Reximex Pretensis K Walnut Regulated Side-Lever PCP Air Rifle

The Reximex Pretensis K is, quite frankly, the Pretensis we probably should have had from the beginning.
 
The original Pretensis, also known as the Daystar outside the UK, was a relatively long and front-heavy rifle, and its unregulated action made it a difficult proposition against some very strong competition. The regulated version existed, but its pricing put it into territory where customers could simply buy one of the established alternatives instead.
 
The new Pretensis K, based on the shorter Daystar Carbine format, changes that.
 
It is regulated, more compact, considerably better balanced and comes with a surprisingly good specification for its price. Reximex has essentially taken the original concept, removed some of the compromises and aimed the result squarely at the established Turkish sporter market, while keeping the price below the likes of the Weihrauch HW110.
 
And yes, it really is regulated.
 
Regulated PCP Action
One of the biggest changes is the addition of a regulator. We know the original Pretensis caused a little confusion when several reviews covered regulated versions without making that distinction particularly clear.
 
There is no such ambiguity with the Pretensis K. This rifle is regulated.
 
The 260cc air cylinder has a maximum fill pressure of 250 bar and provides approximately 100 regulated shots, depending on calibre, power and the individual rifle.
 
The regulator operates within a working range of approximately 210 bar down to 120 bar, although this will vary between individual rifles.
 
The rifle has separate pressure gauges for the air cylinder and regulator. Once the two gauges reach the same pressure, the regulator is no longer able to maintain its regulated pressure and it is time to refill the rifle.
 
You will still get shots outside the regulator's operating range, but there may be some change in point of impact or velocity. That is normal behaviour for a regulated PCP. A non-regulated rifle, by comparison, gradually loses power as cylinder pressure falls.
 
Compact Side-Lever Action
The Pretensis K uses a side-lever action similar to the system found on the Reximex Myth, but without the Myth's rear bottle arrangement.
 
The shorter 240mm barrel helps keep the overall rifle to just 87cm, making the K considerably more compact than the original Pretensis.
 
The action also features a power adjuster and a hybrid Picatinny/dovetail optics rail, giving you more flexibility than some of the simpler Reximex models.
 
The rifle uses a self-indexing multi-shot magazine, with a single-shot tray included for those who prefer to load individual pellets.
 
Turkish Walnut Stock
This is where the Pretensis K makes a particularly good impression.
The Turkish walnut stock gives it a traditional sporter appearance, but Reximex has included several modern features without turning it into a tactical rifle.
 
The adjustable cheekpiece allows the stock to be fitted to the shooter and optic height.
 
A quick warning about the cheekpiece: the adjustment can be quite stiff. Once the grub screws have been loosened, we recommend pushing the cheekpiece upwards using the holes underneath the stock rather than trying to force it from the top.
 
The rifle also uses a cross-bolt manual safety rather than an in-trigger safety. It is a straightforward arrangement and places the safety control where you can easily access it.
 
There are sling swivel studs at the front and rear, while a lower Picatinny rail provides a mounting point for a bipod.
 
The bipod rail is the same type used on the Lyra models, so it can rotate slightly under pressure. It works, but it is worth knowing about before attaching a bipod and assuming it is completely rigid.
 
A More Useful Muzzle Setup
Unlike some of the more heavily shrouded PCPs in this price bracket, the Pretensis K has a bare barrel with a 1/2" UNF muzzle thread.
 
That makes fitting a compatible moderator straightforward and also removes the additional clearance considerations sometimes associated with shrouded barrels.
 
The rifle uses a Foster QD fill probe, rather than proprietary threaded fill connections. For anyone who already has a PCP setup using Foster fittings, this is a much more convenient arrangement.
 
So, Who Is It For?
The Pretensis K is aimed at the shooter who wants a traditional-looking rifle with modern PCP features.
 
It is not trying to compete with the very cheapest PCPs on the market, nor is it pretending to be a £1,500 competition rifle. Instead, it sits in a useful middle ground: Turkish walnut, regulation, adjustable cheekpiece, side-lever operation, power adjustment, proper Picatinny mounting options and a 250 bar fill, all in a relatively compact package.
 
Compared with the original Pretensis, the K is easier to recommend simply because the compact format and regulator make much more sense for the UK market.
 
And compared with some of the other Turkish rifles around this price, you get a more traditional stock and a few extra creature comforts without having to jump straight into premium pricing.
 
Specifications
Calibre: .177 / .22
Weight: 3.1kg
Total Length: 87cm
Length of Pull: 350mm
Barrel: 240mm, 12-Groove Rifled, Choked
Muzzle Thread: 1/2" UNF
Trigger Weight: Approx. 0.75kg
Action: Side Lever
Feed System: Multi-Shot Self-Indexing Magazine / Single Shot Tray
Magazine Capacity: .177 - 14 Shots / .22 - 12 Shots
Air Cylinder Volume: 260cc
Regulator: Yes
Maximum Fill Pressure: 250 bar
Approx. Shots per Fill: 100
Fill Connection: Foster QD Fill Probe
Optics Rail: Picatinny / Dovetail Hybrid
Accessory Rail: Picatinny
Safety: Cross-Bolt Manual Safety
Power Adjustment: Yes
Adjustable Cheekpiece: Yes
Sling Mounts: Front and Rear
 
Includes
Reximex Pretensis K Air Rifle
2x Multi-Shot Magazines
Single Shot Adapter
Foster QD Fill Probe