Daystate has expanded its Alpha Wolf line with the launch of the Shadow, a new compact variant created for the UK hunting and pest control market. The rifle combines Daystate’s proven electronic platform with a shorter, highly manoeuvrable format that promises strong appeal for both shooters and retailers.
Available immediately in 12 ft/lbs .177 and .22 calibre, with higher-power models in development for export markets, the Alpha Wolf Shadow balances technology, usability and dealer profitability.
A rifle designed for the uk
Daystate engineered the Shadow specifically for the UK market, where lower power levels make efficiency and handling more important than sheer energy output. Measuring just 731mm in length and weighing a little over 3kg, it is a genuine carbine that still retains a full 17-inch Lothar Walther barrel and 300cc carbon-wrapped bottle.
“Export markets require high power and consequently the rifles consume a high volume of air,” explained Daystate’s Tony Belas. “In the UK domestic market, a 300cc bottle as fitted to the Alpha Wolf Shadow is essentially twice the air capacity that would have been available with a cylinder rifle, giving the Shadow a massive shot count. Yet, the bull-pup design keeps the rifle extremely short – under 731mm.”
For shooters, that translates into long sessions without refilling and a handling profile suited to confined environments such as hides, vehicles or farm buildings.
Compact and on-trend
Daystate has followed the growing trend toward shorter rifles. “A shorter rifle generally sells better than a longer rifle,” said Belas. “People like to have things which are compact and stylish. In air rifle engineering, long thin rifles are essential when you’re producing 150 ft/lbs of energy – but at 12 ft/lbs, that’s not necessary.”
The Shadow’s handling is complemented by Daystate’s electronic SMART Control system. Shooters can instantly adjust power at the touch of a screen. For pest controllers worried about over-penetration, the ability to “dial down” quickly offers a practical advantage.
Dealer margins and trade support
From a trade perspective, Belas is clear about where the Shadow fits. “Daystate offers the best margins in the airgun industry,” he said. “This is a high-ticket item, which ensures great profits when a dealer sells a Daystate rifle.”
Daystate backs the launch with a package of dealer support measures. These include in-store displays, an online reservation system that directs customer enquiries to local stockists, and joint advertising initiatives with trade publications. “This can be discussed directly with our sales manager Ian Jones,” Belas added.
Dealers can take advantage of immediate supply. “We’ve made this announcement with rifles in stock,” said Belas. “Supply is currently next day.”
Listening to the trade
Dealer and shooter feedback shaped the Shadow’s design. While Daystate’s electronic rifles are known for sophistication, some customers prefer simplicity.
“The feedback we’ve had is that many shooters like to keep it simple, which is why we’ve offered a SMART version in the Alpha Wolf Shadow,” said Belas. “It is the SMART programming without the chronograph used in the Alpha Wolf. The SMART engineering makes using this rifle child’s play.”
Modular by design
The Shadow continues Daystate’s modular approach, shipping with a BRK MF-121 moderator, V3 Optic Race Rail, Gecko butt pad and fitted hard case.
“On modern Daystate design, modular is the catch word,” Belas explained. “No rifle is more modular than the Alpha Wolf. There is a vast range of accessories – four pages if you look at our Performance Centre catalogue. These are authorised accessories that the customer can buy, and the dealer can make a good margin on even after he has sold the rifle.”
Standing apart from competitors
Daystate remains the only company to successfully produce reliable electronic air rifles. “This is an easy question because Daystate has no known competitor in the electronic rifle field,” Belas said. “Others have tried and all have failed. Only Daystate can produce electronically controlled airguns, and we’ve been doing so successfully since 2002.”
That pedigree not only differentiates the Shadow but strengthens Daystate’s overall brand position. Each launch provides fresh marketing opportunities that boost awareness of the broader line. “Announcing a new rifle adds more marketing possibilities which can also improve sales of current rifles,” Belas said. “We expect our marketing effort on the Alpha Wolf Shadow to trickle down and improve sales of other Daystates.”
Looking ahead
Although Daystate designed the Shadow for the UK market, overseas distributors are already showing interest. “We’ve not compromised on barrel length, so we can produce these at regular power,” Belas explained. “For export markets, there will simply be fewer shots per charge.”
High-power versions are now in development, with the Shadow platform expected to expand for international markets while maintaining its role in the UK as a compact, premium hunting rifle.
A rifle for hunters, an opportunity for dealers
For the UK trade, the Alpha Wolf Shadow offers a distinctive blend: a rifle that matches consumer demand for compactness and simplicity while carrying the cachet of Daystate’s pioneering electronic technology. Add strong dealer margins, modular accessories and next-day availability, and the Shadow provides a valuable sales opportunity as the autumn hunting season approaches.
As Belas concluded: “The Alpha Wolf Shadow combines everything Daystate stands for – innovation, accuracy, and dealer support. It’s a rifle designed for hunters, but also one that ensures our retailers can prosper.”
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