There’s a unique thrill that comes from setting up a line of soda cans and letting loose. For years, I’ve searched for an air rifle that captures the tactical feel and rapid-fire excitement of modern carbines without the expense and regulations of a true firearm. The goal has always been simple: find a reliable, fun, and affordable option for backyard plinking. That search for exhilarating, full-auto action led us directly to the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle, a rifle that promises a high rate of fun right out of the box.
- Runs on reliable and easy-to-find 12 gram CO2 cartridges housed in the stock (CO2 NOT included)
- Features flip-up sights
What to Consider Before Buying a Full-Auto BB Rifle
Before you jump into the world of tactical BB guns, it’s crucial to align your expectations with reality. A rifle like this one is designed primarily for one thing: pure, unadulterated fun. The ideal owner is someone who values the excitement of a 6-round burst over tack-driving, single-shot precision. You should be prepared for the realities of CO2-powered full-auto, namely, high gas consumption. This isn’t the rifle for quietly dispatching pests or competing in marksmanship events; it’s for shredding paper targets and sending cans flying with an impressive volley of steel BBs. You should also consider the build materials. Many rifles in this category utilize polymers to keep costs down and weight manageable. While perfectly functional, they may not have the heirloom quality of a wood-and-steel classic. If your top priority is the sheer joy of lighting up targets in your backyard, and you understand the associated running costs of CO2, then a select-fire BB rifle could be a perfect fit. After extensive testing, we can say the Umarex Steel-Strike offers a unique and exhilarating experience in this niche.
While the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air 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 and Key Features
Unboxing the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle, its tactical, AR-inspired design is immediately apparent. It’s lightweight, thanks to its predominantly polymer construction, making it easy to handle for shooters of all sizes. The rifle is powered by two 12-gram CO2 cartridges housed conveniently in the collapsible stock. The standout feature is, without a doubt, the select-fire switch, allowing the user to toggle between a single-shot mode and the coveted 6-round burst “full-auto” mode. Another impressive feature is the massive 900-BB reservoir built into the magazine, which feeds a 30-round spring-loaded chamber. This means you can spend more time shooting and less time fumbling with tiny BB containers. The flip-up front and rear sights are functional, and the Picatinny rails offer the option to add optics or other accessories, though we’d advise caution given their plastic construction.
What We Like
- Incredibly fun 6-round burst mode for rapid-fire action
- High-capacity 900 BB reservoir minimizes reloading time
- Respectable accuracy in single-shot mode for plinking
- Lightweight and easy-to-handle tactical design
What We Didn’t Like
- Magazine mechanism is a common point of failure and prone to jamming
- Extremely high CO2 consumption, especially in burst mode
- Build is primarily plastic, raising long-term durability concerns
- Manufacturer support for this model appears limited
A Deep Dive into the Steel-Strike’s Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. We put the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle through its paces to see if the fun factor outweighs its notable quirks. From loading and firing to overall durability, here’s what we discovered.
Feel, Ergonomics, and Construction
The first thing you notice when shouldering the Steel-Strike is its lightness. The polymer body keeps the weight down, which we found makes it comfortable for extended plinking sessions. The adjustable stock is a nice touch, allowing for a customized fit. However, the plastic construction is a double-edged sword. While it makes the rifle accessible and affordable, it lacks the rugged feel of metal. We share the sentiment of some users who noted the Picatinny rails are “very cheaply made.” We’d recommend using lightweight plastic optics and accessories and avoiding over-tightening them to prevent damage.
The Achilles’ Heel: Magazine and Loading
This is where our experience, and that of many users, reveals the rifle’s most significant flaw. The magazine system is ambitious, with a 900-round reservoir that feeds a 30-round spring-fed mechanism. When it works, it’s brilliant. Unfortunately, we found it to be finicky and delicate. The internal spring that pushes BBs into the chamber is the primary point of failure. During our testing, we experienced several jams that required us to clear the magazine. This confirms numerous user reports of the “spring for the clip” breaking after just a handful of rounds. One user stated, “it’s always the mag that has the most problems,” and we have to agree. This fragile design is a major drawback that potential buyers must be aware of.
