UMAREX NOTOS G2 – VALUE FOR MONEY
At a Street Price of $299.99, the Umarex Notos G2 is priced just $15.00 more than the original version. It’s also just $35.00 more than the original Notos when that was introduced in 2023.
Given the improvements in specification and performance, that makes the new G2 version an absolute bargain!
About the only downside for some people is that this is still a .22 caliber-only model. But Umarex USA understands the market well and undoubtedly feels that this is the “sweet spot” caliber for this product. HAM agrees.
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Umarex Notos G2 PCP Air Rifle 0.22
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – SPEED AND ACCURACY
The Notos G2 tested by HAM delivered a maximum Muzzle Velocity of 900 FPS when tested with 10.03 Grain H&N Field Target Trophy Green pellets. Of course, this velocity falls with increasing pellet weight. However the Muzzle Energy – which is much more important – increases as you can see from the data below.
| Pellet | Average Muzzle Velocity | Average Muzzle Energy | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| H&N Field Target Trophy Green 10.03 Grain | 900 FPS | 17.21 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| Predator GTO 11.75 Grain | 851 FPS | 18.90 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| RWS Hobby 11.9 Grain | 831 FPS | 18.25 Ft/Lbs | Poor. |
| Crosman Premier HP 14.3 Grain | 797 FPS | 20.16 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| JSB Jumbo Exact 14.35 Grain | 805 FPS | 20.64 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Grain | 794 FPS | 20.52 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| NSA Hollowpoint Slugs 20.2 Grain | 692 FPS | 26.25 Ft/Lbs | Very Poor. |
| H&N Baracuda Match 21.14 Grain | 705 FPS | 23.31 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. |
| JSB Jumbo Monster 25.39 Grain | 640 FPS | 23.11 Ft/Lbs | Excellent. Best Tested. |
Best accuracy for the Notos G2 tested by HAM was achieved using JSB Jumbo Monster Redesigned pellets. However, it was a close-run thing, with the H&N Baracuda Match and JSB Exact Express targets also showing excellent results.
But the G2 is probably not a slug gun. The NSA Hollowpoints – the only slugs in the HAM standard test suite of .22 caliber ammo – showed poor results.
At 25-Yards, results for the Jumbo Monsters were like this…
No less than seven of the shots went through one hole, with the remaining three just slightly high right or low left. I think this is probably the best 25-Yard target I have ever shot!
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – TRIGGER AND COCKING EFFORT
The G2 tested by HAM delivered an average trigger pull weight of 4 Lbs 5.5 Oz. This is probably a reasonable figure for a general-purpose air rifle, although we found it somewhat too high. However, it can be adjusted if required.
As always, HAM tested the Notos with the trigger set “as received” from the factory.
The two-stage trigger has a pleasant first stage. The second stage “wall” is very distinctly felt – there’s no doubt whatsoever that you’ve reached the release point!
Releasing the sear is rather less than a “glass break” experience. It’s rather gritty and does require a conscious effort to keep pulling the trigger “through” the release point. However, it’s not unpredictable.
This is not a “match grade” trigger. However, it’s not bad for an air rifle of this price.
The manual safety is of the push across type that blocks against the gun’s frame when engaged. It’s positive, yet easy to feel with the trigger finger.
However the setting of this type of safety is not easy to see at any distance from the gun – nor, indeed – from the firing position when you’re shooting it. This is a common issue with all “trigger safeties” of this type.
The cocking lever may require some adaptability from the shooter. It’s mounted on the left. That’s the opposite side to normal, and there’s no possibility of moving it to the right (usual) side. But the HAM testers had no trouble as a result of the unusual position – muscle memory soon kicks-in!
While the provision of sidelever cocking at such a low price point is an attraction for the Notos G2, the lever action itself is rather heavy. That’s undoubtedly due to the limited space available in the compact breech design and resultant poor Mechanical Advantage for the lever mechanism itself.
But – again – you soon become used to it.
One more thing about the side lever. When you push it back against the breech after cocking the gun, be sure to push it right home. There’s a catch that should be engaged (you’ll hear the click) to hold the cocking lever in place for firing. If that’s not engaged, you’ll see the cocking lever swing out when the Notos is fired.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – COMPARISON TO MANUFACTURERS CLAIMS
Marked prominently on the box, you see the headline specification. It is, of course, for the Muzzle Velocity: 830 FPS. In the User Manual, it specified that this is attained with 11.9 Grain lead pellets. In HAM testing, we found an average of 831 FPS with 11.9 Grain RWS Hobby pellets. It doesn’t get any closer than that!
In fact the Notos G2 tested by HAM exceeded this claim by around 70 FPS, shooting 10.03 Grain alloys at an average of 900 FPS.
The manufacturer also claims 30 regulated shots per fill. HAM testing – again- shows that to be very close to our results. See our shootdown test below.
So the G2 tested by HAM matched Umarex USA’s claims almost exactly. But if you want a different velocity/shot count profile, it’s possible to pop off the stock and adjust the hammer spring adjustment screw at the rear of the action…
Below we have a side-by-side comparison between the original and G2 Notos models.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – CONSISTENCY
In one word “outstanding!”
To be more explicit, the Notos G2 tested by HAM produced consistency results that we would normally expect from a $2,000 air rifle!
The average Standard Deviation (the mathematical expression of shot-to-shot variability in a string) was just 1.88 FPS across the range of standard HAM test ammo. That’s an incredibly low figure – particularly with un-selected pellets and a gun shot straight out of the box.
