looking to buy a bullpup but which one?

Ok, I took a chance and sent an E-mail to Vulcan. Figured they'll never answer... WRONG! Couple hours later, were chatting. Nice! I asked about the Vulcan Rifle and chance of a .30 cal in the future. Here is the answer-

Dear Scott, VULCAN Tactic will go on sale in late August.We are engaged in the project of 9 mm caliber rifle.It will be shown at the exhibition IVA2016 Best regards,Evgeny
 
I shoot two Cricket,s in cal.22 & 25. I have the synthetic stocked versions with the magazine holders built into the stock. 
On the plus side both are very accurate and reliable. On the minus side they, particularly the 22, are quite heavy and the side lever is awkwardly position at the very rear.
Given current availability I would opt for the FX Wildcat which is much lighter and has the cocking lever situated in a much better position.
 
"TonyT"I shoot two Cricket,s in cal.22 & 25. I have the synthetic stocked versions with the magazine holders built into the stock. 
On the plus side both are very accurate and reliable. On the minus side they, particularly the 22, are quite heavy and the side lever is awkwardly position at the very rear.
Given current availability I would opt for the FX Wildcat which is much lighter and has the cocking lever situated in a much better position.
I am very interested in the Wildcat for that very same reason but they are going to have to get the bugs worked out before I consider buying one, there are just too many guys having trouble with theirs. If I were going to buy one today, it would be a Vulcan.
 
"keysersoze"I do not feel the WC is the same quality build as the Bobcat. The price difference reflects as well. The real comparison is between the bobcat and the Vulcan. I put both of these models on the top tier list of bullpups. The WC is more in line with the JKhan bullpup. There isn’t really any other way to put it. 

Interesting. Why do you say the WC isn't the same quality as the Bobcat? What specific differences are you referring to?

to the original poster; Vulcan vs. WC; be sure to compare apples to apples. The Vulcan comes with a case and an extra magazine. if you added the FX case for $109 and an extra magazine for $40 that bring the price to $1,450, only $100 less than the Vulcan. 

Re: AmericanAirArms; it sure looks promising but I wouldn't wait for it. It's one thing to take a risk on a brand new model from an established gun maker and another thing to take a risk on the first model coming out of a new company. Curious if anyone has any backstory on AAA and the principals behind it?

 
"keysersoze"The bobcat is a higher quality gun compared to the Wildcat and I would recommend the Vulcan over the bobcat. From the reports so far I would wait on the wildcat, I think we are going to see a wildcat 2 sooner than later.
I have handled the Bobcat, WildCat, and Vulcan. I disagree with your assessment. The WildCat is equal quality to the Bobcat - it just has a simpler design. The Vulcan is certainly heavier than the WildCat, but that does not lead me to believe it is better built. For my part, I much prefer the mechanical advantage of the side-cocking lever to that of a bolt action. Yes, we are seeing a few o-ring quirks with a small percentage of the first shipment of WildCats. From what I can tell, it looks like 5 or 6 guns out of hundreds - not an epidemic. And, FX is undoubtedly on this problem like white on rice. I don't think a "2.0" is anywhere on the horizon. An slight o-ring quirk is not grounds for reinventing the wheel.
 
"Ted"
Yes, we are seeing a few o-ring quirks with a small percentage of the first shipment of WildCats. From what I can tell, it looks like 5 or 6 guns out of hundreds - not an epidemic. And, FX is undoubtedly on this problem like white on rice. I don't think a "2.0" is anywhere on the horizon. An slight o-ring quirk is not grounds for reinventing the wheel.
Well said Sir. That's exactly what I've been thinking.

I just made a video to show the WC .25 sound, check it out..... btw Ted, I blame you for my first YouTube upload ever. People want to see video of this gun and you're taking too long! ;) Just kidding man, I have a life too outside of guns and fun stuff, but it is fun! And thanks for all your great videos. Many good ones for sure. 

