Others Don't Overlook the .25 Caliber Air Venturi MicroStrike

[Florida_Man]

I purchased the .25 caliber MicroStrike with a very specific purpose. I was not looking for maximum power. I wanted a compact PCP dedicated to 16–25 yard rodent/bird pest control that emphasized accuracy, efficiency, moderate report, and practical shot count.







I own several compact PCPs including a Leshiy Classic, Atomic, Krait, Notos and PP700SA. The MicroStrike was purchased to fill a niche between the PP700SA and the Leshiy Classic.

Preparation​

• Cleaned the barrel with a Ballistol and pull.
• Verified fastener torque.
• Verified the rifle held pressure overnight.
No issues were found.

Factory Configuration​

Regulator: ~2500 PSI
Hammer Spring: ~3 turns from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Moderator: Factory

The rifle averaged about 30 FPE with approximately 13 regulated shots. Accuracy was promising, but it was louder and used more air than I wanted. (The LabRadar was inadvertently set to 25.4 gr; all energy calculations were corrected to the actual 34 gr pellet.)

Tuning Philosophy​

Rather than increase power, I documented every change while lowering regulator pressure. Only one variable was changed at a time and every adjustment was evaluated with chronograph data, 20-shot evaluation targets, and practical shot count.

Progression​

Tune	Approx. FPE	Regulated Shots	Observation
Factory	30	13	Accurate but inefficient
2100 PSI	~27	14	Accuracy improved
1900 PSI / Min HS	24.8	25	Excellent efficiency
1900 PSI / +1/8 HS	24.6	25	Best chrono
1900 PSI / +1/2 HS	23.8	24	Best accuracy

Current Tune​

Regulator: ~1900 PSI
Hammer Spring: +1/2 turn from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Scope: Vector Optics Veyron 3–12×
Moderator: DonnyFL Sumo

This tune has produced approximately 24 regulated shots at about 24 FPE. The best tune also produced the best practical accuracy, including a 200/200 score on my 16-yard evaluation target. The slight first-shot point-of-impact shift observed on earlier tunes was greatly reduced with the +1/2-turn hammer spring setting.

Current Impression​

The MicroStrike has exceeded my expectations. The build quality is better than expected, the rifle has responded predictably to tuning, and it has become exactly what I wanted: a compact, quiet, accurate pest-control rifle. I believe many shooters may overlook the .25 because they judge it only by the factory tune. For my application, reducing power and increasing efficiency made it a significantly better rifle.

I'll continue updating this thread as I test the DonnyFL FX moderator, additional pellets, and future .177 and .22 barrel kits.

If you would like any information, please ask!

Edit: 07/05/26

One thing that is a negative on this rifle is the dust cover just spins freely without any tension on it. I am going to see if its an oring I can change that will allow more resistance.

I said that the POI for 16y and 22y is the same, that's not completely true. It is zeroed at 16 yards currently, the distance I shoot most pests. The group is a little under 1/4" low at 22 yards. For minute of squirrel, I can hold the same.

 

[Florida_Man]

I also added some Orion 10 round mags that arrived the same day as the rifle. He makes the best 3d printed mags I have used.

 

[hameditor]

I purchased the .25 caliber MicroStrike with a very specific purpose. I was not looking for maximum power. I wanted a compact PCP dedicated to 16–25 yard rodent/bird pest control that emphasized accuracy, efficiency, moderate report, and practical shot count.
View attachment 21881


View attachment 21882

View attachment 21883

I own several compact PCPs including a Leshiy Classic, Krait, Notos and PP700SA. The MicroStrike was purchased to fill a niche between the PP700SA and the Leshiy Classic.

Preparation​

• Cleaned the barrel with a Ballistol and pull.
• Verified fastener torque.
• Verified the rifle held pressure overnight.
No issues were found.

Factory Configuration​

Regulator: ~2500 PSI
Hammer Spring: ~3 turns from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Moderator: Factory

The rifle averaged about 30 FPE with approximately 13 regulated shots. Accuracy was promising, but it was louder and used more air than I wanted. (The LabRadar was inadvertently set to 25.4 gr; all energy calculations were corrected to the actual 34 gr pellet.)
View attachment 21884

Tuning Philosophy​

Rather than increase power, I documented every change while lowering regulator pressure. Only one variable was changed at a time and every adjustment was evaluated with chronograph data, 20-shot evaluation targets, and practical shot count.

Progression​

Tune	Approx. FPE	Regulated Shots	Observation
Factory	30	13	Accurate but inefficient
2100 PSI	~27	14	Accuracy improved
1900 PSI / Min HS	24.8	25	Excellent efficiency
1900 PSI / +1/8 HS	24.6	25	Best chrono
1900 PSI / +1/2 HS	23.8	24	Best accuracy

View attachment 21885


View attachment 21886

Current Tune​

Regulator: ~1900 PSI
Hammer Spring: +1/2 turn from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Scope: Vector Optics Veyron 3–12×
Moderator: DonnyFL Sumo

This tune has produced approximately 24 regulated shots at about 24 FPE. The best tune also produced the best practical accuracy, including a 200/200 score on my 16-yard evaluation target. The slight first-shot point-of-impact shift observed on earlier tunes was greatly reduced with the +1/2-turn hammer spring setting.

Current Impression​

The MicroStrike has exceeded my expectations. The build quality is better than expected, the rifle has responded predictably to tuning, and it has become exactly what I wanted: a compact, quiet, accurate pest-control rifle. I believe many shooters may overlook the .25 because they judge it only by the factory tune. For my application, reducing power and increasing efficiency made it a significantly better rifle.

