Available immediately in 12 ft/lbs .177 and .22 calibre, with higher-power models in development for export markets, the Alpha Wolf Shadow is pitched as a rifle that balances technology, usability and dealer profitability.
DESIGNED FOR THE UK
The Shadow has been engineered to suit the UK domestic market, where lower power levels mean efficiency and handling are valued above sheer energy output. At just 731mm in overall length and a little over 3kg in weight, the Shadow is a genuine carbine, yet it retains a full 17” 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, combined with a handling profile that lends itself to confined environments such as hides, vehicles or farm buildings.
COMPACT AND ON-TREND
Daystate has deliberately followed the consumer 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, giving shooters instant power adjustability at the touch of a screen. For pest controllers concerned about overpenetration, the ability to “dial down” quickly provides a practical advantage.
DEALER MARGINS AND 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 is also backing 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.
For retailers concerned about supply, availability is immediate. “We’ve made this announcement with rifles in stock,” said Belas. “Supply is currently next day.”
The Shadow has been shaped in part by dealer and shooter feedback. While Daystate’s electronic rifles are known for their sophistication, the company recognises that 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.”
Another selling point for dealers is the accessories market that surrounds the Alpha Wolf line. The Shadow continues this 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 dealer can make a good margin on.”
STANDING APART FROM COMPETITORS
Daystate remains unique in its ability to deliver 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, he argued, not only differentiates the Shadow but strengthens Daystate’s overall brand position. Each launch, including this one, provides fresh marketing opportunities that spill over into 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.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Although the Shadow has been developed 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.”
With high-power versions in development, Daystate sees the Shadow platform expanding to suit different markets.
A DEALER OPPORTUNITY
The Shadow offers a distinctive blend: a rifle that aligns with consumer demand for compactness and simplicity, while also carrying the cachet of Daystate’s pioneering electronic technology. 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.”