“Carrying all the hallmarks of the original Huntsman, the Genus is a milestone model that encompasses both Daystate’s airgun legacy and its future commitment to making the world’s finest airguns.”

Movers and shakers from the world of publishing and retail were invited to a ‘Special Announcement’ 40th year anniversary bash at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. The day was packed with interesting presentations from the history of Daystate the company, to the history of airguns themselves, including a look at the first known PCP rifle as used by the Austrian Military – the 1780 Girandoni.

The main reason we were all there, though, was to discover that to mark this momentous occasion, Daystate is producing a limited edition ‘Genus’ rifle for 2019 - and what a beautiful thing she will be!

They’re only going to be producing 200 of this limited edition rifle worldwide, and each gun will be individually numbered on the breech, so you’d better make sure you get your order in early if you want to own one of these magnificent works of art.

The rifles will come with a beautiful laminated stock with a commemorative inlay insert in the heel, plus gold embellishments and contrasting stock caps. They will feature a Huma regulator, a fully shrouded barrel and 0dB silencer, and will be available in .177, .22, .25 and the increasingly popular .20 calibre in power levels from sub 12 ft.lbs. to 40 ft.lbs.

The commemorative genus is more than just a fitting tribute to such a Daystate icon, though. It incorporates the very latest in airgun engineering, metallurgy technology and features that the Huntsman has evolved during its journey from Mk1 to the present day HR Huntsman Regal.

Besides the current, all-metal, 10-shot rotary magazine and single-shot loading tray, they include the Harper Patent Slingshot hammer and valve system, now married to a Huma-air regulated action that massively extends not only the rifle’s shot count, but also its consistency throughout the entire air charge. Unmistakably recognised by its sleek, sporter lines, the bolt-operated Huntsman also epitomises the ultimate in handling, courtesy of an action that’s been set lower in the stock for better balance and ‘pointablilty’.

The Genus maintains all these attributes, building on them with an extra level of detail that rightfully reflects and respects its significance to the company’s rich airgun heritage.

Carrying all the hallmarks of the original Huntsman, the Genus is a milestone model that encompasses both Daystate’s airgun legacy and its future commitment to making the world’s finest airguns.

Each rifle will be accompanied by a hard-cover book telling the history of Daystate Ltd, which will be individually numbered, limited and matched to the rifle. The Genus will also come packaged in a hard case. As far as price goes, we expect each Genus to come in under the £2,000 barrier.

For more details or to find your local dealer, visit daystate.com/rifles/genus.