Hatsan Blitz PCP, Semi/Full Auto, 4.5 mm

The Hatsan Blitz is a PCP air rifle with a selector for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire – and it is exactly that feature that sets the Blitz series apart from most other PCP rifles. In 4.5 mm it delivers up to 350 m/s, and the detachable rotary magazine holds 24 pellets, so you can shoot long strings without reloading. The rifle is built as a full-size rifle with a 585 mm barrel, 1150 mm overall length and a detachable carry handle with built-in fibre-optic sights.

The air comes from a 580 cc carbon fibre cylinder that sits in the fore-end and is filled to 250 bar. Carbon fibre keeps the weight down compared with a steel cylinder of the same volume, and the Blitz ends up at approx. 4000 g – a lot for an air rifle, but necessary to have enough air for automatic fire. Hatsan's air-driven system uses the compressed air itself to cycle the action, so there are no batteries or electronics to maintain.

Hatsan Blitz – key features

The Blitz is built for the shooter who wants both volume and accuracy from the same platform:

• Semi and full auto: A selector switches between single shots and automatic fire. The action is driven by the compressed air itself – there are no batteries or electronics.
• 24-shot magazine – 3 included: In 4.5 mm the detachable rotary magazine holds 24 pellets, and three magazines are included. That gives 72 pellets ready before you need to reload – relevant when full auto empties a magazine in a few seconds.
• 580 cc carbon fibre cylinder, 250 bar: The cylinder is mounted in the fore-end and filled to 250 bar via the supplied quick-fill nipple. A built-in pressure gauge shows the pressure, so you know when it is time to refill.
• Shrouded and choked barrel: The 585 mm precision-rifled barrel is choked and fully enclosed in a shroud. The choke tightens the pellet slightly at the muzzle for a more consistent exit, and the shroud protects the barrel.
• Tactical stock with 3 Picatinny rails: Ambidextrous thumbhole stock with height-adjustable cheek piece and a butt pad that can be adjusted for both height and angle. The receiver takes both 11 mm and 22 mm mounts, and three Picatinny rails on the fore-end give room for a light, bipod or grip.

Maintenance and safety

• Fill pressure: Never fill above 250 bar, and only use dry, filtered air from a high-pressure pump with moisture filter or a scuba/PCP tank. Moisture in the system causes corrosion and leaking seals.
• Keep an eye on the gauge: Hatsan specifies that there must be at least 100 bar in the system for the semi and full-auto action to work correctly. Refill in good time rather than shooting the system empty.
• Magazines and barrel: Keep the magazines free of dirt and lead residue, and clean the barrel with a pull-through and felt pellets as needed – especially when you change pellet type.
• Safe handling: Store the rifle unloaded, with the magazine out and the safety on, in a locked cabinet. Pay extra attention to your backstop when firing full auto, as many pellets leave the barrel in a short time.