I remember my first air rifle. It was a simple, hand-me-down lever-action that was probably older than I was. While it sparked a lifelong passion for shooting sports, I also remember its heavy wooden stock and clunky sights. Finding a modern, safe, and ergonomic air rifle to introduce a new generation to the hobby can be a challenge. You want something powerful enough to be exciting, but with safety features that provide peace of mind. The goal is to find a rifle that feels like it was designed for them, not like a scaled-down version of an adult’s gun. That’s the exact niche the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle aims to fill.
- Redefines the standard of airguns designed for younger and small-framed shooters with a multitude of modern-day features that includes an automatic safety
- Dual BB/Pellet ammunition: Shoots either .177 caliber pellets or steel BBs; Progressive stock design is ergonomic, modern and impact resistant
What to Consider Before Buying a Youth Air Rifle
Before you purchase an air rifle, especially one for a younger or small-framed shooter, it’s essential to consider a few key factors. First and foremost is safety. Look for features like an automatic safety that engages every time the rifle is pumped. Second is ergonomics. A rifle that’s too long or heavy will be frustrating and difficult to handle, leading to poor habits. The Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle addresses this with a lightweight, modern stock and a grip specifically curved for smaller hands. Third, consider versatility. The ability to shoot both affordable BBs for plinking and more accurate pellets for target practice adds tremendous value. Finally, think about the power source. A multi-pump pneumatic rifle allows the user to vary the power, making it perfect for both backyard target practice and learning the fundamentals of velocity control. It offers a great balance of features for someone just starting their shooting journey.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed starter rifle that checks all these boxes, the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle is a compelling option worth a closer look.
While the Umarex NXG APX 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: Modern Design Meets Youth-Focused Features
Unboxing the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its modern, almost futuristic design. The progressive stock isn’t just for looks; it’s made from an impact-resistant polymer that feels durable yet surprisingly light, weighing in at just 3.4 pounds. It’s immediately clear this rifle was designed with purpose. The grip is noticeably slimmer, allowing smaller hands to get a confident and secure hold. The inclusion of a fiber optic front sight, an adjustable rear sight, and a 4x15mm scope in the standard kit shows that Umarex intended this to be a comprehensive package for a new shooter to get started right away. The ambidextrous, easy-load pellet ramp and multi-pump action feel intuitive and user-friendly, reinforcing its status as a top-tier training rifle.
What We Like
- Ergonomic Youth Design: The lightweight, modern stock and narrow grip are perfectly suited for smaller-framed shooters.
- Powerful and Versatile: Shoots both .177 caliber pellets and BBs up to a zippy 800 fps, offering great flexibility.
- Excellent Safety Features: The automatic safety is a crucial and well-implemented feature for a beginner’s rifle.
- Great Value: It offers a lot of modern features and a complete kit at an accessible price point.
What We Didn’t Like
- Inconsistent Accuracy: The included scope and plastic sights are the rifle’s weakest points, making it difficult to hold a zero.
- Fragile Rear Sight: We confirmed user reports that the rear sight is mounted on thin plastic and can break easily if mishandled.
A Deep Dive into the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle’s Performance
After spending considerable time on the range, we’ve broken down every aspect of this air rifle’s performance. It’s a rifle that gets a lot right, but has one significant flaw that potential buyers must be aware of.
Design and Ergonomics
The standout feature is undoubtedly the rifle’s design. The stock is not just a scaled-down adult stock; it’s a ground-up design for young shooters. The 39-inch length is manageable, and the 3.4-pound weight prevents fatigue during longer shooting sessions. We found the narrow grip curve allowed for excellent trigger control, even for those with small hands. This focus on ergonomics is not just about comfort—it’s about building a foundation of proper, safe gun handling from the very first shot. The impact-resistant material also means it can handle the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with being a first gun.
Power and Pumping Mechanism
The multi-pump pneumatic action is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, reliable, and teaches the shooter about the effort required for each shot. The Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle can be pumped up to 10 times to reach its maximum velocity of 800 fps (with alloy pellets). This is more than enough power for plinking cans, punching paper targets, and even light pest control. We found the pumping action to be smooth and manageable. The ambidextrous design of the forearm makes it easy for any shooter to use. The power this rifle generates is genuinely impressive for its class and adds an element of excitement that keeps young shooters engaged.
Sights and Accuracy: The Achilles’ Heel?
