I remember the frustration vividly. My carefully tended vegetable garden was becoming a 24/7 buffet for squirrels, and a family of gophers had started re-landscaping my lawn with a series of unsightly mounds. I needed a solution that was powerful enough for effective pest control but quiet enough not to disturb the entire neighborhood. This search for a potent, accurate, and affordable air rifle is what first led me to the world of high-velocity breakbarrels, and specifically, to the model we’re examining today.
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1250.00 ft/sec
What to Consider Before Buying a Spring-Piston Air Rifle
Before you invest in a spring-piston air rifle like the Gamo Varmint, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting. These rifles are not toys; they are powerful tools designed for target shooting and small game hunting. The ideal user is someone who needs significant stopping power for pest control or enjoys the challenge of precision shooting. Key factors to consider are velocity (measured in feet per second), caliber, and the rifle’s power plant. A spring-piston mechanism, like the one in this Gamo, is self-contained and requires no CO2 cartridges or pumping, offering consistent power with every shot. However, this mechanism also produces a unique two-way recoil that requires a special shooting technique, known as the “artillery hold,” to master. You should also be prepared for a break-in period of 100-200 shots for the rifle to settle and achieve its best accuracy. If you’re looking for a powerful, no-fuss rifle and are willing to learn its unique characteristics, the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle is a formidable contender in its price range.
While the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet 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: More Rifle Than You Expect
Upon unboxing the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its substantial feel. At 5.47 pounds, it has a satisfying heft that feels more like a traditional firearm than a lightweight pellet gun. Many users agree, noting it could easily pass for a .308 rifle at first glance. The all-weather synthetic stock features a Monte Carlo design with dual raised cheekpieces, making it comfortable for both right- and left-handed shooters. The barrel is jacketed in a fluted polymer, which adds to its aggressive, modern aesthetic while protecting the steel barrel within. The single-shot, breakbarrel action is straightforward and easy to operate. It comes bundled with a 4×32 scope and mount, meaning you have everything you need to get started right out of the box, though as we’ll discuss, the scope has its limitations.
What We Like
- Impressive Power: Capable of launching lightweight pellets at up to 1250 FPS, making it highly effective for small game and pest control.
- Solid Build and Feel: The synthetic stock and overall weight give it the feel of a much more expensive rifle.
- Excellent Value: For its price point, it delivers a level of power and potential accuracy that’s hard to beat.
- Simple Operation: The single-shot breakbarrel design is reliable and easy for new and experienced shooters to use.
What We Didn’t Like
- Subpar Included Scope: The bundled 4×32 scope is the rifle’s biggest weakness, frequently losing zero due to recoil.
- Loud with Light Pellets: The high velocity can cause a loud supersonic “crack,” which may be an issue in residential areas.
- Potential Durability Issues: Some users have reported mechanical failures, such as broken piston springs, after extended use.
Performance Deep Dive: Power, Precision, and Pitfalls
A rifle’s worth is measured at the range, and this is where the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle truly shows its dual nature: incredibly capable yet demanding of its user.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The rifle feels solid and well-balanced in the hands. The synthetic stock is tough and practical, unbothered by the bumps and scrapes of fieldwork. The dual cheekpieces are a thoughtful touch, ensuring a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which is essential for accurate shooting. While the frame is plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap. It provides a sturdy platform for the powerful spring-piston engine inside. The manual safety is easy to engage and disengage, located conveniently in front of the trigger.
Unleashing 1250 FPS of Power
The advertised velocity of 1250 ft/sec is the main attraction, and it doesn’t disappoint. This power is achieved using lightweight alloy pellets. During our testing, this velocity resulted in a distinct, sharp crack as the pellet broke the sound barrier, sounding very similar to a .22LR rimfire. We confirmed this is a common experience, with many users noting its surprising loudness. The simple solution, which we highly recommend, is switching to heavier lead pellets (around 10 grains). This drops the velocity below supersonic speed, eliminating the crack and, in most cases, significantly improving accuracy and energy transfer to the target.
