Turkish gunmaker Hatsan is known for their widely varied line of Escort shotguns. In addition to scatterguns, they also make a series of air rifles – even one that shoots arrows. These airguns can serve as fun plinkers, teaching/training tools, or handle some small game hunting and pest eradication duties. If you’re tired of squirrels getting into your carefully-tended backyard garden, Hatsan may have a gun for you. Now with an August 4th press release, they’ve announced a new multi-caliber air-powered weapon: the aptly-named Hydra.

The Hydra can be swapped between .177, .22, and .25 cal barrels.

Bentonville, AR (August 4, 2020) – Yet another innovation from the Hatsan factory is their new Hydra QE. It features their patented Versi-Cal Technology interchangeable caliber system that allows one to trade calibers with a single thumb screw. The VCT system couples a caliber-specific receiver and barrel into a single interchangeable module that allows a scope to remain mounted and zeroed with each caliber used. A knurled screw located at the rear of the receiver locks the upper module onto the lower receiver, allowing caliber changes in just a few seconds. The Hydra QE utilizes Hatsan’s S/Roto-Index magazine system – a caliber specific self-indexing rotary magazine made from a lightweight-yet-durable synthetic polymer. Each module features Hatsan’s QuietEnergy shrouded barrel that reduces downrange noise by up to 50%.

A fourth module is also available that will allow shooters to use the rifle with commercially available crossbow arrows. This module features a hollow guide rod for the arrow to slide over. It accepts 20″ 2219 aluminum and carbon fiber arrows with a 0.30″ inside diameter. The same modular air rifle platform can now be used for target and small game hunting with pellets, then be swapped in seconds for larger game hunting without the need to buy another complete airgun.

A fine Turkish walnut stock is laser engraved with ample texturing on critical grip surfaces that enhances the feel and control of the rifle. A Monte Carlo style cheek rest rises up to just the right height for use with scopes. The rubber butt pad is both elevation and fit angle adjustable for a custom fit to each shooter. A fixed 165cc air cylinder fills to 2900 PSI and can provide up to 35 powerful shots. Weighing in at just 6.8 lbs, this modular platform airgun is easy to carry and shoot. The Hatsan Hydra is available in .177, .22, or .25 caliber – with additional barrel/receiver modules available separately.

Hydra QE Features:

• Versi-Cal Technology (VCT) interchangeable caliber system
• Manual loading, repeating, bolt-action Pre-Charged Pneumatic air rifle
• Available in .177, .22, and .25 caliber – optional 20″ arrow module
  • Additional barrel / receiver modules available separately
• QuietEnergy fully shrouded barrel with integrated sound moderator – approximately 50% quieter
• Precision rifled and choked steel barrel
• Detachable, caliber-specific, multi-shot, spring rotary magazine
• Corrosion resistant black anodized aluminum receivers
• Combination 22mm and 11mm dovetail rail accepts a wide range of optics mounts
• Fine Turkish walnut stock with Monte Carlo cheek rest
• Textured grip surfaces for better control and feel
• Elevation and fit angle adjustable rubber butt pad
• Fixed 165cc air cylinder
• Built-in pressure gauge to monitor cylinder pressure
• Patented anti-knock system prevents gas wastage when the gun is knocked or bounced
• Quattro Trigger: 2-stage fully adjustable match trigger for trigger travel and load
• Manual safety switch
• MSRP: Starting at $449.99

Hydra QE Specifications:

• .177 Caliber
  • Max Velocity: 1250 FPS
  • Max Energy: 29 Ft-lb
  • Number of Shots: 28-35
  • Magazine Capacity: 14
• .22 Caliber
  • Max Velocity: 1120 FPS
  • Max Energy: 38 Ft-lb
  • Number of Shots: 24-30
  • Magazine Capacity: 12
• .25 Caliber
  • Max Velocity: 900 FPS
  • Max Energy: 40 Ft-lb
  • Number of Shots: 20-25
  • Magazine Capacity: 10
• Air Cylinder Volume: 165cc
• Fill Pressure: 200 BAR (2900 PSI)
• Overall Length: 42.7″
• Barrel Length: 17.7″
• Weight: 6.8 lbs

Hydra Arrow Module Features:

• Part of the Versi-Cal Technology (VCT) interchangeable caliber system
• Easily attaches to the Hydra lower receiver with a single thumb screw
• Single-shot, arrow-firing, bolt-action Pre-Charged Pneumatic air rifle
• Fires 20″ arrows
• Corrosion resistant black anodized aluminum receivers
• Combination 22mm and 11mm dovetail rail accepts a wide range of optics mounts

You can even fit a barrel module that allows for crossbow bolts!

Are you already in the airgun game but you’d like to add a new, versatile option? Would you like to get into airguns and like the idea of a one-stop shop that will allow you to employ a variety of projectiles? The Hydra could suit your needs. If you’re a Hatsan shooter or you become one, let us know your experience with them in the comments below. See you at the range!

Photos courtesy of Hatsan.