By Trace Munson ·

World’s Most Powerful Air Rifle: “The PileDriver”

piledriver
Im thinking of names for the next one How about Doggy Style

Every so often, someone introduces a new gun with a name so badass that I just can’t help paying attention, and Hatsan has definitely scored with the introduction of its new “PileDriver” pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle, which is capable of producing over 800 ft.-lbs of energy in its .50-caliber chambering. Touted as the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle, the PileDriver was created specifically for big-game hunting. The tale of its engineering is almost as convoluted as the act that its name describes, but also as ultimately satisfying.

Producing an air rifle that can generate this amount of terminal velocity requires a very long barrel, which can quickly make a rifle unwieldy in the field. Hatsan solved this problem by incorporating much of the PileDriver’s barrel into the body of the gun itself, creating a true bullpup design. It uses a side lever cocking mechanism, and its 480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI–providing up to six high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism.

The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. The soft rubber buttpad is both elevation- and angle-adjustable to ensure controlled recoil and a comfortable fit. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle’s 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding one’s ammunition options.

Make no mistake; the PileDriver is a beast. At 46.5 inches long and 10.4 pounds, it’ll take almost as much muscle to carry this bad boy in the field as it does to perform a piledriver in one’s home, but I want to give it a try anyway…just to say I did. The MSRP is $1199.99. Click here for more information…or just scroll down to the comments section and leave us some ideas for what they ought to name the next one. (“Angry Dragon” comes to mind.)

PileDriver Specifications:

  • .45 Caliber
    • Max Energy: 700+ Ft-lb
    • Number of Shots: 4-6
  • .50 Caliber
    • Max Energy: 800+ Ft-lb
    • Number of Shots: 3-5
  • Air Cylinder Volume: 480cc
  • Fill Pressure: 300 BAR (4350 PSI)
  • Tactical synthetic pistol grip stock with adjustable cheek rest and butt pad
  • Overall Length: 46.5″
  • Barrel Length: 33″
  • Weight: 10.4 lbs
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Trace Munson
Trace, a proud Special Farces who goes commando, is dedicated to pubic service. Although he's a legend among YouTube commenters, he actually began life as a humble dingleberry farmer. Now, no subject is too moist or sensitive for his incisive odor and scintillating lymph nodes.
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27 Comments

  2. I feel that PCP air guns are for people who want lots of power and more than what a spring piston, gas piston, CO2 powered or pneumatic pump air gun can produce. It’s really become a specialty niche or market. They appeal to people who prefer an air rifle or pistol to an actual firearm for whatever reason.

    If you don’t “get it” then it probably isn’t for you. I get it, but owning one of those is too pricey an option for me at this time and they require extra gear to run them. I feel that an off the shelf air gun is a lot of fun and offers good utility. If you need something better you can spend a little more and have something very nice and very useful. And you don’t need to worry about running out of air or hydrostatically testing and eventually replacing those constant air (paintball terminology) or high pressure sample (Scientific name) or carbon fiber tanks.

  3. Where does one buy 50 cal air rifle ammo. I’m more concerned about the 10 lb weight of this thing than anything else. Great piece of exercise equipment.

  4. Where does one find a compressor capable of 4350 psi? Most can manage only 250 or less.

    2. Scuba tanks fill @ 4,000 psi,, Many air rifle manuf.s have compressors and bicycle style pumps ,With this capability,,,

    3. There is a special compressor for filling PCP tanks to that kind of pressure. It is about $1k.
      This makes it outrageously expensive to own a high pressure PCP air rifle.
      Hence, I have not jumped on this.

    4. Oxygen and acetylene tanks are is believe 2000 psi nitrogen tanks so it’s possible to do not your everyday fill station dive tanks

    5. There are special compressors for high pressure. They are also used in refilling scuba tanks and paintball. You can also get high pressure hand pumps. PCP guns generally do NOT include pumps. Msrp of $1200 is reasonable for such a powerful big bore. Apparently everyone who knows nothing about PCP air guns felt compelled to comment.

    6. I have a friend who is a National level competitor and the compressors are available. That said, they’re not cheap. Driving 54 miles, one way, for a refill was a poor option. Pyramid Air is where he buys a majority of his stuff.

  6. Stop using the LAME adjective BADASS.( like SUPER, PERFECT and AWESOME) ..its juvenile, immature and shows your lack of command of the english language. Most likely educated in an American School somewhere so its not your fault…..GROW the F&^K UP!!!!!

    2. That’s funny and ironic that you criticize someone’s writing and choice of words, and then end your tirade with the F bomb, failing to realize your foolishness.

    3. I have to agree that the American public grade schools and a goodly portion of the higher educational facilities could (and should) be considered sub standard. However, today’s students that have little interest in expanding their knowledge are as much to blame.
      Although I am no lexicon, I can tell you that it is the mark of a less than brilliant person to paint everyone in America with the same broad brush. And, don’t you find it counter intuitive to your statement that there is such a large magnitude of foreign students attending American schools. Your insipid generalization reflects poorly on you statement.

      Roland

    4. As a gun owner…. why do I need to worry about grammer? As for the Air rifle to rich for my wallet.

  7. What Joe said plus, does the gun come with a high pressure compressor?
    Are the projectiles special for the gun or can standard bullets be used?
    How does the sound compare to a .45 or .50 caliber rifle?
    And, you can buy a really fine big caliber rifle for $1200 that would have solid resale value. Take the “Pile Driver” to a gun show and you could maybe give it away for free.

    1. The only reason that I can find for this exaggerated priced AIR RIFLE is that if you are a felon then you can still go hunting with a gun. Otherwise you are limited to using a bow of some sort. Still, it doesn’t warrant a $1200 price tag.

  8. thought the (?) 38-158 gr. at 800 fps. was cool. @ $3000.00 , but this is way cooler.

  11. Projectile weight???
    Muzzle velocity first shot??? Last shot???
    Recharging??? Changing air cylinder???
    There was a lot left out of this “review.”

    2. Excellent observations, Joseph! The same thoughts entered my mind. For $1,200 I will stay with my 6.5 Creedmore Ruger Precision.

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