Wolverine or Bantam

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Macloaded

Macloaded

Member
Apr 1, 2018
110
4
Renfrewshire, United Kingdom
I am replacing my old trusty fac theoben rapid seven in. 22 for a new toy. The rapid has severed me well but I can't push it past 24flbs as it is an old 16inch mark one: I am sure someone can but beyond my skills. I have had a look at the Crown and Cricket but they just didn't fit. Will look at the bantam and new wolverine R over the weekend but given most of you guys are state side and thus will have experience of lots of airguns at fac levels of power, any views on either option or one I have missed would be most welcome.

I should add due to fac restrictions I can only have one. 22 airgun over 12flb before someone suggests both, as tempting as that may be. I have already discounted the huntsman due to shot count as will be taking this gun out into the wilds of the Highlands so don't want to be lugging round a charger bottle, hence my preference for a bottle gun. Also already have a streamline in. 25 so looking to try another brand beyond fx. 
 
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Ok, I'll be the first....I have owned the Bantam (I have 3) they are great guns and for what you get one for right now (AOA is selling them new for 899.) I would say save a few hundred and buy the Bantam. I have never owned a Wolverine so I can't speak for them except to say it's Daystate. That means quality. Though Brocock is now owned by Daystate and both companies use Lothar Walther barrels. If the look of the guns makes a difference then I would say Wolverine R (their beautiful ) I have always felt my Bantams have a somewhat utility feel to the way they look....which I like but might not appeal to everyone. If I was going out in the woods hunting and knocking around with the gun then the much shorter length Bantam. Really don't think you could go wrong with either...only you know which one suits your purpose best. Good luck
 
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Thanks Brislee, seems great minds think alike. I am drawn to the wolverine on looks, but the sniper HR is to all intents and purposes the same/similar package in a different wrapper. Will be handling both at the weekend which is the ultimate test, however I would be interested in knowing what your bantams are spitting out, particularly if they are the HR version.


 
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I had a Bantam .25 Beech Hi-Lite (which I liked very much!) and now have a Red Wolf .22HP. I looked closely at the Wolverine R before deciding on the Red Wolf. I went with the Red Wolf largely because of the three power levels, the amazing trigger, and incredibly light side lever operation. My use for the Red Wolf will mostly be for shooting from a rest on my back property, so the long length of the rifle is not an issue.

For hunting and tromping around in the woods, I would go with the Bantam or Bantam Sniper. The compact form factor being a major consideration for that application. 

In speaking with Robert (owner of AoA) yesterday, he said he thinks the new Sniper is one of the best air rifles you can buy right now. And Robert knows his stuff! 

The FX Wildcat MkII is another that I think would be great for woods carry. Beautiful rifle. But the Bantam might be a little more reliable, perhaps.

So, either the regular Bantam or the Bantam Sniper would be ideal, in my view, for carrying around out in the woods. I would not want to do that with a Wolverine or a Red Wolf.
 
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I have owned both and both are nice guns...here's my take on it. The Bantam is way more utilitarian...nothing fancy but gets the job done. Dependable high shot count rifle that balances well for off hand shooting. On the.other hand the Wolverine R is more of a heirloom quality rifle..yea it will get the job done hunting but it's also the one you keep going back to hold it and caress it. Has sexier lines and a super smooth side lever and is very consistent with the Huma reg in it. To me I'd spend the extra $$$ and buy the wolverine all day long.
 
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Kdog that is likely what will happen on Saturday as already set aside the readies for the Wolverine, however being able to save £500 or so by opting for the Bantam still appeals. Thanks everyone for the Bantam pointers, from the look of it the HR version ought to get a decent number of shots given the unregged version shoots 80+ consistent shots. Last question, are the brocock barrels pellet fussy? 
 
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I'll second that, since I bought Kdog's Bantam. It shoots the 10.3 JSB at 925 fps on Medium, and shoots penny sized groups at 52 yards. Same performance with the H&N 10.65 grain pellets at 910 FPS. And even shoots the 13.4 grain "old" Monsters pretty well if you get them less than 810 FPS, maybe nickel sized groups. None of the above pellets shot that great on High, where it was shooting all three of them too fast, so I only use Medium on that gun. I guess I could have lowered the HST, but wasn't sure how to do that, and didn't need to figure it out with the 3 position power adjust.
 
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I have a non-regulated .22 Bantam. The weight, size, balance, shot count and accuracy are all great. The only drawback, if you can call it that, is the bolt versus lever action.

JSB 18.13 = 880 FPS

JSB 15.89 = 910

H&N 21.14 = 830

Crosman 14.3 = 920
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Thanks for this great info!! 

I'm looking at the Sniper but may only be able to afford the Bantam.....those numbers look great! 
 
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My Bantam Hi-Lite Beech .25 caliber was a sweet little rifle. Excellent form factor. Light, nimble, accurate, and very hard hitting with JSB 25s! I would be quite happy to have it back again!

Yes, the Wolverine R is an alluring and wonderful rifle. But it is considerably larger, less wieldy than the Bantam or Bantam Sniper, and much more costly.

This is what it comes down to: if you're accepting and happy with the extra length and the extra cost of the Wolverine R, I'd say go for it.

On the other hand, if you would enjoy the more compact form-factor and much lower cost... you will certainly appreciate and very much enjoy the Bantam or Bantam Sniper.

You can't really go wrong either way, depending on your application/use, your budget, and your shooting preferences.
 
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Went with the walnut as I am a bit old fashioned in regards to my guns, having said that opted for the carbon fibre bottle as the balance was perfect. Should arrive at my rdf's shop in the next few weeks. Now I will have to pick out a decent scope and moderator to do the gun justice, my wallet will be as empty as a hermits address book for the next month or so as a result but definitely worth it. 
 
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Went with the walnut as I am a bit old fashioned in regards to my guns, having said that opted for the carbon fibre bottle as the balance was perfect. Should arrive at my rdf's shop in the next few weeks. Now I will have to pick out a decent scope and moderator to do the gun justice, my wallet will be as empty as a hermits address book for the next month or so as a result but definitely worth it.
Click to expand...

I thought the new Wolverine R comes with a Huggett moderator. Not decent enough?
 
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Peskadot, in UK fac rated rifles require a slot for a moderator, hence fac powered airguns don't come with a moderator, you have to purchase it separately if your fac certificate provides for it. Strange law as no way of knowing if an airgun moderator is for sub 12 or fac but the law is the law. Also no issues with moderators for shotguns but I ain't going to argue about this as love my wee hushpower 410.

Dhart just moved three airguns out to pay for the Wolverine R so the wife can't complain if another two new ones creep back in. Would love a sub 12flb 177 huntsman, will maybe try picking one up second hand once my wallet has recovered 
 
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