Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber

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VALUE FOR MONEY​


This review of the Air Venturi Avenge-X air rifle concentrates specifically on the Avenge-X Tactical model with 400 cc HPA air bottle. This currently sells for $759.99 at Pyramyd Air.

There’s no doubt that – at this price – the Avenge-X represents outstanding value in the market. This is because of it’s slew of features, quality and adaptability.

It’s important to note that the Avenge-X is a “platform” product with a huge range of options. The core functionality of the gun is very similar whatever model you have.

For example, the same gun as we are testing here is also available with a 210 cc HPA tube, instead of the 400 cc bottle. Then the price drops to just $529.99, with the only functional difference being a lower shot count.

New Air Venturi Avenge-X PCP Arrives!


HAM Tester Doug Rogers loved this air rifle, but would prefer the regular, classic synthetic stock as it has an adjustable cheek piece.

No problem!

The same gun is also available in synthetic stock form for $30.00 less.

Alternatively the classic stock can be purchased as a spare part and used to replace the furniture fitted to our tactical model. Air Venturi even publishes videos showing how to do swap component parts.

This is a pretty-well unequaled example of modular product design (and upgrade availability) in air rifles.

For both the “Tactical” model being reviewed and the other possibilities it offers, the Air Venturi Avenge-X is clearly outstanding value. We would give it more than 100% if we could!

BUY FROM PYRAMYD

Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical 0.22




SPEED AND ACCURACY​


The Avenge-X tested by HAM and in factory configuration gave a maximum Muzzle Velocity of 1,120 FPS with 10.03 Grain H&N Field Target Trophy Green alloy pellets. The maximum with lead pellets was 1,039 FPS with the 11.9 Grain RWS Hobbys.

PelletAverage Muzzle VelocityAverage Muzzle EnergyAccuracy
H&N Field Target Trophy Green 10.03 Grain1,119.60 FPS27.92 Ft/LbsGood.
Predator GTO 11.75 Grain1,052.85 FPS28.92 Ft/LbsExcellent.
RWS Hobby 11.9 Grain1,039.31 FPS28.54 Ft/LbsGood.
Crosman Premier HP 14.3 Grain990.67 FPS31.17 Ft/LbsExcellent.
JSB Jumbo Exact 14.35 Grain994.04 FPS31.49 Ft/LbsExcellent.
H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Grain971.99 FPS30.76 Ft/LbsGood.
Datstate Howler Slugs 20.3 Grain844.76 FPS32.17 Ft/LbsExcellent.
H&N Baracuda Match 21.14 Grain864.02 FPS35.05 Ft/LbsExcellent.
JSB Jumbo Monster 25.39 Grain798.41 FPS35.94 Ft/LbsExcellent. Best Tested.

Realistically, most owners will be using pellets of 14.3 Grains or greater weight. The Muzzle Velocities shown in this table confirm that the test gun was well set-up to achieve the optimum range of muzzle velocities for accurate airgun shooting with pellets. That is in the 800 – 950 FPS range.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


The Daystate Howler slugs shot well in the test gun too. So it can shoot slugs as well as pellets! However the testers noted that the slugs chambered very “hard”, requiring a fair amount of force to close the cocking handle as a result.

Shooting the 25.39 Grain JSB Jumbo Monster pellets at 25 Yards, we found excellent accuracy for the Avenge-X tested by HAM.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


Yes, I know I should have re-shot that target due to the flyer. It was shot 10, of course!

Why is that always the case?

But I have to say that I was cold, the light was fading and my groups were not getting smaller as a result. A re-shoot probably would not have been better!



TRIGGER AND COCKING EFFORT​


The two-stage trigger fitted to the subject of the review gun gave an average pull weight of 2 Lb 0.8 Oz. That seemed to be a good general-purpose setting, suitable for plinking and hunting. Yet it’s not too heavy for target use.

As received from the factory, the trigger on the Avenge-X tested by HAM gave a light first stage. Then there was a definite “step” as the second stage was reached. Pulling further resulted in a very predictable, immediate release.

