Questions about Huben GK1 and K1
Are 虎贲 and HUBEN the same brand?
HUBEN is a brand from Hong Kong, China. Huben is one of its Chinese names, commonly used in the Chinese market and among enthusiasts. The different spellings mainly come from transliteration and usage habits, but they refer to the same brand.
Is Huben manufactured in China?
Yes, it is manufactured in China.
HUBEN PCP airguns are manufactured in Chinese Mainland, assembled and quality-controlled in accordance with brand standards, and most products are sold to overseas markets.
How many versions of the K1 are there?
Overall, the K1 actually has two main versions:
Early version (produced until early 2020) Later version (commonly referred to as the 2020 version or post‑2020 version) The most important change in 2020 was the new barrel: it features a non‑choked design, specially optimized for the K1’s direct magazine feed structure, ensuring excellent accuracy with both lead pellets and slugs. Meanwhile, the latest version delivers outstanding performance across all power ranges, while the early version performed particularly well at high power settings. In addition, Huben has continuously optimized production processes and quality control and actively adopted user feedback. As a result, there may be minor improvements between different production batches. These changes are incremental upgrades and do not fundamentally affect the core structure or functions.
What is the difference between the synthetic stock and wooden stock of the K1?
The two versions share exactly the same core platform, including internal structure, barrel, air reservoir system, pressure gauge, etc., with identical performance. The main differences are in appearance and materials:
*The wooden stock version uses carbon fiber for the suppressor housing. This configuration makes the overall weight lighter, which is somewhat unexpected for a model with a wooden stock. Another subtle difference is the vent position on the suppressor housing: on the wooden stock version, the vents are positioned further back, closer to the shooter, so the shooter may subjectively perceive it as louder. However, from the front of the muzzle, the wooden stock version is actually quieter.
*Note: Later‑produced synthetic stock versions also adopt the rear‑vent design.
Can the K1 use slugs?
Absolutely. While direct magazine feeding poses theoretical challenges for slugs, the latest version of the K1 handles them perfectly. As with all airguns, some testing is still required when using slugs to find the best projectile for your individual rifle. If you prefer not to spend extensive time testing, here are proven effective options:
.22 caliber:
Zan .219 (22gr & 28gr) EDgun / JSB Knockout Slugs MKII (.216)
.25 caliber: Zan .253 (33gr & 38gr) EDgun / JSB Knockout Slugs MKII (.250) These slugs all perform consistently and reliably in the K1.
.25 caliber: Zan .253 (33gr & 38gr) EDgun / JSB Knockout Slugs MKII (.250) These slugs all perform consistently and reliably in the K1.
What does the term "Hammerless" mean for the K1? What are its advantages?
Hammerless design means the trigger acts directly on the air valve’s locking mechanism, rather than striking the valve via a hammer. The air valve is opened directly by air pressure from the regulated chamber, driven by the piston. Since no hammer is needed to overcome valve resistance, this design offers multiple advantages:
* Fewer moving parts
* Significantly reduced vibration (helping improve accuracy)
* Higher energy efficiency
* Ability to achieve greater output power This operating principle also gives the K1 exceptional reliability and a smooth feeding cycle. Accuracy, power, and reliability are the direct benefits of Huben’s pioneering hammerless system.
Besides being pistols in appearance, what are the other differences between the K1 and GK1?
Structurally, the GK1 can be regarded as a compact version of the K1, transitioning from rifle form to pistol form. The two share nearly identical core mechanical structures (with only minor differences), and many components are interchangeable. The GK1 uses a shortened version of the K1 barrel. The main difference is that the factory-standard GK1 features a non-regulated (unregulated) design.
Is the power of the GK1 adjustable?
Yes. The GK1 features adjustable power. By means of an adjustment screw inside the grip, you can increase or decrease the valve opening duration, thereby adjusting the output power. This screw controls how long the air valve remains open:
* Counterclockwise rotation → Increases power
* Clockwise rotation → Decreases power Since the GK1 has no regulator, this is its only method of power adjustment. As an unregulated PCP air pistol, its output power is also affected by the fill pressure — the higher the pressure, the greater the power. As shots are fired and pressure decreases, power gradually drops, but the decline is relatively smooth. The valve compensates for lower pressure by staying open longer, so the GK1 offers significantly better consistency than typical unregulated PCPs.
Note that the power setting should always be matched to the current pressure. It is not recommended to let the pressure drop below 150–160 BAR, as excessively long valve opening can cause malfunctions or even a full sudden air discharge. If using heavier projectiles, a higher minimum refill pressure (e.g., 180 BAR) is advised.
How to correctly adjust the power of the GK1?
Power adjustment should be done gradually and with the use of a chronograph to monitor velocity data in real time. The adjustment screw has no mechanical limit and can theoretically be fully unscrewed — but you must avoid doing this.
The official recommended maximum adjustment range is 2 full rotations (720°). If you seek maximum output, you may adjust up to 2.5 rotations at most, but you must refill the air in a timely manner when the pressure drops to no less than 220 BAR to ensure safety and reliability.
Can the GK1 use slugs?
Yes. The GK1 can use slugs normally, but you must choose the correct size for your caliber. Recommendations:
* .22 caliber: at least .219
* .25 caliber: .253 / .254
The correct size helps ensure accuracy and stability.
