I realize I'm a little late to the game on this. I've kind of been intrigued by budget-priced guns lately. I've read many positive reviews on the Chinese Umarex Gauntlet. There was one on ebay for $200 shipped so I thought "What the heck, try it." Threw a Accushot scope that was in the scope drawer on to test it out.
While the noise level wasn't bad it was still a bit louder than I like. Trying to avoid the additional length of a moderator I thought I'd start out with hair curlers and washers. The stock inner baffle is a sealed plastic unit that I assume has some sort of interior baffles. I removed that and just cut sections of curlers and put washers between the cut sections. I also drilled two vent holes at the rear of the shroud. Much improved on the sound level so I'll leave this set up. This is just an example of what I use. The sections were cut at about an inch each with 4 washers. Because it's spring loaded I used metal washers on the ends and nylon in the middle.
Tried two JSB pellet weights. As far as I know the gun is stock. I can only assume the Seller didn't mess with it. The gun is regulated by the system on top of the Ninja air tank. I've used a similar system on my Pony tanks to fill guns. It's kind of nice because you don't have to watch the gun's gauge. Just open the fill valve and know it's not going to go over the set amount.
JSB 15.89
Then JSB 14.35
Accuracy is very acceptable. Only had the 28 yards my backyard allows. Used a full 10 shot magazine on the dime size. I think the mild spread was my bad.
Started with a full 3,000 psi and after 20 shoots was here...
I'm guessing with the current fps it's good for 40-50 shots.
Trigger breaks nicely. I'm trigger picky and have no plans to mess with it.
There are things about the gun that do make it feel like the price break gun it is. The bottle cover feels like it wants to fall off. While the trigger is acceptable the cocking is pretty stiff. There are kits out there to improve both but at what point do you turn a $300 gun into $$$$? I've heard a Maurader magazine will fit, I tried and they are just a touch too wide. Replacement ones are $15 on ebay. I do like it loads from the top with no skirt first and flip over like my FX stuff.
So I would have to agree with others who have been wowed by this much performance out of a sub $300 gun. Hajimoto has enough tempting upgrades one could keep quite busy personalizing. Even putting another couple hundred in it would still make it a value for the performance.
I realize I'm a little late to the game on this...
...So I would have to agree with others who have been wowed by this much performance out of a sub $300 gun. Hajimoto has enough tempting upgrades one could keep quite busy personalizing. Even putting another couple hundred in it would still make it a value for the performance.
Thanks for the nice report, especially with all the details that make it very valuable and useful for decision-making.
Please pardon my laziness here while I ask just a few questions. And, make a few comments.
I'm getting more and more tempted to take the plunge and get a PCP rifle now that the prices have come down so much and the reports of quality are good in spite of that.
Thanks for the useful information about velocity and consistency, and the noise level and the way to improve it.
Is the power adjustable, or is that where it's going to stay? A little more specifically said, can it be adjusted up or down or both? I'm talking about in its current configuration, without having to add any parts or pieces or make other than minor modifications. Not that I have a problem with wear it shooting now.
Again, thanks for the nice report!
Lots of google info available on this gun. Trigger is adjustable.
This may look intimidating, I just figure "If they can do it" ?
http://www.badassairguns.com/video_listing/umarex-gauntlet-tune-kit/
So it can be tuned for specific needs or use.
For just jumping in on the PCP thing I'd look at this gun, a Hatsan Flash or Flashpup, Nova Freedom or Seneca Aspen with onboard pump systems.
Airgun Depot mentions a few others in one of their Top 5 videos. Notice where the Gauntlet ended up.
Well, there's even more useful information for us. And for me personally. Thanks again.
As a footnote, I see the old, let's have a pretty blond lady do the commercial thing, is still in vogue. It used to be cigarettes, beer, and new cars, now it's air guns. Not that I'm complaining LOL.
Well after much reading I too pulled the trigger on getting this gun. I had a 850 tuned guy the Store with HPA and it started to leak I thought for the price why not see if this gun with newer tech will be a good buy. My old 850 is 15+ yrs old, so it did a good job for the years. I am sure I will rebuild the reg or what ever might be leaking air on me. I just picked up a HPA pump and have a scuba tank that I will use to try to fix the 850.
