .357, .457, and.50 calibre versions.
The Texan is offered in both rifle and carbine configurations, though I’m partial to the latter.
You lose some power going from a maximum of 650 fpe to 500 fpe with a total length of 39 inches and a barrel length of 24.75 inches, but there are few air rifle hunting situations where I feel this makes a major impact.
While the carbine is my personal favorite owing to its agility, you can also choose a more powerful rifle if you want.
Cocking mechanism
By moving the cocking lever forward, the tuner window can be accessed. The tuner may be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of ammo densities.
The inertia of a heavy projectile holds the valve open long enough to allow the necessary air to be released during a shot.
When discharging a heavier projectile, such as a cannonball, more hammer spring tension is required for the same amount of back pressure as when shooting a lighter projectile.
The lighter bullets will get up to speed instantly thanks to the air released by the valve.
Easily adjust the pre-load tension by simply turning the wheel up to reduce it or down to increase it. We found that a moderate amount of pre-load worked well for most projectiles.
Consistency can also be improved by starting with a fill pressure of roughly 2700psi rather than 3000psi when using lighter ammunition.
Press the lever forward to open the breech, insert the projectile and push it forward to seat it firmly, then draw the lever back, unlatch the safety, and prepare to grin.
Technology based on the Sound-Loc System
The SS stands out from other Texans thanks to its innovative Sound-Loc System. The Sound-Loc suppressor has effective internal baffles, allowing you to shoot the firearm without damaging your hearing.
Though not exactly silent, and requiring either a sizable backyard or tolerant neighbours to be used in the backyard, this PCP rifle is noticeably less noisy than the Texan, and most importantly, it may be shot without the use of hearing protection.
Our sound meter showed that an unsuppressed Texan .45 produced 116 decibels, whereas the Texan SS .45 produced 110 decibels.
The sound meter may only register an 8-decibel difference, but to the human ear, it is much larger than that. The once painfully piercing crack has dulled to a booming hum.
Accessories and Packages
In order to get you on target as soon as possible, we’ve put together a bundle that includes a Hawke scope along with your Texan SS.
The suppressor begs to be used with a bipod like the UTG Tactical Bipod, thanks to its convenient dovetail rail on the underside. But you’ll need a dovetail to Picatinny adapter.
Also, in collaboration with Matt from Demolition Ranch, we have developed a Texan combo that features a scope and a portable carbon fiber bottle for use in the field.
Performance and Accuracy
The AirForce Texan SS air rifle is a high-powered, precision air rifle that is designed for competition shooting. The rifle is accurate and powerful, and it has a number of features that make it a top choice for serious shooters.
TheTexan SS is equipped with a precision trigger that allows for precise shot placement, and the rifle also has a adjustable stock that can be customized to fit the shooter’s individual needs.
The Texan SS is a top-performing air rifle that is sure to give its owner an edge in competition shooting.
Different versions available
Speaking of strength, there is also a variant of the rifle called the Texan LSS CF, with the “CF” designating the usage of a carbon fiber tank that can be pressurized to a maximum of 250 BAR.
For more power, it’s not enough to simply increase the fill pressure; the cannon must be made to operate at higher pressures.
The .50 caliber version of the AirForce Texan airgun LSS CF generates energy in the region of 800+ fpe thanks to its valve and hammer assembly, which is optimized for use at higher air pressure.
Price
The Air Force Texan will cost you between $1000 and $1200, depending on the model you choose. If you add accessories like an air tank, sight, and silencer, it will cost you another $300-$400.
What is it that the rifle excels at doing?
One of my favorite big-bore hunting rifles is the Airforce Texan, which I have customized with a rubber wrap on the pistol grip, swivel studs on the rails, and a power adjustment set for the ammo I typically shoot.
Texans who enjoy shooting have access to a knowledgeable and helpful network of like-minded enthusiasts.
The Texan is a wonderful base vehicle for modifications because it is supported by a large community of skilled tuners and an extensive aftermarket.
I also enjoy that it was produced in the United States, the origin of contemporary huge-bore airgun hunting, which is a plus.
Where does the rifle need to be improved?
To be honest, it took me a bit to get to the point where I felt safe photographing the Texan. A new sensation is imparted by the bottle buttstock.
To compensate for the design, I experimented with aftermarket cheek pieces and pads and installed aftermarket stocks (and there are some good ones out there), but ultimately found that I adapted rather well with the correct scope mounts and practice.
How does the AirForce Texan SS compare to other air rifles?
| Specifications | AirForce Texan SS | Benjamin BullDog | Umarex Hammer | Airforce Condor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .30, .45 | .357 | .50 | .22 |
| Max Velocity | 1270 fps, 1000 fps | 1250 fps | 1000 fps | 1250 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 238 ft/lbs | 200 ft/lbs | 700 ft/lbs | — |
| Loudness | 5-High | 4-Medium-High | 5-High | 5-high |
| Barrel Length | 34.0” | 28.0” | 29.5” | 24.0” |
| Overall Length | 48.0” | 36.0” | 43.75” | 38.75” |
| Shot Capacity | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Barrel | Rifled | Rifled | Rifled | Rifled |
| Front sight | None | None | None | None |
| Rear Sight | None | None | None | None |
| Scopeable | 11 mm dovetail | Weaver/picatinny | Weaver/Picatinny | 11mm dovetail |
| Trigger | Two-stage non-adjustable | Two-stage non-adjustable | — | Two-stage, non-adjustable |
| Buttplate | Adjustable | Rubber | — | Rubber |
| Best for | Hunting | Hunting | Hunting | Hunting |
| Trigger pull | 2.06 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
| Action | Sidelever | Sidelever | Bolt Action | Bolt-Action |
| Safety | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
| Powerplant | Precharged pneumatic | Pre-charged pneumatic | Pre-charged pneumatic | Pre-charged pneumatic |
| Function | Single-shot | Repeater | Repeater | Single-shot |
| Max shots per fill | 12 | 10 | 4 | 50 |
| Weight | 7.65 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 6.1 lbs |
| Cylinder size | 490 cc | 340 cc | 393 cc | 490 cc |
| Stock | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Grip | Ambidextrous | Ambidextrous | Ambidextrous | Ambidextrous |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black |
Conclusion
The Airforce Texan is ideal for hunting, and while there are certain long-range big-bore airgun target competitions, I believe that big-bore airguns were designed for this purpose.
The AirForce Texan is not the cheapest big-bore airgun on the market, but it is priced competitively. When put in the context of the high prices of many other rifles in the category, this becomes even more apparent.
Finally, a rifle that performs well right out of the box but can be tweaked to fit the user’s preferences thanks to the availability of aftermarket components gets great marks from me.
We use big-bore air rifles because it’s fun to try something new, and any of the AirForce Texans is a great option for any hunter, from those who are just getting started with airguns to those who are seasoned veterans.