.177 air rifles and .177 competition match air rifles

Read the whole Giant air rifles review story
Official Australian Shooter review

Cometa 50 .177
Supplied by: Alcock & Pierce Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 2 kilograms
Overall length: 93cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Open, blade front, adjustable rear
Stock: Basic, stained wood
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 650fps
Price: $180
Made in: Spain
Score: 14.5
After giving the Cometa 50 a thorough review, Tim felt that this rifle would be an ideal starter for a junior. Other reviewers found the trigger to be very ‘scratchy’ and heavy; however, accuracy was of an acceptable standard at ten metres. The short sight radius did not allow for precise aiming and it may be advantageous to consider fitting a scope. This particular rifle needed some effort to cock, which could be a problem for a smaller/younger shooter until the rifle is fully run in. Value for money was rated as good and in line with the overall finish.

Cometa 100 .177
Supplied by: Alcock & Pierce Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 2.7 kilograms
Overall length: 102cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Open, blade front, adjustable rear
Stock: Stained wood
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 725fps
Price: $210
Made in: Spain
Score: 14.5
This is a full-sized, no frills air rifle with an affordable price to match. Reviewers commented on its light weight and easy-break barrel. Reloading was hassle free and even a junior would have no trouble with this one. The trigger, however, needed attention, as it was very heavy and had many ‘stages’ before it released. Accuracy was acceptable out to 20 metres and may improve with use. One reviewer made mention of the fact that the sights could not be lowered enough for close in work and some ‘holding under’ would be necessary. All reviewers considered that the price/value aspect was good.

Cometa 300 Nickel .177
Supplied by: Alcock & Pierce Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.4 kilograms
Overall length: 112cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Interchangeable front, micrometric rear
Stock: Black synthetic
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 850fps
Price: $340
Made in: Spain
Score: 15
With its black stock and nickel finish metal work, this was an attractive rifle. Rod and Brendan commented that the stock was very suitable for offhand shooting. The trigger was the best of the Cometa’s tested. Accuracy was acceptable and should improve with time and pellet selection. The open sights supplied were adequate, but this rifle would benefit from the addition of a scope. Value for money was considered good. The price should leave room for the purchase of quality optics.

Cometa Fenix 400 .177
Supplied by: Alcock & Pierce Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.4 kilograms
Overall length: 114cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Micrometric rear, three front sight elements supplied
Stock: Monte Carlo-style wood, with rubber butt pad
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 1000fps
Price: $390
Made in: Spain
Score: 16
An adult-sized rifle claimed to give 20ft-lb of energy makes this unit a good hunting proposition. The sights supplied are adequate with a choice of front elements, but a scope is recommended. A scope will add to the already considerable weight, however; the stock design lends itself to shooting from a sandbag rest. Fortunately, the trigger is adjustable, as the out of the box trigger pull needs attention. Considering the power of the rifle, the spring pressure did not seem excessive and loading was easy. The moderate price makes this rifle good value for the package received.

Gamo Shadow 1000 .177
Supplied by: Highland Sports Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 2.9 kilograms
Overall length: 43.25cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Fibre optic
Stock: Grey synthetic
Safety: Manual, inside trigger guard
Claimed velocity: 1000fps
Price: $375
Made in: Spain
Score: 13.5
This is a new model from the Gamo group. It was light and easy to use, but, for whatever reason, the accuracy was poor despite a number of pellet types tried. This may have been peculiar to this rifle, but the reviewers can only report on what they found on the night. Otherwise, the rifle was well finished, the trigger was good and the break barrel was easy to operate. A junior would have no trouble cocking this outfit.

Gamo 610 Fibre Optic .177
Supplied by: Highland Sports Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 2.5 kilograms
Overall length: 109cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: TRUGLO fibre optic
Stock: Stained beechwood
Safety: Manual, inside trigger guard
Claimed velocity: 722fps
Price: $599
Made in: Spain
Score: 16
The Gamo 610 Fibre Optic was one of the lightest rifles tested and would make an excellent training rifle for a junior. The easy break barrel and adjustable trigger are good features. Both Gil and Brendan commented on how beneficial the fibre optic sights were for night shooting under lights. These sights give the appearance of two small green lights with the foresight standing out in orange/red, which allowed for very precise aiming. Accuracy was above average and the whole package was appealing. This model is also available in .22 calibre if required.

Gamo Stutzen .177
Supplied by: Highland Sports Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 2.9 kilograms
Overall length: 100cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Blade front, four position adjustable rear
Stock: Full length Manlicher style, polished hardwood
Safety: Manual, inside trigger guard
Claimed velocity: 920fps
Price: $599
Made in: Spain
Score: 14.5
With its Mannlicher-style stock and a loading port that rises for insertion of a pellet, this is an unusual looking firearm. Reviewers believed that a scope would be most beneficial to this rifle, as the sighting radius of the open sights is so short that precise aiming was difficult. Also, the cocking lever, which is hidden in the stock, has a very heavy spring and requires a lot of effort to cock it, making it unsuitable for juniors. Even the seniors found it best to rest the butt on the ground when cocking. The Stutzen is also available in .22 calibre.