That’s clearly shown in the shootdown chart below. It’s immediately apparent that the regulator set point is reached at around shot 28, after which the muzzle velocity falls rapidly but consistently.
In practice, it’s clear that 30 consistent shots are available from one fill of High Pressure Air. Conveniently, that equals two 15-shot magazines. So the simple rule with the Notos G2 in “factory trim” will be to re-fill with air after shooting two magazines.
More strong performance in the consistency category was demonstrated by the trigger pull weight. This varied by just +/- 3 Ounces around the average of 4 Lbs 5.5 Oz. That’s an imperceptible difference to at least my human finger!
If that’s not enough, the Notos G2 tested by HAM gave consistently excellent accuracy with just about all the standard HAM test pellets. The Notos is definitely not pellet-picky.
But it did not do well with the NSA Hollowpoint slugs, as mentioned above. Probably that would apply to other slugs, too.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – NOISE LEVEL
With relatively low power, .22 caliber only and a built-in silencer, the Notos G2 has all the specifications to be a quiet air rifle. And it is!
This is definitely a backyard-friendly airgun with a quiet report that’s very unlikely to disrupt the neighbors. There’s no threaded muzzle and the silencer is built-in and – therefore – non-interchangeable. But given the level of report, this cannot be regarded as a serious disadvantage for most owners.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – SIGHTS AND SCOPE
For this Umarex Notos G2 test review, we mounted a Leapers UTG 3-12 x 44 SWAT scope. As with the previous Notos, I found it very beneficial to use a UTG Riser Mount to bring the scope’s eyeline to a convenient height. This is a simple and effective way to raise the scope to the right height for a comfortable sight picture.
In the case of the G2, the addition of this riser also provides additional clearance for the high-capacity, 15-shot rotary magazine.
The extra-long Picatinny scope rail also provides plenty of opportunities for alternative sighting devices, however. Suitable options include a red dot sight, or – for open-sight enthusiasts – Picatinny-fit BUIS open sights are a viable alternative.
And yes, they do clear the magazine!
All HAM testing was undertaken using the UTG SWAT scope shown. It worked just fine and complimented the G2 well from a size and appearance perspective – as well as being a fair price.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – SHOOTABILITY
In so many respects the Umarex Notos CRK is a dream to shoot!
It’s compact – between 32.75 and 35.5 Inches depending on the stock length you set. Plus, even with the relatively heavy UTG scope, rings, riser and full magazine the all-up weight was still only 6 Lbs 7 Oz.
These figures make the Notos ideal for off-hand shooting. The light weight and collapsible stock make it an ideal airgun for all the family, too.
The collapsible stock was a little rattly (as M4-type stocks usually are), however it did work pretty well. The rake of the pistol grip is good, holding the HPA tube is comfortable for the forehand and the rubber buttpad is comfortable and grippy. These are all good things!
Another huge shootability improvement for the G2 is the new magazine. Compared to the previous model, this has 15 shots capacity, rather than seven. Yes, it’s obviously larger, however no owner will doubt its utility.
The new magazine is also extremely easy to load. I love it!
Another improvement is the new “biathlon-style” cocking lever handle. However, it is positioned VERY close to the protruding magazine. But – yet again – we became used to it when shooting and did not rate it as a significant demerit.
Up-front, the original model had the pressure gauge mounted in the end of the HPA tube, which was filled using a fill probe. Both are features that I personally dislike. So I’m delighted to see that the G2 has a standard “Foster style” male quick disconnect in the end for filling, plus a side-mounted pressure gauge.
The quick disconnect has a cover, although it’s of that strange pattern found on some other Umarex models that doesn’t actually cover the aperture in the end of the “Foster” fitting. I still don’t understand that!
The cover is also quite tough to remove – especially in cooler temperatures. But – overall – this is still a huge improvement over the previous fill probe solution – at least in my opinion.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – APPEARANCE AND FINISH
The G2 Notos is a good-looking airgun – in a practical way. Although a “black gun”, it does not look unduly militaristic. This is probably due to its compact size and svelte proportions.
The finish of the test gun was certainly good for the price. Both metal surfaces and synthetic parts exhibited excellent surface finish.
All-in-all, the G2 is a clear example of how we continue to see steadily improved levels of finish on the air rifles we buy. It’s not just performance that’s improving!
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – BUYING AND OWNING
The Notos is readily-available online, including – of course – from Pyramyd AIR. Umarex’s distribution muscle means that it may also become available in big box stores.
The gun is covered by a 12-month warranty that’s provided by Umarex USA. It includes a single shot tray and one 15-round magazine. There’s also a degassing screw feature that can come-in useful in case all pressure must be discharged from the gun.
The Owner’s Manual is – as usual with Umarex – well-produced and multi-lingual. Yet again we compliment Umarex for their honesty on pressure gauge accuracy (they state +/- 10%). However, it has to be said that the gauge on the test gun read with commendable accuracy.
The buttstock stock is supplied separately and installed using the four (tiny) screws supplied. The only downside is that you need to remove the stock to adjust the hammer spring tension screw. But how often are you likely do be doing this?
Interestingly, the rubber cap on the right side of the action is removable. This gives rise to the possibility that – maybe – the Notos G2 can be converted to right-hand cocking lever operation. But there’s nothing in the Owner’s Manual about this and I don’t take air rifles apart until after we have completed our test review!
It’s also very likely that third party upgrades and accessories will appear for the G2 – as they have for the original model. That will definitely enhance the overall ownership experience for many people.
UMAREX NOTOS G2 – TEST TARGETS
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Umarex Notos G2 PCP Air Rifle 0.22
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