Firing Modes: Precision vs. Pure Joy
In single-shot mode, the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle is a perfectly capable plinker. We were able to consistently hit soda cans at 10-15 yards using the included flip-up sights. It’s accurate enough for casual backyard fun and target practice. But let’s be honest, you’re not buying this rifle for single-shot mode.
Flipping the selector to the 6-round burst mode transforms the experience. The sound and feel of unleashing a rapid volley of BBs is incredibly satisfying. As one user aptly put it, the burst can disrupt accuracy, imagining it as “6 rowdy boys trying to exit thru a single open doorway at once.” While you won’t be hitting bullseyes in this mode, you will be obliterating targets in a way that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. This is the rifle’s main selling point, and on that front, it absolutely delivers an awesome experience.
Power and Extreme CO2 Consumption
Powered by dual 12g CO2 cartridges, the rifle achieves its advertised velocity of up to 400 FPS, which is plenty of power for plinking. The downside is that it is incredibly thirsty. As one user colorfully stated, it “eats through co2 like shamu on thanksgiving.” This isn’t an exaggeration. In burst mode, you can feel the CO2 cool and the power drop off relatively quickly. Expect to get a few dozen bursts before you need to swap cartridges. This is a significant ongoing cost that must be factored into the purchase. If you plan to shoot frequently, buying CO2 cartridges in bulk is a must.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at feedback from other shooters, a clear pattern emerges: the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle is a product people either love for its fun factor or dislike for its fragility. Many users echo our sentiment, with one saying, “this thing is loads of fun to hit cans with.” Another states, “I definitely recommend this thing…it is awesome and it’s actually very accurate.”
However, these positive comments are frequently tempered by reports of the magazine failing. We saw numerous complaints like, “Spring in magazine uncoiled after 25-30 rounds of BBs,” and “Magazine broke after a week.” The most concerning feedback involves long-term durability, with one user reporting a CO2 leak after a year and being told by the manufacturer that it “is not a repairable model.” This creates a clear picture of a high-thrill, high-risk product.
How Does the Steel-Strike Compare to Alternatives?
The Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle occupies a specific niche, but there are other options to consider depending on your priorities.
1. Umarex Legends M1A1 Blowback Automatic .177 BB Air Rifle
- 30-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol with realistic blowback action; Semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 not included)
If you love the full-auto concept but prefer a classic, historical aesthetic, the M1A1 is a fantastic alternative. It offers a similar full-auto BB experience but in a package that replicates the iconic “Tommy Gun.” It often features a more robust, metal construction compared to the Steel-Strike’s polymer build, and the blowback feature adds an extra layer of realism. The trade-off is typically a lower BB capacity and a higher price point.
2. Umarex Browning Pellet 0.22 Caliber Lever Action Air Rifle
- 19-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 NOT included)
This rifle is for a completely different kind of shooter. If you prioritize power and accuracy over rate of fire, the Browning lever-action is a great choice. It fires .22 caliber pellets, which are harder hitting and more accurate than .177 BBs, making it suitable for small pest control or serious target shooting. It’s a single-shot rifle that trades the burst-fire fun of the Steel-Strike for a more deliberate, powerful, and precise shooting experience.
3. 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
For those looking for something completely unique, the AirJavelin carves its own path. It’s not a BB gun at all; it’s a CO2-powered rifle that shoots arrows. This makes it an excellent tool for archery practice in smaller spaces or even for hunting certain game where permitted. It offers a powerful and accurate shot but serves a very different purpose than the high-volume plinking of the Steel-Strike.
Our Final Verdict: A Fun but Flawed Plinker
So, should you buy the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle? Our answer is a conditional yes. If you are buying this rifle for the sheer, unadulterated joy of its 6-round burst and you go in with your eyes open about the fragile magazine and high CO2 consumption, then it can provide hours of entertainment. It’s a “fun gun,” not a forever gun. We recommend it for the casual shooter who prioritizes thrill over longevity and is willing to accept the risk of a potential failure point in exchange for an awesome backyard experience. It is not for someone seeking a reliable, durable, all-purpose air rifle.
If you’ve decided the Umarex Steel-Strike Automatic .177 Caliber BB Air Rifle is the right fit for your brand of fun, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API