Air Arms S510 SL
The test rifle is an example of the third incarnation of Air Arms mainstream pneumatic rifles, starting with the S300 bolt action PCP, refined with the single or multi-shot S400/S410 series and now a major design overhaul in the S500/510 series. Throughout their history these mid-priced PCPs have offered accuracy, reliability and value for money, making them favourites with the hunting community, and lately also with HFT competitors. In the past some S300 and S400 rifles have even been pressed into service for the highly specialised sport of field target shooting – and they’ve done well there too.
The S500/510 SL series show several modifications and at least one major change over the previous S400 models. The change that I refer to can be seen instantly; the replacement of the old bolt action (as in S300/400 models) with a side lever cocking system, hence the SL in the model designation.
All in the action…
As mentioned previously, since their launch the S400 and S410 have been popular for both hunting and HFT, and rightly so, but personally I always found a little niggle with the operation of the bolt action on the multi-shot S410 version. This was simply because as you drew back the bolt, the magazine would turn one notch putting the next pellet into battery, then pushing the bolt forward would seat the pellet into the barrel’s breech. All well and good… Unfortunately, if you hadn’t pulled the bolt back enough, you would have failed to set the mechanism for the next shot. To rectify this you couldn’t just pull the bolt fully back and then forward again, as this would put a second pellet into the breech. So to overcome the problem you would have to pull back the bolt enough to allow the magazine to be removed, then with the magazine out of the gun, pull the bolt completely back until you heard the distinctive ‘click’ of the firing mechanism resetting (as the trigger blade ‘kicked’ forward). You could then turn the magazine back one notch to the empty chamber, reinsert it, then push the bolt fully home. Long winded, huh? Well actually it didn’t take as long to do as it did to describe, and in truth if you used the S410 for any length of time you soon learned to listen and feel for the extra ‘click’ at the end of the bolt withdrawal to confirm that the action was set before you pushed the bolt back to seat the pellet.
The new lever action, while not removing that extra ‘click’, nevertheless makes it much more unlikely to occur because you automatically tend to draw the lever back to it’s fullest extent with one smooth pull. This is because the lever obviously gives extra ‘leverage’… thereby making the cocking procedure a lot easier. It certainly works for me, and removes the only significant ‘gripe’ that I’ve ever had with this Air Arms rifle.
Air Arms set great store in customer feedback, and have a rolling R&D programme to keep their products at the forefront of the market. Everything they do is tried and tested before it is finalised. For this reason the lever action replaced the bolt on the FAC version of the S400/S410 well over a year ago - long before finally making the move to the new legal limit S510 model. During this R&D procedure they found that they could significantly reduce the load factor on the lever mechanism by running it on ball-races; this not only gives a smooth unstrained action but also has the advantageous side effect of reducing the ‘gap’ beneath where the lever attaches to the side of the action (this is where some other ‘lever cocking’ rifles can have their mechanism exposed to dust, dirt and moisture).
The S510 rifles retains the true two stage trigger mechanism of the previous series. This allows a very fine but positive operation. The test rifle gave a crisp and predictable let-off straight out of the box, but the unit is adjustable for both first and second stage pull weight and length of travel between these stages.
Other features include a shrouded ‘bull barrel’ with a built in primary sound moderator. In the limited time that I had to test the rifle, I found the muzzle report to be muted enough and I would leave it ‘as is’, in order to keep the length of the S510 compact. However, if you prefer an even quieter shot, the barrel is threaded to take a secondary screw-in moderator if required. On the aesthetic front, the threaded muzzle ring has unusual diagonal fluting which matches the air cylinder’s screw-on dust cap. Even this dust cover is a well engineered piece of kit, covering the neat Air Arms quick fit ‘T’ connector on the end of the air cylinder. Maximum fill pressure is 200bar but experimenting at slightly lower pressures often gives better consistency. A full charge of air will give approximately 60 shots in .177 carbine or 80 shots in a .22 model. Around 20 extra shots should be expected from rifle length versions.
