Icon Logo Gun Mart

Gamo CFR Whisper

Gamo CFR Whisper

The stock on this test rifle grabbed my attention first, and the fact that the under-lever uses a very wide arc to cock. Intriguing, but more on this after I look over the slim, sleek action but at 46.75” from butt to muzzle the Gamo CFR Whisper is a rather lengthy sporter in my books. However it tips the scales at a mere 6.8lbs un-scoped and with a suitably sized optic it still handles very nicely indeed.

Simple as A, B, S…
The CFR’s synthetic stock comes with a height adjustable ambidextrous comb and a substantial amount of material removed to create a large inverted ‘U’ shaped section of ABS that you can’t just glibly refer to as a thumbhole, as it offers much more due to its size.

I’ll come back to its benefits after giving credit to the very comfortable ‘fixed’ yet very thick and forgiving full rubber butt pad. It’s termed a ‘butt pad buffer’ and claims to offer 74% more recoiling pressure resulting in a more comfortable shooting experience.

Sensibly the grip aids are raised ‘dimple grip’ rubberised panels, two down either side of the Sci-Fi looking, steep drop down grip. Two more dimpled panels feature on either side of the forend. For the rifle’s length, these forward grip aids are just in the right position for an assured leading hand hold.

While sighting in the Tru-Glo open sights I noticed the rifle is superb to hold due to that large amount of missing synthetic material allowing you to get a full wrap around hold. Your thumb almost at the top of the inverted angled ‘U’ shape cut out while your fingers and thumb easily touch on the other side. Your trigger finger is now directly in-line to enter the integral trigger guard and of course have a very easy passage to the synthetic trigger blade and to operate the in-guard safety lever with the trigger finger.

Under-lever Cocking
The CFR under-lever uses a sliding ribbed retaining catch. Pull back to disengage the under-lever locking arrangement which is a ‘lug’ type locator that disengages from its female counterpart fixed underneath the silencer unit of the rifle. The lengthy under-lever has an equally lengthy cocking stroke. It operates easily and smoothly due to the long main lever using two articulated levers to draw back the mainspring. Once cocked and locked back, you can then manually slide over the rotary breech from the right to the left using the ABS catch revealing a deep cut, smooth finish pellet loading channel.

story continues below...

The pellet slides down the channel directly into the breech of the 19” barrel. Close the rotary breech cover back to its original position and you’re cocked, loaded, all sealed and for ‘safety’s sake’ - if you didn’t do it before cocking - then apply the manual safety lever by pulling it back.

Sighting Up
The CFR has two sighting options, you can use the ‘Tru- Glo’ open sights or fit an optic to the raised dovetail rail on the top of the air cylinder. It can be removed but it’s been added to raise the height of the optic as the open sights are quite high due to the silencer holding the hooded fibre optic foresight.

Scoping up with a BSA 4 – 12 X 50AO Essencial in high mounts, I set zero for 25yds with the .22 calibre test rifle and began to fully appreciate what the rifle can do. After making enough sub 1-inch groups out to 30-yds using quality ammo, it proved its hunting capabilities. Accuracy is aided by the 2-stage adjustable trigger unit which as mentioned has the familiar safety blade layout.

The manufacturers ‘Integrated Noise Dampener’ sound moderator is fitted to the muzzle and is claimed to reduce report by up to 52%, and the unit was impressive.

Conclusions
The hold and handling this rifle displays is one of the best I’ve experienced on a Gamo springer - just remember the follow through.

Personally, I really liked the stock design, but the metalwork I feel is far too long and will be the deciding factor for those who will or will not choose the Whisper. However, it’s an accurate rifle, light, holds solid as a rock on aim with a wonderful stock design – and most importantly, it won’t break the bank. GM

PRICE: £225

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gamo CFR Whisper - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model : Gamo CFR Whisper
  • Type : Under-lever, Spring & Piston powered, single shot rifle
  • Calibre : .22 on test .177 available
  • Stock: Black ABS with large thumbhole section, height adjustable comb sporter
  • Sights: ‘Tru-Glo’ open sights fitted and grooved for scope mounting
  • Length: 46.75”
  • Weight : 6.8lbs
  • Barrel length : 19”
Arrow