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Reader Survey >Stoeger XM1 Scout Review: A Stylish & Feature-Packed PCP Package
- Last updated: 13/08/2025
The gun on test here is best described as sleek and stylish, which is largely down to Stoeger’s Italian heritage. As part of the world-famous Beretta stable, Stoeger has made something of a name for itself, with careful styling and subtle features all part of the remit.
Stoeger’s original XM1 was the company’s first foray into the world of PCPs back in 2020, and I remember being impressed with the visuals and handling. The bullpup version came next and, while it was another well-presented model, the military-inspired configuration has never quite appealed to me. Well, on test here is the latest in the XM1 line-up – the Stoeger XM1 Scout – and all I can say is, it has to be my favourite yet. There’s a distinctive profile courtesy of the full-length barrel shroud and prominent adjustable cheekpiece, but a host of other features, along with all the usual Italian flair, result in a stunning air rifle that really does catch the eye.
This model seems to have largely gone under the radar, but I’m not quite sure why, especially when you consider what it comes with. Inside the padded box, we get two magazines, a single-shot tray, two grip inserts, three Picatinny rails, spare seals, Allen keys, a filling probe, and even a Stoeger-branded 3-9x40 AO scope and mounts! Everything we need to get started. Take a look at the Scout, read through that list of inclusions, and then consider that it’s all officially on offer for £590, meaning it definitely deserves a closer look.
So, what we have here is a slimline sporting rifle, designed to switch from single-shot to multi-shot, with a regulated action and side-lever control. I’d say it’s primarily a hunting tool, and at 7.3lbs, it’s unlikely to tire the user during extended sessions. Action-wise, the all-metal construction means everything feels super robust, and with a full-length synthetic stock and matte black finish to all the metalwork, the Scout is nothing if not highly practical.
The visuals with this model are undeniably pleasing, and Stoeger calls it “Human Tech Design”. Flowing lines are everywhere, and there’s no doubt some serious design work has gone into the Scout. I love the flared fore-end, and with an added grip pattern all part of the synthetic moulding, it just works really well.
As mentioned, we have a Stoeger-branded 3-9x40 AO kit scope in the box, so my first task was to bolt this in place using the Picatinny mounts attached. A simple task that took seconds, once I’d checked eye relief. Now is the time to get the stock elements set, and this can all be initially done without even firing a shot.
The length of pull (LOP) can be altered via the spacers in front of the rubber butt pad. Where the cheek section is concerned, this is a big step forward. Looking at my test of the original XM1, this model came with two interchangeable cheek sections, but the latest Scout model carries a far more effective alternative, with an adjustable panel. Just remove the tiny Allen screw on each side, and slide the cheekpiece to the desired height. Five different height settings are possible, and there is a nice amount of friction to make the task easier. Get just the right amount of pressure to the face, then replace the screws to lock it in position. A full, repeatable sight picture should now be possible. A bit fiddly, but once set, it’s job done. Just set it up at home and don’t lose the screws in the field.
Handling overall is excellent, and the drop-down target grip is a big factor. The two interchangeable grip panels are a great idea, with one significantly slimmer than the other. Just remove the bottom screw, and the replacement panel slides into position. A nice touch, and used in conjunction with the adjustable butt and cheekpiece, we’re talking a multi-‘tweakable’ airgun here for sure!
Initial thoughts on the Stoeger optics? Not bad at all, and a great starter. Clarity is lost a little on the fringes of the image, but hard to fault for an all-in deal.
Checking the owner’s manual, the trigger has adjusters primarily for first-stage travel and second-stage release. As usual, I didn’t want to rush to alter anything, and the test gun came with a fairly light release, albeit with a small amount of creep. I can live with that, so I didn’t bother to change anything. The blade itself is pleasing and fairly broad, but features a rather dodgy Air Arms-style push-button safety, set into the blade. But hey, it’s manual, so ignore it! Just adopt a safe regime. If you load the gun, fire it off! Call me old-fashioned if you like.
I like the all-metal magazine, and the single-shot tray is machined aluminium and feels refined, even featuring a small magnet. Now, where did they think of that? To fill the mag, twist the casing anti-clockwise all the way around, insert the first pellet skirt-first from the rear, then fill in the normal way.
The recommended fill pressure is 250bar, but in practical terms, as usual, I would suggest sticking to a slightly lower pressure for decreased stress over time. The filling adaptor is a Foster plug fit and works a treat. It even gets held in place by the spring-loaded valve cover, which is neat.
For my test, I filled to 220bar, purely because this was the max in my bottle at the time. To load, pull back the side-lever (modest effort required) and slide in the magazine from the left side.
At this point, it’s worth mentioning the muzzle report, which is best described as significant, but not harsh. The shroud dissipates some of the spent air and has rear ports, but with only a couple of inches forward of the barrel, there’s little room for expansion and baffles inside. Basically, if hunting is the intention, fit a silencer to the rifle via the ½” UNF thread up front.
OK, chrono time. This is a regulated action, don’t forget, and the regulator pressure is displayed on the gauge positioned on the underside of the rifle. On the test gun, this was set to around 130bar. Over the chrono, 100 shots all came in within a total spread of 23fps, which is pretty impressive for a start. I stopped when the residual cylinder pressure had dropped to around 140bar. Pushed to its limit if you insist, and from a 250bar fill, I reckon 130 shots are easily on the cards. As it stands, all I can say is my test gun was pleasingly consistent and a vast improvement on the original XM1’s performance. In addition, the mag proved totally reliable and slick in operation.
Intriguingly, the XM1 Scout shows as having an adjustable hammer spring, situated at the rear of the cylinder, and I was keen to see what difference this made. A quick check of the manual stated that this adjuster may have varying effects depending on the market, and this was the case with my gun. As in, I reckon it comes into its own with FAC power levels, but makes little difference at 12 ft/lbs. I gave it almost a full turn, and it still only upped velocity by 4fps over my test maximum. Understandably, Stoeger is playing it safe to keep everything nice and legal.
Over 30 yards, and using BSA Black Star pellets, I soon managed ½” groups with ease. Switching to some JTS Dead ‘Center’ 18gr pellets, these came down to 3/8”, which is pretty acceptable. Moving back to 40 yards, there was minimal difference between the ammo, but FX pellets, with a softer lead mix, just edged the test, with ½” clusters the norm. That’s tidy performance, and factoring in the consistency, this Scout looks to be a seriously capable rifle.
Stoeger has massively upped its game, and this Scout is in a different league to the original XM1 in terms of shot count and consistency. I love the looks and handling of this latest model, and while it may concede points for finish alongside some of the market leaders, it’s difficult to fault the build quality and overall performance, certainly for the money. Indeed, on that score, this brand seems to vary in price between dealers, so it’s definitely worth shopping around if the format appeals. At the current asking price, it’s a lot of gun for the money, and it even comes with glassware!
Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this rifle.
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