Standard is better in my opinion. as read in reviews standard gives more shots and is quieter.
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Taipan Mutant
- Thread starter zebra
- Start date
I'm interested to hear what refinements you would like to see to make it top dog as you've had yours longer than me?
I have a few thoughts but it's mostly very minor stuff like the coating on the air tube and shroud. The only thing of substance so far is how I would change the stock but I haven't finished going through it yet.
I keep looking at Ernest's mini 30 and thinking that I need to learn how to use a lathe so I can make stuff like that myself. There is a maker space near where I live where you can rent a desk for $30 per day and have access to lathes and mills etc. just need to learn to use them without killing everyone else there first....
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Zebra,
There are a lot of post on how to replace Orings and take the gun apart over on Tag site,
Hoot posted them up on the Mutant site over there.
Mike
There are a lot of post on how to replace Orings and take the gun apart over on Tag site,
Hoot posted them up on the Mutant site over there.
Mike
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961)]A little more info on the Mutant for anyone thinking of buying one. [/color] Here's some stuff I like: Check out the design of the action and how it interfaces with the in-letting on the stock:
The breach block has a flat underside along with the barrel bands and receiver block so it has more contact points with the inletting than other bullpups. The section under the breach in the Cricket stock is a hole (for the trigger mechanism) with no support which isn't as stable. The trigger link rod and main trigger mechanism are raised in the mutant design so they don't get in the way. Good idea.
It has these tiny screws on most of the external components to allow you to either lock them in place or decide how tight you want them:
The screws help you make sure the shroud, barrel and power adjuster etc always go back to the same position and then stay locked there unless you are making adjustments. Also the fill port cover won't become loose over time. The flip side is that you can't adjust the hammer spring tension or remove the shroud without getting out your Allen keys but I don't think that is something you'd be adjusting in the field anyway.
It comes with a "tool" to remove the end cap on the shroud to allow you to add extensions (not that it's needed). It's not welded on like it is on some. The key benefit I see (other than cleaning and replacing damaged baffles) is that you could probably move the components to a carbon fiber tube fairly easily to enjoy the same performance in a nicer looking skin.
I checked the barrel. It looks the same as the CZ one on the 22 Cricket with those straight grooves visible at the muzzle end. I assume this means the "authentic CZ barrel" description is accurate. The barrel is approx 13" on the shorty btw. The air tube has an outside diameter of 1 3/8". The shroud uses a 30mm tube (1.181"), not that big considering how effective it is. I can see a little of the inside and the design looks different to what I have seen on others. I'll open it up at some point to check it out properly (not that I understand what I'd be looking at...)
Overall, the feeling you get from the Mutant action is that it's very solid. There is no play or flimsiness.
Now onto the bad and the ugly... There is a large gap between the quality of the stock and the rest of the gun. I am not just talking about the choice of wood or the roughness of it's finish. When I took it out of the stock, I noticed that the screw hole over the pistol grip was damaged:
The finish inside the stock is worse than the outside. It has no coating at all and feels like rough, unsanded bare wood. The wood is very thin at the side walls of the inletting too. Thin, delicate and uncoated is not a good combination in a wood stock. I would be thinking of pillar-bedding this stock if I intended to keep using it. Looking at the screw size, I believe Remington 700 pillars would fit.
The disparity in quality of workmanship between the stock and the rest of it suggests that they are using a 3rd party for the woodwork. It might be time to find a new supplier. Their work is not good. If it's made in-house, maybe time to find a 3rd party stock maker... I say this (as) constructively (as possible) because the gun is so good, it deserves a better stock.
Also, for anyone thinking about re-shaping the angular stock design into something more attractive, you should know that there is not a lot of excess material to work with. You can't tell from the pics but the fore-grip section is considerably thinner than the Cricket stock. It obviously saves some weight but you won't be shaving much off without making it unstable. I would recommend painting it and adding material with epoxy putty to change the shape without causing more issues. That would also allow things like screw holes to be repaired without making it noticeable where you've been working.
Perhaps the Shorty would be better with a grip frame and a recoil pad attached to the breach block instead of a stock (like on the FX Impact). The raised trigger link design means the little that is exposed could easily be covered and using the front of the air cylinder as a foregrip would probably work too. Metal-work seems to be a better skill-set for these guys than woodwork....
The breach block has a flat underside along with the barrel bands and receiver block so it has more contact points with the inletting than other bullpups. The section under the breach in the Cricket stock is a hole (for the trigger mechanism) with no support which isn't as stable. The trigger link rod and main trigger mechanism are raised in the mutant design so they don't get in the way. Good idea.
