Value For Money – JTS AirStryke Magnum
The new JTS AirStryke Magnum PCP air rifle is the third model in the company’s AirStryke product line. There’s many similarities between the “Magnum” and the other AirStryke models. They have a very similar receiver, with sidelever cocking and internal regulator. The collapsible stock and pistol grip are common with the Airstryke Carbine.
These are good things and this “common components” strategy obviously helps to keep costs down and value up.
In addition, the Magnum – as it’s name implies – is a high power model. Not only that, but it is available in larger calibers – up to .30 cal – and with a larger onboard High Pressure Air supply. In this case, it’s a 350 cc Aluminum bottle, compared to the tubes of the other models.
At a current selling price of $349.99, it’s clearly outstanding value!
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JTS AirStryke Magnum PCP Air Rifle 0.22
Speed And Accuracy – JTS AirStryke Magnum
As can be seen here, the JTS AirStryke tested by HAM broke the 1,000 FPS Muzzle Velocity barrier when shooting 16.54 Grain Predator GTO Lead-free pellets. The maximum with lead was 1,021 FPS with the 19.91 Grain H&N Field Target Trophy pellets.
More importantly for most shooters is the maximum Muzzle Energy of above 50 Ft/Lbs with all pellets and slugs weighing more than 25 Grains for the AirStryke Magnum tested by HAM.
Indeed, the maximum Muzzle Energy achieved in our testing was no less than 60.95 Ft/Lbs. This is a very good power level for a PCP of anywhere near this price and is plenty enough for most shooters, particularly for the first-time PCP owners who JTS is targeting with this air rifle.
| Pellet | Average Muzzle Velocity | Average Muzzle Energy | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predator GTO Alloy 16.54 Grain | 1,056 FPS | 40.97 Ft/Lbs | Poor. |
| H&N Field Target Trophy 19.91 Grain | 1,021 FPS | 46.10 Ft/Lbs | Poor. |
| JTS Dead Center 25.39 Grain | 964 FPS | 52.4 Ft/Lbs | Very Good. |
| JSB Exact King 25.39 Grain | 960 FPS | 51.97 Ft/Lbs | Very Good. |
| Predator Polymag 26.0 Grain | 954 FPS | 52.56 Ft/Lbs | Poor. |
| JSB KnockOut Slugs 33.49 Grain | 869 FPS | 56.17 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| JSB Exact King Heavy 33.95 Grain | 886 FPS | 56.21 Ft/Lbs | Very Good. |
| Dead Center Slugs 43.06 Grain | 797 FPS | 60.75 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. Best Tested. |
Straight off we can say that the AirStryke Magnum is definitely a slug shooter! Our two best 10-shot, 25-Yard targets were achieved with slugs, as we can see here. First with 43.06 Grain JTS Dead Center slugs…
Then with 33.49 Grain JSB KnockOuts. What a shame about that pesky flier!
You can see the pellet targets at the foot of this review.
Trigger And Cocking Effort – JTS AirStryke Magnum
The JTS AirStryke tested by HAM has a trigger that feels long, somewhat “mushy” and imprecise. It’s a single-stage unit, or certainly feels like one (the Pyramyd web page lists it as having two stages, the JTS owner’s manual doesn’t say).
But, with an average pull weight of 3 Lb 1.9 Oz, it’s reasonably light and – after a little experience – allows the user to anticipate when the sear is about to release. The shape of the trigger blade was comfortable for us, too.
Note that this trigger pull weight is quite close to the 2Lbs 10.8 Oz of the regular AirStryke tested by HAM. The average pull weight of the AirStryke Carbine we examined was 2 Lbs 8.5 Oz. This is clear indication of manufacturing consistency at the JTS factory.
We didn’t find any real problems with the trigger when shooting the test targets, although it was certainly not the finest trigger we have ever encountered. But remember the price here!
