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Reader Survey >GAMO PHOX MK2 COUNTRY EDITION: The Ultimate Starter Kit
- Last updated: 01/10/2025
Starter packs and combinations make a lot of sense when you are new to airguns, as they can be a cost-effective way of getting into the sport.
Range & Country is a very forward-thinking, dynamic airgun dealer based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and when they had the idea of creating their own branded starter pack, one model immediately came to mind as the basis - the Gamo Phox.
Mark Camoccio shooting the Gamo Phox MK2 Country Edition air rifle.
Gamo, as we all know, is a huge Spanish manufacturer, but its PCP models have for some time now been produced by BSA in Birmingham. It’s been the perfect marriage of cheaper production costs for the stock element, combined with an action that has benefited from BSA’s years of experience in pre-charged pneumatic production. The standard Phox has built quite a reputation for affordable quality, but on show here is an upgraded version on several fronts.
Welcome to the Gamo Phox MK2 Country Edition, prepared exclusively for Range & Country and sold as a complete kit, with everything included to get us up and running from the outset.
You get a rifle, a filling adaptor, a scope, mounts, a gunslip, a silencer, a pump, targets, and pellets.
On paper, what we get is similar to the standard Phox pack, but there are a few fundamental differences that I’ll highlight in a moment. Along with the rifle itself, the kit includes a filling adaptor, the latest Whisper silencer, a Gamo hand pump, scope and mounts, a gun cover, a pack of 100 targets, and even a tin of pellets.
Costing out everything individually leaves a very keenly priced rifle for sure, so it all looks like great value.
Now let’s take a look in more detail, and see just what the Gamo Phox MK2 Country Edition is all about. Take the standard Phox route, and apparently, the scope included is a fixed-focus model. Range & Country was adamant that they wanted an upgraded optic for their pack.
So, this Country Edition comes with a 3-9x40 AO scope and mounts, where the front objective dial is adjustable (the AO bit) for parallax. That’s a big advantage. The ocular lens is adjustable via the fast focus, and in addition, this scope features mil-dots in the reticle, all details missing from the standard kit, making it a great starter scope with everything we need.
Range & Country specified an upgraded optic for their kit.
The Gamo gunslip has a quality feel, but for their own kit, Range & Country requested it be supplied exclusively in green livery, and it looks very smart indeed. It perfectly matches the specially commissioned green sporter thumbhole composite stock. The final detail exclusive to this model can be found on the receiver, where the R&C branding adds a classy touch, expertly laser-etched at the production stage.
This Phox special gets conventional dovetail rails on top of the receiver, and because of the low magazine configuration, we get a continuous run of rail to play with. So, no high mag here forcing the use of higher mounts, as per many rivals. It’s all just low-profile and rather civilised.
The receiver area of the Gamo Phox MK2 with its low-profile dovetail rails.
We’ve established that a Gamo-branded scope is included, and as I understand it, Range & Country tend to fit the scope for the customer. Mine came all rigged up and pretty well ready to go.
One 10-shot magazine is included, and this is again BSA-designed. Filling is simple, you just insert a pellet into each chamber, twisting the drum anti-clockwise in turn until full. The mag features a shot number display too, which is a big help in the field.
The magazine is familiar and worked smoothly on test.
OK, the final piece of preparation is to charge up the gun, and here we have the Gamo Flex PCP pump, which comes effectively flat-packed. Assembly is super easy, given there are so few parts, and takes seconds.
I’m a big fan of pumps, having used one for years, as they keep you independent and free from relying on diving shops or having bottles filled and tested.
The obvious downside is the increased effort required, and it is worth pointing out that manual airgun pumps are best avoided by those who are a little frail or who are suffering from serious medical issues. That said, I’m no athlete, and I can cope with them, which says a lot!
The pump comes with a Foster female connector, and the filling adaptor is of the modern quick-fit stick variety, so no spanners are required. Just plug one end into the Foster connector, pull off the plastic valve cover on the Phox at the front of the cylinder, and then insert the probe (now connected to the airline) into the inlet valve.
Just pull off the plastic valve cover to reveal the charging port.
Charge the cylinder to the suggested 232bar, bleed the line, withdraw the probe, and reapply the valve cover.
The brilliant filling adaptor.
Reading the gauge on both the pump and rifle isn’t an easy task, but a periodic, careful check is the way forward. It’s not just my eyes, as the figures are particularly small, and the gauge on the pump is fixed at an irritating angle. However, the pump feels well-made, is robust, and works well in operation.
Detail of the well-marked manometer. You just need to work within the green area.
Just shoulder this Phox Country Edition, and the tasteful green composite stock instantly feels comfortable and supportive in the aim. The raised panels of stippling around the grip and fore-end are really effective, and will be a major asset should you wish to brave the elements and use this rifle in the rain. Either way, they enhance grip enormously, and I love the drop-down target-style pistol grip, which, in conjunction with the thumbhole, guides the shooter to a natural trigger position without forcing a stretch.
The green sporter thumbhole composite stock with raised stippling.
A minor point would be the slightly sharp feel around the underside of the trigger guard slot, but there really isn’t much else to moan about.
The prominent, well-defined cheekpiece proved perfect for scope use, and whilst it looks like it should be adjustable, the fact that it isn’t is no mark-down, given the sound ergonomics.
As someone with orangutan arms, I’m always grateful for an extended fore-end, and this model provides a comfortable flared section that ends in a well-shaped tip. So overall then, high marks for this classic sporter configuration that perfectly complements the action.
The barrel support can be removed if required.
Given how side-lever operation has become so in vogue at the moment, it makes a change to get back to bolt-action, and the bolt on show here is a lovely piece of design. The cocking effort is modest, and as usual, this is best done in a positive way, ensuring the hammer and trigger are set, and the magazine is indexed for the next shot.
It is possible to double-load this model (as with so many PCPs) by pulling back the bolt, cycling the mag, but not cocking and setting the hammer and trigger. Subsequent cocking then chambers a second pellet. It’s a common fault, so just adopt a positive motion, and all should be fine.
Gamo’s Smooth Action Trigger (SAT) features here, complete with a manual safety tab, and on test, this tripped satisfactorily. It’s adjustable, too. As for muzzle report, the Phox is loud with no silencer, but wonderfully muted with that Whisper in place.
Gamo’s Smooth Action Trigger features here, complete with a manual safety tab.
The Whisper silencer is very effective, but there’s a 1/2” UNF thread underneath to play with.
From the suggested 232bar fill pressure, I clocked 120 shots over my chronograph, with a total velocity spread of 25fps, which, for an unregulated rifle, is excellent. This took me down to a residual 100bar in the cylinder.
As for accuracy, initial testing with Rangemaster Sovereign pellets showed this model to be a little pellet-fussy, but with both BSA Blackstar and Air Arms Diabolo Field ammo, super-tight clusters were soon happening at 40 yards. Sub-¼” with Air Arms Diabolo Field, and just over with BSA Blackstar, is classy performance in anyone’s book.
This model is seriously accurate, adding to the appeal.
Factor in the feel and great handling on offer here, and the Phox Country Edition ticks all the right boxes.
This is a seriously good air rifle, and a classic hunting tool that is unlikely to disappoint. Take another look at the RRP, and it’s hard not to conclude that it’s a great buy and excellent value for money when that kitbag of goodies is factored in. Everything needed at the outset, for sensible money.
“...it’s hard not to conclude that it’s a great buy and excellent value for money when that kitbag of goodies is factored in”
- Mark Camoccio
So it just remains for me to thank Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, for the kind loan of this rifle.
click on image to enlarge
