The Hatsan Invader is a tactical PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) air rifle, known for its power and accuracy. Both a standard and semi-automatic version of the Hatsan Invader are available, the latter being responsible for the Invader name being well-known worldwide.
This is the difference between the Invader and the Invader Auto
The Hatsan Invader series consists of two models, the standard Invader that’s cocked manually and the Invader Auto that’ll do the cocking and reloading for you, making it a semi-automatic air rifle.
Now, there are more semi-automatic airguns around and even the system Hatsan uses is not entirely unique. But where semi-automatic air rifles often used to have an electronic system, the Invader is one of those that use blow-back to power a mechanical system. We’ll tell you in a minute why this is a good thing. The barrel features a bypass, where some of the air behind the pellet will push against a piston. The moving piston pushes against the bolt through a connecting rod and while the bolt is pushed back, the spring-loaded magazine will turn. When the bolt returns, a fresh pellet is seated inside the barrel, ready to be fired. With electronic systems, there’s a lag between pulling the trigger and the pellet being fired. But the mechanical system as used on the Hatsan Invader, will immediately fire as the trigger is pulled. This results in a semi-automatic action that’s as fast as you can keep pulling the trigger.
Other than the semi-automatic mechanism, both the standard Hatsan Invader and the Invader Auto are virtually the same air rifle. The semi-automatic system being activated by blow-back, makes for a slight difference in power output though. The standard Hatsan Invader is about 5% more powerful than the Invader Auto.
The advantages of having a tactical air rifle
Of course, we understand that the rugged appearance of the Hatsan Invader has a certain charm. But besides looking cool, there’s a lot of function behind the tactical design. We’ll name some of the advantages:
- Detachable carry handle: the Hatsan Invader is quite a substantial air rifle and while it features attachment points for a gun sling, the sported carry handle makes carrying a breeze. The open sights on the Hatsan Invader are incorporated in the carry handle, with the rear sight being adjustable in both elevation and windage. It’s unusual for a front sight to be adjustable, but the one on the Invader is adjustable in elevation too. The carry handle has an integrated 22 mm rail for mounting optics like a scope or red dot.
- Weaver/Picatinny rails: there’s no shortage of rails on the Hatsan Invader. The carry handle is mounted on a Weaver/Picatinny top rail. When removed, this is the place to mount a scope or red dot. Around the handguard three additional accessory rails are placed, one under and two on the sides. These are convenient when using, for example, a bipod, laser or light.
- Tactical stock: the polymer stock is both robust and maintenance-free. By using a pistol grip, your wrist can be held at a comfortable and natural angle. The hight-adjustable cheek piece can be adjusted to suit your posture and the rubber recoil pad doesn’t only dampen the recoil, it’s also nice and grippy for a stable mounting to your shoulder. Underneath, the stock features a slot where a spare magazine can be clicked in place.
The technology featured in a Hatsan Invader
Hatsan is known for its mass-production of airguns, but that doesn’t mean the Invader is just another quickly put together air rifle. The company operates since 1976 and has built up some significant knowledge of how to build a proper air rifle. And they’ve got the modern facilities to do that with the precision needed to make durable and accurate products.
Take the barrel, for example. It’s choked, meaning it’s a bit narrower at the end. This will ‘swage’ the pellets into a uniform size just before they leave the barrel, making for tight and consistent grouping. The barrel features Hatsan’s famed QE (Quiet Energy) system, consisting of a full-length barrel shroud with integrated moderator. Hatsan claims a sound reduction of around 50%. As a PCP air rifle already is significantly quieter than -for example- a twanging springer, the noise reduction from the barrel is quite noticeable.
An ergonomically placed safety in front of the trigger is easy to use, but the Invader has another safety trick upon its sleeve and its called Hatsan’s Anti-Knock system. Basically, it’s a system that works independently of the safety and it prevents the whole trigger mechanism from moving when you accidentally drop the Invader or bump it hard. Only when you physically move the trigger blade, the trigger mechanism is unlocked and able to move as it should to be able to disengage the sear.
Buying a Hatsan Invader
We’ve always got a nice stock of Hatsan Invaders, both the standard variant and the Hatsan Invader Auto. They can be ordered in our webshop. You’ll just have to choose a calibre and colour and we’ll pack the Invader safely and have it show up at your doorstep in no-time. However, if you do have any questions before buying a Hatsan Invader, please feel free to ask our customer service all you want to know. Our experts will gladly provide you with the answers you need.