Main reason why I went with the Umarex Gauntlet was weight and shot count. I am hoping it is back yard friendly. I also hear they are tack drivers, that is a must as well. I know trying to have it all in a low priced gun.
My FX Independence is a heavy gun, thought I would enjoy that for a hunter but lugging that around is not fun. I also tried the Hatsan Nova PCP, that thing is really heavy too. Nice gun though for under $1k.
Thanks again for all the good info and links to what to look for in the when the gun gets here.
Main reason why I went with the Umarex Gauntlet was weight and shot count. I am hoping it is back yard friendly. I also hear they are tack drivers, that is a must as well. I know trying to have it all in a low priced gun.
My FX Independence is a heavy gun, thought I would enjoy that for a hunter but lugging that around is not fun. I also tried the Hatsan Nova PCP, that thing is really heavy too. Nice gun though for under $1k.
Thanks again for all the good info and links to what to look for in the when the gun gets here.
I have the FX Indy. I know what you mean by the weight. Just hard to put a whole pump system and handle without adding some bulk. Funny on the Gauntlet. First time I shot one my initial thought was "Kinda heavy and front heavy". The Hatsan Flash is lighter. Still saw all the positive reviews and for the ebay price just thought I'd try it. I seldom shoot rifles. I prefer more compact guns but for whatever reason, I keep buying them.
Ed, if I were going to recommend a first PCP to someone it would be to buy a used Air Arms or FX gun. Just like recommending HW over Gamo. You can buy a nice used older PCP for about $400. I like the AA300-500 series and the FX guns Cyclone or later.
I do like the three power levels on the FX guns but most people never use them.
David Enoch
@davidenoch
Hey David, thanks for your input. I'll keep it in mind. It's not like I'm really ready to jump on one this month. I'll have some time to look at this situation. And, I'm guessing that probably during the time that I'm waiting to buy, some of these less expensive guns may get some of the kinks worked out of them, or possibly get some of the aftermarket mods included in the factory version. Possibly.
If not, I very much appreciate and understand what it means when someone gives me a comparison of an HW to a Gamo. Thanks again.
By the way, I'm really not trying to knock Gamo with that comment. I tuned one or two of them and they came out well. Of course there are the aftermarket triggers for some models, and I like those well enough. I even found I was able to do a little stoning and better lube work on the factory parts, and get an acceptable trigger out of one that I worked on. JM still has some Springs and seals that will fit them, too. But again, your comment makes sense, because a certain amount of extra work was necessary to make them what I considered to be good performers. I think you're referring to out of the box performance in making that comparison. I hear you.
That said, after looking at more then a hundred HW models over the years, all of those also benefited from some extra attention. It's not like the factory version couldn't be improved at all. And, of course, I am talking about sprinters.
I got to shoot an HW100 PCP once, and I found it to be just fine in the factory configuration, in the limited amount of time I had to spend with it. It was a customer's rifle, and I did something I basically never do as a special favor for him. I sold and shipped it for him, because he was having some personal problems including health that precluded him from doing it himself. So if anybody else is reading this and thinks I want to go into the gun broker business, I have definitely left the wrong impression. In over 20 years, that's the one single time that I can ever remember doing that for anyone for any reason. 🙂
I have both the .22 & .25 & love them both-added Haji kit to both( wasw $60, now $90) , adjusted trigger, And shimmed Ninja reg to up output slightly( they came in under stated pressure when tested for output) all mods cheap & easy to do. Also added .38l. bottle to each for higher shot count. Have .22 dialed in for 80 + shots @ 880 fps avg. & .25 to 40+ shots @ same. Shot a 1.39 5 shot gr. @ 100 yds with .22 in N.U.A.H contest in another forum(think it was round 6)
I am going to start to Mod mine right away, I think it will be a great little shooter with the supper tune. The stock cocking effort is interesting, so the new spring should help that out. As for the safety swx, not too sure I like it at all. That sound it makes going from safe to fire would scare a cat in the next yard let a lone any critters you might be hunting.
