Daystate First Daystate ... Wolverine HP R in .22

[ChickenDumpling]

Yeah, I have problem(s) and could not resist - add 1 + 1 does not equal 1 PCP rule. Picked up an Wolverine HP R in .22 out of the classifieds as it eroded my common sense away. Well, I can't justify much on this other than the desire to try a Daystate without the electronic wizardry. Blackwolf ... no, I love my wife and I didn't want things going into the divorce arena. I cooked a deal on the Wolverine with her, but not sure I'll meet the contract conditions. The rifle is in shipping transit and hope to take possession this coming week. For the Daystate owners, how does the Wolverine rank in your collection?

I'll have an update to this after receipt, maybe more questions or maybe not.

 

[EPG]

Hi ChickenD,

I've owned a .22 Wolverine R HP for a few years now, I'll give you my thoughts on the rifle. Mine is the green camo laminate stock - exactly like in this video. My velocities are exactly like in this video.

My thoughts:
Crazy heavy trigger out of the box - see another thread today where I suggest a fix that works well. (heaviest trigger out-of-the box that I've ever experienced on a PCP - and I've owned lots of PCPs from every major brand).

The .22 HP seems to have been designed around a single pellet JSB/FX 25.39g (MRD). It shoots them at 895-900fps as delivered. It shoots 18.13g at 1,025fps and 15.89g at 1,040fps. Stunningly, I have achieved excellent accuracy doing precision target shooting at 30 and 40 yards with 18.13s at that ridiculous velocity (200 in 30-Yard Challenge and 197 at 40 Yard Challenge).

The HP is a very long and bulky feeling rifle in hand. It feels lighter than it looks, but it is not "maneuverable" . Its form is well suited to benchrest.

Daystate drove me crazy with the stupic 0-ring in the shroud carrier - it would rip out and break every time I removed the shroud. It is an unusual size - I was able to get the exact size and some close-to sizes from the O-Ring store that work well. I actually shot some of my best scores with no o-ring installed on the carrier - essentially free-floating the barrel inside the shroud.

Despite its power, the HP has a very nice shot cycle, it is more mellow than you think,

The Wolverine is adjustable for power. You do this via adjusting the length of hammer throw on the Slingshot Hammer. It is straightforward, you have to do it with the stock off. You can also adjust regulator pressure. I've rebuilt my reg, it does take quite a bit of disassembly to adjust regulator. Heck, Daystate uses the same 18mm diameter hammer spring in everything - so you can even swap hammer springs if you desire, lol. The delivered regulator pressure is high - about 162-165bar from Daystate's tune.

The Wolverine R HP CANNOT be decocked like most PCPs! I had a Daystate rep explain that the rifle was designed to have the action open when walking from station to station (field target shooting in mind for the design I guess). With the cocking lever back (open), you cannot fire the rifle. However, you cannot decock by pressing the trigger while holding the cocking lever. Strange "feature".

I've thought many times that I would have preferred the non-HP .22 Wolverine. It is shorter, more maneuverable and shoots 18.13s at "normal" 880fps velocities. The .25 Wolverine R HP seemed a better choice than .22 for the big 600mm barrel HP format. However, the HP barrels are polygonal rifling and the standard barrels are not - and the polygonal have been great shooters for me.

So, I would have recommended the .25 over the .22 if you wanted an HP Wolverine.... until just the past year. Now there are the JSB 20.83g pellets and the JTS/AEA 22.07g. These pellets are ideally suited the the .22 HP's factory power level - they shoot at 925 and 915fps and have been delivering excellent results target shooting. The .22 HP platform always seemed a bit underpowered to me for the 25.39g. At 890fps, I would get great accuracy at 75 yards, but things fell apart quickly at longer distances out to 100. I didn't get good results at 100 - but I'm shooting at a windy "range".

In conclusion, the .22 Wolverine R HP is a bit quirky, but its accurate. You are buying one at the perfect time - as the pellet choices now available suit it better than when I got my .22 HP. Buy yourself some JSB 20.83g and some JTS 22.07g and have some fun.

Hope this helps,

-Ed

 

[tibor]

Hi ChickenD,

I've owned a .22 Wolverine R HP for a few years now, I'll give you my thoughts on the rifle. Mine is the green camo laminate stock - exactly like in this video. My velocities are exactly like in this video.