The stock for this model was in walnut, although beech should be available at a reduced price. We haven’t got the prices of the various models at time of press, however, for the S400/410 series, the difference between walnut and beech models was fairly small. So if you can afford it, I’d go for the walnut sporter with its laser chequering and contrasting rosewood grip cap and forend tip.
Shooting bench
Over the chrono, Air Arms own pellets gave some great results, with just 9fps spread over a five shot string – 773, 776, 778, 770 and 769fps - which is approximately 11.5ft/lbs of muzzle energy. Near identical Daystate pellets gave a slightly lower reading at around 11.3ft/lbs.
On the test range one hole groups (of 5 shots) were achieved right out to 40yds. An overall spread of just 20fps across a whole charge (60 shots at 185bar) were recorded with the Air Arms pellets.
The Air Arms magazine system is now a tried and tested unit and the new lever action operated smoothly and without fault throughout the tests. In my opinion this new sidelever action has absolutely transformed this rifle, so I can recommend the S510 without reservation. However, don’t worry if you prefer the bolt action of the S410, as these models will continue in full production alongside the lever action S510.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | Air Arms S510SL carbine |
| Type | Precharged pneumatic |
| Action | Side lever cocking |
| Capacity | Multi-shot, removable 10 round magazine |
| Calibre | .177" on test - .22 available |
| Overall length | 37.5 inches |
| Barrel length | 18 inches (with shroud) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs approx |
| Fill Pressure | 200bar Max |
| Trigger | 2-stage fully adjustable |
| Safety | Manual re-settable - cross bolt type |
| Power | 11/5ft/lbs - 11.3ft/lbs |
| Sights | No open sights. Action grooved for scope mounts |
| Stock | Walnut sporter with high roll over cheekpiece, laser chequering, contrasting rosewood grip cap and forend tip |
| Price | £650 approx |
| Contact | Air Arms 01323 845 453 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
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I have recently purchased an S510SL carbine. If I fill to 190bar using the gauge on the Air Bottle, it only ever reaches 150bar on the gauge on the actual gun. is this normal?
Comment by: Scott Walker Posted on: 15 Jan 2009 at 11:23 AM
Yeah thats normal on all air arms guages..just allow for it.Same on my S510
Comment by: Jeremy Posted on: 04 Mar 2009 at 07:52 PM
The only gauge to take notice of when filling is the one on your air bottle, and it should be accurate. If you have any doubt about it, get it checked at a compressed air supply specialist.
The gauge on the rifle is not so critical, it's simply there as a quick indicator to let you know when the pressure is reaching a point where a refill is required. With practice you'll soon get to know what the actual reading for that point is, even if the gauge is not giving the absolutely correct pressure reading. If it really bothers you, take the rifle back to the supplier for correction under the warranty.
Comment by: Pat Farey Posted on: 04 Mar 2009 at 10:53 PM
I have recently purchased an Air Arms S510 and am very pleased with it. I spent 1 1/2 hours in the shop deciding between this and a Weihrauch HW100 and I have to say that I made the right choice, despite being a previous Weihrauch owner. This is a fantastic weapon. It is well engineered and a breeze to use, and far lighter than a Weihrauch. The only addition I would recommend if you are to use it for hunting, is to fit a Weihrauch silencer which works fantastically with this rifle, only hearing a slight 'puff' when firing. Well recommended for the price.
Comment by: Bingbong Posted on: 15 Apr 2009 at 02:26 PM
Yes - in my opinion the side lever action on the S510 and the HW100 has made them two of the top choices in hunting PCPs.
Comment by: pat farey Posted on: 15 Apr 2009 at 09:20 PM
Just purchased s510 and am extremely pleased, amazed how accurate this is, sighted in with just 5 shots and its shooting like a dream. handels so well it replaced my Falcon FN19
Comment by: phil Posted on: 21 Apr 2009 at 07:31 PM
Is this actually made by Air Arms in the UK?
Looks very somilar to the new evanix,if ive spelt that right,which is made in the USA,sure brocock use to import the older Evanix which was a revolver type magazine.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/zoomed_model.pl?model_id=1786
we need to see some of these in the uk as well as the beeman range.