The HAM testers were happy with the trigger as received and would probably not change the settings. However, the trigger is externally-adjustable for pull weight, length of pull and sear engagement, should you wish to make changes.

Slots are provided in the molded stock/trigger guard for adjustment using a 2mm Allen wrench, as we can see below.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


The sidelever action of the Avenge-X is easy to operate. It’s a definite step forward from the bolt actions that have traditionally been fitted to most air rifles in this price range.

Compared to the sidelever actions on high end air rifles, it feels somewhat “hard” in operation at either end of its stroke. However it’s not an unpleasant effect and we need to remember that this same action is used in models selling for just $500.

It may very well improve with a little judicious lubrication by a careful owner, too.

The real comparison is that it’s far superior to the bolt action you’d expect to find on other PCPs at the lower end of this price range for smoothness and ease-of-use.

HAM-X-2-3540563.jpg


Below. There’s a simple, effective manual safety lever on the right side of the breech. It’s in an easy-to-use location directly below the side cocking lever.

HAM-X-3-1689321.jpg




COMPARISON TO MAKERS CLAIMS​


Given the adjustability inherent in the Avenge-X, determining if the test gun meets the manufacturer’s specifications is actually rather challenging.

For example, Air Venturi published a shot count claim of 180 shots for the 400 cc HPA bottle. This – they explain – is achieved with 18.13 Grain pellets shooting at 880 FPS.

HAM’s testing also used 18.13 Grain pellets and we saw less – 140 – consistent shots. However the HAM test pellets were fired with a significantly higher average of 917 FPS.

Why the difference?

Probably because the Pyramyd specs were generated with the transfer port setting on “Low” and the HAM test had it set for “High”!

New Air Venturi Avenge-X PCP Arrives!


Likewise, Pyramyd Air calls-out “Maximum” values for the Muzzle Velocity and Power specifications. The figures generated in HAM testing were definitely lower than those maxima.

Again an explanation is to be found in the flexibility of settings available in the Avenge-X. For example, the test gun had the regulator set to around 1,300/1,400 PSI. The maximum regulator set pressure is 3,000 PSI!

Combining a higher regulator pressure with appropriate increases in hammer spring setting will make very significant changes in Muzzle Energy – as HAM found during extensive “tune testing” of the original Air Venturi Avenger. Of course, that will make the shot count fall dramatically as well…

All-in-all, the HAM testers agree that the “maximum” values published as specifications by Pyramyd Air for the Avenge-X are likely to be reasonable, fair and attainable.



CONSISTENCY​


In order to determine the number of consistent shots available, we took the Avenge-X Tactical and filled the 400 cc HPA bottle to its maximum, 4,350 PSI pressure. Then we set the transfer port setting to “High” and started firing 18.13 Grain H&N Baracuda 18 pellets.

As the graph below shows, the gun we tested gave very consistent Muzzle Velocities for 140 shots. The gun’s gauge showed the regulator set pressure to be about 1,300/1,400 PSI. That was clearly the pressure remaining in the HPA bottle at around shot 140, after which the Muzzle Velocity declined steadily, as expected.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


Let’s make some observations about this graph…

1. It shows that the shot-to-shot variation in Muzzle Velocity for the Avenge-X tested by HAM was very small. That is, the consistency is very good.

2. Based on the shape of this curve, we can see that the factory tune is very well set to achieve the best blend of power and shot count. There’s more explanation in this technical article by Bob Sterne.

3. The number of consistent shots would be (significantly?) higher if the transfer port was set to “Low”. But we all want more power rather than more shots, don’t we?

Taking the average values for the Standard Deviations of the HAM standard test pellets (and slug), we find an average of just 3.42 FPS. This is a very low figure that would certainly not disgrace any quality PCP air rifle at any price!

Further excellent consistency was provided by the trigger. The pull weight of the Avenge-X tested by HAM varied by no more than 2 Ounces around it’s average of 2 Lbs 0.8 Oz.



NOISE LEVEL​


The HAM Team considered the Avenge-X to be fairly quiet in our subjective testing. This is an air rifle most people would find suitable for backyard shooting “as is”.

