After slogging through 2 hours of traffic, Me, Mark Andrews, and Marc Zwierzanski arrived at Daystate, which seemed to be located in the middle of nowhere.

It was around 30 years ago now that Daystate started their development on their pre-charged pneumatics in the form of tranquilliser guns. Although the company now produces world-class and world-renowned air rifles, Tony's overview of the history of Daystate revealed various problems that they have encountered on their journey, from supply problems and of course design problems. But considering they are now producing around 250 rifles a month just goes to show that this sort of thing does not deter them. Although I myself am not a Daystate user, I could not help but be pulled into the amazement of hardware that the "museum" or "display" room had to offer. Marc and Mark were drawn to several rifles that they instantly recognised. Admiring the workmanship on such things as a Daystate Midas complete with an in-line multi-shot magazine, and enclosed exhibits all displaying the successful history of the company. The whole display is complimented with a fantastic poster of Mark Andrews with his MK3 at one of the UKAHFT rounds. Tony explained that Daystate chose this image for the simple reason that it shows the MK3 being used exactly what it was designed for. Mark and the gun are shown splashed with rain and mud, but as the scores always show in these rounds, the Daystate always performs whatever the weather.

Daystate Midas with in-line Multi-Shot mag	Early Daystate Rifles
Mark Andrews poses proudly with his poster	Marc Zwierzanski shows his respect!
An array of hardware	Internals of an old model (which one?)

Daystate are as much dedicated to looking after their old and current rifles as they are with the development of new rifles as Tony explained that the company have parts for and service many of their older models that are still in circulation today. There were certainly many parts that we were shown on the tour that caused of a lot of discussion between Mark and Marc. Tony offered many of the parts to test their knowledge, which was amusing to watch to say the least. Every now and again, the guys would have their heads stuck in a box nosing around like kids in a sweet shop. It was almost like watching an episode of Ray Mears wild food, especially when Marc started sniffing one particular part. I half expected him to taste it too!

The machining workshop we were guided through was populated with high-tech CNC machinery and over-sized lathes and milling machines. One of the most impressive sights we were all drawn to was a gigantic solid brass cylinder gleaming on the floor. Tony explained that Daystate also made parts for other industries and revealed that this was a valve to be used on an oil platform!

Workshop area		Brass oil platform valve

Tony lead the way further and we soon entered a secure room we discovered to be the assembly area. Benches running along the walls were all covered in the familiar carpet that existed on most of the flat surfaces around the building - obviously to protect parts from scratches while they were being worked on. Most of the rooms we ventured in also had target holders fitted to a wall proving a "dry firing" point, so it was apparent that a lot of testing went on throughout the different sections of the building too.

Tony was extremely helpful in explaining all the different parts we saw and took interest in, proving his knowledge of all that goes on in the company.

The visit ended back in Tonys office, and after a great cup of coffee generously offered to us from "Lyn" we were ready to head off. Piling back into Marcs little black car, firing up TomTom and heading for the gate, the day was truly over as I turned and said "what was that bang?" as we turned out of the entrance. It was not until two and a half hours later we were to discover Marc had left his new Daystate charger on the roof of the car! One of the main points that I picked up from Tony that struck a personal chord within me was regarding the walnut they use for their beautiful stocks. Daystate obviously feel a duty to look after our environment as much as they can when producing their rifles, which is why they only use walnut that is certified as harvested from sustainable forests. When looking around and seeing all the guns ready to be assembled, it is somewhat reassuring to know that a big part of what goes into a Daystate rifle is recognised as very valuable to the environment and is treated as such. Unfortunately, with this in mind, you may be shocked to hear that although the USA will not allow any wood to enter their country that is not certified as being from a sustainable forest, Britain practices no such control. Obviously this is a serious oversight on our behalf