My thoughts:
Crazy heavy trigger out of the box - see another thread today where I suggest a fix that works well. (heaviest trigger out-of-the box that I've ever experienced on a PCP - and I've owned lots of PCPs from every major brand).

The .22 HP seems to have been designed around a single pellet JSB/FX 25.39g (MRD). It shoots them at 895-900fps as delivered. It shoots 18.13g at 1,025fps and 15.89g at 1,040fps. Stunningly, I have achieved excellent accuracy doing precision target shooting at 30 and 40 yards with 18.13s at that ridiculous velocity (200 in 30-Yard Challenge and 197 at 40 Yard Challenge).

The HP is a very long and bulky feeling rifle in hand. It feels lighter than it looks, but it is not "maneuverable" . Its form is well suited to benchrest.

Daystate drove me crazy with the stupic 0-ring in the shroud carrier - it would rip out and break every time I removed the shroud. It is an unusual size - I was able to get the exact size and some close-to sizes from the O-Ring store that work well. I actually shot some of my best scores with no o-ring installed on the carrier - essentially free-floating the barrel inside the shroud.

Despite its power, the HP has a very nice shot cycle, it is more mellow than you think,

The Wolverine is adjustable for power. You do this via adjusting the length of hammer throw on the Slingshot Hammer. It is straightforward, you have to do it with the stock off. You can also adjust regulator pressure. I've rebuilt my reg, it does take quite a bit of disassembly to adjust regulator. Heck, Daystate uses the same 18mm diameter hammer spring in everything - so you can even swap hammer springs if you desire, lol. The delivered regulator pressure is high - about 162-165bar from Daystate's tune.

The Wolverine R HP CANNOT be decocked like most PCPs! I had a Daystate rep explain that the rifle was designed to have the action open when walking from station to station (field target shooting in mind for the design I guess). With the cocking lever back (open), you cannot fire the rifle. However, you cannot decock by pressing the trigger while holding the cocking lever. Strange "feature".

I've thought many times that I would have preferred the non-HP .22 Wolverine. It is shorter, more maneuverable and shoots 18.13s at "normal" 880fps velocities. The .25 Wolverine R HP seemed a better choice than .22 for the big 600mm barrel HP format. However, the HP barrels are polygonal rifling and the standard barrels are not - and the polygonal have been great shooters for me.

So, I would have recommended the .25 over the .22 if you wanted an HP Wolverine.... until just the past year. Now there are the JSB 20.83g pellets and the JTS/AEA 22.07g. These pellets are ideally suited the the .22 HP's factory power level - they shoot at 925 and 915fps and have been delivering excellent results target shooting. The .22 HP platform always seemed a bit underpowered to me for the 25.39g. At 890fps, I would get great accuracy at 75 yards, but things fell apart quickly at longer distances out to 100. I didn't get good results at 100 - but I'm shooting at a windy "range".

In conclusion, the .22 Wolverine R HP is a bit quirky, but its accurate. You are buying one at the perfect time - as the pellet choices now available suit it better than when I got my .22 HP. Buy yourself some JSB 20.83g and some JTS 22.07g and have some fun.

Hope this helps,

-Ed

that was just terrific.

 

[cavedweller]

Hi ChickenD,

I've owned a .22 Wolverine R HP for a few years now, I'll give you my thoughts on the rifle. Mine is the green camo laminate stock - exactly like in this video. My velocities are exactly like in this video.

My thoughts:
Crazy heavy trigger out of the box - see another thread today where I suggest a fix that works well. (heaviest trigger out-of-the box that I've ever experienced on a PCP - and I've owned lots of PCPs from every major brand).

The .22 HP seems to have been designed around a single pellet JSB/FX 25.39g (MRD). It shoots them at 895-900fps as delivered. It shoots 18.13g at 1,025fps and 15.89g at 1,040fps. Stunningly, I have achieved excellent accuracy doing precision target shooting at 30 and 40 yards with 18.13s at that ridiculous velocity (200 in 30-Yard Challenge and 197 at 40 Yard Challenge).

The HP is a very long and bulky feeling rifle in hand. It feels lighter than it looks, but it is not "maneuverable" . Its form is well suited to benchrest.

Daystate drove me crazy with the stupic 0-ring in the shroud carrier - it would rip out and break every time I removed the shroud. It is an unusual size - I was able to get the exact size and some close-to sizes from the O-Ring store that work well. I actually shot some of my best scores with no o-ring installed on the carrier - essentially free-floating the barrel inside the shroud.

