Definitive Guide to Umarex Gauntlet 2

The Umarex Gauntlet 2 pcp rifle addresses a lot of customer requests for an improved stock and aesthetics. The new stock takes many cues from the Umarex Hammer, turning it into what looks a bit like a mini-hammer. Frankly, we think the new look brings a lot to the table.

It's a solid composite that's not too heavy while at the same time not feeling cheap. The forearm protects the new 24 cubic inch bottle, more on that later, and incorporates M-LOK slots to attach accessory rails on the sides and bottom. In addition, there's a quick-release sling mount point in the buttstock. Just add an M-LOK mounted accessory rail and quick disconnect in the forearm, and you can easily sling the Gauntlet 2 (G2).

The weight and length remain the same from the original Gauntlet to the Gauntlet II, coming in at 46.5" and 8.5 pounds. However, there is a bit of a difference in the balance, as the Gauntlet 2's larger bottle tends to make the new G2 a bit more front-heavy.

Umarex has also adopted a new scope rail. Where the original Gauntlet used an 11mm dovetail, the new G2 has a slotted rail that can take both 11mm mounts as well as weaver or Picatinny mounts. While not a "big" deal, this type of upgrade makes it so that shooters can accommodate a wide range of optics without being concerned about getting gun-specific mounts. It just makes life that much easier.

While the improvements on the outside are what you'll immediately notice from a distance, sit down with the G2, and you'll see the changes go much deeper, starting with the new power delivery system.

The original Gauntlet sported a 3000 PSI, 13 cubic inch bottle that was regulated to 1900 for psi for the .25 and 1100 for .22 and .177 variants. The Umarex Gauntlet 2 .25 now has a massive 24 cubic inch bottle that is rated for 4500 PSI and regulated to 2100 PSI for .25 and 1900 PSI for .22. In short, you are going to get a massive jump in power and shot count with the Gauntlet 2.

With the power upgrade comes more noise right? Not at all. In fact, Umarex worked hard to reduce the report by 15% with a newly designed integrated baffle system at the end of the barrel shroud. This 8DB noise reduction is certainly noticeable and very appreciated.

While Umarex was working hard on the aesthetics and other upgrades, they did not forget the importance of the shooting cycle and overall shooting experience, starting with the upgraded cocking handle. The original Gauntlet could be difficult to cock for some shooters. The new, larger cocking handle on the G2 helps ease the cocking force, making it noticeably easier to cock. Being easier to cock means fewer accidental double feeds and just a better overall shooting experience all around.

The trigger on the Gauntlet 2 pcp air rifle remains the same as on the original. It's fully adjustable for pull weight, first and second-stage travel, and over-travel. In addition, the trigger can be adjusted to a very crisp 1 pound 2 ounces, or less if you dare, perfect for the field or bench shooting.

The eight-shot magazine (.25 cal) is deep and will accommodate various pellets and slugs. We've not seen or tested the .22 caliber version yet. Once we do, we can update the article with the specifics if warranted.

Shooting & Accuracy

One of the major upgrades on the G2 is the new 24 cubic inch, 4500 psi bottle, which is now regulated to 2100 psi. We shot the JSB MK II heavies for our test as they worked well in souped-up first-generation Gauntlets and did not disappoint us here with the new Gauntlet 2.

Umarex promises up to 100 shots out of the new G2. We got 96 shots on the reg with staggeringly good consistency. The extreme spread was 27 feet per second across all 96 shots, with a standard deviation of only 5 feet per second.

Umarex also promised us more power, and they delivered there as well. Topping out at around 854 FPS with the 33.95 Grain JSB MK II Heavies, the Gauntlet 2 came very close to 55 foot-pounds at the muzzle. That's a lot of power on tap. The average across all 96 shots was 846 feet per second, generating nearly 54 foot-pounds. So far, Umarex has delivered on every promise.

We didn't have perfect conditions for our shooting tests, but fortunately, with heavy pellets and all the power on tap from the Umarex G2, that wasn't a problem. We shot multiple eight-shot groups at 50, 75, and 100 yards and got very consistent results.

50 Yard Group

At 50 yards, all the pellets were landing very consistently, with groups easily averaging under 1" CTC.

75 Yard Group

When we shot at 75 yards, the wind began to play a role and started pushing our shots right slightly. We did not re-zero the scope but used mil-dots to adjust for our hold-over.

100 Yard Group

At 100 yards, things started to become less consistent. The bulk of the shots always landed in a group measuring about 2" CTC. But there was the occasional flyer, as you see here. Our first shot landed high, with the next seven shots landing slightly low left. All in all, this is not a bad showing from an airgun slated to retail around $450.

Summing Up

Having spent a great deal of time with the original Gauntlet, this new Gauntlet 2 makes good on all its marketing promises. With a more refined build quality, massively improved shot count, accuracy out to 100 yards, and power to spare, the Gauntlet 2 is looking to be an ideal choice for more budget-conscious airgunners who don't want to compromise on performance.

If you are looking to get one of the new Umarex Gauntlet 2's when they start to ship, you'll want to get your order in sooner rather than later as we expect the new Gauntlet 2 pcp rifle from Umarex to be in high demand.