Gamo GX40

As I’ve mentioned in the past – it’s hard to disagree with the statement that Gamo got it right from the outset when they tentatively put their toes into the PCP market with the launch of their first production multi-shot PCP – the Coyote. The original being a beech stocked model, with a heightadjustable cheek piece that was followed by a synthetic model; the Tactical, a rifle which, unlike the original, has a thumbhole layout.

Your choice

They then went on to launch a rifle in a combo format known as the Phox Pack (now the Phox Silenci Rifle Pack) which includes a synthetic stocked, multishot (MS) PCP designated the Phox, 3-9x40 scope, mounts, interchangeable silencer, gun bag and handpump. Some presume the gun in that pack is a Coyote under a different name, but it isn’t! In actuality, it’s quite different in design to the Coyote synthetic. However, the Phox certainly has formed the basis for the rifle here on test, the Gamo GX- 40, as although it does look quite similar to the PCP it’s based on, it’s a model with attributes all of its very own.

Now, the reason for this rifle’s inception is to offer the public a new PCP with many likeable qualities that its predecessors display, but the fact you can purchase this gun by itself obviously means that you’re able fit a scope and silencer of your choosing. In that respect, Gamo now brings us something that features all they can currently offer in PCP technology. It’s one with enough differences in overall design from its predecessors to make it highly desirable.

Different materials

Gamo are definitely no newcomers when it comes to the design and manufacture of synthetic stocks. In fact, the company was undoubtedly one of the first manufacturers in mainland Europe, who seemingly concentrated their efforts in honing this manufacturing process. As a result of their efforts, many other manufacturers have followed suit, which has resulted in the material used now becoming established and generally accepted by the shooting public. This is proven due to the amount of other brands and models of airguns now available in synthetic furniture, or it being offered as an option.

The GX-40 stock follows the company trend by way of being ambidextrous and features a well-defined and high cheek piece with a slight hogs back design. A thick, ventilated black rubber butt pad now takes the place of the company’s usual and once-trademarked SWA recoil reducing design. Obviously, the latter isn’t required because any PCP is inherently recoilless. Even so, the pad in evidence is generously sized and slightly contoured, making it the ideal base for the rifle to sit neatly and comfortably in the shoulder.

Thumbhole

Behind the slim neck and steep drop-down pistol drip, is a generously sized thumbhole, while moving forward there’s a nicely sized, integral trigger guard before the forward section. The build carries on into a medium length forend that is slim and straight with an angled back, rounded off tip. To aid grip, there are two panels of fine stippling on either side of the forend and a single large panel wraps around the rear and aside of the grip.

A neat, stainlesssteel collared air gauge or ‘manometer’ sits on the very front of the strengthened steel air reservoir, while the fill point is hidden and protected underneath a black plastic, friction-fit front collar/sleeve that prevents the ingress of dirt and grime. This needs to be fully removed (pulled forward and off reservoir) before you can use the quick-fill (QF) probe, which of course is supplied. Then, it’s a simple case of inserting this into the front side fill port hole and injecting the rifle with a 232bar fill of compressed air as recommended by the manufacturers. This returns approximately 70 full power shots in .177 and 80 in .22 calibre, as per the rifle on test.

Fit for purpose

Here, I feel I must add it’s at this stage after handling and charging the rifle, it’s all too easy, especially when you look at the skinny stock and slim air reservoir, that the GX-40 does appear to be a tad flimsy. Now, after years of experience with airguns of all types, I’ll wager that its looks are certainly deceptive and no indication that strength and integrity in any area have been compromised or sacrificed for the achievement of manufacturing a very light and slim rifle. Gamo do seem to have a knack of producing lightweight mechanical or PCP guns and in all the tests I’ve undertaken, I’ve never experienced one to be found wanting by way of being field worthy or reliable.

So, now to the action. The bolt has a finger-friendly, flat-ended teardrop handle, which feels good in the hold and operates positively and smoothly. Also, the more you use the rifle, you appreciate its shape makes the handle easy to ‘pick up’ on operation. However, I’m getting ahead of myself, as once drawn fully rearward, the rifle is cocked and at this point you can access the familiar looking 10-shot magazine.

Tried and tested

As you’d expect, there’s no surprises here, as the GX- 40 uses a version of BSA’s tried and tested 10-shot, removable, self-actuating magazine. To recap: the feed systems that Gamo uses also (like BSA’s) have a colourcoded, high impact, polymer inner rotor. The colour denoting the specific calibre – those being blue .177, red for .22. Also, at the top of the exposed area of the ridged outer edge of the rotor, the chambers are numbered, so that you can visually keep check of your ammo supplies. I also like the latest addition to the design, this being a small circular aperture towards the bottom left of the face plate that shows a white dot when you’ve come to your last shot.

However, and unlike the BSA unit, the Gamo magazine doesn’t have a manual retaining catch on the action to hold it in the housing, rather it’s held in situ by a very strong magnet. These are revealed and clearly seen at the sides of the loading well. Here, two slightly protruding metal side plates help guide and of course hold it securely in the left of the receiver.

It’s worth noting, we all seem to take magazine systems for granted. However, this is only because the tried and trusted mags found in popular, multi-shot air rifles bear testament to the fact that the R&D that goes into them is an ongoing process. In that respect, both BSA and Gamo should be praised that they’ve got their systems running at an all time high.

The squeeze

Once again, another very praiseworthy feature is the company’s SAT2 trigger mechanism. This 2-stage adjustable unit features an in-guard manual safety blade set forward of the well curved main blade. The unit cleanly releases shots without a hint of creep and while the nicely styled lever offers a comfortable finger feel, the safety is of such a size and so positioned that it’s easily operated by the trigger finger.

The stock’s integral safety guard is now of a much more rounded design, helping give the rifle a look of hardware that’s built to help far more than hinder any operation at this area. Although the gun boldly bears the words ‘Made in the E.U.’ on the action block, I’m now pretty certain that the 18” long ‘Cold Hammer Forged Barrel’ that’s strengthened by a synthetic band, could well be the same tube fitted to many a BSA air rifle. A small ported muzzle brake protects the ½” UNF screw cut muzzle thread, and I fitted a Umarex K3 Neo sound moderator because of its compact dimensions and efficientency.

The glass

A lightweight rifle, such as this, also requires a sensibly sized optic, in this case I decided on fitting a Hawke Airmax 4-12x40 AO AMX. This was soon secured onto the uninterrupted scope rails on the lengthy action block using Sportsmatch high mounts. These gave a very comfortable head to eye alignment due to the rifle’s high cheek piece. After setting a 25yd zero, shooting from a rested position, I was soon producing ragged sub ¾” groups using any quality ammo out to 30-35 yards.

The Gamo GX-40 is a very nice little lightweight, fast handling, accurate all-weather hunter and can stand up to/against anything in the PCP world carrying a similar price tag. Hopefully, it’ll not get overlooked, as there will be those waiting to get their hands on the company’s bullpup, the Boxer. However, having said that, some shooters might find the GX-40 to be a tad too on the ‘skinny-side’ for their liking. Even so, you can’t deny it would make an ideal rifle for those of a smaller build or younger guns who are looking to step into the PCP shooting arena.