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THE RSN 70
Air Arms founder Robert Sinclair Nicholls passed away in 2011. 2016 would have seen his 70th birthday & as a tribute Air Arms - now headed by Bob’s daughter Claire West - decided to produce a special edition rifle.
One of Bob’s most treasured possessions was his 2008 Bentley Continental GTC so the designers were asked to use this as inspiration & with a no compromise approach to the project they were able to create a truly extravagant & “no holds barred” rifle.
The RSN70 was unveiled at the 2016 Midland Game Fair & the limited edition of 70 released for sale in the UK only shortly after. A 71st rifle was to be kept by Air Arms.
Based on the HFT500, the RSN70 is identical internally but the only external part of the action that is the same is the finish on the air cylinder.
The action had a number of special features & specially made components:
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Tyre design filler cap
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Shroud muzzle end ventilated in the style of the Bentley’s grille
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Petrol pump design air gauge
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Laser etched star motif to the rear of the breech loading area
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Laser etched wavy name plate on side of action
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Chrome trigger
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Chrome trigger guard
Airgun World - November 2016
Reportedly costing around 8 times more to produce than the standard HFT500 stock, the RSN70’s stock continued the striking & opulent appearance.
To match the interior of Bob’s beloved Bentley the stock was coated with umbran red paint & after being lacquered it was polished by Minelli’s craftsman. Next, magnolia coloured, hand stitched leather identical to those used in the Bentley’s interior was used as inserts either side of the fore-end & also added to the cheek-piece.
To finish the stock off an engraved chrome plate was placed on the heel of the grip. A custom designed gun slip & document wallet with colours matching the rifles stock completed the package.
The overall result was a rifle the likes of which had never been seen before & even with it’s hefty price tag of £2399.99 Air Arms reportedly barely broke even on the project.
More information & photos can be found on the Air Arms website – click HERE