Air Venturi MicroStrike PCP Air Pistol/Carbine First Look

A first example of the Air Venturi MicroStrike PCP air pistol/carbine has just arrived at the HAM offices. So this gives us the chance to take a first detailed look at this very interesting gun.

As Hard Air Magazine readers will recall, I was able to shoot the MicroStrike for the first time at the 2025 Pyramyd AIR Cup back in September. But now I can play – er, I mean undertake serious, yet informal testing – as background for the comprehensive HAM test review which will come soon

As this is not a formal HAM review, maybe I may be permitted to express a personal, purely subjective, opinion on the MicroStrike? It’s this…

I like this type of compact pistol/carbine PCP airgun very much. Sure, I’ll never use it as a pistol as I’m the world’s worst pistol shot. But the collapsible stock design makes the gun super-compact to carry and space-efficient to store.

My sort of airgun shooting is “happy plinking” out to 20 or 25 Yards range. So the combination of easy handling combined with light weight, plus “enough” power, decent accuracy and an useful shot count is ideal for my own personal fun.

I suspect it may be ideal for many other airgunners, too…

These characteristics can also make it a lot of fun for all the family – under supervision, where appropriate, of course.

The Air Venturi MicroStrike PCP air pistol/carbine is equipped with open sights. However I removed the rear one to allow for a scope to be mounted. The combination of the MicroStrike with a Leapers UTG 3-12 x 44 SWAT scope might seem unusual, but – so far – it’s working well for me.

One initial thought is that – in the absence of an adjustable cheekpiece or adjustable, I would probably prefer to mount the scope a little higher. That would give a better fit into my shoulder. (You can see this is some of the photographs).

But – overall – the gun is already shooting well for me.

Another observation is that I would prefer if it if the report were a more backyard-friendly. But, that’s what the 1/2 Inch x 20 thread is for on the muzzle, after all.

The left-mounted sidelever action is easy to use – at least after a few fumbles where I instinctively reached for it on the right side of the gun!

So far, so good…

BUY FROM PYRAMYD​

Air Venturi MicroStrike PCP Air Pistol 0.177​

The post Air Venturi MicroStrike PCP Air Pistol/Carbine First Look appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

 

[Dogowski]

If Steve McQueen had a pcp, this would be it!

I can picture it slung behind his back while he's on the motorcycle jumping hills in The Great Escape!

 

[kcender]

I can picture it slung behind his back while he's on the motorcycle jumping hills in The Great Escape!

So true. I was thinking of the rig he used on "Wanted Dead or Alive".

 

[Dogowski]

So true. I was thinking of the rig he used on "Wanted Dead or Alive".

Steve McQueen was one of a kind!

 

[Billm]

Well, the .22 Microstrike didn’t stay in stock for long. Looks like less than two hours. I don’t think the .177 have arrived at Pyramid yet.

 

[Billm]

Has anyone received one yet? No user reports?

 

[Billm]

I came across the first non-sponsored review of the .22 Microstrike from this budding YouTube account.

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[Linehauler73]

Thread over on AGN showing an ultra small barrel bore. Everyone should check it out. The .22 at least seems to be a . Explain the (putting it nicely), lackluster accuracy in .22 shown in the two reviews. I personally will never buy one.

 

[Billm]

Thread over on AGN showing an ultra small barrel bore. Everyone should check it out. The .22 at least seems to be a . Explain the (putting it nicely), lackluster accuracy in .22 shown in the two reviews. I personally will never buy one.

I just read one of the threads on AGN, I didn’t see the one mentioning the bore.ill have to go back and look.

 

[Billm]

So, if the initial reports on the .22 Microstrike are correct, is this a repeat of the 250z .22 barrel saga?l

 

[Linehauler73]

This is what a 21.9 gr AEA looked like after being pushed through the micro strike barrel. Pic is someone else’s from AGN

 

[Billm]

This is what a 21.9 gr AEA looked like after being pushed through the micro strike barrel. Pic is someone else’s from AGNView attachment 17301

I found and read that thread. It will be interesting to see some user reviews of the .177 and .25.

 

[Billm]

So, is it a SnowPeak or a Nova Vista Cobra variant?

 

[Pumacarl]

So, is it a SnowPeak or a Nova Vista Cobra variant?

Yes, which is to be expected. I read that thread on the barrels thickness, or rather lack there of, and yeah, I could see that being an issue. It will be interesting to see what the diameter of the .25 barrel will be. They are going to have to make it thicker, I would think. By the same token, the .177 barrel should be fine if they use the same thickness as the .22. This is going to take a while to all sort out. On the bright side, things are changing a lot lately, and not just at FX. I will give FX credit though for pushing other manufacturers to do something more often than they have in the past.

 

[Billm]

I guess I kind of confused things bouncing back and between the Alpha and Microstrike. Microstrike = Nova Vista and Alpha is SPA. I am hoping that the worst case scenario is: barrel swap for the Microstrike. I’ve seen conflicting reports on slug performance from the Microstrike. I’m up for a challenge, it looks “cute” if nothing else. I’ll probably start a Microstrike thread centered on performance and upgrades, assuming there will be some owners. I’m guessing that it is a case of semantics on the other forum because: if the groove diameter is less than the land diameter, it would be a smooth bore and not a rifled barrel

 

[Solo1]

For you guys loooking for something different

 

[hameditor]

For you guys loooking for something different
View attachment 20127

It will be interesting to see if this is an example of the direction UA will be taking in future...

 

[Solo1]

It will be interesting to see if this is an example of the direction UA will be taking in future...

They do seem to like the fde cerakote

 

[Billm]

For $1000, I’d save for one of the other micros from BRK, AAA or RAW. It looks good, but the only needed functional upgrade is the moderator. But, it’s a great differentiator for UA. They seem to really be pushing their ability to put customized airguns together.