Accuracy and the “Springer” Learning Curve
This is not a rifle you can simply bench rest and expect tight groups. Like all spring-piston rifles, the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle requires the “artillery hold.” This means holding the rifle lightly, allowing it to recoil freely, rather than pulling it tightly into your shoulder. Once we mastered this technique, our groups tightened considerably. Many users report similar findings, going from frustration to printing quarter-sized groups at 25-30 yards after learning the proper hold and finding the right pellet. The rifle itself is absolutely capable of impressive accuracy; it just requires practice from the shooter.
The Achilles’ Heel: The Bundled Scope
If there is one universal point of agreement, it’s about the included 4×32 scope. While it’s functional for initial plinking, we found it simply isn’t built to withstand the unique forward-and-backward recoil of the spring-piston mechanism. It consistently lost its zero after 20-30 shots, a frustrating experience echoed in countless user reports. One user noted, “I shot nearly 500 pellets in an attempt to sight the included scope to no avail.” Our strong recommendation is to factor in the cost of a budget-friendly, airgun-rated scope. Once we mounted a better scope, the rifle’s true accuracy potential was unlocked, making it a much more reliable and enjoyable shooter. For anyone serious about accuracy, viewing the Gamo Varmint as an excellent rifle that needs a new scope is the right mindset.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scanning through feedback from other owners, a clear picture emerges. A large number of users praise the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle as an exceptional tool for pest control. One happy owner reported, “First shot with this thing was a headshot from about 10 yds away on medium size iguana. I’ve owned it for exactly 2 months and have 52 confirmed kills already.” This highlights its effectiveness when put to its intended task. However, the frustration with the scope is a recurring theme. Another user stated plainly, “The scope is absolute garbage, so plan on buying a new one right away.” There are also isolated reports of mechanical failures, like a broken mainspring, reminding us that at this budget price, long-term durability can sometimes be a concern.
Alternatives to the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle
While the Gamo Varmint excels in single-shot power, other air guns might better suit different needs. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.
1. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2 Air Gun
- FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
- FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
The DPMS SBR operates in a completely different category. It’s a CO2-powered, full-auto BB gun designed for maximum fun. While it offers a tactical look and rapid-fire capability, it lacks the Gamo’s single-shot velocity and precision. It’s perfect for backyard plinking and mag dumps but is not a suitable tool for hunting or serious pest control.
2. Crosman M4-177KT .177-Caliber 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 versatile multi-pump pneumatic rifle that shoots both BBs and pellets. Its main advantage is its variable power; you can use fewer pumps for indoor target practice or pump it up to 10 times for more power outdoors. It offers a tactical M4-style platform, but its maximum velocity and power fall short of the Gamo’s spring-piston engine. It’s a great all-arounder but doesn’t have the specialized punch of the Varmint.
3. Daisy 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
- 177 Cal BB gun rifle with steel smooth bore barrel
- 650 shot capacity
A true classic, the Daisy Red Ryder is a low-powered, lever-action BB gun designed for teaching beginners marksmanship and for nostalgic plinking. With a velocity around 350 FPS, it is significantly less powerful than the Gamo Varmint and is not suitable for any kind of pest control. It’s an iconic starter gun, whereas the Gamo is a serious step up into the world of high-power air rifles.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Tool for the Patient Shooter
The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle offers an incredible amount of power and performance for its price. It’s a highly effective tool for controlling small pests and a satisfying rifle for target shooting, provided you are willing to work with it. Its primary drawback is the nearly unusable bundled scope, which should be considered a placeholder for a proper, airgun-rated optic. If you are on a budget, understand the learning curve of a spring-piston rifle, and are prepared to upgrade the scope, you will be rewarded with a potent and surprisingly accurate air rifle.
If you’ve decided the Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel Pellet 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