Planning on modding as needed and once I have it apart, might as well do the shroud mod and clean up all the factory burring marks. My fist shot had me scared, leaked from 3K to 2k and has held air ever sense.
On another note, rebuild my 850 regulator today, had to submerge it in water to find the leak. Replaced the seal on the top of the reg (black part) that screws into the brass adapter. Pumped it back up to 3K and six hrs later it is holding. Now for another scope and 11mm dove tail rings. the Nova got the 850's scope...I might change it back and get something else for the Nova.
I like the Gauntlet...like the idea of it, the price of it, and what I would expect the longevity of it (without abuse).
ONly two issues that have been reported most often (and not all rifles have those issues):
1. The point of aim/point of impact get out of alignment with a bit of barrel pressure. Newer ones seem to be coming with a barrel support lacking in the early ones. Eearly ones had various DIY cures and at least two after market support/band systems...then again, not all rifles howed that wandering POI/POA.
2. They use a good bit of air per shot. Do get a long regulated shot count, just not long enough to be really efficient (although they can be made to be).
Non-problems that seem to be problems:
3. They are lounder than expected for a shrouded design. Part of that goes back up to #2 ("extra" air being used) and part of it is the design (and I nguess part of it is expectations from the buyer). Like you, I'd try better baffles before I tried an extention on a rifle that is already rather long.
4. Aren't as powerful as hoped (Again, that's more about expectations...they generally get the energy advertized). Can make them shoot faster,but that brings you back to #1 and #2.
Run on mostly QB type parts. Some specific parts,but the seals and valve system is pretty straight forwards and easy to maintain. Trigger is not match quality, but a quite good system that easily adjustds and reliable.
Count them as simple to take down, repair when needed, and keep on running for a decade or two.
Accuracy is a bit varaible, but with the tragets you've shown, you got on the higher end of the varaiblity.
It's a keeper.
HEY FIRST post hello yo
hey bought one of those .25 cal pcp gaunlet was having so much fun I bought the .22 cal also. out of the box .25 cal shoots great 900 fps the 22 cal was a little slow 830 to 840 fps a few shims and it's up to 870 fps great gun but I don't shoot more than 50 yards......oh it will .. but not me...
I see the old, let's have a pretty blond lady do the commercial thing.....I got a good laugh...on that ed ekmeister
Just as an update. I bought a used .177 off of the classifieds. It said it had the Hajimoto Super Tune kit on it. Came to my office today. I cocked it once, fired it, cocked it again and immediately got online to order a Super Tune kit for my .22. So much smoother and easier pull than the stock gun.
Easy to adjust the power output with an allen now.
Just as an update. I bought a used .177 off of the classifieds. It said it had the Hajimoto Super Tune kit on it. Came to my office today. I cocked it once, fired it, cocked it again and immediately got online to order a Super Tune kit for my .22. So much smoother and easier pull than the stock gun.
Easy to adjust the power output with an allen now.
Pluric, hey brother how is it going? Hope all is well. Well you know that I am a newbie coming into this pcp stuff so at your leisure, could you please explain the "ninja" thing. I apologize as to not knowing the pcp vernacular so I hope you know what I am talking about, lol. And I did some chrono testing on my urban with 6, 7 and 8 turns out from where you can't cock it. pretty good info about the rifle. For a non regulated, I think its quite ok.
Just as an update. I bought a used .177 off of the classifieds. It said it had the Hajimoto Super Tune kit on it. Came to my office today. I cocked it once, fired it, cocked it again and immediately got online to order a Super Tune kit for my .22. So much smoother and easier pull than the stock gun.
Easy to adjust the power output with an allen now.
Pluric, hey brother how is it going? Hope all is well. Well you know that I am a newbie coming into this pcp stuff so at your leisure, could you please explain the "ninja" thing. I apologize as to not knowing the pcp vernacular so I hope you know what I am talking about, lol. And I did some chrono testing on my urban with 6, 7 and 8 turns out from where you can't cock it. pretty good info about the rifle. For a non regulated, I think its quite ok.
Never a reason to apologize. We are all learning more as we go along. Some are just further ahead. ?