The hole in the trigger guard indicates that there’s some adjustment possibility for the trigger. This is likely a sear engagement screw, but the JTS instruction manual unfortunately does not tell us that.
That’s a push-across manual safety located in the trigger blade. While reliable, the setting of this type of safety is not easily seen at any distance.
As with other AirStryke models, the Magnum incorporates sidelever cocking. This also functions well and is easy to use.
The lever springs out pleasantly with first pressure from the finger. Then the unusually-shaped cocking lever is easy to use, completing the full cocking cycle. It works well. No complaints here!
Comparison To Makers Claims – JTS AirStryke Magnum
The manufacturer claims that the JTS AirStryke Magnum delivers a maximum Muzzle Energy of 50.89 Ft/Lbs in .25 caliber. The HAM test gun blew that claim away by producing no less than 60.75 Ft/Lbs using Dead Center 43.06 Grain slugs!
It also produced 59.21 Ft/Lbs with 33.95 Grain KSB King Heavy pellets and 56.17 Ft/Lbs with 33.49 Grain JSB KnockOut slugs, so this was definitely a strong gun.
JTS claims up to 30 consistent shots per fill. Hard Air Magazine testing generated 26 consistent shots before the regulator set point was reached. But that 13% reduction in consistent shot count was easily out-weighed by the 19% increase over the claimed Muzzle Energy specification.
Consistency – JTS AirStryke Magnum
When using 27.8 Grain Benjamin pellets, the JTS AirStryke Magnum tested by Hard Air Magazine delivered 26 consistent shots before the regulator set point was reached.
However – as can be seen below – the decline in Muzzle Velocity after that point was very gradual, so most owners will probably find it very acceptable to shoot three, 9-shot magazines – or even as many as 30 shots – without the need to refill with High Pressure Air.
The Standard Deviation across the first 26 shots in the string was a very acceptable 4.8 FPS. This compares to the 4.07 FPS average Standard Deviation across the complete range of HAM standard test pellets (and slugs).
Either way, this is a strong level of Muzzle Velocity consistency that would not disgrace an air rifle selling for considerably more than the AirStryke Magnum!
In addition, the recorded trigger pull weights varied by just +/- 2 Ounces throughout the course of HAM testing. This is an outstanding level of consistency – particularly at the AirStryke Magnum’s selling price.
Noise Level – JTS AirStryke Magnum
There’s no doubt about it and no surprise. In .25 caliber, the AirStryke Magnum is LOUD!
Although the barrel is shrouded, the muzzle is threaded for fitting a silencer, if desired and where legal to do so. The thread is 1/2-Inch UNF for .22 and .25 calibers. (For the .30 caliber model, it’s M14 x 1.25). These are regular specs, of course.
It’s likely that most owners will wish to add a silencer to this gun, particularly for the .25 and .30 calibers.
Sights And Scope – JTS AirStryke Magnum
The JTS AirStryke has a good-length Picatinny scope rail molded into the top of the receiver. This provides plenty of real estate for mounting different length riflescopes and individual shooter’s eye relief requirements.
More good news is that the magazine does not project high above the top of the Picatinny rails. This is another feature that makes scope mounting easy and flexible.
We mounted the JTS Shadow Series 2-16 x 50 riflescope on the AirStryke Magnum. As you can see, it fitted and balanced well on the gun. HAM shooters like this scope and find it convenient in use.
For anyone more familiar with “traditional” 3-9x – that’s 3 times zoom range – scopes, the 8 times zoom range of this JTS scope is a revelation to behold!
In particular the extended 8X zoom range is very useful for glassing (at low power), then zooming-in for the shot when hunting. Our subjective – but experienced – assessment of optical quality is that contrast is good (even at high magnifications), as is color correction and barrel distortion.
The total weight of this set-up – as tested by HAM – was 9 Lbs 10 Oz
Shootability – JTS AirStryke Magnum
Maximum fill pressure is a hand pump-friendly 3,000 PSI. The capacity of the HPA tank is 350 cc – that being part of the reason for the strong shot count.
