I remember searching for the perfect air rifle for some quiet backyard target practice and dealing with the occasional garden pest. So many options were long, heavy, and frankly, overkill for a 25-yard shot. I needed something compact, lightweight, quiet, and accurate without the hassle of a traditional spring-piston’s recoil. Finding a rifle that balances power, portability, and precision can be a real challenge, which is what led me to take a very close look at the growing category of compact PCP carbines.
- 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 Compact PCP Air Rifle
Before you invest in a Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifle like this one, it’s important to know who it’s for. The ideal user for the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle is someone who wants to step up from break-barrel rifles into the world of consistent, recoilless shooting. You value precision and quiet operation over raw, long-range power. Key factors to consider are the power source (PCP requires an external pump or tank), the presence of a regulator for shot-to-shot consistency, and overall size and weight for handling. The Notos is designed for shooters who prioritize maneuverability for plinking, target shooting, or managing small pests in a constrained environment. It’s a fantastic entry point into the PCP world, offering features usually found on much more expensive models. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, this compact carbine might be the perfect fit for your needs.
While the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP 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 of the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
Pulling the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its incredibly compact and lightweight design. At just 5 pounds, it feels more like a tactical tool than a traditional rifle. The all-black, metal-and-polymer construction feels solid and well-balanced. The side lever cocking mechanism, a standout feature at this price point, is buttery smooth and cycles the 7-shot rotary magazine with satisfying ease. The presence of a built-in regulator is the real star here, promising a level of shot consistency that’s rare in this category. It immediately gives the impression of a serious, feature-packed carbine designed for performance.
What We Like
- Regulated for Consistency: The internal regulator ensures every shot has nearly identical velocity, leading to fantastic accuracy.
- Compact & Lightweight: Incredibly easy to handle, carry, and shoot, perfect for all-day plinking or navigating tight spaces.
- Smooth Side Lever Action: The cocking mechanism is effortless and a joy to use compared to stiff break-barrels.
- Surprisingly Quiet: The shrouded barrel does an excellent job of dampening the report, making it very backyard-friendly.
What We Didn’t Like
- Potential Quality Control Issues: Some users report receiving units with air leaks right out of the box.
- Finicky Magazine: The included 7-shot rotary magazine can be tricky to load and occasionally prone to jamming.
In the Field: A Deep Dive into the Notos Carbine’s Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle, we had to get it out to the range and put it through its paces. From filling the air tank to sending dozens of pellets downrange, we evaluated every aspect of its performance.
Power and Accuracy
Umarex claims the Notos can send a 12-grain pellet at 700 feet per second (fps), and our chronograph tests confirmed this. This level of power is the sweet spot for its intended use. It’s more than enough for dispatching small pests like squirrels and pigeons cleanly out to 30-40 yards, and it’s perfect for punching holes in paper targets or sending tin cans flying. The real magic, however, comes from the regulator. We were able to stack pellets with impressive consistency, producing tight, quarter-sized groups at 25 yards once we found a pellet it liked (JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr performed exceptionally well). This carbine isn’t a long-range powerhouse, but for short-to-medium range applications, its accuracy is simply outstanding.
The Shooting Experience: Ergonomics and Handling
This is where the Notos truly shines. Its light 5-pound weight and compact frame make it an absolute delight to shoot. There’s virtually no fatigue, even after a long plinking session. The side lever is perfectly placed and allows for incredibly fast follow-up shots without ever taking your eye off the target. The adjustable stock is a nice touch, allowing you to customize the length of pull for a comfortable fit. We found it to be one of the most fun and “pointable” air rifles we’ve tested in a long time. If you’re looking for a rifle that feels like an extension of your arm, the Notos carbine is an exceptional choice.
Magazine and Potential Issues
The 7-shot auto-indexing rotary magazine is a great feature, but it’s not without its quirks. We found it to be functional, but it requires a careful hand to load properly to avoid damaging pellet skirts. This observation was echoed by one user who noted, “It’s a good rifle for the price, the only bad thing is the magazine.” While we didn’t have any major failures, we can see why some enthusiasts opt for aftermarket magazines which are readily available. Furthermore, we must address the reports of quality control. A few users have received units that failed to hold air. While our test model was flawless, this underscores the importance of purchasing from a reputable dealer with a strong warranty and return policy to ensure you receive a problem-free rifle.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring user feedback, a clear picture of the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle emerges. The vast majority of owners are thrilled with the value it provides, frequently praising its accuracy, quietness, and compact size. However, two themes consistently appear in negative feedback. As mentioned, the stock magazine is a common point of criticism for being finicky. More seriously, a small but notable number of buyers have reported receiving rifles with air leaks, as one user stated, “Brand new out of the box the gun would not hold air.” This suggests that while a good unit is a fantastic performer, there is a slight risk of receiving a defective one.
How the Umarex Notos Compares to the Competition
The Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle exists in a competitive market. While it excels as a compact, regulated PCP, it’s worth seeing how it stacks up against some popular break-barrel alternatives.
1. Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i .177 Break Barrel Air Rifle
- ✅ [High Powered Air Rifle] Up to 1,300 FPS with alloy .177 Cal. Pellets
- ✅ [Inertia Fed] 10X GEN3i technology includes our revolutionary horizontal inertia fed magazine integration
The Gamo Swarm Fusion is a multi-shot break-barrel that offers higher velocity. Its main advantage is that it doesn’t require any external air tanks or pumps. However, it trades the Notos’s sublime shooting experience for more power. It’s heavier, significantly louder, and has the distinct recoil of a gas-piston rifle, which makes precision shooting more challenging. The Notos is the clear winner for quiet, recoilless, consistent accuracy.
2. Gamo Silent Cat .177 Caliber Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle with 4×32 Scope
- VELOCITY: .Shoots .177 Caliber pellets up to 1200 FPS (1000 FPS Lead)
- PROPULSION: Breakbarrel Spring Piston Single Shot
The Gamo Silent Cat is a classic, budget-friendly break-barrel. It’s a simple, single-shot option for those new to airgunning. While it’s an effective tool, it’s in a completely different league than the Notos. The Notos offers a multi-shot magazine, a superior side-lever cocking mechanism, a regulated power plant for consistency, and a recoilless shooting cycle. The Silent Cat is a budget entry point; the Notos is a significant upgrade in performance and features.
3. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i .22 Caliber Air Rifle
- ✅ [High Powered Air Rifle] Up to 1,300 FPS with alloy .22 Cal. Pellets
- ✅ [Inertia Fed] 10X GEN3i technology includes our revolutionary horizontal inertia fed magazine integration
If raw power is your primary goal, the Gamo Swarm Magnum is a beast. It boasts much higher velocity and energy than the Notos, making it suitable for longer-range pest control. However, this power comes at the cost of size, weight, noise, and substantial recoil. The Notos is the scalpel to the Magnum’s sledgehammer. We’d choose the Notos for target practice and backyard use, and the Magnum for dedicated, long-range small game hunting where noise isn’t a concern.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Umarex Notos Carbine the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle is a game-changer in the world of compact air rifles. It packs an incredible number of high-end features—a regulator, smooth side lever, and effective moderator—into an affordable and highly maneuverable package. It is an ideal choice for the backyard plinker, the small-game hunter who values portability, or anyone looking for a fun and accurate entry into the world of PCP airguns. While the stock magazine can be a little fussy and there’s a small risk of quality control issues, the performance you get for the price is nearly impossible to beat.
If you’ve decided the Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API