However, adding an airgun-specific silencer (where legal) is an easy and effective way to further reduce the bark. Installation is a simple matter of unscrewing an end nut from the barrel and screwing the silencer into place.

HAM-X-16-6704192.jpg




SIGHTS AND SCOPE​


Wisely, Air Venturi has not included any sighting system with the Avenge-X. There’s no iron sights as almost no-one will use them. Fortunately there’s no bundled scope either – most of those included with airguns are, frankly, of very limited value.

Both these decisions save cost and allow the user to mount the scope he or she really wants to the Picatinny rails in the top of the breech.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


For testing, the HAM Team installed a Sightron SIII 10-50 x 60 scope. Agreed, this outstanding riflescope is arguably “overkill” on this gun, although we set the magnification to a common 16x for testing.

However the SIII also gives an extremely clear, sharp image that makes it a great choice for test shooting!

HAM-X-10-8507938.jpg


The test gun also came with two magazines. Standard is the 10 round model (in .22 caliber) that’s carried-over from other Avenger-family models. We installed the new high capacity mag – of course!

This high capacity mag holds 16 pellets in .22 caliber. That’s a significant increase, yet the magazine is not TOO big. It fits comfortably under the scope with high Leapers P.O.I rings installed. That looks like another great feature for the Avenge-X!

With the scope mounted on high rings, HAM Tester Doug Rogers would have preferred an adjustable cheekpiece (hence his interest in the “Classic” synthetic stock). However, I found the AR15-type stock to give me a comfortable and predictable cheek weld.



SHOOTABILITY​


At 43 3/4 Inches overall length with the stock fully extended, the Tactical version of the Avenge-X looks and feels like a longer air rifle than it actually is. (For example, the Umarex Gauntlet is considerably longer at 47 Inches length, yet I initially perceived them to be of similar length).

At a “bare” weight of 7 Lbs 5 Oz with the larger, 400 cc HPA bottle, the Avenge-X Tactical is also quite light. Even with the large Sightron 10-50 x 60 scope mounted, a full magazine of pellets and the Leapers TBNR bipod fitted – as shown in the photographs, the Avenge-X Tactical weighted-in at a surprisingly manageable 10 Lb 7 Oz.

Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


The purpose of mounting the Sightron scope was to test the balance and handling of the gun with such a big scope mounted.

In fact, handling was good. HAM Tester Doug Rogers noted “Fits well, easy to shoot” in his test notes.

Shooting prone using the Leapers TBNR bipod was easy too, given the long, forward-mounted Picatinny rail that’s located below the HPA bottle.

The AR15-type stock fitted to the Avenge-X Tactical offers multiple lengths of pull, of course. This makes it easy to achieve a comfortable shooting stance – a big contributor to accurate, consistent shooting.

HAM-X-18-2614361.jpg


The under-tank Picatinny rail is pleasantly long, allowing the bipod to be positioned well forward. The one-piece shroud/tank/rail support gives a very solid feel to the shooter in use.

HAM-X-22-4605773.jpg


Of course, the Avenge-X features a range of performance-tuning capabilities. These include externally-adjustable regulator, transfer port and hammer spring adjustment. There’s an adjustable trigger and easy de-gassing capability.

Below we see the “High, Low” transfer port adjuster on the side of the breech.

HAM-X-4-8640142.jpg




APPEARANCE AND FINISH​


Personally I liked the appearance of the Avenge-X Tactical. But then, I’ve always been partial to military-style firearms too.

However if you prefer a more traditional appearance, the gun is available in a variety of other wood and synthetic stock configurations, including a bullpup.

New Air Venturi Avenge-X PCP Arrives!


Whatever your thoughts on the appearance, there’s no doubt that the level of finish presented by the Avenge-X is excellent!

The machining and/or finish of all visible metal parts is superb. In addition the molded synthetic parts like the stock are also excellently-finished, with minimal mold seams and crisp detailing.