 
Doesn't sound quiet on the video. Sounds like every other airgun video. Those sound meters on a phone are for constant noise like the whistle you did. Much longer duration than a millisecond airgun firing

As far as quality goes well Ted is the FX expert. I just feel bad now for all those Bobcat owners that paid more for equal quality with a simpler design. Bummer.
 
"keysersoze"Doesn't sound quiet on the video. Sounds like every other airgun video. Those sound meters on a phone are for constant noise like the whistle you did. Much longer duration than a millisecond airgun firing

As far as quality goes well Ted is the FX expert. I just feel bad now for all those Bobcat owners that paid more for equal quality with a simpler design. Bummer.

You Sir, are a HATER! :) You are man, I don't know why and I don't care why. But for you to say the WC isn't comparable quality to the Bobcat and provide no examples why just isn't a good argument. 

People are trying to get a fair understanding of something they'll probably never see until they purchase it. I'm trying to help. Your comments need some sort supporting evidence if you want to help. 
 
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I know that Tom of American air arms is and has had a few rifles out already and r being tested by shooters being used now and only way to know is to see if the test of time will they hold up he and his guys are being the beta testers rather than the public the quality of materials he's using come on titanium I'm close enough to drive to his shop and me and my gang will surely be amongst the first to have and will let everyone know how it is beig as we can drive there I feel it's safe anything every happen we drive back to his shop but AAA look very promising!! I stand firm in my opinion the Vulcan and wildcat isn't even on the same teir worlds apart the lever action may be nifty but I'd prefer it just tonsimply work! when I call on it simple is better I still have an old chevy I have to climb out and lock the hub caps and manually drop the gear down into 4 low but dam it u know it's in 4x4 mode I have a brand new Cherokee and the touch button 4x4 albeit conveinant and snazy it failed and I had to have it towed off the beach secondly in my preference also would be to use my left hand to cock it keeping my cheek weld for getting off fast shots and let's not forget about the leftys always left out Vulcan bolt can be switched to other side just my opion but I also feel bad for bobcat owners (me) my gun just depreciated 600 bucks since it's the same quality as the wildcat 😤 I also feel my bobcat is sturdier built and time will tell if I'm correct aftert aoa fixed the issue none other issues with bobcat to speak of it indexes it's never ever jamed!!!
 
"keysersoze"As far as quality goes well Ted is the FX expert. I just feel bad now for all those Bobcat owners that paid more for equal quality with a simpler design. Bummer.
I am not "the FX expert", and I never claimed to be. But, I do know that the Bobcat has a higher shot-count and adjustable power. It also has removable air cylinders (while remaining pressurized). These features do not come without added cost. Furthermore, I don't believe for one second that you "feel bad" for anyone. You would like nothing more than if every FX gun were to fall apart, so you can say how right you were all along. I have no idea why you carry your banner. But, consider this: If FX guns really were as inferior as you would like people to believe, you wouldn't have to work so hard trying to convince everyone.
 
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Ok a rod you wanted a mor complete answer ill give you one.

First off posting video in order to quantify decibels is worthless

Don't believe me ? Listen how mouse fart quiet these 12 gauge shotguns sound. You don't even need hearing protection...


Secondly I wasn't being sarcastic. When it comes to FX guns Ted is an expert. Ted is an expert in the same way that Frederick is, why would I argue with him? My opinion of the Bobcat vs Wildcat is based on the fact that I am a full retail paying airgunner. I just like all of you have to pay a lot of money for these toys. I like how the Bobcat cocks, cycles, the trigger and the overall feel of the gun. Objectively the Bobcat had a better shot string and a better sound report. My best analysis is the Bobcat is based on the royale and the wildcat feels like a monsoon.

I have owned a ton of airguns (I have an addiction). I currently have several currently in my safe. I know there is no perfect machine. At the same time I have moved past "fanboy-itis", my feelsings won't be hurt no manner what you buy. I don't get paid to write reviews or express my opinion.


Ps Ted I own FX guns too. I don't like the Wildcat. And you don't know me. I do feel bad for guys I know who have watched their investment's resale value get crushed
 
Arod, nice video. The shape of the space you are shooting from is akin to an amphitheater directing sound that would be dissipated in the other direction forward making more sound in front of you. So the gun is likely quieter in an open field. So while not a perfect test it is a great example. 