It has these tiny screws on most of the external components to allow you to either lock them in place or decide how tight you want them:
The screws help you make sure the shroud, barrel and power adjuster etc always go back to the same position and then stay locked there unless you are making adjustments. Also the fill port cover won't become loose over time. The flip side is that you can't adjust the hammer spring tension or remove the shroud without getting out your Allen keys but I don't think that is something you'd be adjusting in the field anyway.
It comes with a "tool" to remove the end cap on the shroud to allow you to add extensions (not that it's needed). It's not welded on like it is on some. The key benefit I see (other than cleaning and replacing damaged baffles) is that you could probably move the components to a carbon fiber tube fairly easily to enjoy the same performance in a nicer looking skin.
I checked the barrel. It looks the same as the CZ one on the 22 Cricket with those straight grooves visible at the muzzle end. I assume this means the "authentic CZ barrel" description is accurate. The barrel is approx 13" on the shorty btw. The air tube has an outside diameter of 1 3/8". The shroud uses a 30mm tube (1.181"), not that big considering how effective it is. I can see a little of the inside and the design looks different to what I have seen on others. I'll open it up at some point to check it out properly (not that I understand what I'd be looking at...)
Overall, the feeling you get from the Mutant action is that it's very solid. There is no play or flimsiness.
Now onto the bad and the ugly... There is a large gap between the quality of the stock and the rest of the gun. I am not just talking about the choice of wood or the roughness of it's finish. When I took it out of the stock, I noticed that the screw hole over the pistol grip was damaged:
The finish inside the stock is worse than the outside. It has no coating at all and feels like rough, unsanded bare wood. The wood is very thin at the side walls of the inletting too. Thin, delicate and uncoated is not a good combination in a wood stock. I would be thinking of pillar-bedding this stock if I intended to keep using it. Looking at the screw size, I believe Remington 700 pillars would fit.
The disparity in quality of workmanship between the stock and the rest of it suggests that they are using a 3rd party for the woodwork. It might be time to find a new supplier. Their work is not good. If it's made in-house, maybe time to find a 3rd party stock maker... I say this (as) constructively (as possible) because the gun is so good, it deserves a better stock.
Also, for anyone thinking about re-shaping the angular stock design into something more attractive, you should know that there is not a lot of excess material to work with. You can't tell from the pics but the fore-grip section is considerably thinner than the Cricket stock. It obviously saves some weight but you won't be shaving much off without making it unstable. I would recommend painting it and adding material with epoxy putty to change the shape without causing more issues. That would also allow things like screw holes to be repaired without making it noticeable where you've been working.
Perhaps the Shorty would be better with a grip frame and a recoil pad attached to the breach block instead of a stock (like on the FX Impact). The raised trigger link design means the little that is exposed could easily be covered and using the front of the air cylinder as a foregrip would probably work too. Metal-work seems to be a better skill-set for these guys than woodwork....
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Here's a pic of the Shorty next to a Cricket 25 for reference on the size:
![](http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb447/Zebracf/image.jpg1_zpstddb2mre.jpg"][img]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/Zebracf/media/image.jpg1_zpstddb2mre.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb447/Zebracf/image.jpg1_zpstddb2mre.jpg)
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I have to say, it's great to have the Cricket back from Ernest. He did an awesome job of fixing it. It's not often that a repair leaves something better than it was from the factory but that's what I got. Ernest's components are significantly higher quality. He machined a titanium valve stem (the old one snapped) and replaced that awful plastic hammer spring adjuster (which stripped on it's 3rd ever use). I wish air gun manufacturers would stop using plastic for threaded components.
![](http://[url="http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/Zebracf/media/image.jpg1_zpstddb2mre.jpg.html)
[/IMG][/URL]I have to say, it's great to have the Cricket back from Ernest. He did an awesome job of fixing it. It's not often that a repair leaves something better than it was from the factory but that's what I got. Ernest's components are significantly higher quality. He machined a titanium valve stem (the old one snapped) and replaced that awful plastic hammer spring adjuster (which stripped on it's 3rd ever use). I wish air gun manufacturers would stop using plastic for threaded components.
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My thoughts about the Mutant mirror what Zebra posted above. My biggest gripe with the Mutant is the stock. The stock gives the initial impression that the rifle is of a lower quality than it actually is. The machine work, fit / finish, design, and function of the action and rifle itself is absolutely phenomenal. Sitting along side my Daystate Airwolf, which I personally consider to be in the top tier of air rifles, the mutant is right there with it. The stock on the other hand.... Compared to a "good quality" and well designed stock, the ergonomics of the Mutant stock leave much to be desired. The grip angle feels strange to me, especially when I jump back and forth between air rifles. The heel drop in the butt of the stock feels too high, I might install an adjustable pad to see if that solves it. Aside from my opinion on the functional aspect of the stock, it just looks cheap and plain. The stocks that Osyda is building for the rifle look more in tune to what it deserves. I have absolutely no accuracy issues with my rifle, but as Zebra also noted, the bedding (lack thereof) and stock to action interface is less than desirable.