Despite its power, the HP has a very nice shot cycle, it is more mellow than you think,

The Wolverine is adjustable for power. You do this via adjusting the length of hammer throw on the Slingshot Hammer. It is straightforward, you have to do it with the stock off. You can also adjust regulator pressure. I've rebuilt my reg, it does take quite a bit of disassembly to adjust regulator. Heck, Daystate uses the same 18mm diameter hammer spring in everything - so you can even swap hammer springs if you desire, lol. The delivered regulator pressure is high - about 162-165bar from Daystate's tune.

The Wolverine R HP CANNOT be decocked like most PCPs! I had a Daystate rep explain that the rifle was designed to have the action open when walking from station to station (field target shooting in mind for the design I guess). With the cocking lever back (open), you cannot fire the rifle. However, you cannot decock by pressing the trigger while holding the cocking lever. Strange "feature".

I've thought many times that I would have preferred the non-HP .22 Wolverine. It is shorter, more maneuverable and shoots 18.13s at "normal" 880fps velocities. The .25 Wolverine R HP seemed a better choice than .22 for the big 600mm barrel HP format. However, the HP barrels are polygonal rifling and the standard barrels are not - and the polygonal have been great shooters for me.

So, I would have recommended the .25 over the .22 if you wanted an HP Wolverine.... until just the past year. Now there are the JSB 20.83g pellets and the JTS/AEA 22.07g. These pellets are ideally suited the the .22 HP's factory power level - they shoot at 925 and 915fps and have been delivering excellent results target shooting. The .22 HP platform always seemed a bit underpowered to me for the 25.39g. At 890fps, I would get great accuracy at 75 yards, but things fell apart quickly at longer distances out to 100. I didn't get good results at 100 - but I'm shooting at a windy "range".

In conclusion, the .22 Wolverine R HP is a bit quirky, but its accurate. You are buying one at the perfect time - as the pellet choices now available suit it better than when I got my .22 HP. Buy yourself some JSB 20.83g and some JTS 22.07g and have some fun.

Hope this helps,

-Ed

Great post!

 

[Arzrover]

Hi ChickenD,

I've owned a .22 Wolverine R HP for a few years now, I'll give you my thoughts on the rifle. Mine is the green camo laminate stock - exactly like in this video. My velocities are exactly like in this video.

My thoughts:
Crazy heavy trigger out of the box - see another thread today where I suggest a fix that works well. (heaviest trigger out-of-the box that I've ever experienced on a PCP - and I've owned lots of PCPs from every major brand).

The .22 HP seems to have been designed around a single pellet JSB/FX 25.39g (MRD). It shoots them at 895-900fps as delivered. It shoots 18.13g at 1,025fps and 15.89g at 1,040fps. Stunningly, I have achieved excellent accuracy doing precision target shooting at 30 and 40 yards with 18.13s at that ridiculous velocity (200 in 30-Yard Challenge and 197 at 40 Yard Challenge).

The HP is a very long and bulky feeling rifle in hand. It feels lighter than it looks, but it is not "maneuverable" . Its form is well suited to benchrest.

Daystate drove me crazy with the stupic 0-ring in the shroud carrier - it would rip out and break every time I removed the shroud. It is an unusual size - I was able to get the exact size and some close-to sizes from the O-Ring store that work well. I actually shot some of my best scores with no o-ring installed on the carrier - essentially free-floating the barrel inside the shroud.

Despite its power, the HP has a very nice shot cycle, it is more mellow than you think,

The Wolverine is adjustable for power. You do this via adjusting the length of hammer throw on the Slingshot Hammer. It is straightforward, you have to do it with the stock off. You can also adjust regulator pressure. I've rebuilt my reg, it does take quite a bit of disassembly to adjust regulator. Heck, Daystate uses the same 18mm diameter hammer spring in everything - so you can even swap hammer springs if you desire, lol. The delivered regulator pressure is high - about 162-165bar from Daystate's tune.

The Wolverine R HP CANNOT be decocked like most PCPs! I had a Daystate rep explain that the rifle was designed to have the action open when walking from station to station (field target shooting in mind for the design I guess). With the cocking lever back (open), you cannot fire the rifle. However, you cannot decock by pressing the trigger while holding the cocking lever. Strange "feature".