I followed Tom's thread as he machined and experimented building the .357 Slayer. Of course now I can't find my bookmark for that thread. It looks bomb proof and it's very quiet. Especially for a heavy hitter. I have to give it one demerit for that rear cocking lever. Super reliable I'm sure, I just prefer side cocking for reasons of comfort. If their .30 cal Sport Pup is super quiet and accurate with that stated 40 shot per fill or the .25 Sport Pup is equally quiet and silent with the estimated shot count of 80 then I may have to make an exception. Of course the gun is not out and the price is not set. 

For me me the top contenders are the Vulcan .25, tied for second are the Vulcan Tactic and FX Impact that aren't even out yet, third is one of the Sport Pups at an unknown price that come out in December. 80 silent shots in a bomb proof build merits looking into. I was not able to read anything about use of a regulator in those American Air Arms guns. Chime in please if I missed it. 

It it will be interesting to see if the manufacturers can make those August target dates for shipping. Then to see how those guns perform. It's too bad, I was looking to purchase around August...
 
Ted, are you using the Mark 2 Bobcat? From what I was gathering, since mark 2 had the fill port in the front using a probe, it was NOT a removable bottle under pressure. Am I mistaken? 

My plan is to get the Bobcat Mark2 that I already have on order with AoA and then work on getting the Impact. The higher shot count per fill really is the main selling point so far between the BC & WC for me so far. Using the same barrel, smooth twist, I can't see too much changing in the accuracy department between the two. 

You mentioned the BC has the adjustable power levels. On the Mark 2 there are 2 if I am not mistaken. The WC does not have the wheel? I guess I was getting confused with the Impact having the 5 power adjustment wheel. BC, WC and Impact are all 3 internally regulated now. The Impact having the bottle able to hold a charge off the gun is a huge selling point for me also. I can see having a second CF bottle on hand instead of bringing my 4500psi CF tank to refill whats on the gun. 

Price points... Well,
BC mark 2 in .25 starts @ ~1750 available now 
-- higher shot count and higher (470) capacity air tube
WC in .25 is @ ~1300 Slowly shipping NOW
-- smaller air tube (300?)
Impact .25 without the rest of the barrels is @ ~1900 preorder for September
-- CF air tank in 470 for the same capacity as the BC


With the Impact, there leaves some questions on holding zero. Also for different calibers. Am I going to get a separate scope and rings/ quick disconnect rings for each calibre I want to not have to readjust the scope each time for the respective calibers? Will it hold zero after a calibre switch and then back to the starting caliber? Since the Impact is using an AR style design. There are already Off the shelf grips for it. Having the side rails already will allow for some better night illumination options without additional drilling/ tinkering with the platform. Bottom too for the bipod or if someone wants to get true AR style, a Grip Pod.

My shooting style is this. I like to grab and go. Most of the time I might not have time to readjust zero and then take a shot. Lots of the time I am running and find myself with a very limited hunt time and am able to get off a couple shots before I have to leave. Then the gun is put away and when I take her out the next time I want to be ready to knock them down with little setup. 


I'm not a fan boy/ Was considering the Benjamin Bull Dog at one point. Ugly factor kicked in...
 
"keysersoze"Ps Ted I own FX guns too. I don't like the Wildcat. And you don't know me. I do feel bad for guys I know who have watched their investment's resale value get crushed



And, you don't know me, KZ. But, that didn't stop you from drawing your own conclusions about my "motives" on the Talon Forum. Maybe you should return to that forum, since you felt it was "Way better than Ted's ummmm I mean AoA's lame forum "

http://talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=31744

*Mods feel free to delete this, or even give me a "time out". I don't get worked up about much, but when I spend 5 months of my life building a forum, and then have to swallow watching people take advantage of it that have knowingly tried to smear my credibility......well, I guess I take that personal.
Dodge3500 - sorry for sacking your thread. I will take some time away.

I am starting to remember why I disappeared from the other forums.....
 
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