AEA Challenger
AEA Precision Airgun · Rifle · In Production · 2020
Also known as: Challenger, AEA Challenger PRO, AEA Challenger .30
Overview
The AEA Challenger is a regulated pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) big-bore air rifle built around a side-lever bolt action and a magazine-fed repeating mechanism. In its popular .30 caliber PRO configuration it feeds from a 9-shot rotary magazine, uses a 350cc air tube with a 170cc plenum filled to 4500 psi, and drives heavy lead slugs to roughly 1000 fps for around 120 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Fitted with an integrated shroud, foldable tactical buttstock, adjustable power and a Picatinny optics rail, the Challenger is marketed for airgun hunting and long-range slinging rather than as a conventional firearm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3720 g (131.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 163 J (120 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 75 m (82 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- .30 Caliber Air · primary — also known as .30 Cal Airgun, 7.62mm Air, .30 Big Bore Air
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Pressure Relief Device
- Features: Regulated, 350cc Air Tube, 170cc Plenum, Side Lever Cocking, Integrated Shroud, Foldable Tactical Stock, Adjustable Power, Picatinny Optics Rail
Variants
- AEA Challenger PRO LB - Long Barrel
- AEA Challenger Bullpup - Bullpup
- AEA Challenger Big Bore - Big Bore
Production
Production years: 2020-present
Chinese-manufactured PCP air rifle line with wide U.S. distribution
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: AEA Precision Airgun
Notes
Offered across a family of calibers and barrel lengths, from smallbore .22/.25 up to big-bore .35, .45, .50 and .51 versions. The long-barrel (LB) .30 variant can approach 1100 fps and 135 ft-lbs, while the big-bore bullpup models produce well over 200 ft-lbs. Not regulated as a firearm in most jurisdictions.
Background
AEA's Challenger series helped drive the late-2010s boom in affordable high-power big-bore PCP air rifles, giving budget-minded airgun hunters slug-slinging performance that had previously required far more expensive custom guns.