Air rifle Optima by Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex 5.5 mm

Optima by Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex 5,5 mm is a powerful break-barrel air rifle featuring a thumb-hole stock, fiber-optic sighting devices, and a Vortex gas spring that noticeably reduces recoil and improves accuracy.

Optima air rifles are manufactured by Hatsan with the same parameters and technological solutions.

Air rifles produced by the Turkish firearms manufacturer Hatsan have enjoyed popularity among Polish sport shooters for years thanks to the capabilities they offer within their price range. The Optima by Hatsan brand provides the same excellent price-to-quality ratio resulting directly from the production solutions applied. Extensive manufacturing capabilities allow every component to be produced in a single factory, so the rifles are built from scratch under the close supervision of Hatsan specialists.

Modern polymer stock

The rifle stock is made of durable polymer with a matte finish resistant to mechanical damage, weather conditions, and moisture. Maintenance and cleaning are limited to general care and occasional use of silicone oil. The symmetrical Thumb-hole stock features a textured pistol grip with thumbhole, positively affecting comfort and control.  Recoil generated after the shot is effectively absorbed by a ventilated rubber butt pad, which also ensures a stable support point.

Fine checkering has been applied to the pistol grip and the front part of the stock, improving hand traction and enhancing the rifle’s aesthetics.

Convenient loading

The spring is cocked by classic “barrel breaking”, the most commonly used method in spring-powered air rifles due to its simplicity and convenience. The rifle fires 5.5 mm diabolo pellets, loaded directly into the barrel. Loading is made easier by a polymer protective collar, which also houses the front sight. The rifle features an Anti Bear-Trap safety system preventing premature spring release during cocking.

Vortex gas spring

The Optima by Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex features a  Vortex gas spring responsible for smooth operation, reduced recoil, and improved accuracy. The Vortex Gas Piston system is based on a pneumatic cylinder where a gas mixture replaces the traditional steel spring.

When the trigger is pulled, compressed gas drives the piston, compressing air and firing the pellet. Vortex ensures stable muzzle velocity and significantly longer pneumatic system lifespan compared to standard spring-piston systems.

The most noticeable effect for the shooter is reduced recoil and rifle weight, lower vibration and shooting noise, and less effort required for cocking. Thanks to these features, the Optima by Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex 5,5 mm offers smooth and comfortable operation, above-average precision, and high working culture.

Advantages of the Vortex Gas Piston system:

• reduced vibration,
• easier loading cycle,
• higher shooting precision,
• consistent muzzle velocity for every shot,
• longer pneumatic system lifespan,
• high efficiency at low temperatures,
• reduced rifle weight.

Precision and long range

Accuracy and repeatability are ensured by a 450 mm rifled barrel, allowing consistent grouping after only a short practice. The fired pellet reaches a high muzzle velocity of approx. 200 m/s (~ 10 J), enabling accurate shooting at longer distances.

Safety first

Safety is paramount in shooting sports; therefore, after cocking the spring (“breaking the barrel”), the safety engages automatically, preventing accidental discharge. Before each shot, the safety must be disengaged; it is conveniently located in front of the trigger. This allows easy disengagement without disturbing the aiming process.

Modern sighting devices

The rifle is equipped with high-quality fiber-optic sighting devices, including a hooded front sight and a vertically and horizontally adjustable rear sight. The contrasting (green-red) fiber rods significantly speed up sight alignment and, thanks to high light absorption, also allow shooting in low-light conditions. If you wish to try shooting at longer distances, an optical device can also be mounted on the 11 mm rail.