The Magnum is filled with High Pressure Air using the quick disconnect fill nipple shown below. But – as with so many other “sunken” fill connectors like this – I had some difficulty using it. Maybe I have thick fingers?
There’s just too little space for my finger and thumb to fit around the compressor’s female quick disconnect when connecting and disconnecting the HPA air supply. Fortunately there’s a simple fix. My suggestion is that you order a female quick-disconnect with extended shank when buying the gun. Like this one at Pyramyd.
Magazine capacity is 9 shots in .25 cal. These load from the left side of the action and are easy to operate.
In addition, the magazine is compact and projects very little above the receiver, as we can see from photographs throughout this review. Two are included with the gun, but there’s no single shot tray. Here’s an opportunity for an aftermarket manufacturer!
There’s a Picatinny rail molded into the underside of the stock forend. That can be used to fit a bipod, if required. We fitted a Leapers UTG Armored bipod fitted to the AirStryke Magnum, as you can see in a photograph below.
Even better – in my opinion – is that the clear, well-marked HPA pressure gauge is set to be read from the side of the gun. No more “looking down the barrel to read the gauge”. Excellent.
At the rear, the Carbine has a cheek riser that adjusts to four different height settings. In combination with the AR-style grip, this makes it easy to achieve a consistent cheek weld and hold – an often-overlooked aspect of practical accuracy downrange.
With an overall length of around 41 Inches, the AirStryke Magnum is fairly comfortable to shoot off-hand, due to its’ acceptably light weight and good balance.
Appearance And Finish – JTS AirStryke Magnum
As always, I’m going to say that appearance is a personal opinion. However – pressed to give my thoughts – I find the design to be “workmanlike”.
It’s not ugly, but I’m not excited by it either. It does, however, integrate the HPA bottle surround and barrel band in a way that gives the impression of solidity. To me, this looks like a tough air rifle!
The finish of both metal and plastic parts is very good. The synthetic stock is well-molded and more detailed than it appears at first sight.
The breech is a synthetic molding – as is becoming more common with low-end PCPs. It looks fine, is rust-proof and has accurately-molded Picatinny rails for scope mounting.
And yes, the pistol grip is AR-compatible. It can readily be removed and replaced with an aftermarket part, should you wish to add a little customization to your air rifle.
Buying And Owning – JTS AirStryke Magnum
Most owners will be buying their JTS Airstryke online from well-known specialist dealers such as Pyramyd and Airgun Depot. You’re unlikely to find it in big box sporting goods stores, but that’s probably not a big problem for many Internet-savvy shoppers.
One disadvantage of the AirStryke is the limited 12 months warranty. At a time when many air rifles at a similar price are covered by 3- or even 5-year warranties, that’s disappointing.
Another disadvantage is the weak owners’ manual – particularly given the first-time PCP owner target market for the AirStryke. Also, it’s in English only.
However I do commend JTS for indicating that the built-in pressure gauge has an accuracy of +/- 10% (that’s a difference of 600 PSI!) and that more accurate readings should be obtained when filling from the larger gauge on a compressor, tank or pump. That’s sound advice.
On another positive note, the AirStryke is fitted with a degassing capability. Although not used every day, this can be an invaluable benefit on occasions when the owner wants to work on the gun, or if an unanticipated problem arises during shooting.
Of course, anyone considering the JTS AirStryke Magnum for their first PCP airgun – and there will be many – needs also to budget for a HPA pump or tank-filling system (like a SCUBA tank).
This cost of filling is common to all PCP airguns. There’s nothing unique to the Airstryke Magnum about this at all. However, this gun will introduce the topic to many people who previously had not needed to think much about it.
25 Yard Pellet Test Targets – JTS AirStryke Magnum
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JTS AirStryke Magnum PCP Air Rifle 0.22
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