HAM-X-1-8376349.jpg


Doug Rogers – himself a skilled machinist – commented that “the finish and build quality rivals that of high-end companies”.

Attention to detail is extended even to the gauge faceplates. One is marked and highlighted in red for the fill pressure (photo below). While the regulator gauge on the opposite side of the action is marked and highlighted in blue.

More than that, both gauges independently provided very similar readings where they both had access to the same pressure – that is below the regulator set point. Trust us, it’s quite unusual for such small gauges to be so consistent and is another indication of high build quality.

HAM-X-5-9338607.jpg




BUYING AND OWNING​


The Avenger-X is available – of course – from Pyramyd Air, Airgun Depot and other dealers selling Air Venturi products. So it’s easy to find and buy online.

But realistically, you’ll be missing-out of much that this gun has to offer if you do not have a chronograph. Really, it’s essential to have one if you want to tune the Avenge-X. And most people will want to tune their nice, new air rifle!

You’ll need to be prepared – too – to put in time, effort and shoot a large number of pellets if you really want to customize the performance to your needs. Of course, that’s a large part of the interest in owing this air rifle!

HAM-X-6-6186503.jpg


As Doug Rogers commented, “There’s plenty of adjustments for the tinkerers to enjoy, yet it also shoots well out-of-the-box for the non-tinkerers”.

HAM-X-20-1249980.jpg


Above, we (almost) see the regulator adjustment screw and below the hammer spring adjustment screw.

It peeks out of the rear of the breech and is adjusted using a 2.5 mm Allen wrench. Access is obtained through the aperture between breech and stock. (It’s more accessible on other versions of the gun).

HAM-X-8-3346830.jpg


Below. Given that air in the HPA tank must be exhausted if you need to reduce the regulator set pressure, the built-in degassing capability is very useful. This is adjusted using a 3mm Allen wrench in the screw just ahead of the regulator pressure gauge.

HAM-X-7-2558034.jpg


The gun here has a 400 cc HPA bottle, rather than the 210cc High Pressure Air Tube. Clearly this will give more shots per fill, in fact Air Venturi specs claim 100 additional shots in .22 caliber. (That’s 180 versus 80 for the bottle).

Most unusually, the carbon-fiber HPA bottle has its own 1/8-NPT fill nozzle. Normally HPA “bottle guns” are filled from the action. This is one of many unusual details that add-up to make the Avenge-X such an attractive air rifle.

HAM-X-14-2665798.jpg


The included user instruction manual is clear and well illustrated. However, it’s in English only.

In addition, the Avenge-X ships with a comprehensive range of parts and accessories. There’s two magazines – one regular, the other high capacity – plus a single shot tray. Also included is a full set of O rings and Allen wrenches.

Air Venturi is bringing a wide range of spare and upgrade parts online. The company is also introducing user maintenance videos and schematic parts diagrams. So it’s clear that tinkerers will be very satisfied with the support they receive for their new air rifle!

Probably the only disappointment from the ownership perspective is that the Avenge-X is only protected by a 12-month warranty. Given that 3-year and 5-year warranties are now commonplace – even on $300 PCPs – this is one thing that could be improved by Air Venturi.



TEST TARGETS​


FTT-Green-avenge-x-target-1440327.jpg


GTO-avenge-x-target0001-6641083.jpg


hobby-avenge-x-target0002-5844586.jpg


premier-avenge-x-target0003-7369491.jpg


jsb-avenge-x-target0004-8421352.jpg


ftt-avenge-x-target0005-7544297.jpg


Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


baracuda-avenge-x-target0007-3219394.jpg


Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber


BUY FROM PYRAMYD

Air Venturi Avenge-X Tactical 0.22


This entire article including scoring, test targets etc is Copyright Hard Air Magazine and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the publisher.


The post Air Venturi Avenge-X Test Review .22 Caliber appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.
 
To this day I just don't get the 10 y group test .. if a sub 600fps pistol ok , but these guns need to show 50y min.. them let's see how well it groups ..

