Rules And Regulation

Terry responds to a reader and attempts to nail a question of choice

I’m changing the format of The Editor’s Test’, this month, to try to help a reader. Colin is on the verge of spending a significant amount of money, and he needs advice. Here’s his letter: ‘Dear Terry – after borrowing a friend’s Daystate Huntsman Regal for a month, I know it’s the right hunting rifle for me. I plan to order one, and that means I’m about to spend what, to me at least, is a great deal of money, but I’m happy to do that, provided it’s money well spent.

Now to my problem. I don’t know whether to go for the regulated or unregulated version of the Regal. I’ve done my homework as thoroughly as possible but this has only made me more confused. My friend’s Regal wasn’t regulated and I shot really well with it, but if the inclusion of a regulator would improve my performance, then I’d get the regulated version.

I want a sub-12 ft.lbs. rifle, in .177 calibre, and my maximum range will be 40 yards, but I’m a precision freak, and if that regulated Regal outshoots the standard version in any noticeable way whatsoever, that’s the one I want. I’d hate to choose the standard one, then regret not going for the regulated model.

Please can you add your opinion, Terry? You’ve tested both models and you have years of hunting experience, so I’ll take very serious notice of what you say on this.

You once gave me some coaching at a game fair, and that short session made an incredible difference to the way I shoot. Please can you point me in the right direction, again? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.’

REGULATION ISSUE