Definitive Guide to Air Venturi Alpha

The weight and length varies for this lightweight and compact .22 caliber platform, depending on the version you choose. The compact versions that are available are the Compact Tube, Compact Standard Aluminum Bottle, and the Compact Carbon Bottle. The Standard versions are the Standard Tube or the Standard Aluminum Bottle. The total weight varies from 4.1 lbs. up to 6.2 lbs. The Compact model lengths are 33.5" and the standard models measure a total of 42" long.

You can expect an AR style carbine with a very minimalistic folding stock for easier storage or transport. This type of stock also contributes to a lightweight and the ability to maneuver through most anything! The stock is attached to a picatinny rail making it removable, so technically, it could morph into a pistol as well if you prefer the pistol platform over a carbine.

The AR style pistol grip and stock can be replaced with other AR furniture, making it customizable for your comfort. The two-stage adjustable trigger has a crisp break and is easy to predict.

The side-lever cocking handle is located on the right side of the rifle while the safety, which is similar to an AR safety, is located on the left side.

Regardless of the version you choose, there are multiple accessory mounting options. Most of the forends include a picatinny rail as well as M-Lok slots for innumerable accessories and Picatinny rails beside the optics rail. It begs to be accessorized; it also makes it great for shooting at the bench or mounting it to a tripod for some pesting or small game hunting.

The barrels are rifled and shrouded with an integrated moderator to minimize the report. The compact version's barrel length is 12.2" and the standard version is 19.2" long.

Each version's max fill pressure is 3,625 PSI or 250 bar, and the pressure gauge is located at the end of the tube below the barrel on the tube version. The bottle versions will house the gauge on the left side of the rifle.

The shot count ranges from twenty shots all the way up to sixty per fill. The Alpha is regulated to create a consistent velocity and consistent accuracy. Each Alpha will include two ten-round magazines and a male Foster QD fill probe.

Setup & Operation

Without the included skeletal stock installed, the shooter may operate the Alpha as a pistol. This is another way this platform is extremely versatile and fits the desires of most airgunners.

To properly operate the Air Venturi Alpha as a carbine, locate the stock and the two Allen screws. Slide the attachment onto the picatinny rail on the butt of the pistol, then insert the two Allen screws into the holes on the side. Use the included Allen key to tighten them to secure the stock.

Next choose your optic, like the UTG SWAT AccuShot 4-16x44 AO, EZ-TAP, and properly mount it on the picatinny rail. When mounting an optic on an airgun with a split rail, always be sure to use appropriate mounts to leave plenty of clearance for the magazine.

Attach the fill probe to your desired fill source; before airing the air cylinder, pull the cocking lever to the rear position to cock the rifle, then push it forward again. Next, pull the dust cover forward located at the muzzle end of the air cylinder and insert the probe into the fill port. Fill to 3,625 PSI or 250 Bar. Bleed the valve and remove the fill probe.

To load the ten-round magazines, simply load a pellet in head first and rotate counterclockwise until full. Pull the side lever cocking handle to the rear and insert the magazine into the breech on the right side. Next, return the cocking lever to the forward position, aim at your target, disengage the safety and squeeze the trigger.

Performance & Accuracy

We have completed the performance and accuracy test using the Compact Tube version of the Air Venturi Alpha. After the simple setup, the performance was flawless. From the operation, the accuracy and velocity production, it's proven itself worthy of the name Alpha.

In this test we used the JSB Match Diabolo Hades 15.89 Grain Hunting Pellets, the H&N Sport Field Target Trophy 14.66 Grain Dome Pellets, and the JTS Dead Center 18.1 Grain Dome Pellets. The lightest pellet being 14.66 grain and the heaviest at 18.1 all produced above 800 fps and 24 foot-pounds of energy. The best performing pellets were the JTS Dead Centers, so we produced a second five-shot group with those.

JSB Match Diabolo Hades results at 25 yards:

• High: 853 FPS / 25.5 FPE
• Low: 847 FPS / 25.1 FPE
• Average: 850 FPS / 25.4 FPE

H&N Sport Field Target Trophy results at 25 yards:

• High: 868 FPS / 24.4 FPE
• Low: 863 FPS / 24.1 FPE
• Average: 866 FPS / 24.3 FPE

JTS Dead Center Dome Pellets results at 25 yards:

• High: 815 FPS / 26.6 FPE
• Low: 808 FPS / 26.2 FPE
• Average: 811 FPS / 26.4 FPE

Summing Up

The Alpha is one of the most versatile airguns with several options to choose from and opportunity to customize to boot! For an extremely affordable price, you can get your hands on the Compact Tube Version, but if you're able to throw a bit more in, you'll get a higher shot count, more power, and more distance! Each version performs beautifully within its parameters.

You can expect the same performance out of this one from the bench or standing for some free-hand shots. It is so lightweight and compact that it almost feels like an extension of your person. You can expect to experience zero fatigue while stalking or shooting! It's a good thing the standard bottle version produces sixty shots per fill because you'll want to utilize every last one!

For some backyard fun, set up one of Air Venturi's Crazy Eights Reset Targets and plink away! This is where you hear and see the energy when the pellet hits the paddle, surprise, surprise, it's got a bite to it!

Don't let this PCP's size fool you; this little package packs a punch and is a great hunter. The JSB Hades is projected at speeds of 850 FPS with four out of five shots in almost the same hole. Dress it up with a UTG 4.2" Red/Green T-Dot Sight, a UTG Tactical OP Bipod, and stay loaded with extra Air Venturi Alpha Magazines. Fun or serious, it caters to work or play, nothing lacking!