Walther Rotex RM8 Varmint

Walther’s Rotex RM8 has been around for a few years now, as it was launched at the tailend of 2014, if I remember rightly. It was a looker from the start too, with that curvy beech stock and trendy configuration. The trend for black tactical airguns inevitably lured Walther’s design team down that route, and an alternative black stocked model soon emerged.

But now Walther, part of the Umarex group based in Germany, have gone one better, as 2017 sees the launch of their brand-new synthetic ‘Varmint’ version, on test here.

First impressions

Walther’s packaging is comprehensive to say the least, but once I had fought my way through several layers of cardboard protection, my eager anticipation was rewarded. Okay, fans of traditional timber may not appreciate black plastic, and if you find yourself getting agitated at the thought of synthetics taking pride of place, then look away now.

I can of course sympathise, but the new Rotex RM8 Varmint is undoubtedly a triumph of design and execution. Okay, black synthetics can come across as a little unsubtle compared to attractively grained timber, but the sheer practicality of synthetics as an alternative gun stock medium, is difficult to dispute. Totally robust, free from warp, and supremely weatherproofed – they’re the ideal solution for hardened outdoor sportsman. The clue of course is also in that word ‘execution’, and the quality of the moulding and synthetics used, can make a huge difference in the overall feel. Basically, you have to look hard to see any seam in the moulding, and there’s no cheap wisps to contend with here.

Shoulder this Varmint version, and the first thing that notices is the weight. A combination of solid build and the density of the new stock, means this model is no lightweight. There is however an overall feeling of quality, justifying the weight of just over 8.5lbs. That’s hardly excessive in the big scheme of things in any case, but a consideration when compared to several much lighter rivals.

Subtle evolution

The profile is similar to the original RM8, with that attractive swell of the forend creating a hand shelf. The new thumbhole configuration feels distinctly different from the original Walther spec though, meaning the Varmint stands as a clear option from the original model, which is as it should be. The stock is in fact very similar to that found on the popular Walther LGU Varmint spring piston rifle.

Significant patterned panels cover the forend and pistol grip, and these carry an unusual swirl design (all part of the moulding) rather than traditional chequering. It really aids grip and looks the part. The grip area doesn’t allow for a thumb-up shelf, but it is nicely thinned down, incorporating a bottom lip, so the hand just feels right, and sits in position. The prominent cheek piece looks stylish, but more importantly, really helps scope/eye alignment.

Finally, the stock is finished off with an excellent rubber butt pad, which is both nice and soft, and properly concave, shaped to grip the shoulder.

Spec check

A quick check of the specification sees much the same action as the original specification, and that means a totally free floating barrel, threaded, ported muzzle brake, 8-shot rotary magazine, manual safety catch, two stage adjustable trigger, 200cc buddy bottle, manometer, Picatinny style accessory rail, scope rail, and bolt action cycling. UK importers, Armex, confirm that Walther now fit a regulator to this model, so all in all, a tidy specifications sheet!

Finish is smart and functional overall, with the breech block and buddy bottle getting a matt black coating, whilst the barrel gets full chemical bluing, to a high standard.

Walther opt for the probe design to charge this model, and, as is fairly standard these days, the manufacturer supplies an adapter with each rifle, to fit the user’s charging gear – be that pump or diver’s air bottle. The probe adapter just needs to be screwed onto the airline, and I now use Best Fittings Quick fill plugs as a matter of course. Just nip the supplied adapter onto a quick plug using a Doughty seal, hand tight, then snap this onto the Foster style connector from the airline, and you’re ready to go.

Preparation

To charge the Walther Rotex, insert the probe into the rifle’s inlet valve on the underside of the action, just to the right of the pressure gauge. Charge the system to 232-bar, bleed the line, and pull the probe from the action. This all works well, but I would always suggest checking the probe is fully inserted, a short way into the charging procedure, just to be safe. One criticism has to be the way the inlet valve is left uncovered. A small plug/ cover would help keep dirt and foreign bodies from entering the system, and a plastic cap would add pence to the overall cost!

Mounting a scope is easy, given the generous stretch of dovetail rails bridging the breech area. It’s a continuous run too, so a one-piece mount could be utilised if required; unnecessary on a PCP of course, but it’s nice to have the option. A handy part of the design sees a series of indents across the top of the block, and these can be used as reference markers for precisely locating, or relocating a scope and mounts assembly, back to the same position.

Filling the magazine is the final operation to be completed, and this is achieved by first removing the mag from the rifle. Pull the bolt rearwards to cock the action, then slide the magazine retaining catch rearwards, and pull the magazine clear of the action from the left side. Now push eight pellets head first into their respective chambers. Walther incorporate a substantial rubber band around the magazine, so most makes of pellet should be useable. Now, return the full magazine back into the breech block housing from the left-hand side. Push home the bolt, which should pick up the retaining catch along the way, to lock the mag in position. Subsequent working of the bolt then indexes the following shot.

One final point to consider at this stage concerns that Picatinny accessory rail- part of the moulding on the underside of the stock. This could take a bipod, laser or torch/lamp, which could prove invaluable, if this Varmint model was to see serious hunting duties.

Handling

I really like the handling and feel of this new stock, and that long extended forend proved just about right. I have a large frame, but I didn’t find myself holding the bottle in the aim, which is unusual for this style of buddy bottle fed rifle. What I did find was the action just a little light at the front, when taking on standing shots; and to this end, I would unscrew that muzzle brake, and fit a large threaded silencer (½-inch UNF) to the muzzle. I did just that at one stage on test, and the small muzzle crack just disappeared.

The two-stage trigger is classic Walther, and for that read perfectly shaped, and very sweet in operation. It’s a general-purpose design, but extremely pleasant in use, and a contributory factor to accuracy levels achieved.

As mentioned, I’m told the Rotex RM8 action is now regulated, and my statistics show that this model certainly achieved the manufacturer’s claims, bettering an earlier version I tested, when he RM8 was first launched, by some considerable margin. Over the chronograph, from the suggested maximum fill pressure of 232- bar, I clocked 176 shots, with a total spread of 27fps, which I reckon is pretty impressive. Discounting one low figure, that total spread comes down to just 19fps; encouraging stuff, and bang on the specified figures, laid out by Walther.

Accuracy wise, using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets in .22, I managed good tight clusters fairly easily at 30-yards, and still sub half inch at 35-yards. The bolt isn’t the smoothest in operation, and checking my original review of the RM8, reveals much the same finding. Try and be subtle and gentle, and occasionally the bolt would feel sticky. Adopt a positive, slightly rougher approach, and all worked well.

Conclusion

This new Varmint version of the popular RM8 certainly gets my thumbs up, as that new synthetic stock feels very different from the standard model. Slickly made, attractively styled, and highly functional, nicely sums it up. Add in that super sweet trigger, and some half decent down range performance, and this model starts to look great value for that current asking price of £400.