Diana 350 Magnum .177
Supplied by: Highland Sports Pty Ltd
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.85 kilograms
Overall length: 122.5cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Interchangeable front sight inserts, adjustable rear
Stock: Stained hardwood, rubber butt plate
Safety: Automatic on cocking
Claimed velocity: 1250fps
Price: $795
Made in: Germany
Score: 16
This is one of the most powerful .177 calibre air rifles available and consequently requires a substantial spring and piston. Despite the overall weight, the power results in significant recoil jump when firing. Fortunately the barrel length allows enough mechanical advantage to assist when cocking. Accuracy was above average. With this sort of power, the Diana 350 Magnum would make an excellent hunting rifle. Silhouette pig targets at 30 yards were dramatically removed with the Diana. Being a full-sized rifle, it is well suited to adults, but a junior may have some trouble with the stock length.

Beeman GS 950 .177
Supplied by: Beeman Precision Airguns Australia
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.3 kilograms
Overall length: 46.5cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Fibre optic
Stock: Stained hardwood
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 850fps
Price: $495
Made in: Spain
Score: 16.5 Highest scoring .177 calibre
David and Tim commented favourably on this rifle. In particular, they liked the ease of cocking and the fibre optic sights. The latter stood out like beacons under fluorescent lighting. A fully adjustable trigger is a nice feature on this outfit and the weight distribution was good. Accuracy was better than average and the reviewers were able to hit the metal targets at 20 yards with little trouble. This rifle would benefit by the addition of a scope and a junior might well start off shooting metallic silhouette with it. The price/value aspect was considered to be very good by all reviewers.

Beeman GS 1000 .177
Supplied by: Beeman Precision Airguns Australia
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.5 kilograms
Overall length: 46.5cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Fixed front, adjustable rear
Stock: Stained hardwood
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 923fps
Price: $595
Made in: Spain
Score: 14.5
Although very similar to the GS 950, some reviewers felt that there was a substantial increase in recoil with this model, which seemed to result in reduced accuracy due to a more difficult ‘follow through’. This could be overcome with practice. Cocking effort was up a bit, although not excessive. With its higher velocity and therefore greater hitting power, the GS 1000 would make an excellent hunting rifle. The open sights provided were adequate to ten metres, but a scope would help explore the potential of the rifle. Price/value was rated as fair.

Beeman R9 .177
Supplied by: Beeman Precision Airguns Australia
Propulsion method: Spring piston
Weight: 3.4 kilograms
Overall length: 109.2cm
Barrel: Break barrel
Sights: Blade front, adjustable rear
Stock: Stained beechwood
Safety: Automatic with cocking
Claimed velocity: 850fps
Price: $695
Made in: Germany
Score: 16
Reviewers were impressed with the Beeman R9 and despite the basic sights fitted, it shot well from the offhand position. This rifle would be suitable for either an advanced junior or an adult. The stock is very user friendly and the cocking action requires a 40-pound pull. Brendan took a liking to this rifle and after the outdoor testing, shot some groups from a bench rest at ten metres. Depending upon pellet choice, groups of less than half an inch were possible for five shots using the open sights supplied. The R9 asking price for German quality seems very reasonable.

.177 competition match air rifle

Walther LG300 Laminated
Supplied by: Frontier Arms
Propulsion method: Compressed air
Weight: 4.4 kilograms (adjustable)
Overall length: 109cm (adjustable)
Barrel: 42cm fixed, barrel weight fitted
Sights: Aperture, interchangeable
Stock: Laminated wood
Safety: Not fitted
Claimed velocity: 170mps
Price $2550
Made in: Germany
Score: Not scored - see write-up
This rifle has been included to show what is available at the top end of the market. It is not intended to be compared to the other rifles in this review, as it is purely a competition gun. Both Rod and Gil commented that this was one of the best match rifles that they had ever fired. There is absolutely no movement or recoil when the shot is released. Gil has witnessed Olympic shooters scoring up to 45 consecutive tens with this type of rifle. Being infinitely adjustable, the rifle can be made to ‘feel’ as part of the shooter when shouldered. Even the reviewers with little air rifle competition experience had no difficulty holding the 1cm ten ring on the Cometa practice targets supplied. Of course, the ten ring on an Olympic target is a mere pin prick by comparison. The Australian Shooter intends to conduct a full review of competition air rifles in the future.