I've thought many times that I would have preferred the non-HP .22 Wolverine. It is shorter, more maneuverable and shoots 18.13s at "normal" 880fps velocities. The .25 Wolverine R HP seemed a better choice than .22 for the big 600mm barrel HP format. However, the HP barrels are polygonal rifling and the standard barrels are not - and the polygonal have been great shooters for me.

So, I would have recommended the .25 over the .22 if you wanted an HP Wolverine.... until just the past year. Now there are the JSB 20.83g pellets and the JTS/AEA 22.07g. These pellets are ideally suited the the .22 HP's factory power level - they shoot at 925 and 915fps and have been delivering excellent results target shooting. The .22 HP platform always seemed a bit underpowered to me for the 25.39g. At 890fps, I would get great accuracy at 75 yards, but things fell apart quickly at longer distances out to 100. I didn't get good results at 100 - but I'm shooting at a windy "range".

In conclusion, the .22 Wolverine R HP is a bit quirky, but its accurate. You are buying one at the perfect time - as the pellet choices now available suit it better than when I got my .22 HP. Buy yourself some JSB 20.83g and some JTS 22.07g and have some fun.

Hope this helps,

-Ed

A lot of very well thought out info here ...
In my view, the term quirky might be extreme but the Wolverine definitely has some limitations. One thing I disagree with above is the 25 cal recommendation. It has a small plenum so WILL NOT achieve real high power except the 303. It will NOT be worth trying to get above 47 fpe even though some have achieved it (Derrick Wall being one). The VERY heavy trigger is not typical from what I've seen but that may depend on definition. I believe they come around 1.5 lb from ours and others that have posted. It can be adjusted heavier but not a lot lighter without some polishing and care. Doing that on ours resulted in an 8 oz trigger that is crisp and nice. (and safe)
On more positive notes, my wife shot one in the first Daystate Owners event that AoA put together and we had been shooting FT for around 25 years. She LOVED the 22 Standard they had out so we went a bit later down to AoA where she test drove a 177 and some other things. It became her Open class FT rig, even over her ProTarget , which is a phenomenal rifle. She has campaigned it quite well when she chose to compete.
She is not a tech type but I can tell you the feel of the rifle (balance, weight, cocking, ergos, and firing behavior ) are why she likes it and it has been supremely reliable in poi and mechanicals. I consider it in the top 5 for firing behavior. Keep in mind that at any given time we have 10 to 15 genuinely capable FT rigs for her to chose from...
The statement that it feels lighter than it looks is accurate. Not sure I'd choose it to carry for hunting but I've definitely carried a lot worse and it feels good offhand, kneeling, or sitting ...
The hammer stroke dictates most of it's tuneability and is not difficult though may be too fussy for trying to change it for every pellet you want to try. For me, the 20 to 22 gn region seems ideal though tuning it down for 16 or 18 is definitely an option and more shot count would be available .
I see criticism of the non adjustable stock, trigger, and power, but to me, it's performance area is well defined and within that, it's a GREAT rifle and I don't believe it will disappoint.
Congratulations on your acquisition
Bob

 

[jps2486]

I recently bought a Wolverine R (non HP) in .177 cal on sale at AOA. I love walnut stocks which I think are going away and I was not disappointed. I chose this caliber potentially to shoot FT because of the power limitations, for general plinking and Daystate’s reputation for accuracy. For those, it excels. 160 shots per fill is truly a reality. I also like .177 caliber as it can do the things I like very well and that's paper punching. Don't sell them short because of the power mongers here. I agree with EPG about the trigger. I could get it down to 20 oz and that’s as far as it goes. I’m working with his suggestion to get it down, but it will never match the 4 oz I had on my RAW HM1000. If I can get it down to 10 oz., I’ll be happy. And why you can’t decock it? Only the safety nuts in in the UK can answer that. I recommend this rifle for its advantages outweigh its disadvantages and it's far better than the cheaper third world guns people seem to be enthralled with today. It's $1379 at AOA which is quite a bargain IMO.

 

[ChickenDumpling]

I recently bought a Wolverine R (non HP) in .177 cal on sale at AOA. I love walnut stocks which I think are going away and I was not disappointed. I chose this caliber potentially to shoot FT because of the power limitations, for general plinking and Daystate’s reputation for accuracy. For those, it excels. 160 shots per fill is truly a reality. I also like .177 caliber as it can do the things I like very well and that's paper punching. Don't sell them short because of the power mongers here. I agree with EPG about the trigger. I could get it down to 20 oz and that’s as far as it goes. I’m working with his suggestion to get it down, but it will never match the 4 oz I had on my RAW HM1000. If I can get it down to 10 oz., I’ll be happy. And why you can’t decock it? Only the safety nuts in in the UK can answer that. I recommend this rifle for its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. $1379 at AOA.View attachment 558595

I too am one for stocks, the more character, the better IMHO. That's a beauty!

