QB78: a classic air rifle

The milled scope rail came as standard, with no additional adapters needed, but open sights were still provide

The XS78 came from China. Urban legend has it that it was based on an old American design from back in the Cold War. The newer QB78 was light, powerful and accurate, but it was affordable to the point of being cheap. In blued steel with a wood stock, any criticism just didn’t add up. Out of the box it was a little rough around the edges, but British airgunners loved it. In fact people set to prepping these gleefully, and special tuning parts and custom stocks were soon available.

Designed to be used with two CO2 bulbs placed back to back down the spout, the QB78 can still be used with only one full bulb and an empty in a shooting emergency

Alternative variations were released, including a .177 target version. In hunting and vermin control, these proved their worth in farmyard and field. The QB78 really upped the stakes and single-handedly did much to raise awareness of how good a CO2-powered airgun could really be. 

This article originally appeared in the issue 102 of Airgun Shooter magazine. For more great content like this, subscribe today at our secure online store: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk