For years, I’ve searched for the perfect backyard plinker—something quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors, yet powerful enough to handle the occasional garden pest. The challenge has always been finding a rifle that balances power, accuracy, and a compact size without breaking the bank. Too often, you get one or two, but not the whole package. It’s a common frustration for airgun enthusiasts who want a serious tool that’s also seriously fun to shoot. This search led me to the intriguing world of compact PCP carbines, and specifically, to one model that promised to tick all the boxes.
- Delivers impressive power from its short 11.75-inch barrel launching a 12 grain .22 caliber pellet at 700 fps
- 7-Shot auto-indexing rotary magazine
What to Consider Before Buying a PCP Air Rifle
Before diving into the world of Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifles, it’s crucial to understand what sets them apart. Unlike break-barrels or CO2 guns, PCP rifles use a high-pressure onboard air tank that you fill from a scuba tank or a specialized hand pump. This system allows for multiple shots without cocking and provides exceptional shot-to-shot consistency, which is key for accuracy. For a carbine like this one, the ideal user is someone looking for a lightweight, maneuverable rifle for target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting at moderate ranges. Key factors to consider are the caliber (.22 is a great all-rounder), the presence of a regulator (which ensures every shot has the same power until the pressure drops), the shot count per fill, and the ease of the cocking mechanism. The Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle is designed to hit a sweet spot in this category, offering features typically found on more expensive models. If you’re ready for a step up in performance without the bulk of a full-sized rifle, it’s worth a very close look.
While the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Big Performance in a Small Package
Pulling the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle out of the box, the first thing we noticed was its compact and lightweight design. It feels incredibly solid and pointable. The carbine’s short 11.75-inch barrel and tactical styling immediately give it a modern, purposeful look. It’s not just for show; this design makes it exceptionally easy to handle, whether you’re navigating through brush or just setting up on a bench. The features that stand out are the 7-shot auto-indexing rotary magazine, the smooth side-lever cocking action, and, most importantly, the regulated air tank. This last feature is a game-changer at this price point, promising a level of consistency that is crucial for accurate shooting. It feels less like a budget airgun and more like a purpose-built performance tool.
What We Like
- Regulated for Consistency: The built-in regulator delivers impressive shot-to-shot consistency, a feature often missing at this price.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its carbine design makes it incredibly easy to handle and perfect for various shooting scenarios.
- Surprisingly Quiet: The integrated suppressor makes it backyard-friendly right out of the box.
- Smooth Side-Lever Action: The cocking mechanism is fast and fluid, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
- Great Value: Offers premium PCP features without the premium price tag.
What We Didn’t Like
- Magazine Can Be Finicky: The stock 7-shot magazine can be a bit particular about pellet choice and loading.
- Potential Quality Control Issues: Some users have reported receiving units with air leaks or cosmetic blemishes, highlighting the need to check the rifle upon arrival.
Performance in the Field: A Deep Dive into the Notos Carbine
After our initial impressions, we were eager to see how the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle performed where it counts: on the range and in the field. We put it through its paces, testing for power, accuracy, handling, and overall user experience. This little carbine is full of surprises, most of them pleasant.
Power and Velocity
Umarex claims the Notos can launch a 12-grain .22 caliber pellet at 700 fps, and our chronograph testing confirmed these numbers are right on the money. This translates to about 13 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. While not a powerhouse for large game, this is more than sufficient for small game hunting like squirrels and rabbits out to 30-40 yards, and it’s absolutely perfect for knocking down spinners and punching paper targets. The power it generates from such a short barrel is a testament to its efficient design. The level of performance you get in this compact and affordable package is truly impressive.
Accuracy and Shot Consistency
This is where the regulated air tank truly shines. A regulator ensures that the air pressure hitting the valve is the same for every shot within the optimal pressure range of the tank. For the shooter, this means no more watching your point of impact drop as you shoot through a fill. In our testing, we could easily stack pellets in a quarter-sized group at 25 yards. We got about 21-28 highly consistent shots (3 magazines) before the pressure dropped off the regulator and accuracy began to wane. This consistency builds confidence and makes the Notos an incredibly satisfying rifle to shoot accurately.