For the money, the Mutant is a bargain in my opinion. It shoots as well as my Airwolf which cost me over 2x more than the Mutant. I get 5 magazines (60 shots) from a 220 bar fill with 18.1 JSB's at 895 FPS. The action is butter smooth. The trigger is great. It is very quiet in factory form. The magazine design is simple and works flawlessly. I bought my Mutant from Anthony @ Talon Tunes on the deal he is currently running and honestly would have gladly paid more for the rifle if I had to... I like it that much.
For the money, the Mutant is a bargain in my opinion. It shoots as well as my Airwolf which cost me over 2x more than the Mutant. I get 5 magazines (60 shots) from a 220 bar fill with 18.1 JSB's at 895 FPS. The action is butter smooth. The trigger is great. It is very quiet in factory form. The magazine design is simple and works flawlessly. I bought my Mutant from Anthony @ Talon Tunes on the deal he is currently running and honestly would have gladly paid more for the rifle if I had to... I like it that much.
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Please can you tell me if the screw hole over the pistol grip in your mutant stock looks like mine? A guy from WildWest is claiming that they are all like that for reasons of "alignment" but the one in this pic is not like mine:
![](http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y486/GKU1/HP-HPE/AirGuns/Mutant%20Shorty/P7191751_zpsupcfwgpt.jpg"][img]http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/GKU1/media/HP-HPE/AirGuns/Mutant%20Shorty/P7191751_zpsupcfwgpt.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y486/GKU1/HP-HPE/AirGuns/Mutant%20Shorty/P7191751_zpsupcfwgpt.jpg)
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I find it hard to believe that the one with the neat round screw hole is wrong while my uneven damaged looking one is correct but I'd like a second opinion before I respond.
Btw, I think the weird feeling in the grip you describe is more to do with the pores in the wood not being filled that it's shape. It feels weird to me too. I tried wrapping it and it felt more comfortable. Either way I'm looking forward to finishing my diy stock for it.
![](http://[url="http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/GKU1/media/HP-HPE/AirGuns/Mutant%20Shorty/P7191751_zpsupcfwgpt.jpg.html)
[/IMG][/URL]I find it hard to believe that the one with the neat round screw hole is wrong while my uneven damaged looking one is correct but I'd like a second opinion before I respond.
Btw, I think the weird feeling in the grip you describe is more to do with the pores in the wood not being filled that it's shape. It feels weird to me too. I tried wrapping it and it felt more comfortable. Either way I'm looking forward to finishing my diy stock for it.
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I myself do not care that much about the Mutant stock, I am not a big fan of wood stock, I like the synthetic stuff,
Give me accuracy, Give me accuracy!!!! Give me a good synthetic stock and accurate,
I can make a gun pretty, Its a little harder to make one accurate,,,
What if there was only one PCP gun, Man-0- Man that would suck.
Zebra
You need to make a Carbon fiber stock for the Mutant, And where is my Carbon Fiber stock I ordered for my Cricket!!!!!
Can you ship it ASAP.
Mike
Give me accuracy, Give me accuracy!!!! Give me a good synthetic stock and accurate,
I can make a gun pretty, Its a little harder to make one accurate,,,
What if there was only one PCP gun, Man-0- Man that would suck.
Zebra
You need to make a Carbon fiber stock for the Mutant, And where is my Carbon Fiber stock I ordered for my Cricket!!!!!
Can you ship it ASAP.
Mike
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I've already started working on a new Mutant stock. This is the inletting mold which is the most important bit:
With this I can fit the Mutant action into any bullpup stock pattern I like (including a Cricket stock). I prefer synthetic stocks for bullpups too. It's not just the look, they don't warp in warm and cold weather. They just have to be made strong enough to not flex. I haven't decided what I'm going to make my Mutant stock out of yet. I'm thinking to use a blend of materials.
I like wood for full length rifles but only if it's particularly nice wood like you get on Daystate guns. It's like they recognize that they charge a premium and make sure you get a product that looks the part so you don't wonder where your money went. They look special.
Stocks are important. Many PCP guns look the same once you remove the stock. A poor quality stock can cause all kinds of accuracy issues too. I don't think the mutant stock will cause accuracy issue as the inletting design is good. I think that it's issues are more to do with comfort, aesthetics and durability. Luckily, it's issues are easily fixed and it's good enough to be worth the trouble.
Most of the stock issues could be fixed with a piece of sandpaper, some $7 aluminum pillars and a can of spray paint.
