More Bang For Your Buck!

Dave Barham reveals the new top-of-the-range Sportster from Hatsan.

When it comes to top guns, the name Hatsan rarely pops up, but is all that about to change with the release of this flagship model? I must admit I really enjoy doing these rifle tests. You never really know how they’re going to go or how the test rifles will perform. Before I started writing this review I didn’t know the retail price on the Nova Star, and after receiving it in an email from UK importers, Edgar Brothers, I’m quite shocked. I was expecting them to come back to me with something around the £800 mark, but no, the RRP for this little gem is actually only a tad over £600! With that in mind, it’s time to tell you what I think …

BEAUTIFUL STOCK

The first thing you’ll notice about this rifle is the rather wonderful stock. It’s made from a genuine Turkish walnut and is finished magnificently. I love thumbhole walnut stocks anyway (who doesn’t!), but this one just seems to have it all for me.

The adjustable, ambidextrous cheekpiece or comb is a really nice touch, and it’s really easy to get it exactly where you want it by simply undoing the two large screws, moving the cheekpiece and then tightening the screws down again. You can actually remove it altogether, so there is the possibility of having it dipped or rubberised if that floats your boat.

The overall feel of the wood and contours of the foregrip feel great, and I found it a very comfortable rifle to shoot with. The butt pad is also fully adjustable in both planes for height and cast.

A REAL CONTENDER

It’s clear from the outset what Hatsan is trying to do with the Nova Star. Everything about it gives the perceived idea of quality, right down to the gold-plated trigger and guard. Yes, you read that right!

The trigger unit is actually Hatsan’s ‘Quattro Trigger’, which is a two-stage, adjustable mechanism with load and travel adjustment. For me, it was great straight out of the box, but then I do like a long first stage on my triggers.

Inside the box you get two magazines, both holding 12 shots in the case of the .22 model sent to me for review. One of these mag’s can be stored inside the stock itself, and you’ll notice a handy slot with rubberised ‘locators’ cut into the underside of the butt directly beneath the cheekpiece.

This is just another little extra that adds to the overall appeal.

SCOPE FOR EXTRAS

Underneath the stock at the end of the foregrip is a Picatinny rail, which can be used to house a bipod. It’s right where you naturally want to place your hand, but not too intrusive. On top of the action, there is a rather nifty Picatinny rail, which has been milled for both 11mm and 22mm scope mounts. There’s not much that won’t fit on top of this rifle – they’ve got all bases covered.