Umarex UX Strike Point

Umarex is perhaps best known for their incredible range of detailed, replica-style CO2 guns, made under license from a host of legendary firearms brands. The pistol on test here is a complete departure from that world, and since many shooters have little desire for a replica firearm, it should come as a refreshing change.

Sort of familiar

First impressions of the UX Strike Point are on the whole positive, and whilst the visuals are full-on air pistol, we can be forgiven for thinking the profile looks very familiar. Indeed, that elongated body look and resultant long sight base are undeniably similar to one of my favourite pistols in the Crosman range - the American Classic. The Strike Point is basically Umarex’s answer to that well-established favourite. That’s a compliment, believe me, and the configuration and layout here are plus points for sure.

Made in .22 calibre only, the UX Strike Point is a pump-up pneumatic, and this means it offers near recoilless shooting but does require physical effort to prime the action. An onboard pumping system means this model is totally self-contained, and for me personally, this style of airgun has always held great appeal. .22 is a more efficient calibre than .177, and I’d guess that’s why the smaller calibre option has been bypassed here, given the demands of the pump system.

Handling

Synthetics are used for pretty much all the external components, but with a steel bolt handle, steel barrel liner and internal compression chamber, the weight still comes in at 2.4lbs, helping the Strike Point feel significant, which just helps balance and feel overall. The grips are pleasantly contoured and with an ambidextrous configuration part of the spec sheet, the Strike Point can be shot with ease by most. The long sight base is a natural bi-product of the long body tube, which itself allows for an extended compression chamber. This in turn allows for a longer pump handle, with more leverage in the cocking arc. Plenty of benefits in theory then.

Pumping routine

The UX Strike Point is designed with safety in mind. This initially caught me out, as the cocking process cannot begin (the cylinder will not take in air) until the small bolt at the rear is pulled back and cocked. Subsequent charging of the action is done by multiple pumps of the pumping handle at the front of the action. Pull down the forend/pump handle and pull it forwards to its full extent, then pull it back and close up the action, taking care not to catch fingers in the process. Always be consistent with the length and extent of the arc as each cocking stroke is completed. This will ensure that a consistent amount of air is drawn into the compression cylinder each time. The end result should be consistent velocity if care is taken throughout.

The multi-pump pneumatic system allows for 10 pumps, but this does seem quite a lot of effort and fuss for such a meagre power return. That said, I quickly checked and experimented, and came to the conclusion that just five pumps were perfectly fine, and generated enough power for accurate shooting.

Features in use

There’s a mini-expansion chamber incorporated just inside the muzzle end to help tame the shot, and in this regard, I can certainly vouch for there being no real crack on discharge (there certainly can be with this type of airgun). The trigger is single action but perfectly acceptable in use, with a reasonably light, if slightly creepy, shot release. As for the sights, all I can say is that they are a massive surprise, for their crude execution, given the usual quality of design and production that we have come to expect from Umarex. Not their finest hour, and an all-round source of irritation.

A bent leaf of metal held with two fiddly mini cross headed screws is as disappointing as it sounds, and given that I had to slide the leaf completely over to the left, and had to carry on aiming a couple of inches low at 10 yards as the sights couldn’t be adjusted any lower, I wasn’t overly impressed. Plus, we’ve not even got onto the rather clumsy, overly large foresight element. OK, I’ll stop grumbling. It’s just a surprise that a product from Umarex is anything lesser than slick, given their usual high standards and incredible attention to detail.

Figuring it out

On test, I was surprised to get 3.3 ft/lbs as opposed to the claimed 5.5 ft/lbs. However, that’s more due to the manufacturer’s claims rather than any lack of enjoyment. Let’s face it, these pistols aren’t really about power output, more just the selfcontained fun of the firing cycle, handling and near recoilless shooting. On that note, there is still a vibration from the action as the shot releases, but that’s no big deal. Use other pellets and power levels may rise slightly, whilst other examples of this pistol may well produce higher energy.

I managed 3/4” groups c-t-c at 10 yards using Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets, which isn’t too shabby, especially considering the rather basic sights on offer! So, despite my negativity and a string of details with which to find fault, I still enjoyed the shooting experience on offer with the Strike Point.

Conclusion

So what’s the verdict overall? Well, I mentioned earlier the similarity in design with the Crosman American Classic, but for me, that model is an altogether sharper offering. Admittedly the UX Strike Point undercuts the Crosman’s RRP, and that’s the key here. For the asking price, this model has to be one of the cheapest tickets to recoilless shooting currently available. Obviously made down to a price in certain areas, but an interesting budget option nonetheless.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs for the kind loan of this pistol.