Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About the Huben GK1
Apart from being a pistol, what are the differences between the K1 and the GK1?
Apart from being a pistol, what are the differences between the K1 and the GK1?
The GK1 is, partially, a downscaled K1, taken from the rifle format to a pistol one. The mechanism block is nearly identical (there are few differences) and many parts are interchangeable. The barrel is a shortened version of the K1 barrel. The most important difference is that the original GK1 is unregulated.
Can the power of GK1 be adjusted?
Can the power of GK1 be adjusted?
Yes, the GK1 has adjustable power. There is a screw that is accessed through the grip that allows you to increase or decrease the velocity. This controls the time the valve is open, if you turn counterclockwise, the power will increase, if you do it clockwise, it will decrease. As there is no regulator, this is the only adjustable power feature. Being unregulated, the gun’s power will also depend on the total fill pressure. The more pressure, the more power. As you shoot the power tends to decrease, but the descent is gradual. The valve compensates for the drop in total pressure by staying open longer, meaning that the GK1 is more consistent than your average unregulated PCP. However, notice that for this reason, you should always “match” the power regime with the total fill pressure. This means that you can’t let the fill pressure drop down too much (no less than 150-160 BAR), as the gun might experience issues at this point, because the valve stays open too long and might malfunction, dumping all the air. With heavier ammunition, increase the pressure limit where you should refill it (e.g. make it 180 BAR).
How should I adjuts the power?
How should I adjuts the power?
Power should always be adjusted gradually, with the assistance of a chronograph so you have a reference of the velocity of the projectiles. The power adjusting screw has no stop, so theoretically, you could unscrew it out – don’t do that. The maximum recommended turns are two (720°). If you absolutely want to reach absurd power levels, then you can make it two and a half turns total, but take care to refill the gun when the fill pressure drops to 220 BAR at least.
Can the GK1 shoot slugs?
Can the GK1 shoot slugs?
Yes, the GK1 can shoot slugs without any problem. Take care to select the correct slug sizes for each caliber. Ideally, slugs should be at least .219 for the .22 and .253/.254 for the .25.
Wait, you said the GK1 is unregulated, yet there is a regulated version, how can this be?
Wait, you said the GK1 is unregulated, yet there is a regulated version, how can this be?
The GK1 originally made by Huben is an unregulated one, however, Wolfiek Group, with the acceptance of the manufacturer, has developed a regulated version. This version includes a regulator inside the air tube and the K1’s filling port with a gauge.
Can the power be adjusted in the regulated version?
Can the power be adjusted in the regulated version?
Yes, the power can be adjusted the same as in the unregulated version. The regulated pressure shouldn’t be adjusted, as it is already set at the optimal pressure level for the gun.
What are the differences in terms of performance between the regulated and unregulated versions?
What are the differences in terms of performance between the regulated and unregulated versions?
The regulated version increases the consistency and efficiency of the pistol, the direct effect of bringing a regulator into the equation. However, notice that the unregulated GK1 is already a quite consistent gun despite being unregulated. The regulator also allows the power of the GK1 to be tuned down further than with the unregulated version. Being unregulated, the GK1 at full pressure can only be lowered so much, while the regulated version can keep the pressure at constant levels, meaning the first shot until the last (when you reach the point you have to refill) will shoot at almost identical power levels.This allows the GK1 V3R, the regulated version, to be set to sub-6 FPE, as the laws in some countries require. The original, GK1 V3 can’t get that far down in its first shots.
Everything You Need to Know About the Huben K1
What is the difference between the latest barrel and the previous one?
What is the difference between the latest barrel and the previous one?
The original barrel for the K1 was made by Lothar Walther. It was/is top quality barrel, which could shoot pellets very well. However, given the particularity of the K1's design an the fact that it shoots straight from the magazine (which acts as the chamber), this meant that by using a more "generic" (as in, not specifically designed for the K1) barrel, it required some experimentation with several pellets/slugs to finally find the ones that worked well with it. Once the user found out this, the K1 with the Lothar Walther would be a dream to shoot. But it remained pellet picky - with slugs it was so that Huben made their own specific slugs for the K1, which were also very good with the LW barrel.
What are the different versions of the K1? Are the "MK1/2/3" official iterations of the K1?
What are the different versions of the K1? Are the "MK1/2/3" official iterations of the K1?
Broadly speaking, there are two K1 versions. The early one, which was produced until early 2020, and the late version, what we generally call the "2020" or "post-2020 version"; we don't use it officially but MK1 and MK2, if there are only two versions, would be correct. The major change that occurred in 2020 is related to the new barrel, which is unchoked and designed to fit perfectly with the K1 that fires directly from the magazine, and now can shoot accurately both pellets and slugs. The latest K1 also performs very well at any power level, while the original version performed considerably better at high-power ones.
Other than that Huben is a manufacturer which constantly improves quality control and listens to its customer’s feedback to improve its platform. That means that there might be slight differences between each batch, adding incremental improvements and better overall quality.
Any other labeling is the product of users, YouTubers, and/or reviewers, however, it is not officially endorsed, as they only reflect these minor changes which do not make for stark changes in parts and/or functionality.
What are the differences between the special edition and the standard one?
What are the differences between the special edition and the standard one?
Both the standard and the special edition share at its core the same platform. All the internals, barrel, reservoir, gauges, etc.. are exactly the same and they should perform the same. The main difference lies with the stock, as the special edition comes with a high-quality wooden stock instead of the synthetic one. Another major difference is that both the stock and the shroud are made of carbon fiber in the special edition. These three elements make the Special Edition a bit lighter, which is rather counterintuitive given the wooden stock! Another minor difference is that the shroud vents are now towards the back of the shroud and closer to the shooter. This means that you might feel the K1 rather louder (as the air would vent out closer to you), but in reality, from the front of the airgun, the Special Edition is quieter. NOTE: late Standard edition also have the vents towards the back.
What does it mean that the K1 is hammerless? What are its benefits?
What does it mean that the K1 is hammerless? What are its benefits?
Being hammerless means that the trigger acts directly on the sear of the valve with no hammer strike. The valve, driven by a piston, is immediately opened by the pressure of the plenum.
Not needing a hammer to overcome the resistance of the valve means that there are fewer moving parts, fewer vibrations (which would impact accuracy), more efficiency, and much more power. This action also makes the K1 very reliable, and indexes without issue. Accuracy - Power - Reliability are the direct benefits of this unique action which Huben pioneered.
Can the K1 shoot slugs accurately?
Can the K1 shoot slugs accurately?
Definitely yes. While shooting straight from the magazine could present some challenges for this, the latest K1 handles it perfectly. However, as with any rifle, shooting slugs require more testing to find out which ones work best with your particular airgun. In case you don't have that much time to try out lots of slugs, we will narrow it down to those options that we know for sure that work. In .22 cal, from Zan both options in .219 (22 and 28 grains) match perfectly, and from EDgun (and JSB) the .216 Knockout Slugs MKII work well too. For the .25, Zan delivers with his .253 slugs both in 33 and 38 grains, and EDgun (JSB) Knockout slugs .250 MKII are good to go.