Comment by: jay Posted on: 30 May 2009 at 05:22 PM
The S510 is made in the UK as a side lever development of the S410. But I see what you mean about the Evanix.
You can actually get the Evanix in the UK (in side lever, rear bolt or side bolt format). They are being imported and marketed under various names by a few UK companies, including Brocock (as you mentioned), Armex UK Limited (Armex Avenger), and Prestige Airguns (Kubs).
Comment by: pat farey Posted on: 31 May 2009 at 11:55 AM
I bought my gun I was one of the first people in the uk to buy one. But im not happy with it. its innacurate majorly. one shot will hit the bull the next is 15 inches yes 15 high and about 3 to the right. I have the screw in silencer so i have tried with it off and on. Air Arms are puzzled also so unless anyone has any ideas im guessing im going to have to send it back. I thought i had a dodgy scope at first so i replaced the scope replacement came today and it seemed allright for the first 20 shots then miles out any ideas? Talk about 80 shots!! mine is .22 any ideas will all be appreciated. I have put about 4000 pellets through it. (yes i should have sent it back ages ago) i thought it would get better with use. Well back to the shop on monday to then be sent off to air arms. I keep thinking if only i got the HW100 but im sure my gun could work beautifully but i dont know whats up with it.
Comment by: Dudlet Posted on: 11 Jul 2009 at 04:51 PM
The cause of the problem could be a number of things, but your best bet is to return it to the shop where you bought it and get them to send it back to Air Arms for repair under the warranty. This is usually the best course of action with any problem with a new product.
Comment by: Pat Farey Posted on: 12 Jul 2009 at 08:01 AM
hi, ive just bought a air arms s510 , could anybody give me any idears how far i should sight rifle from?
Comment by: jordan Posted on: 07 Aug 2009 at 04:22 PM
I find normally the gauge on the underside of my S400 at 150bar is equal to 170bar on my fill bottle.(there is a delay on the guns needle which does catch up)It has been a similiar story on all of my air arms rifles but could differ from gun to gun.A good tip when filling using divers bottle is to let the air trickle if you can once it suddenly seems to slow down and use the valve on your divers bottle neatly to achieve 190bar which is a good fill to get maximum shots.I now have the multishot adaptor fitted to my S400 and find it a great accessory,self indexing was a bit weird at first but like most new gadgets you soon master it,even in the dark.I do not like the aluminium bolt on my rifle and never have so maybe santa will bring me the S510, ho ho ho!!
Comment by: craig eddie Posted on: 18 Aug 2009 at 11:21 AM
I bought the AA 510 SL last year, trading in my AA 400 (single shot). The 510 is a dream to use after the single shot especially when hunting, with one finger operation when reloading and not needing that extra jerk back to make sure it is cocked. Accuracy is great with good grouping out to 35 yards for humane head shots using Air Arms .22 field ammo and with 80 shots without any reduced accuracy. Highly recommended.
Comment by: rob anderson Posted on: 26 Oct 2009 at 06:59 PM
Just purchased an SL510 and gotta say, what a smooth gun to shoot ! had a problem when moderator fitted could not get a grouping at all, but without dead pan accurate ! took back to shop who were puzzled and in end changed gun for a new one and moderator shoots so quiet and dead accurate now, may have been a rouge gun or thread problem, confused us all ! However, despie that, would not change for any other gun at that price, light, easy to shoot and kind of sexy looking , Guess I am a fan !!!
Comment by: Russell Parker Posted on: 26 Jan 2010 at 11:38 PM
The s510 SL article I just read mentions: In the S500/510 series, and:
The S500/510 SL series show several modifications. S500? I have been told there is not an S500. Can you elaborate? Thanks..
Comment by: Jeff Mammele Posted on: 27 Jan 2010 at 07:31 PM
When the article was written (quite some time ago) we were under the impression that there would also be an S500 (single shot) version, but to date Air Arms have only made the S510 multi-shot model. Sorry to have misled you.
Comment by: Pat Farey Posted on: 28 Jan 2010 at 11:31 AM