Description
The Matador rifle was developed by Eduard Gafarov in 2002. At first, this line was produced in small batches, but soon the creator created his own company and began full-scale production of air rifles and other pneumatics. Now EDgun rifles are considered a Russian exclusive, although some batches are produced for the European and American markets - for example, a version with a 7.62 mm caliber was released exclusively for America.
The matador is famous for its large number of shots, good shooting characteristics, and has 3 possible modifications: standard, shortened and extended. There is also a multi-charge type, which is also divided into 3 modifications. But there are also disadvantages, which you will learn about a little later, in the “Advantages and Disadvantages” section.
The price for the line of these PCP rifles starts from 50,000 - 60,000 thousand rubles. You can find out more about prices from the company's representative offices in Russian cities, search on the website EDGUN.RU
By the way, although the rifle was registered as a toy, the power of which is less than 3J, its technical characteristics were still higher than those stated in the license, so on the forums of weapon lovers, Matador fans tried not to mention the performance characteristics of their favorites.
The design of this rifle is based on a special technology, which we will discuss below.
Design
The main idea of the matador air rifle is to place the trigger at the front - this ensures a smaller weapon and a good supply of shots.
The design uses two clamps resembling figure eights. The lower clamp plays the role of a reservoir for air, which is in a compressed state under pressure, and the upper part acts as a barrel. The bolt and trigger are located in the butt - this ensures compactness and reduces recoil to a minimum, but spoils the quality of shooting.
With the development of popularity, the edgan rifle received three modifications: short, extended and multi-shot. Let's take a closer look at each model.
Description of the air rifle EDgun Matador R5M Long (6.35 mm, 590 mm, plastic, bullpup)
Edgan air rifles have been produced since 2002. During this time, the company's products have acquired a reputation as exemplary models of air guns. PCP rifle Matador R5M belongs to the category of rifles with a bullpup configuration. In such rifles, the trigger and handle are placed forward behind the receiver. Thanks to this design, the length of the product is reduced. With a barrel length of 590 millimeters, the total length of the EDgun Matador R5M Long is 815 millimeters.
The designation R5M stands for fifth-generation multi-shot geared rifle. The rifle has undergone major changes compared to the previous iteration and is endowed with a number of advantages.
The fifth generation uses a forward cocking scheme. Thanks to this solution, there is no need to be distracted from aiming when reloading the rifle. The cocking lever is duplicated on both sides, which provides the same ergonomics for left and right hands.
The safety of the Matador air rifle is flag-type and blocks the firing pin. The flag is also duplicated on both sides. To remove the rifle from cocking in case of refusal to fire, a drum lock flag is installed on the receiver. Thanks to the flag, you will not send a second bullet into the barrel when you re-cock the firing pin.
You can buy an Edgun Matador R5M Long rifle for sport shooting or hunting. Thanks to the quality of workmanship and the gearbox design, the weapon’s performance will help unleash the potential of a skilled shooter.
The operating pressure of the tank reaches 300 atmospheres. At the factory, each tank is tested at a pressure of 450 atmospheres. The rotating port cover prevents contamination of the port by abrasive particles. To monitor the pressure in the tank, an electronic measuring system is installed on the rifle, displaying the pressure in the tank and temperature. The standard gearbox setting for the Matador rifle is 125 atmospheres.
All products leave the factory weakened to 3 J, so you can buy a rifle without a license.
The Edgun Matador trigger is customizable. Thanks to the adjustments, the shooter will receive a predictable release after personalizing the trigger.
The Matador R5M rifle stock is made of plastic. The material proved to be unpretentious and economical. Plastic is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. The surface is resistant to minor scratches, dents and chips.
Attention! This model is supplied in permitted capacity for free purchase on the territory of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the model has the ability to increase power by replacing some parts or adjusting the design, but do not forget about the Federal Law “On Weapons” No. 150 - FZ. If necessary, relying on this law and being guided by it, you may need to obtain permission from the LLR of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia after intervention in the structure.
Modifications and performance characteristics for them
There are four official versions: short, long, standard and multi-shot, which is known as the “matador r3m air rifle” - it is also divided into 3 proposed types. Each of them has its own characteristics, pros and cons.