Hajimoto is a aftermarket supplier of gun modifications. Here is the link to his Gauntlet stuff.
https://hajimotoproductions.com/index.php/products/gauntlet-parts/
Okay, I finally had time to try out the new to me .177 Gauntlet. All I did was clean the barrel and mount a tester scope on it. Turned out I didn't have 30mm rings the fit a 11mm rail so I had to use a 11mm to weaver rail adapter. Raised the scope but at least I could give a test.
Has an odd trigger. Breaks fine, just the initial pull back feels like it has no spring tension. Pull to the break point an it just stays there. If I push it forward again it will fire. Huh? I may have to look into that. Being used I have no idea what trigger work may or may not have been done. Either way, it shoots great. These guns are such a value for their accuracy! This gun does have the Hajimoto barrel band as well.
They are regulated. I had a FX radar chrony hanging on the barrel. For whatever reason it didn't record three of the shots when I did a full 10 shot magazine on the test target. More of a shot spread than I would have thought. I'll have to try the .22 and see how it does on spread.
The Hajimoto Super Tune kit came in for my .22 Gauntlet. Thankfully they have a nice video tutorial on the install because it is a full tear down.
Put it all together and it was shooting 150 fps less than before the install. Huh? I was trying to think what could have been the issue. All I came up with is that maybe the rubber transfer port got crushed when I put the barrel assembly on. It does have a rubber TP. Like a little hose section.
As a shout out to Hajimoto Productions I was VERY impressed with their follow up. I'd sent an email explaining what I did and asked if they had any suggestions as to what to check. I got a return phone call within hours and he was more than willing to talk. Told me what to try before taking it apart and was very willing to help.
Turned out I thought I had the now adjustable hammer spring on the highest setting and it was not. Put the chrony on it and adjusted it as I shot to it's peak performance. Easy fix.
As a heads up, in the video it will suggest drilling an access hole for the adjuster allen, DO IT! Other wise you have to remove the stock to do the adjustment. It's plastic and an easy drill.
Rick
As a shout out to Hajimoto Productions I was VERY impressed with their follow up. I'd sent an email explaining what I did and asked if they had any suggestions as to what to check. I got a return phone call within hours and he was more than willing to talk. Told me what to try before taking it apart and was very willing to help.
Turned out I thought I had the now adjustable hammer spring on the highest setting and it was not. Put the chrony on it and adjusted it as I shot to it's peak performance. Easy fix.
Rick
It was a pleasure speaking with you and I am glad that my long winded and sometimes overly verbose explanation did not hinder your corrective efforts. I am going to remake another tuning video that demonstrates the process and walks in more detail through the adjustment process.
When one watches the current video it speaks to adjusting to the what should be noted as the mechanical adjustment limit meaning any additional adjuster manipulation would prevent the bolt from being placed in full battery position. Besides the mechanical maximum, there is also performance maximum which is achieved by increasing the power adjuster and noting the performance result, adjust and note and so forth until diminishing returns is realized and any addition hammer preload will result in performance decrease.
I will try and be more current on the forums here on airgunwarriors, in the meantime if I need a nudge to come here and respond, please drop me an email at Hajimoto@HajimotoProductions.com, and I will get in here and respond accordingly.
Be Safe,
Hajimoto
It was a pleasure speaking with you and I am glad that my long winded and sometimes overly verbose explanation did not hinder your corrective efforts. I am going to remake another tuning video that demonstrates the process and walks in more detail through the adjustment process.
Be Safe,
Hajimoto
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound that you were "long winded". What I wanted to convey is that you were willing to take the time to explain what was going on and didn't seem bothered at all to help me out. I honestly was quite impressed. It can't be easy running a business and dealing with the public and you juggle it well!
I highly recommend to others to deal with you and your products.
Rick
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound that you were "long winded". What I wanted to convey is that you were willing to take the time to explain what was going on and didn't seem bothered at all to help me out. I honestly was quite impressed. It can't be easy running a business and dealing with the public and you juggle it well!
I highly recommend to others to deal with you and your products.
Rick
No no no, I was saying I was long-winded myself! I never meant to infer that you were saying that that! ?
You are very welcome and thanks again for the kind words bud!
