Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Air Guns Gamo break barrel?

What do you guys think of the quality of Gamo break barrel pellet rifles?
I need something inexpensive that will be dependable, for keeping pests out of my bird feeder.

Thanks! Virgil B.

mine has good killing power..but it jars the scope so much i have to tune it back in after every shot

They have shyt triggers and are very "twangy".

How do you really feel about them? lol My experience also. After shooting nice ones (TX200, R9, R7) they pretty much all fit into that category.

I've got one in 17 cal. The thing does the job and is pretty accurate out to 50 yards. Mine supposedly shoots 1250 fps. Like Blackheart says, the trigger is kind of crappy and has a lot of creep. Other than that, it'll kill critters. I've never had problems with the scope holding 0. I think that I paid $70 for it a few years ago.

I've got a couple Gamo air rifles. They are both from Gamo's upper end price wise. Spoiler: I like them.

Being made with plenty of polymer, Gamo rifles get a good amount of derision from the traditionalist old-school German-made air rifle fans. And it is understandable. For me, they are simply tools for pesting, and play toys for inexpensive backyard shooting.

So I've got two 22 caliber Gamo rifles, the Swarm Magnum Gen3, and the Whisper Fusion Mach 1. The Magnum uses Gamo's most powerful gas piston, while the WFM1 uses their mid-power gas piston.

Both rifles will deliver accuracy with the pellets they 'like'. I'm talking sub-1 inch at 25 yards. Often they will shoot under 1/2" at 25 yards. I tend to shoot them out to 40 yards or so with good results, and they are fun plinkers out to 75 yards, or even further.

Here's a couple vids I've made with both air rifles. Note that I'm at 4000 ft elevation, and the thinner air is robbing 50-60 fps as compared to elevations closer to sea-level.

If you go with a Gamo with the CAT or SAT trigger, you will really benefit from this screw to make your trigger adjustable to a useful level. The factory screw at the lightest setting is too heavy and long, like 7-8 lbs. With this screw I have mine dialed down to about 1.5 lbs, and it could go lighter but I want mine to be plenty safe, and able to feel it with light gloves on.

You can google around and find the exact size if you just want to pick it up at the hardware store for less. I was happy to support JC at Airgun Detectives. He puts out some really good airgun reviews.

https://airgundetectives.com/product/adjustment-screw-for-the-gamo-c-a-t-and-s-a-t-triggers-2/

Thanks for the feedback!

Was thinking one of the Gamo rifles might fit my budget a little better than a Beeman for my first break barrel rifle.

Plus, to test and see IF I really like break barrels before going high end.

Any other Recommendations for a mid price break barrel rifle?

Thanks! Virgil B.

The Hatsan 95 is a solid rifle. Made in Turkey. A good value in my opinion/experience.

The scope it comes with is very basic, but it is functional.

I've had a couple of Hatsan 125 rifles, sold the 25 cal, kept the 22 cal.

You can get the Hatsan 95 with a coil spring or gas ram powerplant.

https://www.airgundepot.com/break-barrel-air-rifles.html?product_brand=Hatsan&Caliber=.22

You probably already know this, but if this is going to be your first experience with break-barrel air rifles, there is a learning curve. They are not like shooting a 22 rimfire. You have to learn how to hold it to get consistent accuracy.

Their customer service was non-existent when I had an issue with my first and only GAMO (a part fell off the first day out of the box). Sent two emails and left a voice message. None were ever answered, so the rifle went back to Cabela's a week later.

Anyone have a Diana 250? Looks like it might be another option for a beginner rifle.
Gotta do more research before I "jump in"
Will check out the Hatson 95 also.

Thanks for the feedback! Virgil B.

I have a swarm 10x maxim gen II 22 cal. I haven't had it long, but i can tell you I'm loving the accuracy and the magazine. With the cheap crossman pellets, im shooting quarter size groups at 40 yards. My original scope, the crosshairs came loose ant twisted to no be in line with the scope turrets any more. I emailed gamo, explaining what happened. They emailed me the next day and sent me a new scope, no charge. New scope is holding up so far. Im getting 725fps with the .22 14.3gn lead pellets. The rifle looks gimmicky, but i cant argue with the accuracy. My model has an adjustable trigger, so i lightened it up and took out the creep. Pretty good trigger for a springer.

I have a ruger wood stock. The ruger feels well made, but the accuracy sucks compared to the gamo. The gamo accuracy doubled my range.

I had a top of the line $3xx Gamo for a few days. Way too hard to cock and way too noisy. Returned it to Scheels at next opportunity. Went the other way. Bought a cheaper Winchester. Felt cheaper and shot worse than my worn out $20 daisy. Returned it too.

Thinking maybe a regulated PCP of some type; but no good cheap fill options so haven't gone there yet.

The 250 is made in China. I'm a bit of an airgun snob and would say spring for at least an RWS 34 (around $250 or so new), but in all honesty a Spanish/Turkish/Chinese airgun would probably do what you want as far as just shooting pests around the bird feeder.

A lot of good advice here, and I'll add in a little more.

As Shane says, springers have a learning curve. It's a fun learning curve, like learning archery. But it's sure there.

As Timbo says, a Diana 34 is a great choice, especially with a T06 trigger. And they are fairly common used and often found at modest prices. I prefer mine in .22, but .177 is also a fine choice and I enjoy those too.

I would also suggest a Beeman R9/Weihrauch 95. They cost more, but I dont think you'll ever regret buying one. No one ever does.

Also, myself and a friend both picked up "Ruger" Blackhawk Elite rifles (different times/places). They are basically Chinese copies of a Diana 34 with the T05 trigger, in a black thumbhole stock. We are both a little shocked by the good quality and accuracy. I bought mine used but in perfect shape from a gun store for $35 about 2 years ago.
You should be able to track one of those down easily, though I'd expect it to be a $75-100 purchase.
I'm told that people like the "Ruger" Impax Max too, for $169 @ WalMart's everywhere.

There are many, many choices these days.