With this I can fit the Mutant action into any bullpup stock pattern I like (including a Cricket stock). I prefer synthetic stocks for bullpups too. It's not just the look, they don't warp in warm and cold weather. They just have to be made strong enough to not flex. I haven't decided what I'm going to make my Mutant stock out of yet. I'm thinking to use a blend of materials.
I like wood for full length rifles but only if it's particularly nice wood like you get on Daystate guns. It's like they recognize that they charge a premium and make sure you get a product that looks the part so you don't wonder where your money went. They look special.
Stocks are important. Many PCP guns look the same once you remove the stock. A poor quality stock can cause all kinds of accuracy issues too. I don't think the mutant stock will cause accuracy issue as the inletting design is good. I think that it's issues are more to do with comfort, aesthetics and durability. Luckily, it's issues are easily fixed and it's good enough to be worth the trouble.
Most of the stock issues could be fixed with a piece of sandpaper, some $7 aluminum pillars and a can of spray paint.
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Here is the first Mutant bedding block made from the inletting mold:
Once I cut out that oval section for the trigger with my trusty Dremel and mini end mill bit, the Mutant action should fit like a glove. I can then model the rest of the stock around it or, I can simply fit it to a composite stock blank I happen to have ready like this:
Once I cut out that oval section for the trigger with my trusty Dremel and mini end mill bit, the Mutant action should fit like a glove. I can then model the rest of the stock around it or, I can simply fit it to a composite stock blank I happen to have ready like this:
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The Mutant Shorty fits in the bedding block perfectly but the gun seems too short to fit in the Steyr AUG stock unless I increase the length of pull by a few inches.
It makes it more like one of those hybrids such as the Vulcan tactic than a pure bullpups and they confuse me. The extra length does make it more comfortable though.
Even in this early stage the Mutant looks like a different gun when you give it a new dress. She scrubs up well! I'm feeling all creative and inspired and stuff.
It makes it more like one of those hybrids such as the Vulcan tactic than a pure bullpups and they confuse me. The extra length does make it more comfortable though.
Even in this early stage the Mutant looks like a different gun when you give it a new dress. She scrubs up well! I'm feeling all creative and inspired and stuff.
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Keep it coming Zebra...I am loving it! 
I may have to dust off your old thread on carbon fiber stock-making and have a go at it myself soon!
I may have to dust off your old thread on carbon fiber stock-making and have a go at it myself soon! Upvote 0
I just installed a 1/2 20 adapter from D man a Donny LDC the D man gave me free, My Mutant shorty is so quiet I thought the pellet stuck in the barrel, The sparrow went down at 48 yards, There is a limit to quietness, and the only way to make the Mutant shorty quieter is to let all the air out of the gun and whisper bang bang.
I now no what quiet is , My LDC Crickets sound like shot guns .
The only reason I want quiet is not to spook my game, ( sparrows)
This gun just continues to make me speechless, Flips me out,
Mike
I now no what quiet is , My LDC Crickets sound like shot guns .
The only reason I want quiet is not to spook my game, ( sparrows)
This gun just continues to make me speechless, Flips me out,
Mike
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ive seen excellent short shot strings . has anybody posted a 40-50 shot string.
im wondering what the spread would be.
i bought one that came with a 12 shot string with a 24 fps spread but i think most are much better than that?
im wondering what the spread would be.
i bought one that came with a 12 shot string with a 24 fps spread but i think most are much better than that?
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Thanks. Looks like the hole is not meant to be like the one on my stock. Now that I think about it, I can't believe I entertained the notion that any screw hole was not meant to be round even for a second.... It doesn't even sound like it might be true..."fe7565"Here are the stock mounting bolt holes on my Standard:
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My Mutant Short ready to shoot is 7lbs 11oz and I consider it already extremely light and compact for a bullpup. Yes the stock isn't as pleasing on the eyes as many others on the market but it's functional. I commend your efforts to make an even lighter CF stock but I think you'll end up making it too light and end up with a top heavy gun that's harder to shoot. It will basically sway side to side and you'll have to compensate to hold it steady in some shooting situations. If you want a lighter Mutant, I suggest getting a lighter scope first. If you've already done that, I don't see the point of making an already light woodstock even lighter unless you're going for aesthetics only. I personally think this gun setup with a compact scope that's not top or tip heavy at or under 8lbs is the right balance.
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I can believe it. Mine is super quiet as it comes. Far quieter than any other 22 I have heard. I did a little test of firing a shot into the ground while a neighbor across the street was in his driveway and he didn't even look up to see what the noise was. It didn't even register. That's the definition of "backyard friendly".
The only reason I'd use an additional ldc would be out of curiosity to see just how quiet it is possible to get. It's quiet enough indoors to not be heard by my wife in the room above.
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