Stoeger RX20 TAC Review: A Bold & Modular Budget Airgun Put to the Test

› Stoeger Airguns, for those unfamiliar, is part of the Beretta group, and there’s no doubt some of the style and elegance synonymous with an Italian design has crept into the line-up here. There’s been a slow evolution of features along the way, and the model names have been tweaked too. On test here is the Stoeger RX20 TAC, a spring-powered design that’s aimed at the budget sector of the market.

Sharp focus

The RX20 TAC comes as a package deal, so you get a Stoeger-branded scope and mounts, along with bolt-on accessory rails, interchangeable stock elements, and an instruction book. Let’s start by saying the kit scope is one of the very best I’ve come across. The 3-9x40 AO specification is a huge improvement on the basic 4x32 scope Stoeger has used before, and with the mounts already fitted, it took me seconds to locate the arrestor stud of the rear mount into the pre-drilled hole in the receiver.

Pro-adaptive

There’s some bold styling going on with this RX20, and I love the drop-down semi-target grip, flowing lines, contoured grip, and fore-end. Stoeger makes a big thing of their ‘Human Tech Design’ approach with their models, and this is apparently ‘inspired by Urbino, a World Heritage city, and the cradle of Humanism’, according to the company’s marketing. Blimey, who’d have thought it? Anyhow, part of this design is what they term ‘Pro Adaptive Chequering’. This is the grip pattern moulded around areas of the pistol grip, fore-end, and barrel shroud. However, another big selling point is the Multi Grip System (MGS). The RX20 TAC comes complete with three sets of interchangeable panels for both the pistol grip and fore-end. Just use the Allen key provided, and the choice of colour and grip is yours. Stick with the black Pro Adaptive grip, or switch to either the blue embossed or orange version.

Making the switch is as easy as it looks, and visuals can be transformed in seconds, as well as providing a subtle change of feel. Look to the butt, and those two coloured spacers can be removed, one or both, to fine-tune the length of pull. Fancy a Picatinny accessory rail? Well, that’s also possible, given this model comes with two, one for each side of the fore-end.

Silencer

Up front, the bull-barrel configuration immediately catches the eye, being formed from a moulded synthetic shroud. This conceals a fairly short 14” barrel, and a few baffles over the last few inches. Silencers of any sort are undeniably more effective in taming the crack of a PCP, but Stoeger’s system here does have some effect, taming the muzzle report to a very acceptable level. And with the moulded grip patterns, the silencer is also the perfect cocking aid.

Handling and firing cycle

During testing, simply breaking open the breech was initially a bit of a challenge, but the stiffness eased noticeably as the test progressed, suggesting the sprung detent just needs a little wearing in. I started with a jolt over the knee, but after a lengthy first session, I could complete the task easily by holding the butt into the groin in the normal way. For the record, the cocking stroke itself proved easy and super smooth. Just ensure that each pellet is pushed flush before closing the breech, as you would with any break-barrel airgun. With this in mind, softer pellets, such as JSB derivatives, make life easier, as they can be far easier to push home.

Firing this Stoeger reveals a fairly basic T2 trigger mechanism, and while it is specified as ‘double stage’, in reality, there’s a very long second stage which creeps somewhat. Par for the course at this price point, but with a well-shaped blade, it’s all perfectly usable. I found just gently pulling through the creep was the best approach, and with concentration and familiarity, some decent results were possible. As for the firing cycle, there is some recoil, but little spring resonance, just a ring of the action and a muted muzzle report. In fact, I’d go as far as to say the RX20 feels well above average to shoot, for this grade of airgun.

Added feature

Now, before moving to performance, it’s time to look at another star feature that the RX20 TAC has up its sleeve. I last reviewed a similar springer from Stoeger some six years back, and I remember thinking that the cheekpiece looked like it should move, but that all the definition and detail were purely cosmetic. Well, not anymore, as Stoeger has incorporated an adjustable cheekpiece with this model. To make the adjustment, use the Allen key supplied, remove the screw, and then pull the cheekpiece upwards. Here, you’ll notice two further anchor holes. Line up the required hole, and replace the screw. It’s a great asset, and it’s surprising just how much it helps you to achieve a perfectly supported eye/scope position. It will minimise muscle strain and parallax error by giving the shooter a more consistent view through the scope.

Range results

On the range, I was keen to see what the RX20 could do, and Wasps gave a total velocity spread of 14fps over a ten-shot string, with an average energy output of 10.1ft/lbs. That’s great consistency, but switching to JTS Dead ‘Center’ pellets (16.1gr), the total velocity spread shrank to an incredible 8fps, and energy jumped to 11.2ft/lbs, proof that individual pellet trials are always worth the effort. Of course, consistency doesn’t automatically equate to accuracy, but here, downrange over 30 yards, I managed ¾” groups with both pellet brands, so encouraging results all around.

Verdict

This model seems to vary in price depending on the dealer, but even at the upper end, it represents good value for money, with plenty of detail, built-in features, and a decent level of performance on offer. Imaginative design elements certainly add to the shooting experience, and Stoeger deserves credit for its original approach. Ideal as a budget hunter or novice starter kit.

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