Often, working in the air gun industry it’s fairly easy to get jaded on “new” airguns. What I mean by that is that even when new guns come out they are often times only reworked existing designs. In short, “new” is not usually new. When I first saw the Walther LGU Master and the Walther Rotek PCP my initial thought was “Here we go again, nothing but existing designs in a fancy new stock” and while there may be some truth to that statement the LGU Master and the Rotek are great examples of airguns done right.
The LGU Master, everything you could want in an under lever spring airgun
The LGU Master, a modern classic
Similarities between the LGU and the AirArms TX200 are obvious, aside from the sound suppression system on the end of the barrel it has almost the same profile. Now, let it be known that I love the TX200 from AirArms, in my opinion it is one of, if not the best under lever rifle that I have fired. The build quality is exceptional and the trigger breaks so light and crisp I often only have to think about pulling it before it goes off. Standing there, looking at the LGU in its box I had no idea that the TX200 I love was about to take a backseat to this rifle that gives you all the best parts of the TX200, but is quieter and costs almost $100 less.
Twins, the TX200 by AirArms shares many design queues with the LGU
Upon shooting the LGU Master the first thing that I noticed is how smooth this rifle cocks. The bear trap action is as buttery as they come. The force required to compress the spring is pretty substantial and may be an issue for some younger or smaller-in-stature shooters, but the under lever design allows you to get good leverage on the cocking handle. The second thing that stands out, if not more than the smoothness of the action is the phenomenal trigger on these guns. The true two stage trigger is a work of art. Pulling through the first stage is light and consistent, there is a definitive “wall” as you come up on the second and when the trigger breaks through that stage it is crisp and light. It is truly excellent. The LGU takes one of my only complaints about the TX200 ( a sloppy first stage on the trigger) and mitigates it completely.
The third standout facet of the LGU is just how quiet this gun is. The LGU comes equipped with a sound and vibration system that keeps the gun quiet and reduces recoil. When testing in our indoor rage the sound of the pellet hitting our backstop was usually louder than the gun being fired. I would say these rifles are easily backyard or basement friendly and with the LGU being so smooth your going to want to shoot for hours on end.
Walther Rotek, the rifle you air up on Sunday and shoot all week…
Umarex hit the nail on the head with Rotek, but how could they not when the heart of this rifle is the same as the beloved Hammerli 850 Air Mag? This PCP is a great shooter and is packed with features that make it a great all around PCP air rifle. Comfortable in the field or on the range if you are looking for one PCP that can do it all I think the Rotek is a great option.
The Rotek’s 200cc on board air bottle allows up to 170 full power shots.
The Rotek features a 200 cc on board air bottle that when filled to capacity can produce upwards of 170 full power shots. For most shooters that is more than enough for a day of plinking or hunting. Top this gun off at home and leave the buddy bottle behind. The rotary magazines are simple and really quick to load. Considering they are comparatively inexpensive to others I highly recommend picking up 6 or so to keep you shooting and spend less time loading. The mags can also be loaded using a pellet pen making the process even more simple.
The trigger and action on the Rotek are what I would classify as serviceable. The trigger break is clean but a little spongy for my taste, however with practice and using proper fundamentals you should have no problem getting accurate groups with the gun. The bolt is easy to operate and features a pretty unique design. The bolt cocks on opening and the magazine is advanced as the bolt is closed. This mechanism prevents double loading but can be a little gritty when cycling.
The construction of the Rotek, like that of the LGU, is outstanding. The hardwood stock has very nice checkering on the forend and palmswell. The barrel is threaded and comes with a thread protector. There are a few plastic parts on the Rotek including the trigger guard that I would preferred were metal, especially for the price point of the rifle. Overall the Rotek is another solid addition to the entry to mid level PCP game and competes solidly with the Benjamin Marauder, the Gamo Coyote, and the Hatsan AT-44.
Walther’s new rifles, airguns that can become heirlooms
Walther’s new rifles offer quality and a high level of functionality for a price that is more enticing than other options. I can really see these new guns competing with the big players in the airgun world. RWS, AirArms, and European made Beeman guns have ruled the roost for quite some time. Guns from these manufactures are not just things you buy and expect to shoot and one day sell, they are investments that will last a lifetime and with proper care can be passed down to a loved one. After having some time with these new guns from Walther in my hands; I could see these quickly becoming modern heirlooms. The LGU Master is beautifully made, its action and trigger are extremely refined, it’s a gun that any airgunner would be proud to have in their collection. The Rotek takes a proven design, adds a few classic touches like a wood stock and well executed checkering, and turns it into a classic. Many airgunners have relied on the quality of fine european made airguns for years and I have no doubt that these rifles from Walther live up to that standard of quality.