Them 10y "good" going to be 50y poor ..lol

Also the av avenger was a nice entry level pcp . I think making improvements on it and keeping the more affordable pricing would of been nice instead of another at twice the price ..
 
To this day I just don't get the 10 y group test .. if a sub 600fps pistol ok , but these guns need to show 50y min.. them let's see how well it groups ..

Them 10y "good" going to be 50y poor ..lol

Also the av avenger was a nice entry level pcp . I think making improvements on it and keeping the more affordable pricing would of been nice instead of another at twice the price ..
Man that bottle is ugly! I have to agree, I would say 10 yards is somewhat useless of a test on a higher powered gun like this. I would say 25/30 yards on a springer and 40 on a pcp would be realistic minimum. I doubt there is a .22 projectile that would fit in my s510s mag that it won't group well at 10 yards! But at 40/50 yards man can things change! Excellent review otherwise. Thanks.
 
I want both +.. more power , more shots, more consistency, tighter grouping.
To this day I just don't get the 10 y group test .. if a sub 600fps pistol ok , but these guns need to show 50y min.. them let's see how well it groups ..

Them 10y "good" going to be 50y poor ..lol

Also the av avenger was a nice entry level pcp . I think making improvements on it and keeping the more affordable pricing would of been nice instead of another at twice the price ..
It shoots CPHPs great, what more do you need?
 
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I don't want to be critical or pile on, but 10Y accuracy means nothing to me. I love the reviews and read almost all of them, even old ones, and you do good work, but I don't base anything on 10Y. I also don't know the logistics of your reviews, and if longer ranges are sometimes hard to access, then I'm ok with whatever is available.

As to the Avenger and Avenge X, they are accurate all out of proportion to their cost. Just as Umarex hit a home run with the Notos, the Avenger series will be a big, big seller. Also, the trigger on these guns can be modified to a really, really good two stage trigger, but it takes removing some parts and tossing them and adding some screws, but it's pretty amazing the difference.
 
I don't want to be critical or pile on, but 10Y accuracy means nothing to me. I love the reviews and read almost all of them, even old ones, and you do good work, but I don't base anything on 10Y. I also don't know the logistics of your reviews, and if longer ranges are sometimes hard to access, then I'm ok with whatever is available.

As to the Avenger and Avenge X, they are accurate all out of proportion to their cost. Just as Umarex hit a home run with the Notos, the Avenger series will be a big, big seller. Also, the trigger on these guns can be modified to a really, really good two stage trigger, but it takes removing some parts and tossing them and adding some screws, but it's pretty amazing the difference.
Tradition is a hell of a drug. Most rifle and handgun testing is still based on it. There's been some improvement in handgun testing, like 7 yard groups for obvious concealed carry guns.... but often a hunting revolver will still be tested at 25 yards, when 50 ought to be the minimum. 600-yard rifles.... at 100 yards, etc.
Tbh, the 10 yard/meter airgun testing is a bit more realistic than what we see with PBs. A lot of airguns are built with that distance in mind; we Yankees are spoiled with grabbing airguns that can reach out farther than that without paperwork. Most countries have firm power limits for OTC airguns. And semi-formal 10m competition is a lot more popular outside the US. That said.... most airguns above the 7.5 joules limits should be tested at 25 yards/meters.
Let the arguments about the proper number of shots in a group begin!
 
You're right, of course, it's a Yank thing. We're used to chasing the ever increasing power god, and we don't stop and think that a lot of the world is still in the dark ages of, shall we say, more sensible power levels. I dunno, I like both. I have 10M air rifles and FAC airguns, and like to play with both. Some days, I like to sit and plink and target shoot with a 10M pcp, and some days, I stretch it out to 100 yards with a couple of my .22's that can spit pellets out at "reasonable" but not fantastic velocities. I get really good accuracy with a .22 shooting 18gr pellets at 900-950fps, and I'm happy to play with that.
I only meant that true accuracy is defined in distance for a lot of the airgunning world. I mean, take the Avenger. It's capable of 900fps and extreme accuracy, limiting it to 10M is a shame, but not unheard of for sure.
In the end it's all good.
 

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