FX Typhoon T1 rifle
By: Pete Wadeson
Pete Wadeson scrutinises the FX Typhoon – a rifle that was once marketed in the UK under another a totally different name by another company
Though the initial incarnations of this rifle were first seen in the UK as the Logun Solo, it was sold in some other countries - including Sweden (the homeland of Fredrik Axelsson, the rifle’s designer), as the FX Typhoon.
However, now being marketed by Deben Group Industries Ltd in the UK, the rifle has striking similarities with the original but there are also some very obvious upgrades which we’ll look at as we come to them.
Stock exchange
The Typhoon boasts a very stylish, attractive and quite unique stock design that certainly helps it stand out from the single-shot PCP competition. The walnut stock has a fully ambidextrous cheekpiece with a shoulder hugging adjustable rubber butt pad. The pistol grip drops quite steeply, but gives a nice compromise of being full enough to fill the hand yet slim enough of neck to afford a comfortable and assured hold. There are also two generous chequered panels on either side to further aid grip.
The forend has a slightly rounded profile, with a flat underside that tapers towards the front. It also boasts two panels of well-cut chequering along either side and again its nice to see the panels are of suitable proportions and positioned at just the right area for the leading hand. The rifle is very light, due in part to the use of aircraft grade aluminium for the majority of the action and air reservoir. With the handling and balance spot on - things are definitely looking good.
Upon first handling the FX Typhoon you immediately get the feeling of a rugged and robustly built rifle. As previously mentioned, as the rifle is manufactured almost exclusively from aircraft grade aluminium and brass this means the company has almost all but eliminated the problem of rust.
Cock and load
The cocking and loading mechanism and procedure couldn’t be more straightforward and for fieldwork it’s practical. The large blacked cocking bolt is quite chunky and operates with a very precise feel. To cock the Typhoon, the bolt is turned up from the original position and pulled fully rearward where you’ll hear and feel the trigger sear positively engage. For safe practice the bolt should be turned down into the rear keeper slot machined in the action. The rifle comes with a friction fit plastic loading tray that simply fits into the breech area making loading all the easier, especially for small calibre fans.
The front side of the air reservoir takes the push-in probe insert supplied and a recommended maximum fill of 220-bar gives approximately 100 full power shots in .22 and 70 in the .177 calibre.
For scope fitting there’s a run of scope rail along the relatively short action block but the design is such that scope fitting isn’t troublesome. I fitted a Nikko Stirling 4 – 12 X 50AO Mountmaster scope and spun a Logun CCFC Carbon Fibre silencer on the ?” UNF screw cut muzzle. Both scope and silencer suited the rifle, the optics not affecting balance and handling, while the moderator made it only a shade over 44” in length. It also did an admirable job of taming muzzle report. At the very front of the air cylinder you’ll notice that the end piece is now built to accommodate a dedicated chunky barrel support to prevent zero shift should you inadvertently ‘knock’ the end of that high quality barrel.
.Range time
The trigger is a 2-stage adjustable unit with a nicely curved broad blade and in performance far exceeds expectation of a rifle in this price bracket. With the pistol grip configuration and longer than usual (14”) reach to pull combined – I found the set up offers a high level of trigger control on what is a precise and very capable unit. The trigger is factory pre-set and it’s worth noting the action does need to be removed from the stock to adjust. However, as it comes as standard, I’m sure the majority of airgunners won’t need to start disassembling as they’ll find the setting to their taste. Zeroing at 30-yds on the .177 test rifle proved the FX Typhoon a very accurate performer with most quality brands of ammunition. Crosman Accupells seemed to bring the tightest .177 calibre size clusters at my set zero and reaching beyond to 40-yds I found my best 5-shot string came within a half inch cluster. Impressive.
The FX Typhoon has everything a single-shot PCP air rifle needs with styling and performance that far outweigh its wallet friendly price tag. It’s built to withstand a lot of use and is both workmanlike yet cosmetically attractive. As a hunting rifle it’s won me over and I reckon we’re looking at a fine candidate for HFT as well.
Technical Specifications
Model FX Typhoon T1 rifle
Type Single shot bolt action, PCP
Calibre .177
Stock Walnut sporter on test (synthetic stock version available)
Sights No open sights,
Length 36.6” (rifle) 32.30” (carbine)
Barrel 19.75”
Weight 4.85lbs (rifle on test) 4.19lbs (optional carbine version)