Characteristics (short/standard/long)
Weight, kg) | 2.5/2.7/3.1 (without sight) |
Length (mm) | 680/745/890 |
Height (mm) | 190 |
Width (mm) | 50 |
Tank volume (cm3) | 247/289/388 |
Barrel length(mm) | 420/477/590 |
Caliber (mm) | 4.5/5.5/6.35 |
Number of shots per fill: | 50/70/90 |
Working pressure (atm) | 210-110 |
Stock material | Painting (beech), impregnation (walnut), laminate |
Optical mount | Weaver |
The standard model has a caliber of 5.5 mm and is used mainly for training and hunting rats or other small creatures. Refueling occurs through the fitting. Like all edgan rifles, it has two main drawbacks - capriciousness to temperature changes and not the highest accuracy. However, this is compensated by the speed of fire
The kit includes a pressure gauge that allows you to monitor the pressure level in the tank. This can help improve shooting quality, especially when temperature changes occur.
The edgun matador short air rifle is the most compact, has minimal recoil and the quietest shot. The speed of the ejected cartridge from such a model will be about 280 m per second. It is possible to use a delayed shot, which can also play a role during hunting.
The extended version is more powerful than the short one, has a larger reserve of shots and makes it possible to shoot from a long distance, but at the same time it is larger than its shortened counterpart.
If we talk about versions of the multi-charge modification, then it has its own characteristics, such as:
- Reloading speeds up several times;
- Ability to change bullets with one hand;
- Improved shooting quality, more accuracy;
- Suitable for both right-handers and left-handers (single-shot ones are designed mainly for right-handers);
- More convenient use of the sight.
Overall - r3m is considered more improved and polished than the regular version. It is more convenient to use, although its design is completely different - not “classic”. It was made at the request of users who complained about the shortcomings of a conventional rifle.
Its performance characteristics (short/standard/long):
Weight, kg) | 2.5/2.7/3.1 (without sight) |
Length (mm) | 680/745/890 |
Height (mm) | 190 |
Width (mm) | 50 |
Tank volume (cm3) | 236/280/360 |
Barrel length(mm) | 420/477/590 |
Caliber (mm) | 4.5/5.5/6.35 |
Number of shots per fill: | 40/50/70 |
Working pressure (atm) | 210-110 |
Stock material | Beech, walnut, laminate |
Optical mount | Weaver |
The disadvantage of this model is the need to install higher quality optics. This will also increase the weight of the weapon somewhat. But if you decide to buy, you won’t have to look for them - the company itself sells them for its products.
We've sorted out the modifications, now let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Edgan Matador air rifle line.
EDgun Matador R5M standard / EDgun Matador R5M 6.35 (.25) standard
What is the intended purpose of this rifle? What is it for? — Edgun Matador R5M standard in 6.35 mm (.25) caliber is a multi-shot rifle in bullpup format (in slang for “roll”) with a double-sided front cock. Due to the combination of factors, this makes the rifle universal - it is suitable for both hunting and recreational shooting (plinking) or sports. It is equally convenient to walk with it, take it out in a car, and shoot both from a bipod and from a bag. Of course, caliber 6.35 is the most powerful pneumatic in the manufacturer’s line, suitable for hunting and for those who do not look for compromises but want everything “the very best.” You can also take part in competitions - for example, silhouette shooting or practical pneumatic shooting, varmint, benchrest (except for some disciplines with caliber restrictions). What kind of hunting is possible with this rifle? - Oh, you have quite a large choice. With equal success, you can try your hand at hunting boar (hare, black grouse, partridge), waterfowl (duck, goose), as well as hunting beaver, gilt (up to 90 kg), and roe deer.
What are the working distances of the Matador P5M? Does the wind blow the bullet away? — Up to 90-120 meters, with some skill you can shoot and hit. It’s possible to go further, but it’s difficult. With a barrel length of 477 mm, the standard range of “heap” velocities for the P5M will be somewhere between 265 - 285 m/s. This is enough to confidently hit targets up to 50 mm in size at the specified distances. The wind blows the bullet away, but within acceptable limits. Corrections for wind will be present in any caliber, and the relationship is not linear - the larger the caliber, the more it is blown away by the wind, because the bullet area is also larger.