 

[PSU]

I know the guilt feelings and the wife concerns been there and still going through it….

The Daystate Wolverine HP R .22 was my introduction into the PCP world. Coming from a model 48 RWS Diana .177 that I got when I was 10. Let’s say the daystate was a huge upgrade and new learning curve for me. Picked up the gun from AOA in 2020 and have loved the gun ever since. I have never touched any adjustments other than the Scope due to experimenting with different pellets. My one and only complaint is the weight of the gun and using it for hunting due to the weight. I just recently picked up a FX Impact M4 .25 to try a bullpup. Time will tell but I don’t think I’ll ever put the daystate back in the corner. It’s too nice of a gun. I’ll share a pic later today of the Daystate. The M4 is still under construction…

 

[RM100GUY]

Nice to see a thread about Wolverines, haven't heard much about them lately. I've got a .177 standard with a Forester stock talk about attractive, often show it to non-airgun people who loose their minds when they see it..."What kind of wood is that!" I never shot it much, I discovered Taipan Veterans about the same time as the Wolv came along...I don't think I e

ven put the mag in it. What's to like (love) about this platform it's no muss no fuss no adjustments just air it up load cock and shoot...repeat...plus out of the box accuracy...not the best trigger but consistent...About a year ago...I was taunting a buddy to buy it from me. (he bought a Royale 400 instead) I shot two 10 shot groups a day apart no warm ups or best group of the day, just printed 10 shots at 55yds and again the next day...yeah one flier per day/group to keep it honest. Does best with JSB 13.43s at around 800fps. Also shot one 30y challenge card with no practice or warm up think it was 194...just to say I did it. Point is no Hassel competive gun out of the box...nothin' else I've got will out shoot it...but the Wolverine is a big bench gun...to me. If you are in the don't want to adjust/fiddle with it, like me...I highly recommend the Wolverine.

 

[Martin3528]

All the comments are right on. I had two, traded the .177 so I could get a wftf gun for the worlds, but now wish I had kept it. The other is a .22 HP and I really like it. My wife shoots it more often than i do, but I do enjoy it. As said, the 18's are a little fast, but I am also going to try some 20 grainers and see how those work. The wolverine is one of the better, all around guns I have shot. You will enjoy it.

 

[Vana2]

I prefer .22 caliber, 30ish fpe PCPs and picked up a .22 Wolverine R (non HP) late last year to compare the Daystate to the others in the gun cabinet.

Generally speaking all my 30 fpe PCPs (S510, Crown, DRS, HW100 and Wolverine) are similar in performance, ergonomics and personal preference would probably be the determining factor in choosing a favorite. That being said, my Crown has been fine tuned and is the most accurate by a small margin.

About the Wolverine R - overall I like it and I'm still shooting it in factory tune configuration. It prefers 15.89 gr JSBs and is putting out 27.6 fpe. Groups (unsorted) are on par with my other PCPs (a couple of "Report Cards" are attached below). The lever is particularly nice, and as noted, the trigger is not overly light. I prefer that the manufacturer sets the trigger at a safe level so that I can adjust it to my liking later. (I'm used to light triggers on my 10 meter airguns, but, I feel that RAW set the trigger on my HM1000x dangerously light for new shooters).

I bought several new airguns last year and am still playing catch-up with evaluations and tuning. Still getting used to the Wolverine.

Cheers!

 

[Emu]

I have Wolverines: HP non regulated in .30, .25 HR HP and non HP and .22 HP HR.

The worst one is the .22.... Pellet picky.... But with the appropriate pellet/ slug, is a very good rifle. It has a 580 cc bottle and gives enough shots per fill on any hunting adventure.

.30 Cal non regulated is the supreme hunter with NSA 61.5 gain slugs. It has a 700 cc bottle -> Real and undefeatable hunter.

.25 HP HR is a superb rifle.

.25 HR non HP is my favorite because of length. Super accurate with JSB 25.4... Comfortable to shoulder even with the 700 cc bottle.

As said above, Wolverines are bulky rifles.