Handling, Ergonomics, and Noise Level
The ergonomics are fantastic. It shoulders quickly, and the controls are intuitive. The side-lever cocking action is a delight—it’s light, smooth, and allows you to cycle the next round without ever taking your eye off the target. This is a massive improvement over a traditional bolt-action or a break-barrel. Furthermore, the rifle is surprisingly quiet. The integrated sound suppression does an excellent job of taming the muzzle blast to a dull “thump,” making it one of the most backyard-friendly PCPs we’ve tested. You won’t be disturbing your neighbors with this one.
The Magazine: A Point of Contention
While we love the rifle, the 7-shot rotary magazine is its weakest point. During our testing, we found it functioned reliably, but we can confirm what some users have noted: it can be a little tricky to load, and it doesn’t always feel robust. One user mentioned, “It’s a good rifle for the price, the only bad thing is the magazine,” and we understand the sentiment. It works, but it feels like the one area where costs were cut. The good news is that aftermarket options are available, and many users find that upgrading the magazine elevates the entire experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are largely echoed by the broader user community. The consensus is that the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle offers phenomenal value. Many praise its accuracy, quietness, and compact form factor. However, a recurring theme, which we also noted, is the stock magazine being a bit of a letdown. More critically, a handful of users have reported receiving rifles with issues right out of the box, such as air leaks or cosmetic damage. As one user stated, their rifle “brand new out of the box… would not hold air.” This highlights the importance of purchasing from a reputable dealer and thoroughly inspecting the rifle upon arrival to ensure you’ve received a good one.
How the Umarex Notos Compares to the Competition
The Notos sits in a competitive space, but its feature set helps it stand out. Here’s how it compares to some other popular options on the market.
1. Black Ops The Sniper S Break Barrel Pellet Rifle with Scope
- HIGH POWER PELLET RIFLE: The Black Ops Airsoft Sniper Rifle S is a high powered pellet gun solidly built and ready for your long range targets. Fire air...
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The Black Ops Sniper S is a break-barrel, single-shot rifle. It offers higher velocity (in .177 caliber) but requires cocking for every single shot, which is slower and requires more physical effort. The Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle, being a PCP, offers a multi-shot magazine and a nearly effortless side-lever action for rapid follow-up shots. The Notos is also regulated for better consistency, a feature the break-barrel lacks.
2. Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun
- Powered by one (1) 88-gram CO2 cartridge (NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.)
- One CO2 cartridge (NOT included) delivers up to 27 effective shots per fill; Shoots up to 300 fps with up to 35 fpe kinetic energy
This is an entirely different beast. The AirJavelin shoots arrows, not pellets, and is powered by CO2 cartridges. It’s designed for archery practice or specialized short-range hunting. The Notos is a far more versatile tool for general plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting with pellets. If you’re looking for a traditional air rifle experience, the Notos is the clear choice.
3. Crosman M4-177KT Variable Pump .177 Pellet/BB Air Rifle Kit
- DURABLE, WATER RESISTANT SYNTHETIC DESIGN - Tactical style in black with rifled rifled steel barrel
- VARIABLE CONTROL - From 350 fps to 700 fps
The Crosman M4-177KT is a variable pump rifle, meaning you have to pump it multiple times before each shot to build pressure. While versatile (it shoots both pellets and BBs), it can’t match the convenience, consistency, or quiet operation of the PCP-powered Notos. The Notos provides a magazine’s worth of consistent, full-power shots with just one initial fill-up, offering a much more fluid and enjoyable shooting session.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Umarex Notos Carbine Worth It?
Absolutely. Despite a finicky magazine and some reported quality control concerns, the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle delivers an incredible amount of performance for its price. It’s accurate, whisper-quiet, lightweight, and features a regulator—a combination that is nearly impossible to find in this price bracket. It is the perfect choice for the backyard plinker who wants to step up to a PCP without a huge investment, or for the small game hunter who needs a compact, maneuverable tool. It’s a rifle that punches well above its weight class and is an absolute joy to shoot.
If you’ve decided the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API