Since we're talking about which manufacturer's bullets are best used for Edgan rifles? - Don't worry, just JSB. In this case, it weighs 1.645 g and you can try 2.2 g. But you must understand that you will lose in the number of shots, the standard Matador for a heavy supply weighing 2.2 g is more difficult to disperse, larger portions of air will be required and the stock of shots will be reduced.
How many shots can a rifle fire with one fill? — In this caliber, the rifle will fire about 30–35 shots from one fill.
Is the rifle comfortable? - Yes, comfortable. Previously, during the craze among manufacturers for bullpups, rifles were cocked at the rear. Which one doesn't really matter, whether it's a bolt or a lever (biathlon) cocking, you had to break away from the rifle to reload between shots. The R5m has a new, double-sided front cocking. Based on a number of decisions, this is, in principle, a completely new rifle, and not an improvement on previous versions. The rifle has a fairly wide forend, a large, no - huge, grippy butt plate, and an ergonomic design of the stock - all this is made for the shooter. The P5M is easy to carry (on a belt or on your hands), shoot from a stand, shoot prone, from a kneeling position, shoot from a table, it is a really cool, modern and beautiful air rifle. Yes, definitely - comfortable.
Are there any differences from the Matador long rifle, besides the size? - Yes, there is a difference. In the 6.35 mm caliber, the weight of the bullet is already quite serious, therefore the portion of air to “push” such a bullet is also more serious. The output is a louder shot sound than 4.5 or 5.5 mm and, of course, fewer shots. In addition, the length of the barrel also affects acceleration, so if you are satisfied with the described characteristics, go with the standard; if you would like a quieter sound and a larger range of shots, then consider buying a long one. But for such an “increase” in performance characteristics you will pay with the dimensions and weight of the rifle.
Which optics should you choose? — A very difficult question, it greatly depends on how you plan to use the rifle and your tasks. If for hunting, then choose a scope with a magnification of 3-9 to 4-16, you hardly need more. For shooting “on paper”, it is better to do the opposite, high-quality high-magnitude optics such as 6-24, 8-32, 10-50 and the like. A specific sports discipline may well have its own unique optics - it’s better to consult by phone, we will try to help you with advice. In general, the Matador rifle has no problems with the fit of the sight - it will fit perfectly into both a “driver” and a “telescope”, a night light or a thermal imager, some even use callipator sights. The rifle is universal, everyone will find a sight to their liking.
How to refuel a rifle? — The filling port is located in the front plug of the tank and is closed with a rotating lid to prevent dirt and dust from entering. Refilling is carried out either with a high-pressure cylinder or with a pump. We recommend using a balloon - a good pump costs reasonable money, but requires a desiccant and physical effort to pump. A cylinder is a more comfortable way to refill.
From what and to what pressures should I shoot? — From 250 to 100 atm. Anything lower is absolutely not allowed.
What if you fill it with 300 atm? “Nothing will happen or explode.” All Edgan tanks are made using high-precision equipment and high-quality materials. The tanks themselves are pressurized at a pressure of 450 atm, the operating pressure is 300 atm. But it is believed that if you regularly fill a rifle with 300 atm, the gearbox will last less, it makes sense to take care of it. 250 atm is quite a comfortable value if we talk about the number of shots.
Speaking of the gearbox. Is the rifle geared? — Of course, all Edgan company rifles are geared. In this case it is set to 125 atm.
What's included? Do I need anything else for shooting? — In addition to the rifle, the kit includes a filling fitting, spare rubber goods, a passport and a certificate of conformity “for 3 J”. Yes, for shooting you will need bullets, a scope and what you will fill the rifle with - a cylinder or a high-pressure pump.
What is a “3 J” certificate? — According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, air rifles whose muzzle energy does not exceed the threshold of 3 joules are available for free sale without a license. Our store fully complies with the law; all Edgan products are certified as “air rifles structurally similar to weapons, but not weapons.” Thus, buying an Edgun rifle is quite simple, absolutely legal and nothing is required of you except general adequacy and reaching 18 years of age, or the presence of parents if you are a little younger..