This is where our review becomes more critical, confirming the mixed feedback from other users. Out of the box, the rifle looks impressive with its bright fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, and an included 4x15mm scope. The potential for accuracy is there. In our testing, we found that with a lot of patience and using quality Gamo pellets, we could achieve decent groupings, similar to the “golf ball sized” groups one user reported.
However, the sighting system is the rifle’s biggest letdown. The included scope is very basic and struggles to hold zero after a dozen shots. The bigger issue, as one user put it, is the rear sight, which “snapped off like a toothpick.” We examined the mounting and can confirm it’s attached with a tiny screw onto a thin piece of plastic. It feels fragile and is the primary source of the “all over the place” inaccuracy some users experience. While the rifle itself has power and potential, you may need to consider an aftermarket sight or scope to unlock its true accuracy, which detracts from its “all-in-one” appeal.
Safety and Usability
On a more positive note, the safety features are top-notch. The automatic safety engages every time you finish pumping the rifle. This is an outstanding feature for a training rifle, as it builds the habit of disengaging the safety only when you are on target and ready to fire. The easy-load pellet ramp is another clever, user-friendly feature that simplifies the loading process, which can be finicky on other models. It works well for both left and right-handed shooters. For teaching the fundamentals of safe and responsible shooting, the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle is one of the best-designed options available.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broader user experience. Many owners celebrate the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle as an incredible value, perfectly suited for introducing youth to target shooting. One happy user stated it’s “by far the BEST pellet gun I have ever tried” for its price, achieving respectable groupings. Others praise it for being easy and consistent to shoot. However, the praise is often balanced by criticism focused squarely on the sights. Several users echo our frustration, reporting that the scope will not stay sighted in and the plastic rear sight is fragile and inaccurate, leading to shots being “all over the place.” It’s a clear pattern: the core rifle is good, but the sights are a significant weak point.
Top 3 Alternatives to the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle
While the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle has its strengths, it’s wise to consider some alternatives depending on your priorities and budget.
1. Gamo Swarm Whisper Air Rifle
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- The Whisper Technology makes this gun really quiet, and you will appreciate the reduced recoil thanks to the buttpad equipped with the Shock Wave Absorber
If you’re looking for a significant step up in power and convenience, the Gamo Swarm Whisper is a fantastic choice. It’s a gas-piston break-barrel rifle, meaning no pumping is required. Its standout feature is the 10-shot rotary magazine, allowing for quick follow-up shots. This is a more powerful, adult-sized rifle suited for serious target shooting and pest control, but it comes at a higher price point and lacks the variable power of a multi-pump system.
2. Daisy Red Ryder Heritage Kit
- This Adult Red Ryder Kit is the perfect gift for two! It’s got the Adult Red Ryder, the regular youth Red Ryder.
- Loads of fun for a mentor and a youth, whether that’s a father and son, mom and daughter, granddad and grandchild…anyone who wants to teach a youth gun...
For pure nostalgia and simplicity, nothing beats the Daisy Red Ryder. This is the iconic BB gun that generations have started with. It’s a lever-action, spring-piston rifle that only shoots BBs and has much lower power than the Umarex APX. It’s less of a modern trainer and more of a classic plinker. If your goal is just casual backyard fun, the Red Ryder is a timeless and more affordable choice.
3. Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy Air Rifle
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
- VARIABLE CONTROL - From 750 fps to 1000 fps
The Crosman Legacy is arguably the most direct competitor to the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle. It is also a variable pump .177 caliber air rifle that shoots both BBs and pellets and comes with a scope. It offers similar power and functionality. The choice between the two often comes down to ergonomics and brand preference. The Umarex has a more modern, tactical design, while the Crosman has a more traditional sporter look.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle Worth It?
The Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle is a rifle of two tales. On one hand, it’s a brilliantly designed training platform with excellent ergonomics for youth, robust safety features, and impressive power for its class. For teaching the core principles of gun safety, handling, and the mechanics of shooting, it’s an outstanding choice. On the other hand, its potential is severely hampered by a subpar sighting system. The flimsy rear sight and basic scope can lead to frustration and make it difficult to achieve the rifle’s true accuracy potential without modification. We recommend it for beginners focused on learning and casual plinking, with the strong caveat that you should manage your expectations for out-of-the-box precision.
If you’ve decided the Umarex NXG APX Air Rifle is the right fit for your young shooter’s introduction to the sport, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API