HatsanUSA makes some great airguns for hunting and target shooting. One of its newest offerings is a semi-automatic BB pistol called the Riptor.

The Riptor has the general look and feel of a traditional handgun, and it is powered by 12 gram CO₂ cartridges. It is a blowback gun meaning the slide moves rearward with each shot. This replicates the slide movement on a firearm.

With standard steel .177 caliber BBs, the muzzle velocity averages 350 fps. The gun has a removable magazine and holds 15 BBs in it. The magazine is also where the CO₂ cartridge is inserted into the gun.

Built into the Riptor is the company’s QuietEnergy sound suppression system. This helps to reduce the aggravation to your neighbors if you are shooting in your backyard. While airguns are not likely to cause hearing damage, they can be loud for some younger shooters. Not having to don hearing protection can increase the fun with teaching a younger child how to shoot.

HatsanUSA uses all metal construction on this gun with a wraparound polymer grip. The gun has an accessory rail for the addition of a supplemental aiming laser, light or other gizmo.

According to Blaine Manifold, the president of HatsanUSA, the Riptor was designed to offer a realistic blowback design with good accuracy and limited noise, but still be affordable. While I cannot vouch for the accuracy or reliability of this gun, I can say that the suggested retail price of $89.99 seems reasonable to me.