I'll continue updating this thread as I test the DonnyFL FX moderator, additional pellets, and future .177 and .22 barrel kits.

Outstanding review, thank you!

 

[Florida_Man]

Outstanding review, thank you!

Thank you sir.
My back yard pesting is at one location I draw the pests to. I have two locations I take shots from 16 and 22 yards. With this final tune and pellets it is the same POI, so conveniently I don’t have to remember any holds!
I also bought this rifle for steel plinking. I love the sound of 25 cal hitting the steel.

 

[Pumacarl]

Great post for sure! I love your graph layout and all of the notes in them. Very cool little gun. Great caliber and pellet choice too.

 

[Florida_Man]

I finished the first tin with the rifle of FX 34gr. I moved on to a tin of Snowpeak 25.46gr domes. After 15 shots of the barrel seasoning to them they really started grouping well.

 

[Billm]

I purchased the .25 caliber MicroStrike with a very specific purpose. I was not looking for maximum power. I wanted a compact PCP dedicated to 16–25 yard rodent/bird pest control that emphasized accuracy, efficiency, moderate report, and practical shot count.
View attachment 21881


View attachment 21882

View attachment 21883

I own several compact PCPs including a Leshiy Classic, Atomic, Krait, Notos and PP700SA. The MicroStrike was purchased to fill a niche between the PP700SA and the Leshiy Classic.

Preparation​

• Cleaned the barrel with a Ballistol and pull.
• Verified fastener torque.
• Verified the rifle held pressure overnight.
No issues were found.

Factory Configuration​

Regulator: ~2500 PSI
Hammer Spring: ~3 turns from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Moderator: Factory

The rifle averaged about 30 FPE with approximately 13 regulated shots. Accuracy was promising, but it was louder and used more air than I wanted. (The LabRadar was inadvertently set to 25.4 gr; all energy calculations were corrected to the actual 34 gr pellet.)
View attachment 21884

Tuning Philosophy​

Rather than increase power, I documented every change while lowering regulator pressure. Only one variable was changed at a time and every adjustment was evaluated with chronograph data, 20-shot evaluation targets, and practical shot count.

Progression​

Tune	Approx. FPE	Regulated Shots	Observation
Factory	30	13	Accurate but inefficient
2100 PSI	~27	14	Accuracy improved
1900 PSI / Min HS	24.8	25	Excellent efficiency
1900 PSI / +1/8 HS	24.6	25	Best chrono
1900 PSI / +1/2 HS	23.8	24	Best accuracy

View attachment 21885


View attachment 21886

Current Tune​

Regulator: ~1900 PSI
Hammer Spring: +1/2 turn from minimum
Pellet: FX 34 gr
Scope: Vector Optics Veyron 3–12×
Moderator: DonnyFL Sumo

This tune has produced approximately 24 regulated shots at about 24 FPE. The best tune also produced the best practical accuracy, including a 200/200 score on my 16-yard evaluation target. The slight first-shot point-of-impact shift observed on earlier tunes was greatly reduced with the +1/2-turn hammer spring setting.

Current Impression​

The MicroStrike has exceeded my expectations. The build quality is better than expected, the rifle has responded predictably to tuning, and it has become exactly what I wanted: a compact, quiet, accurate pest-control rifle. I believe many shooters may overlook the .25 because they judge it only by the factory tune. For my application, reducing power and increasing efficiency made it a significantly better rifle.

I'll continue updating this thread as I test the DonnyFL FX moderator, additional pellets, and future .177 and .22 barrel kits.

If you would like any information, please ask!

Edit: 07/05/26

One thing that is a negative on this rifle is the dust cover just spins freely without any tension on it. I am going to see if its an oring I can change that will allow more resistance.

I said that the POI for 16y and 22y is the same, that's not completely true. It is zeroed at 16 yards currently, the distance I shoot most pests. The group is a little under 1/4" low at 22 yards. For minute of squirrel, I can hold the same.

Glad to see you’re back. Nice review.

 

[BBGunn]

I also added some Orion 10 round mags that arrived the same day as the rifle. He makes the best 3d printed mags I have used.

My first ever Orion mag is due here tomorrow. Glad to read you like them so well.

 

[Florida_Man]

Glad to see you’re back. Nice review.

Thanks. I had a big role change at work, and that has taken a lot of my time. Pretty much my only AG time the last few months was slowly identifying a leak source from my Leshiy. Turns out there is a backup degas grub that is under the rear stock that came loose. I got to the point of frustration I stuck the pressure tube under water to find it.

 

[Billm]

Thanks. I had a big role change at work, and that has taken a lot of my time. Pretty much my only AG time the last few months was slowly identifying a leak source from my Leshiy. Turns out there is a backup degas grub that is under the rear stock that came loose. I got to the point of frustration I stuck the pressure tube under water to find it.

I assumed you’re a CPA or something and it “tis the season” LOL. I’m sure the squirrels appreciated the break.

 

[Florida_Man]

I assumed you’re a CPA or something and it “tis the season” LOL. I’m sure the squirrels appreciated the break.

Oh, there was no break on the squirrels. I guess i don't assess pesting with discretionary time, because they have not stopped falling to their dirt naps.

 

[Danman]

Oh, there was no break on the squirrels. I guess i don't assess pesting with discretionary time, because they have not stopped falling to their dirt naps.

Welcome back, i'm in the same boat lol, lots of work to do with my 2 springers and want to update my posts I've made on them, but been busy building my shop addition, havent tinkered with an airgun on the bench in a while.....
Pesting? I am still out there smashing squirrel n birds weekly! Shop is going from 32 to 52 feet long, and i will be able to stretch out the springers a bit in the winter months, cant wait! Good review sir.