Secondly, I do not represent, support, promote, demote or market any ones opinions or any air rifle brand.
Thirdly, this post is about a product the way I experienced it. So let's get on with it....
I love springers (over PCP) because I find it takes much more to ensure a springer is on mark than a PCP. After shooting RWS 350 magnums, Baikal, BSA etc I decided I needed an Indian AR of my own. My first choice was the Canon 65 (there is a thread of that) after a lot of discussion with Tirtha (may his soul rest in peace). Once I received the AR, it was tested with senior members and my good friends PK Jeetesh and Lucky Luke at Jeetesh’s shooting range. For the newer members, these guys are gurus in AR’s and a minefield of knowledge. I’m sure reputed seniors like Brihacharanji can vouch for that. I had the opportunity since then to experience quiet a number of Indian AR’s, none of them living to the experience of the well tuned cannon (at this point, I would like those who’s eyebrows are raising to refer to the first sentence of this post).
Then came this chatter of a so called ‘SDB’. This was at first like certain other posts ...bla...bla...bla. But something told me it must be different because I know certain ‘grumpies’ who liked the AR. I came in contact with someone well known to the production house. This led to another intro then another....then to Basuji. We discussed a ton on the dynamics and physics of AR’s etc. One thing that surprised me about Mr. Basu was his neutrality and respect for AR manufacturers. I expected him to be a SDB fanatic. Yes he likes SDB but appreciates well made AR’s from others and is in love with his IHP, which is bloody accurate.
Anyway, SDB was developing their best AR so far, the Classic Special Edition after lot of inputs from various sources on the physics behind an AR. This February, I had the great privilege of being given the first prototype to test and give feedback.
This AR is a delight and I would put it far ahead of the Canon. I will not vouch for other models from this manufacturer as I have not tried them. But the Special Edition is a ‘go ahead’ right away.
Firstly what I did not like about the SDB Classic Special Edition.
SDB needs to introduce safety to their trigger. PH has taken the lead and set the bench mark. Others need to follow.
Construction of the trigger blade. Works perfectly, feels good, needs to look good....a little vanity won’t hurt I guess.
Continuing on the cosmetic front, I do not like cocking levers to be exposed. This remains the same in this version of SDB as in all other Indian rifles I have come across, save the PH. Again hats off to the PH team.
What I really like about the SDB Classic Special Edition and the Five big surprises
The bluing is perfect. It’s dark and even. I looked for uneven shades but couldn't find any. Whoever does their bluing is a master. “Wow” is the word.
Front and rear sites are solid, typical Diana. Back site has the usual vertical and horizontal adjustments and is a V notch. I prefer the V to a U. That’s personal perhaps...or do you guys feel the same? Anyway I will not waste time on the sites as they are standard.
The rifles comes with a factory fitted 11 mm scope mount welded to the AR, with a scope stop. A nice thought.
The balance is PERFECT, in fact amazing. This was the first big surprise. I find it as comfortable as holding my RWS 34 or a Crossman. Was really amazed. The artillery hold is a thrill with this toy. Balance perfecto.
The second big surprise was the recoil. After cleaning the rifle, I loaded Master Shot and G Smith pellets and fired specifically to observe vibration. Boy! The recoil is literally a dull ‘thud’ and feels good. There is almost no way the recoil from this AR is going to adversely affect accuracy. Lovely. The thud actually feels good.....oops! did I mentioned that earlier??? But yes, the recoil is very well absorbed....and feels good.....aaahhhhh getting addicted to this recoil. Gota move on
Now the third surprise was the power. I definitely am not one of those super humans out there who want to take a sniper shot from 100 meters away with an AR. But I do appreciate descent power coupled with accuracy. This baby packs a punch. I do not have a chronograph, but in comparison to AR’s with known FPS that I have used, I would comfortably gauge her at around 580 to 610 fps. I took a 600 GSM bath towel, folded it in two, dipped it in water, hung it and shot from 10 meters at a coke tin suspended in front of the towel with the idea the towel would stop the pellet from impacting the wall behind it. The pellet went straight through the can and towel. A 600 GSM towel is a standard turkey towel that has a dry weight of 1 Kg (aprox). This should give an idea.
Out of the box, she is quiet accurate for a rifle that has not yet fully ‘broken in’. Hitting Himalaya water Bottle caps (the pink ones) is a breeze at 10 meters. However the group opens to around 3 inches at 20 meters. I’m sure once she breaks in, accuracy will be the norm. Will keep the forum updated on that.
The fourth surprise was a neoprene breech seal. What better breach seal can one ask for? Correct me if I’m wrong, but no AR in the country has a neoprene breach seal. When I saw the breach seal, I knew I was right in going after a SDB.
Now the fifth and biggest surprise....the trigger. Yes, I had mentioned about the safety and the trigger blade, but the trigger was the actual surprise. After verifying with SDB on the triggers performance, I came to know this trigger was newly designed for this rifle. After tuning the trigger, the breaking point is only 940 grams....yes believe it or not, 940 grams. I have since re-tried the triggers breaking point and it remains an average of 940 grams for five pulls. It’s nothing short of sweet.
The second prototype rifle was recently given to our forum member Lawman and I’m sure he is enjoying it.
With some very specific feedbacks given, which SDB is working on, I’m sure once this AR is on sale, enthusiast will have one more great option.
BTW...from when will this rifle be available? Well I don’t really know. I was told SDB want to ensure the product is perfect before retail production.
And why don’t I really know??? Please refer to the second sentence in this post.
I scoped my rifle with a Gamo 3 – 12 X 50 AOE
BD
The pellet was smashed when fired on cement floor from 8” distance. This SDB air rifle is truly a collectable item and the SDB-45 Classic SE proudly made its place in my arsenal.
